August 24, 2018

Citizens Energy Ramps Up Inspections After Downtown Sinkhole

A construction crew worked in July to repair a manhole structure collapse at the intersection of Maryland and Illinois streets. - Sarah Panfil/WFYI

A construction crew worked in July to repair a manhole structure collapse at the intersection of Maryland and Illinois streets.

Sarah Panfil/WFYI

Citizens Energy Group says it will evaluate its sewer system more frequently.

The announcement comes one month after century-old infrastructure caused a sinkhole and a collapsed manhole in downtown Indianapolis.

Vice President of Water Operations Jeff Willman says the water utility company averages over 80 sewer failures a year since 2012. But he says they inherited a system that averaged 120 repairs a year.

"So I think we’re heading in the right direction, I think we’re doing the right things to help mitigate unexpected failures," Willman says. "But this is a bit of a marathon. It wasn’t created overnight, and it’s not gonna be resolved overnight."

The company says recent sewer failures prompted a rapid assessment of the underground structures and pipes in Indianapolis.

Its 10-year cycle of inspection for the downtown area will now happen every five years.

Support independent journalism today. You rely on WFYI to stay informed, and we depend on you to make our work possible. Donate to power our nonprofit reporting today. Give now.

 

Related News

Citing last year's success, Indianapolis officials announce return of SPARK on the Circle
"We have the power to change this reality." Youth-led group works to change narrative around gun violence
After uptick in officer-involved shootings, IMPD to receive Department of Justice review