Get IN. with Nate Spangle 25 Million Gallons a Day – Panic vs. Reality | Steven Berube (Citizens Energy Group) and Dr. Bob Holden (Wessler Engineering)
On today's show I sat down with Steve Berube of Citizens Energy Group and Dr. Bob Holden of Wessler Engineering about water infrastructure needed for Lebanon's LEAP District.
Citizens was asked in late 2024 to supply up to 25 million gallons per day to Lebanon, which currently uses under 5 million, with delivery planned at 2 MGD by 2027, 10 MGD by 2028, and 25 MGD by 2031.
They explain Lebanon's long-standing "water desert" challenges, how Citizens' 10 treatment plants and expansions at T.W. Moses Water Treatment Plant near Eagle Creek and White River North will support demand, and why Eagle Creek levels are expected to remain consistent.
They also address misconceptions about costs (LEAP users fund infrastructure), data centers (Meta up to 8 MGD with recycling), wastewater treatment using bacteria, industrial permits, and returning some treated water to the White River watershed. If you like this episode and want to hear more Get IN. episodes where I interview Hoosiers making a difference, visit getindiana.com/podcast.
You are going to learn about: - Water Needs for Lebanon's LEAP District - How Eagle Creek's Water Levels Will Remain Consistent Despite Growing Water Demands - Misconceptions About Costs and Data Centers
Thank you to our partners: Indy Grills Cowpokes
Check out these great clips from the show: 01:31 Meet the Water Experts 02:38 LEAP Water Demand Scale 04:29 Lebanon Water Desert Explained 05:50 How Citizens Energy Group Supplies Water 07:12 Bills and Who Pays 08:26 Buildout Timeline and Growth 09:30 Water Cycle and Recycling 13:27 Wholesale Infrastructure Needed 15:12 Eagle Creek Misconceptions 17:40 Dam Operations and Releases 21:27 Data Centers Water Truth 23:49 Who Owns The Water 24:44 Eagle Creek Vs. Wabash 26:14 Lebanon Protecting Residents 27:11 Data Center Wastewater Reality 28:36 How Sewage Gets Treated 32:43 Permits Testing And Compliance 35:40 Water Taste And Carbon 38:54 Returning Water To Watershed 42:37 Project Benefits
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