What happened

At the Environmental Sustainability Committee meeting on April 22, the White River watershed received an average score of “C” from the White River Report Card. 

Jill Hoffman, executive director of the White River Alliance presented the assessment tool that measures the health of the land, water, and community surrounding the White River. Randy Wyrick, a documenter, attended the meeting and reported on it.

Takeaway

According to the report card, wetland changes, environmental burden, and bacteria were among the lowest-scoring indicators. The wetland loss was the lowest scoring indicator, with a grade of “F.” Hoffmann noted that from 2005 to 2019, downtown Indianapolis lost 9.7% of its wetlands, while the Eagle Creek area lost 3.1%.

Hoffmann attributes the changes in Indiana’s wetlands to state bills like SB 389 and future legislation, stating that “the state has done nothing but roll back protections on wetlands, the last several legislative sessions.”

Wetlands can be restored, but the primary goal is to preserve wetlands in the first place, Hoffman said.

Environmental burden scored “D” and measures the potential for community exposure to contaminants like air and water pollution, hazardous sites, and lead. 

Bacteria which also scored “D” measures how often waterway bacteria levels are unsafe for swimming. 

The White River Watershed makes up 1.7 million acres over 16 counties. It includes four major reservoirs, and 15 tributaries, and is home to 33% of Indiana’s population.

Hoffman said the report card took a year and a half to compile. 

What’s Next?

• The next Environmental Sustainability Committee meeting is at 5:30 p.m., May 30 at the City-County Building

[Read more about the monthly meetings of the Environmental Sustainability Committee of the City-County Council here.]

This brief is adapted from notes taken by Documenter Randy Wyrick, who covered the April  Environmental Sustainability Committee. Read more about what happened here.

Want to join Documenters? Learn more here.