Yesterday, a major new study was released that identifies 39 additional coal-ash dump sites in 21 states that are contaminating drinking water or surface water with arsenic and other heavy metals. Three of those sites are in Illinois. The report by the Environmental Integrity Project (EIP), Earthjustice and the Sierra Club, with help from Prairie Rivers Network’s Traci Barkley, documents the fact that state governments are not adequately monitoring the coal combustion waste (CCW) disposal sites and that the USEPA needs to enact strong new regulations to protect the public.

For the Press Release, click here.

For Report, click here.

For News Conference audio, click here.

The report shows that, at every one of the coal ash dump sites equipped with groundwater monitoring wells, concentrations of heavy metals such as arsenic or lead exceed federal health-based standards for drinking water, with concentrations at the Venice, IL site reaching as high as 38 times the federal standard for arsenic 400 feet beyond the ash ponds.

Take Action – Let Your Voice Be Heard

The US Environmental Protection Agency is about to launch a series of regional hearings on whether and how to regulate toxic coal ash waste from coal-fired power plants. PLEASE ATTEND IF YOU CAN.

Chicago, IL on September 16

Louisville, KY on September 28

Financial assitance is available to defray some travel costs. Contact Traci Barkley at 217/344-2371 or tbarkley@prairierivers.org.

Press Coverage In the News

Citizens from all over the Midwest will be gathering on September 16th in Chicago to show their support for federal regulations of coal ash waste that will protect our drinking water.

Date: September 16, 2010

Time: 10 am to 12 pm, 1 pm to 5 pm, 6:30 pm to 9 pm

Where: Hilton Chicago, 720 South Michigan Avenue, Chicago

Pre-Register: http://www.epa.gov/wastes/nonhaz/industrial/special/fossil/ccr-rule/ccr-form.htm

Please contact Traci Barkley (tbarkley@prairierivers.org, 217/344-2371) to coordiante carpooling to public hearing.

Thank you to all of our members who signed our petition to get the hearing in Chicago.
Your voice was heard.

SAVE THE DATE!

When: Monday, August 30th, 5:30 – 8:00 pm

Where: The Field Museum in Chicago – Simpson Theater. (entry through West door)

What: The Illinois Department of Natural Resources, Chicago Wilderness, City of Chicago Dept. of Environment, Openlands, and the Field Museum invite you to:

MAKE YOUR VOICE HEARD AT A FORUM on Parks, Open Space and Nature.

Young people are particularly encouraged to come and share their views.

TALK TO Federal environmental officials from: White House Council on Environmental Quality, U.S. Department of the Interior, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, U.S. Department of Agriculture

Hear success stories from this region, and give Federal officials your ideas on open space recreation, conservation, biodiversity, and ways to link people (especially youth and children) from urban, suburban and rural settings with nature and the outdoors. What’s working, what tools and resources would increase success, what are the barriers and obstacles, and what role can the federal government play?

There is no cost for this event. (Please note – it does not include a reception – please arrive by 5:30)

by Stacy James, Water Resources Scientist

Our new Stomwater Management Guidebook informs readers of how to manage stormwater with green infrastructure. Green infrastructure involves the use of soil, vegetation, and cisterns to capture stormwater, instead of the traditional reliance on pipes and other concrete conveyances. The guidebook is specific to Illinois, and explains what green infrastructure is, how it can be used to meet permitting requirements, and where green infrastructure projects can be found across the state. Nine green infrastructure practices are featured, and proper placement, maintenance, and installation costs are discussed for each practice.

Prairie Rivers Network is now participating in Schnucks’ eScript Customer Card Program.

If you are already using a Schnucks Customer Card for Fuel Rewards, you may register that card to earn money for Prairie Rivers Network by calling (800) 931-6258. The Schnucks eScrip Customer Card may be used to generate both contributions to PRN and Fuel Rewards (where available).

Prairie Rivers Network’s group ID for the Schnucks’ program is 500024645.

If you don’t already have a Schnuck’s Customer/eScript card, pick one up at participating Schnucks store locations. Present the card every time you shop and Schnucks contributes a percentage of your monthly purchase amount to Prairie Rivers Network.