Wastewater Department
Protecting public health and the environment
After-hours sewer issues
574-533-8621
Call 811 before digging to avoid utility damage.
About the Department
The City of Goshen Wastewater Treatment Plant protects public health and the environment by treating sanitary wastewater before returning it to the Elkhart River.
The plant opened in 1936. It has been expanded and upgraded as Goshen grew. The current design flow is 5.0 million gallons per day. Peak capacity is 12.5 million gallons per day during storm events.
How Treatment Works
Staff remove grit and debris during primary treatment. Secondary treatment uses aeration and biological processes to reduce ammonia and phosphorus.
The plant disinfects from April 1 through Oct. 31 using sodium hypochlorite to eliminate E. coli. Sodium bisulfite then dechlorinates the water before discharge.
Department Staff
Jim Kerezman, Superintendent, is responsible for the Wastewater Utility and Wet Weather Detention Facility operations and maintenance. Jim started his career in 1977 at South Haven Water Works near Valparaiso, Indiana, and moved to the Goshen area in April 1986 to continue his career in wastewater management. Jim has the following Indiana State Certifications: Class IV Wastewater Treatment, Class CS-II Wastewater Collection System Operator, Class C Industrial Treatment, Water Treatment 3 (WT3), and Distribution System Large (DSL)
Phone: 574-534-4003
Fax: 574-534-4350
TDD: 574-534-3185
Email: [email protected]
Charlie Riggs, Maintenance Manager, started his journey with the City of Goshen on April 14, 2000 as a Maintenance Technician and advanced to Maintenance Manager in July 2013. As Maintenance Manager, Charlie’s responsibilities include all areas for safety and properly maintaining the Wastewater Treatment Plant, the Wet Weather Detention Facility, and 38 Sewage Pump Stations. Charlie oversees the maintenance budget and all contractors that perform work on site. Charlie takes great pride in his job and loves working for the citizens of Goshen.
Phone: 574-534-5901
Email: [email protected]
Mick Reese, Environmental Compliance Administrator, started with the City of Goshen’s Wastewater Utility in 2018. Mick is in charge of the Significant Industrial User/Industrial User Permits. He is also in charge of the City of Goshen’s Fats, Oils, and Grease, reduction program. Mick takes pride in communicating with industries and restaurants within our community.
Mick has a bachelor’s degree in Environmental Science from Shippensburg University of PA., and has obtained the following Indiana State License Certifications: Class IV Wastewater treatment, Class B Industrial Wastewater Treatment, Water Treatment 3 (WT3), and Distribution System Large (DSL).
Phone: 574-534-5802
Fax: 574-534-4350
Email: [email protected]
Larry Keil, Pretreatment/ Lab Coordinator
Phone: 574-533-9538
Fax: 574-534-4350
Email: [email protected]
Wastewater Staff (from left)
Ed Rock- Maintenance Technician
Brian Lang- Maintenance Technician
Tim Nice- Maintenance Technician
Rodney Hahn- Maintenance Technician
Andy Berney- Chief Operator
Dustin Kehr- SCADA Technician/ Maintenance Technician/ Lab Chemist
Managing Stormwater and Wet-Weather Flows
Heavy rain can increase system flows and push the plant near peak capacity. Before 2011, several combined sewer overflow sites released excess flow into the river. For more on that history, see our CSO notice page.
The City now manages excess flow at the Wet Weather Detention Facility. Storage allows full treatment once capacity becomes available.
Pretreatment and Local Industry
Industrial and commercial users must follow pretreatment standards to prevent harmful materials from entering the system.
Related City Code
Dental offices and qualifying industries must comply with these standards.
Monitoring and Technology
The plant and 38 lift stations run through a Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition system. The SCADA monitors performance at all times and alerts staff if equipment requires attention.
What Not to Flush
Only flush human waste and toilet paper. Do not flush wipes, diapers, grease, paint, cleaners, or medications. These items cause damage or blockages in the system.
To learn about lift stations and things to keep out of our sewer systems, see our Lift Stations page.
Public Comment on Mercury Variance Request Open
Public comment on the Goshen wastewater mercury variance request is open from Nov. 28 to Dec. 28, 2025. Residents can review the variance and learn more about mercury reduction efforts.