Concerns continue to grow over the proposed Sunrise “Bulldog” coal mine in Vermilion County. Water is among the top concerns: where the water will come from to wash the coal, and what will happen to the polluted water once it’s used in the mine. As part of the permit process to operate a mine, coal […]
Make Ameren Stick to Deal: LTE by Traci Barkley
In this Letter to the Editor (pdf), Traci Barkley, Water Resources Scientist at Prairie Rivers Network, calls on the Illinois Pollution Control Board to deny Ameren’s request for eight more years to comply with air pollution reductions for their Newton Power Station. Ameren agreed to these reductions more than six years ago; they are scheduled […]
Factory Farm vs. Property Owner in Dispute over Lamoine River Water
Scott Schauble, who owns a farm bordering the Lamoine River, came home one day to find water lines running across his driveway. These lines were being used to draw water from the river to replenish the water reserves of a neighboring hog factory farm. Schauble had recently been approached by his neighbor who offered him […]
Coal Plant Lied About Coal Ash Landfill, Will Now Build One in Washington County
In a backroom deal, Prairie State Generating Company and the Washington County Board met behind closed doors and emerged with an amendment to an ordinance that grants the company permission to build a 720-acre coal ash landfill near Marissa, IL. This is a clear reversal of the coal company’s statement to the Washington County Board […]
Upcoming Stakeholder Meeting on Sunrise “Bulldog” Coal Mine
Homer residents, farmers, and Salt Fork River enthusiasts are gearing up for the upcoming Village of Homer Water Committee meeting on July 30. At this public meeting, the Village of Homer will consider whether to sell the community’s water to the Sunrise Coal’s proposed “Bulldog” mine.