County's emergency status extended

Monday, August 4, 2008

The floods that occurred the first of June are still causing problems for 16 counties in Indiana.

Recently, Putnam county, along with 15 others, was given a measure of relief.

On July 21, Department of Natural Resources director Robert Carter Jr. added these counties to the list of temporary suspension of permit requirements for certain reconstruction projects as well as debris removal.

This relief is only for those that fit certain criteria though. Reconstruction of bridge and culvert crossings, removal of logjams and debris from the channel of a waterway and stabilization and repair of stream banks eroded by floodwaters will now no longer require a permit.

Under normal circumstances this kind of work requires a permit as stated in Indiana Code 14-28-1. The emergency rule for these counties is set to expire on Oct. 1.

Some conditions apply in regards to the equipment and methods used in reconstruction, debris removal and stabilization. Replacement bridges or culvert crossings must be at least the same size and as effective as before the flood damage occurred. Appropriate control measures must be installed to prevent the flow of sediment-laden water into the waterway.

Also, certain plants may not be used for re-vegetation. One such plant that must not be used is a tall fescue.

Fescue is a grass native to Europe commonly used in wetland areas.

It has adverse effects on horses and cattle due to the alkaloids -- a basic organic compound usually made up of at least one nitrogen atom such as nicotine, quinine, cocaine and morphine that are known for both their poisonous and medicinal attributes -- negative effect of a fetus during the gestation period.

For a complete list of the emergency rule guidelines, visit the DNR Web site at dnr.IN.gov and click on the link marked "Emergency Rule-Flood."

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