Last month, we were supremely disappointed in Illinois EPA’s decision to grant a permit that will allow Mississippi Sand, LLC to discharge up to 5-million gallons per day of stormwater and pumpage from a sand pit directly adjacent to Starved Rock State Park. Even after citizens and environmental groups expressed concerns about impacts to on-site and nearby waterways, IEPA failed to grant even the most fundamental venue for voices to be heard, a public hearing. The granting of this permit was a significant development, as it was the final requirement before mining and sand processing commences right next door to our beloved Starved Rock State Park and Illinois River.
![Starved Rock Rally](https://prairierivers.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/03/Starved-Rock-Rally-300x228.jpg)
Although it appears that all of the pieces have fallen into place to allow this egregious violation of one of the state’s most special places, Prairie Rivers continues to work with our partners, Illinois Sierra Club and Openlands, to oppose the mine through legal action and by finding opportunities for citizens’ voices to be heard.
Tonight, there will be a public hearing in LaSalle County to re-zone a nearby barge terminal to allow Mississippi Sand to ship their final product, silica sand, down the Illinois River. Please show your support by attending, and stay tuned for developments.
Here are the details:
What: A public hearing on rezoning of an ADM barge terminal from agricultural, to industrial land use (allowing the shipment of sand)
When: Tonight, March 4th, at 7:00 PM
Where: Ottawa City Council Chambers, at 301 West Madison St., Ottawa, Illinois