To: Vanderburgh County Commissioners

From: Concerned Residents and Business Owners of Vanderburgh County

Subject: OPPOSITION TO PROPOSED ORDINANCE AMENDING TITLE 17 OF THE VANDERBURGH COUNTY CODE CONCERNING LAND USE AND ZONING

We, the undersigned residents and business owners of Vanderburgh County, oppose the proposed amendment to the county ordinance that would allow septage receiving stations to be installed on M-1 (Light Industrial) or M-2 (Medium Industrial) properties. Currently, these facilities are restricted to M-3 (Heavy Industrial) zones.

Our reasons are as follows:

High-Impact Use in Lower-Intensity Zones:

Septage receiving stations handling raw sewage pose spill risks and increases traffic from tanker trucks. These impacts are incompatible with M-1 and M-2 zones, which are intended for light and moderate industrial activity.

Health and Safety Concerns:

Accidental spills or equipment malfunctions could contaminate soil, groundwater, and nearby stormwater systems, creating environmental and public health risks. There is no mention, consideration, or regulation of the storage, treatment, or handling of biohazard sewage-sludge and screened solid materials (tampons, maxi-pads, wet wipes, etc.) that will be generated at these small private receiving stations. In addition, these stations handle raw sewage which contains high concentrations of ammonia and other gases known to produce strong, persistent odors. These odors can travel beyond the site, negatively impacting nearby homes and businesses.

Proximity to Residential and Commercial Areas:

M-1 and M-2 zones are often closer to neighborhoods, schools, and commercial businesses. Allowing a septage facility in these zones would negatively affect the quality of life and could reduce property values in surrounding areas.

Zoning Precedent:

Changing the ordinance to allow this high-impact use in lighter zones undermines the purpose of zoning and could open the door to additional high-impact industrial uses in areas intended to be low or moderate intensity.

Alternative Sites Available:

Heavy industrial (M-3) zones are specifically designated for high-impact uses like this. No changes to zoning are needed for the facility to operate safely and appropriately.

Therefore, we respectfully request that the Vanderburgh County Commissioners:

Withdraw the proposed amendment and maintain the restriction of septage receiving stations to M-3 (Heavy Industrial) zones only.