Indiana Department of Environmental Management

Hoosiers in Clark and Floyd counties will avoid higher summer fuel prices ⛽ and the risk of localized fuel shortages thanks to the suspension of an outdated state environmental requirement.

The Environmental Rules Board voted unanimously on June 15 to approve the temporary suspension of low Reid v***r pressure (LRVP) fuel requirements through an expedited, interim rulemaking process.

According to IDEM’s analysis, removing LRVP requirements could save consumers 10–20 cents per gallon 💵 and reduce regional supply chain constraints. Modern vehicles and fuels are already engineered to achieve significant emission reductions, and IDEM reports no expected negative impact on local air quality.

The temporary suspension lasts 425 days as IDEM and the ERB consider permanent changes ahead of summer 2027.

Read more: https://bit.ly/4gwPDBz

IDEM is working closely with local authorities in Vermillion County to investigate a suspected illegal waste disposal site that was discovered following a large fire over the weekend near Cayuga.

Thick black smoke was visible for miles, prompting multiple 911 calls. When first responders and IDEM Emergency Response arrived, they found a large pit fire involving motor oil and other unknown materials.

The fire has since been extinguished. IDEM is requiring the responsible party to conduct sampling to determine what substances were burned, including testing for potential contaminants such as:

▶️ Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs)
▶️ Semi‑Volatile Organic Compounds (SVOCs)
▶️ Polychlorinated Biphenyls (PCBs)
▶️ Metals
▶️ Herbicides and Pesticides

These results will determine where the fire debris and contaminated soil must be sent for disposal.

Burning unknown chemicals and used oil can release harmful pollutants into the air and leave behind contaminated soil, which can pose risks to human health and the environment.

All remaining material will need to be properly disposed of. IDEM will oversee the cleanup to ensure all waste and impacted soil are properly managed and that groundwater resources remain protected.

Stay informed on your air permit status with IDEM’s updated Air Quality Permit Search! 🌱🔍

Search by source name, permit number, location, and more.

Your path to cleaner air starts here: https://bit.ly/400NgxQ

Why was a stretch of roadway near Richmond suddenly bright blue?

IDEM’s Emergency Response Section assisted local officials after a 2.5-gallon container fell from a vehicle on U.S. 27 and was struck by a passing dump truck, spreading concentrated blue dye across the roadway.

Working with product representatives and local responders, IDEM helped identify the substance as Hi-Light Blue, a water-soluble dye used in forestry operations.

To help protect nearby waterways, responders secured a nearby storm drain while cleanup options were evaluated. Recent heavy rains have helped remove much of the remaining dye from the road surface, and the drain protection will soon be removed.

Local officials continue reviewing surveillance footage in an effort to identify the responsible party.

Applications for the Recycling Market Development Program (RMDP) open TODAY! ♻️

Funding is available for projects that strengthen Indiana’s recycling economy and increase recycling opportunities across the state.

📅 Apply June 17 – July 29, 2026

Learn more: https://bit.ly/4be4kUv

We would like to extend a sincere thank you to the Indiana Department of Environmental Management (IDEM) for awarding the Randolph County Recycling District a Waste Tire Grant. We are grateful for IDEM's continued partnership and support of local recycling and environmental stewardship efforts. Together, we are making a positive impact in Randolph County—one tire at a time! ♻️🚜🌎

Are you passionate about sustainability, circular economy solutions, and driving environmental impact across Indiana? The Indiana Department of Environmental Management (IDEM) is seeking a Recycling Market Development Program Manager to help shape the future of recycling and materials recovery in our state.

In this role, you will:
♻️ Lead efforts to strengthen Indiana’s recycling markets
🤝 Collaborate with businesses, communities, and stakeholders to advance recycling initiatives
💰 Manage grants and programs that turn innovative ideas into real-world solutions
📝 Support policy development and strategic planning for long-term sustainability

If advancing sustainability inspires you, we would love to see your application. And if you know someone perfect for this opportunity, please share it with them!

To learn more or apply, visit: https://bit.ly/4oq2vve

Meet Elina Gorenstein, Wetlands and Stormwater Intern in IDEM’s Office of Water Quality (OWQ)!

Originally from West Lafayette, Indiana, Elina is a rising senior at Purdue University studying Natural Resources and Environmental Science, with a second major in Linguistics and minors in Soil Science and Russian.

This summer, Elina is supporting our OWQ staff both in the office and in the field. She has been observing site visits, learning about permitting processes, visiting wetland mitigation sites, and researching stormwater policy. Elina joined IDEM through the Governor’s Summer Internship Program to gain experience in government service and explore environmental work outside of academia. She is excited to learn as much as possible this summer, build connections with professionals in the field, and further explore her interests in hydrology as she prepares for grad school.

Outside of work, Elina is a competitive ballroom dancer, outdoor enthusiast, wildlife photographer, and avid birder. She also competes in orienteering events and is preparing to teach orienteering skills to Boy Scouts at Purdue’s University of Scouting this fall.

Five more Indiana communities are taking steps toward a cleaner, more sustainable future! 👏

IDEM welcomes Porter County, Michigan City, Indianapolis, Chesterton, and Terre Haute to the Clean Community Program, a voluntary initiative recognizing communities committed to environmental stewardship and sustainability efforts across Indiana.

Learn more about IDEM's Clean Community program here: https://lnkd.in/gQ6PyH4H

Indiana saw a busy night of rain and thunderstorms overnight, especially in the northern part of the state.
While the conditions look a little more clear over the weekend, please remember that heavy rainfall can wash bacteria and other pollutants into our waterways. As a result, we expect elevated E. coli levels at our Indiana beaches. 🏖️

Sampling is underway at area lakes this morning. Just a heads up: water samples need 24 hours to culture, so we won’t have updated results until tomorrow.

If you’re planning a beach trip, stay informed by checking IDEM’s BeachAlert website. You can also sign up to receive email or text notifications whenever a beach advisory is posted. More than 35 area beaches participate in the program.

🔎 Check current conditions and advisories: https://portal.idem.in.gov/beachalert/
📱 Sign up for automated alerts: on.IN.gov/idemsubscribe