CITIZEN PETITION FOR IMMEDIATE ACTION - BE SURE TO SIGN 2ND PETITION TO EPA

TO: Anderson City Council and Mayor Thomas Broderick Jr.

FROM: Concerned Citizens of Anderson, Indiana

DATE: December 2025

STATEMENT
We, the undersigned residents of Anderson, Indiana, petition the City of Anderson to expedite its on-going actions to address existing water contamination at the Broadway Street Corridor Superfund Site as well as all hazardous environmental issues within the City. Further, we demand the City recognize the Anderson Community Advisory Group hereinafter referred to as ANDERSON CAG and provide the requirements set forth below in this petition.

BACKGROUND
It is hereby duly noted that residents of Anderson, Indiana, in Madison County, are directly affected by contamination at the Broadway Street Corridor Superfund Site (EPA ID: INN000510915), which was added to the National Priorities List in September 2018.

Since 1992, chlorinated volatile organic compounds have contaminated groundwater in our community at levels at or above Safe Drinking Water Act Maximum Contaminant Levels.

Further, based on the City's own testimony to the Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission (IURC Cause No. 46171, November 2025):

• "Wells supplying water to the Wheeler plant are in a federal 'super fund' site" (Mayor Broderick)
• A number of the Ranney wells contain PFAS and VOCs above EPA Maximum Contaminant Levels
• Ranney wellfield has lost 50% of its production capacity due to well #4 being offline testing positive for PFAS and VOCs.
• Water loss rate across the city's infrastruture is 39% (regulators called this "unacceptable")
• City authorized to borrow $130 million for remediation and replacement wells.
• Residents face 118.6% water rate increases over the next 5 years.   

IMMEDIATE DEMANDS
We demand the City of Anderson take the following actions within 45 days of receipt of this petition:

• Official Recognition: Recognize the ANDERSON CAG as a legitimate community organization and provide meeting space for monthly meetings at city facilities.
• Include in City Planning: Include ANDERSON CAG representatives into all relevant non-confidential city planning and environmental discussions related to any and all Anderson environmental contamination, remediation efforts, and infrastructure improvements.
• Support EPA Liaison Framework: Cooperate with EPA Region 5 in assigning a designated liaison to work with ANDERSON CAG and city officials.
• Create Communication Protocols: Establish clear communication protocols between the EPA liaison, ANDERSON CAG, and city officials, including quarterly meetings involving all parties and city environmental staff.
• Provide Full Information Access and Transparency: Provide ANDERSON CAG with access to all non-confidential environmental reports, permits, compliance documentation, water quality test results, and IURC testimony related to environmental contamination in Anderson.
• Include in Notification Processes: Include ANDERSON CAG in all notification processes for environmental permits, violations, issues, and infrastructure projects.
• Establish Citizen Investigation Procedures: Establish procedures for all citizen-initiated environmental investigations and including independent water quality testing.
• Create Joint Working Groups: Create joint working groups for specific environmental issues, including but not limited to, water loss reduction, replacement water well timelines, surface water protection, and health impact assessment.
• Implement Community Environmental Monitoring: Develop community-based environmental monitoring programs with ANDERSON CAG participation, including but not limited to regular water quality testing and public reporting.

TRANSPARENCY REQUIREMENTS

The City will provide the following information to the public within 45 days:

• Complete timeline for any and all replacement well construction along with specific operational dates
• Monthly water quality test results for all wells and treatment facilities
• Detailed plan with milestones for reducing 39% water loss to acceptable levels.
• All IURC testimony and supporting documents from Cause No. 46171 and 46147
• Explanation of how $130 million will be allocated between all environmental contamination remediation and territorial expansion plans into surrounding communities.
• Schedule quarterly public meetings with updates on remediation progress
• Provide any and all assessments of environmental contamination in Anderson along with potential health impacts and risks.

INTERIM PROTECTIONS REQUESTED

While replacement wells are under construction and EPA completes its investigation, we request:

• Free water quality testing available to affected residents.
• Health screening programs for residents in contamination zones
• Alternative water sources (bottled water, point-of-use filters) if contamination levels warrant.
• Water bill credits or rebates until replacement wells are operational and producing safe water.
• Public notification system for any water quality exceedances or emergency conditions

RESPONSE TIMELINE
We request a written response from the City within 45 days addressing each demand and transparency requirement outlined in this petition.The City is also requested to schedule a public meeting within 45 days to present its response and engage with concerned citizens.

ADDENDUM TO PETITION INSERTED JANUARY 24, 2026

CAG DUTIES TO RESIDENTS

The proposed ANDERSON CAG will serve as a public forum for Anderson residents to:

1.     Receive timely information about site investigations and cleanup activities

2.     Present community concerns and preferences to EPA decision-makers

3.     Review and comment on technical documents and proposed remedies

4.     Ensure cleanup protects public health and the environment

5.     Monitor long-term effectiveness of remediation measures

6.     Advocate for our community's best interests throughout the Superfund process