SWMM is a dynamic hydrology-hydraulic water simulation model used extensively at Commonwealth to help communities with the planning, design, and asset management of their stormwater, combined, and sanitary sewer collection systems. SWMM is especially used at Commonwealth to assist communities with their combined and sanitary sewer overflow challenges, resulting in cost-effective and defendable solutions with […]
In November 2021, the Indiana Department of Environmental Management (IDEM) Office of Water Quality (OWQ) announced it would begin issuing the new Construction Stormwater General Permit and the new Municipal Separate Stormwater Systems (MS4) General Permit (GP). This comes after receiving a non-objection letter from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). While the permit is […]
The Senate has passed the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, and the White House has published a document showing the proposed breakdown for each state. This will be an enormous leap forward in funding deteriorating infrastructure and will help prepare residents for future economic growth. The document pertaining to Indiana can be viewed at – […]
Commonwealth is committed to helping communities with the operation and maintenance of potable water and wastewater utilities, especially providing guidance to new and experienced operators. Assistance usually begins with a simple conversation between an operator and Commonwealth’s Operations Specialist, who will listen to concerns and ask targeted questions about their treatment plant and system. Ultimately, […]
Recently, you may have heard that the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has issued a “strategic roadmap” specifically to address Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAs). PFAs are one of many “Contaminants of Emerging Concern” or “CECs” that we anticipate hearing much more about concerning our Public Drinking Water Supply. PFAs is the generic term for man-made […]
In 2019, the Indiana General Assembly passed Senate Enrolled Act 4 (SEA 4) which required the IFA (Indiana Finance Authority) to hold regional planning meetings for utilities. The IFA administers the SRF (State Revolving Loan Fund), the newly created SWIF Grant program, and the new Transportation and Stormwater Grant Fund. Utilities that wish to partake in any […]
The NW 13th St. Interceptor Replacement Project was recently completed and involved upsizing 3.5 miles of aged gravity sanitary interceptor with new 24–36-inch diameter pipe using a combination of open-cut and trenchless construction. The project is an important component of the City’s goal to reduce overflows on the west side of Richmond and to comply […]
Many ready-mix concrete plants struggle with stormwater runoff from their site due to the cement particulates causing a very high pH. Additionally, they strive to maintain high efficiencies with material input and output to maximize profitability. Ready-mix trucks often return to the plant after deliveries with a small amount of concrete mix left in the […]
In 2019, the State Legislation enacted the Senate Enrolled Act 4 that requires annual water audits by all community water systems that supply water to users through meters. These audits must be “Validated” by a third-party certified “Validator” every even-numbered year starting in 2020. These water audits will evaluate the Utility’s water loss and establish […]
The Morrison TIF Sidewalk Project (Morrison/McGalliard Trail) brings a total of 5 miles of new multi-use trails, pathways, and sidewalks to the northwest business corridor of Muncie, Delaware County. The overall goal for this project was to broaden the economic development opportunities within this northwest area of Muncie by connecting visitors and residents with area […]
