Indiana DNR outlines complaint process for well water issues near drilling sites

May 25, 2025 | Boone County, Indiana


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Indiana DNR outlines complaint process for well water issues near drilling sites
Concerns over water supply and development regulations dominated the Boone County APC Special Meeting on May 21, 2025. A key discussion point was the process for residents to file complaints regarding potential impacts on their water wells due to nearby drilling activities. Attendees were informed that complaints could be submitted to the Indiana Department of Natural Resources (DNR), which would then investigate the claims, reviewing drilling logs and possibly conducting site visits.

If the DNR finds that a well has been adversely affected, they can mandate corrective actions from the well owner, including repairs or replacements, under Indiana groundwater withdrawal statutes. This framework aims to protect residents' access to potable water, especially in areas where new wells are being drilled.

Additionally, the meeting addressed a commitment made by US Aggregates in 2017, which involved the responsibility of property owners to redrill any affected residential or agricultural wells within 700 feet of their operations. This commitment includes verification by health officials to ensure that any water shortages are accurately assessed.

The discussion also touched on zoning regulations, specifically the exclusion of warehouses and distribution centers from new developments, as the county aims to attract high-tech industries that promise better job opportunities. The rationale behind this decision is to prevent an oversaturation of storage facilities, which are already abundant in the area.

As the meeting concluded, officials emphasized the importance of establishing a clear framework for water rights and development, ensuring that both community needs and environmental regulations are balanced. The next steps involve further discussions to finalize these commitments and regulations, with the hope of fostering responsible growth in Boone County.

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