In landmark move, EPA requires removal of all lead pipes within 10 years
The move comes nearly 40 years after Congress determined that lead pipes posed a serious risk to public health and banned them in new construction.
Water quality
-
Pushback continues against genetically modified salmon raised at Indiana farm
“AquAdvantage” salmon, engineered by biotech company AquaBounty Technologies, most recently drew criticism from environmental advocates at the 2023 Farm Aid event.
Read More -
Lafayette leaders want answers about water usage for IEDC’s Boone County tech park
A group of elected officials, business leaders and community members in the Lafayette area are drafting a letter to the Indiana Economic Development Corp. seeking details about the state’s plans to draw water from the Wabash River aquifer.
Read More -
Councilors say they won’t try to stop controversial wastewater plant
Two City-County Council members representing areas affected by a proposed wastewater treatment plant at 900 S. Tibbs Ave. say they won’t pull their support for the plant, which is facing opposition from some residents.
Read More -
Cummins launches water-access program with $8M commitment
The new program, Cummins Water Works, will focus on improving access to safe water in the U.S., Mexico, Brazil, India and South Africa.
Read More
Articles
Neighborhood awaits replacement of lead pipes
Citizens Energy Group is focusing on the Martindale-Brightwood neighborhood in the utility’s next phase of a plan—predicted to cost $500 million—to replace all remaining lead service lines that connect Indianapolis homes and businesses to water.
Controversial ‘forever chemicals’ legislation could be resurrected in Indiana
Abandoned by the Senate Environmental Affairs Committee earlier this session, language that would change the definition of toxic PFAS chemicals could be inserted into another bill.
Latest EPA assessment shows almost no improvement in river, stream nitrogen pollution
For decades, federal and state officials have struggled to control farm runoff, the biggest source of nutrient pollution that is not typically federally regulated.
Zionsville-based 120Water lands $43M investment
The $43 million investment, by far the largest in 120Water’s eight-year history, will help the water management software company pursue some of the big opportunities that lie ahead, CEO Megan Glover says.
Cities must replace lead pipes within 10 years under new EPA plan
It is the strongest proposed overhaul of lead rules in more than three decades, and will cost billions of dollars.
In defiance of IEDC, Tippecanoe County passes ban on large water withdrawals
The move comes as the Indiana Economic Development Corp. faces pushback for its exploration of a plan to pump massive sums of water from Wabash River aquifers for a high-tech manufacturing district in Boone County.
Governor shifts oversight of LEAP water study away from IEDC
The move comes as the Indiana Economic Development Corp. faces questions about its plan to tap the Wabash River aquifer and withdraw as much as 100 million gallons per day for an advanced manufacturing district in central Indiana.
U.S. regulators to review car-tire chemical that kills salmon
The agency’s decision to grant the petition last week is the start of a long regulatory process that could see the chemical banned. Tire manufacturers are already looking for an alternative that still meets federal safety requirements.
Group forms in opposition to LEAP District water pipeline
The group, “Stop the Water Steal,” plans to lead a letter-writing campaign to local and state officials, urging them to stop the pipeline, slow its progress or minimize its impact on community water resources.
West Lafayette council declares opposition to water pipeline
West Lafayette City Council members expressed a desire for more research from third parties and greater transparency from Indiana Economic Development Corp. officials, who they said have not approached them about the proposed pipeline.
Indiana lawmakers could further dilute state wetlands protections following SCOTUS decision
The Indiana Builders Association said the Supreme Court ruling provides builders and developers “more certainty in the federal permitting process,” and called the decision “a win for common-sense regulations and housing affordability.”
3M reaches $10.3B settlement over contamination of water systems
The deal would compensate water providers for pollution with per- and polyfluorinated substances, known collectively as PFAS—a broad class of chemicals used in nonstick, water- and grease-resistant products such as clothing and cookware.
Supreme Court limits federal power over wetlands, boosts property rights over clean water
The outcome almost certainly will affect ongoing court battles over new wetlands regulations that the Biden administration put in place in December. Two federal judges have temporarily blocked those rules from being enforced in 26 states.
Judge temporarily blocks clean water rule in 24 states
Opponents of the regulations,including Indiana, have called the rules an example of federal overreach and argued they would unfairly burden farmers and ranchers.
EPA to limit toxic ‘forever chemicals’ in drinking water
The plan marks the first time the EPA has proposed regulating the toxic group of compounds, which are widespread, dangerous and expensive to remove from water.
Toxic ‘forever chemicals’ about to get their first US limits
But experts say removing them will cost billions, a burden that will fall hardest on small communities with few resources.
Biden: Infrastructure plan gives $1B for Great Lakes cleanup
Long-delayed cleanup of Great Lakes harbors and tributary rivers fouled with industrial toxins will accelerate dramatically with the $1 billion boost, senior administration officials say.
Governor signs controversial wetlands bill into law
The bill, which scales back protections on Indiana wetlands, had gained support from the Indiana Builders Association, but numerous environmental, conservation and civic groups opposed it.
Democrats, activists call on governor to veto wetlands bill
All Democratic members of the General Assembly, as well as a member of the Senate Republican Caucus, urged the Republican governor to veto the bill in a letter sent last week.