The Champaign County Zoning Board of Appeals is holding a critical public hearing on Thursday, December 12, 2024, to discuss the proposed 12-month moratorium on carbon sequestration projects under the Mahomet Aquifer and its recharge areas. This is a pivotal moment in our fight to protect the aquifer, a vital water source for nearly one million people in Central Illinois.
We need your voice to ensure the moratorium moves forward and Champaign County takes a strong stance against the risks carbon sequestration poses to our water. Your presence at this hearing will demonstrate the widespread support for protecting our aquifer and the health and safety of our communities.
Meeting Details
Date: Thursday, December 12, 2024
Time: 6:30 P.M.
Place: Shields-Carter Meeting Room
Brookens Administrative Center
1776 East Washington Street
Urbana, IL 61802
Help us fill the room! Fill out the form below so we know we can count on you to be there.
Want to learn more before the meeting? To help you prepare, we’re hosting a virtual prep meeting on Tuesday at noon to share key information about the moratorium, answer your questions, and provide tips for crafting your testimony. Register here to attend this prep meeting.
Why This Matters
Carbon sequestration projects have raised serious concerns following two recent leaks at Archer Daniels Midland’s ethanol plant near Decatur, located just miles from the Mahomet Aquifer. These leaks highlight the potential for CO2 to mix with groundwater, forming carbonic acid that can leach harmful heavy metals like uranium, nickel, and manganese into our water supply.
A moratorium will give the County time to evaluate zoning regulations that could prevent dangerous carbon sequestration projects from threatening this irreplaceable resource.
Let’s show the Zoning Board of Appeals that Champaign County stands united in defense of our water.
Would you like to make a public comment at the meeting? Reach out to Johnathan Hettinger at jhettinger@prairierivers.org with your questions.
Together, we can make a difference.
