Indianapolis city officials announced a $1.8 billion dollar plan to overhaul the city's outdated sewer systems. Residents could see their sewage bills go from one of the nation’s lowest, to about $60 a month over the next 20 years.
The project should settle talks between the city and the EPA that have gone on since 2001 regarding a previously proposed, EPA rejected $1 billion plan.
According to the Indianapolis Star, this will be the largest capital improvement project in Indianapolis' history. The plan will include a 10-mile-long, 25-foot-diameter tunnel that is designed to reduce the number of wastewater spills into rivers and streams due to heavy rains and snows. The tunnel will run from Fall Creek at 38th Street to the Belmont Treatment Park.
Storm water will be diverted to the tunnel, where it will be held until it can be treated, rather than sent to rivers or streams. The plants will be upgraded, and the city will build sewers and storage basins.
The city will also pay fines of $588,900 to the federal government, and $58,890 to the state of Indiana.
The plan is open for public comment until August 17.Source: Indianapolis Star
