Earlier this year we learned of a proposed sand mine to be located near the entrance of Starved Rock State Park. We were concerned because the sand mine (for sand to be used in the natural gas extraction or “fracking” process) could drain a rare, brackish wetland, with high quality plant communities and specific habitat for threatened and endangered species. The noise generated from blasting and constant truck traffic will have a negative impact on the wildlife populations that inhabit the area. We issued an action alert and have been monitoring the process with other partners.
Prairie Rivers Network, along with other groups and citizens have rallied in support of a transparent decision-making and permitting process and requested that IDNR hold a public hearing on the matter. In March, the LaSalle County Board voted against holding a public hearing on the mining company’s reclamation plan, denying citizens this opportunity to voice their concerns.
We have therefore worked hard to find another way for your voice to be heard. Our push for transparency and public involvement in the permitting process has paid off! The upcoming Public Availability Session is a result of our effort to allow concerned citizens’ voices to be heard.
When: May 23rd, 6-9 PM
Where: IL Valley Community College, 815 North Orlando Smith Street, Oglesby, IL
If you go, and we hope you do, here’s what you need to know:
A Public Availability Session is an open house format where agency representatives will address questions and concerns regarding permitting and also accept written comments. YOU can have one-on-one access to agency officials and the opportunity to have all your questions answered!
The Illinois EPA will answer questions about the permits which Mississippi Sand needs from the Bureau of Air for the mine’s air emissions, and from the Bureau of Water for construction activities. The Department of Natural Resources and Historic Preservation Agency will also have representatives at the Availability Session and will be providing information to the public concerning their roles in evaluating the project. Mississippi Sand representatives will also be present.
At the session, IEPA will solicit written comments from the public. Comments regarding the air and water impacts will become part of the record on those permits and IEPA will pass on comments on other aspects of the project to the other agencies.
More resources:
Illinois EPA’s Public Availability Session Notice
Talking points developed by the Sierra Club for the hearing
Provide comments to the EPA through Sierra Club
Past media coverage:
Lt. Gov and NGOs call for public hearing; it gets rejected by LaSalle County Board
http://www.sj-r.com/breaking/x503112894/Lt-Gov-Simon-wants-hearing-on-sand-mine-near-Starved-Rock
http://www.mywebtimes.com/archives/ottawa/display.php?id=452047
IDNR citizen complaint letter
http://newstrib.com/main.asp?SectionID=2&SubSectionID=27&ArticleID=18190
