TERRE HAUTE, Ind. (WTWO/WAWV) — The City of Terre Haute Mayor Duke Bennett’s Office recently released an update regarding the “high-strength ammonia wastewater” that was accidentally discharged into the Terre Haute municipal sewer system.

Monday, the Indiana Department of Environmental Management visited the City of Terre Haute Wastewater Utility plant for an inspection and approved their proposed action plan for how the plant will move forward in restoring operations to normal. 

On Friday, Feb. 22 ammonia was accidentally discharged into the municipal sewer system causing damage to the biological treatment process used to clean wastewater. While the damage to the process wasn’t permanent, 7 of the 18 tanks used by the water plant were impacted by the ammonia discharge. 

The initial release stated that the damage wasn’t permanent and there was no danger to residential or commercial users or any environmental impacts on the Wabash River. 

The release also states, that there has been “regular contact with the local industry where the high-strength discharge originated.” However, the local industry is unknown at this time. With the help of multiple wastewater treatment plants in the area, Terre Haute’s plant is working to rebuild the treatment process. 

The city will continue to give any related updates as the matter develops and stressed no further interruptions are expected and there is no risk to the community’s users or environment.