INDIANAPOLIS (WTHR) – The massively big and expensive underground tunnel system that will keep raw sewage from pouring into the White River and Indianapolis creeks and streams is $400 million under budget and ahead of schedule.
Citizens Energy Group made the announcement as workers drilled an access shaft into the earth near Fall Creek.
The $2.4 billion project is called DigIndy. It can’t be finished fast enough for people living in the Mapleton Fall Creek neighborhood.
"It allows us to stop smelling toilet in our neighborhood," said Leigh Riley Evans. She’s a resident and CEO of the Mapleton Fall Creek Development corporation.
"If you got south of 38thstreet, it wasn’t a space you wanted to be in," said Evans.
Even on days when there is moderate rainfall, the city’s combined storm water and sanitary sewer system over flows, turning Fall Creek into an open sewer.
Standing next to it and taking a couple of deep breaths can take your appetite away.
It’s a lot worse after a big storm. Whatever is flushed down toilets, runs down the creek. Evans has lived in the area since the 70s.
"It is offensive," she explained. "It is discouraging people to not be there. It’s also toxic."
The 28-mile-long DigIndy tunnel system will collect and store billions of gallons of polluted water until it is cleaned by treatment facilities.
The first segments opened in December.
Citizens Energy says they’ve already kept half a billion gallons of sewage out of the White River and lower Eagle Creek, south of the reservoir.
"The benefits of the DigIndy tunnel system cannot be over stated," Mayor Joe Hogsett told reporters. "It will and has also improved water quality through out the White River and its tributaries to levels not seen in 100 years."
Clean water is healthier for people and business. Hogsett sees new development, recreational opportunities and jobs along the White River.
Beautification projects are well under way along Fall Creek.
One captures rain water running off the streets to create a natural habitat for native plants, bees, birds, other critters and people.
A clean Fall Creek Evans said would be a huge asset. "It allows us and others, to enjoy a walkable neighborhood and to our health and access to the water."
Digging tunnels is costly and time consuming. DigIndy sections near the White River and Pogues Run are scheduled to be finished in 2021.
Fall Creek and Pleasant Run sections won’t be done until 2025, 13 years after the digging started.