It’s OUR River. Let’s Protect It!
People should attend the Monday June 11 hearing in Danville to tell the Illinois EPA and Governor Rauner to do the right thing, and require Dynegy to move its coal ash to protect the river and people of vermilion County. That’s the urgent message from the Eco-Justice Collaborative and the Prairie-Alerts system. Below is the latest from the Collaborative and more encouragement for citizens to show up and voice their concerns.
(Background: In an earlier post on this site, the Eco-Justice Collaborative described the situation: the Dynegy corporation is seeking permission to cap and leave its coal ash waste on the banks of the Middle Fork at the risk of groundwater or surface water pollution. Below is the latest from the Collaborative and more encouragement for citizens to show up and voice their concerns. )
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“Several weeks ago we invited Dynegy and the Illinois EPA to participate in Monday’s forum. Yesterday, Rick Cobb, P.G. accepted our invitation. Rick is the Deputy Division Director of the Division of Water Supplies at the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency (IEPA). Rick and his staff have been coordinating the preparation of Dynegy’s closure plan since the IEPA issued their Notice of Violation to Dynegy in July of 2012.
We have added Rick to the program, and he plans to discuss the IEPA’s role in the closing of the three ash pits; status of their review; and what to expect from Dynegy as they complete their studies and prepare their final report.
We need YOU to come to this forum.
Show the IEPA you care about Dynegy’s closure plan and expect the utility
to relocate its coal ash from the floodplain of our state’s only National Scenic River
Now is the time to make your voice count. Dynegy is expected to have its studies completed and a closure plan submitted to the IEPA this fall.
Show up. Testify (two to three minutes). Submit a written comment. Shouldn’t Governor Bruce Rauner, the Illinois EPA, and the Illinois IDNR (the agency charged with protecting the river) work together to ensure Dynegy removes its toxic waste from the banks of the Middle Fork? Otherwise, once Dynegy leaves, Vermilion County will be left with a legacy of toxic waste that forever threatens the Middle Fork. And if the ash remains in the floodplain, the taxpayer is likely to become responsible for monitoring, maintaining, or repairing the coal ash pits and proposed bank stabilization. That includes costs for cleanup in the event of a catastrophic spill.”
CUP (Champaign Urbana Progressives) 