When environmental issues are discussed at USI, conversations often focus on invasive plant species, food waste, trail management and becoming a bee-friendly campus. While these elements remain important, environmental impacts affecting the university extend far beyond campus grounds.
In the Evansville area, concerns about a potential dam collapse, contaminated waterways, and energy-intensive data centers and electric companies are at the top of mind. These external pressures affect everything from energy costs to long-term sustainability planning.
Potential dam collapse
In September 2024, then-Warrick County Surveyor Dennis Wilzbacher warned area residents that a coal refuse dam located in the county could potentially fail, sending coal waste into Pigeon Creek.
If the dam, located at the AMAX Ayrshire mine site, failed, it could put Warrick County and the surrounding areas under water. It could also block major drainage systems from Gibson County to Evansville.
The coal slurry, if the dam collapses, would contaminate waterways with heavy metals and sediment, potentially harming fish, wildlife and vegetation along the creek.
Water from Pigeon Creek leads to the Ohio River, the main source of drinking water for USI. It could also impact local ecosystems and outdoor spaces frequented by the campus community.
At a recent traveling city hall event, hosted by Mayor Stephanie Terry Wednesday, Feb. 25, in Carter Hall, one resident voiced concerns about the dam.
Cliff Weaver, director of the Evansville-Vanderburgh County Emergency Management Agency, told the resident the dam was located on a private Warrick County property and his agency had spoken with the property owner.
Weaver said his agency continues to monitor the situation carefully.
The Shield reached out to the Warrick County Surveyor’s Office to ask if the dam was still a threat to the area.
A representative at the office said the new surveyor has not released a statement regarding the property, the dam or potential threats.
“I believe somebody done a study on that,” the representative said. “I’m not sure. Our office didn’t conduct anything on that.”
Energy consumption and costs
The university relies on electricity provided by CenterPoint Energy, the primary utility provider in the Evansville region. While energy costs are surging throughout the state and across the nation, environmental impacts extend beyond utility bills.
Electricity in Southern Indiana is heavily tied to fossil fuel generation, meaning energy consumption carries broader environmental consequences, such as carbon emissions and air quality concerns.
Utility infrastructure and pricing also influence how universities plan for sustainability initiatives. Rising electricity demand across the region can affect rates, long-term contracts and the feasibility of renewable energy investments.
For cities and universities attempting to balance operating costs with environmental responsibility, those regional energy dynamics play a critical role.
The Shield requested to obtain documents relating to utility rates paid by USI from both the university and CenterPoint Energy.
Kaylee Johnson, senior media relations specialist at USI, said the university does not report expenses by individual vendors.
She also clarified that the university does not have a contract with the company; instead, standard rates are paid.
CenterPoint Energy did not respond to The Shield’s request for comment by the time of publication.
Data infrastructure and agriculture
Another energy-intensive environmental factor seen across Indiana this year is the growth of data infrastructure. Large-scale data centers house servers powering cloud computing, AI and digital storage.
The facilities require massive amounts of electricity for cooling, and the state has become an increasingly attractive site for tech companies.
Although none are currently located directly near campus, regional development tied to data centers could influence the same electrical grid that powers the university.
The increased demand for energy in the region can strain infrastructure and potentially raise costs for other users, including educational institutions.
The environmental effects are also broader than electricity consumption. Data centers require water for cooling and contribute to increased industrial development, both of which can influence regional ecosystems.
Inexpensive land in Indiana has attracted companies to eye hundreds of acres, causing outrage amongst farmers across the state who value agricultural and rural communities.
Local initiatives
In 2020, then-Mayor Lloyd Winnecke’s administration created a Climate Action Plan (CAP) in collaboration with the Indiana University Environmental Resilience Institute. According to the Evansville Government webpage, CAP was designed to create immediate and lasting environmental benefits for Evansville and reduce greenhouse gas emissions in the city.
Some initiatives, like creating simplified permitting processes for solar adoption, had completion dates of 2025.
Others, such as increasing electric vehicle charging stations in the city, are expected to continue through 2050.
The Shield reached out to Mayor Stephanie Terry’s office for an update on the Evansville Climate Action Plan. The office did not respond to the request for comment by the time of publication.