Indianapolis councilors warn LEAP water deal threatens Eagle Creek

Twenty-one Indianapolis City-County councilors have sent a letter to city and utility officials, expressing their refusal to support a deal that would supply up to 25 million gallons of water daily from Indianapolis sources, including Eagle Creek Reservoir, to the LEAP (Limitless Exploration/Advanced Pace) industrial park in Lebanon, Boone County. The LEAP district, a roughly 9,000-acre development along Interstate 65, includes tenants such as Eli Lilly manufacturing facilities and a Meta data center campus. At the core of the dispute is the plan for Indianapolis's public water utility, Citizens Energy Group, to supply water to Lebanon Utilities. Under current proposals, Lebanon Utilities would then discharge treated industrial wastewater from the LEAP site via a pipeline back into Eagle Creek Reservoir. This has prompted months of protests from residents, who raise concerns about potential harm to wildlife such as birds and fish from the discharged wastewater. The councilors' letter, signed by 21 of the 25 members, was addressed to Indianapolis Mayor Joe Hogsett, Lebanon Mayor Matt Gentry, Citizens Energy CEO Jeffrey Harrison, and Lebanon Utilities General Manager Edward Basquill. It explicitly states that the council cannot support the city's participation in the project until environmental concerns are adequately addressed, asserting that previous decisions have prioritized Lebanon, Citizens, and LEAP tenants at Indianapolis's expense. Citizens Energy Group responded by acknowledging the councilors' concerns, stating they are consistent with previous discussions with public officials and stakeholders. The utility emphasized its commitment to protecting local water resources and ensuring environmental protection. Additionally, some state lawmakers, including Rep. Cherrish Pryor (D-Indianapolis), have also voiced concerns, with Pryor having written to the Indiana Finance Authority in February to request a reconsideration of the project, citing "immense secrecy and detrimental environmental impact."