Combined Sewer Overflow - Proposed Southern Solution

The City of Terre Haute, through its Sanitary District, has recently closed on the sale of 283 acres on the east side of the Wabash River.  The property, located at 2401 Prairieton Ave., includes the process water treatment facility previously used by International Paper and was purchased for $267,000.  "The acquisition of the International Paper property is key to both the implementation of the City's combined sewer overflow (CSO) long-term control plan as well as the planned redevelopment of the east side of the Wabash River," said Steve Witt, President of the Terre Haute Board of Sanitary Commissioners.

The City will use approximately 15 acres of the existing facility as a combined stormwater pond system.  This is a very green and cost-effective solution to the unfunded mandate from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency concerning Terre Haute’s combined sewer overflows. Additionally, the City intends on using the property to create a riverfront passive park, which will include a pedestrian trail and river overlook area.  The remaining acreage will be used for a wooded wildlife area with primitive trails.

Mayor Duke Bennett said the City sees this as a positive step towards continued proper use of the land, and the redevelopment of the riverfront area.  “This is an excellent opportunity for the City to increase its green space and at the same time be fiscally responsible to the rate payers in the Terre Haute area.”  Bennett went on to say, “These activities fit very well with the Riverscape Master Plan.”  The trail system will eventually connect the National Road Heritage Trail with the southwestern areas of the City.