AGP Executive Report

Low-Carbon Industry: East Chicago’s new Ozinga mill will produce up to 1 million tons of slag cement a year, using recycled material to make a lower-carbon alternative. Urban Green Space: The Indy Health District and partners plan Indianapolis’ first urban microforest, turning paved Children’s Museum property into public green space near West 32nd Street and North Illinois Street. Forest Restoration: Researchers removed invasive Japanese stiltgrass at eight Indiana forest sites; native plant diversity rose 24%, and herbicide-treated plots had 123% more tree seedlings than controls. Water and Development: Five Indiana data centers avoided needing federal water permits. In the Eagle Creek area, the LEAP district is considering an alternative to discharging water into the reservoir, while a 2050 plan aims to protect the city’s water supply. Climate-Smart Infrastructure: Indianapolis rebuilt a 10,000-foot airport runway with concrete designed to capture and store carbon dioxide.

Data Center Pressures: Indiana lawmakers are questioning whether tax abatements deliver promised benefits as the state courts large data centers. Separately, a report says five Indiana data centers avoided federal water permits, raising questions about oversight of their water use. Eagle Creek Water: The LEAP district is exploring an alternative to discharging water into Eagle Creek, while Indianapolis’ 2050 plan aims to protect Eagle Creek Reservoir and the city’s water supply. Forest Conservation: Researchers removing invasive Japanese stiltgrass from eight Indiana forests found native plant diversity rose 24%; plots treated with herbicide had greater tree-seedling density. Pollution and Permits: A chemical spill in Lafayette prompted evacuations and shelter-in-place orders. Richmond Power and Light is still awaiting approval for its coal-ash containment plan, nearly three years after applying for a state permit.

Water and Data Centers: Lebanon Utilities is weighing Prairie Creek as a discharge point for wastewater from the LEAP district, rather than Eagle Creek. Conservationists welcomed the alternative, fearing Eagle Creek Reservoir’s fish and birds could be harmed. Five Indiana data centers have also drawn scrutiny for avoiding federal water permits. Grid Pressure: A federal emergency order covering 13 states gives PJM temporary authority to call on power plants and backup reserves to head off shortages, as data center demand raises questions about who bears the costs. Forest Recovery: Researchers removed invasive Japanese stiltgrass from eight Indiana forest sites; native plant diversity rose 24%, and treated plots had more tree seedlings than controls. Lafayette Spill: A chemical spill prompted shelter-in-place orders and evacuations, underscoring the immediate risks of hazardous releases for nearby residents.

Wildlife Conservation: Indiana’s DNR is working to acquire 1,705 acres at the former Newport Chemical Depot in Vermillion County for conservation, including prairie restoration, wetlands and Indiana bat habitat. The agency says it may manage the land without additional staff or funding. Solar Development: Zelestra secured $350 million to build a 203-megawatt solar project on former coal-mining land in Gibson County. The project is expected to open by the end of 2027. Power and Pollution: A federal emergency order let PJM, which serves Indiana and 12 other states, exceed normal pollution limits temporarily to reduce blackout risk. Separately, a report says data-center growth is adding pressure to the region’s grid, while five Indiana data centers avoided federal water permits. Campus Sustainability: Butler University’s speaker series is bringing Indiana environmental agencies to campus to discuss air, water and soil, including state pollution monitoring and local efforts to address air quality.

Power Grid: A federal emergency order lets PJM, which serves Indiana, call on data-center backup generators as a last resort through Oct. 16 amid tight electricity supplies. Officials say the order authorizes extra options; it does not mean blackouts are underway. Data Centers & Water: Five Indiana data-center projects avoided federal water permits after a 2023 Supreme Court ruling narrowed Clean Water Act protections, limiting public review of potential wetland and stream impacts. Drinking Water: Indianapolis’ proposed 2050 plan aims to protect Eagle Creek Reservoir, a key city water source. Pollution: A chemical spill on Lafayette roads prompted shelter-in-place orders and a health warning. Conservation: A new project has been proposed for Hoosier National Forest.

Avian Flu: Federal data reported H5N1 at a commercial duck facility in Jay County, affecting 24,300 birds. Public risk remains low, but workers handling infected animals face greater exposure. Great Lakes Water: Indiana and seven other states are bound by the Great Lakes Compact, which protects the lakes and their watersheds and regulates water use and transfers. Eagle Creek: A proposed 2050 vision would protect the reservoir as a key Indianapolis drinking-water source while strengthening park habitats and wetlands. Drinking Water: A boil-water advisory remains in effect for parts of northwest Indianapolis and Boone County after a main break lowered pressure; Citizens Energy says to use boiled or bottled water until the advisory is lifted. Data Center Water: Five Indiana data centers avoided needing federal water permits, as communities seek more clarity about the industry’s water use and local impacts. Spill Response: A semi leak after a crash near Bainbridge brought a hazmat response, and IDEM was notified.

Water Protection: A new 2050 vision for Eagle Creek Park aims to protect the reservoir, a key Indianapolis drinking-water source, while strengthening wetlands, forests and wildlife habitat. Data Center Oversight: Five Indiana data center projects with wetlands, streams or ponds avoided federal water permits after a 2023 Supreme Court ruling narrowed Clean Water Act protections. IDEM is now the only agency overseeing water impacts, with less federal review and public input. Pollution Concerns: Lafayette residents faced a chemical spill that prompted shelter-in-place orders and evacuations; in Northwest Indiana, residents are also questioning NIPSCO’s proposed discharge permit. Conservation: A new project has been proposed for Hoosier National Forest, while Huntington County officials and IDEM responded to a drilling-fluid spill near the Salamonie River.

Data Center Pressure: Indiana’s rapid AI data-center growth is intensifying calls for local guardrails, with concerns over electricity demand, water use and pollution. Groundwater Cleanup: EPA testing around Spencer’s Franklin Street Superfund site found no need for vapor-mitigation systems at 25 homes checked so far. Another groundwater sampling round is planned for November, with a fuller contamination and cleanup report expected in 2027. Spill Response: A chemical spill on Lafayette roads prompted evacuations, shelter-in-place orders and a health warning. Water and Wildlife: Northwest Indiana residents are raising concerns about NIPSCO’s discharge permit, while a new conservation project has been proposed for Hoosier National Forest. Solar Development: Doral Renewables says the final 900 megawatts of its Mammoth Solar project in northwest Indiana are now commercialized, keeping the balance between clean-energy expansion and farmland use in focus.

Groundwater Cleanup: EPA testing has better defined pollution around Spencer’s Franklin Street Superfund site, where PCE contamination remains a concern. Tests at 25 homes found no need for vapor mitigation; another groundwater round is planned for November, with cleanup recommendations expected in 2027. Chemical Spills: A spill on Lafayette roads prompted a health warning, while IDEM and Huntington County officials are responding to drilling fluid spilled near the Salamonie River. Clean Energy: Doral Renewables says the remaining 900 megawatts of Indiana’s Mammoth Solar project are now commercialized, expanding one of the country’s largest solar developments. Conservation and Water: A new conservation project has been proposed for Hoosier National Forest, and Lake County residents are raising concerns about NIPSCO’s discharge permit. Paoli officials also approved wastewater plant repairs, including work on ultraviolet disinfection equipment.

Forest Conservation: Hoosier National Forest is seeking public input on a project in Perry and Crawford counties, with tree planting, prescribed burns, timber management and stream improvements planned to support wildlife and forest health. Pollution Alert: A chemical spill on Lafayette roads prompted evacuations and shelter-in-place orders, followed by a health warning. Wastewater Oversight: Paoli approved up to $21,450 in treatment-plant repairs as equipment failures and staffing shortages challenge operations; officials reported no sewer overflows in September. Data Center Debate: St. Joseph County advanced a Microsoft project agreement that includes new water and sewer lines, despite residents and candidates urging officials to reconsider. Northwest Indiana residents are also voicing concerns about NIPSCO’s discharge permit. Urban Nature: A $100 million Bezos Earth Fund program includes wetland restoration in Indianapolis, alongside park and habitat projects in seven other cities.

Forest Conservation: Hoosier National Forest is seeking public input on a project in Perry and Crawford counties that would restore oak woodlands, improve streams and expand wildlife habitat through tree planting, prescribed burns and other work. Nature on the Move: South Shore Line plans a children’s program featuring Kit the Fox and Indiana Dunes wildlife. Tracking also followed a monarch through Indiana on its migration south to Mexico. Chemical Safety: A Lafayette truck leak released about 300 gallons of corrosive water-treatment chemical, prompting evacuations and shelter-in-place orders; officials advised people whose vehicles crossed the spill to rinse them thoroughly. Lower-Carbon Infrastructure: Indianapolis International Airport rebuilt a runway with concrete that incorporates and stores carbon dioxide, alongside recycled materials and renewable energy. Water and Wildlife: IDEM and Huntington County officials are responding to a drilling-fluid spill near the Salamonie River, while Northwest Indiana residents have raised concerns about a NIPSCO discharge permit. Indiana DNR also plans public wildlife land at the former Newport Chemical Depot. PFAS Dispute: Fifteen states are suing Corteva, alleging the company left PFAS-related liabilities behind when it spun off assets. Climate Conversation: IU Bloomington’s inaugural Climate Week runs Nov. 8–14.

Lafayette Spill: About 300 gallons of corrosive water-treatment chemical leaked onto roads, prompting evacuations and shelter-in-place orders. Officials advised people with lingering irritation to seek medical care. Runway Innovation: Indianapolis International Airport rebuilt a 10,000-foot runway with concrete that captures and stores CO₂, alongside recycled materials and renewable energy upgrades. Water Concerns: Northwest Indiana residents are raising concerns about NIPSCO’s discharge permit, while officials respond to a drilling-fluid spill near the Salamonie River in Huntington County. Energy and Growth: Indiana’s data-center debate is turning toward guardrails as communities weigh resource demands. Meanwhile, Doral Renewables has commercialized the remaining 900 megawatts of the Mammoth Solar project.

Spill Response: Indiana officials issued a health warning after a chemical spill on Lafayette roads. Huntington County emergency officials and IDEM are also responding to a drilling-fluid spill near the Salamonie River. Water Concerns: Northwest Indiana residents are questioning NIPSCO’s proposed discharge permit, while Gosport officials approved a data-center ordinance alongside water-main work. Wildlife and Habitat: Indiana DNR plans to create public wildlife land at the former Newport Chemical Depot. A Motus tower in Parke County is tracking migratory birds traveling from Canada to South America. Clean Energy: Doral Renewables says the remaining 900 megawatts of its Mammoth Solar project are now commercialized, advancing one of Indiana’s largest solar developments.

Grid Expansion: Nucor plans to invest $105 million to expand its Crawfordsville utility-pole plant, adding 100 jobs and capacity for power-grid upgrades. The project needs regulatory approval. Power-Line Debate: Indiana Michigan Power extended public comments on a proposed high-voltage line crossing parts of five northeastern Indiana counties until Nov. 13, after strong local turnout and concerns about its route. Water Concerns: IDEM and Huntington County officials are responding to a drilling-fluid spill near the Salamonie River. Northwest Indiana residents are also raising concerns about NIPSCO’s discharge permit. Wildlife Monitoring: A new Motus tower in Parke County is tracking tagged birds and bats, adding migration data that can help guide conservation. Data Center Limits: Gosport approved rules restricting data-center access to town water and electricity, while Spencer and Owen County adopted moratoriums as officials weigh local impacts.

Water Quality: Indiana officials are responding to a drilling-fluid spill near the Salamonie River in Huntington County. Temporary barriers are in place, and IDEM is assisting with cleanup; no fish kill has been reported. Permit Concerns: Northwest Indiana residents are questioning a proposed NIPSCO discharge permit that would combine wastewater, including coal-ash water, with discharges from new power facilities and an Amazon data center before releasing it into the Kankakee River. Residents raised concerns about drinking-water supplies and downstream standards. PFAS Accountability: Fifteen states have sued Corteva in Indiana, alleging the company left PFAS claims behind when it spun off assets. Renewable Energy: The remaining 900 megawatts of Indiana’s Mammoth Solar project have entered commercial operation, adding a major source of solar power. Wildlife Protection: Indiana DNR is planning public wildlife land at the former Newport Chemical Depot.

Pipelines: A proposed 450-mile natural-gas line would cross 52 miles of Indiana, but some property owners are resisting survey requests. The project still needs approvals and could begin construction in 2028. Solar Power: Three phases of Pulaski County’s Mammoth Solar project, totaling 900 megawatts, are nearing commercial operation and complete a 1.3-gigawatt complex. The company is exploring farming and grazing on the site. Data Centers: An IU O’Neill School panel weighed data centers’ economic promise against concerns over pollution, infrastructure and utility bills; critics said the facilities bring relatively few local jobs. PFAS Liability: Indiana-based Corteva faces a lawsuit from 15 states alleging it spun off assets while leaving PFAS claims behind. Conservation: Indiana still has not completed a long-delayed $10 purchase of 1,705 acres at the former Newport Chemical Depot. The land is intended for conservation, including wetland and prairie restoration and protection of Indiana bat habitat.