County to meet with DNR and mine operator on submerged culvert at 750 West; replacement pending

Highway department staff told the DuBois County commissioners Aug. 4 that a culvert on 750 West in Boone Township near a mine is currently submerged and cannot be replaced until the water is removed.

Staff said the pipe is under roughly four feet of water at the replacement location and that the county has the replacement pipe staged, but cannot install it while the opening is submerged. Staff reported the mine operator may be involved and that Michael Castillo has a meeting with the Indiana Department of Natural Resources (DNR) to determine whether the ditch and culvert fall under reclamation responsibilities connected to mining operations.

Action and next steps: Highway staff said they would meet with the mine operator and DNR and would report back to the commissioners after those meetings; if the area falls under reclamation obligations the mine operator or DNR may undertake cleanup. If not, the county expects to dewater the area and proceed with culvert replacement; the county said the road is passable in the meantime.

Ending: County staff will return with a status update after meeting with the mine operator and DNR.