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IDEM Guide for Citizen Participation

The Indiana Department of Environmental Management (IDEM) is pleased to provide this revised Guide for Citizen Participation to inform Hoosiers about IDEM’s role as Indiana’s environmental agency while providing helping you learn how to take part in decision-making processes.

IDEM protects Hoosiers and our environment by preserving Indiana’s air, water, and land. To do this, the agency relies on rules, permits and other useful tools. This guide will teach you how rules are made, how the permit process works, and how to find out about hearings, meetings, and public comment periods. You can find out more about data, permits, rules, laws and contact information for other agencies that regulate environmental issues as well.

The key to getting involved in the public rule-making process is knowing who makes decisions and knowing how and when to provide input. Having knowledge about IDEM’s programs, initiatives and mission will result in a healthy environment for us all.

How to Use this Guide

This Guide for Citizen Participation is divided into eight chapters, each of which has a general topic that provides additional insight into IDEM’s functions and role. To access the various chapters, review the table of contents. If you see a section you are interested in learning more about, click on the chapter link.

If you cannot find what you are looking for, please call IDEM at (317) 232-8603 or (800) 451-6027.

Introduction

Chapter 1: What is IDEM?

This chapter provides insight about IDEM’s structure and how it provides environmental oversight and technical assistance to citizens, regulated entities, and communities around the state.

Chapter 2: How to Get Involved

How will you know when IDEM is about to make a decision that can affect you? This chapter includes: information about public notices; what to expect at public hearings and public meetings; how to submit comments about projects being proposed or rules that are being developed; and, how to report environmental emergencies or pollution complaints.

Chapter 3: How Can They Do That?

IDEM responds to hundreds of calls and e-mails every year. This chapter provides responses to frequently asked questions.

Chapter 4: What is Regulated in Indiana?

There are many entities that are responsible for regulating certain activities that could impact human health or the environment. IDEM is the state agency that is responsible for implementing federal and state regulations, and this chapter will distinguish IDEM’s role as well as those of other regulatory agencies.

Chapter 5: What are Indiana's Environmental Rules and Statutes?

This chapter describes the rulemaking process and opportunities for citizen involvement.

Chapter 6: What is a Permit?

Permits are legally enforceable documents that spell out what entities must do to control pollution or begin construction. Permits are designed to improve compliance while setting limits to which organizations must adhere. This chapter provides an overview of the types of permits available through IDEM and how the public participation process works for each.

Chapter 7: How Environmental Cleanup Works

This chapter describes state and federal rules that IDEM must follow to insure regulated entities are operating in a manner that is protective of human health and the environment. It also describes how IDEM oversees site cleanups and how citizens can stay informed and involved.

Chapter 8: Quick Links

Whether you're a business owner, consultant, student, farmer, teacher or parent, the information in this chapter is intended to provide quick Internet links for finding additional information about IDEM or about the activities the agency conducts.

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