Additional Benefits for Waterways Will Result as More Tunnel Segments Open
INDIANAPOLIS – The first 10-mile segment of Citizens Energy Group’s DigIndy Tunnel System recently prevented its 1 billionth gallon of raw sewage from entering local waterways since opening in December 2017.
The first 10-mile segment is storing raw sewage that would have been discharged to the White River and Eagle Creek across the southern half of Marion County when it rains as little as a quarter of an inch. The previously expanded Southport Advanced Wastewater Treatment Plant is treating the stored sewage and discharging clean water back to these waterways.
“Though the full DigIndy Tunnel System won’t be fully operational until 2025, the open portion is already having a significant positive impact on our community’s waterways,” said Jeffrey Harrison, President & CEO of Citizens Energy Group. “As DigIndy progresses and additional segments of the system begin operation, our waterways will undergo a transformation that will improve neighborhoods and ensure quality water supply for generations to come.”
The DigIndy Tunnel System project is ahead of schedule and more than $400 million below its original budget. When the full 28-mile tunnel system is complete, up to 99 percent of raw sewage, or 6 billion gallons annually, will be prevented from entering waterways in Marion County. DigIndy will also keep Citizens and the City of Indianapolis in compliance with a federal Consent Decree with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, the U.S. Department of Justice and the Indiana Department of Environmental Management.
To learn more about how the DigIndy Tunnel System will improve our community, visit www.DigIndyTunnel.com.
About Citizens Energy Group
Citizens Energy Group provides safe and reliable utility services to about 900,000 people in the Indianapolis area. Citizens operates its utilities for the benefit of customers and the community.
Media Contact Information
Laura O'Brien
Phone: 317-519-1515
Email: media@citizensenergygroup.com