The site of Amazon Web Service’s New Carlisle data center. Residents in the area have raised concerns about Amazon and General Motor’s emerging facilities negatively affecting groundwater in the region. Photo from Baxtel.

News Release

NEW CARLISLE — As Amazon Web Services and General Motors continue building massive facilities in St. Joseph County, concerns are growing among local residents about potential impacts on groundwater, prompting a formal investigation by state officials.

The Indiana Department of Natural Resources is currently investigating whether construction activity near New Carlisle is affecting residential wells. The agency’s Division of Water is examining three wells east of New Carlisle, near the Amazon and GM development sites, following complaints from homeowners about reduced water levels.

DNR spokesperson Marty Benson said the agency has completed a separate investigation into three other wells near Hudson Lake, west of New Carlisle, and found groundwater levels there to be consistent with historical averages.

Meanwhile, St. Joseph County officials are expanding water-level monitoring in the region. At a Tuesday, May 13 meeting of the county redevelopment commission, Economic Development Executive Director Bill Schalliol said additional monitoring wells are being installed near the construction zones.

The region sits atop a historically abundant aquifer, thanks in part to its marshland origins before it was converted to farmland. However, construction on the GM and Amazon projects often requires “dewatering,” removing groundwater to allow to digging and infrastructure installation. This activity requires approval from the county drainage board. Both companies have committed to water stewardship measures.

In 2023, Amazon and GM agreed to install monitoring wells and adopt wellhead protections. Under a pact with county agencies, the companies are permitted to withdraw up to 24 million gallons of water daily from the Kankakee Aquifer.

Despite these safeguards, some residents remain worried. The DNR’s investigations may be only the beginning as full-scale construction ramps up, Schalliol said.

State law provides protections for private well owners. If a nearby development leads to a drop in groundwater that affects residential wells, landowners can submit to a written request for a DNR investigation. If the agency finds that construction is to blame, it can order a halt to dewatering activities until the responsible party supplies an alternative water source or pays for the installation of a new, equally productive well.

The county has contracted with Peerless Midwest to consult on water use issues and recently met with Amazon representatives to discuss concerns. St. Joseph County Redevelopment Commission President Dennis Jordan said water security is a top priority for local residents.

In the short term, county contractors are continuing limited dewatering to install about a mile of sewer line near Edison and Smilax roads.

Separately, Amazon is seeking approval from the Indiana Department of Environmental Management to fill nearly 10 acres of wetlands and streams near SR 2 and Strawberry Road.