Public News Service

Lead contamination poses serious health risks, especially to children, and has been linked to<br />developmental issues and organ damage. (Adobe Stock)

Indianapolis neighborhood fears ongoing lead contamination Superfund site

By Enrique Saenz for Mirror Indy.Broadcast version by Joe Ulery for Indiana News Service reporting for the Mirror Indy-Free Press Indiana-Public News …

The Indiana Department of Environmental Management considers an agricultural business a concentrated animal feeding operation if the farm meets or exceeds animal threshold numbers including 2,500 swine above 55 pounds, 55,000 turkeys or 700 mature dairy cows. (Adobe Stock)

IN farms have stricter rules for CAFO operations

A new study shows more than 1 million tons of animal waste is produced every year in the U.S. Consumers' desire for more animal protein and better …

According to EPA< Indiana has more than 35,000 miles of rivers and streams, 100,000 acres of publicly owned lakes and reservoirs, and 50 miles of Great Lakes shoreline. (Adobe Stock)

IN summit seeks solutions to healthier waterways

The Annual Indiana Water Summit, coming up next week, will offer ideas on protecting the state's waterways. A 2022 report paints a troubling …

A report analyzing the Lower Fall Creek and Pleasant Run Region by the White River Alliance says stream assessments reveal 53% of evaluated waterways do not meet state water quality standards.<br />(Adobe Stock)

Wetlands at stake in southside Indy industrial development

Residents living directly south of Indianapolis could see their water quality change with a proposed land-use project that's getting some pushback…

The Citizens Action Coalition said Indiana has no water policy to ensure the resource will be available in the future. (Adobe Stock)

Watchdog report: IN should hit 'pause' on major water project

A powerful citizens' watchdog group has published a report explaining why it sees the Indiana Economic Development Corporation's Limitless Exploration…

An environmental advocate says nature and quiet spaces are important to businesses looking for new locations to expand or build. (Adobe stock)

Indiana Scores Record Conservation Funding in Polarized Statehouse

As dust settles from the 2023 Indiana legislative session, Hoosiers may discover lawmakers made some decisions with which members from both sides of …

According to the Indiana Department of Environmental Management, E. coli is the number one cause of waterway impairment in the state. The organic pollutant is exacerbated and amplified by runoff from industrial farms. (Adobe Stock)

Report: More than 24,000 Miles of IN Waters Unsafe for Recreation

As the temperature gradually rises, many Hoosiers anxiously await their first beach trip of the year. But you may want to think twice before hopping …

A clean closure of the Michigan City Generation Station could create roughly 70 jobs in the surrounding area. (Larry Lawhead/Adobe Stock)

Report: Remove Coal Ash to Clean Up Toxic Pollution of IN Groundwater

INDIANAPOLIS -- A new study reinforces the view of many Indiana environmentalists the best way to clean up toxic coal ash is by removing it, rather …

Cover crops can improve water infiltration into the soil and some, like legumes, also are natural fertilizers. (bmargaret/Adobe Stock)

Report: Indiana Farmers Planted More Cover Crops than Ever

INDIANAPOLIS -- There's good news for soil conservation efforts in a new survey by the Indiana Conservation Partnership: Farmers in the state planted …

Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore is one of many areas that would benefit from increased federal funding to improve water quality in the Great Lakes. (M. Woodbridge Williams/National Park Service)

Clean Water Advocates Look to Biden Proposals for Help

INDIANAPOLIS -- Groups that fight for clean, affordable water are speaking out in favor of President Joe Biden's proposed budget, which would put …

One acre of wetland can store more than 1 million gallons of floodwater. (Bob/Flickr)

Opponents Amplify Calls to Reject Indiana's Wetland Deregulation Bill

INDIANAPOLIS -- Opponents of a wetland deregulation bill in Indiana are amplifying their pleas to lawmakers to reject the measure. More than 80 …

Small "Super" Device Could Hold Key to Better Soil, Water

INDIANAPOLIS -- A state-of-the-art tool is helping researchers in Indiana better understand the effectiveness of soil-conservation practices…

Do you know what's in your home's drinking water? (AdobeStock)

Water Quality Differs Drastically in the Same Home

INDIANAPOLIS -- Next time you turn on the faucet for a drink of water, researchers suggest letting the water run for a bit before filling the glass…

Indiana has lost about 85% of its original acres of wetlands. (Adobe Stock)

Indiana Group Warns Drainage Bill Puts Wetlands at Risk

INDIANAPOLIS -- As the 2020 Indiana legislative session moves towards ending, environmental groups are closely watching a bill about deregulating …

Corn and other crops in Indiana sustained weather-related damage due to excessive rain and flooding in 2019. (courane/Flickr)

Will Extreme Weather Become the Norm for Indiana's Farmers?

INDIANAPOLIS - Hoosier farmers will not be surprised to hear that 2019 was one of the wettest on record, and some experts predict the impact of …

Indiana has an estimated $7 billion in drinking water infrastructure needs over the next 20 years. (Pexels/Pixabay)

Can You Imagine a Day Without Water?

INDIANAPOLIS – Water is an essential part of life, and an observance Wednesday reminds folks about the importance of protecting one of our most …

More than 29,000 square miles of Indiana encompass the Ohio River Basin in Indiana. (William Alden/Flickr)

Another Call to Protect Ohio River Quality for Hoosiers

INDIANAPOLIS — Conservation groups are asking Gov. Eric Holcomb to speak out this week against a proposal that could weaken clean-water …

Wells Street Beach in Gary is one of many affected by erosion linked to climate change. (takingactioningary/Wikimedia Commons)

Report: Great Lakes States to See More Floods Linked to Climate Change

INDIANAPOLIS — Bigger, more frequent storms. More floods. Many millions in financial losses. Massive environmental shifts. Climate change …

Pollution from four other states flows downstream in the Ohio River toward Indiana communities. (greeblie/Flickr)

Indiana Has "A Lot to Lose" with Poor Ohio River Quality

INDIANAPOLIS - Water quality along Indiana's southern border could be impacted by a long-awaited vote expected this week. The Ohio River Valley …

Environmental groups say water quality control standards for the Ohio River are crucial for Indiana, given its position downstream. (Ken Lund/Flickr)

Critics: Vote This Week Could Undermine Ohio River Water Quality

INDIANAPOLIS – A vote this week will determine if Indiana and other states will lose some pollution control standards for the Ohio River…

USDA financing can help small Indiana cities and towns refurbish their current water infrastructure systems or build new facilities. (Pixabay)

USDA Grants Help with Rural Indiana's Water, Waste Woes

INDIANAPOLIS – August is Water Quality Month, and cities and towns throughout Indiana with water or waste problems to tackle have an …

Hidden dangers when swimming in open water include currents, vegetation, rocks and sudden drop-offs. (Pixabay)<br />

Report: Most Drownings Occur in Open Water

INDIANAPOLIS - As the warmer weather sets in and folks in Indiana look for ways to cool off, a new report highlights the dangers of swimming in open …

Millions of bacteria grow inside a home's water pipes when they're not being used. (epa.gov)

Stagnant Home Water Pipes Harbor Millions of Bacteria

INDIANAPOLIS, Ind.– Vacation season has kicked off for many on Spring Break, and summer is just around the corner – but scientists say …

They're Walking, Running for Clean Water

INDIANAPOLIS – The 25th United Nations World Water Day is being recognized this week, and advocates are hoping the message that comes with it …

A Midwest coalition is meeting with members of Congress this week to drum up support for Great Lakes restoration projects. (epa.gov)

Midwesterners in D.C. to Support Great Lakes Restoration

INDIANAPOLIS — With shorelines on Lake Michigan, Indiana has a vested interest in keeping the Great Lakes clean. And this Wednesday and …

Advocates are asking for more oversight of confined animal feeding operations. (hecweb.org)

Bill Watch: Hoosier Lawmakers Tackle Environmental Issues

INDIANAPOLIS — Indiana lawmakers will consider several bills that are important to the environment this legislative session. They cover solar…

Plastic waste is broken down by currents and sunlight and is often ingested by wildlife. (usgs.gov)

2018: Year to Clean Up the Great Lakes

MICHIGAN CITY, Ind. – Clean-water advocates say they’re are hoping 2018 will be a year of better water quality in the Great Lakes and …

Volunteers tag Monarchs though programs sponsored by the Indiana Wildlife Federation. (indianawildlife.org)

Trump Budget Called Threat to Indiana Waterways

INDIANAPOLIS -- An effort to save Indiana's waterways is under way. It's part of a push by the National Wildlife Federation to combat negative …

A panel is taking public testimony to determine if legislation is needed to regulate factory farms. (usda.gov)

Public Hearing Tackles Factory Farms

INDIANAPOLIS — The question of what to do about runoff from concentrated animal-feeding operations, known as CAFOs, continues to be a topic of …

Coal ash from the bottom of the Dan River near the site of Duke Energy's spill. (Sierra Club)

Groups Ask Indiana to Reject Duke Energy Plan

INDIANAPOLIS — Duke Energy has a plan to dispose of millions of gallons of coal ash waste, but environmental groups are asking policy makers to …

This summer, an eight-pound silver carp was captured just nine miles from Lake Michigan. (dnr.gov)

Hoosiers Can Help with Asian Carp Problem

INDIANAPOLIS - As Asian carp make their way ever closer to the Great Lakes, prize money is being offered for a solution. In the new "Invasive Carp …

Water quality testing for the more than 4,000 public water systems in Indiana has dropped with years of budget cuts. (cityoffortwayne.org)

Indiana Asked to Step Up Water Quality Testing

INDIANAPOLIS – A spill at a U.S. Steel plant last week that sent wastewater containing potentially toxic chemicals into a tributary of Lake …

Conservation efforts here help those struggling to find clean water in other places. (bloodwater.org)

World Water Day Embraces Conservation

INDIANAPOLIS – Wednesday is World Water Day, and Hoosiers are being asked to step up conservation to help people in this country and all over …

Funds to restore the Great Lakes are on the chopping block. (epa.gov)

Scientists Make Plea to Congress: Don't Chop Great Lakes Funding

INDIANAPOLIS -- Congress has been getting an earful over the past few days about President Trump's plan to gut the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative…

Hoosiers are speaking up about confined feeding operation rules. (hecweb.org)

Hoosiers Speak Out Against Factory Farm Bill

INDIANAPOLIS – A bill that environmentalists say would weaken Indiana's laws regulating Confined Animal Feeding Operations, or CAFOs, is being …

A lawsuit has been filed challenging President Trump's executive order that would eliminate some regulatory safeguards. (epa.gov)

Lawsuit Filed Against Trump Order on Regulations

INDIANAPOLIS - Public-interest law, environmental and labor groups are suing to stop the Trump administration's executive order to cut government …

Agricultural runoff flows into the lakes and rivers from which hundreds of towns draw their water. (usgs.gov)

Environmental Groups Give Governor Priority List for 2017

INDIANAPOLIS – Indiana has a new governor, and environmental groups say they've let him know what they'd like to see happen this year. Eric …

Study shows about 80 percent of the trash that's found on Great Lakes beaches is plastic. (erie.gov)

Study: Lake Michigan Big Target for Plastic Pollution

CHICAGO – Environmental groups are hoping a New Year's resolution for 2017 will be to keep the Great Lakes cleaner. A report by Rochester …

An Indianapolis coal plant in operation for nearly a century has converted to natural gas, but local residents want assurances that the coal-waste cleanup will be thorough. (Sierra Club)

Petitioners Seek Clean Water in Coal-Plant Transition

INDIANAPOLIS – After decades of burning coal, the Harding Street Station in Indianapolis was converted to natural gas in February, but coal ash …

The lesson learned in the water crisis in Flint, Mich., is that it could happen in Indiana, or anywhere. (cityofflint.com)

Flint Water Crisis Offers Lesson to Other Communities

LEBANON, Ind. – One of the women who has played a leading role in bringing international visibility to the drinking water crisis in Flint…

A conference is under way this week with the aim of making sure the presidential candidates protect the Great Lakes. (wisconsin.gov)

Candidates Being Called On at Great Lakes Meeting

INDIANAPOLIS – Whether the winner is Hillary Clinton or Donald Trump, a broad coalition is hoping that whoever takes the White House is a …

Residents of a housing complex in East Chicago say they're angry because they should have been told much earlier about lead contamination in the soil. (epa.gov)

Environmental Groups Keeping Pressure on EPA

INDIANAPOLIS - Environmental groups have been stepping up pressure on federal agencies over coal-ash pollution in the state, and now there is another …

Advocates say Hoosiers need to voice their opinions about the state's cleanup plan for coal ash. (Greg Stotelmyer)

IDEM Finalizing Plans for Coal Ash

INDIANAPOLIS – The Indiana Department of Environmental Management (IDEM) is finalizing plans on how to deal with coal ash around the state…

The first application to divert water from Lake Michigan has been approved. (wi.gov)

Watchdog Groups Keeping an Eye on the Lakes

MICHIGAN CITY, Ind. – The first application to divert water from Lake Michigan has been approved, and a watchdog group in Indiana is praising …

Gov. Pence will soon have bigger fish to fry than the Regional Cities Initiative Project, which he helped kick off back in May. (Office of Gov. Pence/Flickr)

Indiana Democrats Abuzz Over Governor's Race

INDIANAPOLIS – Candidates on both sides of the aisle are chomping at the bit in Indiana to run for governor, once that seat officially becomes …

Grants are being given out to study toxins that end up in the Great Lakes. (michigan.gov)

Funding Available to Study Toxins in Lake Michigan

INDIANAPOLIS – Indiana is looking for groups to study the Great Lakes. The Indiana Department of Environmental Management (IDEM) is giving …

Blue green algae found in Indiana lakes and streams can cause illnesses in pets and humans. (Virginia Carter)

Green Not Always Good: Algal Blooms a Threat

INDIANAPOLIS – Algal blooms in bodies of water across the nation are increasing as a result of climate change, farming practices, storm and …

Nearly 80 people drowned in Indiana in 2014. Officials say life jackets can prevent those numbers from being so high. (dnr.gov)

Drowning Numbers High in Indiana

INDIANAPOLIS - Boating season is about to kick into high gear on waterways around the state, and officials are urging Indiana swimmers and boating …

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