End The Threat
Zionsville Wastewater Treatment Plant Unsafe Practices Endangering Community, Widlife, & Waterways
A serious environmental concern is impacting the Zionsville residents, Starkey Park/trail users, and the Eagle Creek watershed.
We are demanding immediate action from the Town of Zionsville, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, and authorities having jurisdiction over this matter. We are seeking a planned phase out and immediate wastewater treatment takeover from Trico Regional Sewer Utility which has the means and capacity to cover Zionsville’s treatment needs.
Zionsville WWTP biosolid storage with spillage
Biosolid/Sewage Sludge Hazard?
Defined: They are the byproduct of municipal wastewater treatment and are also known as sewage sludge.
WWTP = waste water treatment plant
Problem: There is an increasing risk of widespread contamination, from PFAS (forever chemicals), heavy metals (arsenic, lead, mercury), pharmaceuticals, microplastics, and pathogens (bacteria/viruses). These toxins are finding their way into the soil, water, and food supply as current regulations sometimes do not fully address many emerging pollutants.
Failure on many levels: The quantity of biosolid being generated and stored at the WWTP is at an all time high as Zionsville’s population has grown over the years. An improperly updated facility, along with outdated policies is a real cause for concern. The odor from this process is now reaching the Rail Trail, Sugar Bush Subdivision, Overleys Worman Park, Starkey Park, and the Zionsville Village area.
What are the Risks to this vital Ecosystem?
Water Quality - Risk to drinking water from private wells, public water reservoir intakes (Eagle Creek Reservoir), and underground auquifers.
Air Quality - Release of emissions such as Noxious gases (hydrogen sulfide H2S), fungal aerosols, and dangerous dust spores.
Noise pollution - direct link between noise and human health, along with changes to animal habitat affecting survival.
Light pollution - artificial light at night has negative and deadly effects on many creatures.
Vector Control - Animals, birds, insects, and rodent attraction rates increase, which allow the spread from contaminated surfaces.
FEMA Flood Plain Risks?
History: The WWTP is located within some of the most unique topographic and forested sites in Boone County. It originally served a population of 1,536 in 1956. It was converted to an active sludge operation in the 1980’s which introduced the Biosolid Storage Shed and increased flow capacity along with expansion to its polishing ponds. In 2005 it was expanded to 2.0 Million gallon per day (MGD) capacity.
Problem: The 4 polishing ponds reside on the banks of Eagle Creek/edge of Starkey Park are within the 100 and 500 year FEMA flood plain. FEMA started its National Flood Insurance Program in 1968 well after these ponds went into service. A significant flood event could expose the waterways and land to unwanted pollution, not to mention the drinking water of Marion County.
The village Lift Station at 420 South 4th Street, near the old Compton trailer park is also in the FEMA Flood plain. The Zionsville sewer system was never designed to handle the demands of today’s developments and capacity issues.
Utility Rate Increase?
2024 - The Town voted a rushed rate increase of 27.75% to give $21.5 Million dollars towards a capital improvement plan with limited community input and details. It is not known if a total strategic review or feasibility study of the utility structure has ever been performed given the increased town territory. The rate increase was allowed prior to the adoption of the comprehensive plan.
2025 - The new comprehensive plan is in its final revision and being distributed for votes. However, it does not directly give tangable solutions (details) of what needs to be done, just some goals for the future in many of the Areas identified by the steering commitees. The report identifies Trico Regional Waste District as being in the area but fails to mention how much capacity they have available to service Zionsville and the HSE northern Zionsville district.
Zionsville is now $26.82 higher than Trico
Why has Trico been overlooked?
They have the capacity and spent millions of dollars already to handle growth.
They can stabalize Zionsville’s sewer rates well into the future from the efficiency of a multi-county servicing approach.
They are an organized regional sewer district which can never be bought or sold (stable rates).
They have a large team of professionals, staff, and Board of Directors trained to handle the daily changes in waste water processing.
They are wildlife friendly, located outside of the FEMA Flood plain, are not in a Residential area.
They have newer equipment and a process to ship all Biosolids/Sewage Sludge away weekly.
Take Action now!
Contact your Town Councilors and let them know.
District 1 - Tim McElderry - tmcelderry@zionsville-in.gov
District 2 - Jason Plunkett (Council President) - jplunkett@zionsville-in.gov
District 3 - Craig Melton - cmelton@zionsville-in.gov
District 4 - Sarah Sampson - sesampson@zionsville-in.gov
District 5 - Brad Burk (Council Vice President) - bburk@zionsville-in.gov
At Large - Evan Norris - enorris@zionsville-in.gov
At Large - Joseph Stein - jstein@zionsville-in.gov
Contact the Mayor for immediate action. - John Stehr - jstehr@zionsville-in.gov
Contact your representatives. - District 25 Becky Cash - H25@iga.in.gov
Share on social media with neighbors, friends, and any preservation groups who will help.
Boone County Preservation Group - Facebook
Zionsville Citizens for Land Preservation and Responsible Development -Facebook
Watch and show up to the Town of Zionsville meetings progess/votes . Town of Zionsville - YouTube
Subscribe to this site for updates (at bottom of page).
Indiana House Bills
2025 Indiana House Bill HB-1286 by Rep. Becky Cash [R]
2025 Indiana House Bill HB-1553 by Rep. Maureen Bauer [D]
Zionsville WWTP 3 year Compliance Summary - from EPA.gov
2024 Indiana House Bill HB-1399 Rep. Shane Lindauer [R]
All IDEM reports, inspections, and recorded waste overflow events are listed in the Virtual File Cabinet. A very difficult site to search and get a comprehensive look at the information from one location. Search Results for Zionsville WWTP IN0036951