Author Archives: Jason Kauffman

Final Lower Elkhart River Watershed Public Meeting

Join the Elkhart River Restoration Association (ERRA) on Tuesday, December 17, 2024, at 6:30 p.m. at the Schrock Pavilion in Shanklin Park (411 W. Plymouth Ave) for an informational meeting on what was learned during the two-year project to update the Lower Elkhart River Watershed Management Plan.

The ERRA will be joined by Arion Consultants to update the public on the health of the Lower Elkhart River Watershed, share what was learned, and share information on the next steps to continue improving the health of the Elkhart River Watershed.

Completing the Lower Elkhart River Watershed Management Plan will achieve the ERRA’s goal of providing a current Watershed Management Plan for the entire Elkhart River Watershed, which will provide a foundation for future projects to build on.

For more information on the work of the ERRA and to read the Upper Watershed Management Plan completed at the end of 2023, and the draft version of the Lower Elkhart Management Plan, visit www.ElkhartRiver.org.

Registration is requested, but not required, for the meeting. RSVP at bit.ly/LowElkFinalMtg24 or scan the QR code below.

Walleye to be Released to the Elkhart River – Monday, October 14

The Elkhart River Restoration Association (ERRA) announces the upcoming release of 3,250 walleye fingerlings (6″-9″ long fish) to the Elkhart River on Monday, October 14th at approximately 1:00 pm. The ERRA began stocking walleye fingerlings (pictured below) in the Elkhart River in 2014 and has continued to do so every two years. The walleye fingerlings will be released at the boat launches first at Shanklin Park (below the Dam) and then at Violett Cemetery (above the Dam).

Please note that the time of release may fluctuate depending on travel time from the Gollon Bait & Fish Farm in Dodgeville, Wisconsin. Any change in the release time will be posted to ERRA’s Facebook page. Once the fish tanks are opened, the release takes less than 60 seconds.

For more information on the Elkhart River Restoration Association and walleye stocking, visit www.elkhartriver.org.

Public Notice: Johnston Street and Hackett Road Reconstruction – Notice of Intent

The City of Goshen (204 E. Jefferson Street, Suite #1, Goshen, Indiana 46528) will be submitting a Notice of Intent (NOI) letter to notify the Indiana Department of Environmental Management (IDEM) of their intent to comply with the requirements of the Indiana Construction Stormwater General Permit (CSGP) to discharge stormwater from construction and land disturbing activities associated with the reconstruction of the Johnston Street and Hackett Road roadways.

The project is located on the west side of N Main Street (SR 15) along Johnston Street to the intersection with Hackett Road and north along Hackett Road to the intersection with N Main Street. It is located in the NE 1/4 of Section 4, Township 36 N, Range 6 East, in Elkhart Township, Elkhart County, Indiana.

Runoff from the project will flow into the public storm sewer that drains to Rock Run Creek to the southwest.

Questions or comments regarding the project should be directed to Jason Kauffman, Stormwater Coordinator, by calling 574-534-2201 or emailing jasonkauffman@goshencity.com.

Public Notice: High Park Avenue Reconstruction – Notice of Intent

The City of Goshen (204 E. Jefferson Street, Suite #1, Goshen, Indiana 46528) will be submitting a Notice of Intent (NOI) letter to notify the Indiana Department of Environmental Management (IDEM) of their intent to comply with the requirements of the Indiana Construction Stormwater General Permit (CSGP) to discharge stormwater from construction and land disturbing activities associated with the reconstruction of the High Park Avenue and Woodward Place roadways.

The project is located between S Main Street (SR 15) on the east and Gra-Roy Drive on the west and north. It is located in the NE 1/4 of Section 21, Township 36 N, Range 6 East, in Elkhart Township, Elkhart County, Indiana.

Runoff from the project will either flow into roadside swales where it will soak into the underlying soil with an eventual release to the Elkhart River to the west or flow into the existing combined sewer system.

Questions or comments regarding the project should be directed to Jason Kauffman, Stormwater Coordinator, by calling 574-534-2201 or emailing jasonkauffman@goshencity.com.

Public Notice: Violett Cemetery Phase 2 – Notice of Intent

The City of Goshen (204 E. Jefferson Street, Suite #1, Goshen, Indiana 46528) will be submitting a Notice of Intent (NOI) letter to notify the Indiana Department of Environmental Management (IDEM) of their intent to comply with the requirements of the Indiana Construction Stormwater General Permit (CSGP) to discharge stormwater from construction and land disturbing activities associated with the construction of new access drives, stormwater conveyance system, and earth movement to prepare the area for burial plots.

The project is located at 2818 Violett Road in Goshen, IN 46526, in the NE 1/4 of Section 28, Township 36 N, Range 6 East, in Elkhart Township, Elkhart County, Indiana.

Runoff from the project will soak into the underlying soil with an eventual release to the Elkhart River to the west.

Questions or comments regarding the project should be directed to Jason Kauffman, Stormwater Coordinator, by calling 574-534-2201 or by emailing jasonkauffman@goshencity.com.

Public Notice: South Wellfield Drive – Notice of Intent

The City of Goshen (204 E. Jefferson Street, Suite #1, Goshen, Indiana 46528) will be submitting a Notice of Intent (NOI) letter to notify the Indiana Department of Environmental Management (IDEM) of their intent to comply with the requirements of the Indiana Construction Stormwater General Permit (CSGP) to discharge stormwater from construction and land disturbing activities associated with the construction of a drive for the testing of the future wells at the City of Goshen South Wellfield.

The project is located off the southeast corner where County Road 27 turns west, south of the intersection of Dierdorff Road (County Road 27) and Waterford Mills Parkway (County Road 40). Located in SW 1/4 of Section 35, Township 36 N, Range 6 East, in Elkhart Township, Elkhart County, Indiana.

Runoff from the project will soak into the underlying soil with an eventual release to the Elkhart River to the southwest.

Questions or comments regarding the project should be directed to Jason Kauffman, Stormwater Coordinator, by calling 574-534-2201 or sending an email to jasonkauffman@goshencity.com.

December Stormwater Newsletter

Read the newsletter by clicking the following link: https://bit.ly/SWNewsDec2023.

The goal of the Goshen Stormwater Department is clean water for everyone and everything. One way this is achieved is through public education and the Stormwater Toolbox Newsletter is one of many ways this is accomplished. 

This month’s newsletter highlights:

  1. To comply with Indiana Department of Environmental Management stormwater regulations all City employees are to be trained on how to prevent stormwater pollution. A Stormwater Employee Handbook is now available for employees to reference. Check it out here.
  2. Salt is used in the wintertime to prevent and remove ice but it can have a big impact on the environment. Find helpful tips on how to reduce the impact salt has by clicking here.  
  3. The 2024-2025 Elkhart County Waterways Calendar has been released and more information can be found by clicking here. We hope you enjoy your free copy, which can be picked up at City offices and the Goshen Public Library.

If you have concerns about stormwater drainage or water quality issues or have any questions or comments, please do not hesitate to contact the Goshen Stormwater Department at stormwater@goshencity.com or 574-534-2201.

Public Notice: Jefferson Street reconstruction from Main Street to Third Street – Notice of Intent

Jefferson St looking east at the intersection with Main St
Jefferson St looking west towards the intersection with Third St

The City of Goshen (204 E. Jefferson Street, Suite #1, Goshen, Indiana 46528) will be submitting a Notice of Intent (NOI) letter to notify the Indiana Department of Environmental Management (IDEM) of their intent to comply with the requirements of the Indiana Construction Stormwater General Permit (CSGP) to discharge stormwater from construction and land disturbing activities associated with the Jefferson Street Reconstruction from Main Street to Third Street project. The project is located along Jefferson Street from just east of the intersection with Main Street to the intersection with Third Street on the west.

The project is located in the SE 1/4 of Section 9, Township 36 N, Range 6 East, in Elkhart Township, Elkhart County, Indiana.

Runoff from the project will soak into the underlying soil through the proposed pervious concrete block roadway with an eventual release to the Elkhart River and through the public storm sewer with a direct discharge to the Elkhart River.

Questions or comments regarding the project should be directed to Jason Kauffman, Stormwater Coordinator, by calling 574-534-2201 or sending an email to jasonkauffman@goshencity.com.

November Stormwater Toolbox Newsletter

Read the newsletter by clicking the following link: bit.ly/SWNewsNov2023.

The goal of the Goshen Stormwater Department is clean water for everyone and everything. One way this is achieved is through public education and the Stormwater Toolbox Newsletter is one of many ways this is accomplished. 

In this month’s newsletter, a message of thanks is shared for the help the community gives to keep our local waterways clean. In addition, there are three articles:

  1. November 16 is National Stormwater Day – The National Municipal Stormwater Alliance declared November 16 to be National Stormwater Day as November 16, 1990, is when the Federal Register included notice of the promulgation of the National Pollution Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) Phase I MSP program marking this a major day in the stormwater community.
  2. The series on the origin of words used to describe waterways draws to a close this month with a focus on the word used to describe the smell in the air after a summer thunderstorm: Petrichor.  
  3. Holiday F.O.G. Warning – F.O.G. stands for fats, oils, and grease and if these are dumped down a drain it can harm the health of our sewers and local waterways. Find out the proper ways to handle F.OG.s during the holiday season and year-round.

If you have concerns about stormwater drainage or water quality issues or have any questions or comments, please do not hesitate to contact the Goshen Stormwater Department at stormwater@goshencity.com or 574-534-2201.

Goshen Parks Master Plan Survey

The Goshen Parks Department needs the community’s help to update the Parks Master Plan, which outlines strategies the department will pursue to continuously improve facilities and services over the next five years. The assignment of the Goshen Park and Recreation Department is to support a healthier community, by increasing marketing efforts and programming to a changing demographic and a diverse community that encourages seniors, young adults, families, teens, and children into the parks.

Here are a few ways you can get involved and help to decide the future of Goshen Parks!

  1. Completing our survey is one of the ways you can share your thoughts and comments on what you would like to see in your parks.
  2. Please invite your friends and family to take this survey too!

English – https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/goshen-parks

The survey will be open until September 22.

Upload photos that represent what you love about Goshen Parks and Trails by using our photo survey link.

¡El Departamento de Parques de Goshen está actualizando el Plan Maestro de Parques y necesitamos su ayuda!

¡Aquí hay algunas maneras en que puede participar y ayudar a decidir el futuro de los parques de Goshen!

  1. Tome nuestra encuesta en la que puede compartir sus pensamientos y comentarios sobre lo que le gustaría ver en sus parques.
  2. ¡Por favor, invite a sus amigos y familiares a tomar esta encuesta también!

Español – https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/goshen-parks?lang=es

La encuesta estará abierta hasta el 22 de Septiembre.

Sube fotos que representen lo que te encanta de los parques y senderos de Goshen link.

To view the Parks Master Plan for 2019-2023 click here.