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https://prairierivers.org/wp-content/uploads/2012/12/Kids.jpg 24489 0 0 0 https://prairierivers.org/kids1/ Sat, 01 Dec 2012 00:00:00 +0000 https://prairierivers.org/wp-content/uploads/2012/12/Kids1.jpg 24490 0 0 0 https://prairierivers.org/kids2/ Sat, 01 Dec 2012 00:00:00 +0000 https://prairierivers.org/wp-content/uploads/2012/12/Kids2.jpg 24491 0 0 0 https://prairierivers.org/lawsuit-claims-that-illinois-dnr-failed-to-fully-consider-effects-of-mine-near-starved-rock-chicago-tribune_12-12-2012/ Sat, 01 Dec 2012 00:00:00 +0000 https://prairierivers.org/wp-content/uploads/2012/12/Lawsuit-claims-that-Illinois-DNR-failed-to-fully-consider-effects-of-mine-near-Starved-Rock-Chicago-Tribune_12.12.2012.pdf 24492 0 0 0 https://prairierivers.org/lawsuit-claims-that-illinois-dnr-failed-to-fully-consider-effects-of-mine-near-starved-rock_the-republiccolumbus-in_12-12-2012keep/ Sat, 01 Dec 2012 00:00:00 +0000 https://prairierivers.org/wp-content/uploads/2012/12/Lawsuit-claims-that-Illinois-DNR-failed-to-fully-consider-effects-of-mine-near-Starved-Rock_The-RepublicColumbus-IN_12.12.2012keep.pdf 24493 0 0 0 https://prairierivers.org/lawsuit-filed-over-sand-mine-near-starved-rock_chicago-tribune_12-12-2012/ Sat, 01 Dec 2012 00:00:00 +0000 https://prairierivers.org/wp-content/uploads/2012/12/Lawsuit-filed-over-sand-mine-near-Starved-Rock_Chicago-Tribune_12.12.2012.pdf 24494 0 0 0 https://prairierivers.org/mine-protest-150x101/ Sat, 01 Dec 2012 00:00:00 +0000 https://prairierivers.org/wp-content/uploads/2012/12/Mine-Protest-150x101.jpg 24495 0 0 0 https://prairierivers.org/mine-protest-300x202/ Sat, 01 Dec 2012 00:00:00 +0000 https://prairierivers.org/wp-content/uploads/2012/12/Mine-Protest-300x202.jpg 24496 0 0 0 https://prairierivers.org/mine-protest/ Sat, 01 Dec 2012 00:00:00 +0000 https://prairierivers.org/wp-content/uploads/2012/12/Mine-Protest.jpg 24497 0 0 0 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2013 00:00:00 +0000 https://prairierivers.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/TakeActionButton-150x45.jpg 24858 0 0 0 https://prairierivers.org/takeactionbutton/ Wed, 01 May 2013 00:00:00 +0000 https://prairierivers.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/TakeActionButton.jpg 24859 0 0 0 https://prairierivers.org/tazewell-rain-barrel-program-sale-brochure/ Wed, 01 May 2013 00:00:00 +0000 https://prairierivers.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/Tazewell-rain-barrel-program-sale-brochure.pdf 24860 0 0 0 https://prairierivers.org/tazewell-rain-barrel-program-sale-brochure1/ Wed, 01 May 2013 00:00:00 +0000 https://prairierivers.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/Tazewell-rain-barrel-program-sale-brochure1.pdf 24861 0 0 0 https://prairierivers.org/ucsd-policies-procedures-draft-sale-of-effluent-biosolids-or-other-by-products/ Wed, 01 May 2013 00:00:00 +0000 https://prairierivers.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/UCSD-Policies-Procedures-draft-sale-of-Effluent-Biosolids-or-other-by-products.pdf 24862 0 0 0 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https://prairierivers.org/bulldog-salt-fork-flyer-pdf/ Sat, 01 Jun 2013 00:00:00 +0000 https://prairierivers.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/Bulldog-+-Salt-Fork-Flyer-PDF.pdf 24884 0 0 0 https://prairierivers.org/champ-cty-resolution-to-protect-salt-fork/ Sat, 01 Jun 2013 00:00:00 +0000 https://prairierivers.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/Champ-Cty-Resolution-to-protect-Salt-Fork.pdf 24885 0 0 0 https://prairierivers.org/coal-expenses-surpass-profits-in-illinois-_-alton-daily-news-wbgz-radio_6-29-2013/ Sat, 01 Jun 2013 00:00:00 +0000 https://prairierivers.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/Coal-Expenses-Surpass-Profits-in-Illinois-_-Alton-Daily-News-WBGZ-Radio_6.29.2013.pdf 24886 0 0 0 https://prairierivers.org/coal-expenses-surpass-profits-in-illinois-_-alton-daily-news-wbgz-radio_6-29-20131/ Sat, 01 Jun 2013 00:00:00 +0000 https://prairierivers.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/Coal-Expenses-Surpass-Profits-in-Illinois-_-Alton-Daily-News-WBGZ-Radio_6.29.20131.pdf 24887 0 0 0 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https://prairierivers.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/Raising-a-Stink-Neighbors-of-site-where-hog-waste-sludge-dumped-express-concerns-over-health-business-odor_Rantoul-Press-News-Gazette_6.25.2013.pdf 24912 0 0 0 https://prairierivers.org/rantoul-foods-dump-truck-in-field-150x78/ Sat, 01 Jun 2013 00:00:00 +0000 https://prairierivers.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/Rantoul-Foods-dump-truck-in-field-150x78.jpg 24913 0 0 0 https://prairierivers.org/rantoul-foods-dump-truck-in-field-300x156/ Sat, 01 Jun 2013 00:00:00 +0000 https://prairierivers.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/Rantoul-Foods-dump-truck-in-field-300x156.jpg 24914 0 0 0 https://prairierivers.org/rantoul-foods-dump-truck-in-field/ Sat, 01 Jun 2013 00:00:00 +0000 https://prairierivers.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/Rantoul-Foods-dump-truck-in-field.jpg 24915 0 0 0 https://prairierivers.org/rantoul-foods-sludge-dump-site-whirlpool-112x150/ Sat, 01 Jun 2013 00:00:00 +0000 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https://prairierivers.org/uc-sanitary-district-to-negotiate-water-sale-to-cronus_news-gazette_6-20-2013/ Sat, 01 Jun 2013 00:00:00 +0000 https://prairierivers.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/UC-Sanitary-District-to-negotiate-water-sale-to-Cronus_News-Gazette_6.20.2013.pdf 24928 0 0 0 https://prairierivers.org/carp-1-150x112/ Sat, 01 Jun 2013 00:00:00 +0000 https://prairierivers.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/carp-1-150x112.jpg 24929 0 0 0 https://prairierivers.org/carp-1-300x225/ Sat, 01 Jun 2013 00:00:00 +0000 https://prairierivers.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/carp-1-300x225.jpg 24930 0 0 0 https://prairierivers.org/carp-1/ Sat, 01 Jun 2013 00:00:00 +0000 https://prairierivers.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/carp-1.jpg 24931 0 0 0 https://prairierivers.org/conservation-compliance2-150x112/ Sat, 01 Jun 2013 00:00:00 +0000 https://prairierivers.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/conservation-compliance2-150x112.jpg 24932 0 0 0 https://prairierivers.org/conservation-compliance2-300x225/ Sat, 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2015 00:00:00 +0000 https://prairierivers.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/12/Healthy-Rivers-181x124.jpg 26205 0 0 0 https://prairierivers.org/healthy-rivers-300x204/ Tue, 01 Dec 2015 00:00:00 +0000 https://prairierivers.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/12/Healthy-Rivers-300x204.jpg 26206 0 0 0 https://prairierivers.org/healthy-rivers/ Tue, 01 Dec 2015 00:00:00 +0000 https://prairierivers.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/12/Healthy-Rivers.jpg 26207 0 0 0 https://prairierivers.org/newmadrid-infographic/ Tue, 01 Dec 2015 00:00:00 +0000 https://prairierivers.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/12/NewMadrid-Infographic.pdf 26208 0 0 0 https://prairierivers.org/prn-2015-winter-newsletter/ Tue, 01 Dec 2015 00:00:00 +0000 https://prairierivers.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/12/PRN-2015-Winter-Newsletter.pdf 26209 0 0 0 https://prairierivers.org/prn-2015-winter-newsletter_page_1-115x150/ Tue, 01 Dec 2015 00:00:00 +0000 https://prairierivers.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/12/PRN-2015-Winter-Newsletter_Page_1-115x150.jpg 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https://prairierivers.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/we-grid-150x150.jpg 26670 0 0 0 https://prairierivers.org/we-grid-240x300/ Sun, 14 Aug 2016 23:58:22 +0000 https://prairierivers.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/we-grid-240x300.jpg 26671 0 0 0 https://prairierivers.org/wf-grid-240x300/ Sun, 14 Aug 2016 17:46:04 +0000 https://prairierivers.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/wf-grid-240x300.jpg 26673 0 0 0 https://prairierivers.org/about-us/attachment/interior-header-photo/ Mon, 15 Aug 2016 19:47:00 +0000 https://prairierivers.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/Interior-Header-Photo.jpg 26679 66 0 0 https://prairierivers.org/front-header-photo/ Mon, 15 Aug 2016 19:47:53 +0000 https://prairierivers.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/Front-Header-Photo.jpg It takes a network
to protect a river

---

Prairie Rivers Network is Illinois’ advocate
for clean water and healthy rivers.
 
We champion clean, healthy rivers and lakes
and safe drinking water to benefit
the people and wildlife of Illinois.]]> 26680 0 0 0 https://prairierivers.org/our-work/attachment/wetlands-header/ Mon, 15 Aug 2016 20:24:45 +0000 https://prairierivers.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/wetlands-header.jpg 26681 138 0 0 https://prairierivers.org/favicon/ Mon, 15 Aug 2016 22:27:54 +0000 https://prairierivers.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/favicon.png 26698 0 0 0 https://prairierivers.org/p1010513/ Tue, 16 Aug 2016 13:31:46 +0000 https://prairierivers.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/P1010513.jpg 26711 0 0 0 https://prairierivers.org/donate/attachment/quinn-and-simon-banner/ Tue, 16 Aug 2016 13:57:54 +0000 https://prairierivers.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/Quinn-and-Simon-Banner.jpg 26712 19097 0 0 https://prairierivers.org/quinn-and-simon-banner2/ Tue, 16 Aug 2016 13:59:53 +0000 https://prairierivers.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/Quinn-and-Simon-Banner2.jpg 26713 0 0 0 https://prairierivers.org/quinn-and-simon-banner3/ Tue, 16 Aug 2016 14:01:11 +0000 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26928 19284 0 0 https://prairierivers.org/donate/attachment/earthshare/ Fri, 19 Aug 2016 16:31:49 +0000 https://prairierivers.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/earthshare.gif 26931 19097 0 0 https://prairierivers.org/?attachment_id=26934 Fri, 19 Aug 2016 16:36:06 +0000 https://prairierivers.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/Banner-Farmsted.jpg 26934 19290 0 0 https://prairierivers.org/?attachment_id=26935 Fri, 19 Aug 2016 16:38:20 +0000 https://prairierivers.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/Banner-Farmsted2.jpg 26935 19290 0 0 https://prairierivers.org/?attachment_id=26937 Fri, 19 Aug 2016 16:51:06 +0000 https://prairierivers.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/Banner-Farmsted3.jpg 26937 19290 0 0 https://prairierivers.org/?attachment_id=26938 Fri, 19 Aug 2016 16:52:44 +0000 https://prairierivers.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/Banner-Farmsted4.jpg 26938 19290 0 0 https://prairierivers.org/?attachment_id=26941 Fri, 19 Aug 2016 17:01:21 +0000 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https://prairierivers.org/sharpsinc-pharm-mailer-073/ Fri, 19 Aug 2016 18:46:02 +0000 https://prairierivers.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/SharpsInc-Pharm-Mailer-073.jpg 26966 0 0 0 https://prairierivers.org/sharpsinc-pharm-mailer-072/ Fri, 19 Aug 2016 18:46:05 +0000 https://prairierivers.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/SharpsInc-Pharm-Mailer-072.jpg 26967 0 0 0 https://prairierivers.org/sharpsinc-pharm-mailer-071/ Fri, 19 Aug 2016 18:46:08 +0000 https://prairierivers.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/SharpsInc-Pharm-Mailer-071.jpg It takes a network
to protect a river

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Prairie Rivers Network is Illinois’ advocate
for clean water and healthy rivers.
 
We champion clean, healthy rivers and lakes
and safe drinking water to benefit
the people and wildlife of Illinois.]]> 26968 0 0 0 https://prairierivers.org/sharpsinc-pharm-mailer-069/ Fri, 19 Aug 2016 18:46:11 +0000 https://prairierivers.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/SharpsInc-Pharm-Mailer-069.jpg 26969 0 0 0 https://prairierivers.org/our-work/clean-water/attachment/a-waterfall-in-starved-rock-state-park-illinois-5/ Mon, 22 Aug 2016 13:23:10 +0000 https://prairierivers.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/PRN-Banner-starved_rock_waterfall.jpg 26985 6 0 0 https://prairierivers.org/our-work/clean-water/attachment/a-waterfall-in-starved-rock-state-park-illinois-6/ Mon, 22 Aug 2016 13:23:16 +0000 https://prairierivers.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/PRN-Banner-starved_rock_waterfall_pool.jpg 26986 6 0 0 https://prairierivers.org/prn-banner-red-bridge-in-winter/ Mon, 22 Aug 2016 14:55:35 +0000 https://prairierivers.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/PRN-banner-red-bridge-in-winter.jpg 27008 0 0 0 More info?";}}s:5:"stats";a:3:{s:13:"original_size";i:0;s:14:"optimized_size";i:0;s:7:"percent";i:0;}}]]> https://prairierivers.org/spring-wildflowers-along-bay-creek-at-bell-smith-springs-wildern/ Mon, 22 Aug 2016 14:55:38 +0000 https://prairierivers.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/PRN-Banner-stream-with-a-lot-of-flowers.jpg 27009 0 0 0 https://prairierivers.org/woodland-phlox-bloom-along-the-banks-of-the-sangamon-river-at-lincoln-trail-homestead-state-park-near-decatur-illinois/ Mon, 22 Aug 2016 14:55:41 +0000 https://prairierivers.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/PRN-Banner-River-with-wildflowers.jpg 27010 0 0 0 https://prairierivers.org/an-eastern-juniper-tree-grows-from-the-edge-of-a-cliff-at-mississippi-palisades-state-park-illinois/ Mon, 22 Aug 2016 14:55:43 +0000 https://prairierivers.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/PRN-Banner-Mississippi-River-with-Tree.jpg 27012 0 0 0 https://prairierivers.org/dreamstime_m_31219202/ Mon, 22 Aug 2016 16:27:14 +0000 https://prairierivers.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/dreamstime_m_31219202.jpg 27015 0 0 0 https://prairierivers.org/little-girl-with-a-paper-boat/ Mon, 22 Aug 2016 16:39:32 +0000 https://prairierivers.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/Girl-playing-with-boat-in-river.jpg

Happy 50th Anniversary

---

Thank you to all of our clean water advocates and wildlife
protectors who have been with us from the very beginning or
just joined today. Together we are Prairie River Network.

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https://prairierivers.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/Southern-IL-River-Experiences3.pdf 27109 0 0 0 https://prairierivers.org/central-illinois-river-experiences1-2/ Tue, 23 Aug 2016 18:18:05 +0000 https://prairierivers.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/Central-Illinois-River-Experiences1.pdf 27110 0 0 0 https://prairierivers.org/chicagoland-river-experiences6-2/ Tue, 23 Aug 2016 18:18:07 +0000 https://prairierivers.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/Chicagoland-River-Experiences6.pdf 27111 0 0 0 https://prairierivers.org/?attachment_id=27127 Wed, 24 Aug 2016 03:43:34 +0000 https://prairierivers.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/dreamstime_l_23675546.jpg 27127 19279 0 0 https://prairierivers.org/?attachment_id=27128 Wed, 24 Aug 2016 04:10:20 +0000 https://prairierivers.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/dreamstime_l_42680335.jpg 27128 19267 0 0 https://prairierivers.org/?attachment_id=27129 Wed, 24 Aug 2016 12:50:54 +0000 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27468 27465 0 0 https://prairierivers.org/water-words-chester/ Thu, 22 Sep 2016 18:19:31 +0000 https://prairierivers.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/09/Water-Words-Chester.pdf 27473 0 0 0 https://prairierivers.org/about-us/board-of-directors/attachment/eric-freyfogle-professor-of-law/ Fri, 23 Sep 2016 17:34:30 +0000 https://prairierivers.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/freyfogle_eric160831-21.jpg 27475 72 0 0 https://prairierivers.org/dinner/attachment/the-upper-bout/ Fri, 30 Sep 2016 14:47:10 +0000 https://prairierivers.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/The-Upper-Bout.png 27484 117 0 0 https://prairierivers.org/dinner/attachment/sharepower-russ-rybicki-2016/ Thu, 06 Oct 2016 14:11:35 +0000 https://prairierivers.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/SharePower-Russ-Rybicki-2016.gif 27556 117 0 0 https://prairierivers.org/get-involved/business-members/attachment/common-ground-2016/ Thu, 13 Oct 2016 15:50:58 +0000 https://prairierivers.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/Common-Ground-2016.jpg 27560 115 0 0 https://prairierivers.org/articles/2016/10/prairie-rivers-network-2016-award-winners/attachment/unnamed-3/ Tue, 18 Oct 2016 19:09:31 +0000 https://prairierivers.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/unnamed.jpg 27571 27569 0 0 https://prairierivers.org/articles/2016/10/prairie-rivers-network-2016-award-winners/attachment/unnamed-1/ Tue, 18 Oct 2016 19:10:04 +0000 https://prairierivers.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/unnamed-1.png 27572 27569 0 0 https://prairierivers.org/articles/2016/10/prairie-rivers-network-2016-award-winners/attachment/unnamed-2-2/ Tue, 18 Oct 2016 19:12:59 +0000 https://prairierivers.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/unnamed-2.png 27575 27569 0 0 https://prairierivers.org/monarchspecialtyplate_form/ Wed, 26 Oct 2016 21:06:53 +0000 https://prairierivers.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/MonarchSpecialtyPlate_form.pdf 27586 0 0 0 https://prairierivers.org/about-us/staff/attachment/staff-2016-2/ Tue, 01 Nov 2016 15:01:07 +0000 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https://prairierivers.org/about-us/jobs/attachment/prn-communications-and-outreach-coordinator-2016/ Wed, 16 Nov 2016 20:24:51 +0000 https://prairierivers.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/PRN-Communications-and-Outreach-Coordinator-2016.pdf 27655 76 0 0 https://prairierivers.org/about-us/jobs/attachment/prn-agriculture-programs-specialist-2016/ Wed, 16 Nov 2016 20:26:37 +0000 https://prairierivers.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/PRN-Agriculture-Programs-Specialist-2016.pdf 27656 76 0 0 https://prairierivers.org/uncategorized/2016/10/annual-dinner-2016-round/attachment/prn-dinner-2016/ Thu, 17 Nov 2016 15:13:32 +0000 https://prairierivers.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/PRN-2016-029.jpg 27659 27657 0 0 https://prairierivers.org/about-us/jobs/attachment/prn-water-resources-specialist-economic-diversification/ Thu, 17 Nov 2016 17:37:42 +0000 https://prairierivers.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/PRN-Water-Resources-Specialist-Economic-Diversification.pdf 27661 76 0 0 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Mon, 21 Nov 2016 23:15:29 +0000 https://prairierivers.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/Bad-news-about-Bats_Environmental-Almanac_Rob-Kanter_11.13.2016.pdf 27724 0 0 0 https://prairierivers.org/dinner/attachment/prn-annual-dinner-logo/ Tue, 22 Nov 2016 00:19:11 +0000 https://prairierivers.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/PRN-Annual-Dinner-Logo.jpg 27728 117 0 0 https://prairierivers.org/uncategorized/2016/10/annual-dinner-2016-round/attachment/prn-dinner-2016-2/ Tue, 22 Nov 2016 03:31:24 +0000 https://prairierivers.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/PRN-2016-258.jpg 27730 27657 0 0 https://prairierivers.org/uncategorized/2016/10/annual-dinner-2016-round/attachment/prn-dinner-2016-3/ Tue, 22 Nov 2016 03:31:43 +0000 https://prairierivers.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/PRN-2016-252.jpg 27731 27657 0 0 https://prairierivers.org/uncategorized/2016/10/annual-dinner-2016-round/attachment/prn-dinner-2016-4/ Tue, 22 Nov 2016 03:32:06 +0000 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Thu, 05 Jan 2017 18:09:44 +0000 https://prairierivers.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/12/prn_50seal-1.jpg 28086 27856 0 0 https://prairierivers.org/fifty/attachment/prn_50seal-3/ Thu, 05 Jan 2017 18:12:54 +0000 https://prairierivers.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/12/prn_50seal.png 28088 27856 0 0 https://prairierivers.org/fifty/attachment/50th-dinner-gala-1/ Fri, 06 Jan 2017 17:57:47 +0000 https://prairierivers.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/12/50th-dinner-gala-1.png 28105 27856 0 0 https://prairierivers.org/fifty/attachment/allerton-park/ Fri, 06 Jan 2017 18:02:57 +0000 https://prairierivers.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/12/Allerton-Park.jpg 28106 27856 0 0 https://prairierivers.org/prn_50seal_home/ Sat, 07 Jan 2017 01:18:39 +0000 https://prairierivers.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/01/prn_50seal_home.png 28110 0 0 0 https://prairierivers.org/50th_slider_photo/ Sat, 07 Jan 2017 01:21:12 +0000 https://prairierivers.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/01/50th_Slider_Photo.jpg

Happy 50th Anniversary

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Thank you to all of our clean water advocates and wildlife
protectors who have been with us from the very beginning or
just joined today. Together we are Prairie Rivers Network.

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2017 18:24:28 +0000 https://prairierivers.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/winter-newsletter-2016-front-page.jpg 28832 28827 0 0 https://prairierivers.org/articles/2017/05/runwalk-clean-water-raises-7790/attachment/run-for-clean-water-enews/ Tue, 02 May 2017 15:38:42 +0000 https://prairierivers.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/Run-for-Clean-Water-enews.jpg 28839 28838 0 0 https://prairierivers.org/articles/2017/05/runwalk-clean-water-raises-7790/attachment/karen-kane-and-daughter/ Tue, 02 May 2017 15:43:26 +0000 https://prairierivers.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/Karen-Kane-and-Daughter.jpg 28840 28838 0 0 https://prairierivers.org/articles/2017/05/runwalk-clean-water-raises-7790/attachment/2017-run-for-clean-water/ Tue, 02 May 2017 15:50:05 +0000 https://prairierivers.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/2017-Run-for-Clean-Water.jpg 28845 28838 0 0 https://prairierivers.org/fifty/attachment/allerton-flier/ Tue, 02 May 2017 20:56:25 +0000 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Oct 2017 20:48:55 +0000 https://prairierivers.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/Havana.png 29962 0 0 0 https://prairierivers.org/get-involved/business-members/attachment/finest-home-inspection/ Mon, 30 Oct 2017 19:09:06 +0000 https://prairierivers.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/Finest-Home-Inspection.jpg 29983 115 0 0 https://prairierivers.org/uncategorized/2017/10/givingtuesday-the-water/attachment/sangamon/ Tue, 31 Oct 2017 13:23:28 +0000 https://prairierivers.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/sangamon.jpg 29994 29979 0 0 https://prairierivers.org/uncategorized/2017/11/riverweb-news-november-2-2017/attachment/tufted-titmouse-with-a-beech-nut/ Thu, 02 Nov 2017 14:13:31 +0000 https://prairierivers.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/tufted-titmouse-with-a-beech-nut.jpg 29999 29997 0 0 https://prairierivers.org/?attachment_id=30013 Thu, 02 Nov 2017 19:49:23 +0000 https://prairierivers.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/Springfield_Meme_Demo.png 30013 30011 0 0 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22:17:37 +0000 https://prairierivers.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/Kids-playing-at-Jordan-Creek2-Edit.jpg 30028 30026 0 0 https://prairierivers.org/uncategorized/2017/11/givingtuesday-the-wildlife/attachment/dave-hale-river-otters-givingtuesday-cropped-e-news-size/ Tue, 07 Nov 2017 14:24:06 +0000 https://prairierivers.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/dave-hale-river-otters-GivingTuesday-cropped-e-news-size.jpg 30032 30020 0 0 https://prairierivers.org/take-action/attachment/asian-carp01_action/ Tue, 07 Nov 2017 15:25:37 +0000 https://prairierivers.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/Asian-Carp01_action.jpg 30033 19394 0 0 https://prairierivers.org/uncategorized/2017/11/reclaim-act/attachment/reclaim_amanda_rep-_davis/ Tue, 07 Nov 2017 20:22:20 +0000 https://prairierivers.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/RECLAIM_amanda_rep._davis.jpg 30035 30030 0 0 https://prairierivers.org/uncategorized/2017/11/reclaim-act/attachment/mine2/ Tue, 07 Nov 2017 20:29:15 +0000 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https://prairierivers.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/12/IMG_3683_e-news.jpg 30279 30249 0 0 https://prairierivers.org/uncategorized/2017/12/collaborative-geodesign/attachment/img_3710_e-news/ Fri, 22 Dec 2017 15:14:18 +0000 https://prairierivers.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/12/IMG_3710_e-news.jpg 30280 30249 0 0 https://prairierivers.org/uncategorized/2017/12/collaborative-geodesign/attachment/img_3722_e-news/ Fri, 22 Dec 2017 15:14:22 +0000 https://prairierivers.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/12/IMG_3722_e-news.jpg 30281 30249 0 0 https://prairierivers.org/winter-river/ Fri, 22 Dec 2017 20:44:02 +0000 https://prairierivers.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/12/winter-river.jpg 30288 0 0 0 https://prairierivers.org/great-horned-owl-mr-sand-hills/ Fri, 22 Dec 2017 20:48:13 +0000 https://prairierivers.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/12/Great-Horned-Owl-MR-Sand-Hills.png 30291 0 0 0 https://prairierivers.org/uncategorized/2018/01/epa-region-5s-new-director/attachment/lake-michigan-at-veterans-park-milwaukee-wi/ Wed, 03 Jan 2018 20:45:17 +0000 https://prairierivers.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/Frozen-Lake-Michigan-at-Veterans-Park-Milwaukee-WI-_-Flickr.jpg 30316 30315 0 0 https://prairierivers.org/short-eared-owl-rob-kanter_e-news/ Mon, 08 Jan 2018 17:01:10 +0000 https://prairierivers.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/short-eared-owl-Rob-Kanter_e-news.jpg 30324 0 0 0 https://prairierivers.org/mudpuppy-festival/ Tue, 09 Jan 2018 19:33:39 +0000 https://prairierivers.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/Mudpuppy-Festival.jpg 30331 0 0 0 https://prairierivers.org/npdes-permit-appeal-settlement-agreement-final/ Wed, 10 Jan 2018 14:07:26 +0000 https://prairierivers.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/NPDES-Permit-Appeal-Settlement-Agreement-Final.pdf 30334 0 0 0 https://prairierivers.org/uncategorized/2018/01/farm-bill-2018-will-wont/attachment/farm_bill/ Tue, 16 Jan 2018 14:39:38 +0000 https://prairierivers.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/farm_bill.jpg 30340 30339 0 0 https://prairierivers.org/uncategorized/2018/01/farm-bill-2018-will-wont/attachment/buxton-seeding-18/ Tue, 16 Jan 2018 14:45:55 +0000 https://prairierivers.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/Buxton-Seeding-18.jpg 30344 30339 0 0 https://prairierivers.org/uncategorized/2018/01/farm-bill-2018-will-wont/attachment/buxton-seeding-18_e-news/ Tue, 16 Jan 2018 15:15:26 +0000 https://prairierivers.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/Buxton-Seeding-18_e-news.jpg 30348 30339 0 0 https://prairierivers.org/uncategorized/2018/01/sowing-seeds-pollinator-habitat/attachment/buxton-seeding-1/ Tue, 16 Jan 2018 15:53:06 +0000 https://prairierivers.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/Buxton-Seeding-1.jpg 30350 30349 0 0 https://prairierivers.org/uncategorized/2018/01/sowing-seeds-pollinator-habitat/attachment/buxton-seeding-34/ Tue, 16 Jan 2018 15:54:18 +0000 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https://prairierivers.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/MOU-City-of-Joliet-PRN-SC-Signed.pdf 30366 0 0 0 https://prairierivers.org/donate/attachment/prn-membership-form-2018/ Thu, 18 Jan 2018 14:18:07 +0000 https://prairierivers.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/PRN-Membership-Form-2018.pdf 30377 19097 0 0 https://prairierivers.org/donate/attachment/prn-donation-automatic-debit-form-2018/ Thu, 18 Jan 2018 14:28:07 +0000 https://prairierivers.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/PRN-Donation-Automatic-Debit-Form-2018.pdf 30380 19097 0 0 https://prairierivers.org/about-us/attachment/prairie-rivers-network-federal-990-2016-smaller/ Thu, 18 Jan 2018 15:05:08 +0000 https://prairierivers.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/Prairie-Rivers-Network-Federal-990-2016-smaller.pdf 30386 66 0 0 https://prairierivers.org/about-us/attachment/prairie-rivers-network-audit-2016/ Thu, 18 Jan 2018 15:05:33 +0000 https://prairierivers.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/Prairie-Rivers-Network-Audit-2016.pdf 30387 66 0 0 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30410 30403 0 0 https://prairierivers.org/neap-hydrogeologic-study-2003/ Thu, 18 Jan 2018 17:40:56 +0000 https://prairierivers.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/NEAP-Hydrogeologic-Study-2003.pdf 30416 0 0 0 https://prairierivers.org/dynegy-vermilion-middle-fork/attachment/middlefork_gabionloss/ Thu, 18 Jan 2018 20:27:15 +0000 https://prairierivers.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/MiddleFork_GabionLoss.bmp 30422 30403 0 0 https://prairierivers.org/dynegy-vermilion-middle-fork/attachment/color_2017_11_07-dynegy-vermilion-riverbank-stabilization-rept/ Thu, 18 Jan 2018 22:17:19 +0000 https://prairierivers.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/Color_2017_11_07-Dynegy-Vermilion-Riverbank-Stabilization-Rept.pdf 30438 30403 0 0 https://prairierivers.org/dynegy-vermilion-middle-fork/attachment/dynegy-vermilion-1-2/ Thu, 18 Jan 2018 22:29:31 +0000 https://prairierivers.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/Dynegy-Vermilion-1.jpg 30440 30403 0 0 https://prairierivers.org/dynegy-vermilion-middle-fork/attachment/middleforkoverview/ Fri, 19 Jan 2018 16:23:00 +0000 https://prairierivers.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/MiddleForkOverview.png 30443 30403 0 0 More info?";}}s:5:"stats";a:3:{s:13:"original_size";i:0;s:14:"optimized_size";i:0;s:7:"percent";i:0;}}]]> https://prairierivers.org/dynegy-vermilion-middle-fork/attachment/2017_12_01-closure-cost-option-report/ Fri, 19 Jan 2018 19:42:25 +0000 https://prairierivers.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/2017_12_01-Closure-Cost-Option-Report.pdf 30458 30403 0 0 https://prairierivers.org/dynegy-vermilion-middle-fork/attachment/dyengy-vermilion-groundwater-violation-timeline/ Fri, 19 Jan 2018 20:20:33 +0000 https://prairierivers.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/dyengy-vermilion-groundwater-violation-timeline.png 30461 30403 0 0 https://prairierivers.org/dynegy-vermilion-middle-fork/attachment/dsc_0177/ Wed, 24 Jan 2018 18:26:53 +0000 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Thu, 15 Feb 2018 20:28:34 +0000 https://prairierivers.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/O0I1248_credit.jpg 30561 30555 0 0 https://prairierivers.org/get-involved/day-at-the-fork/attachment/day-at-the-fork-banner/ Thu, 15 Feb 2018 20:33:33 +0000 https://prairierivers.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/day-at-the-fork-banner.jpg 30566 30555 0 0 https://prairierivers.org/get-involved/day-at-the-fork/attachment/day-at-the-fork-banner23/ Thu, 15 Feb 2018 20:35:46 +0000 https://prairierivers.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/day-at-the-fork-banner23.jpg 30567 30555 0 0 https://prairierivers.org/dynegy-vermilion-middle-fork/attachment/middlefork-bald-eagle-2/ Thu, 15 Feb 2018 22:28:29 +0000 https://prairierivers.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/Middlefork-Bald-Eagle.jpg 30572 30403 0 0 https://prairierivers.org/dynegy-vermilion-middle-fork/attachment/yellowboy-along-mfvr-at-vgs-aug-2014/ Thu, 15 Feb 2018 23:07:28 +0000 https://prairierivers.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/yellowboy-along-MFVR-at-VGS-Aug-2014.jpeg 30574 30403 0 0 https://prairierivers.org/get-involved/day-at-the-fork/attachment/kickapoo_adventures_map/ Tue, 20 Feb 2018 14:54:09 +0000 https://prairierivers.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/kickapoo_adventures_map.png 30582 30555 0 0 https://prairierivers.org/uncategorized/2018/02/illinois-climate-action-table/attachment/illinois-climate-action-table-e-news/ Wed, 21 Feb 2018 21:39:56 +0000 https://prairierivers.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/Illinois-Climate-Action-Table-e-news.jpg 30586 30584 0 0 https://prairierivers.org/dynegy-vermilion-middle-fork/attachment/2018_01-iepa-asks-dynegy-for-more-information-about-closure-options/ Mon, 26 Feb 2018 21:42:01 +0000 https://prairierivers.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/2018_01-IEPA-asks-Dynegy-for-more-information-about-closure-options.pdf 30596 30403 0 0 https://prairierivers.org/take-action/attachment/chris-clark-for-ap/ Tue, 27 Feb 2018 19:06:36 +0000 https://prairierivers.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/Chris-Clark-for-AP.jpg 30602 19394 0 0 https://prairierivers.org/take-action/attachment/chris-clark-for-ap-website/ Tue, 27 Feb 2018 19:11:36 +0000 https://prairierivers.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/Chris-Clark-for-AP-website.jpg 30605 19394 0 0 https://prairierivers.org/uncategorized/2020/04/spring-2020-newsletter/attachment/sangamon-river-picture/ Wed, 28 Feb 2018 21:18:41 +0000 https://prairierivers.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/Sangamon-River-Picture.jpg 30610 33636 0 0 https://prairierivers.org/rob-kanter-frog/ Wed, 28 Feb 2018 21:21:51 +0000 https://prairierivers.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/Rob-Kanter-frog.png 30613 0 0 0 https://prairierivers.org/uncategorized/2018/12/proposed-rollback-means-less-safe-water-for-illinois/attachment/sangamon-river-web/ Wed, 28 Feb 2018 21:47:35 +0000 https://prairierivers.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/Sangamon-River-web.jpg 30618 31907 0 0 https://prairierivers.org/challenges-to-sustainability-in-central-il_first-prez-urbana-series-2018/ Wed, 07 Mar 2018 22:41:00 +0000 https://prairierivers.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/Challenges-to-Sustainability-in-Central-IL_First-Prez-Urbana-Series-2018.pdf 30622 0 0 0 https://prairierivers.org/uncategorized/2018/05/day-at-the-fork/attachment/day-at-the-fork-e-news/ Wed, 14 Mar 2018 18:34:09 +0000 https://prairierivers.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/day-at-the-fork-e-news.jpg 30628 30626 0 0 https://prairierivers.org/take-action/attachment/coal_seam_at_coal_mine_e-news/ Wed, 14 Mar 2018 19:36:58 +0000 https://prairierivers.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/Coal_Seam_at_Coal_Mine_e-news.jpg 30637 19394 0 0 https://prairierivers.org/take-action/attachment/coal_seam_at_coal_mine_facebook/ Wed, 14 Mar 2018 19:40:38 +0000 https://prairierivers.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/Coal_Seam_at_Coal_Mine_facebook.jpg 30639 19394 0 0 https://prairierivers.org/take-action/attachment/coal_seam_at_coal_mine_facebook-2/ Wed, 14 Mar 2018 19:40:44 +0000 https://prairierivers.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/Coal_Seam_at_Coal_Mine_facebook-1.jpg 30640 19394 0 0 https://prairierivers.org/uncategorized/2018/03/riverweb-news-march-22-2018/attachment/dynegy-vermilion-e-news/ Thu, 22 Mar 2018 17:48:26 +0000 https://prairierivers.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/Dynegy-Vermilion-e-news.jpg 30663 30662 0 0 https://prairierivers.org/iec-newsletter-vol-3-no-6-april-29/ Sat, 24 Mar 2018 17:13:35 +0000 https://prairierivers.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/IEC-Newsletter-Vol.-3-No.-6-April-29.pdf 30680 0 0 0 https://prairierivers.org/get-involved/business-members/attachment/techline-logo/ Tue, 27 Mar 2018 19:33:20 +0000 https://prairierivers.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/Techline-Logo.jpg 30681 115 0 0 https://prairierivers.org/uncategorized/2018/03/one-third-of-american-wildlife-at-increased-risk-of-extinction/attachment/nwf-2/ Thu, 29 Mar 2018 19:31:11 +0000 https://prairierivers.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/nwf.png 30688 30687 0 0 https://prairierivers.org/uncategorized/2018/03/one-third-of-american-wildlife-at-increased-risk-of-extinction/attachment/nwflogoheader2x/ Thu, 29 Mar 2018 19:36:09 +0000 https://prairierivers.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/NWFLogoHeader2x.jpg 30692 30687 0 0 https://prairierivers.org/uncategorized/2018/04/levee-failure-on-idnr-land-raises-questions-about-dynegys-coal-ash-on-the-banks-of-the-middle-fork/attachment/dynegy-18-3-8-16/ Tue, 03 Apr 2018 18:10:23 +0000 https://prairierivers.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/dynegy-18.3.8-16.jpg 30746 30744 0 0 https://prairierivers.org/uncategorized/2018/04/levee-failure-on-idnr-land-raises-questions-about-dynegys-coal-ash-on-the-banks-of-the-middle-fork/attachment/2018-04-03/ Tue, 03 Apr 2018 18:12:09 +0000 https://prairierivers.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/2018-04-03.jpg 30747 30744 0 0 https://prairierivers.org/uncategorized/2018/04/levee-failure-on-idnr-land-raises-questions-about-dynegys-coal-ash-on-the-banks-of-the-middle-fork/attachment/map-2/ Tue, 03 Apr 2018 18:24:48 +0000 https://prairierivers.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/map.jpg 30748 30744 0 0 https://prairierivers.org/middleforkriversmall/ Wed, 04 Apr 2018 16:49:14 +0000 https://prairierivers.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/MiddleForkRiverSmall.jpg 30762 0 0 0 https://prairierivers.org/uncategorized/2018/04/riverweb-news-april-5-2018/attachment/iec-e-news/ Thu, 05 Apr 2018 18:16:03 +0000 https://prairierivers.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/IEC-e-news.jpg 30783 30782 0 0 https://prairierivers.org/uncategorized/2018/04/middle-fork-of-the-vermilion-river-among-americas-most-endangered-rivers-of-2018/attachment/prnmiddlefork1/ Mon, 09 Apr 2018 17:05:06 +0000 https://prairierivers.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/PRNMiddleFork1.jpg 30788 30787 0 0 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2018 17:48:35 +0000 https://prairierivers.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/20180412_113824.jpg 31577 31575 0 0 https://prairierivers.org/uncategorized/2018/09/dynegy-proposes-burying-an-eroding-river-bank-in-rock/attachment/rip-rap-screened-fill-5_preview-1/ Mon, 10 Sep 2018 17:55:39 +0000 https://prairierivers.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/Rip-Rap-Screened-Fill-5_preview-1.jpg 31581 31575 0 0 https://prairierivers.org/uncategorized/2018/09/dynegy-proposes-burying-an-eroding-river-bank-in-rock/attachment/prn_bankstabilizationcommentletter2018_usace/ Mon, 10 Sep 2018 18:23:52 +0000 https://prairierivers.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/PRN_BankStabilizationCommentLetter2018_USACE.pdf 31586 31575 0 0 https://prairierivers.org/uncategorized/2018/09/dynegy-proposes-burying-an-eroding-river-bank-in-rock/attachment/coverpage/ Mon, 10 Sep 2018 18:27:17 +0000 https://prairierivers.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/CoverPage.png 31588 31575 0 0 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https://prairierivers.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/Monarchs-Kanter.jpg 34300 19097 0 0 https://prairierivers.org/?attachment_id=34304 Mon, 23 Nov 2020 21:52:33 +0000 https://prairierivers.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/Lake-Michigan-Chicago-Frank-McNamara-Flickr-facebook.jpg 34304 34303 0 0 https://prairierivers.org/uncategorized/2020/11/shock-to-the-food-system-new-episode-of-the-podcast/attachment/molly4/ Wed, 02 Dec 2020 17:10:35 +0000 https://prairierivers.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/molly4.png 34315 34285 0 0 https://prairierivers.org/uncategorized/2020/12/riverweb-news-november-12-2020/attachment/rally-smaller/ Thu, 03 Dec 2020 20:04:28 +0000 https://prairierivers.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/rally-smaller.jpg 34333 34332 0 0 https://prairierivers.org/uncategorized/2020/12/riverweb-news-october-30-2020/attachment/2020-virtual-lobby-day-image/ Thu, 03 Dec 2020 20:07:55 +0000 https://prairierivers.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/2020-Virtual-Lobby-Day-image.jpg 34336 34335 0 0 https://prairierivers.org/uncategorized/2020/12/riverweb-news-october-8-2020/attachment/img_8200-e-news/ Thu, 03 Dec 2020 20:11:36 +0000 https://prairierivers.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/IMG_8200-e-news.jpg 34339 34338 0 0 https://prairierivers.org/riverhealth/attachment/corn-and-ditch/ Wed, 09 Dec 2020 20:37:44 +0000 https://prairierivers.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/corn-and-ditch.png 34362 34357 0 0 https://prairierivers.org/riverhealth/attachment/lock_and_dam_closeup_starved_rock/ Wed, 09 Dec 2020 20:48:00 +0000 https://prairierivers.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/lock_and_dam_closeup_starved_rock.jpg 34363 34357 0 0 https://prairierivers.org/riverhealth/attachment/farm-runoff_8680854243_427a438fed/ Wed, 09 Dec 2020 21:02:11 +0000 https://prairierivers.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/Farm.Runoff_8680854243_427a438fed.jpg 34364 34357 0 0 https://prairierivers.org/riverhealth/attachment/carp-jumping-original/ Wed, 09 Dec 2020 21:05:11 +0000 https://prairierivers.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/carp-jumping-original.jpg 34365 34357 0 0 https://prairierivers.org/uncategorized/2020/12/fall-winter-2020-newsletter/attachment/shutterstock_1510781447/ Mon, 14 Dec 2020 17:28:58 +0000 https://prairierivers.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/shutterstock_1510781447.jpg 34376 34375 0 0 https://prairierivers.org/2020-winter-newsletter-and-letter/ Mon, 14 Dec 2020 17:32:26 +0000 https://prairierivers.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/2020-Winter-Newsletter-and-Letter.pdf 34377 0 0 0 https://prairierivers.org/champaign-piatt-ford-counties-cs-flier-nexamp/ Fri, 18 Dec 2020 19:38:09 +0000 https://prairierivers.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/Champaign-Piatt-Ford-Counties-CS-flier-Nexamp.pdf 34381 0 0 0 https://prairierivers.org/uncategorized/2020/12/protect-water-a-year-of-accomplishments/attachment/shutterstock_79897795/ Mon, 21 Dec 2020 15:04:53 +0000 https://prairierivers.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/shutterstock_79897795.jpg 34386 34385 0 0 https://prairierivers.org/uncategorized/2020/12/to-care-for-land-is-to-care-for-water/attachment/post-oak-41/ Mon, 21 Dec 2020 15:25:45 +0000 https://prairierivers.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/post-oak-41.jpg 34393 34391 0 0 https://prairierivers.org/uncategorized/2020/12/to-care-for-land-is-to-care-for-water/attachment/monarchs-kanter-2/ Mon, 21 Dec 2020 15:31:43 +0000 https://prairierivers.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/Monarchs-Kanter.jpg 34396 34391 0 0 https://prairierivers.org/uncategorized/2020/12/you-took-action-to-achieve-so-much/attachment/lobby-day-in-springfield/ Mon, 21 Dec 2020 15:43:41 +0000 https://prairierivers.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/lobby-day-in-springfield.jpg 34400 34398 0 0 https://prairierivers.org/uncategorized/2020/12/you-took-action-to-achieve-so-much/attachment/virtual-lobby-day/ Mon, 21 Dec 2020 15:44:34 +0000 https://prairierivers.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/virtual-lobby-day.jpg 34401 34398 0 0 https://prairierivers.org/run/attachment/criss-cross/ Wed, 23 Dec 2020 16:39:15 +0000 https://prairierivers.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/criss-cross.png 34418 119 0 0 https://prairierivers.org/about-us/attachment/form-990-1/ Tue, 12 Jan 2021 17:38:07 +0000 https://prairierivers.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/Form-990-1.pdf 34430 66 0 0 https://prairierivers.org/about-us/attachment/audit-report-8/ Tue, 12 Jan 2021 17:39:15 +0000 https://prairierivers.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/Audit-Report-8.pdf 34431 66 0 0 https://prairierivers.org/?attachment_id=34435 Tue, 12 Jan 2021 19:10:07 +0000 https://prairierivers.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/Clean-Jobs-Now-Photo.png 34435 34434 0 0 https://prairierivers.org/2020-annual-report-final/ Tue, 26 Jan 2021 19:45:18 +0000 https://prairierivers.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/2020-Annual-Report-final.pdf 37169 0 0 0 https://prairierivers.org/uncategorized/2021/01/2020-annual-report/attachment/zoom-photo-remove-background-no-lines/ Tue, 26 Jan 2021 19:51:49 +0000 https://prairierivers.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/zoom-photo-remove-background-no-lines.png 37171 37170 0 0 https://prairierivers.org/uncategorized/2021/01/2020-annual-report/attachment/zoom-photo-remove-background-no-lines-facebook/ Tue, 26 Jan 2021 19:57:06 +0000 https://prairierivers.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/zoom-photo-remove-background-no-lines-facebook.png 37172 37170 0 0 https://prairierivers.org/uncategorized/2021/01/2020-annual-report/attachment/2020-annual-report-header/ Tue, 26 Jan 2021 20:01:26 +0000 https://prairierivers.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/2020-annual-report-header.jpg 37174 37170 0 0 https://prairierivers.org/champaign-ford-piatt-counties-cs-flyer-nexamp-hyperlink-espanol/ Wed, 27 Jan 2021 19:29:00 +0000 https://prairierivers.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/Champaign-Ford-Piatt-Counties-CS-flyer-Nexamp-hyperlink-Espanol.pdf 37364 0 0 0 https://prairierivers.org/go-solar-save-money-spanish/ Fri, 29 Jan 2021 17:24:10 +0000 https://prairierivers.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/Go-Solar-Save-Money-Spanish.pdf 37883 0 0 0 https://prairierivers.org/go-solar-save-money/ Fri, 29 Jan 2021 17:24:17 +0000 https://prairierivers.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/Go-Solar-Save-Money.pdf 37884 0 0 0 https://prairierivers.org/?attachment_id=39024 Tue, 09 Feb 2021 19:37:48 +0000 https://prairierivers.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/ceja_panels.jpg 39024 39022 0 0 https://prairierivers.org/uncategorized/2021/02/states-coal-ash-proposal-a-good-start/attachment/dji_0007-facebook-small/ Thu, 11 Feb 2021 16:08:05 +0000 https://prairierivers.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/DJI_0007-facebook-small.jpg 39031 39028 0 0 https://prairierivers.org/uncategorized/2021/02/upper-mississippi-river-states-lose-millions/attachment/landscape-view-of-the-curving-mississippi-river-small/ Mon, 22 Feb 2021 19:29:48 +0000 https://prairierivers.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/landscape-view-of-the-curving-mississippi-river-small.jpg 39049 39045 0 0 https://prairierivers.org/uncategorized/2020/12/riverweb-news-december-3-2020/attachment/riverweb-news-banner-century-gothic-2/ Thu, 25 Feb 2021 19:44:25 +0000 https://prairierivers.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/RiverWeb-News-banner-Century-Gothic.jpg 39062 34330 0 0 https://prairierivers.org/uncategorized/2021/01/prairie-rivers-network-news-january-14-2021/attachment/unnamed-9/ Thu, 25 Feb 2021 19:48:29 +0000 https://prairierivers.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/unnamed.jpg 39063 39057 0 0 https://prairierivers.org/uncategorized/2021/01/prairie-rivers-network-news-january-29-2021/attachment/unnamed-1-4/ Thu, 25 Feb 2021 19:52:47 +0000 https://prairierivers.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/unnamed-1.jpg 39065 39058 0 0 https://prairierivers.org/uncategorized/2021/03/is-this-solar-offer-too-good-to-be-true/attachment/img_0871a/ Fri, 05 Mar 2021 14:48:51 +0000 https://prairierivers.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/IMG_0871a.jpg 39087 39085 0 0 https://prairierivers.org/uncategorized/2021/03/is-this-solar-offer-too-good-to-be-true/attachment/img_0871-facebook/ Fri, 05 Mar 2021 14:54:10 +0000 https://prairierivers.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/IMG_0871-facebook.jpg 39090 39085 0 0 https://prairierivers.org/what-is-a-witness-slip/attachment/slip2/ Wed, 10 Mar 2021 20:33:33 +0000 https://prairierivers.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/Slip2.png 39102 39099 0 0 https://prairierivers.org/what-is-a-witness-slip/attachment/video-small/ Wed, 10 Mar 2021 20:53:59 +0000 https://prairierivers.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/video-small.jpg 39106 39099 0 0 https://prairierivers.org/what-is-a-witness-slip/attachment/capture2/ Thu, 11 Mar 2021 15:36:42 +0000 https://prairierivers.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/Capture2.jpg 39107 39099 0 0 https://prairierivers.org/what-is-a-witness-slip/attachment/slip1-4/ Thu, 11 Mar 2021 16:50:07 +0000 https://prairierivers.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/slip1-3.png 39116 39099 0 0 https://prairierivers.org/2021-spring-newsletter-final-small/ Wed, 07 Apr 2021 20:24:25 +0000 https://prairierivers.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/2021-Spring-Newsletter-final-small.pdf 39130 0 0 0 https://prairierivers.org/front-page/2021/04/spring-2021-newsletter/attachment/sandhill-crane/ Wed, 07 Apr 2021 20:29:00 +0000 https://prairierivers.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/APA_2012_24630_191541_RollandSwain_Sandhill_Crane_KK.jpg 39132 39131 0 0 https://prairierivers.org/uncategorized/2021/03/prairie-rivers-network-news-march-9-2021/attachment/nexamp-e-news-small/ Thu, 08 Apr 2021 14:32:55 +0000 https://prairierivers.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/nexamp-e-news-small.jpg 39138 39137 0 0 https://prairierivers.org/tolonolibrary-planetseverywhere/ Mon, 12 Apr 2021 20:28:15 +0000 https://prairierivers.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/TolonoLibrary-PlanetsEverywhere.jpg 39150 0 0 0 https://prairierivers.org/uncategorized/2021/04/earth-day-2021/attachment/climate-strike-on-the-quad/ Fri, 16 Apr 2021 19:39:15 +0000 https://prairierivers.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/Climate-Strike-on-the-Quad.jpg 39176 39171 0 0 https://prairierivers.org/uncategorized/2021/04/earth-day-2021/attachment/t-shirt234/ Fri, 16 Apr 2021 19:40:09 +0000 https://prairierivers.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/t-shirt234.jpg 39177 39171 0 0 https://prairierivers.org/calendar/19586/ Tue, 09 Aug 2016 15:10:20 +0000 https://prairierivers.org/?post_type=calendar&p=19586 [title] [when] [location]

[description]

[link newwindow="yes"]See more details[/link]]]> 19586 0 0 0 https://prairierivers.org/?fa_gallery=prn-sc-happy-hour Tue, 20 Jun 2017 20:21:29 +0000 https://prairierivers.org/?post_type=fa_gallery&p=29277 29277 0 0 0 https://prairierivers.org/?fa_gallery=50th-anniversary-dinner-gala-slideshow Tue, 10 Oct 2017 15:46:49 +0000 https://prairierivers.org/?post_type=fa_gallery&p=29778 29778 0 0 0 https://prairierivers.org/?fa_gallery=50th-anniversary-dinner-gala-photos Wed, 18 Oct 2017 18:32:26 +0000 https://prairierivers.org/?post_type=fa_gallery&p=29852 29852 0 0 0 https://prairierivers.org/?post_type=ml-slide&p=30290 Fri, 22 Dec 2017 20:45:57 +0000 https://prairierivers.org/?post_type=ml-slide&p=30290

Confronting Climate Change

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Join us in the fight to confront the sources and impacts of climate change in Illinois. Become a member today!

]]> 30290 0 0 0 https://prairierivers.org/?post_type=ml-slide&p=30619 Wed, 28 Feb 2018 21:47:44 +0000 https://prairierivers.org/?post_type=ml-slide&p=30619

Confronting Climate Change

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Join us in the fight to confront the sources and impacts of climate change in Illinois. Become a member today!

]]> 30619 0 0 0 https://prairierivers.org/?post_type=ml-slide&p=31016 Fri, 01 Jun 2018 18:57:00 +0000 https://prairierivers.org/?post_type=ml-slide&p=31016

Confronting Climate Change

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Join us in the fight to confront the sources and impacts of climate change in Illinois. Become a member today!

]]> 31016 0 0 0 https://prairierivers.org/?fa_gallery=2018-annual-dinner Wed, 07 Nov 2018 14:45:40 +0000 https://prairierivers.org/?post_type=fa_gallery&p=31775 31775 0 0 0 https://prairierivers.org/?post_type=fa_gallery&p=32679 https://prairierivers.org/?post_type=fa_gallery&p=32679 32679 0 0 0 https://prairierivers.org/?fa_gallery=2019-annual-dinner Tue, 29 Oct 2019 17:00:34 +0000 https://prairierivers.org/?post_type=fa_gallery&p=33055 33055 0 0 0 https://prairierivers.org/run/attachment/png-pace-and-pedal-perimeter-logo_final_color/ Tue, 27 Apr 2021 18:45:51 +0000 https://prairierivers.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/png-Pace-and-Pedal-Perimeter-Logo_FINAL_Color.png 39261 119 0 0 https://prairierivers.org/resources/attachment/rain-garden/ Mon, 03 May 2021 17:00:23 +0000 https://prairierivers.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/rain-garden.jpg 39304 89 0 0 https://prairierivers.org/resources/attachment/wildlife-habitat/ Mon, 03 May 2021 17:00:59 +0000 https://prairierivers.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/wildlife-habitat.jpg 39305 89 0 0 https://prairierivers.org/blue-boutique-logo-3/ Mon, 03 May 2021 20:39:29 +0000 https://prairierivers.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/blue-boutique-logo.jpg 39336 0 0 0 https://prairierivers.org/kickapoo-adventures-2/ Mon, 03 May 2021 20:39:51 +0000 https://prairierivers.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/Kickapoo-Adventures.png 39337 0 0 0 https://prairierivers.org/?attachment_id=39345 Thu, 06 May 2021 15:10:24 +0000 https://prairierivers.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/SandyBalesNanEhrlichMay1989.jpg 39345 39344 0 0 https://prairierivers.org/?attachment_id=39346 Thu, 06 May 2021 15:12:07 +0000 https://prairierivers.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/CanoeNanEhrlichSandyBales.jpg 39346 39344 0 0 https://prairierivers.org/action-items/2021/05/tell-your-state-senator-to-oppose-bill-hb3404-sb2393/attachment/construction-of-the-gas-pipeline/ Wed, 12 May 2021 14:49:50 +0000 https://prairierivers.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/Photo-credit-NPCA-Online-cropped.jpg 39351 39350 0 0 https://prairierivers.org/uncategorized/2021/05/prairie-rivers-network-news-april-8-2021/attachment/img_2183/ Mon, 17 May 2021 15:54:49 +0000 https://prairierivers.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/IMG_2183.jpg 39356 39355 0 0 https://prairierivers.org/uncategorized/2021/05/prairie-rivers-network-news-april-22-2021/attachment/newsletter-3/ Mon, 17 May 2021 15:59:04 +0000 https://prairierivers.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/newsletter.jpg 39359 39358 0 0 https://prairierivers.org/uncategorized/2016/07/62/ Tue, 05 Jul 2016 18:10:03 +0000 https://prairierivers.org/?p=62 62 0 1 0 https://prairierivers.org/uncategorized/2016/07/63/ Tue, 05 Jul 2016 18:10:03 +0000 https://prairierivers.org/?p=63 63 0 4 0 https://prairierivers.org/uncategorized/2016/07/64/ Tue, 05 Jul 2016 18:10:03 +0000 https://prairierivers.org/?p=64 64 0 2 0 https://prairierivers.org/uncategorized/2016/07/65/ Tue, 05 Jul 2016 18:10:03 +0000 https://prairierivers.org/?p=65 65 0 3 0 https://prairierivers.org/uncategorized/2016/07/82/ Tue, 05 Jul 2016 18:13:07 +0000 https://prairierivers.org/?p=82 82 66 7 0 https://prairierivers.org/?post_type=ml-slider&p=19207 Fri, 22 Jul 2016 20:10:28 +0000 https://prairierivers.org/?post_type=ml-slider&p=19207 19207 0 0 0 ";s:6:"slices";i:15;s:6:"center";s:4:"true";s:9:"smartCrop";s:8:"disabled";s:12:"carouselMode";s:5:"false";s:14:"carouselMargin";s:1:"5";s:6:"easing";s:6:"linear";s:8:"autoPlay";s:5:"false";s:11:"thumb_width";s:3:"150";s:12:"thumb_height";s:3:"100";s:9:"fullWidth";s:4:"true";s:10:"noConflict";s:5:"false";s:12:"smoothHeight";s:5:"false";s:13:"layer_scaling";s:11:"up_and_down";}]]> https://prairierivers.org/?post_type=ml-slider&p=28339 Thu, 23 Feb 2017 18:55:44 +0000 https://prairierivers.org/?post_type=ml-slider&p=28339 28339 0 0 0 ";s:6:"slices";i:15;s:6:"center";s:4:"true";s:9:"smartCrop";s:8:"disabled";s:12:"carouselMode";s:5:"false";s:14:"carouselMargin";s:1:"5";s:6:"easing";s:6:"linear";s:8:"autoPlay";s:5:"false";s:11:"thumb_width";s:3:"150";s:12:"thumb_height";s:3:"100";s:9:"fullWidth";s:4:"true";s:10:"noConflict";s:5:"false";s:12:"smoothHeight";s:5:"false";s:13:"layer_scaling";s:11:"up_and_down";}]]> https://prairierivers.org/?post_type=ml-slider&p=30289 Fri, 22 Dec 2017 20:45:30 +0000 https://prairierivers.org/?post_type=ml-slider&p=30289 30289 0 0 0 ";s:6:"slices";i:15;s:6:"center";s:4:"true";s:9:"smartCrop";s:8:"disabled";s:12:"carouselMode";s:5:"false";s:14:"carouselMargin";s:1:"5";s:6:"easing";s:6:"linear";s:8:"autoPlay";s:5:"false";s:11:"thumb_width";s:3:"150";s:12:"thumb_height";s:3:"100";s:9:"fullWidth";s:4:"true";s:10:"noConflict";s:5:"false";s:12:"smoothHeight";s:5:"false";s:13:"layer_scaling";s:11:"up_and_down";s:16:"firstSlideFadeIn";s:5:"false";s:17:"responsive_thumbs";s:5:"false";}]]> https://prairierivers.org/?post_type=ml-slider&p=30609 Wed, 28 Feb 2018 21:06:50 +0000 https://prairierivers.org/?post_type=ml-slider&p=30609 30609 0 0 0 ";s:6:"slices";i:15;s:6:"center";s:4:"true";s:9:"smartCrop";s:8:"disabled";s:12:"carouselMode";s:5:"false";s:14:"carouselMargin";s:1:"5";s:6:"easing";s:6:"linear";s:8:"autoPlay";s:5:"false";s:11:"thumb_width";s:3:"150";s:12:"thumb_height";s:3:"100";s:9:"fullWidth";s:4:"true";s:10:"noConflict";s:5:"false";s:12:"smoothHeight";s:5:"false";s:13:"layer_scaling";s:11:"up_and_down";s:16:"firstSlideFadeIn";s:5:"false";s:17:"responsive_thumbs";s:5:"false";}]]> https://prairierivers.org/?post_type=ml-slide&p=30611 Wed, 28 Feb 2018 21:19:27 +0000 https://prairierivers.org/?post_type=ml-slide&p=30611 30611 0 0 0 https://prairierivers.org/?post_type=ml-slide&p=30612 Wed, 28 Feb 2018 21:20:39 +0000 https://prairierivers.org/?post_type=ml-slide&p=30612

Illinois Can't Wait

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Rivers and streams, people and communities, water and wildlife, and the soil of our land should all be protected for generations to come. Because Illinois can’t wait.

]]> 30612 0 0 0 https://prairierivers.org/?post_type=ml-slider&p=31004 Fri, 01 Jun 2018 17:15:36 +0000 https://prairierivers.org/?post_type=ml-slider&p=31004 31004 0 0 0 ";s:6:"slices";i:15;s:6:"center";s:4:"true";s:9:"smartCrop";s:8:"disabled";s:12:"carouselMode";s:5:"false";s:14:"carouselMargin";s:1:"5";s:6:"easing";s:6:"linear";s:8:"autoPlay";s:5:"false";s:11:"thumb_width";s:3:"150";s:12:"thumb_height";s:3:"100";s:9:"fullWidth";s:4:"true";s:10:"noConflict";s:5:"false";s:12:"smoothHeight";s:5:"false";s:13:"layer_scaling";s:11:"up_and_down";s:16:"firstSlideFadeIn";s:5:"false";s:17:"responsive_thumbs";s:5:"false";}]]> https://prairierivers.org/?post_type=ml-slide&p=31005 Fri, 01 Jun 2018 17:18:14 +0000 https://prairierivers.org/?post_type=ml-slide&p=31005

Illinois Can't Wait

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Rivers and streams, people and communities, water and wildlife, and the soil of our land should all be protected for generations to come. Because Illinois can’t wait.

]]> 31005 0 0 0 https://prairierivers.org/?post_type=ml-slide&p=31012 Fri, 01 Jun 2018 18:41:54 +0000 https://prairierivers.org/?post_type=ml-slide&p=31012 31012 0 1 0 https://prairierivers.org/?post_type=ml-slide&p=31014 Fri, 01 Jun 2018 18:44:22 +0000 https://prairierivers.org/?post_type=ml-slide&p=31014

Illinois Can't Wait

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Rivers and streams, people and communities, water and wildlife, and the soil of our land should all be protected for generations to come. Because Illinois can’t wait.

]]> 31014 0 0 0 https://prairierivers.org/?post_type=ml-slider&p=31639 Fri, 21 Sep 2018 14:46:32 +0000 https://prairierivers.org/?post_type=ml-slider&p=31639 31639 0 0 0 ";s:6:"slices";i:15;s:6:"center";s:4:"true";s:9:"smartCrop";s:8:"disabled";s:12:"carouselMode";s:5:"false";s:14:"carouselMargin";s:1:"5";s:6:"easing";s:6:"linear";s:8:"autoPlay";s:5:"false";s:11:"thumb_width";s:3:"150";s:12:"thumb_height";s:3:"100";s:9:"fullWidth";s:4:"true";s:10:"noConflict";s:5:"false";s:12:"smoothHeight";s:5:"false";s:13:"layer_scaling";s:11:"up_and_down";s:16:"firstSlideFadeIn";s:5:"false";}]]> https://prairierivers.org/?post_type=ml-slider&p=31640 Fri, 21 Sep 2018 14:46:41 +0000 https://prairierivers.org/?post_type=ml-slider&p=31640 31640 0 0 0 ";s:6:"slices";i:15;s:6:"center";s:4:"true";s:9:"smartCrop";s:8:"disabled";s:12:"carouselMode";s:5:"false";s:14:"carouselMargin";s:1:"5";s:6:"easing";s:6:"linear";s:8:"autoPlay";s:5:"false";s:11:"thumb_width";s:3:"150";s:12:"thumb_height";s:3:"100";s:9:"fullWidth";s:4:"true";s:10:"noConflict";s:5:"false";s:12:"smoothHeight";s:5:"false";s:13:"layer_scaling";s:11:"up_and_down";s:16:"firstSlideFadeIn";s:5:"false";s:17:"responsive_thumbs";s:5:"false";}]]> https://prairierivers.org/?post_type=ml-slider&p=31641 Fri, 21 Sep 2018 14:47:17 +0000 https://prairierivers.org/?post_type=ml-slider&p=31641 31641 0 0 0 ";s:6:"slices";i:15;s:6:"center";s:4:"true";s:9:"smartCrop";s:8:"disabled";s:12:"carouselMode";s:5:"false";s:14:"carouselMargin";s:1:"5";s:6:"easing";s:6:"linear";s:8:"autoPlay";s:5:"false";s:11:"thumb_width";s:3:"150";s:12:"thumb_height";s:3:"100";s:9:"fullWidth";s:4:"true";s:10:"noConflict";s:5:"false";s:12:"smoothHeight";s:5:"false";s:13:"layer_scaling";s:11:"up_and_down";s:16:"firstSlideFadeIn";s:5:"false";}]]> https://prairierivers.org/?post_type=ml-slide&p=31644 Fri, 21 Sep 2018 15:09:48 +0000 https://prairierivers.org/?post_type=ml-slide&p=31644

Illinois Can't Wait

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Rivers and streams, people and communities, water and wildlife, and the soil of our land should all be protected for generations to come. Because Illinois can’t wait.

]]> 31644 0 0 0 https://prairierivers.org/?post_type=ml-slide&p=31652 Fri, 21 Sep 2018 16:06:52 +0000 https://prairierivers.org/?post_type=ml-slide&p=31652

Confronting Climate Change

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Join us in the fight to confront the sources and impacts of climate change in Illinois. Become a member today!

]]> 31652 0 0 0 https://prairierivers.org/uncategorized/2016/07/83/ Tue, 05 Jul 2016 18:13:07 +0000 https://prairierivers.org/?p=83 83 66 6 0 https://prairierivers.org/uncategorized/2016/07/84/ Tue, 05 Jul 2016 18:13:07 +0000 https://prairierivers.org/?p=84 84 66 5 0 https://prairierivers.org/uncategorized/2016/07/85/ Tue, 05 Jul 2016 18:13:07 +0000 https://prairierivers.org/?p=85 85 66 4 0 https://prairierivers.org/uncategorized/2016/07/86/ Tue, 05 Jul 2016 18:13:07 +0000 https://prairierivers.org/?p=86 86 66 3 0 https://prairierivers.org/uncategorized/2016/07/87/ Tue, 05 Jul 2016 18:13:07 +0000 https://prairierivers.org/?p=87 87 66 2 0 https://prairierivers.org/uncategorized/2016/07/88/ Tue, 05 Jul 2016 18:13:07 +0000 https://prairierivers.org/?p=88 88 66 1 0 https://prairierivers.org/uncategorized/2016/07/19398/ Wed, 27 Jul 2016 21:44:42 +0000 https://prairierivers.org/?p=19398 19398 0 1 0 https://prairierivers.org/uncategorized/2016/07/19399/ Wed, 27 Jul 2016 21:44:42 +0000 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Tue, 09 Aug 2016 21:22:41 +0000 https://prairierivers.org/?p=19607 19607 66 8 0 https://prairierivers.org/uncategorized/2021/05/become-a-member/ Tue, 16 Aug 2016 20:18:56 +0000 https://prairierivers.org/?p=26782 26782 0 23 0 https://prairierivers.org/uncategorized/2021/05/tree-monitoring/ Mon, 30 Jul 2018 14:42:09 +0000 https://prairierivers.org/?p=31311 31311 0 17 0 https://prairierivers.org/uncategorized/2021/05/32777/ Tue, 06 Aug 2019 16:37:20 +0000 https://prairierivers.org/?p=32777 32777 0 21 0 https://prairierivers.org/uncategorized/2021/05/plant-a-rain-garden/ Mon, 03 May 2021 17:17:29 +0000 https://prairierivers.org/?p=39311 39311 0 18 0 https://prairierivers.org/uncategorized/2021/05/certified-wildlife-habitat/ Mon, 03 May 2021 17:17:29 +0000 https://prairierivers.org/?p=39312 39312 127 19 0 https://prairierivers.org/uncategorized/2021/05/103/ Tue, 05 Jul 2016 18:16:05 +0000 https://prairierivers.org/?p=103 103 89 2 0 https://prairierivers.org/uncategorized/2021/05/105/ Tue, 05 Jul 2016 18:16:05 +0000 https://prairierivers.org/?p=105 105 89 6 0 https://prairierivers.org/uncategorized/2021/05/107/ Tue, 05 Jul 2016 18:16:05 +0000 https://prairierivers.org/?p=107 107 89 1 0 https://prairierivers.org/?page_id=19718 Fri, 12 Aug 2016 22:24:51 +0000 https://prairierivers.org/?page_id=19718 All of us live in a watershed and have an impact on the rivers, streams and other water resources within its boundaries.

What is a Watershed?

[caption id="attachment_7197" align="alignleft" width="300"] Click to enlarge. Source: nature-education.org[/caption]

A watershed is an area of land which drains to a common waterway, such as a river or river system. Natural features such as hills, ridges or other elevated land areas form a watershed’s boundaries.

Watersheds cover both small and large areas of land. Your own neighborhood may be a watershed or part of a watershed (“subwatershed”). When it rains some water is absorbed into natural surfaces covered by grass, trees and gardens. Rain that falls on “hard” (impermeable) surfaces like your street, your next-door neighbor’s roof or a nearby parking lot flows downhill into the nearest stormdrain or stream. This water (or “runoff”) collected by these smaller streams eventually flows into larger streams. Illinois contains 24 major watersheds. The state of Illinois, except for the Lake Michigan watershed, is also part of the Mississippi River Basin, the fourth largest watershed in the world (the Lake Michigan watershed is part of the Great Lakes Basin).

What is “watershed planning” and why is it important?

[caption id="attachment_7204" align="alignleft" width="150"] Source: Sue Smith[/caption] Within a watershed there will likely be a variety of water resources, including rivers, wetlands, and lakes. Humans and wildlife depend on these resources for drinking water, habitat, food, recreation and other needs. While we need clean water, human activities within a watershed often impact both water quality and quantity. Chemicals, sediments, changes in water temperature resulting from manufacturing, mining, crop and livestock production, and hydropower plants are only some of the pollutants that threaten our water resources. Increased residential and commercial development, often accompanied by new roads, adds more impermeable surfaces; the runoff from these surfaces collects leaking auto fluids, excess fertilizers and pet wastes, before flowing (untreated) into a stormdrain or stream. During periods of drought or low rainfall, decreased quantities of water in rivers and lakes mean increased concentrations of pollutants. For fish and wildlife, higher pollution levels threaten their health and ability to reproduce and survive. The cost to treat this more polluted water for drinking will be higher, and there may also be increased threats to human health. [caption id="attachment_7201" align="alignright" width="288"] Prairie Rivers Network helps residents reduce flooding and stormwater pollution with rain gardens[/caption] Many communities in Illinois are responding to local water quality issues by developing watershed plans. Watershed plans typically address non-point source pollution (stormwater runoff) because that is a major source of water pollution. Watershed planning makes sense because it looks at the entire system of water resources within a watershed. The process attempts to understand not only the relationships among the waters within the watershed, but also the sources and types of water pollution impacting those waters. Information collected at a watershed level provides the opportunity to design targeted, more effective projects for reducing water pollution. The process of watershed planning brings together a variety of people interested in finding solutions to local water quality problems. These stakeholders work collaboratively to collect information, analyze data, share ideas for solutions, seek funding and develop a plan for projects that will achieve a particular goal (i.e. improving water quality by better stormwater management, reducing flood damage by wetland restoration, or protecting water quantity using conservation measures). Watersheds are unique in size, physical and social characteristics and water quality issues. While watershed planning is an incremental, flexible process, there are some basic steps common to most watershed planning efforts:

• Build partnerships
• Characterize the watershed
• Finalize goals and identify solutions
• Design an implementation program
• Implement the watershed plan
• Measure progress and make adjustments

(From U.S. EPA’s Handbook For Developing Watershed Plans to Restore and Protect Our Waters, p. 2-6) Using watershed planning to improve water quality provides a multitude of benefits, some of which go beyond cleaner water. It increases local awareness of the need to protect water resources and provides an opportunity for community participation regarding the future of a critical resource shared by all. Watershed plan projects can add to citizens’ quality of life by providing or improving wildlife habitat, reducing localized flooding, and protecting water supplies for the future. Specific project activities, such as using native plant landscaping and protecting natural areas for stormwater management , improve the aesthetics of a town and may increase the value of residential properties.

PRN’s Capacity Building Program for Watershed Groups

While a growing number of communities and watershed groups in Illinois are interested in watershed planning to address local water quality problems, many do not have the knowledge or skills to successfully undertake and complete the watershed planning process. With funding from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency, Prairie Rivers Network and the Illinois Lake Management Association (ILMA) developed a series of workshops designed to build the capacity of state watershed groups to create and implement effective watershed plans. Held from February 2009 to March 2011, these workshops provided information and skills on many aspects of watershed planning, including building partnerships, collecting watershed data, hiring technical experts and securing funding. For more information on the workshops, click here. While we are not conducting watershed planning workshops at this time, PRN will continue to add information and resources to our website’s Assistance for Watershed Groups section. We invite you to explore this section, as well as let us know of groups and/or resources that we should add to our site.]]> 19718 97 0 0 https://prairierivers.org/?page_id=19749 Fri, 12 Aug 2016 23:29:33 +0000 https://prairierivers.org/?page_id=19749 Factsheets Upper Mississippi River Asian Carp Factory Farms Coal Ash Coal Mining Wildlife Habitat

Guidebooks, Toolkits, Manuals

Our 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.   Prairie Rivers Network and the Illinois Chapter of the Sierra Club present their Practicing Antidegradation in Illinois Guidebook, a practical guide to implementing antidegradation at sewage treatment plants. Antidegradation is a law designed to limit the amount of new pollution released into our waterways. The guidebook presents a brief overview of the law and then describes various methods for controlling pollution.   Antidegradation Alternatives for Municipal Sewage Treatment is a technical report that compiles operational, cost, design, and performance data for various sewage treatment technologies including both conventional and state-of-the-art methods. The report was designed to assist advocates in determining the pollutant reduction capabilities of the various treatment methods and the economic feasibility of implementing these methods.      A Citizen’s Guide to Illinois’ Agricultural Drainage Practices and Law” for individuals who want to learn more about the practices, policies, and law regarding agricultural drainage in Illinois and who want to ensure that providing adequate drainage is not done at the expense of clean water and healthy river habitat.      Rain Garden Brochure Rain gardens provide environmental benefits by improving water quality and promoting water conservation. A rain garden is a shallow, vegetated landscaping feature that captures excess rainwater and puts it to work. As the rain garden bed is slightly below the level of the yard, the garden acts as a shallow dish that holds the water for a short time so that it can instead soak into the garden soil. Well-designed rain gardens absorb 30% more water than turf lawns and will drain completely within a few days after an average storm.   Download our Toolkit for Watershed Groups to help run/organize your local river group. There are many reasons to organize or get involved in a river group. Some citizens organize to protect their stream from an imminent threat-a dam, dredging, or clear-cutting of trees along its corridor. Others organize because they perceive a future threat to their stream or the creatures that depend on it. Many get involved just because they want to contribute to their community and to the quality of life of future generations.     Prairie Rivers Network and our partners in the Nicollet Island Coalition released the Big Price – Little Benefit  report condemning proposed expansion of 7 of the 29 locks that aid navigation along the Upper Mississippi and Illinois Rivers. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers got Congressional authorization in 2007 to double the size of the locks, at a potential cost to taxpayers of $2.2 billion. Our report shows that the modest benefits the project aims to achieve can be achieved much more cheaply through other means. View our press release here.    The Permitting an End to Pollution handbook, produced by Prairie Rivers Network, River Network, and Clean Water Network, offers much more detail on effective participation in the water pollution control permit (NPDES) program. NPDES (National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System) permits are required of almost anyone who would like to dump pollution into any water in the country. There are likely several such “dischargers” in your watershed, who must get an NPDES permit and must renew that permit at least every five years. Download the full text here, or select chapters below:

Introduction Chapter 1 Chapter 2 Part 1, Chapter 2 Part 2 Chapter 3 Chapter 4 Appendices Costs for Analytical Procedures

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PRN Membership Form  ]]> 19749 91 0 0 https://prairierivers.org/?page_id=19755 Sat, 13 Aug 2016 00:01:23 +0000 https://prairierivers.org/?page_id=19755 How watersheds and rivers are related 

A watershed is an area of land which drains to a common waterway, such as a river or river system. Natural features such as hills, ridges or other elevated land areas form a watershed’s boundaries. Watersheds cover both small and large areas of land.

Your own neighborhood is part of a watershed. When it rains some water is absorbed into natural surfaces covered by grass, trees and gardens. Rain that falls on “hard” (impermeable) surfaces like your street, your next-door neighbor’s roof or a nearby parking lot flows downhill into the nearest stormdrain or stream. This water (or “runoff”) collected by these smaller streams eventually flows into larger streams.

Not all precipitation will complete this journey and empty into the outlet point. Some water seeps deep into the soil and becomes part of the groundwater supply, water that is held underground in soil or rock. Groundwater is stored in aquifers, underground bodies of rock that move water through the porous -or empty- spaces in the rocky material. The larger and better connected these pores are, the quicker the water is able to travel. Aquifers supply almost all water for human use and they can become depleted due to excessive pumping for many uses.

The state of Illinois, except for the Lake Michigan watershed, is also part of the Mississippi River Basin, the fourth largest watershed in the world (the Lake Michigan watershed is part of the Great Lakes Basin). Illinois contains 24 major watersheds.

Prairie Rivers Network focuses on strengthening the large-scale water protections that will preserve the quality and quantity of our water now and for future generations. Read on to see how we do that, and how we need your help.

Links

Watershed groups   |  Locate your watershed   |  Environmental Protection Agency’s Adopt Your Watershed program   |   Environmental Protection Agency’s training module

     

]]> 19755 91 0 0 https://prairierivers.org/?page_id=19757 Sat, 13 Aug 2016 00:02:45 +0000 https://prairierivers.org/?page_id=19757 72% of drinking water in Illinois comes from surface water such as rivers, lakes, and reservoirs. However, many Illinois residents also depend on ground water sources such as aquifers (e.g. Mahomet Aquifer which serves much of east central Illinois) or private wells. While we have access to some of the cleanest drinking water supplies in the world, each location and type of water source has its own threats to clean water. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency is the federal agency responsible for protecting our nation’s water resources, and through the years the United States has developed a set of laws that states use to protect overall water quality from the many uses that could potentially degrade water supplies for everyone. You can learn more about your local drinking water resources and how they are regulated by visiting the U.S. EPA’s website for drinking water. Links:

• EPA's Safe Water Query Form for IL
• Check the annual drinking water quality reports for IL
• How Safe is Bottled Water? The Natural Resources Defense Council answers all your questions about bottled water.
• Drinking Water Basics  : everything you need to know about where your drinking water comes from and how it is treated can be found in this public handbook from the National Academies’ Water Information Center.

   ]]> 19757 91 0 0 https://prairierivers.org/?page_id=19759 Sat, 13 Aug 2016 00:04:16 +0000 https://prairierivers.org/?page_id=19759 By thy rivers gently flowing, Illinois, Illinois, O'er thy prairies verdant growing, Illinois, Illinois, Comes an echo on the breeze. Rustling through the leafy trees, and its mellow tones are these, Illinois, Illinois, And its mellow tones are these, Illinois.

- from"Illinois," the official state song

120,000 miles of rivers and streams flow through Illinois. Prairie Rivers Network protects and restores our waterways for the benefit of people, present and future, and to sustain the larger community of life.

Get to know your rivers!

Big Muddy River Cache River Des Plaines River Embarras River Fox River Galena River Green River Illinois River Kankakee River Kaskaskia River La Moine River Little Wabash River Mackinaw River Macoupin River Middle Fork of the Vermilion River Mississippi River Ohio River Pecatonia River Saline River Sangamon River Skillet Fork River Spoon River Vermilion River Wabash River

Download our regional recreation guides

Chicagoland	Northwest Illinois	Central Illinois	East Central Illinois	Southern Illinois

            ]]> 19759 91 0 0 https://prairierivers.org/?page_id=19761 Sat, 13 Aug 2016 00:05:55 +0000 https://prairierivers.org/?page_id=19761 Quick Facts About Illinois's 1.6 million acres of surface waters:

• Over 91,150 lakes and ponds, 120,00 miles of rivers and streams
• Illinois' portion of Lake Michigan 976,640 acres
• About 203 different species of fish occur in Illinois waters.
• The Illinois fishing industry supports nearly 13,000 jobs and those workers earned $398 million in salaries and wages. (DNR)
• 76% of Illinois' public water supplies come from surface waters, including rivers

About water use:

• The average North American uses 400 liters of water every day
• It takes 1,799 gallons of water to create a pound of beef. (The Water Footprint Network) If a steer weighing 1,000 pounds yields 450 pounds of boneless beef, that means it needs a total of 809,550 gallons of water.

About water and watershed degradation:

• More than 50% of all wetlands in the contiguous United States have been drained or filled since the time of European settlement. (IEPA)
• Ohio, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa and Missouri have drained more than 85% of their original wetlands. (IEPA)
•  Agriculture Runoff is the single largest source of water pollution in the nation’s rivers and streams( according to the EPA)
• U.S. Coal fired power plants generate over 130 million tons of toxic coal ash annually and yet there are no specific regulations governing its disposal. (Earth Justice)
• An estimated 19.5 million Americans fall ill each year from waterborne parasites, viruses, or bacteria, including those stemming from human and animal waste (study in scientific journal Reviews of Environmental Contamination and Toxicology)
• Children living near unlined coal ash ponds face a 1 in 50 chance of cancer from arsenic contaminated drinking water-a risk 2000 times above EPA’s standards
• U.S. Coal fired power plants generate over 130 million tons of toxic coal ash annually and yet there are no specific regulations governing its disposal. (Earth Justice)

]]> 19761 91 0 0 https://prairierivers.org/?page_id=19763 Sat, 13 Aug 2016 00:07:49 +0000 https://prairierivers.org/?page_id=19763 Water Pollution Where does water pollution come from? Literally thousands of pollutants find their way into Illinois rivers. Sources of pollution are divided into the broad categories of “point source” and “non-point source.”

Learn more about water pollution...

Agriculture Pollution

Agricultural runoff is the leading cause of water pollution in Illinois and a big contributor to the Gulf of Mexico Dead Zone.

Learn more about agriculture runnoff...

Streamside habitat alteration, such as channelization and maintenance work performed by drainage districts, is the third leading cause of Clean Water Act impairments in Illinois, meaning that these streams do not meet water quality or aquatic life goals.

Learn more about agriculture drainage issues...

Coal Pollution

Coal expansion in Illinois threatens human health and water quality at every stage of coal production, including extraction, burning, and disposal.

Learn more about coal pollution...

Dams

Dams on Illinois rivers alter wildlife habitat by flooding the stream corridor above the dam and changing the natural seasonal fluctuations in water level below. These alterations have a negative effect on the wildlife dependent on the streambed for survival and certainly effect species downstream as well.Not only do dams alter the ecosystem, but they are also extremely dangerous.

Learn more about dams...

Ethanol

For years, ethanol has been touted as a “cleaner fuel alternative” with little discussion regarding growing environmental concerns related to increased acreage production, questionable comparable fuel efficiency, production impacts to air and water and a major change in infrastructure.

Learn more on how Ethanol...

Factory Farms

Waste from factory farms can cause problems for people, wildlife, and our water resources. Approximately 25,000 livestock operations exist in Illinois, some with over 10,000 animals on just a few acres.

Learn more about factory farms...

Invasive species - Asian Carp

Invasive species invade our rivers and cause milions of dollars in damage and threaten the ability of our families to enjoy our rivers. Asian carp are voracious plankton feeders that can quickly dominate aquatic ecosystems by gobbling up the same food that sustains native fish populations.

Learn more about Asian Carp...

Pesticides & Herbicides

Many pesticides and herbicides can become pervasive in the environment. When applied to the large scale farm, to your lawn, or to a backyard rosebush, pesticides and herbicides inevitably make it to water bodies via runoff from rain, sprinklers, or irrigation systems, then through storm drains or agricultural drainage tiles into the nearest stream.

Learn more about pesticides and herbicides...

Pharmaceuticals

Most people do not realize that their medicine chests, bathrooms and kitchen sinks are the starting point for water contaminants entering our rivers and streams. The culprits? Pharmaceutical and personal care products.

 Learn more about Pharmaceuticals...

Septic Systems

Surface discharging septic systems have not been regulated by IEPA, contrary to requirements of the Clean Water Act.

Learn more about septic systems...

Stormwater Runoff

Have you ever wondered what happens to stormwater that disappears down a street drain? In some communities, the drain goes to a sewage treatment plant where pollutants are removed. However, in many of Illinois’ communities, the street drain goes directly to nearby streams and lakes without any filtration of the water. Subsequently, our waterways become filled with pollution and lose their economic and ecological value.

Learn more about stormwater runoff...

Wetland Destruction

Filling wetlands or streams to convert them to housing developments or a few extra acres of agricultural land causes an obvious loss of important habitat for birds, fish, and other wildlife. Section 404 of the Clean Water Act requires that such destruction be minimized and mitigated, and as with many programs of the Act, your participation and vigilance is critical to its success.

Learn more about wetland destruction...

Climate Change

The largest of these threats and the culmination of other factors is the effect climate change may have on our rivers.    ]]> 19763 91 0 0 https://prairierivers.org/?page_id=19765 Sat, 13 Aug 2016 00:11:51 +0000 https://prairierivers.org/?page_id=19765 Become A Member A Your membership gives us the clout to speak up for clean water. Regular donations allow us to plan ahead for long campaigns, and to respond to emerging threats as they occur. Volunteer Prairie Rivers Network has a long list of great projects and ideas in need of someone energetic to bring them to fruition. We have rain gardens to build, streams to clean up, and public awareness campaigns to execute. We have a need that fits your interests and abilities! Come to an Event Connect with the waters we protect, and connect with the people that protect them. Bring a Prairie Rivers Network event to your community! Contact info at prairierivers.org  

Sign up for RiverWeb Receive our monthly e-newsletters and action alerts. Facebook Find us on Facebook to keep abreast of the latest developments.  

Be River Smart What you can do for clean water in and around your home and your rivers. Participate in a River Clean-Up Better yet, organize your own. Here is a toolkit for organizing a clean up in your community. Plant a Rain Garden Prevent flooding, clean storm water and create a beautiful landscape feature in your yard. Properly Dispose of Household Hazardous Waste Dispose of unwanted household chemicals in a way that doesn't pollute the water. Assess and Explore Your Watershed Are you serious about making a difference in your watershed? There are several resources for making an impact where you live.  

Stencil Storm Drains Recent studies in Wisconsin and Washington show that over 75% of people who had seen the stenciled drains knew where their water went, compared to about a third of those who had not seen a stenciled drain. This is a great event you can plan for a group that will make a big impact. Know the Decision Makers Who Impact Our Rivers And be ready to write them a letter. We periodically send out Action Alerts through RiverWeb and Facebook when we need you to contact decision makers. Write a Letter to the Editor We need more messengers! If you have learned something from Prairie Rivers Network, participated in an event, or you have special knowledge about one of our program areas, please consider writing a letter to the editor to let others know. Join/Start a Local River Organization Imagine a day when every Illinois river has its own group of citizens empowered to advocate on its behalf. Now, bring that vision to life. Enforce the Clean Water Act This IS what we do. Join us!  

Monitor Your Local Stream Illinois has several locally-based volunteer stream monitoring groups. Find one near you and collect the data needed to support preservation, protection, and restoration. Monitor Construction Sites Construction is going on all around us. With a little training, you can learn to spot construction sites that are polluting local waters...and report them. Protect Your Streams from Dredging and Filling Keep your eyes and ears open for the destruction of wetland or stream habitats without a permit...and report it. Report Water Pollution Citizen reports do lead to action. Here is an example. We can't just rely on the Environmental Protection Agency; we need to have a culture of environmental protection.  

Leave a Legacy  to the future of Illinois rivers by making a gift to our Prairie Rivers Network Endowment or adding Prairie Rivers Network to your planned giving or you can also donate stocks, bond, annuities and items of value. For more information, please contact the Executive Director, Carol Hays, at (217) 344-2371 x 201 or chays [at] prairierivers.org. Join the Bruce Hannon Friends of Illinois Rivers Society. Make a one-time donation.]]> 19765 91 0 0 https://prairierivers.org/?page_id=19767 Sat, 13 Aug 2016 00:18:02 +0000 https://prairierivers.org/?page_id=19767

Source: americanrivers.org. Click to enlarge.

]]> 19767 91 0 0 https://prairierivers.org/?page_id=26929 Fri, 19 Aug 2016 16:36:01 +0000 https://prairierivers.org/?page_id=26929 Follow us on Facebook and Twitter  

]]> 26929 91 0 0 https://prairierivers.org/?page_id=28753 Mon, 24 Apr 2017 18:07:43 +0000 https://prairierivers.org/?page_id=28753 28753 0 0 0 https://prairierivers.org/?page_id=29883 https://prairierivers.org/?page_id=29883

October 6, 2017

  Join us on October 6, 2017 as Prairie Rivers Network celebrates our 50th Anniversary with friends and members old and new! For those who have been attending our Annual Fundraising Dinner year after year, we are mixing things up for our 50th Anniversary Dinner Gala with a celebration dinner, dancing, and desserts. If you haven’t been to an Annual Dinner yet, you won’t want to miss it, so save the date and get ready to celebrate! Where: I Hotel and Conference Center, 1900 S. First Street, Champaign, IL 61820

A block of rooms have been reserved at the hotel if you plan to celebrate late into the night or are joining us from out of town.

When: Friday, October 6, 2017

• Reception – 6:00 pm – Special Board of Directors' sponsored silent auction during the cocktail hour
• Dinner – 7:30 pm – Protecting our Land, Water, and Wildlife: A 50th Anniversary Celebration of Stewardship
• Gala – 8:45 pm – Desserts, Dancing with the Live Juke Box Show, and Visiting with Friends

Price: $50 per person or $400 for a table of 10 RSVP: Dinner registration is required by Wednesday, September 27th

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER FOR THE DINNER

Menu:

1. Herb Crusted Wild Alaskan Coho Salmon, Mascarpone Organic Polenta Torta, Student Sustainable Farms Seasonal Vegetable, Saffron Buerre Blanc
2. CIPP Breast of Chicken, Shallot Crust, Mascarpone Organic Polenta Torta, Student Sustainable Farms Seasonal Vegetable, Roasted Garlic Jus
3. Eggplant Involtini, Herb Scented Quinoa, Student Sustainable Farms Seasonal Vegetable, Curried Tomato Emulsion

Dress: Festive Attire to Dressy Casual. Really it doesn't matter to us, from Birkenstocks to your dancing shoes, just put on a smile and come to have fun. 50th Anniversary Celebration: Join us as we ride the wave of past victories, celebrate conservation heroes, enjoy delicious desserts, and dance the night away with friends old and new!  Rob Kanter, PRN Board Member and the “Environmental Almanac” columnist and public radio commentator, will share our stories of conservation stewardship and the many environmental and river heroes we have worked with these past 50 years. Help us celebrate the power of PRN’s dedicated members and partners! Send us Your Picture: As a member of PRN, you are a big part of our 50th Anniversary Celebration. We are hoping you will send us some photos of you on the river, hiking, fishing, or just enjoying nature. A recent photo is great; but because we are celebrating 50 years, if you have an old-school photo you would like to share that would be even better. You can email them to info@prairierivers.or or stop by the office and we can scan them for you. [caption id="attachment_29086" align="aligncenter" width="500"] Click to enlarge.[/caption]

View Pictures from previous Annual Dinners

Prairie Rivers Network thanks all for our business sponsors for their donations and helping to make our community a better place to live.

Platinum $5,000+

  [one_half][/one_half] [one_half_last][/one_half_last] [one_half][/one_half] [one_half_last][/one_half_last]  

Gold $1,000+

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Silver $500

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Erich Adickes Photography

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Bronze $250

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Additional Business Sponsors

 

Arthur J. Gallagher & Co.

C-U Folk and Roots Festival

Chris Main Photography

International Galleries

Krannert Center for the Performing Arts

LabEscape

Prairie Fruits Farm

Todd's Wine at Art Mart

Victorian House

Webber & Thies, P.C. Lawyers

 

Would you like to sponsor Prairie Rivers Network?

Prairie Rivers Network invites you to support clean water and healthy rivers by becoming a business member of Prairie Rivers Network. Business sponsors can be recognized at our Annual Dinner, Wild & Scenic Film Festival, and Illinois Marathon - Run/Walk for Clean Water - charity running team. For more information, please view our Business Sponsor Form, or contact Vickie Nudelman at 217.344.2371 or vnudelman [at] prairierivers.org.

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]]> 27836 0 0 0 https://prairierivers.org/?page_id=28854 https://prairierivers.org/?page_id=28854 Join our 2018 Run/Walk for Clean Water at the Illinois Marathon!

5K | 10K | Half | Full | Relay | Youth Run April 26-28, 2018

Walk or Run. It's easy. It's fun. It's important.

The money your raise will:

• Save wetlands and wildlife by reconnecting rivers to their natural floodplains. Wetlands provide critical wildlife corridors that will be essential to wildlife if they are to survive and adapt to a changing climate.
• Keep toxic coal ash out of our water  by advocating for the strongest coal ash rules possible and demanding polluters clean up and remove coal ash dumps near our rivers.
• Help farmers be better stewards of the land by advancing sustainable farming practices to reduce one of the biggest contributors to water pollution - runoff from agriculture fields.

What is our Run/Walk for Clean Water fundraiser?

Our 2018 Run/Walk for Clean Water is a fundraiser for Prairie Rivers Network associated with the Illinois Marathon. You walk or run in one of the races at the Illinois Marathon and ask for donations from family and friends to sponsor your charity walk/run. It is that easy. You can walk the 5K or 10K or run the 1/2 marathon or full marathon.

But I don't like to ask for money, isn't that hard to do?

It's easy! At the 2017 Illinois Marathon, our top individual fundraiser, Karen, was proud to wear her Run for Clean Water shirt while she walked the 5K with her daughter sporting our I heart Clean Water shirt. The year before, a group of kids from Urbana who loved Monarch butterflies and wanted to help expand the dwindling habitat of pollinators like Monarchs, raised over $1,000 for their Miles for Monarch 5K run. And we have the Earth Care team from the FPCU that have been participating for years. Look at all the people who have participated in this fundraiser and helped raise over $35,000 for clean water, healthy rivers, and wildlife: [one_third][/one_third] [one_third][/one_third] [one_third_last][/one_third_last] [one_third][/one_third] [one_third][/one_third] [one_third_last][/one_third_last] [one_third][/one_third] [one_third][/one_third] [one_third_last][/one_third_last] Prairie Rivers Network is a registered 501 (c) (3) in Illinois. Donations are tax deductible and 100% of donations received go towards our clean water programs in Illinois NOT to overhead for the race.

Benefits of walking/running for Prairie Rivers Network

• Discounted race registration fee when you first sign up to be a fundraiser for Prairie Rivers Network
• Membership in Prairie Rivers Network
• Team t-shirt when you raise at least $100
• Raise $250 or more and receive a complimentary ticket to our Annual Dinner
• Prize awarded to biggest fundraiser
• Making a difference by supporting a great cause: clean water

Fundraise for PRN

  Click here to make a donation right now!

- or -

  Join the fundraising team - the running/walking is the hard part, fundraising is easy:

1. Click here to FUNDRAISE FOR THIS CAMPAIGN and create your fundraising page.

2. E-mail your family, friends, and co-workers to support you and clean water!

3. If you have already registered for your Illinois Marathon race, you are all done. If not, request a discount code from Vickie (vnudelman [at] prairierivers.org) and then register.

4. Train for your race.

5. Pat yourself on your back. You did something good for yourself and to protect our most important natural resources - WATER!

FAQ

What if I don't want to fundraise? No problem. You can just make a donation. Is it hard to fundraise? No! Start out by asking for small donations from your family, friends, and co-workers. Ask your workplace to sponsor you or match donations raised. Post on your facebook page, be creative. You can do it! Don't worry about asking for money, people like to support someone they know and support a good cause. All you have to do is ask. What is the fundraising minimum? The goal is for every runner to raise at least $250, but it is not required. What happens if I do not reach the $250 goal? Nothing. You are not required to raise that amount. We hope you are motivated to help us protect Illinois rivers for today and for the future. What happens with the money I raise? When someone donates through your fundraising page, 100% of their tax deductible donation received goes directly to Prairie Rivers Network, a registered 501 (c) 3 non-profit with a 50+ year history of protecting our environment. Will donors get overrun with email and solicitations? No. Members of Prairie Rivers Network will receive:

• 1 or 2 emails per month containing our e-newsletter and important action alerts;
• 3 print newsletters per year;
• invitations to special events; and
• 1 or 2 letters per year saying how great they are for protecting our rivers and streams.

Can I still get a discount if I already registered for the Illinois Marathon? No. I have a question about running and/or training - Call or email Prairie Rivers Network's experienced marathoner Elliot Brinkman 217-344-2371 x202 or ebrinkman [at] prairierivers.org. I have questions about registration and/or fundraising page - Call or email Vickie Nudelman 217-344-2371 x200 or vnudelman [at] prairierivers.org Prairie Rivers Network thanks all for our business sponsors for their donations and helping to make our community a better place to live.

Platinum $5,000+

  [one_half][/one_half] [one_half_last][/one_half_last] [one_half][/one_half] [one_half_last][/one_half_last] [one_half][/one_half] [one_half_last][/one_half_last]  

Gold $1,000+

  [one_half][/one_half] [one_half_last][/one_half_last] [one_half][/one_half] [one_half_last][/one_half_last] [one_half][/one_half] [one_half_last][/one_half_last] [one_half][/one_half] [one_half_last][/one_half_last] [one_half] [/one_half] [one_half_last][/one_half_last]  

Silver $500

  [one_half][/one_half] [one_half_last]

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Erich Adickes Photography

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Bronze $250

  [one_half][/one_half] [one_half_last][/one_half_last] [one_half][/one_half] [one_half_last][/one_half_last] [one_half][/one_half] [one_half_last][/one_half_last]

Additional Business Sponsors

 

Arthur J. Gallagher & Co.

C-U Folk and Roots Festival

Chris Main Photography

International Galleries

Krannert Center for the Performing Arts

LabEscape

Prairie Fruits Farm

Todd's Wine at Art Mart

Victorian House

Webber & Thies, P.C. Lawyers

 

Would you like to sponsor Prairie Rivers Network?

Prairie Rivers Network invites you to support clean water, healthy rivers, and abundant wildlife by becoming a business member of Prairie Rivers Network. Business sponsors can be recognized at our Annual Dinner, Wild & Scenic Film Festival, PRN Day at the Fork, and Illinois Marathon - Run/Walk for Clean Water - charity running team. For more information, please view our Business Sponsor Form, or contact Vickie Nudelman at 217.344.2371 or vnudelman [at] prairierivers.org.

]]> 28854 0 0 0 https://prairierivers.org/embeddable/ Tue, 24 Oct 2017 18:38:32 +0000 https://prairierivers.org/?page_id=29926 #map { width: 100%; height: 700px; margin: 0 auto; margin-top: 0px; } #content { width: 600px; height: 800px; margin-top: 0px; margin: auto; border-style: solid; }

Illinois Coal Ash Map How To Use This Map This map shows all of the major power plants with coal ash impoundments in Illinois. Click on a site to zoom in and see a detailed map. Click Full Map to return to the statewide map. Site information including documentation and resources such as NPDES discharge permits, impoundment dam stability, inundation maps, flood maps, and more will appear in this window. Specific impoundment details including liner status, hazard risk, and breach maps, are available for each impoundment by clicking on any particular impoundment on the map.

Legend Power Plant Open Power Plant Closed High Hazard Risk Impoundment Significant/Low/Unknown Hazard Risk Landfill

How to use this map

Use this map to find out more about coal ash impoundments near you. Each marker represents a coal fired power plant that stores coal ash waste. After clicking on a plant, you can view details such as the location, owner, links to National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permits, compliance with the new coal combustion residual rulings, the US EPA Impoundment Stability Report and more.
Coal ash is the solid by-product that is left over after coal is burned for electricity – much like ash that is left after burning wood in a fire, except coal ash contains toxic materials like mercury, arsenic, selenium, cadmium and chromium. Across the state, many coal-fired power plants store the coal ash waste in coal ash pits. These pits are often adjacent to rivers or lakes which the power plants draw cooling water from. The coal ash pits seep contamination into the rivers and groundwater around the impoundments, putting our water and our communities at risk.

Join Now To Stay Up-To-Date

Staff Contact:

• Andrew Rehn, Water Resources Engineer, arehn @ prairierivers.org

]]> 29926 0 0 0 https://prairierivers.org/front-slider-test/ Fri, 01 Jun 2018 17:23:17 +0000 https://prairierivers.org/?page_id=31006 31006 0 0 0 https://prairierivers.org/?page_id=31251 https://prairierivers.org/?page_id=31251 here to be a montly donor.]]> 31251 0 0 0 https://prairierivers.org/?page_id=31897 https://prairierivers.org/?page_id=31897 Donate Now

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Other Ways to Give

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By check

PRN Membership Form (pdf)

By automatic bank account debit

PRN's Automatic Debit Form (pdf) If you are in the conservation movement for the long fight, becoming a sustaining member with an automatic, monthly bank account contribution is a great option because you don't have to worry about your membership expiring. Mail form to: Prairie Rivers Network 1605 S State St, Suite 1 Champaign, IL 61820[/five_sixth_last] [one_sixth][/one_sixth][five_sixth_last]

While you shop

Amazon

Smile.Amazon.com is just like shopping at Amazon.com and .5% will be donated to PRN. If you already have an Amazon account, just go to smile.amazon.com and sign in with your account information and enter Prairie Rivers Network as your charitable organization. If you don’t already have an Amazon account, you can create one when you go to smile.amazon.com.

Schnucks

Shop at Schnucks and up to 3% of your purchase will be donated to PRN. Pick up your Schnucks eScrip card at participating stores. 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 card may be used to generate both contributions to PRN and Fuel Rewards (where available). PRN's group ID for the Schnucks' program is 500024645.[/five_sixth_last] [one_sixth][/one_sixth][five_sixth_last]

Workplace Giving

Prairie Rivers Network is a member of EarthShare of Illinois. If you participate in a workplace giving campaign, look for ESI and you can designate PRN to receive your contributions.[/five_sixth_last] [one_sixth][/one_sixth][five_sixth_last]

Bruce Hannon Friends of Illinois' Rivers

Friends are members who donate year after year at the level of $1,000 or more. Friends are donors who indicate, simply but importantly, their commitment to sustaining the work of Prairie Rivers Network into the future. Each new Friend encourages others to enroll and will come together at occasional special gatherings and will receive special, quarterly communications from the Executive Director. Find out more about the Bruce Hannon Friends of Illinois Rivers.[/five_sixth_last] [one_sixth][/one_sixth][five_sixth_last]

Leave a legacy

You can leave a legacy to the future of Illinois rivers by making a gift to our Prairie Rivers Endowment, by adding Prairie Rivers Network to your planned giving, or by donating stocks, bonds, annuities and items of value. For more information, click here, or contact the Executive Director, Carol Hays, at 217-344-2371 x201 or by email at chays@prairierivers.org[/five_sixth_last]

PRN Membership Levels

Headwaters Circle $5,000+ River Champion $2,500+ River Protectors $1,000+ River Stewards $500+ River Guardians $250+ River Defenders $100+ Members $50+

Membership at the River Guardians level or above is considered to be a major donor of Prairie Rivers Network and you will be invited to occasional special events for our major donors.

PRAIRIE RIVERS NETWORK IS A REGISTERED 501(c)(3) AND YOUR CONTRIBUTION IS TAX DEDUCTIBLE.[/one_half_last]]]> 31897 19097 0 0 https://prairierivers.org/?page_id=32222 https://prairierivers.org/?page_id=32222 32222 0 0 0 https://prairierivers.org/test-page-one/ Tue, 09 Apr 2019 16:14:27 +0000 https://prairierivers.org/?page_id=32299 Save the Date: October 25, 2019

20th Annual Dinner Recap

Good friends, good food, and good times were had by all at our 20th Annual Fundraising Dinner on October 26, 2018! The evening kicked off with our reception and silent auction emceed by none other than PRN Communications and Outreach Coordinator (and Abe Lincoln look-alike) Jeff Kohmstedt. Featuring amazing items from sponsors Pantagonia, The Upper Bout, the National Wildlife Federation (NWF), Finest Home Inspection, Kickapoo Adventures, the Common Ground Food Co-op, and many more, the evening got kicked off in style with great company, amazing charity, and fun. [caption id="attachment_31767" align="alignright" width="300"] Abe made an appearance![/caption] During the dinner, Executive Director Carol Hays outlined the new PRN strategic plan for 2019 - 2023. More information on that will come in our winter newsletter. NWF Senior Wildlife Biologist John Kanter and his brother, PRN board member and Environmental Almanac writer, Rob Kanter, headlined the evening’s keynote address. The two spoke about growing up in Cincinnati, their different career paths, and the way their love of nature brought them closer as brothers. John’s talk on wildlife made it clear: time is running out if we are to protect species from the ravages of climate change. [caption id="attachment_31768" align="alignleft" width="300"] The Kanter Brothers[/caption]

Award Winners

This year’s award winners stole the show. We had the honor of bestowing the River Steward of the Year Award to Tom Eckels from Lake Villa, Illinois. As President of the Illinois Paddling Council, Tom volunteers his time to manage the Illinois Water TrailKeepers Program among many other activities. Volunteers of the Year Awards went to Marty Kemper and Seth Swoboda for their tireless work to protect trees and other broadleaf plants from the devastating effects of herbicides. For two years, Prairie Rivers Network has worked with Marty and Seth on herbicide damage -- they have an undying commitment to monitoring herbicide damage to trees and native prairies, and have volunteered their time spreading awareness and organizing a tree-monitoring program across the state. Their dedication to being good stewards of the land and their efforts to educate the media, lawmakers, government officials, and the public make them well-deserving of this year’s award. [caption id="attachment_31769" align="alignright" width="300"] River Steward of the Year Award winner Tom Eckels and PRN staff Elliot Brinkman and Carol Hays[/caption] The Fearless Fundraiser Award goes to the First Presbyterian Church of Urbana Earth Care Team. For the last 6 years, this group of avid walkers has helped raise over $14,000 as part of our Illinois Marathon fundraiser campaign. Each year, these folks selflessly put themselves on the starting line to protect Illinois’ water. The Outstanding Public Servant Award went to the Illinois Natural History Survey Rivers Team. The river programs at the Illinois Natural History Survey have been around for a long time, cover a lot of territory, and provide expertise and perspective to the scientific community, managers, and decision-makers on a wide breadth of issues. In an era when science seems to be losing ground, the INHS rivers team is a vital link between sound ecological science and our many uses of water.

You Gave Big!

The evening could not have been possible without you and your incredible generosity. Because of your pledges and donations, we raised $100,000 to protect the water, rivers, and wildlife of Illinois! Thank you to all the members, attendees, silent auction contributors, business members, speakers, award winners, and everyone involved with our 20th Annual Fundraising Dinner! It was a smashing success! Can’t wait to see you next year!

Missed the Event?

Did you miss out on attending this year's event? Fear not! You can catch all the happenings here! [FAG id=31775] Prairie Rivers Network thanks all for our business sponsors for their donations and helping to make our community a better place to live.

Platinum $5,000+

  [one_half][/one_half] [one_half_last][/one_half_last]  

Gold $1,000+

  [one_half][/one_half] [one_half_last][/one_half_last] [one_half][/one_half] [one_half_last][/one_half_last] [one_half][/one_half] [one_half_last][/one_half_last]

Silver $500

  [one_half][/one_half] [one_half_last][/one_half_last]

Bronze $250

  [one_half][/one_half] [one_half_last][/one_half_last] [one_half][/one_half] [one_half_last][/one_half_last]

Additional Business Sponsors and In-Kind Donors

Adam's Outdoor Advertising  |  Erich Adickes Photography  |  Art Theater  |  Arthur J. Gallagher & Co.  |  B.K.S. Iyengar Yoga Institute, C-U  |  Bill Faber, Wm. Faber Law Firm  |  Black Dog Smoke & Ale House  |  Caterpillar Foundation  |  CDC Paper & Janitor Supply  |  Champaign Outdoors  |  Children's Discovery Museum  |  Classic Events Catering  |  Color & Grain  |  Hamilton Walker's  |  Hennebery Eddy Architects  |  Huaraches Moroleon  |  Illini Glider Club  |  Illinois Marathon  |  International Galleries  |  Kickapoo Adventures  |  Krannert Center For The Performing Arts  |  LabEscape  |  Medici  |  OhmFit Activewear  |  Paul's Machine & Welding Corporation  |  Peoria Art  Guild  |  Peoria Chiefs  |  Peoria Public Radio  |  Peoria Riverfront Museum  |  Perennial Sound Studio  |  Pizzeria Antica  |  Rogards Office Plus  |  Running Central  |  Silvercreek Restaurant  |  Simplified Computers  |  Stone Creek Golf Club  |  Sugar Mama Bakery  

Would you like to sponsor Prairie Rivers Network?

Prairie Rivers Network invites you to protect water, heal land, and inspire change by becoming a business member of Prairie Rivers Network. Business sponsors can be recognized at our Annual Dinner, Wild & Scenic Film Festival, and Illinois Marathon Fundraiser. For more information, please view our Business Sponsor Form, or contact Vickie Nudelman at 217.344.2371 or vnudelman [at] prairierivers.org.

]]> 32299 0 0 0 https://prairierivers.org/?page_id=32301 https://prairierivers.org/?page_id=32301 SIGN UP FOR EMAILS

]]> 32301 0 0 0 https://prairierivers.org/test-page-two/ Tue, 09 Apr 2019 16:16:35 +0000 https://prairierivers.org/?page_id=32302 Save the Date: October 25, 2019

20th Annual Dinner Recap

Good friends, good food, and good times were had by all at our 20th Annual Fundraising Dinner on October 26, 2018! The evening kicked off with our reception and silent auction emceed by none other than PRN Communications and Outreach Coordinator (and Abe Lincoln look-alike) Jeff Kohmstedt. Featuring amazing items from sponsors Pantagonia, The Upper Bout, the National Wildlife Federation (NWF), Finest Home Inspection, Kickapoo Adventures, the Common Ground Food Co-op, and many more, the evening got kicked off in style with great company, amazing charity, and fun. [caption id="attachment_31767" align="alignright" width="300"] Abe made an appearance![/caption] During the dinner, Executive Director Carol Hays outlined the new PRN strategic plan for 2019 - 2023. More information on that will come in our winter newsletter. NWF Senior Wildlife Biologist John Kanter and his brother, PRN board member and Environmental Almanac writer, Rob Kanter, headlined the evening’s keynote address. The two spoke about growing up in Cincinnati, their different career paths, and the way their love of nature brought them closer as brothers. John’s talk on wildlife made it clear: time is running out if we are to protect species from the ravages of climate change. [caption id="attachment_31768" align="alignleft" width="300"] The Kanter Brothers[/caption]

Award Winners

This year’s award winners stole the show. We had the honor of bestowing the River Steward of the Year Award to Tom Eckels from Lake Villa, Illinois. As President of the Illinois Paddling Council, Tom volunteers his time to manage the Illinois Water TrailKeepers Program among many other activities. Volunteers of the Year Awards went to Marty Kemper and Seth Swoboda for their tireless work to protect trees and other broadleaf plants from the devastating effects of herbicides. For two years, Prairie Rivers Network has worked with Marty and Seth on herbicide damage -- they have an undying commitment to monitoring herbicide damage to trees and native prairies, and have volunteered their time spreading awareness and organizing a tree-monitoring program across the state. Their dedication to being good stewards of the land and their efforts to educate the media, lawmakers, government officials, and the public make them well-deserving of this year’s award. [caption id="attachment_31769" align="alignright" width="300"] River Steward of the Year Award winner Tom Eckels and PRN staff Elliot Brinkman and Carol Hays[/caption] The Fearless Fundraiser Award goes to the First Presbyterian Church of Urbana Earth Care Team. For the last 6 years, this group of avid walkers has helped raise over $14,000 as part of our Illinois Marathon fundraiser campaign. Each year, these folks selflessly put themselves on the starting line to protect Illinois’ water. The Outstanding Public Servant Award went to the Illinois Natural History Survey Rivers Team. The river programs at the Illinois Natural History Survey have been around for a long time, cover a lot of territory, and provide expertise and perspective to the scientific community, managers, and decision-makers on a wide breadth of issues. In an era when science seems to be losing ground, the INHS rivers team is a vital link between sound ecological science and our many uses of water.

You Gave Big!

The evening could not have been possible without you and your incredible generosity. Because of your pledges and donations, we raised $100,000 to protect the water, rivers, and wildlife of Illinois! Thank you to all the members, attendees, silent auction contributors, business members, speakers, award winners, and everyone involved with our 20th Annual Fundraising Dinner! It was a smashing success! Can’t wait to see you next year!

Missed the Event?

Did you miss out on attending this year's event? Fear not! You can catch all the happenings here! [FAG id=31775] Prairie Rivers Network thanks all for our business sponsors for their donations and helping to make our community a better place to live.

Platinum $5,000+

  [one_half][/one_half] [one_half_last][/one_half_last]  

Gold $1,000+

  [one_half][/one_half] [one_half_last][/one_half_last] [one_half][/one_half] [one_half_last][/one_half_last] [one_half][/one_half] [one_half_last][/one_half_last]

Silver $500

  [one_half][/one_half] [one_half_last][/one_half_last]

Bronze $250

  [one_half][/one_half] [one_half_last][/one_half_last] [one_half][/one_half] [one_half_last][/one_half_last]

Additional Business Sponsors and In-Kind Donors

Adam's Outdoor Advertising  |  Erich Adickes Photography  |  Art Theater  |  Arthur J. Gallagher & Co.  |  B.K.S. Iyengar Yoga Institute, C-U  |  Bill Faber, Wm. Faber Law Firm  |  Black Dog Smoke & Ale House  |  Caterpillar Foundation  |  CDC Paper & Janitor Supply  |  Champaign Outdoors  |  Children's Discovery Museum  |  Classic Events Catering  |  Color & Grain  |  Hamilton Walker's  |  Hennebery Eddy Architects  |  Huaraches Moroleon  |  Illini Glider Club  |  Illinois Marathon  |  International Galleries  |  Kickapoo Adventures  |  Krannert Center For The Performing Arts  |  LabEscape  |  Medici  |  OhmFit Activewear  |  Paul's Machine & Welding Corporation  |  Peoria Art  Guild  |  Peoria Chiefs  |  Peoria Public Radio  |  Peoria Riverfront Museum  |  Perennial Sound Studio  |  Pizzeria Antica  |  Rogards Office Plus  |  Running Central  |  Silvercreek Restaurant  |  Simplified Computers  |  Stone Creek Golf Club  |  Sugar Mama Bakery  

Would you like to sponsor Prairie Rivers Network?

Prairie Rivers Network invites you to protect water, heal land, and inspire change by becoming a business member of Prairie Rivers Network. Business sponsors can be recognized at our Annual Dinner, Wild & Scenic Film Festival, and Illinois Marathon Fundraiser. For more information, please view our Business Sponsor Form, or contact Vickie Nudelman at 217.344.2371 or vnudelman [at] prairierivers.org.

]]> 32302 0 0 0 https://prairierivers.org/test-page/ Wed, 05 Jun 2019 14:00:18 +0000 https://prairierivers.org/?page_id=32577 SIGN UP FOR EMAILS

]]> 32577 0 0 0 https://prairierivers.org/test-salsa-donation-page/ Thu, 06 Jun 2019 17:28:16 +0000 https://prairierivers.org/?page_id=32597 Donate Now

[/one_half][one_half_last padding="0 0 0 25px 0"]

Other Ways to Give

[one_sixth][/one_sixth][five_sixth_last]

By check

PRN Membership Form (pdf)

By automatic bank account debit

PRN Automatic Debit Form (pdf) If you are in the conservation movement for the long fight, becoming a sustaining member with an automatic, monthly bank account contribution is a great option because you don't have to worry about your membership expiring. Mail form to: Prairie Rivers Network 1605 South State Street, Suite 1 Champaign, IL 61820[/five_sixth_last] [one_sixth][/one_sixth][five_sixth_last]

While you shop

Amazon

Smile.Amazon.com is just like shopping at Amazon.com and .5% will be donated to PRN. If you already have an Amazon account, just go to smile.amazon.com and sign in with your account information and enter Prairie Rivers Network as your charitable organization. If you don’t already have an Amazon account, you can create one when you go to smile.amazon.com. [/five_sixth_last] [one_sixth][/one_sixth][five_sixth_last]

Workplace Giving

Prairie Rivers Network is a member of EarthShare of Illinois. If you participate in a workplace giving campaign, look for ESI and you can designate PRN to receive your contributions.[/five_sixth_last] [one_sixth][/one_sixth][five_sixth_last]

Bruce Hannon Friends of Illinois' Rivers

Friends are members who donate year after year at the level of $1,000 or more. Friends are donors who indicate, simply but importantly, their commitment to sustaining the work of Prairie Rivers Network into the future. Friends receive special quarterly video-casts from the executive director and/or staff. Find out more about the Bruce Hannon Friends of Illinois Rivers.[/five_sixth_last] [one_sixth][/one_sixth][five_sixth_last]

Leave a legacy

You can leave a legacy to the future of Illinois rivers by making a gift to our Prairie Rivers Endowment, by adding Prairie Rivers Network to your planned giving, or by donating stocks, bonds, annuities and items of value. For more information, click here, or contact the Executive Director at 217-344-2371 or by email at info@prairierivers.org[/five_sixth_last]

PRN Membership Levels

Membership at the River Guardians level or above is considered to be a major donor of Prairie Rivers Network and you will be invited to occasional special events for our major donors.

PRN IS A REGISTERED 501(c)(3) AND YOUR CONTRIBUTION IS TAX DEDUCTIBLE (TAX ID # 37-6085905).[/one_half_last]

]]> 32597 0 0 0 https://prairierivers.org/test-salsa-donation-page-2/ Thu, 06 Jun 2019 18:48:48 +0000 https://prairierivers.org/?page_id=32607 ]]> 32607 0 0 0 https://prairierivers.org/?page_id=32835 https://prairierivers.org/?page_id=32835 32835 0 0 0 https://prairierivers.org/?page_id=33184 https://prairierivers.org/?page_id=33184 33184 0 0 0 https://prairierivers.org/?page_id=33972 https://prairierivers.org/?page_id=33972 Click here for the printable guidance document on the coal ash rulemaking.

Public Participation in the Coal Ash Rulemaking

Last year, Illinois passed the Coal Ash Pollution Prevention Act - SB9 - which put us on a path to having strong protections for coal ash in Illinois through a rulemaking on coal ash. This year, we're working to make sure that hard-fought victory is secured. The Coal Ash Pollution Prevention Act is being translated into regulations in a process called a rulemaking. Everyone gets a voice in that rulemaking - environmental groups, the public, even the companies that own all the toxic coal ash. The rulemaking hearing is three days - August 11th, 12th, and 13th starting at 9am each day - and it will include extensive expert testimony and questioning from lawyers. At this hearing, the Illinois EPA will testify in defense of their proposed coal ash rules; but Illinois can do better than what is being proposed.

Sign-Up to Speak on August 12th or 13th at the Hearing

The public participation will occur on August 12th from 5pm-7pm, and August 13th from 11am-12pm. The public participation section gives space for the public to make comment on the rulemaking (you won't be asked any questions). Your voice can help shape the coal ash rules and demonstrates the real stakes of the issue.

Join the July 30 Training!

On Thursday, July 30th at 6pm, join PRN's Andrew Rehn and other experts to learn about the proposed coal ash rules and how you can add your voice to the rulemaking. The proposed rules need to be improved. Illinois can do better. Click the button below to sign up and go to Facebook to 'like' our event.

Click Here to Sign-Up for the July 30th Training Webinar

Written Comment

You can also submit written comments via email until October 30th, and they are weighed equally to spoken comments. To submit written comments, write to Clerk of the Board Don Brown by email (don.brown@illinois.gov). If you have any issues or questions regarding submission of comments, Don has said you can call him at 312-814-3461, or you can ask Andrew Rehn with Prairie Rivers Network for help (arehn@prairierivers.org). We still encourage you to sign up to attend the hearing virtually to just watch & listen, either for the public comment at the times above or for the opening of the hearing at 9am on August 11th. The public agencies should know that the people of Illinois are watching.

What is the Rulemaking?

The Coal Ash Rulemaking is the process by which the Illinois Pollution Control Board decides on the rules that Illinois EPA will follow for regulating coal ash. By law, the rules must follow guidelines set by the Coal Ash Pollution Prevention Act, but those guidelines alone will not make for a strong rule. The Illinois Pollution Control Board is the rulemaking body. They are who we’re trying to convince. The Illinois EPA has proposed rules to the Board, but this is a starting point that will shape the conversation. The rule can change from here, and it is up to the Illinois Pollution Control Board to make the final decision. The Illinois EPA, industry, environmental groups, and the public are all participants in the rulemaking. At the first hearing, we will hear from experts at Illinois EPA as they defend their proposed rule. They will be subject to questions from industry, environmental groups, and others. Additionally, we will hear from the public during public comment. The public will not be subject to questions.

Background

Learn more here.

Coal Ash - A Toxic Threat to Water and Health

• Coal ash is a waste byproduct of burning coal, and contains toxic metals that cause serious health problems, including cancer.
• Coal ash is stored on-site at power plants in coal ash impoundments, which are often referred to as “coal ash ponds” because they resemble man-made ponds filled with coal ash mixed with water.
• Coal ash is also stored in landfills or dumped as “fill” at power plant sites and elsewhere around the state.
• Illinois EPA identified 73 coal ash ponds at dozens of power plant sites across the state, nearly all of which are next to rivers and lakes. Groundwater at 22 of 24 coal ash sites tested in Illinois, including impoundments and landfills, had unsafe concentrations of toxic coal ash pollutants.
• Safe closure of coal ash impoundments is critically important to protecting human health, drinking water, and the environment.
• Where coal ash has already contaminated the land and water, clean-up of the contamination is a major issue facing Illinois. We need to stop further contamination AND cleanup the pollution already in our water.

Timeline

• Summer 2019 – The Coal Ash Pollution Prevention Act becomes law.
• Fall 2019 - Illinois EPA holds listening sessions across the state to develop their draft proposed rules.
• Winter 2019 - Illinois EPA releases first draft of proposed rules for comment.
• January 2020 - Illinois EPA holds stakeholder meeting in Springfield on draft proposed rules.
• March 2020 - Illinois EPA sends final proposed rules to Illinois Pollution Control Board, rulemaking begins.
• August 2020 – Illinois Pollution Control Board holds first hearing in coal ash rulemaking.
• September 2020 – Illinois Pollution Control Board holds second hearing in coal ash rulemaking.
• October 30th 2020 – IPCB will close the proceeding to deliberate internally on the rule.
• March 30th 2021 – Illinois Pollution Control Board must, by law, finalize the coal ash rules.

]]> 33972 0 0 0 https://prairierivers.org/?page_id=34190 https://prairierivers.org/?page_id=34190 34190 0 0 0 https://prairierivers.org/?page_id=39243 Fri, 23 Apr 2021 17:34:34 +0000 https://prairierivers.org/?page_id=39243 ]]> 39243 0 0 0 https://prairierivers.org/our-work/clean-water/ Tue, 05 Jul 2016 17:53:30 +0000 https://prairierivers.org/?page_id=6 You can read more about the work we are doing to protect clean water in our priority areas below:

]]> 6 138 0 0 https://prairierivers.org/our-work/water-energy/ Tue, 05 Jul 2016 22:55:48 +0000 https://prairierivers.org/?page_id=24 You can read more about our energy work in our priority areas below:

 ]]> 24 138 0 0 https://prairierivers.org/our-work/water-farming/ Tue, 05 Jul 2016 17:56:57 +0000 https://prairierivers.org/?page_id=33 You can read more about the work we are doing to prevent water pollution from agriculture practices in our priority areas displayed below:

]]> 33 138 0 0 https://prairierivers.org/our-work/rivers-wildlife/ Tue, 05 Jul 2016 22:59:22 +0000 https://prairierivers.org/?page_id=48 You can read more about the work we are doing to protect healthy rivers and wildlife habitat in our priority areas displayed below:

]]> 48 138 0 0 https://prairierivers.org/about-us/ Tue, 05 Jul 2016 18:10:18 +0000 https://prairierivers.org/?page_id=66 National Wildlife Federation. You can read our PRN 2020-2024 Strategic Plan for more information on our mission and vision for Illinois' rivers and streams.

MISSION & HISTORY ACCOMPLISHMENTS BOARD OF DIRECTORS STAFF JOB OPENINGS PARTNERS & FUNDERS CONTACT US

Non-Profit Status

As a registered not-for-profit organization in Illinois (Tax ID # 37-6085905), Prairie Rivers Network (PRN) is governed by a dedicated board of directors and funded with the support of passionate members throughout Illinois. Prairie Rivers Network has Gold rating from GuideStar.org, one of the top clearing house site providing transparency for donors. Each year, our Fed 990 Tax form and financial statements (shown below) are created and audited by an independent accountant:

2019 PRN Financial Statements and Audit

2019 PRN Federal 990 Tax Form

2018 PRN Financial Statements and Audit

2018 PRN Federal 990 Tax Form

2017 PRN Financial Statements and Audit

2017 PRN Federal 990 Tax Form

2016 PRN Financial Statements and Audit

2016 PRN Federal 990 Tax Form

2015 PRN Financial Statements and Audit

2015 PRN Federal 990 Tax Form

2014 PRN Financial Statements and Audit

2014 PRN Federal 990 Tax Form

 

Contact Information

Prairie Rivers Network 1605 S State Street, Suite 1 Champaign, Illinois 61820 phone: (217) 344-2371 fax: (217) 344-2381 email: info@prairierivers.org Report website problems to info@prairierivers.org.]]> 66 0 0 0 https://prairierivers.org/about-us/mission-history/ Tue, 05 Jul 2016 18:10:33 +0000 https://prairierivers.org/?page_id=68 Mission At Prairie Rivers Network, we protect water, heal land, and inspire change. Using the creative power of science, law, and collective action, we protect and restore our rivers, return healthy soils and diverse wildlife to our lands, and transform how we care for the earth and for each other.

Protect Water

Water is life—connecting, sustaining, and inspiring us all. At Prairie Rivers Network we protect water from the ravages of pollution and restore the beauty and power of naturally flowing rivers. We hold polluters accountable, advance policies to allow river ecosystems to thrive, and promote practices that keep our waters clean and abundant.

Heal Land

Land and water form a system on which the entire community of life depends; to care for land is to care for water. Too often, human activity degrades land and water and imperils this community. At Prairie Rivers Network, we advance practices and policies that return health to our soils and increase biodiversity. We work with people to restore the lands along and between our rivers, repair the earth that provides our food, and ensure that animals have the habitat needed to thrive in a rapidly changing world.

Inspire Change

We are part of an interconnected whole. Our community includes all parts of the Earth: soil, water, people, plants, and animals. At Prairie Rivers Network, we elevate and uphold the cultural values and understandings needed for all life to flourish. We use the images and voices of people to tell compelling stories of resistance and renewal. We educate and empower people to act. And we lead collective efforts to create new ways of restoring our rivers, healing our lands, and caring for our neighbors.

History

[caption id="attachment_1277" align="alignleft" width="216"] Director of Illinois Department of Transportation and Bruce Hannon with petition opposing dam project (1970s).[/caption] Prairie Rivers Network was established in 1967 under the leadership of Bruce and Patricia Hannon as they engaged others to oppose the construction of the Army Corps of Engineers’ Oakley Reservoir on the Sangamon River near Decatur. Oakley Reservoir would have put hundreds of acres of Allerton Park, a locally cherished natural area in Central Illinois, underwater and flooded thousands more adjacent acres. This group of concerned and dedicated citizens incorporated as the Committee on Allerton Park as a 501 (c) 3 non-profit organization. They battled the dam for many years halting its appropriation progress in 1975 and deauthorizing it at the federal level in late 1985. In 1973, the group realized that a locally focused effort could not stop the Oakley Dam which was part of an overall national program.  They formed a sister organization under the same board called the Coalition on American Rivers (COAR) to organize opposition to similar Corps dams and other projects throughout the Midwest. As a 501 (c ) 4 organization, it was able to lobby in Washington and at the state level. Under the leadership of John Marlin, the first paid Executive Director (1973-1983), these organizations brought together people that crossed political and social boundaries to protect rivers from federal water resources projects that threatened most of the nation’s rivers in the 1960's and 70's. Aided by hundreds of volunteers, including University of Illinois students, the COAR helped citizen groups around the Midwest organize and offered constituent support to like-minded politicians. They also joined Washington based organizations in testifying before Congress and taking the message to individual members of Congress. By the late 1970s, the political climate had changed and the Congressional attitude toward water project became more balanced as the public became aware of their environmental and economic shortcomings. The collective effort of concerned citizens stopped dozens of dams, reservoirs, and other environmentally costly water projects that would have permanently altered the habitats of most of the nation’s rivers including the Upper Mississippi and Illinois Rivers. The COAR became the Central States Resource Center in 1979. In 1984, the Committee on Allerton Park was renamed Central States Education Center (CSEC) to reflect the group's continuing and increasing statewide focus on a number of issues including solid waste. Central States Education Center changed its name to Prairie Rivers Network in 1998 to more accurately reflect our focus on issues that impact Illinois' rivers and watersheds. In 2007, Bruce Hannon retired as President of the Board of Directors after nearly 40 years of service. Since its inception, PRN has consistently used grass roots organizing and advocacy to protect the rivers and streams of Illinois. From the successful opposition of dams proposed in the 1970's that would have permanently altered the flow of our rivers, to our current efforts to ensure full enforcement of the Clean Water Act to reduce water pollution and protect fish and wildlife habitats, PRN works with local citizens to advocate for the protection of our rivers at the federal, state, and local level. With the support of our members and partners, Prairie Rivers Network has grown to become the statewide leader in river protection, conservation, and restoration.

View our 40th Anniversary History Booklet.

View a multimedia presentation of the Middle Fork of the Vermilion River saga that started it all.

Download 50th Anniversary History of Prairie Rivers network

]]> 68 66 0 0 https://prairierivers.org/about-us/accomplishments/ Tue, 05 Jul 2016 18:10:44 +0000 https://prairierivers.org/?page_id=70 2020 Accomplishments While 2020 was fraught with a number of challenges in our efforts to protect water, heal land, and inspire change, there were amazing bright spots. This is just a taste of some of the progress we have made in safeguarding Illinois’ environment.

Protect Water

[caption id="attachment_34386" align="alignright" width="300"] Kaskaskia River[/caption] Following 2019's win with the Coal Ash Pollution Prevention Act, our energy team worked hard to ensure the rules that regulate coal ash are as strong and protective as possible. The rulemaking process continued despite the COVID-19 crisis with virtual hearings in August and September, 2020. Scores of folks signed our petition, and over a hundred people spoke at the online hearing. We joined partners in several lawsuits challenging the harmful practices of several federal agencies. We worked together against the Trump administration’s EPA, the Fish & Wildlife Service, and the Army Corps of Engineers to ensure better protection for wetlands and headwater streams, Lake Sturgeon, and the Mississippi River. Our Clean Water Act lawsuit against Dynegy for illegal discharges on the Middle Fork of the Vermilion River made progress in 2020 after some initial setbacks. The lawsuit received national attention as one of the first applications of an important US Supreme Court decision on a similar Clean Water Act case in Maui. PRN fought another attempt by Dynegy to have the case dismissed, and we’ll continue fighting to protect the Middle Fork, Illinois’ only National Scenic River. The Illinois State Water Plan is being updated for the first time in 40 years. The plan provides guidance on how the state manages water resources, covering issues from water quality and climate change to recreation and equity of access. This is a tremendous opportunity for Illinois to create a bold, inclusive vision for Illinois’ water resources, and PRN has several staff working with state agency personnel to ensure that the plan protects public health and the environment.

Heal Land

In August 2020, PRN, the National Wildlife Federation, and the Xerces Society published a report titled Drifting Toward Disaster: How Dicamba Herbicides are Harming Cultivated and Wild Landscapes. “In Illinois we’ve seen firsthand the effect that herbicide drift has on public and private lands, wildlife habitat, and farms that grow sensitive crops,” said Kim Erndt-Pitcher, PRN Habitat and Agriculture Programs Specialist. “The EPA seems more concerned with the needs of industry and manufacturers than those of farmers and the environment.” We continue to work with our partners in Regenerate IL, a statewide network with a mission to cultivate an equitable food system. Together we are connecting all groups and individuals working to create a food and farming system for Illinois that is just, fair, and based on regenerative agriculture. Our work with farmers is also drawing connections to the ways they are fighting climate change and benefiting from renewable energy. With partners we featured a small farm’s solar array on a video tour and co-hosted a webinar on climate change and its impact on southern Illinois farming.

Inspire Change

[caption id="attachment_34400" align="alignright" width="300"] Clean Energy Lobby Day in Springfield in early March[/caption] Before the COVID-19 restrictions were put in place, PRN helped plan two major events in Springfield. With the help of longtime PRN member Chris Main and her group of volunteers, we gathered signatures on an important petition in support of the Clean Energy Jobs Act (CEJA). In total, Illinois Clean Jobs Coalition groups gathered more than 23,000 signatures for CEJA, which we helped deliver to the Governor in January. In early March 2020, over 700 advocates from across the state descended on the Capitol to push for CEJA passage. Due to COVID, we couldn’t hold another in-person lobby day, but in November, over 1,000 people participated in a Virtual Lobby Day for CEJA! Many took part in a week of action that culminated with legislator meetings over Zoom and then a virtual rally. During the summer, PRN worked with partners to develop policies that advance racial and socioeconomic justice, helping shape workforce and Black, Indigenous and People of Color (BIPOC) contractor development programs, and a policy that increases funding for Illinois’ low income solar program. We continue to advocate for a comprehensive energy bill that centers on equity and brings all Illinoisans into a clean energy future. We are helping the IDEA Farm Network (IFN) grow and improve. The Network now has over 500 members, up from 425 last year. During the pandemic, the IFN has held virtual field days and tailgate conversations to help farmers connect with each other when they would otherwise meet in person, walk fields, and share their stories of regenerative farming together. Despite COVID-19, the group continues to share and grow.

Read More

The 2020 Annual Report is here! More on our accomplishments can be read in our Fall/Winter 2020 Newsletter.

Accomplishments from Previous Years

2019 ACCOMPLISHMENTS 2018 ACCOMPLISHMENTS 2017 ACCOMPLISHMENTS 2016 ACCOMPLISHMENTS 2015 ACCOMPLISHMENTS 2014 ACCOMPLISHMENTS 2013 ACCOMPLISHMENTS 2012 ACCOMPLISHMENTS 2011 ACCOMPLISHMENTS 2010 ACCOMPLISHMENTS 2009 ACCOMPLISHMENTS 2008 ACCOMPLISHMENTS 2007 ACCOMPLISHMENTS 2006 ACCOMPLISHMENTS 2005 ACCOMPLISHMENTS 2004 ACCOMPLISHMENTS 2003 ACCOMPLISHMENTS 2002 ACCOMPLISHMENTS 2000 ACCOMPLISHMENTS  ]]> 70 66 0 0 https://prairierivers.org/about-us/board-of-directors/ Tue, 05 Jul 2016 18:10:57 +0000 https://prairierivers.org/?page_id=72 JON MCNUSSEN, PRESIDENT Joined Board: 1991 and elected president in 2006 Illinois Location: Villa Grove Profession: Environmental, Health, and Safety Coordinator for an agricultural and industrial equipment manufacturer Background: Jon is a leader of Citizens for a Safe Environment, a grassroots group which successfully opposed construction of a landfill and a toxic waste incinerator. Like other members of the board, McNussen provides leadership based on his firsthand experiences as a grassroots organizer. His knowledge of OSHA and EPA regulations and a perspective on the environmental issues facing industry are also valuable to our board.

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William Van Hagey, Secretary

Joined Board: 2014 Illinois Location: Mahomet Profession: Bill has a private law practice in Mahomet representing clients in a variety of business counseling and litigation matters. He is also an adjunct Professor at the University of Illinois. Background: Bill has been a long-time supporter of Prairie Rivers Network. He received his undergraduate and law degrees from the University of Illinois. He clerked for Chief Justice Robert C. Underwood of the Illinois Supreme Court. He is a former chairman of the Franchise Advisory Board in the office of the Attorney General of Illinois. As a former farmland owner and board member of the Land Conservation Foundation, Bill brings to the board a wealth of knowledge and commitment to protecting our environment.

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MICHAEL ROSENTHAL, TREASURER

Joined Board: 1996 Illinois Location: Glencoe Profession: Engineer with his family firm, Rosenthal Manufacturing in Chicago Background: While a student at the University of Illinois, Rosenthal led the campus Model Community waste reduction program, recruiting and training volunteers from sororities and fraternities to reduce the wastes produced at their campus houses, recycle everything possible, and use recycled products. Rosenthal brings to the board the energy and expertise concerning environmental issues and industries.

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MARGARET BRUNS

Joined Board: 2010 Location: Urbana and Washington D.C. Profession: Director of Member Programs at the League of Conservation Voters in Washington D.C. She currently helps engage and activate LCV's 2 million members on environmental campaigns and partnership programs. Background: Bruns has been a long time supporter and volunteer of Prairie Rivers Network. She began volunteering while attending UIUC. Shortly thereafter she began organizing various PRN events such as the Salt Fork River Clean-ups and our Annual Dinners. After graduation, Maggie worked for the Student Conservation Association in Northwest Montana and interned with World Wildlife Fund, before landing at the League. She brings a fresh (yet familiar) voice and her experience working with a national grassroots organization to help guide the future direction of Prairie Rivers Network.

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CLARK BULLARD

Joined Board: 2000 Illinois Location: Urbana Profession: Engineer and U of I Professor Background: Clark is a long-time environmental activist and leader of many campaigns, notably the 22-year effort to develop alternatives to an ill-conceived dam project and secure National Scenic River status for the Middle Fork of the Vermilion River. He has served as a professor, consultant, member and Chair of the Central Midwest Low-Level Radioactive Waste Interstate Commission, directed the US Dept. of Energy’s Office of Conservation and Renewable Energy Policy, and served as policy analyst for the Congressional Office of Technology Assessment and 12 years on the board of directors of the National Wildlife Federation. Bullard brings to the board not only his professional expertise but also well-honed skills in organizing to achieve environmental goals. He and his wife Irene are the parents of three grown children. Favorite River: Middle Fork of the Vermilion

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ELLYN BULLOCK

Joined Board: 2012 Illinois Location: Champaign Profession: Owner of Law Office of Ellyn J. Bullock where she practices in adoption and federal civil rights litigation. Background: Ellyn Bullock is a lifelong environmentalist and a strong PRN supporter. Ellyn has received the Catholic Charities Friends of Adoption award (2007), the East Central Illinois Women Attorneys Association Service Award (2011), the YWCA Leadership Award for Environmental Advocacy (2011) and the Prairie Rivers Network Volunteer of the Year Award (2001). Ellyn and her husband David have three great kids – Kyle, Imy and Charlie – and they enjoy their company when they come home to visit from their college and work experiences. Favorite River: The Mighty Mississippi

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Jean Flemma

Joined Board: 2015 Location: Oregon Profession: Strategic Environmental Policy and Planning Consultant. Background: Jean was the Executive Director of PRN from 2002-2006. She currently works as a consultant for foundations and nonprofits providing strategic advice for addressing natural resource policy challenges. Before that, she spent more than twenty years working for the House of Representatives as an adviser and staff member for three different congressional committees involved in natural resource management and conservation. Jean brings more than 25 years of experience in international, national and state policy development and implementation to the board as well as her hands-on understanding of the organization's operations.

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ROB KANTER

Joined Board: 2014 Illinois Location: Champaign Profession: Academic adviser and lecturer with the University of Illinois School of Earth, Society & Environment, where he teaches courses in environmental communications and issues. Background: Rob prefers to be outdoors whenever possible--taking pictures, birding, hunting, fishing, walking and/or just being. He writes about these pursuits, along with the scientific and political efforts to maintain a world in which they are possible, in "Environmental Almanac," which runs as a column in the Champaign News-Gazette, as a radio commentary on WILL-AM 580 and other Public Radio affiliates around the state, and lives online at environmentalalmanac.blogspot.com Favorite River: The nearest one

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Charlotte Westcott

Joined Board: 2019 Illinois Location: Urbana Profession: Owner and operator of Dandelion, a Downtown Champaign fixture selling vintage and used clothing. Background: Born and raised in Champaign-Urbana. Returned to C-U after spending 7 years in the Pacific Northwest where she studied cultural/environmental anthropology and visual art. Enthusiastic supporter of all things local. Favorite river: Recently kayaked on the Salt Fork and loved it!]]> 72 66 0 0 https://prairierivers.org/about-us/staff/ Tue, 05 Jul 2016 18:11:06 +0000 https://prairierivers.org/?page_id=74 a.anchor {
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Elliot Brinkman, Executive Director

Elliot leads our qualified and committed staff to carry out our mission to protect water, heal land, and inspire change. Background: Prior to becoming Executive Director in April, 2019, Elliot served on staff for eight years, working to promote wildlife habitat conservation and ecological restoration of rivers and streams throughout Illinois. As Director, he oversees the organization's operations and finance, works closely with board and staff to develop and drive conservation strategy, and builds strong relationships with partners, donors, and foundations to ensure the strength and sustainability of Prairie Rivers Network into the future. Prior to joining Prairie Rivers Network, Elliot worked as a Research Assistant at Southern Illinois University Carbondale, and as an Environmental Educator for Redwood National and State Parks in California. Education: B.S. in Forestry, with an emphasis on Outdoor Recreation Resource Management and an M.S. in Forestry, specializing in Human Dimensions of Natural Resource Management. Favorite River: Kankakee River Contact: 217-344-2371 x 202 or ebrinkman [at] prairierivers [dot] org

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Kim Erndt-Pitcher, Habitat and Agriculture Programs Specialist

Area of Focus: Regenerative Agriculture and Pollinator Habitat Conservation

Kim provides technical, outreach and organizing expertise for Prairie Rivers Network downstate.

Background: Kim originally came to PRN in 2004 from the NGO Living Lands and Waters where she was a crew member and educator. While at PRN, she served a Watershed Organizer and Wildlife and Habitat Program Coordinator. In the winter of 2009 she left the organization to pursue a doctorate at SIU where she was also an NSF IGERT Fellow in Watershed Science and Policy. There she studied aquatic and terrestrial invertebrate community responses to the re-naturalization of a headwater prairie stream that was managed through grazing and fire. She rejoined the PRN staff in the summer of 2016 and currently serves as a Habitat and Agriculture Programs Specialist for PRN and her work focuses on regenerative agriculture and pollinator habitat conservation. She lives in Southern Illinois on a small farm with her husband Len and their two sons.

Education: B.A. Biology, M.S. Biology with a focus on Ecotoxicology, NSF IGERT Fellow, 3.5 years doctoral work Favorite River Activity: Lifting up rocks and looking for invertebrates with her boys Contact: 217-344-2371 x 212 or kerndt-pitcher [at] prairierivers [dot] org

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Catie Gregg, Agricultural Programs Specialist

Areas of Focus: Transforming agriculture systems to protect Illinois’ waters and wildlife habitat Catie coordinates our campaigns to expand the adoption of conservation cropping systems in Illinois. By managing for soil health, farmers are able to decrease their environmental impact while making their farms more resilient in the long run. PRN is working with partners across Illinois to build a framework that encourages farmers to try new conservation farming practices and find the ones that work for their farm. Background: Catie joined PRN at the beginning of 2017. For the past few years, she has been working on agricultural conservation issues in East Central Illinois at the Ford County Soil and Water Conservation District. There, she held outreach events on cover crops, soil health, prairie habitat, and water quality, while also helping farmers establish over 1500 new acres of habitat projects on their farms. In her free time, Catie likes testing new growing techniques in her garden. Education: B.S in Biology, M.A. in Urban and Environmental Policy and Planning, M.S. in Agriculture, Food and the Environment. Favorite River: The Mississippi and Middle Fork Rivers Contact: 217-344-2371 x 204 or cgregg [at] prairierivers [dot] org

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Ryan Grosso, Water Resources Associate

Areas of Focus: Wildlife Habitat Conservation and River Management Ryan coordinates our efforts to conserve important wildlife habitat along the Illinois River and to promote ecologically-sound river management. In partnership with public and private stakeholders, he is working to promote the importance of habitat conservation as well as enact change in how we manage and interact with water. Reconnecting rivers with the land that surrounds them benefits all life, from humans to Illinois’ most sensitive and important species. Background: Ryan joined PRN as an intern in September of 2017, with the hope of gathering insight into environmental non-profit work along with his undergraduate studies at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. He supported PRN’s agriculture program by gathering background research on legislators and communities affected by nitrates in drinking water. Since then, he has had an opportunity to work with many staff members and assist with their program needs. Having graduated in May of 2019, he is excited to work as a full-time professional staff member for PRN. Education: B.S. in Earth, Society, and Environmental Sustainability from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign Favorite River: Kankakee River and Davis Creek Contact: 217-344-2371 x 203 or rgrosso [at] prairierivers [dot] org

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Robert Hirschfeld, Water Policy Specialist and Communications

Areas of Focus: Asian carp, invasive species, water law Robert leads our Stop Asian Carp campaign. The high visibility of this issue provides the opportunity to address a long-standing problem: the man-made connection between the Mississippi River and the Great Lakes in Chicago’s canal system provides a two-way superhighway for invasive plants, fish, and parasites to be transferred from one system to another. He also works on all of our communications and social media campaigns. Background: Robert Hirschfeld joined PRN in March 2011. Before joining the professional staff, Robert was a legal intern for PRN, working on Clean Water Act compliance and enforcement. Robert is also a working musician. Education: B.A. in religion and Asian studies and J.D. from the University of Illinois College of Law Favorite River:  Contact: 217-344-2371 x 205 or rhirschfeld [at] prairierivers [dot] org

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Kim Knowles, Attorney and Policy Specialist

Areas of Focus: Renewable energy policy with a focus on low income solar and equitable access to renewable energy. Kim leads our efforts to craft and implement just and equitable renewable energy policies. She is also an Illinois Solar for All educator working to increase solar projects in low income and environmental justice communities. Background: Kim joined the staff of Prairie Rivers Network in November 2008. She is a former staff attorney for the Missouri Coalition for the Environment where she worked on state and federal water policy, and has a long history of working in the public interest, including working with Native American communities. In New Mexico, Kim worked as a staff attorney for Indian Pueblo Legal Services and as a public defender for the Jicarilla Apache Tribe. She also ran a legal program that provided free legal services to the HIV/AIDS community. Education: B.S. in economics; M.A. in public policy and a J.D Favorite River:  Contact: 217-344-2371 x 209 or kknowles [at] prairierivers [dot]org

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Jeff Kohmstedt, Communications and Outreach Coordinator

Areas of Focus: Communications Jeff is organizing our communications activities, social media initiatives, and outreach events including the Wild & Scenic Film Festival. Background: Jeff joined PRN in 2017. Previously, he worked as outreach coordinator for the Illinois New Teacher Collaborative in Champaign, Illinois. He has worked as a grassroots lobbyist for the National Electrical Contractors Association in Washington, D.C., and he has taught composition at the University of Illinois, Parkland College, George Washington University, and Howard University. He is an avid runner and enjoys the trails and rivers of East Central Illinois. Education: M.A. in Political Management from George Washington University and M.A. in English from Eastern Illinois University Favorite River: Sangamon River Contact: 217-344-2371 x 207 or jkohmstedt [at] prairierivers [dot]org

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Vickie Nudelman, Operations Manager

Areas of Focus: Membership, Fundraising, Finances, Day-to-Day Operations Vickie oversees the day-to-day operations and financial management of Prairie Rivers Network. She also coordinates our membership development efforts, fundraising activities including our Annual Dinner and Illinois Marathon peer-to-peer fundraiser, and contributes to our communication and outreach efforts. Background: Vickie joined PRN in 2005. Previously, Vickie worked for the Mississippi Center for Community and Civic Engagement as the program coordinator of a service-learning grant that focused on improving civic education by utilizing college students as civic tutors to K-8 students in after-school programs. She also previously worked as a technical writer where she coauthored several computer textbooks. In the summers, Vickie enjoys visiting our national parks with her husband Brian and two boys Quinn and Simon. Education: B.S. in Computer Information Systems and Marketing Favorite River Activity: canoeing with the family Contact: 217-344-2371 x 200 or vnudelman [at] prairierivers [dot] org

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Amanda Pankau, Energy Campaign Coordinator

Area of Focus: Coal pollution, renewable energy Amanda coordinates our campaign to bring information to communities about the benefits of renewable energy and the costs of non-renewable sources, such as coal. While coal continues to pollute our state’s air and waters and coal companies struggle to earn profits, the passage of the Future Energy Jobs Act (FEJA) has created the potential to launch Illinois toward a clean energy economy and benefit the environment. Amanda is working to ensure that our leaders and citizens have the knowledge and voice to lead their communities along Illinois’ path toward a renewable energy future. Background: Amanda joined PRN part-time in August, 2017. Prior to joining PRN, Amanda worked as an environmental consultant and community organizer in southern Illinois. As a consultant she specialized in wetland and stream delineation and mitigation, as well as environmental permitting. Her work in the community ranged from building the local food economy with the non-profit Food Works to board service with the Illinois Native Plant Society. Amanda enjoys gardening, running, and spending time exploring nature with her husband, Ryan, and two young sons. Education: B.A. in Ecology, Ethology, and Evolution from the University of Illinois, M.S. in Wildlife Ecology from Southern Illinois University Favorite River: Sangamon River and Hutchins Creek Contact: 217-344-2371 x 214 or apankau [at] prairierivers [dot] org  

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Andrew Rehn, Water Resources Engineer

Area of Focus: Coal ash pollution Andrew provides technical expertise in support of Prairie River's coal pollution programs. The challenges facing Illinois watersheds are complex, and finding answers to those problems requires science and engineering experience that Andrew brings to PRN. Background: Andrew joined PRN part time in early 2015 as he was finishing his master's degree at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. He is now full time since November 2015. Andrew became passionate about water resources issues from high school debate, where he advocated for clean water development. In his undergraduate, Andrew was a member of the Ntisaw Village Water Partnership; an Engineers Without Borders project that designed and built a gravity-fed water distribution system in Cameroon. In his graduate studies, Andrew was a co-creator of Illinois Water Day, an event organized to bring campus and community together to discuss water issues. He also has a passion for education, served as a teaching assistant in two classes, and does guest lectures whenever possible. Education: B.S. in Civil Engineering. M.S. in Civil Engineering. Contact: 217-344-2371 x 208 or arehn [at] prairierivers [dot] org

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Sarah Scott, Membership Development Assistant

Area of Focus: Membership and Fundraising Sarah assists with our fundraising, membership development, and outreach to potential new members and the general public. She also represents PRN on the EarthShare of Illinois board and is on the planning committee of the Boneyard Creek Community Day, an annual community-wide trash clean-up in Champaign-Urbana. Sarah also assists PRN staff with events, outreach activities, and communications. Background: Sarah joined PRN in 2008. She was a volunteer for PRN and continues to volunteer for the Humane Society. Education: Bachelor of Music Education Favorite River: Mississippi River Contact: 217-344-2371 x 211 or sscott [at] prairierivers [dot] org]]> 74 66 0 0 https://prairierivers.org/about-us/jobs/ Tue, 05 Jul 2016 18:11:29 +0000 https://prairierivers.org/?page_id=76 No Current Job Postings ]]> 76 66 0 0 https://prairierivers.org/about-us/partners/ Tue, 05 Jul 2016 18:11:52 +0000 https://prairierivers.org/?page_id=78 Funders Grants from private foundations make up around 67% of our annual operating budget. Below is a list of our recent funders:

• Alliance For The Great Lakes
• Delta Institute
• Elevate Energy
• Energy Foundation
• Enviornmental Integrity Project
• Environmental Law and Policy Center
• Gaylord & Dorothy Donnelley Foundation
• Grand Victoria Foundation
• Illinois Clean Energy Community Foundation
• Illinois Environmental Council
• Illinois Humanities Council
• Just Transition Fund
• Kinship Foundation
• National Wildlife Federation
• NC-SARE
• Norcross Wildlife Foundation, Inc.
• Patagonia Chicago
• Peoples Climate Movement
• Re Amp
• River Network
• Rockefeller Family Fund
• The Educational Foundation of America
• The Joyce Foundation
• The Lumpkin Family Foundation
• The McKnight Foundation
• Walton Family Foundation

Partners

Prairie Rivers Network is the independent Illinois affiliate of the National Wildlife Federation and benefits from a strong and close relationship, working to achieve shared goals. PRN regularly works also in tandem with other conservation organizations when goals overlap and joint action seems productive. Below is a list of some of our recent partners:

• Abrams Environmental Law Clinic at the University of Chicago
• Agricultural Watershed Institute
• Alliance for the Great Lakes
• American Farmland Trust
• American Rivers
• Association of Illinois Soil and Water Conservation Districts
• Audubon Great Lakes
• Bluegreen Alliance
• Canton Area Citizens for Environmental Issues
• Center for Biological Diversity
• Champaign County Forest Preserve
• Champaign County Soil and Water Conservation District
• Citizens Against Longwall Mining
• Citizens Coal Council
• Citizens Utility Board
• City of Ottawa
• Cole Progressives
• Community Renewal Society
• Delta Institute
• Ducks Unlimited
• DuPage River Salt Creek Workgroup
• Eco-Justice Collaborative
• EarthJustice
• Earthrise Law Center
• Environmental Defense Fund
• Environmental Integrity Project
• Environmental Law & Policy Center
• Faith in Place
• First Presbyterian Church of Urbana Green Team
• Fox Development
• Friends of the Chicago River
• Galena Green Team
• Girl Scout Troop #6129
• Heartland Coalfield Alliance
• ICCAW
• IDEA Farm Network
• IL Headwaters Invasive Plant Partnership
• IL-IN Sea Grant
• Illinois Audubon Society
• Illinois Environmental Council
• Illinois Paddling Counil
• Illinois Stewardship Alliance
• Illinois Valley Flood Alliance
• Iroquois Valley Farms, LLC
• Lewis & Clark Legal Clinic
• Liberty Prairie Foundation
• Living Responsibility for the Earth and All People
• LVEJO
• Macon County Soil and Water Conservation District
• Mississippi River Collaborative
• Mississippi River Network
• NAACP Alexander/Pulaski County
• National Wildlife Federation
• Natural Resources Defense Council
• Nicollet Island Collation
• Openlands
• Parkland Community College
• Peoria Park District
• Pheasants Forever
• Physicians for Social Resposibility
• Prairie Land Conservancy
• Prairie Research Institute
• Quad Cities Waterkeeper of the Upper Mississippi river
• ReGenerate Illinois
• River Network
• Savanna Institute
• Sierra Club
• Soil & Water Conservation Districts
• SONA
• Stand Up to Coal
• The Conservation Foundation
• The Izaak Walton League
• The Land Connection
• The Land Conservancy of McHenry County
• The Nature Conservancy
• The Wetlands Initiative
• University of Chicago Abrams Environmental Law Clinic
• University of Illiois Extension
• United Congregations of Metro-East
• Upper Sangamon River Conservancy
• Urbana No Scouts
• US Fish & Wildlife Service
• Water Protection Network
• Wild Farm Alliance
• Woody Perennial Polyculture Research Site

]]> 78 66 0 0 https://prairierivers.org/about-us/contact/ Tue, 05 Jul 2016 18:12:10 +0000 https://prairierivers.org/?page_id=80 COVID-19 UPDATE: Our physical office is currently closed due to the pandemic. All staff are working remotely from home. If you have questions or need to contact a staff member, please just send an email or leave a voice mail message. We will return your email/call shortly. [gravityform id="3" title="false" description="true"] Prairie Rivers Network 1605 South State Street, Suite 1 Champaign, Illinois 61820 phone: (217) 344-2371 fax: (217) 344-2381 email: info@prairierivers.org Report website problems to info@prairierivers.org.]]> 80 66 0 0 https://prairierivers.org/resources/ Tue, 05 Jul 2016 18:13:31 +0000 https://prairierivers.org/?page_id=89

Rivers 101

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Assistance & Speakers Bureau

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Tree Monitoring

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Plant a Rain Garden

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Certified Wildlife Habitat

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Media Center

[/one_third_last] ]]> 89 0 0 0 https://prairierivers.org/resources/rivers-101/ Tue, 05 Jul 2016 18:13:47 +0000 https://prairierivers.org/?page_id=91 120,000 miles of rivers and streams that provide water essential for drinking, habitat, industry, agriculture, and flood control to our communities. Prairie Rivers Network works to protect these resources and see that they are as healthy and clean as needed to support all of their uses.

River Anatomy

[caption id="" align="aligncenter" width="600"] Source: americanrivers.org. Click to enlarge.[/caption]

Watersheds

A watershed is an area of land which drains to a common waterway, such as a river or river system. Natural features such as hills, ridges, or other elevated land areas form a watershed’s boundaries. Watersheds cover both small and large areas of land. Your own neighborhood is part of a watershed. When it rains some water is absorbed into natural surfaces covered by grass, trees, and gardens. Rain that falls on “hard” (impermeable) surfaces like your street, your next-door neighbor’s roof, or a nearby parking lot flows downhill into the nearest storm drain or stream. This water (or “runoff”) collected by these smaller streams eventually flows into larger streams. Not all precipitation will complete this journey and empty into the outlet point. Some water seeps deep into the soil and becomes part of the groundwater supply, water that is held underground in soil or rock. Groundwater is stored in aquifers, underground bodies of rock that move water through the porous, or empty, spaces in the rocky material. The larger and better connected these pores are, the quicker the water is able to travel. Aquifers supply almost all water for human use, and they can become depleted due to excessive pumping for many uses. The state of Illinois, except for the Lake Michigan watershed, is also part of the Mississippi River Basin, the fourth largest watershed in the world (the Lake Michigan watershed is part of the Great Lakes Basin). Illinois contains 24 major watersheds. Prairie Rivers Network focuses on strengthening the large-scale water protections that will preserve the quality and quantity of our water now and for future generations. Read on to see how we do that, and how we need your help. Check out the Environmental Protection Agency’s Surf Your Watershed program site to find out more about the watershed you live in and discover how you can help protect it at the Environmental Protection Agency’s training module.

Pollution Threats to our Rivers

Literally thousands of pollutants find their way into Illinois rivers. These chemical and biological pollutants include pesticides, fertilizers, nutrients, metals, organochlorines, pharmaceuticals, pathogens, and sediment. Pollutants vary greatly in their toxicity and physiological and ecological effects. Environmental damage that can result from water pollution ranges from alteration of sub-cellular functions in aquatic organisms to changes in large-scale ecosystem processes. Sources of pollution are divided into the broad categories of “point source” and “non-point source.”

Point Source

Point sources are defined by the Clean Water Act as “any discernible, confined and discrete conveyance” of pollutants to a river. Conveyances include pipes, ditches, channels, tunnels, and conduits. Point sources are regulated by the Clean Water Act, and must have a National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permit to discharge into rivers. These permits limit the allowable amount of pollutants in the discharge. Some examples of point sources are:

• Sewage treatment plants
• Factories
• Urban storm drains
• Confined animal feeding operations (CAFOs)
• Floating vessels
• Construction sites

Non-Point Source

Non-point source pollution is polluted runoff that results from rain or melting snow carrying pollutants from land to water. Non-point source pollution is the largest contributor to water degradation in the state. Non-point sources are not regulated in the same way as point sources, but state and federal programs exist to reduce the potential for runoff to contaminate rivers. Non-point source pollution results from land disturbance activities such as:

• Agriculture
• Mining
• Forestry
• Urban development

Pollution in the Illinois River

The Illinois River stretches for 273 miles and drains over 30,000 square miles of land. Its basin includes 46 percent of Illinois’ agricultural land and 95 percent of its urban population. One of the greatest threats to streams in several areas of Illinois is poorly planned urban and suburban development. As natural and agricultural lands are converted to roads, parking lots, manicured lawns, and strip malls, streams suffer many changes. Many waters become polluted by new sewage discharges, stormwater that runs off construction sites, lawn care chemicals that wash into streams, fluids oozing from automobiles, and so on. [caption id="attachment_1450" align="alignright" width="288"] Chicago River in downtown Chicago[/caption] The large population in the Chicago area causes billions of gallons of treated sewage to be discharged to the Des Plaines, Fox, and other tributaries of the Illinois River. Rapid development in Chicago’s sprawling suburbs is causing loss of riparian habitat and degradation of high quality streams. Agricultural lands which dominate the majority of the watershed contribute sediment and high levels of agricultural chemicals. The basin’s streams also continue to be impacted by “legacy” problems such as sediments contaminated by metals and toxic chemicals, a result of past environmental abuses. Nutrients are among the most important water quality issues impacting the Mississippi River basin as a whole. Studies estimate that Illinois contributes only 7 percent of the Mississippi’s flow into the Gulf of Mexico, but it contributes 15 percent of the total nitrogen reaching the Gulf. These findings are corroborated by a federal task force assembled to study the Gulf Dead Zone. While most of this nitrogen comes from agriculture and other land use activities, the Upper Illinois River is one of only two areas in the entire Mississippi River basin where municipal pollution is a major source of nutrients.

River Recreation

For information on how you can enjoy Illinois’ rivers and streams, click here.

Kids & Water

How can you and kids get involved with water activities? Click here to find out!

The Rivers of Illinois

Big Muddy River Cache River Des Plaines River Embarras River Fox River Galena River Green River Illinois River Kankakee River Kaskaskia River La Moine River Little Wabash River Mackinaw River Macoupin River Middle Fork of the Vermilion River Mississippi River Ohio River Pecatonia River Saline River Sangamon River Skillet Fork River Spoon River Vermilion River Wabash River

]]> 91 89 0 0 https://prairierivers.org/resources/river-recreation/ Tue, 05 Jul 2016 18:14:10 +0000 https://prairierivers.org/?page_id=93 Get Outside and Experience Illinois Rivers Illinois has 120,00 miles of beautiful rivers waiting for you to visit. Illinois’ rivers and streams offer a diverse landscape with wildlife, new sights, and experiences for those who explore them. Our River Experiences flyers list numerous outdoor recreation opportunities to enjoy, giving you plenty of reasons to get outside! [one_fifth] [/one_fifth] [one_fifth][/one_fifth] [one_fifth][/one_fifth] [one_fifth][/one_fifth] [one_fifth_last] [/one_fifth_last] The National Park Service has a list of biologically, geologically, and recreationally significant Illinois streams. You can make plans to visit many of them and enjoy Illinois’ natural beauty. Whether you like bird watching, fishing, canoeing, or simply visiting beautiful scenery, our streams will provide you with an unforgettable experience. The Illinois Department of Natural Resources has more information on hiking trail access, hunting, fishing, and other outdoor opportunities.

Canoe & Kayak

For information on canoeing or kayaking rentals visit the Illinois Paddling Council. Paddling clubs are also a great way to get started or maintain your skills with other paddling enthusiasts. There are clubs throughout the state offering social, recreations, and instructional opportunities. Get paddling!

Fishing

Illinois Department of Natural Resources Fishing Page allows you to purchase Illinois fishing licenses online and provides good information on fishing in Illinois. The Illinois Smallmouth Alliance (ISA) is an organization of catch and release anglers helping to preserve the smallmouth bass and its habitat through education and conservation. The Environmental Defense Fund identifies the seafood that is the healthiest for us and the best for the environment. Fish Watch also has an easy database to search for sustainable seafood.

Wildlife Habitat

Rivers, streams, wetlands and lakes are home to many species of wildlife. The land connected to these surface waters, the riparian zones or buffer zones which connect water to land, is home to many species as well as vital to the health of a waterway. Illinois is home to an amazing array of wildlife. The following links connect you to valuable resources and tools you can use to learn more about the wildlife in Illinois which depend on our waterways. Fish: Visit the Illinois Department of Natural Resources fish guide for a comprehensive list of Illinois’ fishes. Birds: Visit Illinois Ornithological Society for information on the birds of Illinois.

River Safety

• Safety tips for paddlers from the Illinois Paddling Council
• American Canoe Association Safety Resources
• Information on dams in northeastern Illinois

River Gauge

• Stream gauges for Illinois

]]> 93 89 0 0 https://prairierivers.org/resources/kids-water/ Tue, 05 Jul 2016 18:14:23 +0000 https://prairierivers.org/?page_id=95 10 Fun Ways to Connect Kids with Water

1.  Provide a Backyard Wildlife Habitat (ages 8+)

Creating wildlife habitat in your backyard is an easy and fun way to experience nature every day no matter the weather. Carefully placed shelters provide protection and a place for wildlife to raise young. Plants and water features provide food and can also attract beneficial in­sects and birds. Attracting new wildlife into your backyard can be as simple as setting up a bird feeder or planting flowers or shrubs for butterflies, bees, and animals. Creat­ing a variety of habitats will attract even more wildlife into your backyard. Find more info for building your wildlife habitat.

2.  Paddling the Rivers of Illinois (ages 4+)

Did you know that Illinois has over 120,000 miles of rivers? Paddling is a fun team-building activity for families and an interesting way to learn about your local rivers. If you don’t have a canoe or kayak, no problem, find an out­fitter to rent from. Contact your local parks and For­est Preserve Districts as they may offer paddling classes. Practice your strokes and get comfortable in the boat on a pond, lake, or slow river before getting out on larger, faster rivers. Once you’re ready to paddle you’ll want to check out the national scenic Middle Fork River, beautiful Fox River, diverse Sangamon River, or any of Illinois’ other unique rivers. The Illinois Paddling Council’s website has lots of information on all aspects of paddling in Illinois.

3.  Trout Fishing (ages 4+)

Visit one of the 163 lakes in Illinois where you can fish for rainbow trout. Trout season opens the first Saturday in April. The Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) has a wealth of information on fishing in Illinois, including licensing requirements. Licenses are required for individuals age 16 and older. The IDNR’s site also has a long list of great locations for family fishing.

4.  Geocaching (ages 4+)

Get out of the house for some exercise and high-tech adventure! Geocaching is a recreational activity in which someone buries or hides something for others to try to find using a Global Positioning System (GPS) receiver. Geocaches typically are inexpensive trinkets or objects packed with a logbook into a small waterproof contain­er. Being on the hunt for a geocache is a great way to get out in nature and discover local rivers and streams. To find geocaches in your area, search your zip code here. State and local parks may have restrictions on geocach­ing, so be sure to check with them before placing a cache.

5.  Create a Rain Garden (ages 6+)

Rain gardens capture rainfall from roofs and driveways and allow it to soak into the ground. Otherwise, the water picks up trash, dirt and other pollution on its way to storm drains that lead directly to rivers and lakes. It is easy to create a beautiful rain garden in your yard. For instructions on how, click here.

6.  Measuring Your Family’s Water Use (ages 6+)

How much water does your family use? Performing a home water audit will inform your kids of how much wa­ter they use in daily activities like brushing teeth, flushing the toilet, washing dishes, or playing with the hose. Have everyone guess how much water you’re using and then see how close you are. Home water audit resource:

• Home Water Audit

7.  Testing Your Tap Water (ages 6+)

In Illinois, 76% of our public water supplies comes from surface water, including rivers. Testing your tap water is a good way to start a conversation with your kids about water pollution. There are a variety of simple, reliable, and inexpensive drinking water test kits that can be purchased online or at “big box” stores. With these kits you can test for one or several of the most common pollutants includ­ing iron, copper, lead, bacteria, pesticides, and nitrates. Once you have tested your water, you can compare the results to water quality reports from your local water pro­vider (provided once a year with your bill). Find your local water quality reports from Illinois American Water.

8.  Play Water Games Online (ages 4+)

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has some good interactive games to teach kids about drinking wa­ter and what fish are safe to eat.

9.  Read a Good Book (all ages)

There are a number of amazing children’s books about the significance of water in our lives. Check out The Won­der Thing and Every Drop Counts for ages 4-8. You might try Experiments with Water or Salamander Rain: A Lake and Pond Journal with children ages 9-12. The Dr. Seuss classic The Lorax tells about the effect of pollution on our environment. Visit your local library and ask the librarian for more suggestions.

10. Write a Letter to Your Elected Officials (ages 10 +)

Elected officials want to know what their constituents think about environmental issues. Prairie Rivers Network posts Action Alerts (sign up on our website) asking citizens to write their representatives about issues that impact our water and rivers. Even though children can’t vote, they can write about their experiences and why rivers are im­portant to them. Parents can help with researching the topic or even planning a field trip to help them identify key players, and learn to compare different perspectives, as well as possible solutions. Contact info for federal and state elected officials. [caption id="" align="aligncenter" width="115"] PDF Version of 10 Ways to Connect With Water[/caption]

]]> 95 89 0 0 https://prairierivers.org/resources/assistance/ Tue, 05 Jul 2016 18:14:53 +0000 https://prairierivers.org/?page_id=97 Technical Assistance At Prairie Rivers Network, we protect water, heal land, and inspire change. We can connect you to people who can help you with presentations or with providing technical assistance. If you have a problem where we may be of assistance, you may call our at 217-344-2371 or email info@prairierivers.org. Due to limited capacity, we may recommend you contact one of our partners for assistance.

For the Press

Prairie Rivers Network is happy to assist the press on a variety of issues. Please refer to areas of expertise of our staff for the appropriate contact person or call the office at 217-344-2371.

Speakers Bureau

Prairie Rivers Network works to enhance public awareness and public connection to waterways. If schedules allow, we may be able to provide presentations to groups on the issues we are currently working on. If you are interested in Prairie Rivers Network giving a presentation to your group, please call our office at 217-344-2371 or email info@prairierivers.org. Photo Credit: Beyond Coal UIUC Divestment Celebration April 2016 by Wenyuan Chen Daily Illini]]> 97 89 0 0 https://prairierivers.org/test-salsa-donation-page-3/ Thu, 06 Jun 2019 19:04:27 +0000 https://prairierivers.org/?page_id=32614 ]]> 32614 0 0 0 https://prairierivers.org/test-salsa-petition/ Thu, 06 Jun 2019 22:29:01 +0000 https://prairierivers.org/?page_id=32618 ]]> 32618 0 0 0 https://prairierivers.org/test-salsa-petition-2/ Thu, 06 Jun 2019 22:50:02 +0000 https://prairierivers.org/?page_id=32621 ]]> 32621 0 0 0 https://prairierivers.org/resources/speakers-bureau/ Tue, 05 Jul 2016 18:15:07 +0000 https://prairierivers.org/?page_id=99 professional staff to see whose area of expertise might be able to assist you.]]> 99 89 0 0 https://prairierivers.org/resources/media-center/ Tue, 05 Jul 2016 18:15:18 +0000 https://prairierivers.org/?page_id=101 [one_third padding="0 10px 0 10px"]

Newsletters

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Press Releases

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E-News

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]]> 101 89 0 0 https://prairierivers.org/get-involved/ Tue, 05 Jul 2016 18:16:23 +0000 https://prairierivers.org/?page_id=109 120,000 miles of rivers and streams provide us with drinking water, protect us from floods, give home to countless wild species, and provide flowing waters for recreation and navigation. The benefits of rivers are truly innumerable. Rivers are the lifeblood of Illinois, and we must protect them. Since our founding in 1967, Prairie Rivers Network has protected many of the state's most important natural areas. These are the places you may have visited as a child and the places you, your children and your grandchildren visit today, tomorrow, and for generations to come. You can help protect them. BECOME A MEMBER VOLUNTEER BUSINESS MEMBERS ANNUAL FUNDRAISING DINNER RUN/WALK FOR WILDLIFE LEAVE A LEGACY BRUCE HANNON FRIENDS EVENT CALENDAR HOW YOU CAN HELP AT HOME]]> 109 0 0 0 https://prairierivers.org/get-involved/membership/ Tue, 05 Jul 2016 23:16:40 +0000 https://prairierivers.org/?page_id=111 Donate now to protect clean water and healthy rivers [one_third]Headwaters Circle Gifts of $5,000 or more[/one_third][one_third]Legacy Circle Gifts of $2,500 or more[/one_third][one_third_last]River Protector Gifts of $1,000 or more[/one_third_last] [one_third]River Steward Gifts of $500 or more[/one_third][one_third]River Guardian Gifts of $250 or more[/one_third][one_third_last]River Sustainer Gifts of $100 or more [/one_third_last]

1. Donate, Join, or Renew Your Membership Online:

2. Give Monthly:

Your membership will always be current and you won't need to get reminders from us! 

• Use your credit or debit card to set up recurring donations online.

or

• Have Prairie Rivers Network automatically debit your bank account on the last business day of each month by downloading our Automatic Debit Form (PDF document) and mailing it to us with a voided check.

3. Donate by Check:

Download our PRN Membership Form (PDF document) and mail it to:

Prairie Rivers Network 1902 Fox Drive, Suite G Champaign, IL 61820

4. Donate through Workplace Giving:

Prairie Rivers Network is a member of EarthShare of Illinois. If you participate in a workplace giving campaign, look for ESI and you can designate PRN to receive your contributions.

5. Contact us about our Endowment and/or Planned Giving and Bequests.

Leave a legacy for Illinois' Rivers with a gift to our Endowment and/or planned gift or bequest. Find out how...  

Prairie Rivers Network is a registered 501 (c) (3) and your contribution is tax deductible.

]]> 111 109 0 0 https://prairierivers.org/get-involved/volunteer/ Tue, 05 Jul 2016 18:17:01 +0000 https://prairierivers.org/?page_id=113 Volunteer Opportunities Thank you for your interest in volunteering with Prairie Rivers Network. Our volunteering needs are posted here. If you have an idea of a specific way in which you can help us that isn't listed on this page, please email us at info @ prairierivers.org. If you would like to receive an email when volunteer tasks are added to this page, please fill out this form. Opportunities:

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	We Need A Wikipedia Page!
	Can you believe PRN doesn't have a Wikipedia page? We need a volunteer to develop our page, and link to our webpage on relevant pages throughout Wikipedia. Interested? Email: rhirschfeld@prairierivers.org.

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	Like to show up?
	We occasionally call on our members and volunteers to attend rallies or speak at public hearings. Click here to join our emailing list for volunteers who like to show up.

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	Track news about your river.
	Add a google alert for a river near you, and let us know if you hear about pollution or anything going on in that river. Here's how to do that: Google Alert Tutorial

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Also: Find out about what you can do from home, and sign-up for our RiverWeb E-News which goes out every other week.

 

Join Now To Stay Up-To-Date

 ]]> 113 109 0 0 https://prairierivers.org/get-involved/business-members/ Tue, 05 Jul 2016 18:17:14 +0000 https://prairierivers.org/?page_id=115 Platinum $5,000+   [one_half] [/one_half] [one_half_last][/one_half_last]

Gold $1,000+

  [one_third] [/one_third] [one_third][/one_third] [one_third_last][/one_third_last] [one_third][/one_third] [one_third] [/one_third] [one_third_last][/one_third_last] [one_third][/one_third] [one_third][/one_third] [one_third_last][/one_third_last]

Silver $500

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Bronze $250

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Additional Business & Community Members plus In-Kind Donors

Amazon Smile  |  Basil Harvest  |  BorgWarner  |  Canton Area Citizens for Environmental Issues |  Caterpillar Foundation  |  CDC Paper & Janitor Supply  |  Champaign County Audubon Society  |  Champaign Outdoors  |  Children's Discovery Museum  |  Color & Grain  |  Columbia Street Roastery  |  Dandelion  |  Deborah Fell Art Quilts  |  Erich Adickes Photography  |  Field Museum  |  First Presbyterian Church of Urbana Green Team |  Green Top Food Co-Op  |  Hamilton Walker's  |  Hansen & Co. Beauty Lounge  |  Illinois Marathon  |  Industry Brewing Co  |  International Galleries  |  Krannert Center For The Performing Arts  |   Laborers Local Union #393  |  Medici  |  Miga  | Mulberries Farm & Orchard  |  Paul's Machine & Welding Corp.  |  Prairie Fruits Farm & Creamery  |  Prairie Sky Groupd ADF  |  Pizzeria Antica  |  Riggs Brewery  |  Rogards Office Plus  |  Upper Embarras River Drainage District  |  Women's Dialogue Group  |  Zoo Improv  

Would you like to sponsor Prairie Rivers Network?

Prairie Rivers Network invites you to protect water, heal land, and inspire change by becoming a business member of Prairie Rivers Network. Business sponsors can be recognized at our Annual Dinner, Wild & Scenic Film Festival, and Illinois Marathon Fundraiser. For more information, please view our Business Sponsor Form, or contact Vickie Nudelman at 217.344.2371 or vnudelman [at] prairierivers.org.

]]> 115 109 0 0 https://prairierivers.org/dinner/ Tue, 05 Jul 2016 23:17:26 +0000 https://prairierivers.org/?page_id=117 Save the Date - ANNUAL DINNER 2021 - 10.15.21 For the past 20+ years, PRN has hosted an annual dinner to celebrate our victories, acknowledge the every day environmental heroes with our awards, hear from a distinguished keynote speaker, and visit with our members to get inspired for the challenges ahead. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the 2020 Annual Dinner looked a little different. We went virtual.

CLICK HERE TO VISIT OUR ANNUAL DINNER @Home Virtual Event Website

PRN's ANNUAL DINNER @Home virtual event was a resounding success! If you missed the premiere of the Prairie Rivers Network event, you’re in luck, you can still watch the video on our YouTube channel! We had an amazing turnout for our @Home virtual dinner. Over 135 people tuned into the premiere on our YouTube channel, and in the days following, an additional 200+ people caught up on what they missed! That is truly an overwhelming outpouring of support! Thank you!

You Went Local

Also, we want to thank the scores of folks that ordered local Champaign-Urbana food for the dinner. Michael’s Catering and Prairie Fruits Farm & Creamery delivered delicious meals to your homes. Thank you for supporting local businesses!

River Steward of the Year

This year’s River Steward Award went to Pat Lawlor of Marengo, Illinois for her work on the Kishwaukee River Water Trail in McHenry County in Northeastern Illinois. Pat was nominated by Cindy Skrukrud and the Environmental Defenders of McHenry County, who described Pat as a "force of nature" for her efforts to create a new water trail on the Kishwaukee River. Pat established a volunteer organization called Paddle the Kish in Marengo and has recruited, organized, and led volunteers to work on the water trail. She tirelessly brought together a broad coalition of stakeholders to protect the Kishwaukee River watershed. She led efforts to fund the development of launch sites on the water trail in order to create areas for family-friendly paddling in the Marengo area. Getting people out on the river is one of the best ways to build the next generation of river and conservation advocates. Her stewardship has made the Kishwaukee Water Trail a reality.

Volunteers of the Year

Our victories are often made possible due to the dedication and passion of people volunteering their money, time, and talents. This year’s Volunteer of the Year award goes to a trio of committed activists—Chris Main, Toni Oplt, and Dulce Ortiz—who have gone above and beyond in the fight to stop coal ash pollution and stand up for impacted communities. Chris Main is a long time member of Prairie Rivers Network and advocate for the Middle Fork River. In addition to her volunteer work around coal ash, she has volunteered countless hours behind the scenes coordinating outreach for Stand Up to Coal to stop the Bulldog Mine. Chris attended rally days in Springfield on important environmental issues including getting petition signatures and delivering them to Senator Bennett in support of CEJA. She has attended public hearings and founded the all volunteer organization Citizens for a Greener Illinois. She brings energy into everything she works on in a no-nonsense manner and is a strong voice in the environmental movement in Illinois. Toni Oplt is part of the Metro East Green Alliance, a community organization with a mission to hold polluters accountable and support the advancement of a clean energy economy. Toni has been a long time leader in addressing pollution from the now shuttered Wood River coal plant near Alton, IL. Recent efforts include a demand for public transparency around the demolition and remediation of the plant. In addition to her coal ash work, she is an active participant in downstate efforts to advance a clean energy economy and pass the Clean Energy Jobs Act. You can always count on Toni to volunteer to help behind the scenes or stand out in front, and her home-baked treats make every event better! Dulce Ortiz is co-chair of Clean Power Lake County, a community driven coalition committed to local action to secure environmental, economic, and racial justice. She is also the executive director of the Mano a Mano Family Resources Center, which empowers immigrants and their families to become full participants in their communities. Dulce is a leader for environmental justice in coal ash work, as well as clean energy work with the Illinois State Climate Table. She has worked to protect Waukegan, IL from NRG's coal plant, which has two coal ash ponds on the shores of Lake Michigan. Last year, she testified before the house legislative committee in support of the Coal Ash Pollution Prevention Act, and this year, she testified before the Illinois Pollution Control Board for the coal ash rulemaking. Dulce is a tireless voice for protecting her community and the environment.

Outstanding Public Servants

[caption id="attachment_34259" align="alignright" width="175"] Dr. Ngozi Ezike[/caption] The COVID-19 pandemic has brought into sharp focus the importance of public health. Officials in Illinois recognized early the threat this virus posed and made science-based decisions under incredibly difficult circumstances. Our public health professionals are on the front lines protecting us from this devastating virus. We appreciate their unabashed commitment to science and telling us the hard truths. We owe them our gratitude for their efforts to keep us safe. That is why we are so honored and humbled to recognize Illinois’ Public Health Professionals as this year’s recipient of our Outstanding Public Servant Award. Our local public health administrator of Champaign County, Julie Pryde exemplifies these professionals. [caption id="attachment_34258" align="alignright" width="175"] Julie Pryde[/caption] On behalf of all of us at Prairie Rivers Network, we are happy to have Julie Pryde and Dr. Ngozi Ezike, Director of the Illinois Department of Public Health accept this award in honor of all of Illinois’ Public Health Professionals.

Keynote Speaker

This year’s keynote speaker was Dr. Mustafa Santiago Ali. A renowned thought leader, Dr. Ali is an internationally known speaker, policy maker, and the National Wildlife Federation Vice President of Environmental Justice, Climate, and Community Revitalization. [caption id="attachment_34260" align="alignright" width="300"] Dr. Mustafa Santiago Ali[/caption] Dr. Ali echoed the words of Dr. Martin Luther King: we are all in the same boat. Our partners, staff, board, public health officials, and award winners voiced similar thoughts -- that we are all in this together. This is the only planet we have. We must all work together to protect it.

You Gave Big!

2020 has been fraught with challenges, and we are appreciative and so thankful of all of you who have given during our Annual Dinner @Home event. This year a generous group of PRN members came together to offer a Member Challenge Match for the dinner. They matched every dollar donated up to $15,000. With this extra $15,000 combined with donations received, the silent auction, and additional pledges promised, we surpassed our fundraising goal for the Annual Dinner and raised $80,000+. Our generous members and your contributions will have a huge impact on the work we do now and into 2021! Thank you!

2021

We hope to be able to visit with all of our members for our 2021 Annual Dinner on 10.15.21, but for now, here are some pictures from our 2019 dinner. And for even more pictures, check out our Flicker account. [FAG id=33055]

Business & Community Sponsors

Prairie Rivers Network thanks all for our business and community sponsors that help made the PRN Annual Dinner possible.

Platinum $5,000+

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Gold $1,000+

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Silver $500

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Bronze $250

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Additional Business & Community Members plus In-Kind Donors

Amazon Smile  |  Basil Harvest  |  BorgWarner  |  Caterpillar Foundation  |  CDC Paper & Janitor Supply  |  Champaign County Audubon Society  |  Champaign Outdoors  |  Children's Discovery Museum  |  Color & Grain  |  Columbia Street Roastery  |  Dandelion  |  Deborah Fell Art Quilts  |  Erich Adickes Photography  |  Field Museum  |  First Presbyterian Church of Urbana Green Team |  Green Top Food Co-Op  |  Hamilton Walker's  |  Hansen & Co. Beauty Lounge  |  Illinois Marathon  |  Industry Brewing Co  |  International Galleries  |  Krannert Center For The Performing Arts  |   Laborers Local Union #393  |  Medici  |  Miga  | Mulberries Farm & Orchard  |  Prairie Fruits Farm & Creamery  |  Prairie Sky Groupd ADF  |  Pizzeria Antica  |  Riggs Brewery  |  Rogards Office Plus  |  Upper Embarras River Drainage District  |  Women's Dialogue Group  |  Zoo Improv  

Would you like to sponsor Prairie Rivers Network?

Prairie Rivers Network invites you to protect water, heal land, and inspire change by becoming a business member of Prairie Rivers Network. Business sponsors can be recognized at our Annual Dinner, Wild & Scenic Film Festival, and Illinois Marathon Fundraiser. For more information, please view our Business Sponsor Form, or contact Vickie Nudelman at 217.344.2371 or vnudelman [at] prairierivers.org.

]]> 117 0 0 0 https://prairierivers.org/run/ Tue, 05 Jul 2016 23:17:49 +0000 https://prairierivers.org/?page_id=119 Join our 2021 Run/Walk for Your Rivers at the Christie Clinic Illinois Marathon Pace & Perimeter Challenge!

From Now Until December, 2021!

Walk or Run. It's easy. It's fun. It's important.

  PRN has again partnered with the Christie Clinic Illinois Marathon as a charity running partner for the Run for Our Rivers in 2021. With the April, 2021 marathon canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic, we are joining forces to protect water, heal land, and inspire change across Illinois by participating in the Pace & Pedal Perimeter Challenge. The challenge runs from now until December 31, 2021 with the goal of virtually logging miles around the perimeter of Illinois. You log your miles and track your virtual trek around the state, and PRN will be there with you every step of the way!

The Course

You virtually run/walk around the state of Illinois (at your own pace, one mile at a time) while raising funds for PRN!

• Full perimeter (1268 miles)
• Half perimeter (634 miles)
• Quarter perimeter (317 miles)

Run for Your Rivers!

It’s easy to Run for Your Rivers and raise funds to protect our waterways. Let’s help you get started! Go to the Pace & Pedal Perimeter Challenge Race Roster site to register. Once you’ve done that, here’s how you set up your fundraising page:

• On the Race Roster site, "Sign In" with your email address and password.
• Select the Pace & Pedal Perimeter Challenge
• Under "Fundraising," select "Edit page."
• Enter your fundraising goal, enter a description, and be sure to select Prairie Rivers Network as your preferred organization, then save updated fundraising information.
• After that, it’s time to share your fundraising goals with your family and friends through phone calls, Zoom calls, emails, and social media. It’s that simple!

We hope you will join us and our fundraising team for the Pace & Pedal Perimeter Challenge! If you have any questions, feel free to contact me at jkohmstedt@prairierivers.org.

Why Raise Money for Our Rivers?

We love our rivers! The Middle Fork of the Vermilion River, Illinois' only National Scenic River is something to behold. Your donations will help restore wetlands and reconnect rivers to their natural floodplains. These river corridors will be critical for wildlife to survive a changing climate. Together, we can protect wildlife habitat. Look at all the people who participated in our fundraiser and helped raise over $8,500 for clean water, healthy rivers, and wildlife: [gallery ids="30889,30890,30891,30892,30893,30894,30895,30896,30897,30898,30899,30900,30901,30902,30903,30904,30905,30906,30907"] Prairie Rivers Network is a registered 501 (c) (3) in Illinois. Donations are tax deductible and 100% of donations received (minus credit card fees) go towards our clean water programs in Illinois NOT to overhead for the race.

Benefits of walking/running for Prairie Rivers Network

• Discounted race registration fee when you first sign up to be a fundraiser for Prairie Rivers Network
• Membership in Prairie Rivers Network
• Team t-shirt when you raise at least $100
• Raise $250 or more and receive a complimentary ticket to our Annual Dinner
• Prize awarded to biggest fundraiser
• Making a difference by supporting a great cause: wildlife

How to Run/Walk for Your Rivers

  Join the fundraising team - the running/walking is the hard part, fundraising is easy:

1. Click here to Join the Team and create your own fundraising page.

2. E-mail your family, friends, and co-workers to support you and the wildlife you love!

3. If you have already registered for your run/walk, you are all done.

4. Log miles!

FAQ

What if I don't want to fundraise? No problem. You can just make a donation. Is it hard to fundraise? No! Start out by asking for small donations from your family, friends, and co-workers. Ask your workplace to sponsor you or match donations raised. Post on your facebook page, be creative. You can do it! Don't worry about asking for money, people like to support someone they know and support a good cause. All you have to do is ask, and we will help you. What is the fundraising minimum? The goal is for every runner to raise at least $250, but it is not required. What happens if I do not reach the $250 goal? Nothing. You are not required to raise that amount. We hope you are motivated to help us protect Illinois rivers and wildlife habitat for today and for the future. What happens with the money I raise? When someone donates through your fundraising page, 100% of their tax deductible donation received goes directly to Prairie Rivers Network, a registered 501 (c) 3 non-profit with a 50+ year history of protecting our environment. Will donors get overrun with email and solicitations? No. Members of Prairie Rivers Network will receive:

• 1 or 2 emails per month containing our e-newsletter and important action alerts;
• 3 print newsletters per year;
• invitations to special events; and
• 1 or 2 letters per year saying how great they are for protecting our rivers and streams.

Can I still get a discount if I already registered for the Illinois Marathon? No. I have a question about running and/or training - Call or email Prairie Rivers Network's experienced marathoner Jeff Kohmstedt 217-344-2371 x207 or jkohmstedt [at] prairierivers.org. I have questions about registration and/or fundraising page - Call or email Jeff Kohmstedt  217-344-2371 x207 or jkohmstedt [at] prairierivers.org

Previous Marathon Fundraisers

2019 RUN FOR WILDLIFE 2018 RUN FOR CLEAN WATER 2017 RUN FOR CLEAN WATER 2016 MILES FOR MONARCHS 2015 RUN FOR YOUR RIVERS 2014 RUN FOR YOUR RIVERS 2013 RUN FOR YOUR RIVERS 2012 RUN FOR YOUR RIVERS

Business & Community Sponsors

We thank all for our business and community sponsors that help make the Illinois Marathon Fundraiser  possible.

Platinum $5,000+

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Gold $1,000+

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Silver $500

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Bronze $250

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Additional Business & Community Members plus In-Kind Donors

Amazon Smile  |  Basil Harvest  |  BorgWarner  |  Caterpillar Foundation  |  CDC Paper & Janitor Supply  |  Champaign County Audubon Society  |  Champaign Outdoors  |  Children's Discovery Museum  |  Color & Grain  |  Columbia Street Roastery  |  Dandelion  |  Deborah Fell Art Quilts  |  Erich Adickes Photography  |  Field Museum  |  First Presbyterian Church of Urbana Green Team |  Green Top Food Co-Op  |  Hamilton Walker's  |  Hansen & Co. Beauty Lounge  |  Illinois Marathon  |  Industry Brewing Co  |  International Galleries  |  Krannert Center For The Performing Arts  |   Laborers Local Union #393  |  Medici  |  Miga  | Mulberries Farm & Orchard  |  Prairie Fruits Farm & Creamery  |  Prairie Sky Groupd ADF  |  Pizzeria Antica  |  Riggs Brewery  |  Rogards Office Plus  |  Upper Embarras River Drainage District  |  Women's Dialogue Group  |  Zoo Improv  

Would you like to sponsor Prairie Rivers Network?

Prairie Rivers Network invites you to protect water, heal land, and inspire change by becoming a business member of Prairie Rivers Network. Business sponsors can be recognized at our Annual Dinner, Wild & Scenic Film Festival, and Illinois Marathon Fundraiser. For more information, please view our Business Sponsor Form, or contact Vickie Nudelman at 217.344.2371 or vnudelman [at] prairierivers.org.

]]> 119 0 0 0 https://prairierivers.org/legacy/ Tue, 05 Jul 2016 18:18:04 +0000 https://prairierivers.org/?page_id=121 Join the PRAIRIE RIVERS NETWORK LEGACY SOCIETY by giving to our Endowment today or setting up your planned giving and leave a legacy of clean water and healthy rivers. Illinois has an abundance of fresh water. 120,000 miles of rivers and streams provide us with drinking water, protect us from floods, give home to countless wild species, and provide flowing waters for recreation and navigation. The benefits of rivers are truly innumerable. Rivers are the lifeblood of Illinois, and we must protect them.

You can help ensure that Prairie Rivers Network has the continued resources to protect water, heal our land, and inspire change across Illinois with a gift to our Endowment and/or a planned giving gift to Prairie Rivers Network.

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Prairie Rivers Network Endowment

The Prairie Rivers Network Endowment is a permanent investment fund to enhance and sustain the work of Prairie Rivers Network 

Prairie Rivers Network Endowment Funds

Our Endowment funds offer you an opportunity to safeguard our rivers and streams for generations to come:

Eric T. Freyfogle Endowment for the Environment

PRN's principal endowment fund with gift and assets to be held permanently; earnings are used to support operations. This Endowment fund was established with a gift from William Van Hagey to honor the lifetime work of Eric Freyfogle for his teaching and scholarly work focusing broadly on humans and nature with particular emphasis on private property rights in land and natural resources and on environmental thought.

Board-Designated Fund

Quasi-endowment to support long-term operations; board reserves power to draw upon the fund principal under narrow circumstances.

Named Endowment Funds

Permanent or quasi-endowment fund created in honor or memory of a person; donor may set guidelines governing uses of funds. Current named endowment funds include:

• The Charles Goodall Memorial Fund - This Endowment fund was established by Carol Goodall Wock with her donation of 220 acres of organic farmland, in honor of her brother, Charles William Goodall, who was deeply committed to organic farming. This fund also honors her grandfathers, several generations of farming ancestors, and all farmers since the dawn of agriculture 12,000 years ago who farmed organically until after WWII.
• The Charles Goodall Fund – This quasi-endowment fund established by the Board of Directors and Goodall family members to honor the commitment and contribution Charles Goodall had to the governing of Prairie Rivers Network.
• The Clark Bullard Advocacy Fund – This quasi-endowment fund was established by the Board of Directors to lift up the extraordinary, still continuing conservation work of PRN Board member Clark Bullard over the past half century. It similarly emphasizes the vital importance to the conservation movement of citizen-led efforts to push for policy and legal reform at all public levels.

Read more about the Prairie Rivers Network Endowment in our Board resolution creating the PRN Endowment.

Planned Giving

Planned giving is way for your to make a large, meaningful gift to Prairie Rivers Network as an investment in conservation that lives on during your lifetime and long after the gift is made:

• Bequests can be a specific dollar amount, a percentage of your estate, or a percentage of the residual (what is left over after specific bequests are made).
• Bequests may be in cash, securities, real or personal property, life insurance proceeds.
• You can name a charitable organization as a contingent beneficiary. A contingent beneficiary provides for unforeseen events when the original beneficiary is unable to accept the gift.
• Gifts by will or living trust are simple and revocable. You may change your estate plans as your circumstances change.
• A charitable gift by will or living trust can often provide significant estate tax savings.
• Contributions from an IRA or other retirement account may also provide particularly significant tax savings.
• Charitable gift annuities can provide a lifetime income stream to the donor, while also offering an immediate tax deduction.

A bequest is easy to arrange and does not alter the resources you need for your current lifestyle. A bequest can be easily modified if your plans change. Below is sample language you can use to designate a planned gift for Prairie Rivers Network. An attorney or tax advisor can help you make sure your plan is based on your specific circumstances.

Residual Gift Language

A residual bequest comes to us after your estate expenses and specific bequests are paid: I give and devise to Prairie Rivers Network (Tax ID 37-6085905), located in Champaign, IL, all (or state a percentage) of the rest, residue, and remainder of my estate, both real and personal, to be used for its general support.

Specific Gift Language

Naming Prairie Rivers Network as a beneficiary of a specific amount from your estate is easy: I give and devise to Prairie Rivers Network (Tax ID 37-6085905), located in Champaign, IL, the sum of $___________ (or asset) to be used for its general support.

Contingent Gift Language

Prairie Rivers Network can be named as a contingent beneficiary in your will or personal trust if one or more of your specific bequests cannot be fulfilled: If (insert name) is not living at the time of my demise, I give and devise to Prairie Rivers Network (Tax ID 37-6085905), located in Champaign, IL, the sum of $ _______ (or all or a percentage of the residue of my estate) to be used for its general support.

Retirement Plan Distributions -- IRA, 401(k), 403(b)

One of the best ways to support organizations such as Prairie Rivers Network is to make gifts to it directly out of a retirement account, either while the donor is alive or upon death. The tax consequences vary considerably based on the type of the retirement account, so it is wise to know the rules to avoid unnecessary taxes, either for the donor or the donor’s beneficiaries. In general, donors are best served by donating assets to a charity from a taxable retirement account such as a regular (non-Roth) IRA.  Distributions from such accounts are taxable to the recipient—including a beneficiary—unless the distribution goes directly to a charity. IRA holders who are at least 70 ½ years old are required to take minimum annual distributions; when these go directly to a charity, the distribution is not taxable income and no charitable deduction is needed.  Such gifts are therefore not subject to limits on charitable deductions. Taxes are avoided even if a person takes the standard deduction and does not itemize on annual tax returns, and some donors end up in lower tax brackets. Rules for 401(k) and 403(b) accounts are a bit different. Holders may need to convert them to a regular IRA in order to take advantage of this tax benefit.  Your plan administrator can likely explain the needed steps. A cash gift to Prairie Rivers Network can be sent directly to its office.  Here is the information needed for other gifts (for instance, of stocks or mutual funds): Prairie Rivers Network 1605 South State Street, Suite 1 Champaign, IL 61820 Federal tax ID number: 37-6085905 PRN E*Trade brokerage account for transferring stocks: https://us.etrade.com/home PRN account number at E*Trade is 35575278 DTC # for E*Trade is 0385 You may also name Prairie Rivers Network as a beneficiary of a retirement account upon death.  The assets in the account then go directly to Prairie Rivers Network without any delays for probating a will. Again, tax benefits are often maximized when assets are donated from a taxable account such as a regular IRA, rather than using other assets that the donor holds. With Prairie Rivers Network named as a beneficiary of retirement account, the donor still maintains complete control over the account while live, including the power to change beneficiaries at any time. Making a charitable gift from your retirement plan is easy and should not cost you any attorney fees. Simply request a change-of-beneficiary form from your plan administrator. When you have finished, please return the form to your plan administrator and notify Prairie Rivers Network.

Please Contact us about Your Legacy Gift

  We would be happy to talk with you to discuss your legacy interests, goals, and gift. When you make a planned gift, you'll be welcomed into Prairie Rivers Network’s Legacy Society. Even if you wish to remain anonymous, please let us know about your planned gift to help us plan for the future. Please contact Elliot Brinkmkan at (217) 344-2371 x202 or at ebrinkman [at] prairierivers.org.  ]]> 121 0 0 0 https://prairierivers.org/bruce-hannon-friends/ Tue, 05 Jul 2016 18:18:22 +0000 https://prairierivers.org/?page_id=123 To encourage and recognize the sustained effort that is so important to clean water advocacy, Prairie Rivers Network has created the Bruce Hannon Friends of Illinois Rivers, named in honor of the person who got us started and led our board for 33 years. In 1967, Bruce and Patricia Hannon learned that the Army Corps of Engineers was planning to dam the Sangamon River and flood Allerton Park. The area was their family's favorite retreat, and one of the only large forested areas left in agricultural Central Illinois. They knew that they couldn't just let it happen. It took nearly 10 years of sustained effort by Bruce and many other dedicated friends to stop the dam. Through this fight they realized that there were many such wasteful and unnecessary projects threatening natural Illinois, and that true progress required activists to find the root causes and confront them. For 45 years, Bruce and friends have continued fighting for Illinois rivers and natural places. Several long-term members of Prairie Rivers Network have supported the organization for decades, and many more have joined the ranks of a committed core of financial supporters who ensure that Prairie Rivers Network can take on the long-term fight for systemic changes that make it possible to enjoy clean drinking water and natural places in the future.

It is easy to be a friend.

Friends are members who donate year after year at the level of $1,000 or more. Friends are donors who indicate, simply but importantly their commitment to sustaining the work of Prairie Rivers Network into the future. Friends receive special quarterly video-casts from the staff. Join today! 1. Donate online or mail in a check. 2. Set up a recurring monthly donation of $83.34 or more. 3. Donate at a level that covers several years. 4. Contact us about other ways to donate such as appreciated securities, land, endowments, etc.

Thank you to our Bruce Hannon Friends of Illinois Rivers!

Stephanie and Ralph Alexander

The Bales Family

Phyllis Brissenden

Irene and Clark Bullard

Ellyn and David Bullock

Glynnis Collins and Nick Brozovic

Bill Davey

Jean Flemma and John Epifanio

Jane and Eric Freyfogle

John B. Gilpin

Lizie Goldwasser

Nancy Goodall

Barbara and Robin Hall

Bruce Hannon

Patricia Hannon

DiAnne and Terry Hatch

Susan and Lewis Hopkins

Bob Illyes and Sarah Redd

Dixie and Gary Jackson

Karen Carney and Rob Kanter

Annette and Charles Lansford

Anna Keck and Jason Lindsey

Chris and David Main

Diane and John Marlin

Robert J. McKim

Jon McNussen

Sharon Monday and Jack Paxton

Beverly and Thomas Rauchfuss

Annice Moses and Michael Rosenthal

Ruth Wene and Tom Seals

Trent Shepard

Julie and David Sherwood

Sue and Tom Smith

Ya-Shu Feng and Bill Van Hagey

Carol Goodall Wock

]]> 123 0 0 0 https://prairierivers.org/get-involved/event-calendar/ Tue, 05 Jul 2016 18:19:46 +0000 https://prairierivers.org/?page_id=125 125 109 0 0 https://prairierivers.org/get-involved/how-you-can-help-at-home/ Tue, 05 Jul 2016 18:20:02 +0000 https://prairierivers.org/?page_id=127 1. Become A Member

If you believe in our mission to protect water, heal land, and inspire change, then please become a member today. A $5 monthly donation can go a long way to support our work.

2. Be River Smart

What you can do for clean water in and around your home and your rivers.

3. Plant a Rain Garden

Prevent flooding, clean storm water and create a beautiful landscape feature in your yard.

4. Create a Certified Wildlife Habitat

A Certified Wildlife Habitat sign lets passersby know that you have provided a safe haven for Illinois wildlife.

5. Properly Dispose of Household Hazardous Waste

Dispose of unwanted household chemicals in a way that doesn't pollute the water.

6. Write a Letter to the Editor

We need more messengers! If you have learned something from Prairie Rivers Network, participated in an event, or you have special knowledge about one of our program areas, please consider writing a letter to the editor to let others know.

7. Monitor Your Local Stream

Illinois has several locally-based volunteer stream monitoring groups. Find one near you and collect the data needed to support preservation, protection, and restoration.

8. Reduce Stormwater Pollution from Construction Sites

Construction is going on all around us. With a little training, you can learn to spot construction sites that are polluting local waters...and report them.

9. Protect Your Streams from Dredging and Filling

Keep your eyes and ears open for the destruction of wetland or stream habitats without a permit...and report it.

10. Report Water Pollution

Citizen reports do lead to action. We can't just rely on the Environmental Protection Agency; we need to have a culture of environmental protection.

11. Leave a Legacy 

Leave a legacy to the future of Illinois rivers by making a gift to our Prairie Rivers Network Endowment or adding Prairie Rivers Network to your planned giving.

]]> 127 109 0 0 https://prairierivers.org/our-work/ Tue, 05 Jul 2016 18:22:14 +0000 https://prairierivers.org/?page_id=138 [image-caption-hover id="1"]

Clean Water

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Water & Energy

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Water & Farming

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Rivers & Wildlife

[/one_fourth_last]]]> 138 0 0 0 https://prairierivers.org/ Tue, 05 Jul 2016 19:43:35 +0000 https://prairierivers.org/?page_id=172 Protect Water. Heal Land. Inspire Change Using the creative power of science, law, and collective action, we protect and restore our rivers, return healthy soils and diverse wildlife to our lands, and transform how we care for the earth and for each other. [/two_third][one_third_last]

Clean Water

Water & Energy

Water & Farming

Rivers & Wildlife

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Support PRN's Work

We are working every day to protect our water, heal our land, and inspire the change we need to confront climate change. Please join us.

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Other Ways to Give

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By check

PRN Membership Form (pdf)

By automatic bank account debit

PRN Automatic Debit Form (pdf) If you are in the conservation movement for the long fight, becoming a sustaining member with an automatic, monthly bank account contribution is a great option because you don't have to worry about your membership expiring. Mail form to: Prairie Rivers Network 1605 South State Street, Suite 1 Champaign, IL 61820[/five_sixth_last] [one_sixth][/one_sixth][five_sixth_last]

While you shop

Amazon

Smile.Amazon.com is just like shopping at Amazon.com and .5% will be donated to PRN. If you already have an Amazon account, just go to smile.amazon.com and sign in with your account information and enter Prairie Rivers Network as your charitable organization. If you don’t already have an Amazon account, you can create one when you go to smile.amazon.com. [/five_sixth_last] [one_sixth][/one_sixth][five_sixth_last]

Workplace Giving

Prairie Rivers Network is a member of EarthShare of Illinois. If you participate in a workplace giving campaign, look for ESI and you can designate PRN to receive your contributions.[/five_sixth_last] [one_sixth][/one_sixth][five_sixth_last]

Bruce Hannon Friends of Illinois' Rivers

Friends are members who donate year after year at the level of $1,000 or more. Friends are donors who indicate, simply but importantly, their commitment to sustaining the work of Prairie Rivers Network into the future. Friends receive special quarterly video-casts from the executive director and/or staff. Find out more about the Bruce Hannon Friends of Illinois Rivers.[/five_sixth_last] [one_sixth][/one_sixth][five_sixth_last]

Leave a legacy

You can leave a legacy to the future of Illinois rivers by making a gift to our Prairie Rivers Endowment, by adding Prairie Rivers Network to your planned giving, or by donating stocks, bonds, annuities and items of value. For more information, click here, or contact the Executive Director at 217-344-2371 or by email at info@prairierivers.org[/five_sixth_last]

PRN Membership Levels

Membership at the River Guardians level or above is considered to be a major donor of Prairie Rivers Network and you will be invited to occasional special events for our major donors.

PRN IS A REGISTERED 501(c)(3) AND YOUR CONTRIBUTION IS TAX DEDUCTIBLE (TAX ID # 37-6085905).[/one_half_last]

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Upper Mississippi River Asian Carp Factory Farms Coal Ash Coal Mining Wildlife Habitat[/two_third_last]]]> 19701 101 0 0 https://prairierivers.org/resources/media-center/guidebooks/ Fri, 12 Aug 2016 21:39:42 +0000 https://prairierivers.org/?page_id=19703 [one_third padding="0 10px 0 10px"]

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[/one_third_last] [one_fifth][/one_fifth][four_fifth_last]Our Stormwater 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.[/four_fifth_last] [one_fifth][/one_fifth][four_fifth_last]Prairie Rivers Network and the Illinois Chapter of the Sierra Club present their Practicing Antidegradation in Illinois Guidebook, a practical guide to implementing antidegradation at sewage treatment plants. Antidegradation is a law designed to limit the amount of new pollution released into our waterways. The guidebook presents a brief overview of the law and then describes various methods for controlling pollution.[/four_fifth_last] [one_fifth][/one_fifth][four_fifth_last]Antidegradation Alternatives for Municipal Sewage Treatment is a technical report that compiles operational, cost, design, and performance data for various sewage treatment technologies including both conventional and state-of-the-art methods. The report was designed to assist advocates in determining the pollutant reduction capabilities of the various treatment methods and the economic feasibility of implementing these methods.[/four_fifth_last] [one_fifth][/one_fifth][four_fifth_last]A Citizen’s Guide to Illinois’ Agricultural Drainage Practices and Law” for individuals who want to learn more about the practices, policies, and law regarding agricultural drainage in Illinois and who want to ensure that providing adequate drainage is not done at the expense of clean water and healthy river habitat.[/four_fifth_last] [one_fifth][/one_fifth][four_fifth_last]Rain Garden Brochure Rain gardens provide environmental benefits by improving water quality and promoting water conservation. A rain garden is a shallow, vegetated landscaping feature that captures excess rainwater and puts it to work. As the rain garden bed is slightly below the level of the yard, the garden acts as a shallow dish that holds the water for a short time so that it can instead soak into the garden soil. Well-designed rain gardens absorb 30% more water than turf lawns and will drain completely within a few days after an average storm.[/four_fifth_last] [one_fifth][/one_fifth][four_fifth_last]Prairie Rivers Network and our partners in the Nicollet Island Coalition released the Big Price – Little Benefit  report condemning proposed expansion of 7 of the 29 locks that aid navigation along the Upper Mississippi and Illinois Rivers. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers got Congressional authorization in 2007 to double the size of the locks, at a potential cost to taxpayers of $2.2 billion. Our report shows that the modest benefits the project aims to achieve can be achieved much more cheaply through other means. View our press release here.[/four_fifth_last] [one_fifth][/one_fifth][four_fifth_last]The Permitting an End to Pollution handbook, produced by Prairie Rivers Network, River Network, and Clean Water Network, offers much more detail on effective participation in the water pollution control permit (NPDES) program. NPDES (National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System) permits are required of almost anyone who would like to dump pollution into any water in the country. There are likely several such “dischargers” in your watershed, who must get an NPDES permit and must renew that permit at least every five years. Download the full text here, or select chapters below: Introduction Chapter 1 Chapter 2 Part 1, Chapter 2 Part 2 Chapter 3 Chapter 4 Appendices Costs for Analytical Procedures[/four_fifth_last]

Download our Toolkit for Watershed Groups to help run/organize your local river group. There are many reasons to organize or get involved in a river group. Some citizens organize to protect their stream from an imminent threat-a dam, dredging, or clear-cutting of trees along its corridor. Others organize because they perceive a future threat to their stream or the creatures that depend on it. Many get involved just because they want to contribute to their community and to the quality of life of future generations.

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Download our Toolkit for Watershed Groups to help run/organize your local river group. There are many reasons to organize or get involved in a river group. Some citizens organize to protect their stream from an imminent threat-a dam, dredging, or clear-cutting of trees along its corridor. Others organize because they perceive a future threat to their stream or the creatures that depend on it. Many get involved just because they want to contribute to their community and to the quality of life of future generations.

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Newsletters

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Press Releases

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E-News

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Guidebooks & Toolkits

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Factsheets

[/one_third_last]   [display-posts tag="in-the-news" posts_per_page="10" wrapper="div" wrapper_class="news" image_size="medium" include_excerpt="true" include_date="true" excerpt_more="Continue Reading" excerpt_more_link="true"] See more...]]> 19711 101 0 0 https://prairierivers.org/resources/assistance/illinois-watershed-groups/ Fri, 12 Aug 2016 22:27:27 +0000 https://prairierivers.org/?page_id=19721 There are many groups in Illinois working together to protect and improve our rivers and streams. Listed below are links to active watershed groups in the state.  If you do not see your watershed group on our list, please let us know so we can add it.  Thanks! And...don't miss our "TOOLS, MANUALS, WEBSITES AND MAPS" available for your watershed planning needs.

Flint Creek Watershed Partnership Friends of the Fox River Friends of Kickapoo Creek Hickory Creek Watershed Indian Creek Watershed Project Ltd. La Moine River Ecosystem Partnership Nippersink Creek Watershed ParkLands Foundation (Mackinaw River) Peoria Lakes Watersheds Salt Creek Watershed Network Upper Des Plaines Rivers Ecosystem Partnership FIND YOUR LOCAL WATERSHED GROUP at the Illinois Watershed Management Clearinghouse

Photos, top to bottom: ~ Tires and metal debris being removed during a 2008 river clean-up by the Salt Creek Watershed Network based in the Chicago area.  Salt Creek runs through DuPage and Cook Counties. ~ Planning meeting. ~ Cleaning up the banks of the Salt Fork River in Champaign County.

updated - July 2011

]]> 19721 97 0 0 https://prairierivers.org/resources/assistance/workshops-watershed-capacity-building/ Fri, 12 Aug 2016 22:29:06 +0000 https://prairierivers.org/?page_id=19723 From February 2009 - March 2011, Prairie Rivers Network co-hosted a Watershed Capacity Building Workshop Series with the Illinois Lake Management Association (ILMA).  Our workshops and networking opportunities were designed to build the technical capacity of people and groups working to protect and improve our rivers and lakes in Illinois. We also partnered with the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency and the  U.S.  Environmental Protection Agency.  Experts from both agencies offered their time to share knowledge about the most current resources and tools available for watershed planning and management efforts. Our workshops were funded by Illinois EPA and U.S. EPA through Section 319 of the Clean Water Act.   CWA 319 grants provide money for non-point source pollution projects throughout the country.  Our Final Project Report provides detailed information about, and an evaluation of, our workshop series. In 2008, we evaluated the priority needs of watershed groups in Illinois by using an on-line survey.  View our Survey Results, which determined the topics for our 2009-2011 workshop series.  We held a total of 10 workshops, covering the following 6 topics.  Valuable information and tools were provided to increase knowledge and skills for success in watershed management and to foster collaboration among the diverse entities involved in watershed planning.  Please read on to learn about those topics and resources that are of interest to you:

• Grant Opportunities and Funding Options for Lake and Watershed Projects
• Using On-Line Data & Tools for Your Watershed
• Getting in Step:  Building Partnerships and Conducting Watershed Outreach Campaigns
• How to Write a Fundable 319 Grant
• How to Prepare a Third-Party TMDL for the EPA
• Key Internet Tools for Watershed Management

Map of Workshop Locations List of Participating Watershed Groups

The Watershed Capacity Building Workshop Series, hosted by Prairie Rivers Network and the Illinois Lake Management Association, was designed to increase Illinois watershed groups' capacity to protect and improve their local water resources.  Capacity Building Workshops were funded through an Illinois EPA and U.S. EPA CWA 319 Grant.

Top photo:  David Lamb, a horticulturist with the City of Bloomington, talks about the conceptual plan for a park and community center at The Grove on Kickapoo Creek during our 319 Grant Writing workshop in central Illinois.

Middle left photo:  Ed Lochmayer and Nick LoPresti of the Bangs Lake Advisory Committee work together during a group exercise at our Lisle workshop on Building Partnerships in watershed groups.

Middle right photo:  Lucy Stanfield, a GIS Specialist with U.S. EPA Region 5, teaches at our On-Line Data & Tools workshop in Chicago.

Bottom photo:  Kris Bachtell, Vice President of Collections and Facilities at The Morton Arboretum in Lisle, starts the tour of the Arboretum's pervious parking lot during our 319 Grant Writing workshop in northern Illinois.

updated page - July 2011

]]> 19723 97 0 0 https://prairierivers.org/resources/assistance/tools-manuals-websites-maps/ Fri, 12 Aug 2016 22:31:02 +0000 https://prairierivers.org/?page_id=19725 TOOLS FOR ORGANIZING AND OUTREACH:

Prairie Rivers Network's Tools for Protecting Your River (pdf - 3.39 mb), which includes:

• How to Organize Your River Group
• How to Hold a River Clean-up and BioBlitz
• Actions for Citizens (such as monitoring, pollution complaints, letters to the editor)
• Decision Makers Who Impact Our Rivers
• Technical Support

Also see PRN article "Want to Learn More About Your Watershed?"

U.S. EPA's Nonpoint Source (NPS) Outreach Toolbox, which includes:

• Public Service Ads
• Logos, Slogans, and Mascots
• NPS Outreach Collections & Educational Products

MANUALS AND WEBSITES FOR WATERSHED PLANNING & MANAGEMENT:

Illinois Watershed Management Clearinghouse, which includes:

• Getting Involved in Watershed Management
• Help for Existing Watershed Groups
• References & Resources

By U.S. EPA:

• Getting in Step - A Guide for Conducting Watershed Outreach Campaigns (2003) (pdf - 3.27 mb)
• Getting in Step - Engaging and Involving Stakeholders in Your Watershed (2003) (pdf - 1.34 mb)
• Handbook for Developing WS Plans
• Key EPA Internet Tools for Watershed Management manual (2010) (pdf - 7.82 mb) and cover (pdf - 6.29 mb)
• Watershed Central, which includes:

• Adopt Your Watershed
• Healthy Watersheds
• Watershed Academy
• Watershed Central Wiki

• U.S. EPA's WATERS, which includes mapping tools such as:

 

• EnviroMapper for Water
• Impaired Waters and Total Maximum Daily Loads (TMDLs)

By Illinois EPA and CMAP (Chicago Metropolitan Agency for Planning):

• Guidance for Developing Watershed Action Plans in Illinois (2007) (pdf - 3.87)

By Southwestern Illinois Resource Conservation & Development:

• Thinking Outside the Pipe:  Better Stormwater Management Solutions for Southwestern Illinois (2009) (pdf - 3.28 mb)

Association of Watershed & Stormwater Professionals:

• Center for Watershed Protection

Association of Illinois Soil and Water Conservation Districts:

• AISWCD - Watershed Planning

Natural Resources and Conservation Service:

• NRCS Watershed Program

Purdue University and the Extension Water Quality Program:

• Indiana Watershed Leadership Program

STATEWIDE MAPS OF ILLINOIS WATERSHEDS AND RIVERS: IDNR's Ecosystem Partnerships Map Major Watersheds of Illinois Map (pdf - 731 kb) Illinois Lakes & Rivers Map (pdf - 189 kb) from geology.com Illinois Rivers & Tributaries (pdf - 1.16 mb)

updated - July 2011

]]> 19725 97 0 0 https://prairierivers.org/resources/assistance/partners-volunteer-networks/ Fri, 12 Aug 2016 22:21:23 +0000 https://prairierivers.org/?page_id=19727 PARTNERS working to help build the capacity of local groups protecting their hometown rivers and streams: [caption id="attachment_6758" align="alignright" width="300" caption="Our partners at Illinois Lake Management Association"][/caption] Illinois Environmental Protection Agency, Bureau of Water U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Office of Water Illinois Lake Management Association (ILMA) National Great Rivers Research and Education Center (NGRREC) The Morton Arboretum VOLUNTEER NETWORKS IN ILLINOIS: National Great Rivers Research and Education Center's Illinois RiverWatch Network The Illinois Paddling Council's & Openland's Illinois Water TrailKeepers (WTK) Illinois EPA's Volunteer Lake Monitoring Program (VLMP) Openland's StreamLeaders Sierra Club's Water Sentinels in Illinois The Nature Conservancy's Volunteer Stewardship Network (VSN) Waterkeeper Alliance: Quad Cities Waterkeepers of the Upper Mississippi River St. Louis Confluence Riverkeeper Wabash Riverkeeper Chicagoland Environmental Network Chicago Wilderness

Top photo:  PRN partnered with ILMA to host a Watershed Capacity Building Workshop Series.  From left to right are ILMA members Bryan Cross, Dennis Ross, Mary Lou Goodpaster, Meghan Oh, and Tom Ryan.   Amy Walkenbach with the Illinois EPA is pictured far right.  Our watershed workshop series was funded through an Illinois EPA and U.S. EPA CWA 319 grant.

Bottom photo:  PRN staff cleaning up a local creek next to our office.

updated - July 2011

]]> 19727 97 0 0 https://prairierivers.org/resources/assistance/workshops-watershed-capacity-building/grant-opportunities-funding-options-lake-watershed-projects/ Fri, 12 Aug 2016 23:08:05 +0000 https://prairierivers.org/?page_id=19735 TOPICS AND PRESENTERS: This half-day workshop, held in central Illinois (Peoria) on February 18, 2009, was a pre-conference activity at ILMA’s 2009 Annual Conference.  Dozens of funding programs from over 10 agencies were addressed by speakers from Illinois EPA, Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR), Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), Wonder Lake Master Property Owners Association (MPOA), and Lake Sara Forever Foundation. Major topics presented included:

• what grants are available for lake and watershed projects
• funding priorities of available grants
• tips on writing and/or applying for grants
• who to contact for grant information or assistance

A panel was held after the individual presentations, providing the opportunity for agencies to interact with each other and for workshop participants to ask questions of the experts. WORKSHOP AGENDA AND PRESENTATIONS:

• IEPA Funding Programs (pdf - 3.29 mb) by Amy Walkenbach, IEPA
• IDNR Grant Opportunities and Funding Options (pdf - 14.4 mb) by Tammy Watson, IDNR
• Grant-Funded Watershed Projects (pdf - 17.9 mb) by Trent Thomas, IDNR
• Special Service Area Taxing District (pdf - 5.53 mb) by Dick Hilton, Wonder Lake MPOA
• Obtaining Grants from a Homeowner's Perspective (pdf - 3.75 mb) by Tom Ryan, Lake Sara Forever Foundation

WORKSHOP HANDOUTS:

• List of Grant Programs - Feb 2009
• 319 Watershedbased Plan Requirements (nine minimum elements)
• The Illinois Wildlife Action Plan: Defining a Vision for Conservation Success
• Floodplain Management Resource Guide for Illinois Communities

VIEW ATTENDANCE, OUTCOMES, AND PARTICIPANT FEEDBACK

This workshop, hosted by Prairie Rivers Network and the Illinois Lake Management Association, was part of a series of workshops designed to increase Illinois watershed groups’ capacity to protect and improve their local water resources. Watershed Capacity Building Workshops were funded through an Illinois EPA and U.S. EPA CWA 319 grant.

updated - July 2011

]]> 19735 19723 0 0 https://prairierivers.org/resources/assistance/workshops-watershed-capacity-building/using-line-data-tools-watershed/ Fri, 12 Aug 2016 23:09:51 +0000 https://prairierivers.org/?page_id=19737 Locally-led watershed projects are vitally important to improving and maintaining the health of Illinois' rivers, lakes, and streams.   The groups and/or agencies working in Illinois watersheds need to be able to identify water quality concerns and solutions, and communicate them in a meaningful way to decision makers.    This is an important aspect of building public support.  To address this need, we held a hands-on workshop where participants pulled together data and on-line tools and customized them to their watershed.  Participants received useful materials to apply to their watershed work.

TOPICS AND PRESENTERS:

In northern Illinois (Chicago), two groups participated in the workshop – those interested in technical skill-building, and those interested in outreach topics.  In central Illinois (Champaign), there was only interest in the technical content, although a shortened outreach section was presented over the lunch break.  U.S. EPA presented the technical modules of this workshop.  Save the Dunes, from Indiana, and PRN presented the outreach components.

View AGENDA and PRESENTER BIOGRAPHIES for CHICAGO

View AGENDA and PRESENTER BIOGRAPHIES for CHAMPAIGN View TOPICS, ATTENDANCE, OUTCOMES, AND PARTICIPANT FEEDBACK PRESENTATIONS: Understand Your Watershed Through Data & Maps (pdf - 864 kb) Putting the Pieces Together (pdf - 2.29 mb) Modifying Radio PSAs (pdf - 892 kb) Websites Made Easy - Template for Watersheds (pdf - 739 kb) TUTORIALS: Mapping Your Watershed - Vermilion River (pdf - 2.0 mb) STORET Tutorial - Des Plaines Watershed.doc (pdf - 552 kb) STORET Tutorial - Vermilion Watershed (pdf - 453 kb) Modifying PSAs Using Audacity (pdf - 295 kb) Converting EXCEL Storet File to D2M Friendly Format (pdf - 100 kb) HANDOUTS: Watershed Worksheet - guides you to identify your watershed and its health/quality Goals, Terms, and Ideas - defines waterbody, riparian, and upland zones; stream order diagram Steps in the Watershed Process & Characterizing the Watershed Table of Websites for Mapping Data & Tools (pdf - 116 kb) List of Websites for Data in KML and Mapping Tools (pdf - 82.5 kb) Google Earth cheat sheet (pdf - 165 kb) WORKSHOP MANUALS: U.S. EPA's Data2Maps (D2M) User Manual - July 2009 (pdf - 2.37 mb) Prairie Rivers Network's Tools for Protecting Your River (pdf - 3.27 mb) U.S. EPA's Getting In Step:  A Guide for Conducting Watershed Outreach Campaigns (pdf - 3.69 mb)

This workshop, hosted by Prairie Rivers Network and the Illinois Lake Management Association, was part of a series of workshops designed to increase Illinois watershed groups’ capacity to protect and improve their local water resources.  Watershed Capacity Building Workshops were funded through an IEPA and U.S. EPA CWA 319 grant.

updated - July 2011

]]> 19737 19723 0 0 https://prairierivers.org/resources/assistance/workshops-watershed-capacity-building/getting-step-building-partnerships-conducting-watershed-outreach-campaigns/ Fri, 12 Aug 2016 23:11:05 +0000 https://prairierivers.org/?page_id=19739 TOPICS AND PRESENTERS: This full-day workshop was held twice in 2009, in northern Illinois (Lisle) on November 12 (Lisle agenda) and in central Illinois (Peoria) on November 13 (Peoria agenda).  TetraTech, a U.S. EPA consultant, presented the following:

• using U.S. EPA's on-line tools for building partnerships and conducting watershed outreach campaigns
• increasing participation in your watershed management efforts
• utilizing and retaining volunteers
• creating awareness of watershed issues
• conveying your message to a specific audience
• motivating people to change their behavior to make a positive impact on water quality
• evaluating your outreach effort

To address using and retaining volunteers, we invited three Illinois environmental organizations to serve as case studies and speak about their volunteer programs.  In Lisle, both the Flint Creek Watershed Partnership and the Indian Creek Watershed Project presented; in Peoria, The Conservation Foundation spoke. In advance of the workshop, the TetraTech consultant provided registrants with a self-evaluation worksheet to help them prepare for a small group activity to be facilitated the day of the workshop.  During the workshop, attendees broke into small groups and brainstormed about their real-life projects to build partnerships in their watershed groups.  The consultant was able to provide personal feedback to each small group.  She was able to refer directly to the concepts the participants had been learning throughout the workshop, and support them as they strategized about building partnerships. WORKSHOP MANUALS:

• Getting in Step - A Guide for Conducting Watershed Outreach Campaigns (pdf - 3.27 mb)
• Guidance for Developing Watershed Action Plans in Illinois (2007) (pdf - 3.87 mb)

CASE STUDIES ON RECRUITING AND RETAINING VOLUNTEERS:

• In Lisle:  Indian Creek Watershed Project, 1999-2009 (pdf - 9.40 mb)
• In Peoria:  Citizens for Conservation - Flint Creek Watersehed (pdf - 6.98 mb)

VIEW ATTENDANCE, OUTCOMES, AND PARTICIPANT FEEDBACK

This workshop, hosted by Prairie Rivers Network and the Illinois Lake Management Association, was part of a series of workshops designed to increase Illinois watershed groups’ capacity to protect and improve their local water resources. Watershed Capacity Building Workshops were funded through an Illinois EPA and U.S. EPA CWA 319 grant.

updated - July 2011

]]> 19739 19723 0 0 https://prairierivers.org/resources/assistance/workshops-watershed-capacity-building/write-fundable-319-grant/ Fri, 12 Aug 2016 23:17:58 +0000 https://prairierivers.org/?page_id=19743 TOPICS AND PRESENTERS: This popular workshop was held in all three regions of the state.  U.S. EPA, Illinois EPA, and the Lake County Stormwater Management Commission presented in at both the northern Illinois (Lisle; March 3, 2010) and central Illinois (Bloomington; June 23, 2010) locations, covering the following major topics:

• the federal perspective regarding 319 grants
• completing the new on-line 319 application
• collecting the information needed for completing a 319 application
• assessing and describing the scope of a project for a 319 application
• developing a realistic project budget for a 319 application

In southern Illinois (Collinsville; March 28, 2011), Illinois EPA once again presented about preparing a competitive 319 grant application.  To meet the needs of the southern audience, different topics were addressed.

• Northwater Consulting presented:
  • EPA’s nine minimum elements
  • components of an “implementable” watershed-based plan
  • plan implementation and components of fundable 319 applications

• Southwestern Illinois Resource Conservation and Development discussed:
  • details about implementation of local 319-funded projects
  • lessons learned and advice to succeed in securing 319 funds

CASE STUDIES: Local Illinois case studies of 319-funded projects were highlighted in all three regions:

• for Lisle:
  • Spring Brook Meander Project – ideas for effective watershed planning
  • Wonder Lake – implementing a watershed plan

• for Bloomington:
  • Lake Sara Shoreline Bluff Stabilization – managing and implementing change as a volunteer group
  • Kickapoo Creek Corridor Restoration Project – implementing a 319 project for a headwater stream restoration

• for Collinsville:
  • La Moine River Watershed – watershed-based planning
  • Rock Hills Trails Conservation Subdivision – 10 different best management practices at a low-impact residential site
  • Arlington Wetlands – restoration, education, and outreach

SITE VISITS: Site visits to 319 grant-funded projects were also conducted in all three regions:

• in Lisle:  The Morton Arboretum
  • the pervious parking lot and Meadow Lake
  • led by arboretum staff

• in Bloomington:  The Grove on Kickapoo Creek
  • a subdivision and public park complex at the headwaters of Kickapoo Creek
  • multiple stakeholders stationed themselves around the project area

• in Collinsville:  Arlington Wetlands
  • wetland restoration and boardwalk project
  • led by Southwestern Illinois Resource Conservation and Development (partners with the Collinsville Area Recreation District)

VIEW LISLE AND BLOOMINGTON PRESENTATIONS

VIEW COLLINSVILLE PRESENTATIONS

VIEW ATTENDANCE, OUTCOMES, AND PARTICIPANT FEEDBACK

This workshop, hosted by Prairie Rivers Network and the Illinois Lake Management Association, was part of a series of workshops designed to increase Illinois watershed groups’ capacity to protect and improve their local water resources. Watershed Capacity Building Workshops were funded through an Illinois EPA and U.S. EPA CWA 319 grant.

updated - July 2011

]]> 19743 19723 0 0 https://prairierivers.org/resources/assistance/workshops-watershed-capacity-building/prepare-third-party-tmdl-epa/ Fri, 12 Aug 2016 23:19:30 +0000 https://prairierivers.org/?page_id=19745 TOPICS AND PRESENTERS (VIEW BIOGRAPHIES): During this full-day workshop held in northern Illinois (Bolingbrook) on November 16, 2010, U.S. EPA Region 5, Illinois EPA, AECOM consulting, and the DuPage River Salt Creek Workgroup presented on the following topics:

• what is (and is not) a third-party TMDL
• how a third-party TMDL can benefit your watershed
• what information/data you need for a TMDL
• how you use information/data to develop a TMDL
• what IEPA requires for a TMDL before submitting it to U.S. EPA
• what U.S. EPA requires to approve a TMDL
• what the basics of watershed planning are related to TMDLs
• how to select a consultant to assist with preparing a TMDL
• managing stakeholders effectively during TMDL implementation

WORKSHOP AGENDA AND PRESENTATIONS:

• Watershed Management Planning and TMDLs (pdf - 1.50 mb) by Dean Maraldo, Chief of the Watersheds Section, U.S. EPA
• TMDL Implementation:  The Benefits of Knowing Your Customer (pdf - 1.27 mb) by Dean Maraldo, Chief of the Watersheds Section, U.S. EPA
• Part I:  Third-Party TMDLs - What Do They Want (pdf - 4.61 mb) by Dave Werbach, Regional TMDL Coordinator, U.S. EPA
• Part II:  Third-Party TMDLs, What Do They Want (pdf - 4.61 mb) by Dave Werbach, Regional TMDL Coordinator, U.S. EPA
• Third-Party TMDL Program in Illinois (pdf - 8.00 mb) by Trevor Sample, TMDL Project Manager, Illinois EPA
• Qualifications-Based Selection:  Why Value Outweighs Cost (pdf - 841 kb) by Kurt Schoen, Project Manager, AECOM
• Stakeholder Managment for TMDL Implementation (pdf - 3.25 mb) by Stephen McCracken, Program Manager, DuPage River Salt Creek Workgroup

WORKSHOP HANDOUT:

• Guidelines for Reviewing TMDLs Under Existing Regulations Issued in 1992

VIEW ATTENDANCE, OUTCOMES, AND PARTICIPANT FEEDBACK

This workshop, hosted by Prairie Rivers Network and the Illinois Lake Management Association, was part of a series of workshops designed to increase Illinois watershed groups’ capacity to protect and improve their local water resources. Watershed Capacity Building Workshops were funded through an Illinois EPA and U.S. EPA CWA 319 grant.

updated - July 2011

]]> 19745 19723 0 0 https://prairierivers.org/resources/assistance/workshops-watershed-capacity-building/key-epa-internet-tools-watershed-management/ Fri, 12 Aug 2016 23:22:28 +0000 https://prairierivers.org/?page_id=19747 TOPICS AND PRESENTERS:

PRN partnered with the National Great Rivers Research and Education Center and co-hosted this full-day workshop in southern Illinois (Godfrey) on February 11, 2010.  TetraTech facilitated this hands-on, computer training session.  Participants worked at individual computer stations as they experienced the powerful - and free! - on-line watershed management tools designed by U.S. EPA. A course manual filled with screenshots and step-by-step instructions was provided to allow people to continue learning about and using the tools for watershed planning and management. DOWNLOAD THE JULY 2010 COURSE MANUAL (pdf - 7.82 mb) AND COVER (pdf - 6.29 mb) PARTICIPANTS LEARNED ABOUT:

• Watershed Academy
• Watershed Central
• Watershed Plan Builder Tool
• Watershed Funding Resources
• Adopt Your Watershed
• Surf Your Watershed
• Water Quality Standards Database
• Enviromapper for Water
• Ask Waters
• STORET
• ECHO
• ATTAINS
• ....and more!

VIEW TOPICS, ATTENDANCE, OUTCOMES, AND PARTICIPANT FEEDBACK

This workshop, hosted by Prairie Rivers Network and the Illinois Lake Management Association, was part of a series of workshops designed to increase Illinois watershed groups’ capacity to protect and improve their local water resources. Watershed Capacity Building Workshops were funded through an Illinois EPA and U.S. EPA CWA 319 grant.

updated - July 2011

]]> 19747 19723 0 0 https://prairierivers.org/links/ Fri, 12 Aug 2016 23:33:47 +0000 https://prairierivers.org/?page_id=19753 Environmental & Conservation Organizations/Groups American Rivers - Mississippi River Audubon UMR Campaign

Canton Area Citizens for Environmental Issues (citizen coal group)

Citizens Against Longwall Mining (citizen coal group)

Center for Neighborhood Technology Conservation Foundation Ecology Action Center (McLean County) Enviornmental Law and Policy Center Enviornmental Working Group Friends of the Illinois River Friends of the Mississippi River (FMR) Green Lands, Blue Waters Heartland Coalfield Alliance (citizen coal group)  Illinois Audubon Society Illinois Environmental Council Illinois Water Resources Center Institute for Agriculture & Trade Policy The Izaak Walton League of America - Save Our Streams Living Lands & Waters Mississippi River Basin Alliance (MRBA) National Wildlife Federation Openlands Project The Nature Conservancy in Illinois Sierra Club - Illinois Chapter

Stand Up To Coal (citizen coal group)

River Books, Maps and Programs from River Lorian General Information

• The Glossary of Water Resource Terms
• What Our Water's Worth

Government Agencies & Resources

• Illinois Natural History Survey
• The US Environmental Protection Agencymaintains many sites with information and automatic mapping interface for locating sources of water and other pollution and runoff:
  • Surf Your Watershed - Find information about the watershed you live in
  • Envirofacts Data Warehouse - One stop source for environmental information
  • Enviromapper - Map of various types of environmental informatio for a specific area
  • Citizen's Information Center - Learn how healthy your enviornment is
• USEPA Nonpoint Source Pollution: http://www.epa.gov/OWOW/NPS
• USEPA Region 5 water: http://www.epa.gov/r5water
• USEPA Action Plan for hypoxia in the Gulf of Mexico: http://www.epa.gov/msbasin/
• USEPA Office of Wetlands, Oceans, and Watersheds: http://www.epa.gov/owow/
• USEPA Illinois Permit Database: http://www.epa.gov/ARDR5/permits/ilonline.htm
• Illinois Environmental Protection Agency: http://www.epa.state.il.us
• U.S. Geological Survey: http://www.usgs.gov
• USEPA National Pollution Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) and the NPDES permitting program: http://www.epa.gov/npdes

Illinois Department of Natural Resources Education Program

• An educational guide to the "Streams of Illinois" poster. This is a fun look at some of the many species you can find in our streams.
• A lesson on the aquatic endangered and threatened species in Illinois. Learn more about the rare plants, fish, mussels, insects, and mammals that can be found in Illinois.

Identify Unique Natural Resources in Your Watershed

Many Illinois Department of Natural Resources documents, such as Critical Trends Assessment Program (CTAP) reports, are useful in learning about our healthy waters, wildlife and lands. You can also search the Illinois Natural History Survey collections and databases to find plants and animals that have been collected in your watershed, dating back to the 1800s. The fish, crustacean, insect, and mussel collection databases will allow search queries by stream, and these are extremely useful tools. Learn more about where you live and the wonderful wildlife in your watershed.

Vegetation and Wildlife

• Midwestern aquatic Life
• Fishes of Illinois
• Birds of Illinois
• Endangered and Threatened Species in Illinois
• Wetlands

Mississippi River Restoration

Government: US Army Corps of Engineers:

St. Paul District EMP

Rock Island District EMP

St. Louis District EMP

National Great Rivers Museum

Upper Mississippi River System - Navigation and Ecosystem Sustainability Program (NESP)

US Geological Survey:

Upper Midwest Environmental Sciences Center

Long Term Resource Monitoring Program

Great Rivers Field Station (Illinois Natural History Survey)

Illinois River Biological Station (Illinois Natural History Survey)

EPA: Upper Mississippi River American Heritage Rivers Federal Inter-agency Stream Restoration Working Group Illinois Department of Natural Resources - Office of Water Resources Illinois River Coordinating Council Organizations: Fishers and Farmers Parternship for the Upper Mississippi River Basin (pdf) National Great Rivers Research and Education Center Upper Mississippi River Basin Association (UMRBA) Upper Mississippi River Conservation Committee Northeast Midwest Institute

Watershed Management

• USEPA Watershed Management Certification

Introductory/Overview Modules

• Principles of watershed management
• Ecosystem services: benefits to human societies

Watershed Ecology Modules

• Introduction to watershed ecology
• Protecting instream flows: how much water does a river need?
• Stream corridor structure

Watershed Change Modules

• Nonpoint source pollution with Nitrogen and Phosphorus
• Agents of watershed change

Analysis and Planning Modules

• Introduction to watershed planning
• Overview of watershed monitoring

Management Practices Modules

• 8 Tools of watershed protection
• Agricultural management practices for water quality protection
• Forestry best management practices in watersheds

Community/Social Context Modules

• Getting In Step: A Guide to Effective Outreach In Your Watershed
• Top Ten Watershed Lessons Learned
• Introduction to the Clean Water Act tools for watershed protection

]]> 19753 0 0 0 https://prairierivers.org/page-not-found/ Sun, 14 Aug 2016 21:44:46 +0000 https://prairierivers.org/?page_id=19849 click here to go home. You can also click the magnifying glass at the top right to search for a particular topic or page. We apologize for the inconvenience, and encourage you to continue exploring our website. If you feel you've found this page in error, please let us know.]]> 19849 0 0 0 https://prairierivers.org/newmadridlevee/ Sun, 14 Aug 2016 22:27:37 +0000 https://prairierivers.org/?page_id=19853 Prairie Rivers Network & partners seek EPA veto by Kim Knowles Down in the Missouri boot heel lies a huge expanse of wetlands where migratory birds seek rest and food, and where fish spawn and rear their young.  By storing massive amounts of water during storms, the wetlands also protect the Illinois towns of Cairo and Olive Branch from destructive flooding. These precious wetlands get their water from the Mississippi River through the last remaining gap in the complex of levees that divide the river from its floodplain.  Without the gap, the wetlands would die, along with many of the fish and birds that rely on them.  It is this natural flooding through the gap in the levee that has created the most important backwater fisheries habitat in the Middle Mississippi River. The gap in the levee remains because the area is a federally-designated floodway.  As such, it is intended to be flooded during big storms.  Landowners in the floodway, despite having been compensated for use of the land in this way, are not happy about the periodic flooding. They want the gap closed, and the Army Corps of Engineers is determined to give them what they want, no matter the cost. The Corps’ New Madrid Levee project would close the 1500 foot gap in the Mississippi River levee with a 60 foot high wall and drain the area with massive pumps. The price tag is high, $349[1] million taxpayer dollars, especially when you consider who gains; and who loses. The winners are few.  A small group of powerful agricultural landowners in the floodway want more certainty over crop production. With the gap closed, these landowners will be freer to plant still more crops and otherwise further develop the floodway. Senators McCaskill and Blunt stand to gain the farmer vote through support of the project. The losers are many. Too many. The Town of Olive Branch, Illinois lost 50 homes in a 2011 flood, because Missouri landowners in the floodway brought last minute legal action to try to stop the Corps from using the floodway. The delay cost Olive Branch millions of dollars in damage.  Cairo, IL; Paducah, KY; and Hickman, MO are at similar risk of flooding should the levee be built. Once the gap is closed it is fully expected that development within the floodway will intensify. More development means more opposition to operation of the floodway when it is needed. Putting these small struggling river towns at greater risk of flooding also makes it more difficult for them to attract businesses and residents, intensifying economic insecurity. And then there are the many fish, bird, and other wild species that depend on this area for their survival. We’ve walled off so much of the Mississippi River from its natural floodplain that few backwater habitats persist. It is in these backwater areas that critical spawning, rearing, and nesting occur, and allow species to recover, reproduce, and even thrive. There are fewer and fewer of these places, and we must protect them. The New Madrid levee has had many heads since its birth in 1954. In 2007, opponents thought they’d finally seen the end of it when a federal district court ordered the Army Corps to “tear down that wall” (or something like that) and dismantle the parts the Corps had built.  But being forced to tear down the project proved no deterrent. The Corps is poised to release its final plan recommending once again that the project be built, and with taxpayer funding. So, how will we finally kill this thing?  There is a way. Under the Clean Water Act, the EPA has the authority to veto the project. An EPA veto would ring the final death knell for the New Madrid levee. And that is what we’re working to achieve.  Prairie Rivers Network and a coalition of groups have garnered the support of influential leaders who oppose this project. Recently, Senator Dick Durbin of Illinois has called upon EPA to veto the New Madrid levee, as has the Association of State Floodplain Managers. Senator Mark Kirk (R-IL), Congressman Mike Bost (R-IL), the Illinois Conference of the NAACP, the City of Metropolis, the Illinois Department of Natural Resources and the Missouri Department of Conservation oppose the project, as do environmental groups and community leaders in Missouri, Illinois and Kentucky.  Various experts and federal agencies have called out the many problems with the project, including its incredibly destructive impacts on the environment.  It is ultimately EPA’s decision whether or not to veto. The coalition will continue to work to convince EPA that a veto is the only solution. Lend your voice to the call for an EPA veto! Join the Twitter campaign at #stopthelevee.

[1] The original version of this article listed the pricetag for the levee as $165 million, but recent Army Corps estimates have increased the price to $349 million.

]]> 19853 0 0 0 https://prairierivers.org/privacy/ Mon, 15 Aug 2016 22:09:16 +0000 https://prairierivers.org/?page_id=26692 26692 0 0 0 https://prairierivers.org/riverweb/ Mon, 15 Aug 2016 22:37:41 +0000 https://prairierivers.org/?page_id=26699 Sign up for e-mails!

]]> 26699 0 0 0 https://prairierivers.org/shop/ Mon, 15 Aug 2016 22:44:54 +0000 https://prairierivers.org/?page_id=26701 Amazon Smile [one_fourth][/one_fourth][three_fourth_last]If you shop online using Amazon.com, you can shop instead at Smile.Amazon.com and .5% will be donated to Prairie Rivers Network. Smile.Amazon.com is just like shopping at Amazon.com.[/three_fourth_last] If you already have an Amazon account, just go to smile.amazon.com and sign in with your account information and enter Prairie Rivers Network as your charitable organization. If you don’t already have an Amazon account, you can create one when you go to smile.amazon.com.

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[one_fourth][/one_fourth][three_fourth_last]Prairie Rivers Network is participating in Schnucks’ eScrip Customer Card Program.[/three_fourth_last] Shop at Schnucks and up to 3% of your purchase will be donated to PRN. Pick up your Schnucks eScrip card at participating stores. If you are already using a My Schnucks Rewards Card, you may register that card to earn money for Prairie Rivers Network by calling (800) 931-6258. You must have the cashier scan your card for PRN to receive the rewards. If you just give your phone number or use the app on your phone, then your purchase will go towards your personal program (points) and not to Prairie Rivers Network. Prairie Rivers Network’s group ID for the Schnucks’ program is 500024645.]]> 26701 0 0 0 https://prairierivers.org/new-donor-test-page/ Wed, 17 Aug 2016 16:02:56 +0000 https://prairierivers.org/?page_id=26842 Donate Now

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Download our PRN Membership Form (PDF document) and mail it to: Prairie Rivers Network 1902 Fox Drive, Suite G Champaign, IL 61820 etc.....[/five_sixth_last][/one_half_last]]]> 26842 0 0 0 https://prairierivers.org/coalashmap/ Tue, 23 Aug 2016 15:08:53 +0000 https://prairierivers.org/?page_id=27075 #map { width: 100%; height: 75vh; margin: 0 auto; margin-top: 0px; } #content { width: 600px; height: 800px; margin-top: 0px; margin: auto; border-style: solid; }

Illinois Coal Ash Map Due to Google retiring a tool called Fusion Tables, this map is no longer working. We are working on a solution but it may take some time. Thank you for your patience. ​This map shows all of the major power plants with coal ash impoundments in Illinois. Click on a site to zoom in and see a detailed map. Click Full Map to return to the statewide map. Site information including documentation and resources such as NPDES discharge permits, impoundment dam stability, inundation maps, flood maps, and more will appear in this window. Specific impoundment details including liner status, hazard risk, and breach maps, are available for each impoundment by clicking on any particular impoundment on the map.

Click Here For Video Tutorial Click on these in the map Power Plant Open Power Plant Closed High Hazard Risk Impoundment Significant/Low/Unknown Hazard Risk Landfill

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]]> 27075 0 0 0 https://prairierivers.org/raingardens/ Tue, 23 Aug 2016 15:44:08 +0000 https://prairierivers.org/?page_id=27081 What is a rain garden?

Rain garden full of water after a rain

A rain garden is a shallow, vegetated landscaping feature that captures rainwater and puts it to work. As the rain garden bed is slightly below the level of the yard, the garden acts as a shallow dish that holds the water for a short time so that it can soak into the garden soil. Well-designed rain gardens absorb 30% more water than turf lawns and will drain completely within a day after an average storm.  

What are the benefits of a rain garden?

Rain gardens have many benefits. First, it is an attractive and unique addition to any yard. Both you and your neighbors will enjoy its beauty for years to come. In addition, rain gardens provide environmental benefits by improving water quality and promoting water conservation. Water that runs off hard surfaces like your roof and from your yard during rain events flows down the street collecting contaminants such as automobile fluids, yard fertilizers, and pet waste. This adds pollution to the environment because storm drain water is not treated before it enters your local rivers. By collecting runoff before it reaches the street, rain gardens reduce the amount of polluted water flowing into storm drains. Research has shown that the intensive installation of rain gardens in neighborhoods can greatly reduce stormwater runoff and street flooding. The water retained in the garden soaks down into the soil, providing water for the garden plants as well as for the underlying groundwater. This minimizes the need for watering and helps conserve municipal water supplies. Finally, the native plants used in rain gardens provide habitat for birds, butterflies and other beneficial insects. Native plants also require less maintenance, particularly less watering, over time because they are adapted to the local soil and climate conditions and have deep root systems. And if you plant perennials, you will not have to replant every year.

What are the steps for creating a rain garden?

1. Decide where you want the rain garden located and where it would be most effective in collecting the runoff from your property (i.e., close to a downspout).
2. Design the garden. Determine the garden size and depth that will maximize the amount of runoff the garden receives. Garden shape is largely a matter of preference or available space.
3. Select your plants. Choose moisture-loving species for the garden bottom and drought-tolerant species for the sides and berm. Selecting plants that are diverse in color, height, texture, and blooming time results not only in a more interesting display, but one that attracts a greater variety of birds and insects.
4. Plant the garden. Planting time depends mostly on the size of your garden. For most gardens, a few people working together will be able to complete the project in a day. Ask your friends and neighbors for help; this is a great opportunity to spread the word about the benefits of rain gardens.

How much will it cost?

Downspout extensions drain into a rain garden with hardscape to soften the impact of incoming water

The cost of installing a rain garden depends on several factors such as garden size, your yard’s soil type, and the plants selected. You can reduce the cost of plants by selecting younger plants, getting plants from friends, or raising your own from seed. You can also plant in phases; completing one section of the garden this year, and then completing the planting in the following year.

Where can I get more information?

• Download our Rain Garden Brochure.
• Visit the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources website, where you can download their rain garden manual. The manual has detailed information on how to design and install a rain garden.
• Look at our Table of Native Plants Suitable for Illinois Rain Gardens.
• View pictures of Illinois native plants.
• See what plants might work for your rain garden using the Blue Thumb Plant Selector Tool.

Photos of Rain Garden Installations

[one_half] [caption id="attachment_11942" align="aligncenter" width="300"] Sand and compost were tilled into this rain garden to increase water permeability (Champaign)[/caption] [/one_half] [one_half_last] [caption id="attachment_11938" align="aligncenter" width="300"] Digging the rain garden within the stakes that outline the desired shape, at a new Habitat for Humanity home (Champaign)[/caption] [/one_half_last] [one_half] [caption id="attachment_11941" align="aligncenter" width="225"] Students plant a rain garden next to Presby Hall, containing the roof runoff and air conditioning condensation so that the courtyard grass is less boggy (Champaign)[/caption] [/one_half] [one_half_last] [caption id="attachment_11940" align="aligncenter" width="225"] This rain garden captures runoff from Washington Street (Champaign)[/caption] [/one_half_last] [one_half] [caption id="attachment_11937" align="aligncenter" width="300"] The rain garden at Meadowbrook Community Church captures runoff from the parking lot (Champaign)[/caption] [/one_half] [one_half_last] [caption id="attachment_11932" align="aligncenter" width="300"] Residential rain garden that captures water from both a downspout and sump pump (Champaign)[/caption] [/one_half_last]]]> 27081 0 0 0 https://prairierivers.org/protect-wildlife/ Tue, 23 Aug 2016 15:52:37 +0000 https://prairierivers.org/?page_id=27089 27089 0 0 0 https://prairierivers.org/friends-of-illinois-rivers/ Tue, 23 Aug 2016 15:54:12 +0000 https://prairierivers.org/?page_id=27091 27091 0 0 0 https://prairierivers.org/membership/ Tue, 23 Aug 2016 16:25:07 +0000 https://prairierivers.org/?page_id=27097 27097 0 0 0 https://prairierivers.org/agriculture-conservation/ Tue, 23 Aug 2016 16:39:10 +0000 https://prairierivers.org/?page_id=27099 120,000 miles of rivers and streams. Many, if not most, of these waterways exist within or adjacent to agricultural land. This is not surprising as agricultural land covers approximately 75 percent of Illinois’ surface area, with more than 60 percent planted in soybeans and corn. What do these statistics mean for watershed groups working to protect, conserve and restore their local watershed and water resources? In addition to working with citizens, landowners and government, watershed groups need to engage more “non-traditional” groups to achieve long- term watershed improvement. In Illinois, farmers and ranchers are essential partners to include in watershed collaborative efforts. In reaching out to the agricultural community, educational tools and incentive programs are as close as your county United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) office. Under the USDA, the Natural Resource Conservation Service (NRCS) administers a variety of voluntary programs designed to conserve and protect soil and water quality, restore and improve wetlands, grasslands and wildlife habitat primarily on agricultural lands. In addition to a wealth of written program information, NRCS staff are invaluable technical partners in developing outreach efforts to farmers and ranchers. Unfortunately, even with the financial and technical assistance NRCS offers, a minority of Illinois’ agricultural lands are enrolled in USDA conservation programs. Collaboration with farmers and ranchers presents a win-win solution to lessening the adverse impacts agricultural activities can have on riparian and other water-dependent ecosystems. Farmers receive financial incentives and technical expertise on conservation practices that will preserve the natural resources they depend upon; these practices will then improve the quality of riparian ecosystems and waters for the benefit of the people, fish and wildlife in the watershed. Despite all the benefits to be gained by enrolling in USDA programs, there is not full awareness of them among agricultural producers. Watershed groups can play an instrumental role in education and ultimately participation by farmers and ranchers in these programs. Help collaborate with land owners to protect and restore streams and wildlife habitat. Learn more… To visit the Illinois Natural Resources Conservation Service website go to: www.il.nrcs.usda.gov/

History of the NRCS and Program Summaries

FEDERAL AND STATE FARMLAND CONSERVATION PROGRAMS

In 1935, the federal Soil Conservation Act (SCA) was passed to provide assistance to farmers suffering from extreme soil erosion on their farmlands. The SWA authorized what is now called the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS). Included in the NRCS mission goals are achieving productive, high-quality soils, improving and maintaining water quality and quantity, and providing healthy communities for humans and animals. To achieve these goals, NRCS offers several programs that provide technical and financial assistance to farmers to enable them to conserve their farmland. Like the NRCS, the Farm Service Agency (FSA) originated from programs developed under the SWA, and is one branch of the USDA. One of the conservation programs offered by the FSA is the Conservation Reserve Enhancement Program (CREP), which is jointly administered by the FSA and the State of Illinois. The CREP program covers the Illinois and Kaskaskia river watersheds and seeks to protect water resources and environmentally sensitive habitat. Below is a partial listing of NRCS and FSA programs available, and their websites:

CONSERVATION STEWARDSHIP PROGRAM (CSP)

The CSP 1) provides rewards to farmers who already have included stewardship practices into farmland management, and 2) offers incentives to farmers who enhance their current level of stewardship. The program’s particular focus is on maintaining soil and water quality. Benefits to farmers/participants: reduced soil erosion and nutrient runoff, improved soil and water quality, enhanced wildlife habitat.

CONSERVATION RESERVE PROGRAM (CRP)

The CRP program is under the authority of the FSA. The CRP is designed to first, prevent erosion, and second, to improve water quality and enhance wildlife habitat by conserving “environmentally sensitive” land. Farmers who enroll in the CRP agree to plant “resource-conserving vegetative covers” on a portion of their land. The CRP differs from the CSP as it seeks participants who will establish new areas of protected land, as opposed to CSP enrollees, who already have land stewardship practices in place. Benefits to farmers: improved soil and water quality, protection of groundwater, streambank stabilization, reduced soil erosion and nutrient runoff, enhanced wildlife habitat.

ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY INCENTIVES PROGRAM (EQIP)

The EQIP program focuses on achieving environmental benefits that have been deemed “national priorities.” National priorities include: 1) reducing soil erosion and sedimentation from unacceptable levels on agricultural land; 2) conserving ground and surface water resources; 3) reducing groundwater contamination; and 4) reducing non-point source pollution. EQIP provides financial and technical assistance to farmers and ranchers to implement a variety of conservation practices that improve both agricultural production and environmental quality on working lands. Benefits to farmers: Depending on the farmer’s conservation plan, benefits can range from improved soil and water quality to reduced flood and wind damage to farmsteads and fields.

GRASSLAND RESERVE PROGRAM (GRP)

The goal of the GRP program is to protect and conserve grassland, pastureland and shrubland in order to maintain working grazing operations and enhance the plant and animal diversity of these lands. Landowners may either grant an easement or agree to rent sections of their property in exchange for limiting activities and developing restoration plans for the selected property. Benefits to farmers: improved forage quality, reduction in invasive species, economic and environmental benefits such as improved water quality from enhanced wildlife habitat.

ILLINOIS CONSERVATION RESERVE ENHANCEMENT PROGRAM (CREP)

The particular objectives of CREP are to protect environmentally sensitive land and to restore and enhance wildlife habitat. CREP is a state-level program, administered by the FSA, offering private landowners in the Illinois and Kaskaskia river watersheds financial incentives and technical assistance for enhancing wildlife habitat through retiring land from agricultural production. Areas eligible for CREP include all or part of 52 counties in Illinois. Benefits to farmers/participants: protection of groundwater, improved water quality from reduced erosion and nutrient runoff, increased aesthetic and economic value of land from enhanced wildlife habitat.

WETLANDS RESERVE PROGRAM (WRP)

Wetlands provide a variety of environmental benefits, including flood protection, improved water quality, recharge of groundwater and habitat for wetland-dependant wildlife. The goal of the WRP is to purchase farmlands that have the greatest potential for successful wetland restoration; once purchased, an easement is created for the land but does not affect the landowner’s title or control of access on the land. In fact, the landowner may use the restored area for recreational hunting, fishing, or nature-based tourist activities. Benefits to farmers: flood control, payment for land that is marginally productive for agricultural purposes, enhanced wildlife habitat, improved water quality resulting from wetland’s filtering of nutrients, chemicals and sediment, groundwater recharge, increased aesthetic and economic value of the land.

WILDLIFE HABITAT INCENTIVE PROGRAM (WHIP)

The WHIP program offers financial and technical assistance to private landowners for the specific purpose of developing and improving wildlife habitat on their land. Benefits to farmers: while improved agricultural production is not an objective of the WHIP program, establishing wildlife habitat adjacent to agricultural land and drainage waterways could help reduce field nutrient and sediment runoff, and damage to banks and channels. ________________________________________ Photo credits: Bob Nichols, USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service]]> 27099 0 0 0 https://prairierivers.org/welcome-to-riverweb/ Wed, 24 Aug 2016 17:30:24 +0000 https://prairierivers.org/?page_id=27167 Donate Now

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Your support is vitally important to our work protecting clean water and healthy rivers! We invite you to make a donation today and become a member of Prairie Rivers Network because as a non-profit, we rely on the generosity of people like you, who care about our environment and planet.

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PRAIRIE RIVERS NETWORK IS A REGISTERED 501(c)(3) AND YOUR CONTRIBUTION IS TAX DEDUCTIBLE.[/one_half_last]]]> 27167 0 0 0 https://prairierivers.org/riversteward/ Thu, 25 Aug 2016 14:50:27 +0000 https://prairierivers.org/?page_id=27202 Do you know a volunteer who is working hard to protect the state's rivers and streams? Help celebrate and elevate their important work with a nomination for our annual River Steward Award. The deadline is September 28, 2018 [caption id="attachment_27201" align="alignright" width="300"] 2014 River Steward Pete Leki[/caption] It is time once again to celebrate the important work of an individual whose on the ground efforts to protect the state’s rivers and streams inspires us. There are many dedicated citizen volunteers around our state who spend countless hours working to protect Illinois’ rivers. They educate us; they do the legwork; they speak the unpopular truths; they go above and beyond. Too often, their outstanding achievements are not known outside of their local community. The River Steward Award recognizes and celebrates the most exemplary river stewards; heroes with stories that we all need to hear. Prairie Rivers Network wants to recognize the people whose clean water victories inspire our staff and other river advocates around the state. The annual River Steward Award will be announced October 26, 2018 at Prairie Rivers Network’s Annual Dinner. The honoree and a guest, as well as the nominator, will be invited to attend the dinner for the awards ceremony. The award recipient will also be announced to the river conservation community around the state, announced to the media in a press release, and posted on our website. Past Winners: Randy Smith & Seth Brady, 2017; Bruce Colravy, 2016; Carla Murray, 2015; Pete Leki, 2014; Suzanne Smith, 2013; Brenda Dilts, 2012; Scott Hays, 2011; Kathy Andria, 2010; Gary Mechanic, 2009; Joyce Blumenshine, 2008; Mary Pat Holtschlag, 2007; Fran Caffee, 2006; Jan Holder, 2005. Nomination Procedure: If you know a citizen volunteer you would like to nominate as the next River Steward, please e-mail the following 4 items to Sarah Scott (sscott [at] prairierivers.org or call her at 217/344-2371 x 211 for more information. 1. Nominee’s contact information 2. Your contact information 3. Nominee's qualifications & summary of their river conservation efforts 4. The specific achievements for which the nominee deserves recognition]]> 27202 0 0 0 https://prairierivers.org/agricultural-drainage/ Fri, 26 Aug 2016 01:08:45 +0000 https://prairierivers.org/?page_id=27282

Thousands of stream miles in Illinois, including many which flow just downstream of headwaters, are impacted by activities of small units of government called drainage districts. Drainage districts, through the decisions of their commissioners, have broad authority under Illinois’ Drainage Code to undertake activities on streams that negatively impact water quality and habitat. Typically the streams under the authority of a drainage district are not monitored by state environmental agencies.

[caption id="attachment_798" align="alignleft" width="300"] The common maintenance practice of clearing vegetation and trees along drainage channel banks will lead to serious bank erosion.[/caption] Streamside habitat alteration, such as channelization and maintenance work performed by drainage districts, is the third leading cause of Clean Water Act impairments in Illinois, meaning that these streams do not meet water quality or aquatic life goals; these degradations affect over 2,700 miles of rivers and streams, according to Illinois EPA. Each district, governed by three commissioners, has the authority to assess taxes within the district and perform maintenance needed to provide adequate drainage. Unfortunately, drainage practices have not changed much since the enabling legislation was adopted in 1879. In 1973 the Drainage Code was amended to include the requirement that drainage district commissioners consider protection of environmental values, such as trees, fish and other wildlife, as part of their decision making process. Unfortunately, in practice, this requirement is ignored; traditional maintenance activities such as dredging and clearcutting banks remain the norm. As a result, both construction of new drainage projects and maintenance of existing ones continue to have serious impacts on river health. Drainage districts frequently remove shade-giving trees along rivers and streams, dredge and remove elements of aquatic habitat along the stream bottom, and increase habitat fragmentation by disconnecting streamside forested corridors. Altering a stream’s habitat has a profoundly negative impact on aquatic life. Specifically, this work can:

• Destroy wildlife habitat, spawning areas, and food sources for fish, birds, reptiles, and other animals;
• Increase water temperatures to levels that harm many aquatic species;
• Increase flood heights, streambank erosion and streambed scour;
• Increase sedimentation, which covers and fills in aquatic habitat, and reduces fish spawning;
• Reduce the stream’s capability to assimilate pollutants such as nutrients;
• Reduce the recreational opportunity and aesthetic appeal of flowing waters, at the site of the disturbance as well as many miles downstream;
• Impact the overall health of the stream.

Drainage in Illinois: Time for a New Approach

Before reading any further, briefly consider the differences between these two photos taken from the exact same view point on the Spoon River. [one_half] [caption id="attachment_581" align="aligncenter" width="300"]

Spoon River Before Drainage Alterations, May 2003

  [/caption][/one_half] [one_half_last] [caption id="attachment_583" align="aligncenter" width="300"]

Spoon River After Drainage Alterations, April 2005

  [/caption][/one_half_last] What you might not know is that what happened on the Spoon in April 2005 could also happen on a river near you. Illinois’ thousands of miles of rivers and streams wind through forests, urban areas, high limestone bluffs and lowlands. For many, home and community are defined by the rivers they live on or near, rivers they fish or paddle, and rivers where they go to watch birds and other wildlife that make their home along their banks. Rivers and streams have also played an integral part in shaping Illinois’ agricultural economy. For the first settlers, they offered a form of natural drainage for lands that were often inundated with water. Later, as human-built agricultural drainage systems were put into place, rivers and streams were enlarged, deepened and straightened to achieve the goal of quick, high-capacity field drainage. In the late 1800′s, when agricultural drainage systems were first built, there was no expectation or requirement to consider how stream channelization might impact riparian ecosystems. Like many other industries, however, agriculture has undergone tremendous changes in knowledge, technology and practice. Changes have, at times, resulted from the fact that those practices degraded or harmed natural ecosystems. For example, the invention of tillage equipment that turns over a smaller amount of soil, and an increased popularity in “no till” practices, have reduced soil erosion and its resulting environmental impacts. Buffer strips have been promoted along agricultural fields to trap sediment, fertilizers, pesticides, and bacterial pathogens that would otherwise enter the rivers and streams adjacent to fields. Today, almost 2000 drainage districts in Illinois continue to dredge, channelize, and clear cut along Illinois’ rivers. Like the problems caused by tilling and runoff, the negative environmental effects of agricultural stream channelization on river ecosystems have been recognized by state agencies, county soil and water conservation districts, and other experts. In 2001, the Department of Natural Resources issued a report entitled “Critical Trends in Illinois Ecosystems.” With respect to the conditions of the state’s rivers, the report concluded that most Illinois streams had only fair to poor habitat quality and species diversity. Those river basins that ranked the worst in habitat typically were basins where:

1. agriculture was the predominant land use
2. streams had been channelized
3. streams lacked natural habitat features such as wooded riparian corridors.

[caption id="attachment_840" align="aligncenter" width="500"] Maintenance dredging interferes with or destroys riparian characteristics such as riffles that provide habitat and food for fish and wildlife.[/caption] A 1997 University of Illinois Extension report entitled 60 Ways Farmers Can Protect Surface Water summed up the problem when it said “Channelization seemed like a good idea at the time,” but “channelization often makes things worse in the long run,” and is “an idea whose time has gone.” The report recommends letting streams follow their normal path. Yet, unlike changes in tilling practices and incorporating buffer strips into crop acreage, few steps have been taken to promote and implement newer drainage practices to minimize disturbance of riparian ecosystems. Instead, traditional practices largely remain the norm and rivers are routinely stripped of their vegetation and channelized, causing habitat loss for fish and wildlife. The pictures shown above were taken at the exact same spot on the Spoon River in Champaign County and vividly illustrate the dramatic impacts to the river from drainage maintenance activities performed in April of 2005. In a state where 70% of the land is used for growing crops, adequate drainage is essential for crop success and for the health of the state’s agricultural economy. However, equally important is ensuring that the other economic and environmental benefits of those rivers and streams that co-exist with agricultural lands are not lost. Prairie Rivers Network believes it’s time for a new approach to drainage maintenance that balances all river functions and recognizes their environmental value as the Drainage Code requires. Fortunately, new techniques and approaches to drainage have the possibility of providing needed drainage for property and farm, while providing greater protection to water quality, wildlife habitat, and fisheries. Prairie Rivers Network is advocating for the adoption of improved drainage techniques that will also protect the environment. Researchers at the University of Illinois have put together a white paper on the informational needs that would help drainage district commissioners make informed decisions and use more targeted drainage techniques that could minimize environmental impacts and costs to taxpayers. You may download this file on the University of Illinois Extension webpage. You may also read the Illinois Drainage Code. With the support of the Lumpkin Family Foundation, Prairie Rivers produced ”A Citizen’s Guide to Illinois’ Agricultural Drainage Practices and Law” for individuals who want to learn more about the practices, policies, and law regarding agricultural drainage in Illinois and who want to ensure that providing adequate drainage is not done at the expense of clean water and healthy river habitat. After you have read the Guide, we encourage you to learn more about your local drainage district and to get involved in decisions that may affect the health of your local river. Working together, we can achieve a new, environmentally sound approach to drainage in Illinois.

]]> 27282 0 0 0 https://prairierivers.org/dynegyvermilion/ Fri, 26 Aug 2016 14:50:33 +0000 https://prairierivers.org/?page_id=27353

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Contents

• 1. Overview
• 2. What is Coal Ash?
• 3. What are the Ash Pits?
• 4. Middle Fork River; What is at Risk?
• 5. What is Dynegy’s Plan for the Pits?
• 6. Timeline; History of the Site
• 7. Vermilion County Passes Resolution
• 8. US EPA Coal Ash Rules and Vermilion

Overview

[caption id="attachment_18467" align="alignright" width="300"] Aerial view of the Dynegy ash pits from the north; Top Left: Illinois Power Company Lake and Power Plant; Left: Middle Fork of Vermilion River; Center: North Ash Pit (partially vegetated) + Sedimentation Pond (dark blue)[/caption] Community members have long been concerned about the coal ash stored at the Dynegy Vermilion Power Plant in Oakwood, Illinois. The coal-fired power plant operated from 1955 through December 2011, dumping coal ash (a toxic by-product from burning coal) in three ash pits — all located in the western floodplain of the Middle Fork of the Vermilion River, Illinois’ only National Scenic River. The site presents three major issues: (1) ongoing pollution of groundwater that runs beneath the pits, and at points running through the pits; (2) pollution of the Middle Fork through seeps and hydrologically connected waters; and (3) the risk of a catastrophic breach, where massive amounts of coal ash could inundate the Middle Fork. The two oldest ash pits (constructed in the mid-1950′s and 1970′s, respectively) were built without liners to protect underlying groundwater. Adding additional risk, the pits are now breaking down as a result of flooding and erosion from the river. Leakage of coal ash pollutants (including boron, sulfates, iron, and manganese) has already been noted in the groundwater, while discolored seeps can be readily seen from the river. The third newest pit (constructed in the 1980′s) presents problems of its own. Polluted wastewater discharges from the ash pit into the river have been permitted for decades, but critically important monitoring from common coal ash pollutants of concern was never required. Like the two older ash pits, the third pit has been worn by the force of the river, presenting a risk to its stability. This risk is compounded by the location of the pit over old coal mine voids — presenting the potential for subsidence (sinking of the land). Dynegy has proposed to simply cap these pits and walk away from the liabilities. This proposal would leave the coal ash in place at the dump site, with only a cap over the pits to prevent additional water from getting in. This plan would allow groundwater contamination and seepage to the river to continue in perpetuity, while failing to address the threat of a catastrophic breach.

Bald Eagles reside on the Middle Fork of the Vermilion River

Leaving coal ash in the floodplain, vulnerable to the force of the river, with the proposed “cap closure option” for the impoundments isnot sufficient to protect local residents, businesses, and Illinois taxpayers from the burden of ongoing pollution and a potential breach. In order to support the integrity of the vibrant Middle Fork river system and the communities that rely on it, complete removal of this dangerous waste from the floodplain is necessary. Moreover, complete removal and responsible closure would allow for the long-term conversion of this land away from a waste dump, completing the 17-mile river coordinator and connecting protected recreational lands for the benefit of Illinois’ citizens and wildlife.

What is Coal Ash?

Coal ash is the solid by-product that is left over after coal is burned for electricity — much like ash is left over after burning wood in a fire. Coal ash, also referred to as “Coal Combustion Residuals” (or CCRs), broadly refers to several by-products:

• Fly Ash: a very fine, powdery material composed mostly of silica made from the burning of finely ground coal in a boiler
• Bottom Ash: a coarse, angular ash particle that is too large to be carried up into the smoke stacks, so it forms in the bottom of the coal furnace
• Boiler Slag: molten bottom ash
• Flue Gas Desulfurization Material: leftover from the process of reducing sulfur dioxide emissions from a coal-fired boiler that can be a wet sludge consisting of calcium sulfite or calcium sulfate or a dry powdered material that is a mixture of sulfites and sulfates

When coal is mined, it already contains carbon alongside a number of heavy metals and minerals — including mercury, arsenic, selenium, chromium, and cadmium, which can cause cancer and brain damage in humans and are harmful to fish and wildlife. When coal is burned, much of the carbon burns off (combining with oxygen to produce Carbon Dioxide, or CO2). What’s left (coal ash) has these same metals that were there all along, but now at 10-100x higher concentrations.

What are the Ash Pits?

There are three ash pits at the Dynegy Vermilion facility: (1) the Old East Ash Pond; (2) the North Ash Pond System; and (3) the New East Ash Pond System. Also called “ash ponds” or “ash impoundments,” these are disposal sites formed by perimeter earthen embankments. These pits contain a mix of coal ash materials (including fly ash, bottom ash, boiler slag, and other materials) with different chemical compositions (because of different types of coal burned over the power plant’s lifetime). (1) The Old East Ash Pond was put into service in the mid-1950′s and operated until the mid-1970′s.

• Unlined
• In the Middle Fork floodplain (subject to erosion)
• Total Volume: 1,183,413 cubic yards

(2) The North Ash Pond System (one large pit for disposal, another smaller pit for sedimentation of overflow) was utilized from the mid-1970′s to 1989.

• Unlined
• In the Middle Fork floodplain (subject to erosion)
• Total Volume: 1,618,335 cubic yards

(3) The New East Ash Pond System (one large pit for disposal, another smaller pit for sedimentation of overflow) was utilized from 1989 until the plants closure.

• Clay liner
• In the Middle Fork floodplain (subject to erosion)
• Located over mine void (subject to subsidence: sinking of the land)
• Total Volume: 534,013 cubic yards

The total volume of the pits is 3,335,761 cubic yards. For some context, the total volume could fill New York City’s Empire State Building 2.4 times, or over 1000 Olympic swimming pools. Dynegy’s own reports state that the pits are now contaminating the groundwater and that groundwater is flowing toward the Middle Fork. There are already visible seeps along the bank, and detectable impacts in the water and aquatic life. This means that heavy metals in coal ash are currently placing the Middle Fork and adjacent groundwater at risk. As the Middle Fork of the Vermilion River continues to wear away at the sides of these pits, the threat of a catastrophic breach continues to increase.

Middle Fork River: What is at Risk?

River otters swimming in the Middle Fork

The Middle Fork of the Vermilion River is a unique and cherished resource. The river been was the first state-designated State Scenic River, and is the only nationally-designated Scenic River in the state of Illinois. In legislation, the Illinois General Assembly stated that it “recognizes the outstanding natural, scenic, recreational, ecological, historical and archaeological values of the middle fork of the Vermilion River in Vermilion County, Illinois, and deems the middle fork of the Vermilion River to be a natural resource of Statewide significance such that its natural and recreational values should be permanently preserved for the enjoyment of the people of the State of Illinois.” The Middle Fork River Valley is home to 24 State threatened or endangered species, and supports a diverse and healthy population of 57 types of fish, 45 kinds of mammals, and 190 different birds. The river system also provides the benefits of a strong recreation economy to Vermilion County. Kickapoo State Recreation Area, Kennekuk Cove County Park, and the Middle Fork State Fish and Wildlife Area stand as key destinations for local residents and visitors , enjoyed for canoeing, kayaking, wildlife viewing, photography, hunting, angling, hiking, and horseback riding. According to a publication of the University of Illinois Springfield, in 2009 Kickapoo State Recreation Area, alone, hosted 1,458,491 visitors. Kickapoo Landing alone puts over 10,000 people on the Middle Fork River in canoes, kayaks and tubes each year. It is clear that the unstable and polluting Dynegy ash pits are putting this unique resource at risk. As the state of Illinois recognized in its Corridor Management Plan, it must “work toward abatement of activities within the river area which are degrading water quality.”

What is Dynegy’s Plan for the Pits?

Visible seeps and torn lining along the Middle Fork

Dynegy Inc. is currently proposing to leave the ash in its current location and cover the site with a “cap” (2.5 inches of a geomembrane and 15 inches of a geocomposite, then 3 feet of soil). This method attempts to address just one source of ongoing pollution: as rainwater and snowmelt continues to enter the pits, it contributes to the movement and leaching (seeping) of contaminants. This fails to acknowledge:

1. That seeps and pollution are already occurring because of contact with groundwater (which runs through and saturates the pits, connecting to the river),
2. That flash flood pressure and erosion from the meandering river can wear away at the pits from the outside, and
3. That the river pushes water into the pits during flood events, which slowly seeps back out with contaminants

Slumping gabion walls around the ash pits

In the meantime, Dynegy also plans to install gabion walls (cages filled with rocks) to armor a portion of the river bank. The gabions that Dynegy installed years ago are now sitting neglected and in ruin. This has proven to be a minimal impact “band-aid” and cannot provide stability over the long term. Acknowledging these threats, and the risks to the Middle Fork ecosystem and local economy, Dynegy should move the ash to a location out of the floodplain, out of contact with groundwater, and install modern pollution controls and monitoring.

Timeline

1950′s

• The Vermilion Power Station was built and put into operation by the Illinois Power Company in 1955
• The Old East Ash Pond (OEAP) was part of the original construction of the plant.

1970′s

• The OEAP remained in operation until the mid-1970′s when the North Ash Pond System (NAPS) was brought online

1980′s

• Gabions were installed in 1981 to protect the Old East Ash Pond impoundment
• The NAPS was actively receiving waste from the mid-1970′s to 1989, when the New East Ash Pond System (NEAP) was brought online

2000′s

• Dynegy purchased Illinois Power in 2000, and acquired the Vermilion Power Station as part of the purchase
• Dynegy applied for a bank stabilization permit to install gabions along the east side of the NEAP in 2009, which was not approved

2010′s

• The plant closed on November 19, 2011, and the NEAP became inactive
• All ash ponds are now “out-of-service,” but not fully “closed”

Vermilion County Passes Unanimous Resolutions

In the absence of existing rules to regulate the comprehensive closure of sites like Dynegy Vermilion, Vermilion County groups stepped up to encourage stronger rules at the state level and additional consideration for closure of ash pits at the Dynegy Vermilion facility. In 2014, a series of resolutions passed unanimously by the Vermilion County Board, Soil & Water Conservation District, Vermilion County Conservation District, Vermilion County Conservation Foundation, and the Lake Vermilion Water Quality Coalition, calling on the Illinois Pollution Control Board to address regulatory shortcomings, and on the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency to address management and public participation issues as they apply to the Dynegy Vermilion closure plan.

 What about the U.S. EPA Coal Ash Rules?

On October 19th, the U.S. EPA’s new safeguards on the disposal of coal ash went into effect nationwide. The rules are targeted to prevent impoundment failures (like the massive Kingston, Tennessee spill in 2008), protect groundwater beneath coal ash disposal sites, and establish basic requirements for maintaining these massive waste storage pits. Unfortunately, legacy impoundments — the old, polluting pits like Dynegy Vermilion, storing tons of coal ash next to our rivers, lakes, and streams — are left largely unregulated. Illinois is home to 91 coal ash pits, many of which are located at now-shuttered power generating facilities. These pits will need Illinois-specific rules to protect the surrounding communities and water ways. These rules are in motion, but at risk from industry attacks (i.e., power plant operators who could easily leave the damages for communities to pay).

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]]> 27353 0 0 0 https://prairierivers.org/dynegyvermilion/interview-dynegy-vermilion-parkland-radio/ Mon, 28 Nov 2016 18:19:21 +0000 https://prairierivers.org/?page_id=27406 The North Ash Pond at the Vermilion Power Station[/caption] From 2016, Prairie Rivers Network's Andrew Rehn was interviewed on Take A Break with Victoria Shepard on Parkland Radio. The interview focused on Dynegy's Vermilion Power Station on the Middle Fork of the Vermilion River. You can listen to the interview below! This interview originally aired on November 25th, 2016 at 11:00 am on 88.7 FM out of Parkland College in Champaign. [audio mp3="https://prairierivers.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/AndrewRehn-Interview_11.18.16_FINAL.mp3"][/audio]]]> 27406 27353 0 0 https://prairierivers.org/stormwater-runoff/ Wed, 05 Oct 2016 18:04:56 +0000 https://prairierivers.org/?page_id=27511 Urban areas are dominated by hard surfaces such as streets, roofs, and parking lots. These surfaces allow very little rain and snow to penetrate into the ground underneath, and are therefore called impervious surfaces. Whereas natural land cover absorbs about 90% of precipitation, suburban neighborhoods may only soak up about 70% and downtowns are even worse at 45%. What is not absorbed by the ground flows downhill and becomes stormwater runoff. Unfortunately, stormwater runoff is not only a nuisance but it can also be unsafe. When there is too much unabsorbed water, our buildings and streets flood to the detriment of our safety and pocketbooks. As water moves downhill, it picks up pollution that is in our streets and yards. Common stormwater pollutants include soil, oil and grease, pesticides, animal feces, and trash. Have you ever wondered what happens to stormwater that disappears down a street drain? In some communities, the drain goes to a sewage treatment plant where pollutants are removed. However, in many of Illinois' communities, the street drain goes directly to nearby streams and lakes without any filtration of the water. Subsequently, our waterways become filled with pollution and lose their economic and ecological value.

The Illinois Environmental Protection Agency considers urban stormwater runoff to be the 4th leading cause of water impairment in the state.

Fortunately, there are a number of ways that residents, businesses, and municipalities can protect our rivers and lakes by reducing stormwater pollution. For starters, we need to keep trash, leaves, and other debris out of our streets and stormwater drains. Construction sites should be closely monitored to ensure that bare soil stays on site. We can also make a difference by incorporating water-loving green infrastructure such as rain gardens, rain barrels, porous pavement, wetlands, and parking lot infiltration islands. Prairie Rivers Network is working with citizens, developers, and local governments to reduce urban stormwater pollution. Our projects include the publication of a Rain Garden Brochure, presentations on how to install rain gardens and monitor construction site runoff, and technical assistance for green development. The US Environmental Protection Agency recommends the following ten things you can do to prevent stormwater runoff pollution:

• Use fertilizers sparingly and sweep up driveways, sidewalks, and roads
• Never dump anything down storm drains
• Vegetate bare spots in your yard
• Compost your yard waste
• Avoid using pesticides
• Direct downspouts away from paved surfaces
• Take your car to the car wash instead of washing it in the driveway
• Check your car for leaks, and recycle motor oil
• Pick up after your pet
• Have your septic tank pumped and system inspected regularly

]]> 27511 0 0 0 https://prairierivers.org/get-outside/ Wed, 05 Oct 2016 18:29:12 +0000 https://prairierivers.org/?page_id=27529

Where do you want to go?

Upcoming River Events

10 Ways to Connect with Water

River Experiences--where to get in and what you can do

River Safety

River Gauge

To help you enjoy our rivers and streams, we have provided the following links and information, in the hope that you will explore these opportunities. Be safe, and have fun! And if you have more ideas for us to incorporate into this page, please contact info@prairierivers.org

Upcoming River Event

Many organizations hold river-related events on our rivers and streams. Check our Events Calendar for more information.

10 Ways to Connect With Water

Click Here for a PDF Version of 10 Ways to Connect With Water

1.  Provide a Backyard Wildlife Habitat (ages 8+)Creating wildlife habitat in your backyard is an easy and fun way to experience nature every day no matter the weather. Carefully placed shelters provide protection and a place for wildlife to raise young. Plants and water features provide food and can also attract beneficial in­sects and birds. Attracting new wildlife into your backyard can be as simple as setting up a bird feeder or planting flowers or shrubs for butterflies, bees and animals. Creat­ing a variety of habitats will attract even more wildlife into your backyard.

Find more info for building your wildlife habitat.

Additional Information:

What’s Cool about Creating Wildlife Habitat?

• Planning gardens and other wildlife habitat in your backyard as you learn  what plants attract insects, birds and animals living around you
• Visiting local landscaping/garden centers for ideas and to see the variety of items that you can use for creating your backyard habitat
• Getting dirty!  It’s fun to plant flowers, paint birdhouses, and build homes for frogs
• Getting an up-close view of the critters in your yard and observing their behavior

YOU’LL NEED:

• Gardening tools and appropriate plants and other materials for the particular habitat you are creating.  Possibilities include: flowers, bushes, feeders, compost, and natural stone.

You can purchase plants, feeders, stone, pond liners and other materials and tools for your wildlife habitat at your local landscape and garden centers.

2.  Paddling the Rivers of Illinois (ages 4+)

Did you know that Illinois has over 120,000 miles of rivers? Paddling is a fun team-building activity for families and an interesting way to learn about your local rivers. If you don’t have a canoe or kayak, you may have a local out­fitter that rents them. Contact your local parks and For­est Preserve Districts, as they may offer paddling classes. Practice your strokes and get comfortable in the boat on a pond, lake or slow river before getting out on larger, faster rivers.

Additional Information:

Once you're ready to paddle you'll want to check out the national scenic Middle Fork River, beautiful Fox River, diverse Sangamon River or any of Illinois’ other unique rivers.

The Illinois Paddling Council’s website has lots of information on all aspects of paddling in Illinois.

Mike Svob’s Paddling Illinois (Published by Trail Books in 2000) is an excellent resource, with maps showing put in and take out sites, obstacles to avoid.

Openlands’s Water Trails project and website provides details maps for paddling trails in northeastern Illinois.

What’s  Happenin’ about Paddlin'?

• Planning a paddling trip on one of Illinois’ rivers using maps and other resources
• Seeing the abundance and variety of life on Illinois’ rivers
• Exploring “new terrain” from a different perspective – literally!
• Learning how to be safe while on the water.  For information on paddling and safety classes, visit the American Canoe Association’s website.
• Enjoying the peace and quiet of being on a river.

YOU’LL NEED:

• Canoe and/or kayak, paddles, life vests, binoculars and camera, hat, sunscreen, water and food.  Don’t forget to put all your personal items, including extra clothing and a towel, into a waterproof bag!

3.  Trout Fishing (ages 4+)

Visit one of the 163 lakes in Illinois where you can fish for rainbow trout. Trout season opens the first Saturday in April. The Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) has a wealth of information on fishing in Illinois, including licensing requirements; licenses are required for individu­als age 16 and older.

The IDNR’s site also has a long list of great locations for family fishing.

Additional Information:

What’s Fun about Fishing?

• Fishing  for introduced and native fishes in their habitats
• Learning how to be safe near lakes and rivers
• Observing the variety of plants and animals that live in and near lakes and rivers
• Safely setting up, baiting and using your fishing gear
• Learning how to do catch and release fishing
• Cleaning and cooking your catch – Delicious!

YOU’LL NEED:

• Bait, tackle (fishing rod and reel, sinkers, swivel snaps, and hooks), current IL fishing license, life vests, food and drinks.

One half a night crawler and a split shot sinker 18” above your bait should do the trick!

4.  Geocaching (ages 4+)

Get out of the house for some exercise and high-tech adventure! Geocaching is a recreational activity in which someone buries or hides something for others to try to find using a Global Positioning System (GPS) receiver. Geocaches typically are inexpensive trinkets or objects packed with a logbook into a small waterproof contain­er. Being on the hunt for a geocache is a great way to get out in nature and discover local rivers and streams. To find geocaches in your area, search your zip code here.

You’ll need a handheld GPS unit and anywhere from 30 minutes to 3 hours per cache. GPS units can be rented for $6.00 per day.

State and local parks may have restrictions on geocach­ing, so be sure to check with them before placing a cache.

Additional Information:

What’s Great about Geocaching?

• Exploring a variety of landscapes (many of them new) on foot
• Learning and/or improving skills on how to use a compass and GPS coordinates to locate caches
• Planning an outdoor adventure and  describing how cool it was to others on the geocaching website

YOU’LL NEED:

• Handheld GPS unit, web access, transportation, and map of area.  Also remember to  dress for the weather and bring plenty of water and snacks.

5.  Create a Rain Garden (ages 6+)

Rain gardens capture rainfall from roofs and driveways and allow it to soak into the ground. Otherwise, the water picks up trash, dirt and other pollution on its way to storm drains that lead directly to rivers and lakes. It is easy to create a beautiful rain garden in your yard. For instructions on how, click here.

Additional Information:

What Rocks about Rain Gardens?

Rain gardens…

• put water to work in a very attractive landscape feature
• provide habitat for plants and wildlife such as hummingbirds and butterflies
• recharge groundwater
• remove pollutants from storm water

YOU’LL NEED:

• A plan, a shovel, native species, decorative rocks or paving stones.

 

6.  Measuring Your Family’s Water Use (ages 6+)How much water does your family use? Performing a home water audit will inform your kids of how much wa­ter they use in daily activities like brushing teeth, flushing the toilet, washing dishes, or playing with the hose. Have everyone guess how much water you’re using and then see how close you are.

Home water audit resources:

www.wateruseitwisely.com/_downloads/home-water-audit-english.doc

www.mde.state.md.us/assets/document/ResAudit.pdf

Additional Information:

What’s Marvelous about Measuring Water Use?

• Learning to measure how much water your family uses at home
• Seeing how close your estimate is to the actual amount of water your family uses
• Creating a list of ways to use less water at home, both indoors and outside

YOU’LL NEED:

• A copy of a water use checklist or other water measuring survey or audit tool, various household items

7.  Testing Your Tap Water (ages 6+) In Illinois, 76% of our public water supplies comes from surface water, including rivers. Testing your tap water is a good way to start a conversation with your kids about water pollution. There are a variety of simple, reliable and inexpensive drinking water test kits that can be purchased online or at “big box” stores. With these kits you can test for one or several of the most common pollutants includ­ing iron, copper, lead, bacteria, pesticides, and nitrates. Once you have tested your water, you can compare the results to water quality reports from your local water pro­vider (provided once a year with your bill). Additional Information: Find your local water quality reports from Illinois American Water. What’s Telling about Testing ?

• Learning to read results of a water test
• Learning what is and is not in your water
• Figure out what kind of water filter you need, if any
• Creating a list of actions you can take to protect your local waters so that everyone can have clean drinking water

YOU’LL NEED:

• Water testing kit and a copy of “Water on Tap” .

8.  Play Water Games Online (ages 4+) The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has some good interactive games to teach kids about drinking wa­ter and what fish are safe to eat. Kid’s Fishing: It’s Catching is a resource for fishing and has crossword puzzles, connect the dots, and other activities for younger children, as well as pictures illustrating how to bait hooks, tie knots, clean a fish, good fishing etiquette, and locations of fishing hotspots around the state. Water Family is an interactive game about home water usage. Additional Information: What’s Great about Water Games?

• Parents and children will play a fun game to learn to identify fish that are safe and unsafe for consumption
• Parents and children will download and review a copy of Kid’s Fishing for information about fishing etiquette, how-to’s, and other activities for children to prep for fishing trip
• Parents and children will play an interactive game to test their knowledge of water conservation at home

YOU’LL NEED:

• Computer with internet access and printer, crayons, pens & pencils

9.  Read a Good Book (all ages) There are a number of amazing children’s books about the significance of water in our lives. Check out The Won­der Thing and Every Drop Counts for ages 4-8. You might try Experiments with Water or Salamander Rain: A Lake and Pond Journal with children ages 9-12. The Dr. Seuss classic The Lorax tells about the effect of pollution on our environment. Visit your local library and ask the librarian for more suggestions. Additional Information: Visit your local library or do a quick search on google and amazon to find dozens of other good choices.  Reading aloud to infants and toddlers is an important bonding time for many parents and children and is fun.  Very young children can learn to read and write at a very young age with daily reading and writing activities. What’s Remarkable about Reading?

• Discovering together all the  unique properties of water, water experiments things you can do to protect and conserve water
• Writing about your experiments and experiences with water
• Creating a list of your favorite water books and giving it to friends
• Making a second list of all the water books you still want to read!

YOU’LL NEED:

• A library card and books!

10. Write a Letter to Your Elected Officials (ages 10 +) Elected officials want to know what their constituents think about environmental issues. Prairie Rivers Network posts Action Alerts (sign up on our website) asking citizens to write their representatives about issues that impact our water and rivers. Even though children can’t vote, they can write about their experiences and why rivers are im­portant to them. Parents can help with researching the topic or even planning a field trip to help them identify key players, and learn to compare different perspectives, as well as possible solutions. Additional Information:

Tips for writing effective letters.

Contact info for federal and state elected officials.

What’s Works about Letter Writing?

• Telling your elected officials why Illinois rivers and clean water are important to you
• Taking action to protect the rivers and streams you love and to keep the water you drink and use clean
• Communicating your concerns by in a letter that is clear and effective
• Getting a letter back from your representative

YOU’LL NEED: The name and address of your Representative and/or Senator, paper, pen, envelope and stamp--or a computer and an email address.

River Experiences

Illinois' rivers and streams offer a diversity of landscape and wildlife, offering new sights and experiences for those who explore them. Discover the jewels of Illinois' natural heritage; they are waiting for you in and by the flowing waters of our state's rivers. Our river experiences lists below have numerous outdoor recreation opportunities to enjoy, giving you plenty of reasons to get outside!

River Map & 10 Top River Experiences

Chicagoland River Experiences

East Central IL River Experiences

Northwest IL River Experiences

Central Illinois River Experiences

Southern IL River Experiences

The National Park Service has also compiled a list of significant Illinois streams for their biological, geological, and recreational value. You can make plans to visit many of these streams, and enjoy Illinois' natural beauty. Whether you like bird watching, fishing, canoeing, or simply visiting beautiful scenery, our streams will provide you with an unforgettable experience. The Illinois Department of Natural Resources has more information on hiking trail access, hunting, fishing, and other outdoor opportunities.

Canoe & Kayak

There are many outfitters to rent canoes and kayaks for a trip on the rivers of Illinois. If there are other businesses that provide canoe and kayak rental, please contact us to help us update our list at info@prairierivers.org. For information on canoeing or kayaking rentals visit the Illinois Paddling Council. Paddling clubs are also a great way to get started or maintain your skills with other paddling enthusiasts. There are clubs throughout the state offering social, recreations, and instructional opportunities. Get paddling! To order a copy of Paddling Illinois, Illinois' guide to canoeing and kayaking trails click here.

Fishing

Illinois Department of Natural Resources Fishing Page allows you to purchase Illinois fishing licenses online, and provides good information on fishing in Illinois. Will also provide links for boating licenses and hunting. The Illinois Smallmouth Alliance (ISA) is an organization of catch and release anglers helping to preserve the smallmouth bass and its habitat through education and conservation, and are a resource for learning more on the latest fishing techniques.

River Safety

• Safety tips for paddlers from the Illinois Paddling Council
• American Canoe Association Safety Resources webpage
• Information on dams in northeastern Illinois

River Gauge

• Stream gauges for Illinois

]]> 27529 0 0 0 https://prairierivers.org/monarch/ Thu, 10 Nov 2016 21:31:27 +0000 https://prairierivers.org/?page_id=27599 YOU can help the Monarch Butterfly with a sustaining gift

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[/one_half][one_half_last padding="0 0 0 25px 0"] YOU can help the Eastern Monarch butterflies thrive and continue to make their epic journey across the Midwest each year by supporting wildlife habitat restoration and protection efforts right here in Illinois. YOU can be part of the local solution to widespread habitat loss by becoming a sustaining donor with a monthly gift. [caption id="attachment_27610" align="aligncenter" width="500"] Monarch butterfly nectaring on goldenrod at a prairie restoration site.[/caption]

Click here to make a one-time donation.

The iconic black and orange Monarch butterfly has long captured our imagination. Their unique annual migratory journey from Mexico across the Midwest to Canada and back and their noble metamorphosis from caterpillar to beautiful butterfly, inspire us with Mother Nature’s amazing powers. In addition to being beautiful creatures and the official state insect of Illinois, Monarchs are important pollinators that help to grow the food that we eat every day. Eastern Monarch butterflies cross all areas of Illinois during their 3,000 mile annual migration. Alarmingly, Eastern Monarch butterfly populations have plummeted by almost 90% due to the loss of habitat from urban sprawl and intensive agriculture. Monarchs cannot survive without milkweed; they lay their eggs on milkweed and the monarch caterpillar only eats milkweed plants. Unfortunately, we have lost much of the milkweed and native flowering plants that Monarchs and other pollinators need to survive. The Monarch butterfly is our modern day “canary in the coal mine,” warning us that our delicate ecosystem of people, water, land, and wildlife desperately needs our help. Will you help? [one_sixth][/one_sixth][five_sixth_last]

You can also make your gift by check

Download our PRN Membership Form (PDF document) and mail it to: Prairie Rivers Network 1605 S State Street, Suite 1 Champaign, IL 61820[/five_sixth_last] PRAIRIE RIVERS NETWORK IS A REGISTERED 501(c)(3) AND YOUR CONTRIBUTION IS TAX DEDUCTIBLE.[/one_half_last]]]> 27599 0 0 0 https://prairierivers.org/gift/ Tue, 15 Nov 2016 20:42:19 +0000 https://prairierivers.org/?page_id=27646 YOU can give the gift of Clean Water and Wildlife Protection

[/one_half][one_half_last padding="0 0 0 25px 0"] YOU can give a Gift Membership this holiday season, and for a $100 gift, we will send the recipient a set of our 12 notecards with six different Illinois nature landscapes, a PRN tote bag, and an I ♥ Water t-shirt. What could be more perfect? Please make your gift membership by December 15, 2020 to allow for mailing time in order for the gift to arrive before December 25, 2020. [one_sixth][/one_sixth][five_sixth_last]

You can also make your gift by check

Download PRN's Gift Membership Form (PDF document) and mail it to: Prairie Rivers Network 1605 South State Street, Suite 1 Champaign, IL 61820[/five_sixth_last] PRAIRIE RIVERS NETWORK IS A REGISTERED 501(c)(3) AND YOUR CONTRIBUTION IS TAX DEDUCTIBLE.[/one_half_last]]]> 27646 0 0 0 https://prairierivers.org/monarch-ambassador/ Mon, 28 Nov 2016 19:29:24 +0000 https://prairierivers.org/?page_id=27774 How You Can Help Save the Monarchs

Not long ago, spring and summer in Illinois were marked by reappearance of clouds of orange and black wings.  The Eastern Monarch butterfly was adopted as Illinois’ state insect because the entire state lies in its spring and fall migration path across the Midwest. Every Illinois school kid could identify the Monarch because they were so common across our rural and urban landscapes. For most of us, that is what we thought of when we thought of caterpillars and butterflies. Sadly, this is no longer true. This summer many Illinoisans counted only a few Monarch sightings. The Eastern Monarch, are now threatened to the point of endangerment. As a migrating species the Monarch relies on the prevalence of its host plant, milkweed, to reproduce and native flowering plants blooming in large expanses across the Midwest landscape to feed during its journey from Mexico to Canada and back each year. Their once expansive prairie habitat has given way to paved development and increased use of pesticides and herbicides have removed the plants it relies on to reproduce and feed as Milkweed and native flowering prairie plants are also in short supply across the Monarchs’ Midwest flyway. This is a problem for Illinois’ native bee population as well. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is now assessing the Monarch butterfly and Illinois’ Rusty Patched Bumblebee for endangered species status.

Prairie Rivers Network is working with a coalition of partners on an Illinois plan—an element of a larger regional and tri-national plan--to re-establish plentiful habitat across Illinois for the Monarch and other native pollinators. Illinois teams are focusing on habitat opportunity areas in different land categories across the state, including roadways and rights of ways, agricultural lands, and established conservation areas. There is a team focused on open lands in the Chicago area. PRN is assembling a team focused on engaging downstate cities and towns to expand and protect Monarch habitat. We are continuing to encourage Illinois Mayors to sign the Mayors Monarch Pledge that was initiated by the National Wildlife Federation, which asks Mayors to make commitments in their towns to expand and protect Monarch habitat. And we are now seeking schools, faith communities, businesses, and other institutions to consider incorporating Monarch habitat on their grounds and encouraging them to help educate community members about the Monarch and how they can help protect its habitat. This year Illinois established a new license plate sticker to call attention to Monarch protection, but enough people must register for the sticker to get the program up and running. (Learn more about the Monarch Illinois license plate here.)

Here’s how YOU can help! Become a Monarch Ambassador!

• Encourage your Mayor to sign the pledge. If your Mayor has signed the pledge, help friends in a neighboring town ask their Mayor to sign the pledge. Getting kids organized to ask their Mayor to sign the pledge is a great civic engagement experience, too.
• Organize a Pollinator Protector Coalition in your town to get the word out about the need to plant pollinator gardens, direct pollinator gardeners to good resources and work for habitat protection practices.
• Contact local schools about establishing a school garden for Monarchs and other pollinators. If you are a gardener, offer to help students learn how to plant and maintain the garden. IDNR has a grant program for school garden habitat and your local Soil and Water Conservation District may be able to help you obtain the right seed mix that includes adequate Milkweed.
• Do you have a favorite walking trail that would be a great continuous border for Monarchs? Contact the land owner or manager and ask how you can help them get a pollinator garden planted.
• Work with your faith community to incorporate Monarch gardens on their grounds. Many faith communities are incorporating the Monarch’s journey as a metaphor for the spiritual journey. Maybe you can start an interfaith Monarch team in your community.
• Ask businesses and business parks to incorporate Monarch habitat on their grounds. This is a great way for businesses to meet sustainability goals. Deep-rooted Milkweed and native flowering plants help to soak up excess water, sediment and nutrients from stormwater runoff, keeping these pollutants that harm fish and cause toxic algae blooms out of our creeks, rivers and drinking water.  Write a letter to the editor of your local paper thanking businesses that incorporate and protect pollinator habitat in their landscapes and encouraging others to get on board.
• Work with your neighbors to plant Pollinator Pocket gardens around your neighborhood. The U of I Extension has developed guidance on plant selection, installation and maintenance. If you register your garden on their website, you can purchase a sign that lets your community know your native plant garden is a welcoming spot for Monarchs and other pollinators. Save Milkweed and other seeds from your pollinator pocket gardens to share with new gardeners.
• Encourage your local nurseries to carry pollinator plants including Milkweed and Butterfly weed that are not grown or treated with neonicotinoids pesticides, throughout the growing season. Let them know that you’ll promote them to Monarch gardeners in the community, then find ways to do that. 
• Help us at PRN expand our pollinator protection efforts by making a special donation to our Monarch campaign. You’ll find a special donation page on our website at prairierivers.org/Monarch/. Give a gift to PRN’s Monarch campaign in the name of someone you love as a birthday or holiday gift in honor of a future filled with fluttering Monarchs and buzzing bees. We’ll send them a special note letting them know how they can protect Monarchs, too.

]]> 27774 0 0 0 https://prairierivers.org/fifty/ Fri, 09 Dec 2016 21:02:14 +0000 https://prairierivers.org/?page_id=27856 .offset:before { display: block; content: " "; height: 200px; margin-top: -200px; visibility: hidden; } We are excited to celebrate 50 years of work with thousands of members, partners and volunteers who together have protected Illinois’ rivers and water for generations of people and wildlife. We will celebrate our past, present and future with many activities throughout 2017. We hope you will join us and bring a friend so they can learn about the many ways Prairie Rivers Network continues to build a network of stewards across Illinois, working together to protect our precious natural places, rivers, water, and wildlife. Our Network is YOU and we can’t wait to celebrate with you! In Thanks and Celebration, Carol Hays, Executive Director

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Wild & Scenic Film Festival

Prairie Rivers Network is very excited to bring one of the largest environmental film festivals to Illinois. This will be the first time PRN is hosting the Wild & Scenic Film Festival, and we have three different locations throughout Illinois: Champaign, Peoria, and Carbondale. The Wild & Scenic Film Festival provides us with an opportunity to reach into our communities and inspire citizens to affect environmental change. The Festival offers a way for our members, supporters, and new friends to get energized and empowered to work in our communities and get involved with us to protect clean water, wildlife habitat, and our rich natural landscapes.

Carbondale Showing

When:  September 22, 2017

Where: Varsity Center for the Arts, 1418 South Illinois Ave, Carbondale, IL 62901

Peoria Showing

When:  October 13, 2017

Where: Riverfront Museum, 222 SW Washington St, Peoria, IL 61602

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Run for Clean Water (or walk)

Help celebrate 50 Years of Prairie Rivers Network with a Charity Run/Walk for Clean Water. We need you now more than ever! It’s easy! Look at all the people who have participated in this fundraiser and raised over $35,000 for clean water and healthy rivers. It is amazing how much money you can raise just by sending out a few emails. Think of it this way, would you mind if your nephew, cousin, friend, or co-worker sent an email to you asking you to donate $25 to a good cause? Probably not. This is a great way to support a cause you believe in (clean water) and help spread the word about why clean water is important and the good work we are doing. Please DONATE NOW or BECOME A FUNDRAISER because clean water is worth protecting! In honor of our 50th Anniversary, our Board President, Jon McNussen, will donate $50 for the first 20 new FUNdraisers that sign up! Click here to sign up now. When: April 20-22, 2017 Where: Christie Clinic Illinois Marathon (5K, 10K, half-marathon, relay, full marathon), Champaign/Urbana [one_third][/one_third] [one_third][/one_third] [one_third_last][/one_third_last] [one_third][/one_third] [one_third][/one_third] [one_third_last][/one_third_last] [one_third][/one_third] [one_third][/one_third] [one_third_last][/one_third_last]

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PRN Day at Allerton

Protecting Our Land, Water and Wildlife: A 50th Anniversary Celebration of Stewardship Join PRN staff, board, and fellow members and river lovers for a fun-filled day at Allerton Park. When: May 21, 2017; noon - 4:00 pm (rain or shine) Where: Allerton Park Music Barn, 588 Allerton Road, Monticello, Illinois 61856 Cost: FREE and OPEN TO THE PUBLIC

Planned Activities Include: 

Noon

• Picnic - Bring a picnic and enjoy a family friendly meal with friends.
• Guided Nature Walk - Follow along with local Environmental Almanac Writer/Photographer and PRN board member Rob Kanter as he observes the natural environment, capturing it in beautiful images with his iphone (for photographers and iphonographers or anyone who loves wildlife).
• Guided Birding Walk - Take a walk with local birder David Thomas.
• Traveling Science Center - Learn about types of habitats and species diversity, as well as ways to protect against threats to that diversity in this mobile classroom featuring informative, engaging exhibits on Illinois biodiversity. Great for kids and adults.

2:00 pm

• The Water Project - Enjoy a new performance developed by a theatrical ensemble led by local director and civic theater advocate, Latrelle Bright, examining our relationship with water: water that is at once a necessary resource for all living things, a convenient dumping ground for waste, and a commodity to be bought and sold.

2:30 pm

• Celebrating our Bees and Pollinators - Sample locally-produced honey.
• Applauding Land Stewardship of the Central IL Grain Guild - Sample local artisanal grain breads.
• Honoring the Sangamon River and Wildlife of East Central IL - Art and photography exhibit by local artists and photographers.

3:00 pm

• River of Hope: Save a Place. Change Your Life - A multimedia reflection on 50 years of stewardship, including readings from Prairie Rivers Network member Amy Hassinger's new novel, After the Dam*, and video interviews with PRN founder Bruce Hannon and long-time members John Marlin and Jack Paxton reflecting on a lifetime of river and land stewardship that has helped shape the path of Prairie Rivers Network.

*Copies of Amy's book will be available for purchase at the event.

Download the promotional Allerton postcard.

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Join us for our 50th Anniversary Dinner Gala!

For those members who have been coming to our Annual Dinner year-after-year, we are mixing things up for our 50th Anniversary Dinner Gala with a celebration dinner, dancing, and desserts. If you haven't been to an Annual Dinner yet, you won't want to miss it, so save the date and get ready to celebrate! When: October 6, 2017 Where: I Hotel & Conference Center, 1900 S First St, Champaign, IL 61820

Read about the founding of Prairie Rivers Network Here

]]> 27856 0 0 0 https://prairierivers.org/vermilion-powerplant-profile/ Mon, 12 Dec 2016 19:40:53 +0000 https://prairierivers.org/?page_id=27871 #map { width: 700px; height: 600px; margin: auto; margin-top: 0px; border-style: solid; }

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Back to Coal Ash Map ]]> 27884 0 0 0 https://prairierivers.org/coffeen-powerplant-profile/ Mon, 12 Dec 2016 19:45:07 +0000 https://prairierivers.org/?page_id=27887 #map { width: 700px; height: 600px; margin: auto; margin-top: 0px; border-style: solid; }

Back to Coal Ash Map ]]> 27887 0 0 0 https://prairierivers.org/crawford-powerplant-profile/ Mon, 12 Dec 2016 19:48:12 +0000 https://prairierivers.org/?page_id=27891 #map { width: 700px; height: 600px; margin: auto; margin-top: 0px; border-style: solid; }

Back to Coal Ash Map ]]> 27891 0 0 0 https://prairierivers.org/duck-creek-powerplant-profile/ Mon, 12 Dec 2016 19:49:16 +0000 https://prairierivers.org/?page_id=27894 #map { width: 700px; height: 600px; margin: auto; margin-top: 0px; border-style: solid; }

Back to Coal Ash Map ]]> 27894 0 0 0 https://prairierivers.org/edwards-powerplant-profile/ Mon, 12 Dec 2016 19:51:16 +0000 https://prairierivers.org/?page_id=27896 #map { width: 700px; height: 600px; margin: auto; margin-top: 0px; border-style: solid; }

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Back to Coal Ash Map ]]> 27898 0 0 0 https://prairierivers.org/havana-powerplant-profile/ Mon, 12 Dec 2016 19:55:12 +0000 https://prairierivers.org/?page_id=27900 #map { width: 700px; height: 600px; margin: auto; margin-top: 0px; border-style: solid; }

Back to Coal Ash Map ]]> 27900 0 0 0 https://prairierivers.org/hennepin-powerplant-profile/ Mon, 12 Dec 2016 19:57:03 +0000 https://prairierivers.org/?page_id=27902 #map { width: 700px; height: 600px; margin: auto; margin-top: 0px; border-style: solid; }

Back to Coal Ash Map ]]> 27902 0 0 0 https://prairierivers.org/hutsonville-powerplant-profile/ Mon, 12 Dec 2016 19:57:49 +0000 https://prairierivers.org/?page_id=27904 #map { width: 700px; height: 600px; margin: auto; margin-top: 0px; border-style: solid; }

Back to Coal Ash Map ]]> 27904 0 0 0 https://prairierivers.org/joliet-29-powerplant-profile/ Mon, 12 Dec 2016 19:59:31 +0000 https://prairierivers.org/?page_id=27906 #map { width: 700px; height: 600px; margin: auto; margin-top: 0px; border-style: solid; }

Back to Coal Ash Map ]]> 27906 0 0 0 https://prairierivers.org/joliet-9-powerplant-profile/ Mon, 12 Dec 2016 20:00:20 +0000 https://prairierivers.org/?page_id=27908 #map { width: 700px; height: 600px; margin: auto; margin-top: 0px; border-style: solid; }

Back to Coal Ash Map ]]> 27908 0 0 0 https://prairierivers.org/joppa-powerplant-profile/ Mon, 12 Dec 2016 20:06:11 +0000 https://prairierivers.org/?page_id=27912 #map { width: 700px; height: 600px; margin: auto; margin-top: 0px; border-style: solid; }

Back to Coal Ash Map ]]> 27912 0 0 0 https://prairierivers.org/kincaid-powerplant-profile/ Mon, 12 Dec 2016 20:06:40 +0000 https://prairierivers.org/?page_id=27914 #map { width: 700px; height: 600px; margin: auto; margin-top: 0px; border-style: solid; }

Back to Coal Ash Map ]]> 27914 0 0 0 https://prairierivers.org/marion-powerplant-profile/ Mon, 12 Dec 2016 20:09:37 +0000 https://prairierivers.org/?page_id=27916 #map { width: 700px; height: 600px; margin: auto; margin-top: 0px; border-style: solid; }

Back to Coal Ash Map ]]> 27916 0 0 0 https://prairierivers.org/meredosia-powerplant-profile/ Mon, 12 Dec 2016 20:15:29 +0000 https://prairierivers.org/?page_id=27918 #map { width: 700px; height: 600px; margin: auto; margin-top: 0px; border-style: solid; }

Back to Coal Ash Map ]]> 27918 0 0 0 https://prairierivers.org/newton-powerplant-profile/ Mon, 12 Dec 2016 20:16:37 +0000 https://prairierivers.org/?page_id=27920 #map { width: 700px; height: 600px; margin: auto; margin-top: 0px; border-style: solid; }

Back to Coal Ash Map ]]> 27920 0 0 0 https://prairierivers.org/pearl-powerplant-profile/ Mon, 12 Dec 2016 20:17:10 +0000 https://prairierivers.org/?page_id=27923 #map { width: 700px; height: 600px; margin: auto; margin-top: 0px; border-style: solid; }

Back to Coal Ash Map ]]> 27923 0 0 0 https://prairierivers.org/powerton-powerplant-profile/ Mon, 12 Dec 2016 20:18:02 +0000 https://prairierivers.org/?page_id=27925 #map { width: 700px; height: 600px; margin: auto; margin-top: 0px; border-style: solid; }

Back to Coal Ash Map ]]> 27925 0 0 0 https://prairierivers.org/prairie-state-powerplant-profile/ Mon, 12 Dec 2016 20:19:08 +0000 https://prairierivers.org/?page_id=27927 #map { width: 700px; height: 600px; margin: auto; margin-top: 0px; border-style: solid; }

Back to Coal Ash Map ]]> 27927 0 0 0 https://prairierivers.org/venice-powerplant-profile/ Mon, 12 Dec 2016 20:20:15 +0000 https://prairierivers.org/?page_id=27929 #map { width: 700px; height: 600px; margin: auto; margin-top: 0px; border-style: solid; }

Back to Coal Ash Map ]]> 27929 0 0 0 https://prairierivers.org/waukegan-powerplant-profile/ Mon, 12 Dec 2016 20:22:53 +0000 https://prairierivers.org/?page_id=27931 #map { width: 700px; height: 600px; margin: auto; margin-top: 0px; border-style: solid; }

Back to Coal Ash Map ]]> 27931 0 0 0 https://prairierivers.org/will-county-powerplant-profile/ Mon, 12 Dec 2016 20:23:33 +0000 https://prairierivers.org/?page_id=27933 #map { width: 700px; height: 600px; margin: auto; margin-top: 0px; border-style: solid; }

Back to Coal Ash Map ]]> 27933 0 0 0 https://prairierivers.org/wood-river-powerplant-profile/ Mon, 12 Dec 2016 20:24:13 +0000 https://prairierivers.org/?page_id=27935 #map { width: 700px; height: 600px; margin: auto; margin-top: 0px; border-style: solid; }

Back to Coal Ash Map ]]> 27935 0 0 0 https://prairierivers.org/grainsummit/ Fri, 06 Jan 2017 16:45:45 +0000 https://prairierivers.org/?page_id=28102 28102 0 0 0 https://prairierivers.org/wsff/ Tue, 14 Feb 2017 17:22:53 +0000 https://prairierivers.org/?page_id=28217

2019 Films

Check out the films from 2019! Ashes to Ashes Blue Carbon Blue Heart Downstream Givers and Takers Greenland Melts March of the Newts Our National Parks Belong to Everyone Plus a PRN original short film Scream Pillow (Films suitable for all ages -- Recommended 11+)

PRN Business & Festival Sponsors:

We thank all for our business and community sponsors for their support with the Wild & Scenic Film Festival.

Platinum $5,000+

  [one_half] [/one_half] [one_half_last][/one_half_last]

Gold $1,000+

  [one_third] [/one_third] [one_third][/one_third] [one_third_last][/one_third_last] [one_third][/one_third] [one_third] [/one_third] [one_third_last][/one_third_last] [one_third][/one_third] [one_third][/one_third] [one_third_last][/one_third_last]

Silver $500

  [one_third][/one_third] [one_third][/one_third] [one_third_last][/one_third_last]  

Bronze $250

  [one_third][/one_third] [one_third][/one_third] [one_third_last] [/one_third_last] [one_third] [/one_third] [one_third] [/one_third] [one_third_last][/one_third_last] [one_third] [/one_third] [one_third][/one_third] [one_third_last][/one_third_last]

Additional Business & Community Members plus In-Kind Donors

Amazon Smile  |  Basil Harvest  |  BorgWarner  |  Caterpillar Foundation  |  CDC Paper & Janitor Supply  |  Champaign County Audubon Society  |  Champaign Outdoors  |  Children's Discovery Museum  |  Color & Grain  |  Columbia Street Roastery  |  Dandelion  |  Deborah Fell Art Quilts  |  Erich Adickes Photography  |  Field Museum  |  First Presbyterian Church of Urbana Green Team |  Green Top Food Co-Op  |  Hamilton Walker's  |  Hansen & Co. Beauty Lounge  |  Illinois Marathon  |  Industry Brewing Co  |  International Galleries  |  Krannert Center For The Performing Arts  |   Laborers Local Union #393  |  Medici  |  Miga  | Mulberries Farm & Orchard  |  Prairie Fruits Farm & Creamery  |  Prairie Sky Groupd ADF  |  Pizzeria Antica  |  Riggs Brewery  |  Rogards Office Plus  |  Upper Embarras River Drainage District  |  Women's Dialogue Group  |  Zoo Improv  

Would you like to sponsor Prairie Rivers Network?

Prairie Rivers Network invites you to protect water, heal land, and inspire change by becoming a business member of Prairie Rivers Network. Business sponsors can be recognized at our Annual Dinner, Wild & Scenic Film Festival, and Illinois Marathon Fundraiser. For more information, please view our Business Sponsor Form, or contact Vickie Nudelman at 217.344.2371 or vnudelman [at] prairierivers.org.

]]> 28217 0 0 0 https://prairierivers.org/wsff-films/ Tue, 14 Feb 2017 16:43:58 +0000 https://prairierivers.org/?page_id=28250 Ashes to Ashes A small community in Northeast Alabama. A mayor whose town sits on the river's banks. A businessman in the Mobile Bay. All are impacted by coal ash, a pollution by-product of burning coal. Billions of tons of ash are stored in unlined pits alongside our rivers and streams causing harmful pollution such as mercury, arsenic, and other heavy metals to be dumped into waterways where we fish, swim, and drink. Ashes to Ashes tells the story of coal ash in Alabama and invites a call to action.

Blue Carbon

"Blue carbon" is carbon that's captured and stored by coastal wetlands, helping to mitigate climate change. This film is about mud and the multiple benefits that estuaries provide for us. "You never go into a wetland and just restore one benefit," says wetlands ecologist John Rybczyk. It improves water quality, provides salmon habitat, protects our shorelines, and also benefits our climate.

Blue Heart

The Balkan Peninsula is home to the last wild rivers in Europe. However, a deluge of hydropower development threatens to destroy the culture and ecology of this forgotten region. If fierce local opposition fails, the last undammed watersheds on the continent will be corralled by more than 3,000 proposed hydropower dams and diversions at a time when dams are being decommissioned throughout much of the developed world.

Downstream

Following years of intensive fertilizer use on farms, more than half of Iowa's waterways do not meet federal quality standards. Now, an unlikely coalition is calling for stricter controls to clean up the drinking water sources for millions of the state's residents.

Givers and Takers

Don Jackson in Ware Shoals, South Carolina transitions from conventional cattle production to a grazing method that improves the environment and benefits the farmer, his land, animals, and bottom line. Jackson shares the exciting early results evident within a year from when he started making these changes. Givers and Takers is a short film in Director Peter Byck’s film series, Soil Carbon Cowboys.

Greenland Melts

Dr. Konrad Steffen, the Swiss climate scientist whose research propelled Al Gore's "An Inconvenient Truth" and "An Inconvenient Sequel: Truth to Power," reveals his alarming findings around glacial melt impacts on global sea level rise, climate change, and mass migration. Greenland Melts is stunningly filmed at remote polar monitoring stations where Dr. Steffen has been tracking the melting of the Greenlandic Ice Sheet for over 25 years.

March of the Newts

Follow one of the forest's funkiest creatures into a gangly gathering of amphibious affection... and learn how you can help protect these sensitive animals from an emerging disease.

Our National Parks Belong to Everyone. So Why Are They so White?

Only 20 percent of visitors to National Parks are people of color. As the broader conservation movement continues to struggle with diversity and inclusion, many worry that the Trump administration will only make things worse. Learn about the troubling history of public lands and to meet the conservationists of color who are trying to change the parks' future.

PRN Scream Pillow

Is social media alienating you from friends and family? Does the thought of wildlife winking out of existence keep you up at night? Try the PRN Scream Pillow! Available for a limited time only! Not available in stores. Get yours today! (Films suitable for all ages -- Recommended 11+)]]> 28250 0 0 0 https://prairierivers.org/sustainer/ Wed, 01 Mar 2017 15:29:36 +0000 https://prairierivers.org/?page_id=28416 Sustaining Membership [one_half padding="0 25px 0 0"] Monthly giving is a great option for both PRN and you. It allows us to have a dependable base of support, while saving time and paper by not needing to send members renewal notices.

[/one_half][one_half_last padding="0 0 0 25px 0"] [one_sixth][/one_sixth][five_sixth_last]

You can also make your gift by automatic bank account debit

Download PRN's Automatic Debit Form (pdf) and mail/fax/email it to: Prairie Rivers Network 1605 S State Street, Suite 1 Champaign, IL 61820 Fax: 217.344.2381 vnudelman [at] prairierivers.org If you would like to support Prairie Rivers Network and our work for the long run and are in the conservation movement for the long fight, becoming a sustaining member with an automatic, monthly bank account contribution is a great option because you don't have to worry about contacting us when your credit card expiration date changes. You don't have to worry about your membership expiring.

PRN Membership Levels

Membership at the River Guardians level or above is considered to be a major donor of Prairie Rivers Network and you will be invited to occasional special events for our major donors.

[/five_sixth_last] PRN IS A REGISTERED 501(c)(3) AND YOUR CONTRIBUTION IS TAX DEDUCTIBLE (TAX ID # 37-6085905). [/one_half_last]]]> 28416 0 0 0 https://prairierivers.org/pollinators/ Thu, 23 Mar 2017 21:08:45 +0000 https://prairierivers.org/?page_id=28595 28595 0 0 0 https://prairierivers.org/fundraise/ Tue, 28 Mar 2017 19:42:30 +0000 https://prairierivers.org/?page_id=28598 Fundraising for a good cause has never been easier. Help protect clean water, wildlife habitat, and our flowing rivers - just click on Become a Fundraiser and you will be taken to our Click & Pledge Connect Social Fundraising Platform, then click on the Become a fundraiser button again and follow the steps to create your online fundraising page:

10 Ways to Raise $500

1. Ask 5 coworkers to donate $20.
2. Ask 2 family members to match your donation of $25.
3. Ask your company to match you and your coworkers' donations.
4. Go social! Make an individual video to share why you are fundraising for this campaign.
5. Go full DIY. Hold a workshop where teams teach people how to do a hobby or skill. From knitting to website coding there’s no end to the skills that can be shared! Charge $20 - $30/person with a goal of having 20 attendees.
6. Hold a team yard sale - de-clutter and fundraise at the same time!
7. Arrange a breakfast or dinner fundraiser at a local community center, or a space with a big kitchen. Charge $10/person
8. Sell organization merch at a community event.
9. Is someone on your team artistic? Have them design greeting cards or facepaint at a fundraising event for donations!
10. Reach out to your favorite dive or karaoke bar and see if your organization can host a guest bartending night and donate a portion of the evening’s profits to the campaign.

(Tips courtesy of www.salsalabs.com Peer to Peer Fundraising Playbook)]]> 28598 0 0 0 https://prairierivers.org/schnucks/ Wed, 12 Apr 2017 14:50:25 +0000 https://prairierivers.org/?page_id=28701

Prairie Rivers Network participates in the My Schnucks Card eScrip Program. It is easy to help support Prairie Rivers Network every time you shop at Schnucks:

1. Stop in at Schnucks and pick up a My Schnucks Card if you don't have one already.
2. Register your card online at escrip.com/schnucks or by calling 1-800-931-6258.
3. Show your card each time you check out. When the cashier scans your card, you just donated up to 3% of your purchase amount to Prairie Rivers Network.

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

Up to 3% Donation Explained

It breaks down like this:

• 1% on monthly purchases between $0-$300
• 2% on monthly purchases between $301-$600
• 3% on monthly purchases between $601-$999

Note: Purchases exceeding $999 receive no additional contributions. So, if your monthly purchases totaled $650.00 at Schnucks, your contribution to Prairie Rivers Network would be $10.50, like this: $300.00 x 1% = $3.00 + $300 x 2% = $6.00 + $50 x 3% = $1.50 = $10.50

 ]]> 28701 0 0 0 https://prairierivers.org/sil_newenergyjobs/ Fri, 12 May 2017 16:33:02 +0000 https://prairierivers.org/?page_id=28952 28952 0 0 0 https://prairierivers.org/wsff_carbondale/ Mon, 22 May 2017 20:17:22 +0000 https://prairierivers.org/?page_id=29042 Carbondale When: September 22, 2017, Doors open at 5:30pm, films begin at 6:00pm and run until 8:30pm Where: Morris Library, Guyon Auditorium, 605 Agriculture Dr., Carbondale (Since the venue is in a university building, the room is quite cold. Guests may want to bring a wrap, light sweater, or light jacket for the event.)

Tickets

$10: General Admission    |   $30: General Admission + PRN Membership

Tickets available here.

All proceeds from this event are going to support PRN and our clean water and wildlife habitat protection initiatives.

Films

[one_half]The Thousand Year Journey: Oregon to Patagonia The Wild President Think Like a Scientist Boundaries The Living Forest One Hundred Thousand Beating Hearts The Chicago River (PRN Film) The Pollution of Our Waterways (Uni High) Destiny’s Bay The Refuge A Line in the Sand Nature Rx The Last Dragons The Accidental Environmentalist (Films suitable for all ages -- Recommended 11+)[/one_half]

[one_half_last]

[caption id="attachment_28231" align="alignright" width="300"] The Eastern Hellbender, an ancient salamander, shown in The Last Dragons[/caption] [/one_half_last]

Other festival dates:

Champaign: April 4, 2017, Art Theater, 126 W Church St, Champaign Peoria: October 13, 2017, Peoria Riverfront Museum, 222 SW Washington St, Peoria]]> 29042 0 0 0 https://prairierivers.org/cil_newenergyjobs/ Tue, 23 May 2017 15:26:59 +0000 https://prairierivers.org/?page_id=29045 29045 0 0 0 https://prairierivers.org/wsff_peoria/ Tue, 23 May 2017 15:41:35 +0000 https://prairierivers.org/?page_id=29048 Peoria When: October 13, 2017. Doors open at 6:00pm, films begin at 6:30pm and run until 9:00pm Where: Peoria Riverfront Museum, 222 SW Washington St, Peoria

Tickets

$10: General Admission    |   $30: General Admission + PRN Membership

Tickets available here.

All proceeds from this event are going to support PRN and our clean water and wildlife habitat protection initiatives.

Films

[one_half]The Thousand Year Journey: Oregon to Patagonia The Wild President Think Like a Scientist Boundaries The Living Forest One Hundred Thousand Beating Hearts The Chicago River (PRN Film) The Pollution of Our Waterways (Uni High) Destiny’s Bay The Refuge A Line in the Sand Nature Rx The Last Dragons The Accidental Environmentalist (Films suitable for all ages -- Recommended 11+)[/one_half]

[one_half_last]

[caption id="attachment_28231" align="alignright" width="300"] The Eastern Hellbender, an ancient salamander, shown in The Last Dragons[/caption] [/one_half_last]

Other festival dates:

Champaign: April 4, 2017, Art Theater, 126 W Church St, Champaign Carbondale: September 22, 2017, Guyon Auditorium, SIU Campus, Carbondale]]> 29048 0 0 0 https://prairierivers.org/stopcarp/ Thu, 08 Jun 2017 01:40:27 +0000 https://prairierivers.org/?page_id=29168 Make no mistake, we have the means and ability to stop invasive Asian carp from entering the Great Lakes. It is simply a matter of political will. Current efforts are being stalled for narrow and short-sighted political reasons. Right now, the US Army Corps of Engineers has a plan to prevent Asian carp from invading the Great Lakes. But that plan has been delayed by the White House. We need you to tell your member of Congress to demand release of the Brandon Road Tentatively Selected Plan. This is our best chance to prevent a catastrophic loss to the Great Lakes.

TAKE ACTION NOW TO STOP ASIAN CARP

What is at stake?

In the summer of 2016, PRN staffer Robert Hirschfeld traveled around the Great Lakes in order to document those whose way of life and livelihoods would be devastated if Asian carp were allowed into the Great Lakes. From this trip, Prairie Rivers Network is producing a series of short videos spotlighting those who are in the best position to demand protection of our nation's greatest fresh water resources.

Brian Kozminksi, True North Trout

Brian Kozminski is a fishing guide with True North Trout. Known as “Koz” by his piscatorial pals, he has been plying trout from Michigan waters for over 30 years. Originally from Grand Rapids where the Rogue River and Grand River were his home waters, his frequent trips to Grayling to fish the Holy Waters were not enough. Over a decade ago, he and his wife, Lesley, daughters, Simone and Camille, and labs, Moose and Bella, made ‘Up North’ a permanent way of life. Rooted in Petoskey, the Bear and Maple Rivers were his primary destinations. A recent transplant to Boyne City now allows the Jordan and Boyne Rivers to become his backyard home waters.

I wish to express my deepest thanks to Koz for being so generous with his time and taking me out on the Jordan River to talk about how special the Great Lakes and its many beautiful and fish-filled tributaries are. The introduction of Asian carp would be a disaster for the rivers and lakes of northern Michigan and the thousands of jobs that depend on healthy, carp-free waters.

- Robert Hirschfeld

---

]]> 29168 0 0 0 https://prairierivers.org/stopasiancarpnow/ Tue, 11 Jul 2017 15:55:57 +0000 https://prairierivers.org/?page_id=29329 29329 0 0 0 https://prairierivers.org/wsff-call-for-entries/ Tue, 11 Jul 2017 19:53:48 +0000 https://prairierivers.org/?page_id=29334 29334 0 0 0 https://prairierivers.org/resources/media-center/e-news-archive/ Tue, 18 Jul 2017 20:13:50 +0000 https://prairierivers.org/?page_id=29374 [one_third padding="0 10px 0 10px"]

Newsletters

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Press Releases

[/one_third] [one_third_last padding="0 10px 0 10px"]

E-News

[/one_third_last]

[one_third padding="0 10px 0 10px"]

Guidebooks & Toolkits

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In the News

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Factsheets

[/one_third_last]   [display-posts tag="e-news" posts_per_page="10" wrapper="div" wrapper_class="news" image_size="medium" include_excerpt="true" include_date="true" excerpt_more="Continue Reading" excerpt_more_link="true"] See more...]]> 29374 101 0 0 https://prairierivers.org/protectcleanwater/ Fri, 04 Aug 2017 21:00:08 +0000 https://prairierivers.org/?page_id=29521 29521 0 0 0 https://prairierivers.org/get-involved/how-you-can-help-at-home/certified-wildlife-habitat/ Fri, 18 Aug 2017 13:32:35 +0000 https://prairierivers.org/?page_id=29599 Now you can get your own NWF/PRN co-branded wildlife habitat sign for your property. A Certified Wildlife Habitat sign lets passersby know that you have provided a safe haven for Illinois wildlife. These habitats provide food, water, and shelter to wildlife that resides in your area or that migrates through. These habitats bring joy and beauty to your life and your community and inform the public of the requirements wildlife have to survive. Providing habitat for wildlife is more important today than ever. Illinois wildlife is threatened by habitat destruction, climate change, and pesticide use. By growing native plants in your home garden, on your farm, at your place of worship, in a park, or in a schoolyard, you provide a safe haven for wildlife to forage, live, reproduce, and shelter. For certification, habitat must provide:

• Food resources: such as native flowering plants that provide nectar, seeds, forage, and pollen for direct consumption. These plants also serve as structure for small invertebrates that are eaten by many animals.
• Water resources: such as creeks, ponds, or untreated water fountains or pools.
• Cover for wildlife: such as fallen trees, brush piles, fence rows, and pollinator strips.
• Places to raise young: such as fallen trees, brush piles, areas of undisturbed native vegetation, places to burrow, and large trees with cavities.
• Sustainable and ecologically sound management: including organic practices, minimal or no pesticide (herbicide, fungicide, insecticide) use, and proper use of fire or mowing practices.

Learn how to certify your habitat here. Learn how you can incorporate habitat for pollinators and monarch butterflies into your certified wildlife habitat here. For more information, or to speak with a staff person about pollinator habitat or certified wildlife habitat on your property, please contact Kim Erndt-Pitcher at kerndt-pitcher [at] prairierivers [dot] org.]]> 29599 127 0 0 https://prairierivers.org/donate/bingo/ Wed, 23 Aug 2017 13:51:01 +0000 https://prairierivers.org/?page_id=29626 Bingo! You’re a member! Thank you for being a member and for helping us protect the rivers and wildlife of Illinois. Your membership donations give us the resources we need to safeguard Illinois’ streams and rivers! Want to give more or renew your membership? Donate today!

[gravityform id="14" title="false" description="false" ajax="true" tabindex="100"]

[/one_half][one_half_last padding="0 0 0 25px 0"]

Other Ways to Give

[one_sixth][/one_sixth][five_sixth_last]

By check

PRN Membership Form (pdf)

By automatic bank account debit

PRN Automatic Debit Form (pdf) If you are in the conservation movement for the long fight, becoming a sustaining member with an automatic, monthly bank account contribution is a great option because you don't have to worry about your membership expiring. Mail form to: Prairie Rivers Network 1605 South State Street, Suite 1 Champaign, IL 61820[/five_sixth_last] [one_sixth][/one_sixth][five_sixth_last]

While you shop

Amazon

Smile.Amazon.com is just like shopping at Amazon.com and .5% will be donated to PRN. If you already have an Amazon account, just go to smile.amazon.com and sign in with your account information and enter Prairie Rivers Network as your charitable organization. If you don’t already have an Amazon account, you can create one when you go to smile.amazon.com. [/five_sixth_last] [one_sixth][/one_sixth][five_sixth_last]

Workplace Giving

Prairie Rivers Network is a member of EarthShare of Illinois. If you participate in a workplace giving campaign, look for ESI and you can designate PRN to receive your contributions.[/five_sixth_last] [one_sixth][/one_sixth][five_sixth_last]

Bruce Hannon Friends of Illinois' Rivers

Friends are members who donate year after year at the level of $1,000 or more. Friends are donors who indicate, simply but importantly, their commitment to sustaining the work of Prairie Rivers Network into the future. Friends receive special quarterly video-casts from the executive director and/or staff. Find out more about the Bruce Hannon Friends of Illinois Rivers.[/five_sixth_last] [one_sixth][/one_sixth][five_sixth_last]

Leave a legacy

You can leave a legacy to the future of Illinois rivers by making a gift to our Prairie Rivers Endowment, by adding Prairie Rivers Network to your planned giving, or by donating stocks, bonds, annuities and items of value. For more information, click here, or contact the Executive Director at 217-344-2371 or by email at info@prairierivers.org[/five_sixth_last]

PRN Membership Levels

Membership at the River Guardians level or above is considered to be a major donor of Prairie Rivers Network and you will be invited to occasional special events for our major donors.

PRN IS A REGISTERED 501(c)(3) AND YOUR CONTRIBUTION IS TAX DEDUCTIBLE (TAX ID # 37-6085905).[/one_half_last]

]]> 29626 19097 0 0 https://prairierivers.org/donate/oops/ Wed, 23 Aug 2017 13:53:08 +0000 https://prairierivers.org/?page_id=29628 Oops, you’re not a member.

Donate today because your voice is needed to protect clean water, heal land, and inspire change. Join our network of river advocates and wildlife protectors.

[gravityform id="15" title="false" description="false" ajax="true" tabindex="100"]

[/one_half][one_half_last padding="0 0 0 25px 0"]

Other Ways to Give

[one_sixth][/one_sixth][five_sixth_last]

By check

PRN Membership Form (pdf)

By automatic bank account debit

PRN Automatic Debit Form (pdf) If you are in the conservation movement for the long fight, becoming a sustaining member with an automatic, monthly bank account contribution is a great option because you don't have to worry about your membership expiring. Mail form to: Prairie Rivers Network 1605 South State Street, Suite 1 Champaign, IL 61820[/five_sixth_last] [one_sixth][/one_sixth][five_sixth_last]

While you shop

Amazon

Smile.Amazon.com is just like shopping at Amazon.com and .5% will be donated to PRN. If you already have an Amazon account, just go to smile.amazon.com and sign in with your account information and enter Prairie Rivers Network as your charitable organization. If you don’t already have an Amazon account, you can create one when you go to smile.amazon.com. [/five_sixth_last] [one_sixth][/one_sixth][five_sixth_last]

Workplace Giving

Prairie Rivers Network is a member of EarthShare of Illinois. If you participate in a workplace giving campaign, look for ESI and you can designate PRN to receive your contributions.[/five_sixth_last] [one_sixth][/one_sixth][five_sixth_last]

Bruce Hannon Friends of Illinois' Rivers

Friends are members who donate year after year at the level of $1,000 or more. Friends are donors who indicate, simply but importantly, their commitment to sustaining the work of Prairie Rivers Network into the future. Friends receive special quarterly video-casts from the executive director and/or staff. Find out more about the Bruce Hannon Friends of Illinois Rivers.[/five_sixth_last] [one_sixth][/one_sixth][five_sixth_last]

Leave a legacy

You can leave a legacy to the future of Illinois rivers by making a gift to our Prairie Rivers Endowment, by adding Prairie Rivers Network to your planned giving, or by donating stocks, bonds, annuities and items of value. For more information, click here, or contact the Executive Director at 217-344-2371 or by email at info@prairierivers.org[/five_sixth_last]

PRN Membership Levels

Membership at the River Guardians level or above is considered to be a major donor of Prairie Rivers Network and you will be invited to occasional special events for our major donors.

PRN IS A REGISTERED 501(c)(3) AND YOUR CONTRIBUTION IS TAX DEDUCTIBLE (TAX ID # 37-6085905).[/one_half_last]

]]> 29628 19097 0 0 https://prairierivers.org/donate/stop-asian-carp/ Fri, 06 Oct 2017 19:15:41 +0000 https://prairierivers.org/?page_id=29759 Fight Invasive Species Make a donation today to help protect the Great Lakes from Asian carp! You can help make a difference.

[gravityform id="1" title="false" description="false" ajax="true" tabindex="100"]

[/one_half][one_half_last padding="0 0 0 25px 0"]

Other Ways to Give

[one_sixth][/one_sixth][five_sixth_last]

By check

PRN Membership Form (pdf)

By automatic bank account debit

PRN Automatic Debit Form (pdf) If you are in the conservation movement for the long fight, becoming a sustaining member with an automatic, monthly bank account contribution is a great option because you don't have to worry about your membership expiring. Mail form to: Prairie Rivers Network 1605 South State Street, Suite 1 Champaign, IL 61820[/five_sixth_last] [one_sixth][/one_sixth][five_sixth_last]

While you shop

Amazon

Smile.Amazon.com is just like shopping at Amazon.com and .5% will be donated to PRN. If you already have an Amazon account, just go to smile.amazon.com and sign in with your account information and enter Prairie Rivers Network as your charitable organization. If you don’t already have an Amazon account, you can create one when you go to smile.amazon.com. [/five_sixth_last] [one_sixth][/one_sixth][five_sixth_last]

Workplace Giving

Prairie Rivers Network is a member of EarthShare of Illinois. If you participate in a workplace giving campaign, look for ESI and you can designate PRN to receive your contributions.[/five_sixth_last] [one_sixth][/one_sixth][five_sixth_last]

Bruce Hannon Friends of Illinois' Rivers

Friends are members who donate year after year at the level of $1,000 or more. Friends are donors who indicate, simply but importantly, their commitment to sustaining the work of Prairie Rivers Network into the future. Friends receive special quarterly video-casts from the executive director and/or staff. Find out more about the Bruce Hannon Friends of Illinois Rivers.[/five_sixth_last] [one_sixth][/one_sixth][five_sixth_last]

Leave a legacy

You can leave a legacy to the future of Illinois rivers by making a gift to our Prairie Rivers Endowment, by adding Prairie Rivers Network to your planned giving, or by donating stocks, bonds, annuities and items of value. For more information, click here, or contact the Executive Director at 217-344-2371 or by email at info@prairierivers.org[/five_sixth_last]

PRN Membership Levels

Membership at the River Guardians level or above is considered to be a major donor of Prairie Rivers Network and you will be invited to occasional special events for our major donors.

PRN IS A REGISTERED 501(c)(3) AND YOUR CONTRIBUTION IS TAX DEDUCTIBLE (TAX ID # 37-6085905).[/one_half_last]

]]> 29759 19097 0 0 https://prairierivers.org/donate/reclaim-act/ Thu, 19 Oct 2017 16:05:51 +0000 https://prairierivers.org/?page_id=29894 Donate Now

[gravityform id="1" title="false" description="false" ajax="true" tabindex="100"]

[/one_half][one_half_last padding="0 0 0 25px 0"]

Other Ways to Give

[one_sixth][/one_sixth][five_sixth_last]

By check

PRN Membership Form (pdf)

By automatic bank account debit

PRN's Automatic Debit Form (pdf) If you are in the conservation movement for the long fight, becoming a sustaining member with an automatic, monthly bank account contribution is a great option because you don't have to worry about your membership expiring. Mail form to: Prairie Rivers Network 1902 Fox Drive, Suite G Champaign, IL 61820[/five_sixth_last] [one_sixth][/one_sixth][five_sixth_last]

While you shop

Amazon

Smile.Amazon.com is just like shopping at Amazon.com and .5% will be donated to PRN. If you already have an Amazon account, just go to smile.amazon.com and sign in with your account information and enter Prairie Rivers Network as your charitable organization. If you don’t already have an Amazon account, you can create one when you go to smile.amazon.com.

Schnucks

Shop at Schnucks and up to 3% of your purchase will be donated to PRN. Pick up your Schnucks eScrip card at participating stores. 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 card may be used to generate both contributions to PRN and Fuel Rewards (where available). PRN's group ID for the Schnucks' program is 500024645.[/five_sixth_last] [one_sixth][/one_sixth][five_sixth_last]

Workplace Giving

Prairie Rivers Network is a member of EarthShare of Illinois. If you participate in a workplace giving campaign, look for ESI and you can designate PRN to receive your contributions.[/five_sixth_last] [one_sixth][/one_sixth][five_sixth_last]

Bruce Hannon Friends of Illinois' Rivers

Friends are members who donate year after year at the level of $1,000 or more. Friends are donors who indicate, simply but importantly, their commitment to sustaining the work of Prairie Rivers Network into the future. Each new Friend encourages others to enroll and will come together at occasional special gatherings and will receive special, quarterly communications from the Executive Director. Find out more about the Bruce Hannon Friends of Illinois Rivers.[/five_sixth_last] [one_sixth][/one_sixth][five_sixth_last]

Leave a legacy

You can leave a legacy to the future of Illinois rivers by making a gift to our Prairie Rivers Endowment, by adding Prairie Rivers Network to your planned giving, or by donating stocks, bonds, annuities and items of value. For more information, click here, or contact the Executive Director, Carol Hays, at 217-344-2371 x201 or by email at chays@prairierivers.org[/five_sixth_last]

PRN Membership Levels

Headwaters Circle $5,000+ River Champion $2,500+ River Protectors $1,000+ River Stewards $500+ River Guardians $250+ River Defenders $100+ Members $50+

Membership at the River Guardians level or above is considered to be a major donor of Prairie Rivers Network and you will be invited to occasional special events for our major donors.

PRAIRIE RIVERS NETWORK IS A REGISTERED 501(c)(3) AND YOUR CONTRIBUTION IS TAX DEDUCTIBLE.[/one_half_last]]]> 29894 19097 0 0 https://prairierivers.org/donate/givingtuesday/ Fri, 20 Oct 2017 20:15:42 +0000 https://prairierivers.org/?page_id=29910 #GivingTuesday is a day for everyone, everywhere, to give. It’s about giving back. You can give your time, your voice, and your dollars to help protect the waters you love. Give to PRN today and help us reach our goal of getting 50 donations during this #GivingTuesday drive! With your help, we can continue to protect the rivers, water, and wildlife of Illinois! [one_half padding="0 25px 0 0"]

Donate Now

[gravityform id="1" title="false" description="false" ajax="true" tabindex="100"]

[/one_half][one_half_last padding="0 0 0 25px 0"]

Other Ways to Give

[one_sixth][/one_sixth][five_sixth_last]

By check

PRN Membership Form (pdf)

By automatic bank account debit

PRN's Automatic Debit Form (pdf) If you are in the conservation movement for the long fight, becoming a sustaining member with an automatic, monthly bank account contribution is a great option because you don't have to worry about your membership expiring. Mail form to: Prairie Rivers Network 1605 South State Street, Suite 1 Champaign, IL 61820[/five_sixth_last] [one_sixth][/one_sixth][five_sixth_last]

While you shop

Amazon

Smile.Amazon.com is just like shopping at Amazon.com and .5% will be donated to PRN. If you already have an Amazon account, just go to smile.amazon.com and sign in with your account information and enter Prairie Rivers Network as your charitable organization. If you don’t already have an Amazon account, you can create one when you go to smile.amazon.com.

Schnucks

Shop at Schnucks and up to 3% of your purchase will be donated to PRN. Pick up your Schnucks eScrip card at participating stores. 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 card may be used to generate both contributions to PRN and Fuel Rewards (where available). PRN's group ID for the Schnucks' program is 500024645.[/five_sixth_last] [one_sixth][/one_sixth][five_sixth_last]

Workplace Giving

Prairie Rivers Network is a member of EarthShare of Illinois. If you participate in a workplace giving campaign, look for ESI and you can designate PRN to receive your contributions.[/five_sixth_last] [one_sixth][/one_sixth][five_sixth_last]

Bruce Hannon Friends of Illinois' Rivers

Friends are members who donate year after year at the level of $1,000 or more. Friends are donors who indicate, simply but importantly, their commitment to sustaining the work of Prairie Rivers Network into the future. Each new Friend encourages others to enroll and will come together at occasional special gatherings and will receive special, quarterly communications from the Executive Director. Find out more about the Bruce Hannon Friends of Illinois Rivers.[/five_sixth_last] [one_sixth][/one_sixth][five_sixth_last]

Leave a legacy

You can leave a legacy to the future of Illinois rivers by making a gift to our Prairie Rivers Endowment, by adding Prairie Rivers Network to your planned giving, or by donating stocks, bonds, annuities and items of value. For more information, click here, or contact the Executive Director, Carol Hays, at 217-344-2371 x201 or by email at chays@prairierivers.org[/five_sixth_last]

PRN Membership Levels

Headwaters Circle $5,000+ River Champion $2,500+ River Protectors $1,000+ River Stewards $500+ River Guardians $250+ River Defenders $100+ Members $50+

Membership at the River Guardians level or above is considered to be a major donor of Prairie Rivers Network and you will be invited to occasional special events for our major donors.

PRAIRIE RIVERS NETWORK IS A REGISTERED 501(c)(3) AND YOUR CONTRIBUTION IS TAX DEDUCTIBLE.[/one_half_last]]]> 29910 19097 0 0 https://prairierivers.org/how-to-coal-ash-map/ Fri, 27 Oct 2017 22:59:52 +0000 https://prairierivers.org/?page_id=29967 ]]> 29967 0 0 0 https://prairierivers.org/givingtuesday/ Fri, 17 Nov 2017 17:57:32 +0000 https://prairierivers.org/?page_id=30089 30089 0 0 0 https://prairierivers.org/donate/membership-drive/ Thu, 30 Nov 2017 17:16:45 +0000 https://prairierivers.org/?page_id=30158

Support PRN's Work

We are working every day to protect our water, heal our land, and inspire the change we need to confront climate change. Please join us.

[/one_half][one_half_last padding="0 0 0 25px 0"]

Other Ways to Give

[one_sixth][/one_sixth][five_sixth_last]

By check

PRN Membership Form (pdf)

By automatic bank account debit

PRN Automatic Debit Form (pdf) If you are in the conservation movement for the long fight, becoming a sustaining member with an automatic, monthly bank account contribution is a great option because you don't have to worry about your membership expiring. Mail form to: Prairie Rivers Network 1605 South State Street, Suite 1 Champaign, IL 61820[/five_sixth_last] [one_sixth][/one_sixth][five_sixth_last]

While you shop

Amazon

Smile.Amazon.com is just like shopping at Amazon.com and .5% will be donated to PRN. If you already have an Amazon account, just go to smile.amazon.com and sign in with your account information and enter Prairie Rivers Network as your charitable organization. If you don’t already have an Amazon account, you can create one when you go to smile.amazon.com. [/five_sixth_last] [one_sixth][/one_sixth][five_sixth_last]

Workplace Giving

Prairie Rivers Network is a member of EarthShare of Illinois. If you participate in a workplace giving campaign, look for ESI and you can designate PRN to receive your contributions.[/five_sixth_last] [one_sixth][/one_sixth][five_sixth_last]

Bruce Hannon Friends of Illinois' Rivers

Friends are members who donate year after year at the level of $1,000 or more. Friends are donors who indicate, simply but importantly, their commitment to sustaining the work of Prairie Rivers Network into the future. Friends receive special quarterly video-casts from the executive director and/or staff. Find out more about the Bruce Hannon Friends of Illinois Rivers.[/five_sixth_last] [one_sixth][/one_sixth][five_sixth_last]

Leave a legacy

You can leave a legacy to the future of Illinois rivers by making a gift to our Prairie Rivers Endowment, by adding Prairie Rivers Network to your planned giving, or by donating stocks, bonds, annuities and items of value. For more information, click here, or contact the Executive Director at 217-344-2371 or by email at info@prairierivers.org[/five_sixth_last]

PRN Membership Levels

Membership at the River Guardians level or above is considered to be a major donor of Prairie Rivers Network and you will be invited to occasional special events for our major donors.

PRN IS A REGISTERED 501(c)(3) AND YOUR CONTRIBUTION IS TAX DEDUCTIBLE (TAX ID # 37-6085905).[/one_half_last]

]]> 30158 19097 0 0 https://prairierivers.org/dynegy-vermilion-middle-fork/ Thu, 18 Jan 2018 16:24:15 +0000 https://prairierivers.org/?page_id=30403 .custom_offset:before {
display: block;
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visibility: hidden;
}
[caption id="attachment_18467" align="alignright" width="350"] Three coal ash pits sit on Vistra's Vermilion Power Station property along the Middle Fork of the Vermilion River.[/caption] Quick Facts: Listen to an Interview or Download a Flyer

Contents

1. Overview
2. What is Coal Ash?
3. What are the Ash Pits?
4. Middle Fork River; What is at Risk?
5. What is Dynegy’s Plan for the Pits?
6. Groundwater Violation Timeline
7. History of the Site
8. Vermilion County Passes Resolution
9. US EPA Coal Ash Rules and Vermilion
10. Reference Documentation

Overview

[caption id="attachment_18467" align="alignright" width="310"] Aerial view of the Dynegy ash pits from the north; Top Left: Vermilion Power Station; Left: Middle Fork; Center (red outline): North Ash Pit. Two more ash pits exist at the site.[/caption] Community members have long been concerned about the coal ash stored at the Vistra (formerly Dynegy) Vermilion Power Plant in Oakwood, Illinois. The coal-fired power plant operated from 1955 through December 2011, dumping coal ash (a toxic by-product from burning coal) in three ash pits — all located in the western floodplain of the Middle Fork of the Vermilion River, Illinois’ only National Scenic River. The site presents three major issues: (1) ongoing pollution of groundwater that runs beneath the pits, and at points running through the pits; (2) pollution of the Middle Fork through seeps which are hydrologically connected to the buried coal ash; and (3) the risk of a catastrophic breach, where massive amounts of coal ash could inundate the Middle Fork. The two oldest ash pits (constructed in the mid-1950′s and 1970′s, respectively) were built without liners to protect underlying groundwater. Adding additional risk, the river is rapidly meandering towards the pits at rates as high as three feet per year. Leakage of coal ash pollutants (including boron, sulfates, iron, and manganese) has already been noted in the groundwater, while discolored seeps can be readily seen from the river. [caption id="attachment_30574" align="alignleft" width="300"] The seeps pool on the banks of the river.
Click here to see a video of the seeps.[/caption] The third newest pit (constructed in the 1980′s) presents problems of its own. The third pit was constructed over old mine voids. These mine voids present risks of subsidence - indeed Dynegy's own report indicate that portions of the shale over the mine have been shattered by mine void collapse. The third pit relies on this shale as a natural liner, so breaking of the shale could open pathways for contamination. Additionally, like the two older ash pits, the third pit has been worn by the force of the river, presenting a risk to its stability. The site was subject to emergency bank stabilization to prevent the river from eroding the impoundment in 2016. Dynegy has proposed to simply cap these pits and walk away from the liabilities. This proposal would leave the coal ash in place at the dump site, with only a cap over the pits to prevent additional water from getting in from above. This plan would allow groundwater contamination and seepage to the river to continue in perpetuity, while failing to address the threat of a catastrophic breach. Leaving coal ash in the floodplain, vulnerable to the force of the river, with the proposed “cap closure option” for the impoundments is not sufficient to protect local residents, businesses, and Illinois taxpayers from the burden of ongoing pollution and a potential breach. [caption id="attachment_18468" align="alignright" width="300"] Bald Eagles reside on the Middle Fork of the Vermilion River. Photo Credit: David Hale[/caption] In order to protect the vibrant Middle Fork river system and the communities that rely on it, Prairie Rivers Network has announced their intent to sue Dynegy for clean water act violations. Dynegy is responsible for the coal ash mess on the banks of the river and needs to stop polluting the Middle Fork. The long-term conservation of this land is important for the benefit of Illinois’ citizens and wildlife.

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What is Coal Ash?

Coal ash is the solid by-product that is left over after coal is burned for electricity — much like ash is left over after burning wood in a fire. Coal ash, also referred to as “Coal Combustion Residuals” (or CCRs), broadly refers to several by-products:

• Fly Ash: a very fine, powdery material made from the burning of finely ground coal in a boiler
• Bottom Ash: a coarse, angular ash particle that is too large to be carried up into the smoke stacks, so it forms in the bottom of the coal furnace
• Boiler Slag: molten bottom ash
• Flue Gas Desulfurization Material: leftover from the process of reducing sulfur dioxide emissions from a coal-fired boiler that can be a wet sludge

When coal is mined, it already contains carbon alongside a number of heavy metals and minerals — including mercury, arsenic, selenium, chromium, and cadmium, which can cause cancer and brain damage in humans and are harmful to fish and wildlife. When coal is burned, much of the carbon burns off (combining with oxygen to produce Carbon Dioxide, or CO2). What’s left (coal ash) has these same metals that were there all along, but now at 10-100x higher concentrations.

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What are the Ash Pits?

There are three ash pits at the Dynegy Vermilion facility: (1) the North Ash Pond System; (2) the Old East Ash Pond; and (3) the New East Ash Pond System. Also called “ash ponds” or “ash impoundments,” these are disposal sites formed by perimeter earthen embankments. These pits contain a mix of coal ash materials (including fly ash, bottom ash, boiler slag, and other materials) with different chemical compositions (because of different types of coal burned over the power plant’s lifetime). Images of the seeps are available on this map: North to south, the three ash pits are: (1) The North Ash Pond System (one large pit for disposal, another smaller pit for sedimentation of overflow) was utilized from the mid-1970′s to 1989.

• Unlined
• In the Middle Fork floodplain (subject to erosion)
• Total Volume: 1,618,335 cubic yards

(2) The Old East Ash Pond was put into service in the mid-1950′s and operated until the mid-1970′s.

• Unlined
• In the Middle Fork floodplain (subject to erosion)
• Total Volume: 1,183,413 cubic yards

(3) The New East Ash Pond System (one large pit for disposal, another smaller pit for sedimentation of overflow) was utilized from 1989 until the plants closure.

• Natural shale "liner"
• In the Middle Fork floodplain (subject to erosion)
• Located over mine void (subject to subsidence: sinking of the land)
• Total Volume: 534,013 cubic yards

The total volume of the pits is 3,335,761 cubic yards. For some context, the total volume could fill New York City’s Empire State Building 2.4 times, or over 1000 Olympic swimming pools. Dynegy’s own reports state that the pits are now contaminating the groundwater and that groundwater is flowing toward the Middle Fork. There are already visible seeps along the bank, and detectable impacts in the water and aquatic life. This means that heavy metals in coal ash are currently placing the Middle Fork and adjacent groundwater at risk. As the Middle Fork of the Vermilion River continues to wear away at the sides of these pits, the threat of a catastrophic breach continues to increase.

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Middle Fork River: What is at Risk?

The Middle Fork of the Vermilion River is a unique and cherished resource. The river been was the first state-designated State Scenic River, and is the only nationally-designated Scenic River in the state of Illinois. [caption id="attachment_30021" align="aligncenter" width="689"] River otters swimming in the Middle Fork. Photo Credit: David Hale[/caption] In legislation, the Illinois General Assembly stated that it “recognizes the outstanding natural, scenic, recreational, ecological, historical and archaeological values of the middle fork of the Vermilion River in Vermilion County, Illinois, and deems the middle fork of the Vermilion River to be a natural resource of Statewide significance such that its natural and recreational values should be permanently preserved for the enjoyment of the people of the State of Illinois.” The Middle Fork River Valley is home to 24 State threatened or endangered species, and supports a diverse and healthy population of 57 types of fish, 45 kinds of mammals, and 190 different birds. It's common to see turtles, river otters, blue herons and bald eagles on a trip down the river. The river system also provides the benefits of a strong recreation economy to Vermilion County. Kickapoo State Recreation Area, Kennekuk Cove County Park, and the Middle Fork State Fish and Wildlife Area stand as key destinations for local residents and visitors , enjoyed for canoeing, kayaking, wildlife viewing, photography, hunting, angling, hiking, and horseback riding. According to a publication of the University of Illinois Springfield, in 2009 Kickapoo State Recreation Area, alone, hosted 1,458,491 visitors. Kickapoo Landing alone puts over 10,000 people on the Middle Fork River in canoes, kayaks and tubes each year. It is clear that the unstable and polluting Dynegy ash pits are putting this unique resource at risk. As the state of Illinois recognized in its Corridor Management Plan, it must “work toward abatement of activities within the river area which are degrading water quality.”

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What is Dynegy’s Plan for the Pits?

[caption id="attachment_18218" align="alignright" width="300"] Visible seeps and torn lining along the Middle Fork[/caption] Dynegy is currently proposing to leave the ash in its current location and cover the site with a “cap” (2.5 inches of a geomembrane and 15 inches of a geocomposite, then 3 feet of soil). This method attempts to address just one source of ongoing pollution: as rainwater and snowmelt continues to enter the pits, it contributes to the movement and leaching (seeping) of contaminants. This fails to acknowledge:

1. That seeps and pollution are already occurring because of contact with groundwater (which runs through and saturates the pits, connecting to the river),
2. That flash flood pressure and erosion from the meandering river can wear away at the pits from the outside, and
3. That the river pushes water into the pits during flood events, which slowly seeps back out with contaminants

[caption id="" align="alignright" width="330"] Above) The newly installed gabions in 1980s.
Below) Failed gabions in the present day.[/caption] To prevent river bank erosion, Dynegy's predecessor installed gabion walls (cages filled with rocks) to armor a portion of the river bank in the 80s. These gabions, once impressive, are now sitting neglected and in ruin, worn away by the power of the river. Bank reinforcement is not a long term solution to preventing the Middle Fork river from eroding into the coal ash. As of 2018, Dynegy has released a new report that shows the Middle Fork is eroding the river bank at an alarming rate - up to 3 feet each year. This new report comes after Prairie Rivers Network frequently criticized their previous report which estimated that the erosion rate was one third of a foot per year. Acknowledging these threats, and the risks to the Middle Fork ecosystem and local economy, Dynegy needs to permanently protect the Middle Fork River so the river may be enjoyed for generations to come.

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Groundwater Violation Timeline

Dynegy received a groundwater violation notice in 2012 that kicked off a regulatory process that is ongoing to this day. They have yet to fully characterize the site or propose a plan that will adequately deal with the problem. The timeline below was constructed through FOIA requests for public records. It represents the record available to Prairie Rivers Network staff at this time. Relevant documents are linked. 2012 - July - Dynegy receives a notice of groundwater violation

• Illinois EPA issues a violation notice to Dynegy indicating that groundwater quality samples at the at the Vermilion Power Station (and many other sites) have violated multiple groundwater standards.
• The letter and violation notice.

2012 - September - Dynegy responds to groundwater violation

• Dynegy responds to the violation notice with a Compliance Commitment Agreement which, in this case, consists of a closure plan for the Old East Ash Pond and North Ash Pond System. Additionally, Dynegy proposes a Groundwater Management Zone, which would give them permission to violate groundwater standards while they implement a solution.
• Links to Dynegy's letter to Illinois EPA, closure action plans for OEAP and NAPS, as well as the Groundwater Management Zone application.

2012 - October - Dynegy's proposed compliance commitment agreement is rejected

• The letter.

2013 - March - Dynegy proposes a geotechnical study

• The proposed study would assess the stability of the coal ash impoundments and the erosion rate of the river bank.

2013 - May - Dynegy is given permission to move forward with the geotechnical study

• The letter giving permission for the study, which also reference the letter in which Dynegy proposes the study (which is missing).

2013 - November - Dynegy sends the geotechnical study to Illinois EPA

• The study concludes that the North Ash Pond System will fail in 86 years.
• The letter and the geotechnical report.

2014 - September - Dynegy's study is found to be insufficient

• Illinois EPA finds Dynegy's geotechnical study to be insufficient and requests more studies to address erosion concerns.
• The letter.

2015 - June - Dynegy refuses to do further studies until riverbank stabilization is approved

• Dynegy refuses to do further studies until riverbank stabilization projects are approved. At this point, Dynegy has only applied for stabilization at the New East Ash Pond, which is the one coal ash impoundment at the site that is not part of the closure plans, so the refusal seems unrelated.
• The letter.

2016 - November - Dynegy completes a bank stabilization project on the New East Ash Pond

• Dynegy is given permission from the US Army Corps of Engineers, Illinois EPA, Illinois DNR, and the National Park Service, to complete a bank stabilization project on the New East Ash Pond due to alarming amounts of erosion. This project does not impact the Old East Ash Pond or North Ash Pond System.
• Dynegy's completion report for the stabilization project.

2017 - February - Dynegy is again requested to do additional studies

• Illinois EPA circles back to Dynegy now that they have had an approved bank stabilization project. They are asked to address the bank erosion problems and prepare a new closure alternatives assessment.
• The letter.

2017 - May - Dynegy submits a new plan for studies to Illinois EPA

• Dynegy submits a new plan and timeline for studies to Illinois EPA. They will re-assess the closure plans and the groundwater study, as well as the bank stabilization. The reports will be submitted near the end of 2017.
• The letter.

2017 - November - Dynegy submits a new bank erosion report and closure cost estimate to Illinois EPA

• The new river bank stabilization report was submitted on November 6 to Illinois EPA, showing that river bank erosion is much faster than previously reported.
• The new closure cost estimates were submitted on November 30.

2018 - January - Illinois EPA requests clarifying details on closure cost estimates

• In an email, Illinois EPA requests additional closure cost estimate details from Dyengy, specifically about investigating an on-site closure option.

2018 - June - Illinois EPA issues second violation notice. Dynegy/Vistra proposes armoring the river bank

• Illinois EPA inspected the coal ash seeps in May 2018 and determined that the seeps were in violation of the Illinois Environmental Protection Act, issuing a second violation notice.
• Vistra, who now owns Dynegy, proposed 1900 feet of bank armoring, which would cover most of the river bank of the North Ash Pond System and Old East Ash Pond.
• The 2012 groundwater violation is still unresolved.

 

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History of the Vermilion Power Station

The closed power station is located about five miles north of Oakwood, Illinois. It sits on a bluff above of the river valley, but coal ash was dumped into the valley for its entire operating life. 1950′s

• The Vermilion Power Station was built and put into operation by the Illinois Power Company in 1955
• The Old East Ash Pond (OEAP) was part of the original construction of the plant.

1970′s

• The OEAP remained in operation until the mid-1970′s when the North Ash Pond System (NAPS) was brought online

1980′s

• Gabions were installed in 1981 to protect the Old East Ash Pond impoundment
• The NAPS was actively receiving waste from the mid-1970′s to 1989, when the New East Ash Pond System (NEAP) was brought online

2000′s

• Dynegy purchased Illinois Power in 2000, and acquired the Vermilion Power Station as part of the purchase
• Dynegy applied for a bank stabilization permit to install gabions along the east side of the NEAP in 2009, which was not approved

2010′s

• The plant closed on November 19, 2011, and the NEAP became inactive
• All ash ponds are now “out-of-service,” but not fully “closed”

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Vermilion County Passes Unanimous Resolutions

In the absence of existing rules to regulate the comprehensive closure of sites like Dynegy Vermilion, Vermilion County groups stepped up to encourage stronger rules at the state level and additional consideration for closure of ash pits at the Dynegy Vermilion facility. In 2014, a series of resolutions passed unanimously by the Vermilion County Board, Soil & Water Conservation District, Vermilion County Conservation District, Vermilion County Conservation Foundation, and the Lake Vermilion Water Quality Coalition, calling on the Illinois Pollution Control Board to address regulatory shortcomings, and on the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency to address management and public participation issues as they apply to the Dynegy Vermilion closure plan.

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What about the U.S. EPA Coal Ash Rules?

On October 19th 2015, the U.S. EPA’s new safeguards on the disposal of coal ash went into effect nationwide. The rules are targeted to prevent impoundment failures (like the massive Kingston, Tennessee spill in 2008), protect groundwater beneath coal ash disposal sites, and establish basic requirements for maintaining these massive waste storage pits. Unfortunately, legacy impoundments — the old, polluting pits like Dynegy Vermilion, storing tons of coal ash next to our rivers, lakes, and streams — are left largely unregulated. Illinois is home over 80 coal ash pits, some of which are located at now-shuttered power generating facilities. Dynegy is planning to close nearly all of its coal ash pits in place with a cap, forever exposed to groundwater. We believe the federal rule should be expanded to include legacy pits like these. But if it is not, then these pits will need Illinois-specific rules to protect the surrounding communities and water ways. These rules were in once motion, but have been frozen in front of the Illinois Pollution Control Board for over a year, and the latest proposed rules from Illinois EPA lacked key safeguards to creating real solutions for coal ash pits (i.e., power plant operators who could easily leave the damages for communities to pay).

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Reference Documentation

All documents listed here are linked to directly when referenced above.

1. Hydrogeologic Study of New East Ash Pond, 2003
2. Old East Ash Pond Closure Plan, 2012 (Updated in 2014)
3. North Ash Pond System Closure Plan, 2012 (Updated in 2014)
4. Groundwater Management Zone application, 2012
5. First Geotechnical Report, 2013
6. Second Geotechnical Report, 2017
7. Closure Cost Estimate, 2017
8. Bank Armoring Proposal, 2018

]]> 30403 0 0 0 https://prairierivers.org/middlefork/ Tue, 23 Jan 2018 18:18:15 +0000 https://prairierivers.org/?page_id=30471 30471 0 0 0 https://prairierivers.org/middlefork-media/ Wed, 24 Jan 2018 16:02:12 +0000 https://prairierivers.org/?page_id=30474 30474 0 0 0 https://prairierivers.org/donate/coal/ Thu, 01 Feb 2018 16:41:33 +0000 https://prairierivers.org/?page_id=30491 Protect the Middle Fork! Help us fight coal and Dynegy. Together we can protect the Middle Fork River. Give to PRN today!

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You can leave a legacy to the future of Illinois rivers by making a gift to our Prairie Rivers Endowment, by adding Prairie Rivers Network to your planned giving, or by donating stocks, bonds, annuities and items of value. For more information, click here, or contact the Executive Director at 217-344-2371 or by email at info@prairierivers.org[/five_sixth_last]

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Membership at the River Guardians level or above is considered to be a major donor of Prairie Rivers Network and you will be invited to occasional special events for our major donors.

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]]> 30491 19097 0 0 https://prairierivers.org/media_report/ Mon, 05 Feb 2018 18:16:58 +0000 https://prairierivers.org/?page_id=30494 30494 0 0 0 https://prairierivers.org/donate/monarchs/ Fri, 09 Feb 2018 19:16:49 +0000 https://prairierivers.org/?page_id=30527 Donate Now to Protect Monarchs Thank you for taking action! Help us protect monarch butterflies and other species. Together we can protect them and the rivers and wildlife of Illinois. Give to PRN today!

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Smile.Amazon.com is just like shopping at Amazon.com and .5% will be donated to PRN. If you already have an Amazon account, just go to smile.amazon.com and sign in with your account information and enter Prairie Rivers Network as your charitable organization. If you don’t already have an Amazon account, you can create one when you go to smile.amazon.com. [/five_sixth_last] [one_sixth][/one_sixth][five_sixth_last]

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Bruce Hannon Friends of Illinois' Rivers

Friends are members who donate year after year at the level of $1,000 or more. Friends are donors who indicate, simply but importantly, their commitment to sustaining the work of Prairie Rivers Network into the future. Friends receive special quarterly video-casts from the executive director and/or staff. Find out more about the Bruce Hannon Friends of Illinois Rivers.[/five_sixth_last] [one_sixth][/one_sixth][five_sixth_last]

Leave a legacy

You can leave a legacy to the future of Illinois rivers by making a gift to our Prairie Rivers Endowment, by adding Prairie Rivers Network to your planned giving, or by donating stocks, bonds, annuities and items of value. For more information, click here, or contact the Executive Director at 217-344-2371 or by email at info@prairierivers.org[/five_sixth_last]

PRN Membership Levels

Membership at the River Guardians level or above is considered to be a major donor of Prairie Rivers Network and you will be invited to occasional special events for our major donors.

PRN IS A REGISTERED 501(c)(3) AND YOUR CONTRIBUTION IS TAX DEDUCTIBLE (TAX ID # 37-6085905).[/one_half_last]

]]> 30527 19097 0 0 https://prairierivers.org/get-involved/day-at-the-fork/ Tue, 20 Feb 2018 14:40:06 +0000 https://prairierivers.org/?page_id=30555 May 19th at:

Kickapoo State Recreation Area 10906 Kickapoo Park Rd, Oakwood, IL 61858

Events run from 9 AM until 3 PM. All events begin from Kickapoo Adventures adjacent to the Clear Pond and are free* and open to the public.

• Canoeing and Kayaking: For the PRN trip, you should already have reserved your trip with Kickapoo Adventures and arrive at 9 AM to leave for the launch at 9:30. Launch is at 10 AM and will include taking part in a PRN flotilla photo. Trip includes a discussion of the threats to the river by the Dynegy coal ash pits that sit on the western bank of the river. If you have your own boat and would like to shuttle to the launch, call Kickapoo Adventures directly at (217) 446-8399 to reserve your shuttle spot ($18), if available. Other launch times and trip distances may also be available throughout the day. Check the Kickapoo Adventures website. [caption id="attachment_30557" align="alignright" width="300"] Photo credit: Jason Lindsey[/caption]
• Nature Walks: Join us for nature walks starting at 9 AM and 1 PM. Hike the Middle Fork Woods with Environmental Almanac and Prairie Rivers Network board member Rob Kanter and retired wetland ecologist Rick Larimore to learn about the flora and fauna. Hikes are at 9 a.m. and 1 p.m. Be ready to get your feet wet as the afternoon trip may go down to the river to look for underwater wildlife.
• Kids Fishing Derby: 1 to 3 PM. All rods will be provided thanks to the Natural Resources Education Program.
• Lawn Games: Enjoy lawn games for friends and families throughout the day. Bring your own for others to share!
• Food: Need food, the Bistro’s got you and your family covered. Or bring a picnic!
• Entertainment: Take part in an acoustic jam session with the Hobnob String Band from 12 PM to 2 PM.
• Bike Trail: Ride the trails.
• Camping: Into camping? Reserve your campsite at www.reserveamerica.com. With 98 sites to choose from, you’re bound to find the right site for you and your family.

2018 is the 50th anniversary of the Wild and Scenic Rivers Act, a law created by Congress to protect rivers that have outstanding natural, cultural, or recreational aspects. The Middle Fork of the Vermilion River is Illinois’ only federally designated Wild and Scenic River! Come celebrate our wild and scenic river! *Free to attend. Boat rental fees apply. Food available from the Bistro for purchase. Activities subject to change.  

Thank you Sponsors

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Arthur J. Gallagher & Co.

C-U Folk and Roots Festival

Chris Main Photography

International Galleries

Krannert Center for the Performing Arts

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Prairie Fruits Farm

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Would you like to sponsor Prairie Rivers Network?

Prairie Rivers Network invites you to support clean water, healthy rivers, and abundant wildlife by becoming a business member of Prairie Rivers Network. Business sponsors can be recognized at our Annual Dinner, Wild & Scenic Film Festival, PRN Day at the Fork, and Illinois Marathon - Run/Walk for Clean Water - charity running team. For more information, please view our Business Sponsor Form, or contact Vickie Nudelman at 217.344.2371 or vnudelman [at] prairierivers.org.

]]> 30555 109 0 0 https://prairierivers.org/day-at-the-fork/ Thu, 15 Feb 2018 20:44:15 +0000 https://prairierivers.org/?page_id=30568 30568 0 0 0 https://prairierivers.org/donate/levees/ Tue, 27 Feb 2018 16:17:23 +0000 https://prairierivers.org/?page_id=30598 Protect the Mississippi River! Give to PRN today because the risk of catastrophic flooding by unlawful levees on the Mississippi River is real! Together we can make a difference.

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Other Ways to Give

[one_sixth][/one_sixth][five_sixth_last]

By check

PRN Membership Form (pdf)

By automatic bank account debit

PRN Automatic Debit Form (pdf) If you are in the conservation movement for the long fight, becoming a sustaining member with an automatic, monthly bank account contribution is a great option because you don't have to worry about your membership expiring. Mail form to: Prairie Rivers Network 1605 South State Street, Suite 1 Champaign, IL 61820[/five_sixth_last] [one_sixth][/one_sixth][five_sixth_last]

While you shop

Amazon

Smile.Amazon.com is just like shopping at Amazon.com and .5% will be donated to PRN. If you already have an Amazon account, just go to smile.amazon.com and sign in with your account information and enter Prairie Rivers Network as your charitable organization. If you don’t already have an Amazon account, you can create one when you go to smile.amazon.com. [/five_sixth_last] [one_sixth][/one_sixth][five_sixth_last]

Workplace Giving

Prairie Rivers Network is a member of EarthShare of Illinois. If you participate in a workplace giving campaign, look for ESI and you can designate PRN to receive your contributions.[/five_sixth_last] [one_sixth][/one_sixth][five_sixth_last]

Bruce Hannon Friends of Illinois' Rivers

Friends are members who donate year after year at the level of $1,000 or more. Friends are donors who indicate, simply but importantly, their commitment to sustaining the work of Prairie Rivers Network into the future. Friends receive special quarterly video-casts from the executive director and/or staff. Find out more about the Bruce Hannon Friends of Illinois Rivers.[/five_sixth_last] [one_sixth][/one_sixth][five_sixth_last]

Leave a legacy

You can leave a legacy to the future of Illinois rivers by making a gift to our Prairie Rivers Endowment, by adding Prairie Rivers Network to your planned giving, or by donating stocks, bonds, annuities and items of value. For more information, click here, or contact the Executive Director at 217-344-2371 or by email at info@prairierivers.org[/five_sixth_last]

PRN Membership Levels

Membership at the River Guardians level or above is considered to be a major donor of Prairie Rivers Network and you will be invited to occasional special events for our major donors.

PRN IS A REGISTERED 501(c)(3) AND YOUR CONTRIBUTION IS TAX DEDUCTIBLE (TAX ID # 37-6085905).[/one_half_last]

]]> 30598 19097 0 0 https://prairierivers.org/front-page-testing/ Wed, 28 Feb 2018 21:25:23 +0000 https://prairierivers.org/?page_id=30614 30614 0 0 0 https://prairierivers.org/nitrates-one-pager-works-cited/ Mon, 19 Mar 2018 14:22:13 +0000 https://prairierivers.org/?page_id=30658 30658 0 0 0 https://prairierivers.org/dayatthefork/ Thu, 29 Mar 2018 19:14:06 +0000 https://prairierivers.org/?page_id=30685 30685 0 0 0 https://prairierivers.org/prn-story-map/ Mon, 02 Apr 2018 19:10:26 +0000 https://prairierivers.org/?page_id=30695 #body { overflow: hidden; } #map { width: 100%; height: 100%; margin: 0 auto; margin-top: 0px; } #content { width: 600px; height: 800px; margin-top: 0px; margin: auto; border-style: solid; }

PRN Story Map How To Use This Map At Prairie Rivers Network, we champion clean, healthy rivers and lakes and safe drinking water to benefit the people and wildlife of Illinois. ​This map shows where we work, and gives insight into how Prairie Rivers Network is helping across the state. Click on a site to learn more about a specific project.

Join Now To Stay Up-To-Date

]]> 30695 0 0 0 https://prairierivers.org/donate/middlefork/ Wed, 04 Apr 2018 17:03:25 +0000 https://prairierivers.org/?page_id=30754 ]]> 30754 19097 0 0 https://prairierivers.org/defendthefork/ Wed, 09 May 2018 15:51:16 +0000 https://prairierivers.org/?page_id=30934 30934 0 0 0 https://prairierivers.org/resources/monitoring-tree-and-plant-health/ Thu, 07 Jun 2018 14:41:10 +0000 https://prairierivers.org/?page_id=31019 a.anchor { display: block; position: relative; top: -140px; visibility: hidden;} Prairie Rivers Network is deeply concerned with the steady declines in state and federal ecological monitoring programs and how the resulting decrease in information impacts our ability to monitor the health of ecosystems under the pressures of habitat loss, pesticides, and climate change. In recent years, PRN and partners have received an increase in reports of plant and tree injury on both public and private lands. These injuries are symptomatic of herbicide exposure and may be due to drift and/or volatility. This page contains information about our Tree and Plant Health Monitoring Program.  To jump right to a specific section, please click on the appropriate subject link below:

• Reporting Symptoms of Herbicide Damage to IDOA
• Monitoring and Documenting Symptoms with PRN
• Hard Copies of Forms
• Online Reporting System (must have a Google account to use)
• 2018-2019 Tree and Plant Health Monitoring Report
• Photo Library of Symptoms

Please note: Personal information on the monitoring forms will NOT be shared publicly and is for the sole purpose of data verification. We thank you for your assistance in keeping an eye out for the biodiversity of Illinois and we welcome your feedback. Questions can be sent to monitoring@prairierivers.org.

DAMAGE TO ILLINOIS' RECORD-SETTING POST OAK

Many trees are showing symptoms of exposure to herbicide drift and volatilization (think evaporation and movement), including our state record-setting Post Oak:

REPORTING SYMPTOMS OF HERBICIDE DAMAGE TO IDOA

If you notice herbicide injury on your plantings or on non-target species you can report it to the Illinois Department of Agriculture at “Pesticides: Uses & Misuses,” Also, call IDOA’s Bureau of Environmental Programs at 1-800-641-3934 (voice and TDD) or 217-785-2427 for a complaint form. Complaints must be received by the IDOA within 30 days of the incident or within 30 days of when the damage was first noticed. Complaints filed after that will be kept on record, but no administrative action can be taken. The complaint process is not set up to address all cases of potential herbicide related injury to plants. It is becoming more clear with each passing year that the current pesticide complaint system has numerous limitations and problems. However, it is currently the primary way that IDOA collects information regarding pesticide-related injuries and therefore remains an important (and the public’s only) method of documenting suspected injury with the IDOA.

MONITORING AND REPORTING SYMPTOMS WITH PRN

It is apparent that we must gain a better understanding of the geographic range, extent, and severity of symptoms.  To that end, using the talents and strengths of valuable members and partners, we have developed monitoring guidelines, protocols, and data collection forms, as well as an online reporting system where you can submit documentation of symptoms. For a more in depth tutorial of how to monitor a site for symptoms of off-target herbicide injury, please view the training webinar. The PRN monitoring forms below are intended to be used by anyone interested in documenting potential herbicide injury to trees and other broadleaf plants. It is our hope that information gleaned from this monitoring effort will help landowners, managers, and scientists better understand what is happening on the landscape and possibly serve as justification for a closer, more in-depth study of this issue by state and federal agencies and/or research institutions. By helping us keep track of potential herbicide damage to non-target species you will be helping increase the “eyes on the trees and boots on the ground” and drastically improve our ability to document injury to species on a statewide level. Here are the forms:

Printable Tree and Plant Health Monitoring Forms

Instructions 2020	Submission Form 2020

If you choose not to watch the webinar, but still want to document suspected injury to your property please read the monitoring instructions and use the data recording form. Forms and photographs can be filed on our online reporting system or they can be emailed to monitoring@prairierivers.org Please note: When reporting symptoms to PRN you will need the following items:

• A camera to document the symptoms (photo is required)
• GPS point of monitoring location (can be obtained from map on smartphone)
• Binoculars (to see higher up in the tree canopy)
• Tree/plant ID book
• Bug repellent & sunscreen
• Permission to be on property

ONLINE REPORTING SYSTEM (must have Google account to use)

www.prairierivers.org/report The preferred method of reporting is the digital report form. A Gmail or Google account is required for the online reporting form in order to submit images of the symptoms.

2018-2019 TREE AND PLANT HEALTH MONITORING REPORT

Read the 2018-2019 Tree and Plant Health Monitoring Report

PHOTO LIBRARY OF SYMPTOMS

Note to the user: Most symptom photos will have more than one symptom demonstrated on a leaf. For example, MANY will show leaf cupping/curling in addition to the symptom of focus for a particular category. Nature often presents leaves with more than one symptom. Please click a box to see examples of injury.

Normal Leaves

These are examples of normal leaf growth from varying species.

[caption id="attachment_31319" align="aligncenter" width="175"] (Click for more images)[/caption]

Curled/Cupped

Curling of leaf margins or cupping of entire leaf. Leaf edges may bend up or down, or in more severe cases, the entire whole leaf is curled up or more commonly downward. The latter creates a “boxing-glove” like look in oaks. Both may be accompanied by discoloration at the margin (e.g., yellowish or grayish). As injury intensifies, edges may turn brown or black. In either case, the color change may also be noted as a symptom (see Chlorosis and Necrosis description below).

[caption id="attachment_31345" align="aligncenter" width="175"] (Click for more images)[/caption]

Epinasty

Twisting of leaf petioles orienting leaves sideways or upside down. This is relatively easy to spot when lower leaf surfaces are colored differently than the upper surface.

[caption id="attachment_31342" align="aligncenter" width="175"] (Click for more images)[/caption]

Strapped

Leaf blade is unnaturally lengthened or “stretched” in relation to width. It can be accompanied by twisting of the blade surface. It is not necessary to record twisting with strapping.

[caption id="attachment_31356" align="aligncenter" width="175"] (Click for more images)[/caption]

Twisted and/or Deformed

More or less normally proportioned leaf blade is twisted, has an irregular surface, and/or is irregularly lobed.

[caption id="attachment_31404" align="aligncenter" width="175"] (Click for more images)[/caption]

Irregular Margins

Abnormal wavy, “crinkled,” or “scallop shell-like” margin (e.g., in redbud or dogwood); or veins at margins may protrude as distinctive points (e.g., in wild grape).

[caption id="attachment_31343" align="aligncenter" width="175"] (Click for more images)[/caption]

Shoot Symptoms

Elongated, Coiled, or Bent

Pronounced shoot elongation with bending or coiling, typically only seen in spring in developing shoots. It is often accompanied by leaf abnormalities.

[caption id="attachment_31327" align="aligncenter" width="175"] (Click for more images)[/caption]

Deformed and Growth Suppressed

Overall suppression of shoot elongation and stunting of leaf growth. Generally, leaves will show one or more symptoms such as chlorosis (e.g., box elder) or twisting and deformation (oak).

[caption id="attachment_31322" align="aligncenter" width="175"] (Click for more images)[/caption]

Additional symptoms: Leaves

Chlorotic

Abnormal light green, yellow, gray, or white coloration of leaves. Many newly emerging leaves are these colors or orange or red before turning a deeper green. Unless experienced, rate chlorosis only on mature or near mature leaves. It may be at edges or entire leaf.

[caption id="attachment_31354" align="aligncenter" width="175"] (Click for more images)[/caption]

Necrotic

Brown or black tissue indicating tissue death, usually developing at leaf edge and proceeding inward.

[caption id="attachment_31353" align="aligncenter" width="175"] (Click for more images)[/caption]

Second Growth

Especially for oaks, if there is obvious leaf damage, check to see whether there is new leaf growth at twig end that appears to have emerged after the 1st spring growth.

[caption id="attachment_31352" align="aligncenter" width="175"] (Click for more images)[/caption]

Additional symptoms: Trees

Death

Refers to whole tree death. Rate only for trees which clearly leafed out in the current growing season and then died. Observe leaves for any remaining potential injury symptoms.

[caption id="attachment_31350" align="aligncenter" width="175"] (Click for more images)[/caption]

Dieback

Refers to branches dying usually from ends inward. In severe cases, whole limbs may dieback. As for death, rate as present only if the dead portion clearly leafed out in the current growing season and then died. Otherwise, die-back may indicate damage from previous growing season(s).

[caption id="attachment_31349" align="aligncenter" width="175"] (Click for more images)[/caption]

Epicormic branching

Occurs when twig growth (sometimes dense) occurs on larger branches or main trunks, often seen when dieback of branches is occurring. May also indicate damage from previous growing season(s).

[caption id="attachment_31347" align="aligncenter" width="175"] (Click for more images)[/caption]

]]> 31019 89 0 0 https://prairierivers.org/our-mission/ Fri, 15 Jun 2018 15:36:07 +0000 https://prairierivers.org/?page_id=31077 At Prairie Rivers Network, we protect water, heal land, and transform culture. Using the power of law, political advocacy and field work, we join with people to protect and restore our rivers, to return healthy soils and biodiversity to our lands and to transform how we care for the earth and for each other.

---

	Protect Water. We safeguard rivers, streams, lakes, and drinking water for people and wildlife. We preserve our natural flowing rivers, reduce water pollution in our communities, and hold polluters responsible for their legacy of waste.
	Heal Land. We work with people to ensure that our lands are fruitful now and into the future. By listening and building bridges, we help communities protect our water resources, sustaining the land and everything that lives on it.
	Transform Culture. We work with people to ensure that our lands are fruitful now and into the future. By listening and building bridges, we help communities protect our water resources, sustaining the land and everything that lives on it.

---

Goal for Illinois Waterways

Our work is guided by a vision of healthy “waterways,” a term that, for us, includes not only water flows and aquatic life but lands adjacent to or otherwise closely connected with rivers, streams, lakes, and other water bodies. Waterways supply valuable resources for people and essential habitat for other animals and plants. Our vision of healthy waterways–our vision of good waterway use–comprises the following elements:

• Clean water – Our rivers, lakes and streams should be clean enough for swimming and boating, to supply drinking water, and for responsible use by farmers and industry.
• Healthy water flows – Rivers and streams should be free from aggressive alterations of natural flows; such alterations can noticeably worsen flooding and droughts, disrupt healthy flora and fauna and deplete drinking water supplies.
• Edible fish - Waterways should support a wide range of commercial and sport fish that reproduce naturally and that everyone can safely eat.
• Resilience to climate change – Illinois’ 120,000 miles of rivers should provide a framework of connected natural areas and habitats, allowing plants and wildlife to thrive and adapt to changing climates.
• Protecting the best – The state’s cleanest and healthiest streams should enjoy enhanced legal protection to keep them that way.
• Rare plants and animals - Rare plants and animals in and around waterways should receive special protections to aid their survival and recovery.

You can read our strategic plan for more information on our vision for healthy waterways and how we will achieve that goal.

History

[caption id="attachment_1277" align="alignleft" width="216"] Director of Illinois Department of Transportation and Bruce Hannon with petition opposing dam project (1970s).[/caption] Prairie Rivers Network was established in 1967 under the leadership of Bruce and Patricia Hannon as they engaged others to oppose the construction of the Army Corps of Engineers’ Oakley Reservoir on the Sangamon River near Decatur. Oakley Reservoir would have put hundreds of acres of Allerton Park, a locally cherished natural area in Central Illinois, underwater and flooded thousands more adjacent acres. This group of concerned and dedicated citizens incorporated as the Committee on Allerton Park as a 501 (c) 3 non-profit organization. They battled the dam for many years halting its appropriation progress in 1975 and deauthorizing it at the federal level in late 1985. In 1973, the group realized that a locally focused effort could not stop the Oakley Dam which was part of an overall national program.  They formed a sister organization under the same board called the Coalition on American Rivers (COAR) to organize opposition to similar Corps dams and other projects throughout the Midwest. As a 501 (c ) 4 organization, it was able to lobby in Washington and at the state level. Under the leadership of John Marlin, the first paid Executive Director (1973-1983), these organizations brought together people that crossed political and social boundaries to protect rivers from federal water resources projects that threatened most of the nation’s rivers in the 1960's and 70's. Aided by hundreds of volunteers, including University of Illinois students, the COAR helped citizen groups around the Midwest organize and offered constituent support to like-minded politicians. They also joined Washington based organizations in testifying before Congress and taking the message to individual members of Congress. By the late 1970s, the political climate had changed and the Congressional attitude toward water project became more balanced as the public became aware of their environmental and economic shortcomings. The collective effort of concerned citizens stopped dozens of dams, reservoirs, and other environmentally costly water projects that would have permanently altered the habitats of most of the nation’s rivers including the Upper Mississippi and Illinois Rivers. The COAR became the Central States Resource Center in 1979. In 1984, the Committee on Allerton Park was renamed Central States Education Center (CSEC) to reflect the group's continuing and increasing statewide focus on a number of issues including solid waste. Central States Education Center changed its name to Prairie Rivers Network in 1998 to more accurately reflect our focus on issues that impact Illinois' rivers and watersheds. In 2007, Bruce Hannon retired as President of the Board of Directors after nearly 40 years of service. Since its inception, PRN has consistently used grass roots organizing and advocacy to protect the rivers and streams of Illinois. From the successful opposition of dams proposed in the 1970's that would have permanently altered the flow of our rivers, to our current efforts to ensure full enforcement of the Clean Water Act to reduce water pollution and protect fish and wildlife habitats, PRN works with local citizens to advocate for the protection of our rivers at the federal, state, and local level. With the support of our members and partners, Prairie Rivers Network has grown to become the statewide leader in river protection, conservation, and restoration.

View our 40th Anniversary History Booklet.

View a multimedia presentation of the Middle Fork of the Vermilion River saga that started it all.

Download 50th Anniversary History of Prairie Rivers network

]]> 31077 0 0 0 https://prairierivers.org/saltfork/ Thu, 12 Jul 2018 16:49:12 +0000 https://prairierivers.org/?page_id=31186 31186 0 0 0 https://prairierivers.org/donate/trees/ Mon, 23 Jul 2018 18:22:46 +0000 https://prairierivers.org/?page_id=31265 Donate Now

[gravityform id="1" title="false" description="false" ajax="true" tabindex="100"]

[/one_half][one_half_last padding="0 0 0 25px 0"]

Other Ways to Give

[one_sixth][/one_sixth][five_sixth_last]

By check

PRN Membership Form (pdf)

By automatic bank account debit

PRN's Automatic Debit Form (pdf) If you are in the conservation movement for the long fight, becoming a sustaining member with an automatic, monthly bank account contribution is a great option because you don't have to worry about your membership expiring. Mail form to: Prairie Rivers Network 1605 South State Street, Suite 1 Champaign, IL 61820[/five_sixth_last] [one_sixth][/one_sixth][five_sixth_last]

While you shop

Amazon

Smile.Amazon.com is just like shopping at Amazon.com and .5% will be donated to PRN. If you already have an Amazon account, just go to smile.amazon.com and sign in with your account information and enter Prairie Rivers Network as your charitable organization. If you don’t already have an Amazon account, you can create one when you go to smile.amazon.com.

Schnucks

Shop at Schnucks and up to 3% of your purchase will be donated to PRN. Pick up your Schnucks eScrip card at participating stores. 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 card may be used to generate both contributions to PRN and Fuel Rewards (where available). PRN's group ID for the Schnucks' program is 500024645.[/five_sixth_last] [one_sixth][/one_sixth][five_sixth_last]

Workplace Giving

Prairie Rivers Network is a member of EarthShare of Illinois. If you participate in a workplace giving campaign, look for ESI and you can designate PRN to receive your contributions.[/five_sixth_last] [one_sixth][/one_sixth][five_sixth_last]

Bruce Hannon Friends of Illinois' Rivers

Friends are members who donate year after year at the level of $1,000 or more. Friends are donors who indicate, simply but importantly, their commitment to sustaining the work of Prairie Rivers Network into the future. Each new Friend encourages others to enroll and will come together at occasional special gatherings and will receive special, quarterly communications from the Executive Director. Find out more about the Bruce Hannon Friends of Illinois Rivers.[/five_sixth_last] [one_sixth][/one_sixth][five_sixth_last]

Leave a legacy

You can leave a legacy to the future of Illinois rivers by making a gift to our Prairie Rivers Endowment, by adding Prairie Rivers Network to your planned giving, or by donating stocks, bonds, annuities and items of value. For more information, click here, or contact the Executive Director, Carol Hays, at 217-344-2371 x201 or by email at chays@prairierivers.org[/five_sixth_last]

PRN Membership Levels

Headwaters Circle $5,000+ River Champion $2,500+ River Protectors $1,000+ River Stewards $500+ River Guardians $250+ River Defenders $100+ Members $50+

Membership at the River Guardians level or above is considered to be a major donor of Prairie Rivers Network and you will be invited to occasional special events for our major donors.

PRAIRIE RIVERS NETWORK IS A REGISTERED 501(c)(3) AND YOUR CONTRIBUTION IS TAX DEDUCTIBLE.[/one_half_last]]]> 31265 19097 0 0 https://prairierivers.org/trees/ Mon, 23 Jul 2018 18:26:09 +0000 https://prairierivers.org/?page_id=31268 31268 0 0 0 https://prairierivers.org/monitoring-tree-and-plant-health/ Tue, 24 Jul 2018 19:17:28 +0000 https://prairierivers.org/?page_id=31284 31284 0 0 0 https://prairierivers.org/resources/tree-health-test/ Wed, 08 Aug 2018 15:54:30 +0000 https://prairierivers.org/?page_id=31364 Prairie Rivers Network is concerned with the steady declines in state and federal monitoring programs and how the resulting decreases in ecological data limit our ability to monitor the health of ecosystems under the pressures of habitat loss, pesticides, and climate change. In recent years, PRN and numerous partners have received an increase in reports of plant and tree injury on both public and private lands. These injuries are symptomatic of herbicide exposure and may be due to drift and/or volatility.

The growing season is in full swing and people are already seeing signs of potential herbicide damage. If you notice herbicide injury on your plantings or on non-target species you can report it to the Illinois Department of Agriculture at “Pesticides: Uses & Misuses,"

Also, call IDOA's Bureau of Environmental Programs at 1-800-641-3934 (voice and TDD) or 217-785-2427 for a complaint form. Complaints must be received by the IDOA within 30 days of the incident or within 30 days of when the damage was first noticed. Complaints filed after that will be kept on record, but no administrative action can be taken.

However, the complaint process is not set up to address all cases of potential herbicide related injury to plants, and it is apparent that we must gain a better understanding of the geographic range, extent, and severity of injuries. To that end, using the talents and strengths of valuable members and partners, we have developed monitoring guidelines, protocols, and data collection forms. These forms are intended to be used by anyone interested in documenting potential herbicide injury to an off-target species. It is our hope that information gleaned from this monitoring effort will help landowners, managers, and scientists better understand what is happening on the landscape and possibly serve as justification for a closer, more in-depth study of this issue by state and federal agencies and/or research institutions.

These materials are here on our website. By helping us keep track of potential herbicide damage to non-target species you will be helping increase the "eyes on the trees and boots on the ground" and drastically improve our ability to document injury to species on a statewide level. Below are volunteer guidelines, monitoring instructions, and a data recording form. For the time being, all data will be housed at PRN but will be publicly available at the end of the monitoring season. Private information will not be shared publicly and is for the sole purpose of data verification. We thank you for your assistance in keeping an eye out for the biodiversity of Illinois and we welcome your feedback. Please email feedback and monitoring forms and photos to monitoring@prairierivers.org. [one_third] [caption id="attachment_31026" align="alignleft" width="175"] Tree Injury Monitoring Program - Volunteer Guidelines 2018[/caption] [/one_third] [one_third] [caption id="attachment_31027" align="alignleft" width="175"] Tree Injury Report Form Instructions[/caption] [/one_third] [one_third_last] [caption id="attachment_31028" align="alignleft" width="175"] Tree Injury Report Form[/caption] [/one_third_last]

Leaf Symptoms

Note to the user: Most symptom photos will have more than one symptom demonstrated on a leaf. For example, MANY will show leaf cupping/curling in addition to the symptom of focus for a particular category. Nature often rarely presents leaves with more than one symptom. Please click a box to see examples of injury.

Normal Leaves

These are examples of normal leaf growth from varying species.

Curled/Cupped

Curling of leaf margins or cupping of entire leaf. Leaf edges may bend up or down, or in more severe cases, the entire whole leaf is curled up or more commonly downward. The latter creates a “boxing-glove” like look in oaks. Both may be accompanied by discoloration at the margin (e.g., yellowish or grayish). As injury intensifies, edges may turn brown or black. In either case, the color change may also be noted as a symptom (see Chlorosis and Necrosis description below).

Epinasty

Twisting of leaf petioles orienting leaves sideways or upside down. This is relatively easy to spot when lower leaf surfaces are colored differently than the upper surface.

Strapped

Leaf blade is unnaturally lengthened or “stretched” in relation to width. It can be accompanied by twisting of the blade surface. It is not necessary to record twisting with strapping.

Twisted and/or Deformed

More or less normally proportioned leaf blade is twisted, has an irregular surface, and/or is irregularly lobed.

Irregular Margins

Abnormal wavy, “crinkled,” or “scallop shell-like” margin (e.g., in redbud or dogwood); or veins at margins may protrude as distinctive points (e.g., in wild grape).

Shoot Symptoms

Elongated, Coiled, or Bent

Pronounced shoot elongation with bending or coiling, typically only seen in spring in developing shoots. It is often accompanied by leaf abnormalities.

Deformed and Growth Suppressed

Overall suppression of shoot elongation and stunting of leaf growth. Generally, leaves will show one or more symptoms such as chlorosis (e.g., box elder) or twisting and deformation (oak).

Additional symptoms: Leaves

Chlorotic

Abnormal light green, yellow, gray, or white coloration of leaves. Many newly emerging leaves are these colors or orange or red before turning a deeper green. Unless experienced, rate chlorosis only on mature or near mature leaves. It may be at edges or entire leaf.

Necrotic

Brown or black tissue indicating tissue death, usually developing at leaf edge and proceeding inward.

Second Growth

Especially for oaks, if there is obvious leaf damage, check to see whether there is new leaf growth at twig end that appears to have emerged after the 1st spring growth.

Additional symptoms: Trees

Death

Refers to whole tree death. Rate only for trees which clearly leafed out in the current growing season and then died. Observe leaves for any remaining potential injury symptoms.

Dieback

Refers to branches dying usually from ends inward. In severe cases, whole limbs may dieback. As for death, rate as present only if the dead portion clearly leafed out in the current growing season and then died. Otherwise, die-back may indicate damage from previous growing season(s).

Epicormic branching

Occurs when twig growth (sometimes dense) occurs on larger branches or main trunks, often seen when dieback of branches is occurring. May also indicate damage from previous growing season(s).]]> 31364 89 0 0 https://prairierivers.org/2018-annual-dinner-video/ Wed, 14 Nov 2018 16:39:52 +0000 https://prairierivers.org/?page_id=31787 31787 0 0 0 https://prairierivers.org/usace_pn/ Thu, 06 Dec 2018 19:39:33 +0000 https://prairierivers.org/?page_id=31871 LRL-2018-602_PN.]]> 31871 0 0 0 https://prairierivers.org/actonash/ Thu, 06 Dec 2018 20:28:35 +0000 https://prairierivers.org/?page_id=31873 31873 0 0 0 https://prairierivers.org/strategic-plan/ Fri, 07 Dec 2018 16:55:55 +0000 https://prairierivers.org/?page_id=31875 31875 0 0 0 https://prairierivers.org/endowment/ Wed, 12 Dec 2018 15:57:01 +0000 https://prairierivers.org/?page_id=31893

Leave a Legacy

[/one_half][one_half_last padding="0 0 0 25px 0"]

Other Ways to Give

[one_sixth][/one_sixth][five_sixth_last]

By check

PRN Membership Form (pdf)

By automatic bank account debit

PRN Automatic Debit Form (pdf) If you are in the conservation movement for the long fight, becoming a sustaining member with an automatic, monthly bank account contribution is a great option because you don't have to worry about your membership expiring. Mail form to: Prairie Rivers Network 1605 South State Street, Suite 1 Champaign, IL 61820[/five_sixth_last] [one_sixth][/one_sixth][five_sixth_last]

While you shop

Amazon

Smile.Amazon.com is just like shopping at Amazon.com and .5% will be donated to PRN. If you already have an Amazon account, just go to smile.amazon.com and sign in with your account information and enter Prairie Rivers Network as your charitable organization. If you don’t already have an Amazon account, you can create one when you go to smile.amazon.com. [/five_sixth_last] [one_sixth][/one_sixth][five_sixth_last]

Workplace Giving

Prairie Rivers Network is a member of EarthShare of Illinois. If you participate in a workplace giving campaign, look for ESI and you can designate PRN to receive your contributions.[/five_sixth_last] [one_sixth][/one_sixth][five_sixth_last]

Bruce Hannon Friends of Illinois' Rivers

Friends are members who donate year after year at the level of $1,000 or more. Friends are donors who indicate, simply but importantly, their commitment to sustaining the work of Prairie Rivers Network into the future. Friends receive special quarterly video-casts from the executive director and/or staff. Find out more about the Bruce Hannon Friends of Illinois Rivers.[/five_sixth_last] [one_sixth][/one_sixth][five_sixth_last]

Leave a legacy

You can leave a legacy to the future of Illinois rivers by making a gift to our Prairie Rivers Endowment, by adding Prairie Rivers Network to your planned giving, or by donating stocks, bonds, annuities and items of value. For more information, click here, or contact the Executive Director at 217-344-2371 or by email at info@prairierivers.org[/five_sixth_last]

PRN Membership Levels

Membership at the River Guardians level or above is considered to be a major donor of Prairie Rivers Network and you will be invited to occasional special events for our major donors.

PRN IS A REGISTERED 501(c)(3) AND YOUR CONTRIBUTION IS TAX DEDUCTIBLE (TAX ID # 37-6085905).[/one_half_last]

]]> 31893 0 0 0 https://prairierivers.org/donate/clean-water/ Thu, 13 Dec 2018 14:47:46 +0000 https://prairierivers.org/?page_id=31901 Donate Now

[gravityform id="1" title="false" description="false" ajax="true" tabindex="100"]

[/one_half][one_half_last padding="0 0 0 25px 0"]

Other Ways to Give

[one_sixth][/one_sixth][five_sixth_last]

By check

PRN Membership Form (pdf)

By automatic bank account debit

PRN's Automatic Debit Form (pdf) If you are in the conservation movement for the long fight, becoming a sustaining member with an automatic, monthly bank account contribution is a great option because you don't have to worry about your membership expiring. Mail form to: Prairie Rivers Network 1605 S State St, Suite 1 Champaign, IL 61820[/five_sixth_last] [one_sixth][/one_sixth][five_sixth_last]

While you shop

Amazon

Smile.Amazon.com is just like shopping at Amazon.com and .5% will be donated to PRN. If you already have an Amazon account, just go to smile.amazon.com and sign in with your account information and enter Prairie Rivers Network as your charitable organization. If you don’t already have an Amazon account, you can create one when you go to smile.amazon.com.

Schnucks

Shop at Schnucks and up to 3% of your purchase will be donated to PRN. Pick up your Schnucks eScrip card at participating stores. 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 card may be used to generate both contributions to PRN and Fuel Rewards (where available). PRN's group ID for the Schnucks' program is 500024645.[/five_sixth_last] [one_sixth][/one_sixth][five_sixth_last]

Workplace Giving

Prairie Rivers Network is a member of EarthShare of Illinois. If you participate in a workplace giving campaign, look for ESI and you can designate PRN to receive your contributions.[/five_sixth_last] [one_sixth][/one_sixth][five_sixth_last]

Bruce Hannon Friends of Illinois' Rivers

Friends are members who donate year after year at the level of $1,000 or more. Friends are donors who indicate, simply but importantly, their commitment to sustaining the work of Prairie Rivers Network into the future. Each new Friend encourages others to enroll and will come together at occasional special gatherings and will receive special, quarterly communications from the Executive Director. Find out more about the Bruce Hannon Friends of Illinois Rivers.[/five_sixth_last] [one_sixth][/one_sixth][five_sixth_last]

Leave a legacy

You can leave a legacy to the future of Illinois rivers by making a gift to our Prairie Rivers Endowment, by adding Prairie Rivers Network to your planned giving, or by donating stocks, bonds, annuities and items of value. For more information, click here, or contact the Executive Director, Carol Hays, at 217-344-2371 x201 or by email at chays@prairierivers.org[/five_sixth_last]

PRN Membership Levels

Headwaters Circle $5,000+ River Champion $2,500+ River Protectors $1,000+ River Stewards $500+ River Guardians $250+ River Defenders $100+ Members $50+

Membership at the River Guardians level or above is considered to be a major donor of Prairie Rivers Network and you will be invited to occasional special events for our major donors.

PRAIRIE RIVERS NETWORK IS A REGISTERED 501(c)(3) AND YOUR CONTRIBUTION IS TAX DEDUCTIBLE.[/one_half_last]]]> 31901 19097 0 0 https://prairierivers.org/cleanwaterrule/ Thu, 13 Dec 2018 14:50:42 +0000 https://prairierivers.org/?page_id=31904 31904 0 0 0 https://prairierivers.org/donate/tote/ Fri, 01 Feb 2019 17:55:02 +0000 https://prairierivers.org/?page_id=32026 Valentine Special  

Make a donation today.

  [one_half padding="0 25px 0 0"]

Donate Now

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[/one_half][one_half_last padding="0 0 0 25px 0"]

Other Ways to Give

[one_sixth][/one_sixth][five_sixth_last]

By check

PRN Membership Form (pdf)

By automatic bank account debit

PRN Automatic Debit Form (pdf) If you are in the conservation movement for the long fight, becoming a sustaining member with an automatic, monthly bank account contribution is a great option because you don't have to worry about your membership expiring. Mail form to: Prairie Rivers Network 1605 South State Street, Suite 1 Champaign, IL 61820[/five_sixth_last] [one_sixth][/one_sixth][five_sixth_last]

While you shop

Amazon

Smile.Amazon.com is just like shopping at Amazon.com and .5% will be donated to PRN. If you already have an Amazon account, just go to smile.amazon.com and sign in with your account information and enter Prairie Rivers Network as your charitable organization. If you don’t already have an Amazon account, you can create one when you go to smile.amazon.com.

Schnucks

Shop at Schnucks and up to 3% of your purchase will be donated to PRN. Pick up your Schnucks eScrip card at participating stores. 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 card may be used to generate both contributions to PRN and Fuel Rewards (where available). PRN's group ID for the Schnucks' program is 500024645.[/five_sixth_last] [one_sixth][/one_sixth][five_sixth_last]

Workplace Giving

Prairie Rivers Network is a member of EarthShare of Illinois. If you participate in a workplace giving campaign, look for ESI and you can designate PRN to receive your contributions.[/five_sixth_last] [one_sixth][/one_sixth][five_sixth_last]

Bruce Hannon Friends of Illinois' Rivers

Friends are members who donate year after year at the level of $1,000 or more. Friends are donors who indicate, simply but importantly, their commitment to sustaining the work of Prairie Rivers Network into the future. Friends receive special quarterly video-casts from the executive director and/or staff. Find out more about the Bruce Hannon Friends of Illinois Rivers.[/five_sixth_last] [one_sixth][/one_sixth][five_sixth_last]

Leave a legacy

You can leave a legacy to the future of Illinois rivers by making a gift to our Prairie Rivers Endowment, by adding Prairie Rivers Network to your planned giving, or by donating stocks, bonds, annuities and items of value. For more information, click here, or contact the Executive Director, Carol Hays, at 217-344-2371 x201 or by email at chays@prairierivers.org[/five_sixth_last]

PRN Membership Levels

Membership at the River Guardians level or above is considered to be a major donor of Prairie Rivers Network and you will be invited to occasional special events for our major donors.

PRN IS A REGISTERED 501(c)(3) AND YOUR CONTRIBUTION IS TAX DEDUCTIBLE (TAX ID # 37-6085905).[/one_half_last]

]]> 32026 19097 0 0 https://prairierivers.org/treemonitoring/ Tue, 05 Feb 2019 16:03:33 +0000 https://prairierivers.org/?page_id=32038 32038 0 0 0 https://prairierivers.org/briefing-webinar-for-middle-fork-hearing/ Thu, 28 Feb 2019 20:58:45 +0000 https://prairierivers.org/?page_id=32076 The Middle Fork, Illinois' only National Scenic River, needs your voice! Dynegy has applied to Illinois EPA for a 401 Water Quality Certification for their proposed plan to dump a big pile of stones on the banks of the Middle Fork. Illinois EPA is holding a public hearing on the water quality impacts of the project on March 26th at 6pm in Danville. Read below to find out more information about the pre-hearing briefings and sign up for the bus to the hearing!

Attend a briefing before the Public Hearing

To learn more about the public hearing and risks to the Middle Fork, join the webinar briefing at 6:30pm on March 19th or attend an in-person briefing (see below). At the briefings, you will learn about how to participate in the hearing or submit written comments. Click here to sign up for the webinar. If you cannot attend the briefings, read the excellent talking points from Eco-Justice Collaborative. Eco-Justice Collaborative and Prairie Rivers Network will also be holding an in-person briefing in Danville and Urbana:

Danville Briefing Thursday, March 14, 2019 6:30pm to 7:30pm Danville Public Library 319 N Vermilion St, Danville Facebook Event

Urbana Briefing Wednesday, March 20, 2019 6:30pm to 7:30pm Urbana Free Library 210 W Green St, Urbana Facebook Event

 

Get a seat on the BUS for the hearing!

We've got a bus for the hearing! Sign up here to reserve a seat. The bus will be leaving from 902 W Springfield Ave in Urbana. Park in the parking lot of the First Mennonite Church.

Details Leaves Urbana: 4:30pm Return trip leaves Danville: 8:30pm Expected return time: 9:10pm

]]> 32076 0 0 0 https://prairierivers.org/hearing/ Thu, 28 Feb 2019 20:59:53 +0000 https://prairierivers.org/?page_id=32088 32088 0 0 0 https://prairierivers.org/report/ Mon, 11 Mar 2019 13:51:02 +0000 https://prairierivers.org/?page_id=32129 32129 0 0 0 https://prairierivers.org/bus/ Tue, 12 Mar 2019 17:37:41 +0000 https://prairierivers.org/?page_id=32140 32140 0 0 0 https://prairierivers.org/webinar/ Tue, 19 Mar 2019 18:45:22 +0000 https://prairierivers.org/?page_id=32163 32163 0 0 0 https://prairierivers.org/donate/scream-pillow/ Wed, 27 Mar 2019 19:27:53 +0000 https://prairierivers.org/?page_id=32192 Does the thought of wildlife winking out of existence keep you up at night? Is the unrelenting onslaught of bad news giving you a nervous breakdown? Is social media alienating you from those you love? Grab the PRN Scream Pillow and let ‘er rip! Watch breaking news without getting a headache! Sleep easier with the PRN Scream Pillow! Four easy payments of $49.99!

The small print… Available for a limited time only. Not available in stores. Results may vary. Do not attempt this at home. Batteries not included. Shake well before use. Use only as directed. Keep hands and feet inside railing at all times. Member FDIC. One Scream Pillow per customer.

Get yours today!

All joking aside, the challenges facing us are serious and your support is needed.  

Donate $200 today, and we can send you a real SCREAM pillowcase!

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 ]]> 32192 19097 0 0 https://prairierivers.org/scream/ Wed, 27 Mar 2019 21:08:39 +0000 https://prairierivers.org/?page_id=32217 32217 0 0 0 https://prairierivers.org/monitoring/ Tue, 02 Apr 2019 16:04:33 +0000 https://prairierivers.org/?page_id=32234 32234 0 0 0 https://prairierivers.org/petition/ Wed, 03 Apr 2019 19:16:19 +0000 https://prairierivers.org/?page_id=32254 32254 0 0 0 https://prairierivers.org/donate/bulldog/ Tue, 23 Apr 2019 20:09:48 +0000 https://prairierivers.org/?page_id=32352 ]]> 32352 19097 0 0 https://prairierivers.org/woodriveraa/ Wed, 24 Apr 2019 22:42:05 +0000 https://prairierivers.org/?page_id=32359 32359 0 0 0 https://prairierivers.org/slip/ Thu, 09 May 2019 13:54:40 +0000 https://prairierivers.org/?page_id=32467

Support Senate Bill 9 Today!

We need you to slip in support of Senate Bill 9, the Coal Ash Pollution Prevention Act! What is happening: Throughout Illinois, communities and waterways are threatened by toxic coal ash. Coal ash--the byproduct of burning coal--contains mercury, lead, arsenic and other heavy metals that are linked to cancer, nervous system damage, cardiovascular problems, and developmental disorders. Senate Bill 9, would to require the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency to propose comprehensive coal ash regulations that require polluters to take action. Illinois is one of the most impacted states in the nation from coal ash waste and its pollution--with more coal ash pits than any other state. We need statewide leadership that holds polluters accountable and to create a plan for cleaning up the mess that will protect Illinois’ natural resources and public health. Witness slips help show support for the bill. You can create a witness slip here. Here are some guidelines:

• In Section I, fill out your information. For "Firm/Business or Agency," enter "Self." In "Title" enter "None."
• In Section II Representation, make sure you mark that you are representing "self"
• In Section III Position, mark "Proponent"
• In Section IV Testimony, mark "Record of Appearance Only"

Please please fill out a slip. We need to demonstrate the support behind the bill!

Support Senate Bill 9 Today!

]]> 32467 0 0 0 https://prairierivers.org/write-the-governor/ Fri, 14 Jun 2019 16:46:54 +0000 https://prairierivers.org/?page_id=32644 32644 0 0 0 https://prairierivers.org/podcast/ Tue, 30 Jul 2019 15:28:57 +0000 https://prairierivers.org/?page_id=32714 Stories from the Floodplain

A New Era for Coal Ash Cleanup (5/5/2021)

In April, the Illinois Pollution Control Board issued new rules on dealing with coal ash in the state. In this episode of Stories from the Floodplain, Prairie Rivers Network discusses the implications for this new rule, how we got to where we are on coal ash, and why this new rule will help protect our water from the dangers of coal ash. Links: Prairie Rivers Network (www.prairierivers.org/) Take Action: Become a member of Prairie Rivers Network and connect with a community dedicated to protecting water. And sign up for our emails so you don’t miss new podcast episodes. Music: https://www.purple-planet.com/

Spreading Poison (4/7/2021)

The natural world is under multiple threats, many of which are complex and difficult to measure. Landowners, farmers, municipalities, and industries across the country apply pesticides at an alarming rate, attempting to conquer nature, maximize yields, and eliminate “pests” and “weeds.” These invisible chemicals often do not just harm the intended pests, they can cause enormous harm to native plant and wildlife species and can pose real threats to human health and water quality. In this episode of Stories from the Floodplain, we talk with Dr. Nathan Donley, a senior scientist at the Center for Biological Diversity about the overuse of pesticides and the complexity of this problem. Dr. Donley describes how the regulatory system is rigged on behalf of the chemical companies and calls for environmental and public health advocates to have a say in setting the rules for whether and how poisons are applied to the land and water. Links: Prairie Rivers Network (www.prairierivers.org/) Center for Biological Diversity (www.biologicaldiversity.org/) Take Action Keep an eye out for symptoms of pesticide drift in your area this spring and summer. Learn about the symptoms of pesticide drift at our Monitoring Tree And Plant Health page on our website. And if you see unusual damage to trees, curling, cupped leaves, e.g., contact us at info@prairierivers.org. You can also post the podcast on your Facebook timeline. Retweet it to your followers. Tell people what you’re listening to and why! Help us get the word out about Stories from the Floodplain!

A New Paradigm (2/16/2021)

Prairie Rivers Network was thrilled to have Dr. Mustafa Santiago Ali as our Keynote Speaker for Prairie Rivers Network's 2020 Annual Dinner @Home. Dr. Ali spoke about how the struggle for climate justice and a healthy environment, if it is to succeed, must be part of the struggle for civil rights and social justice. Dr. Mustafa Santiago Ali is a renowned thought leader, internationally known speaker, policy maker, and the National Wildlife Federation Vice President of Environmental Justice, Climate, and Community Revitalization. In this episode of Stories from the Floodplain, Dr. Ali discusses the new paradigm the country finds itself in, awakened to social and environmental justice, inclusion, and new opportunities to reconnect with what matters most. Links: Prairie Rivers Network (http://www.prairierivers.org/) National Wildlife Federation (https://www.nwf.org/) Take Action: Become a member of Prairie Rivers Network and connect with a community dedicated to protecting water. And sign up for our emails so you don’t miss new podcast episodes. Music: https://www.purple-planet.com/ Link: https://anchor.fm/storiesfromthefloodplain/episodes/A-New-Paradigm-eqga7h

The Transition (1/19/2021)

Prairie Rivers Network sits down to talk with Collin O’Mara, president and CEO of the National Wildlife Federation. We discuss what the Biden administration and a new Congress mean for the environment and climate, the intense divide in the US, and how environmental groups and advocates are rethinking their identities at a time of social and political turbulence. Links: Prairie Rivers Network (http://www.prairierivers.org/) National Wildlife Federation (https://www.nwf.org/) Take Action: Become a member of Prairie Rivers Network and connect with a community dedicated to protecting water. And sign up for our emails so you don’t miss new podcast episodes. Music: https://www.purple-planet.com/

Shock to the Food System (11/9/2020)

Prairie Rivers Network talks with people from three different organizations on the front lines of food in Illinois, each with a unique perspective: PrairiErth Farm, Illinois Stewardship Alliance, and Men of Power-Women of Strength. We discuss how the COVID-19 pandemic has exposed severe vulnerabilities in our food system, and how this is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to change the system for the better. Links: Prairie Rivers Network (http://www.prairierivers.org/) PrairiErth Farm (https://www.prairierthfarm.com/PrairiErth_Farm/Home.html) Illinois Stewardship Alliance (https://www.ilstewards.org/) Men of Power-Women of Strength (https://www.facebook.com/mopwosinc/) Take Action: Become a member of Prairie Rivers Network and connect with a community dedicated to protecting water. And sign up for our emails so you don’t miss new podcast episodes. Music: https://www.purple-planet.com/

Water Transcends Boundaries: A Conversation with Commissioner Kimberly Neely du Buclet (8/25/20)

Prairie Rivers Network sits down to talk with Kimberly Neely du Buclet, a commissioner for the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago (MWRD). We discuss what MWRD is currently doing to improve the lives of all Chicagoans, including addressing environmental racism. Commissioner du Buclet also talks about her experience as a life-long resident of the city, and how swimming in Lake Michigan and repeated household flooding inspired her to take up public office and improve water quality for all. Links: Prairie Rivers Network (www.prairierivers.org/) MWRD of Greater Chicago (www.mwrd.org) Kimberly Neely du Buclet (www.kim4water.com), Facebook, Twitter, Instagram Article: Enforcement around the Great Lakes (Chicago Tribune) Music: https://www.purple-planet.com/

Long Live the Great Lakes Republic: A Conversation with Dr. Rachel Havrelock (6/9/20)

Prairie Rivers Network sits down to talk with Dr. Rachel Havrelock, founder of the Freshwater Lab at the University of Illinois at Chicago. We discuss why the US EPA is failing in its duty to enforce environmental protections and how new, watershed-based political institutions could fill the vacuum. We also touch upon how COVID-19 crisis echoes and amplifies the legacy of industrial pollution in America. Links: Prairie Rivers Network (www.prairierivers.org) Freshwater Stories (www.freshwaterstories.com) Freshwater Lab (www.freshwaterlab.org) International Joint Commission (https://ijc.org/en) Blacks in Green (www.blacksingreen.org) Little Village Environmental Justice Organization (www.lvejo.org) Healing Our Waters (https://healthylakes.org/) Freshwater Future (https://freshwaterfuture.org/) Take Action: Become a member of Prairie Rivers Network and connect with a community dedicated to protecting water. And sign up for our emails so you don’t miss new podcasts. As Dr. Havrelock said, the closest thing we have to a vaccine right now is washing. No one should have their water shutoff. Urge your governor to enact a moratorium on water shutoffs during the pandemic by going here. Music: https://www.purple-planet.com

An Engineering Paradigm (8/16/19)

Throughout history, humans have made efforts to control nature. We’ve built structures to keep rivers at bay and farmland and towns dry. But these structures have proven themselves to be far from perfect, and attempting to engineer America’s largest river has only made for worse flooding events. On this episode of Stories from the Floodplain, PRN staff member and host Ryan Grosso speaks with Army Corps engineers to discuss how we can return natural function to rivers and their floodplains while adapting to climate change and exacerbated flooding. Supplement Audio: CBS News KCTV News KHQ TV MSNBC PBS Newshour Music: Purple Planet Music (https://www.purple-planet.com) “Cylinder Three” by Chris Zabriskie (Licensed under an Attribution License) Emotional Ambient - bdProductions When the Levee Breaks - Kansas Joe and Memphis Minnie Transcripts of our podcasts are available here.

That Lawless Stream (7/30/19)

Mark Twain once wrote, “ten thousand River Commissions, with the mines of the world at their back, cannot tame that lawless stream, cannot curb it or confine it.” These words are immortalized in his book Life on the Mississippi, and it’s no argument the prolific author had a close relationship to the Mississippi River. But in a way, his warning has been lost with time. The Mississippi River is more constricted than ever by levees and flood protection measures. In some areas, agriculture and levee districts have raised their levees beyond authorized heights. If there is a severe flood, their land would stay dry while other places across the river, upstream, or downstream could experience up to 1.5 feet of extra water. This is an equity issue, one that must be told through the people affected by unlawful levees from their neighbors. On this episode of Stories from the Floodplain, join PRN staff member and host Ryan Grosso as he journeys to Hannibal, Missouri, to hear from people who are fearful of an age of "levee wars." Supplement Audio: The Valley of the Giant - U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Life on the Mississippi - John Greenman, Librivox Music: Mississippi River Blues - Tommy Duncan and his Western All-Stars Purple Planet Music (www.purple-planet.com) “Bumbler” by Andy G. Cohen (Released under a Creative Commons Attribution International License) Clocks - Adigold When the Levee Breaks - Kansas Joe and Memphis Minnie Transcripts of our podcasts are available here. Transcripts of our podcasts are available here.  ]]> 32714 0 0 0 https://prairierivers.org/donate/clean-energy-jobs-act/ Thu, 01 Aug 2019 13:36:05 +0000 https://prairierivers.org/?page_id=32757 [gravityform id="1" title="false" description="false" ajax="true" tabindex="100"] [/one_half][one_half_last padding="0 0 0 25px 0"]

Other Ways to Give

[one_sixth][/one_sixth][five_sixth_last]

By check

PRN Membership Form (pdf)

By automatic bank account debit

PRN Automatic Debit Form (pdf) If you are in the conservation movement for the long fight, becoming a sustaining member with an automatic, monthly bank account contribution is a great option because you don't have to worry about your membership expiring. Mail form to: Prairie Rivers Network 1605 South State Street, Suite 1 Champaign, IL 61820[/five_sixth_last] [one_sixth][/one_sixth][five_sixth_last]

While you shop

Amazon

Smile.Amazon.com is just like shopping at Amazon.com and .5% will be donated to PRN. If you already have an Amazon account, just go to smile.amazon.com and sign in with your account information and enter Prairie Rivers Network as your charitable organization. If you don’t already have an Amazon account, you can create one when you go to smile.amazon.com. [/five_sixth_last] [one_sixth][/one_sixth][five_sixth_last]

Workplace Giving

Prairie Rivers Network is a member of EarthShare of Illinois. If you participate in a workplace giving campaign, look for ESI and you can designate PRN to receive your contributions.[/five_sixth_last] [one_sixth][/one_sixth][five_sixth_last]

Bruce Hannon Friends of Illinois' Rivers

Friends are members who donate year after year at the level of $1,000 or more. Friends are donors who indicate, simply but importantly, their commitment to sustaining the work of Prairie Rivers Network into the future. Friends receive special quarterly video-casts from the executive director and/or staff. Find out more about the Bruce Hannon Friends of Illinois Rivers.[/five_sixth_last] [one_sixth][/one_sixth][five_sixth_last]

Leave a legacy

You can leave a legacy to the future of Illinois rivers by making a gift to our Prairie Rivers Endowment, by adding Prairie Rivers Network to your planned giving, or by donating stocks, bonds, annuities and items of value. For more information, click here, or contact the Executive Director at 217-344-2371 or by email at info@prairierivers.org[/five_sixth_last]

PRN Membership Levels

Membership at the River Guardians level or above is considered to be a major donor of Prairie Rivers Network and you will be invited to occasional special events for our major donors.

PRN IS A REGISTERED 501(c)(3) AND YOUR CONTRIBUTION IS TAX DEDUCTIBLE (TAX ID # 37-6085905).[/one_half_last]

]]> 32757 19097 0 0 https://prairierivers.org/ceja/ Thu, 01 Aug 2019 14:11:30 +0000 https://prairierivers.org/?page_id=32760 32760 0 0 0 https://prairierivers.org/solar-for-all/ Thu, 01 Aug 2019 15:24:09 +0000 https://prairierivers.org/?page_id=32764

A new state program for low income households lowers the cost of solar power. Learn how you might benefit from this program.

Enjoy a free BBQ meal!

Community Sessions - Pick one

August 15, 2019 Bethel AME Church 401 E Park, Champaign 5:30 to 7:30 pm August 29, 2019 HACC 2008 N Market St, Champaign 5:30 to 7:30 pm September 12, 2019 Habitat for Humanity 119 E University Ave, Champaign 6:00 to 8:00 pm September 17, 2019 City of Champaign Township 53 E. Logan St, Champaign 5:30 to 7:30 pm October 9, 2019 Pilgrim Missionary Baptist Church 1310 N 6th St, Champaign 6:30 to 8:30 pm October 15, 2019 Habitat for Humanity 119 E University Ave, Champaign 6:00 to 8:00 pm Please call Prairie Rivers Network with any questions. Ask for Kim@ 217-344-2371, ext. 209]]> 32764 0 0 0 https://prairierivers.org/donate/endangered-species-act/ Wed, 14 Aug 2019 21:34:29 +0000 https://prairierivers.org/?page_id=32803 ]]> 32803 19097 0 0 https://prairierivers.org/podcast/transcripts/ Fri, 16 Aug 2019 15:00:59 +0000 https://prairierivers.org/?page_id=32820 Stories from the Floodplain: An Engineering Paradigm Throughout history, humans have made efforts to control nature. We’ve built structures to keep rivers at bay and farmland and towns dry. But these structures have proven themselves to be far from perfect, and attempting to engineer America’s largest river has only made for worse flooding events. On this episode of Stories from the Floodplain, PRN staff member and host Ryan Grosso speaks with Army Corps engineers to discuss how we can return natural function to rivers and their floodplains while adapting to climate change and exacerbated flooding. Supplement Audio: CBS News KCTV News KHQ TV MSNBC PBS Newshour Music: Purple Planet Music (https://www.purple-planet.com) “Cylinder Three” by Chris Zabriskie (Licensed under an Attribution License) Emotional Ambient - bdProductions When the Levee Breaks - Kansas Joe and Memphis Minnie

Transcript

[MUSIC START] CBS NEWS: And now flood warnings are in effect this morning for areas along nearly the entire Mississippi River as heavy rain continues to hit the Mississippi Valley. Jaricka Duncan is in Davenport, Iowa, where a temporary levee failed sending a wall of water in downtown streets. Jaricka, good morning… KCTV NEWS: A small Missouri town has a very big problem tonight. The levee broke in Levasy, Missouri, and the rushing water took over. KCTV 5’s Caroline Sweeney talked with people waiting to go home. KHQ TV: Well a levee failure on the Mississippi River has caused a flash flood warning to be put into place for central St. Charles County in Missouri. Get a look here at this video. This is the incident that we’re talking about. You can see here the Elm Point Levee in St. Charles, Missouri, has been breached and water is just rushing right through it. MSNBC: Emergency officials are going door to door asking people to evacuate after a levee along the Arkansas River breached yesterday. Here you can see the water rushing through the site of the breach in Dardanelle. There are flash flood warnings across the western side of the state right now and it’s just the latest blow after a week long stretch of severe weather. NBC’s Gabe Gutierrez joins me now at the site of that levee breach. Gabe?... [MUSIC FADE] RYAN GROSSO: Those clips are all from 2019, and they show how some levees aren’t perfect, especially in the event of a severe flood. The fact is, we’ve spent decades building up flood infrastructure along the Mississippi, creating a false sense of security and a restricted river. JONATHAN REMO: [laughter] So it’s kind of a history of things, so… RYAN GROSSO: That’s Jonathan Remo, an associate professor in the Department of Geography and Environmental Resources at Southern Illinois University in Carbondale. JONATHAN REMO: Back, you know, back in the late nineteenth century into the turn of the twentieth and at least through the mid to late half of the twentieth century, there’s been kind of an engineering paradigm where we could control nature. And probably, um, we started realizing that we couldn’t control nature. In this case, nature being rivers and their floodplains and flooding, through engineering means, right? So the goal was to make the Mississippi navigable and then protect the agricultural lands from flooding. RYAN GROSSO: 167 years ago, an Army Corps engineer warned his superiors of the pitfalls of levees along the Mississippi River. Quote, “[water] is becoming more and more confined to the immediate channel of the river, and is, therefore, compelled to rise higher and flow faster…” Scientists and engineers have noticed this fact today. Some of our greatest floods have come within the last few decades. 1973… 1993… 2008… and 2019, where the water on the Mississippi has crested close to levels we saw 26 years ago. After these events, we’ve simply decided to build more vulnerable flood infrastructure, but in a changing world, we may need to come up with other solutions. The Fourth National Climate Assessment acknowledges that flooding will only get worse in the Midwest. Climate change will increase the amount of precipitation and the likelihood of heavy rain events. [MUSIC: Cylinders] But we don’t need to wait to see these changes already happening. According to the Army Corps of Engineers, 2019 is the first time in recorded history that the entire Mississippi River basin reached flood stage. So what should our response to this crisis be? Instead of repairing breached or overtopped levees over and over again, or building them higher, how can we alleviate some of the risk posed to people and the environment along the Mississippi River? One answer is levee setbacks. [MUSIC FADE] RYAN GROSSO: Let’s review what a levee is in the first place. RANDY BEHM: And levees can be in the form of an earthen berm that are designed to a certain standard or they could be a concrete floodwall. Generally, those are placed somewhere between the river bank and back away from the bank just a little bit depending on the typical flows of the river. RYAN GROSSO: That’s Randall Behm, a retired floodplain manager with the United States Army Corps of Engineers. He’s worked on implementing levee setbacks in several cases along the Missouri River. The projects followed a devastating flood in 2011, where multiple levees were breached and thousands of acres of land were inundated with water. A similar project happened on a bigger scale in the Netherlands. PBS NEWSHOUR: [Narrator] In the mid-1990s, Dutch rivers flooded in dramatic fashion. For Dutch water engineers, it was an epiphany. [Engineer] Maybe the strategy which we followed for many centuries to heighten dikes, maybe it’s not always the most wise strategy. [Narrator] The Dutch government launched a program called Room for the River. They identified thirty of the most flood prone locations in the country and asked property owners to leave so they could move the dikes inland. Now, when flood waters come, they flow onto empty land without inundating homes and businesses. RYAN GROSSO: That name, Room for the River, is a perfect representation of what the solution could be. To get a better idea of the possibilities, I spoke with Randy, who you heard from before, as well as Chuck Theiling. CHUCK THEILING: [laughter] I’ve had a fish since I was five years old and have been interested in aquatic systems for a long time. RYAN GROSSO: He’s a research ecologist who also works for the Army Corps of Engineers. He gave a great analogy of what setting back a levee could look like… CHUCK THEILING: How do you change a fixed system, a constructed system that’s already there. How do you work to change that. One of the mechanisms we found is levee setbacks. And a levee setback is, what I’ve come to think of, adding an extra lane to a highway. You would be moving the levee back away from the bank of the river into the middle of the farm field or the city; probably a farm field; unlikely to do it in a city; to give the water more room to spread out. RYAN GROSSO: When the river is less constricted, there’s more room for it to flow and flood into its adjacent floodplain. It reduces the risk to people up and down the river. As Randy points out, it’s important to take a systematic approach to setting back levees along any river. RANDY BEHM: Just don’t throw a hand grenade at the problem and say set back all levees because all levees are bad. That’s not the case. Levees are good. They’ve been designed to very high standards. Let’s go in and take a detailed approach looking at each levee system individually and look at what we can do. RYAN GROSSO: It’s evident that we have to be strategic when considering the best places to set back levees. The benefits go beyond flood reduction, though. The Army Corps released a document detailing those benefits, one that Chuck Theiling was a part of. It discusses better flood risk management and more room for the river to move into its adjacent floodplain. But with more room for a river comes additional benefits for the health of the water and the habitat that surrounds it. Here’s a quote from the document: “There are direct ecological benefits like improved animal migrations and nutrient and sediment transportation.” And Randy discussed the same thing with me… RANDY BEHM: So if you go back to the 1940s and forward to the placement of these levees, we cut off a lot of habitat and so forth. So if there is a benefit to the environment, we’re reconnecting the original historic floodplain and that habitat that was associated with that by some of these levee setbacks which means we can see maybe the establishment of flora and fauna that we haven’t seen in this region in a long time. RYAN GROSSO: Floodplains are essential to the health of surrounding habitat for many species in Illinois, but by the 1980s, the state had lost 85% of its wetlands. Restoring them and reconnecting a river with its surrounding land can bring back that vital habitat. With the idea of changes to levees that have been in place for decades, there will always be challenges to implementation. And that official document from the Army Corps points that out too. For one, a levee setback project doesn’t always meet the Corps’ strict requirement of a large benefit to cost ratio. It’s costly to reconstruct a levee further back from where it was originally, and the repair-in-place method, where the Corps simply comes in and fixes the breach, is typically less costly. But these factors could be mitigated by the idea that levee setbacks for vulnerable and often-damaged levees will save money in the long run. The resiliency of a levee set further back from the bank of the river means it will be degraded by less water, and the Corps won’t have to come in to repeatedly repair it. Like I said before, changing the way we manage flooding and our rivers after decades of the same strategies will always come with challenges. But people along our rivers could be the driving force for change. RANDY BEHM: I was at a meeting in Des Moine with a work group that was established by state agencies out of Des Moine, Iowa. And a landowner came busting into that meeting and he was from southwest Iowa. And he said his family has been farming land there for over a hundred years starting with his grandfather then his father, him, and then he has a son that’s farming it now. He says every time there were these massive flood events, it just destroyed all their productivity as farmers for years. And this has been a very fertile land that we’re talking about over here in southwest Iowa. But he asked, why can’t we consider something different? You engineers, have you ever considered doing something different with these levees? Maybe moving them back from the river. [MUSIC START] RYAN GROSSO: Where levees repeatedly fail, people and their livelihoods are altered. They grow tired of the constant battles, and it’s people like the farmer Randy mentioned who could be a voice for how we live with our rivers, instead of fighting against them. [MUSIC FADE] RYAN GROSSO: I asked Chuck what he thinks needs to be done in order to make levee setbacks more viable and to really change how we interact with rivers. CHUCK THEILING: What happens is we lose the incentive to think about these things when it’s happening until it happens again. So the policies need to be changed now while it’s all fresh on people’s mind. And we need to step away from the all-or-none approach where it’s all a flood district or it’s all a wildlife refuge or it’s all one thing or another. We have to allow wildlife refuges to flood and we have to allow farm fields to protect cities occasionally. We can put more nature into the farm fields depending on how we do this. It’s problem identification and awareness. Every time we’ve come to the disaster it’s been respond to the PL84-99 which says rebuild it as it was. That’s by far the thing that needs to be changed. We need to allow people to rebuild levees with emergency funds in a different design if that makes sense. Not always putting it back to the status quo is the right answer. [MUSIC: Emotional Ambient] RYAN GROSSO: The Upper Mississippi River is in dire need of a comprehensive study, one that shows the most vulnerable places during a flood. One that helps us adapt to this new “normal.” Due to climate change, the river could flood like this for years to come, so it’s more important than ever to consider innovative ways to protect people and the environment along the Mississippi. RANDY BEHM: You engineers, have you ever considered doing something different with these levees? [MUSIC FADE] [MUSIC: When the Levee Breaks] RYAN GROSSO: I’ve been your host Ryan Grosso, with Prairie Rivers Network. We protect water, heal land, and inspire change. To learn more about the work we do or become a member, visit prairierivers.org. And be sure to listen to our other episode, telling the stories of people affected by unauthorized levees along the Mississippi River. Thanks for listening, see you soon. [MUSIC STOP]

Stories from the Floodplain: That Lawless Stream

Mark Twain once wrote, “ten thousand River Commissions, with the mines of the world at their back, cannot tame that lawless stream, cannot curb it or confine it.” These words are immortalized in his book Life on the Mississippi, and it’s no argument the prolific author had a close relationship to the Mississippi River. But in a way, his warning has been lost with time. The Mississippi River is more constricted than ever by levees and flood protection measures. In some areas, agriculture and levee districts have raised their levees beyond authorized heights. If there is a severe flood, their land would stay dry while other places across the river, upstream, or downstream could experience up to 1.5 feet of extra water. This is an equity issue, one that must be told through the people affected by unlawful levees from their neighbors. On this episode of Stories from the Floodplain, join PRN staff member and host Ryan Grosso as he journeys to Hannibal, Missouri, to hear from people who are fearful of an age of "levee wars." Supplement Audio: The Valley of the Giant - U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Life on the Mississippi - John Greenman, Librivox Music: Mississippi River Blues - Tommy Duncan and his Western All-Stars Purple Planet Music (www.purple-planet.com) “Bumbler” by Andy G. Cohen (Released under a Creative Commons Attribution International License) Clocks - Adigold When the Levee Breaks - Kansas Joe and Memphis Minnie

Transcript

RYAN GROSSO: I’m going to play you a clip from a video made in the 1940s. It’s called, The Valley of the Giant. ARMY CORPS ARCHIVE: Take a valley, broad and gentle. Stretch it from the highlands to the sea. Cover in grass, dense forests, lush fields, and great pastures. Cloak it with natural beauty. Build cities and towns along the wooded slopes, and you have the Valley of the Mississippi... the greatest in the world! RYAN GROSSO: This documentary was made by the United States Army Corps of Engineers. That’s the government institution responsible for overseeing navigation and flood protection projects along the nation’s rivers. What really struck me about this video was that introduction… the way the narrator describes the Mississippi. You start with a valley… you sprinkle vast woodland and great pastures around it… stretching it from the highlands, all the way to the sea. It’s a beautiful way to describe the third largest watershed in the world. But, that’s not the primary purpose of this old film. Most of the 27 minutes describes the danger of the Mississippi. The Great Flood of 1927… ARMY CORPS ARCHIVE: But sometimes, the giant gets out of control. Sometimes, the rich valley lies helpless, defenseless against great floods which leave terror and destruction in their wake. RYAN GROSSO: And how miles of levees will protect, without fail, the people and property that have found a home along the river’s banks. ARMY CORPS ARCHIVE: And so, the master plan goes forward. In the Spring and Fall, when the giant river awakes to begin its headlong rush to the sea, these massive walls will stand as a bullwhack to protect the valley. Agriculture will flourish unharmed and the people of the valley will prosper. Cities, formerly ravaged by flood, will grow stronger under the protection of the great levees. RYAN GROSSO: Despite these long-ago promises, flooding is getting worse. In 2019, we’ve seen almost record water levels in some places. Farms are flooded, people have been dealing with flood water for weeks and months at a time. Even more, some levee and agricultural districts have all but weaponized their levees, making them taller. All to protect themselves from rising waters with no approval from the Army Corps of Engineers or other agencies. In the event of a severe flood, they risk pushing up to a foot and a half of water onto their neighbors across the river, upstream or downstream. I decided I needed to see these levees for myself, and talk to people whose livelihoods could be altered by someone else’s actions. [MUSIC: Mississippi River Blues] RYAN GROSSO: It didn’t take long to decide on the perfect place to visit along the river. Hannibal, Missouri. It’s 100 miles northwest of St. Louis, about 17,000 people live there, and it sits just across the river from the Sny Levee Drainage District in Illinois. That’s one of the districts that has levees 2 to 3 feet taller than what they’re allowed to have. If there’s one thing you should know about Hannibal, it’s that it’s the boyhood home of Samuel Langhorne Clemens, or… as most people know him, Mark Twain. One of America’s most famous authors. The Adventures of Tom Sawyer… The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn… The Prince and the Pauper, just to name a few. Admittedly, the river, and Hannibal, are very different today than they were during Twain’s lifetime. But the threat of flooding remains, and has even gotten worse. [MUSIC STOP] My first experience in Hannibal was meeting Nancy Guyton, a woman who’s been fighting against these raised levees for almost 10 years. As she puts it, it’s a full-time job with no pay. She no longer lives in Hannibal, but she grew up there, and helps care for farmland with her husband in Annada, Missouri, about an hour downstream from Hannibal. There wasn’t much time for small-talk after our cordial meeting. She was my guide for the levees just across the river, the ones maintained and illegally raised by the Sny Levee Drainage District. Just so I don’t have to say that every time, I’ll refer to the district as The Sny from here on out. She drove me out of downtown Hannibal, onto Highway 72, and across the river to Illinois. A highway exit and a few two-lane roads later, we reached a sharp turn onto a gravel road, just off of the entrance to a grain elevator. NANCY GUYTON: Here we go… Look up there… Here it starts… RYAN GROSSO: That’s the start of the… NANCY GUYTON: That is the freeboard they’re putting on the levees. On their already-to-high levees. See how obvious it is? And it gets worse… RYAN GROSSO: That’s us, driving on this gravel road situated right next to a levee that makes up the northernmost part of the Sny. We’re reacting to how massive these levees are, both in height and width. Dark brown sand piled in a neat formation. From our viewpoint, the sand sloped gradually upward to the very top, but there was no plant life growing on it. The levee looked well-manicured, perfect almost; it was hard to believe there was encroaching river water just on the other side. There was a thin layer of fresh sand just at the top of it, like someone had put it there recently. Beyond the levee, we could see the top half of the matured trees just on the other side, a good indication of how tall this levee really is. NANCY GUYTON: And believe me, I’m glad to show the whole world because we don’t need money thrown at this project. We need sound reasoning. RYAN GROSSO: Between the white sand bags piled off to the side, that fresh thin layer of sand, and the track marks of heavy machinery all over the place… it was obvious that someone had been out here recently. That wasn’t the end of the tour, though. Nancy wanted to continue on that gravel road next to the levee, but there were pools of water from the rainfall that came earlier that day, making that portion of the path useless. We turned around, and this process continued for another two and a half, three hours. More two-lane roads, more gravel roads, and at the end of all of them? More well-manicured levees, built up taller than what is allowed, keeping out the high water of the Mississippi River. NANCY GUYTON: It’s… It’s a little upsetting to see people go to this degree knowing they’re harming others and their chance of a good livelihood. That is the sad part. [MUSIC START] RYAN GROSSO: What struck me most about this journey was what the levees were protecting. Farm land. Acres upon acres of row crops, some corn and some soybeans, already planted for the season. I didn’t see what was happening downstream, though. I mentioned Nancy’s family owns some farmland in Annada, Missouri. When I met her on June 12th, they hadn’t planted a single crop. They don’t have the luxury of pristine and tall levees. Their land has been flooded since April; a stark contrast to the fields we saw in the Sny… [MUSIC STOP] RYAN GROSSO: Nancy and I parted ways after her tour of the levees and an early dinner back in downtown Hannibal. But my time in Hannibal wasn’t done yet. HENRY SWEETS: Well this year, in 2019… [phone ringing], Whoops! We are answering the telephone… [phone ringing] RYAN GROSSO: That’s Henry Sweets. HENRY SWEETS: And I’m the executive director of the Mark Twain Boyhood Home and Museum in Hannibal, Missouri. RYAN GROSSO: I met him the following day. You could consider him an expert on all things Hannibal and all things Mark Twain. He’s been the curator of the museum for close to 41 years, and grew up in Hannibal. The museum sees about 50,000 guests a year, and that’s not only from people in the United States… HENRY SWEETS: They come from literally around the world. We’ll have as many as 60, maybe 70 different countries sign our guest register in the course of a year. So that draw from Mark Twain is truly an international draw bringing people here. RYAN GROSSO: I was curious to ask him what Twain would think if he saw the Mississippi River today. As most people know, the guy had a close relationship to the river. HENRY SWEETS: Well, growing up here in Hannibal, Samuel Clemens, the future Mark Twain, lived about a block and a half from the banks of the river. So when that cry-a steamboat a-coming rang out, he’d be one of the first boys down at the riverfront to watch the boats come and go. RYAN GROSSO: From being a kid playing on its banks, to a steamboat pilot sailing between St. Louis and New Orleans just before the start of the Civil War. Twain knew and understood the nature of the Mississippi River better than most during his lifetime. He wrote about his time as a steamboat pilot in his memoir, Life on the Mississippi, published in 1883. Even then, 136 years ago, he could see what people wanted to do with the river… [MUSIC - Bumbler] LIBRIVOX RECORDING: One who knows the Mississippi will promptly aver—not aloud, but to himself—that ten thousand River Commissions, with the mines of the world at their back, cannot tame that lawless stream, cannot curb it or confine it, cannot say to it, Go here, or Go there, and make it obey; cannot save a shore which it has sentenced; cannot bar its path with an obstruction which it will not tear down, dance over, and laugh at. [MUSIC STOP] RYAN GROSSO: Here’s Henry’s thoughts on how Twain might react if he was standing on Hannibal’s flood wall and looking out onto the Mississippi River… HENRY SWEETS: I think he would be amazed at how much the river has been tamed to the degree of providing that avenue of commerce and transportation. I think he would be very sad to the great demise of the passenger traffic on the river because working on the steamboats, he was dealing with those passengers and crew all the time. Today you have to take a special cruise to get out on the river. The regular transportation just isn’t there like he knew and he remembered. But I think he would find the river still very familiar to him and would still be an inspiration for him. [MUSIC START] RYAN GROSSO: I find that answer almost poetic, because according to Sweets, there are still aspects of America’s grandest river that would inspire Mark Twain today. Beyond this senseless and dangerous levee war is a feeling that the cultural and environmental essence of the Mississippi may still be there… enough to inspire some of the most well-known literature of all time… [MUSIC STOP] RYAN GROSSO: I met with Steve Ayers that same day, later in the afternoon. He’s an older gentleman with a thick gray mustache, and has been a potter for more than 40 years. He’s made and sold pottery out of the same shop, right in downtown Hannibal, since 1988. STEVE AYERS: So I’ve been very, very lucky having been able to do this all my life. RYAN GROSSO: Ayers remembers a time when downtown Hannibal looked very different… STEVE AYERS: Prior to that, you could buy… people were giving buildings away… you could buy buildings for $15,000 in the downtown. Everyone was afraid of the floods. We have flooding time after time after time. RYAN GROSSO: Their flood wall has protected them from rogue waters since the early 90s. Since then, Hannibal’s downtown businesses and tourism is able to at least to function during a high crest on the river. When I first talked with Steve over the phone, he wasn’t too sure about the raised levees across the river in the Sny. You had people like Nancy and the Army Corps insisting the levees are too high. All while the Sny continuously denies it. That day we met, he was much more convinced of the issue. Steve had seen how tall the levees were himself, just like I did, and he hoped to be more vocal about the illegal levees in the future. STEVE AYERS: They’re claiming that the levee across the river is 29 feet and it’s not. It’s higher than that. So whenever we go into these conversations, the most basic question, they’re lying. And you have to let that frame everything you talk about from that point forward. RYAN GROSSO: The following day I met with John Lyng… JOHN LYNG: I’ve lived in Hannibal my whole life, and I am semi-retired right now. RYAN GROSSO: He served as Hannibal’s mayor from 1981 to 1985. We met at Java Jive, a locally owned coffee shop whose front door is a few hundred feet from Hannibal’s flood wall. Having lived in Hannibal his whole life, and having been mayor for four years, John is in a good position to give an idea of how Hannibal dealt with flooding before their flood wall. JOHN LYNG: The problem was not that any one flood did that much devastating damage to the businesses and the buildings here. It was the problem that it just happened over and over again. People would do everything they could to protect their business from the flood. They’d move stuff to the second floor; they’d haul it out; they’d come back; they’d clean up after the flood and they’d repair. And a year, a year or two later, they’d have to do the same thing over again. And it got to the point that it was so frustrating that it was very difficult to get people to do business in the area that was subject to fairly regular flooding. RYAN GROSSO: I asked him what his thoughts were on the overbuilt levees across the river… JOHN LYNG: Well I hope you’re prepared for a disappointment because I don’t know enough to know how one affects the other. When the river is constricted, it will flood more. And I think we’ve known that for a long, long time. RYAN GROSSO: He went on to tell me that people need to follow the rules put into place, but at this point, he thinks Hannibal needs to build their flood wall higher in response. JOHN LYNG: If that levee isn’t high enough, and obviously it is not, then the logical thing to do would be to permanently increase it, its height, by 30 inches or 36 inches or whatever would be appropriate and not have to do all that work and incur all that expense. I’ve had trouble trying to sell that proposition. [MUSIC START] RYAN GROSSO: This is the kind of culture the Sny supports with their actions. In some places, people like John want to build higher if someone else across the river does the same. In other places, people are more vulnerable to flooding because they follow the rules and refuse to engage in an endless battle of raising levees. [MUSIC STOP] RYAN GROSSO: Then there’s Steve Terry… STEVE TERRY: Hi, my name is Steve Terry. S-T-E-V-E T-E-R-R-Y. I’m co-owner and captain of the Mark Twain Riverboat in Hannibal, Missouri. RYAN GROSSO: Captain Terry pilots one of the few riverboats that Mark Twain would see on the modern Mississippi River. His ability to operate is heavily dependent on the level of the water. STEVE TERRY: Well to date, as of right now, we’ve run 22 trips. This is the middle of June. Normally we start at the end of March. So we should’ve had 122 trips in by now. RYAN GROSSO: When the river is high, the launch point for his riverboat is inundated with water. They can’t bring people out onto the water with nowhere to get them on the boat. While the museum or Ayers’ pottery shop is protected behind Hannibal’s flood wall, Terry and the Mark Twain Riverboat Cruise can’t do much to get away from the water. It’s instances like these where the levees across the river, in the Sny, may really be affecting Terry’s business. If more water is pushed onto Hannibal, their waterfront property will be flooded more frequently, and for longer duration. Talking to people like Steve and Nancy gave me insight into the places affected by dangerous unlawful levees. Living a few hours east of Hannibal, I’m far removed from the Mississippi River, but I hope hearing their stories connected you to the issue, just like it did for me. [MUSIC - Clocks] The rules put into place by the Army Corps of Engineers and the Illinois Department of Natural Resources are meant to create an equitable environment. They’re meant to ensure people are protected at the same level, but when places like the Sny break those rules, that equitable environment is shattered. These overbuilt levees in the Sny and other districts push risk and water onto the people you heard from. People who also have homes, property, and businesses along the river. People who do follow the rules and maintain their levees or flood walls properly. People who don’t want to get involved in an endless battle of raising levees, just because their neighbors do the same… I’ll leave you with Nancy’s words… NANCY GUYTON: It’s… It’s a little upsetting to see people go to this degree knowing they’re harming others and their chance of a good livelihood. That is the sad part. [MUSIC STOP] [MUSIC - When the Levee Breaks] RYAN GROSSO: I’ve been your host Ryan Grosso, with Prairie Rivers Network. We protect water, heal land, and inspire change. To learn more about the work we do or become a member, visit prairierivers.org. And be sure to listen to our other episode, detailing natural solutions to alleviate risk and flooding on the Mississippi River. Thanks for listening, see you soon. [MUSIC STOP]]]> 32820 32714 0 0 https://prairierivers.org/endangered-species-act/ Fri, 16 Aug 2019 20:06:49 +0000 https://prairierivers.org/?page_id=32836 32836 0 0 0 https://prairierivers.org/donate/nature/ Tue, 12 Nov 2019 19:30:12 +0000 https://prairierivers.org/?page_id=33087

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]]> 33087 19097 0 0 https://prairierivers.org/icjc-pillars/ Mon, 10 Feb 2020 19:53:52 +0000 https://prairierivers.org/?page_id=33401 Promoting Jobs and Economic Opportunity

• Creates Clean Jobs Workforce Hubs, a network of frontline organizations that provide direct and sustained support for minority and disadvantaged communities, including job opportunities.
• Prioritizes companies that implement equity actions to ensure equitable representation in Illinois’ clean energy workforce.
• Creates a Contractor Incubator program that focuses on the development of underserved businesses in the clean energy sector.

Ensuring Illinois Reaches 100% Renewable Energy by 2050

• Builds more than 40 million solar panels and 2,500 wind turbines across Illinois by 2030, generating more than $30 billion in new infrastructure in the state. Taps into the falling cost of wind and solar, lowering costs for consumers.
• Expands Solar for All, and ensures people have access to solar in their community.
• Expands goals for Energy Efficiency, on the electric and gas side, to lower costs.
• Directs utilities to evaluate lower-cost alternatives to infrastructure modernization.

Reducing the Equivalent of 1 Million Gasoline and Diesel-powered Vehicles from the Road

• Empowers local communities to develop Community Energy and Climate Plans, to drive comprehensive local investment in energy, transportation, workforce, and environmental projects.
• Creates a new Beneficial Electrification initiative to incentivize electric vehicle charging, focused on medium- and heavy-duty vehicles that create local health impacts.
• Creates the EV Access for All program, to ensure all Illinois residents can benefit from electric vehicles, and supports the creation of low income electric vehicle car-sharing and “last-mile” electric shuttles to serve transit deserts.

Achieving a Carbon-free Power-sector by 2030

• Directs the Illinois EPA to begin a comprehensive stakeholder process that prioritizes carbon reductions in impacted communities and reduces harmful pollution from power plants to zero by 2030.
• Creates Clean Energy Empowerment Zones to support communities and workers who are economically impacted by the decline of fossil fuel generation.
• Directs the IPA to procure clean energy and capacity resources to achieve customer savings and expand renewables investment.

]]> 33401 0 0 0 https://prairierivers.org/well-testing/ Mon, 24 Feb 2020 20:41:03 +0000 https://prairierivers.org/?page_id=33519 33519 0 0 0 https://prairierivers.org/stop-the-bulldog-mine/ Mon, 09 Mar 2020 15:36:05 +0000 https://prairierivers.org/?page_id=33540 33540 0 0 0 https://prairierivers.org/stopbulldog/ Tue, 24 Mar 2020 21:02:42 +0000 https://prairierivers.org/?page_id=33604 33604 0 0 0 https://prairierivers.org/most-endangered-river/ Tue, 14 Apr 2020 13:55:05 +0000 https://prairierivers.org/?page_id=33644 33644 0 0 0 https://prairierivers.org/our-energy-future/ Mon, 04 May 2020 20:34:25 +0000 https://prairierivers.org/?page_id=33742 33742 0 0 0 https://prairierivers.org/pass-ceja-now/ Tue, 19 May 2020 13:33:30 +0000 https://prairierivers.org/?page_id=33785 33785 0 0 0 https://prairierivers.org/monitoringreport/ Mon, 15 Jun 2020 19:26:55 +0000 https://prairierivers.org/?page_id=33876 33876 0 0 0 https://prairierivers.org/comment-signup/ Sat, 25 Jul 2020 00:57:03 +0000 https://prairierivers.org/?page_id=33966 33966 0 0 0 https://prairierivers.org/training-signup/ Sun, 26 Jul 2020 17:55:21 +0000 https://prairierivers.org/?page_id=33968 33968 0 0 0 https://prairierivers.org/digital-gift/ Thu, 20 Aug 2020 19:36:23 +0000 https://prairierivers.org/?page_id=34091 Click here for instructions on how to add virtual backgrounds to your Zoom meetings. If you want more digital images, take a look at our silent auction for more rivers, wildlife, birds, and pollinator options...https://one.bidpal.net/prndinner [caption id="attachment_34094" align="aligncenter" width="1600"] Middle Fork River[/caption]   [caption id="attachment_34092" align="aligncenter" width="2048"] Middle Fork River with PRN Logo[/caption]]]> 34091 0 0 0 https://prairierivers.org/hearing-es/ Thu, 03 Sep 2020 21:27:24 +0000 https://prairierivers.org/?page_id=34133 34133 0 0 0 https://prairierivers.org/comentar/ Thu, 03 Sep 2020 21:30:44 +0000 https://prairierivers.org/?page_id=34137 34137 0 0 0 https://prairierivers.org/cwa-lawsuit-hearing/ Thu, 12 Nov 2020 14:47:41 +0000 https://prairierivers.org/?page_id=34281 34281 0 0 0 https://prairierivers.org/riverhealth/ Wed, 09 Dec 2020 20:30:25 +0000 https://prairierivers.org/?page_id=34357 Once, in the not-so-distant past, thousands upon thousands of miles of streams and rivers wound through the prairies, wetlands, and forests of Illinois. These rivers, and the ecosystems surrounding them, teemed with life - fish, birds, large mammals. And, of course, humans lived along and made use of these rivers for millennia. You can still talk to people whose grandparents recall the magnificent, bountiful waterways of Illinois.

And then, all of that changed. Illinois’ streams and rivers were used as open-sewers, carrying tons of industrial and agricultural pollution. These once thriving ecosystems were turned into relatively barren highways for commercial barges.

What happened? What happened to Illinois’ rivers? And can we repair the damage that has been done?

Here, we’re going to name and discuss the top 5 causes of degradation to Illinois' rivers. We want to tell the story of what happened to Illinois’ rivers. We have to understand the sickness so that we can prescribe the proper remedy. And we’ll tell you what Prairie Rivers Network is doing to restore river health. To support our work, visit www.prarierivers.org/donate. And you can sign up for news and alerts at www.prairierivers.org/riverweb.

What Happened to Illinois' Rivers?

1. Alterations of the Landscape

Humans have altered natural land uses in radical ways, often right to the edge of waterways. In Illinois, agriculture is the most obvious example of this, with about 75% of the state’s total land devoted to agriculture. Urban and suburban land uses, while more concentrated in terms of acreage, often involve even more radical changes to the landscape. Land cover changes alter the timing of water flows and greatly affect water quality, particularly through the discharge of pollution and sediment into waterways, as well as through the alteration of water temperature.

2. Deliberate Alterations of Water Flows

Humans have deliberately altered water flows - changing the timing, volume, and often, the direction of water flows by way of drainage systems (ag the primary culprit in Illinois), diverted rivers, locks and dams, and reservoirs.

3. Disconnection from Floodplains

Sometimes disconnection from floodplains happens deliberately, with levees constructed to restrain the flow of the river. Other times, the altered water flows change the configuration of water channels, deepening them and making them more narrow so that floodwaters no longer spill over onto surrounding lands.

4. Pollution

For centuries we have used streams and rivers as places to get rid of pollution, both deliberately and unintentionally. The Clean Water Act helped reduce the amount of pollution spilling into our waterways from discrete sources (e.g. industrial pollution out of the end of a pipe), but ag runoff, which is not regulated, remains a huge problem in Illinois. And, of course, this ag pollution is a direct consequence of Problem #1, Alterations of the Landscape, given the amount of land in Illinois that has been converted to agriculture.

5. Invasive Species

Invasive species compete with native species for limited resources, reduce biodiversity, and can even cause extensions of native plants and animals. This leads to tremendous disruptions to the ecosystem, and often economic harm as well. Asian carp are perhaps the most well-known invasive species in Illinois’ rivers, but there are dozens of aquatic invasive species throughout Illinois, with many more threatening to invade. Human activity is often the source of invasive species. For example, there are dozens of invasive species threatening to move out of the Great Lakes and into Illinois’ rivers via the Chicago Area Waterway System, a man-made connection between the Mississippi River basin and the Great Lakes (see #2 Deliberate Alterations of Water Flows).

— — —

Rivers are communities of life, not just water flows. They are alive with life. And that life is not just in and on the river; it includes the countless species that make use of the river at some point during their lifetimes. Rivers are linked to and part of their floodplains, with all the life that evolved to thrive in natural, seasonal water flows.

Rivers can be more or less healthy. And we can measure their health by looking at the amount and types of life present. The health of this community - land, water, plants, animals, and people - is the goal of the work we do at Prairie Rivers Network.

Right now, to heal our rivers, Prairie Rivers Network is:

• Promoting better food and farming practices
• Restoring habitat along Illinois' rivers
• Restoring rivers and their floodplains
• Holding polluters accountable for their pollution, particularly farm runoff and coal ash
• Preventing the transfer of aquatic invasive species, like Asian carp

If you would like to support our work, become a member today.

]]> 34357 0 0 0 https://prairierivers.org/go-solar/ Fri, 18 Dec 2020 19:55:30 +0000 https://prairierivers.org/?page_id=34383 34383 0 0 0 https://prairierivers.org/email-list/ Fri, 19 Feb 2021 15:55:24 +0000 https://prairierivers.org/?page_id=39042 Sign up for e-mails!

]]> 39042 0 0 0 https://prairierivers.org/run-interest/ Tue, 23 Feb 2021 17:45:12 +0000 https://prairierivers.org/?page_id=39051 Sign Up for IL Marathon Interested in PRN

]]> 39051 0 0 0 https://prairierivers.org/what-is-a-witness-slip/ Thu, 11 Mar 2021 15:37:36 +0000 https://prairierivers.org/?page_id=39099 In the Illinois State Government, bills need to be passed out of a committee before they can be voted on by the House or Senate. A bill will have a committee hearing, and during that hearing there is an opportunity to show your support or opposition for a bill by submitting a witness slip online. This is a great way for individual citizens to be involved in the legislative process. And it's really fast and easy. Watch the video above or read the instructions below to learn how to fill out a witness slip. First, you will get a link from us that will take you directly to the slip submission page. Click on that link, and you should see something like this: In the I. Identification section, fill out your information. You are required to fill out most of the fields including the 'Firm/Business or Agency' section as well as the 'Title'. If you don't want to put your job information there, feel free to just put 'Self' in both fields. In the II. Representation section, you should put 'Self'. If you put an organization here, it means that you are slipping as an approved representative of that organization. You should only do so if you work for that organization and have approval from leadership. In the III. Position section, refer to instructions that we shared with the link. Select 'Original Bill' or an amendment as specified. Also, be sure to double check if you should be marking 'Proponent' (supporting a bill) or 'Opponent' (opposing a bill). Lastly, for IV. Testimony, just mark 'Record of Appearance Only.' Review and check the 'I Agree to the IL GA Terms of Agreement' box. Then click Create Slip. You may need to complete the reCAPTCHA before submitting, which will verify that you are indeed a human and not a robot. Any robots reading this should disregard this statement. That's it! You've made your voice heard by the IL Legislature.]]> 39099 0 0 0 https://prairierivers.org/get-involved/how-you-can-help-at-home/lte/ Wed, 28 Apr 2021 21:15:07 +0000 https://prairierivers.org/?page_id=39283

Make it personal and talk about why the issue matters to you.

State the facts that back up your claim.

Include a call to action.

End with a bold closing statement.

Submit the letter.

Many papers have word limitations but will generally try to print all letters received, particularly in smaller communities. Now is the time to speak up and inspire change!]]> 39283 127 0 0 https://prairierivers.org/?p=1689 http://prairierivers.org/?p=1689 1689 0 1070 0 https://prairierivers.org/?p=2147 Wed, 01 Apr 2009 15:41:52 +0000 http://prairierivers.org/?p=2147 Create a backyard habitat and the National Wildlife Federation will donate $5 to Prairie Rivers Network.

]]> 2147 0 1032 0 https://prairierivers.org/?p=2901 Mon, 05 Oct 2009 19:12:23 +0000 http://prairierivers.org/?p=2901 Read more...]]> 2901 0 970 0 https://prairierivers.org/?post_type=popup_theme&p=34181 Thu, 17 Sep 2020 16:43:04 +0000 https://prairierivers.org/uncategorized/2020/09/default-theme/ 34181 0 0 0 https://prairierivers.org/?post_type=popup_theme&p=34182 Thu, 17 Sep 2020 16:43:04 +0000 https://prairierivers.org/uncategorized/2020/09/lightbox/ 34182 0 0 0 https://prairierivers.org/?post_type=popup_theme&p=34183 Thu, 17 Sep 2020 16:43:04 +0000 https://prairierivers.org/uncategorized/2020/09/enterprise-blue/ 34183 0 0 0 https://prairierivers.org/?post_type=popup_theme&p=34184 Thu, 17 Sep 2020 16:43:04 +0000 https://prairierivers.org/uncategorized/2020/09/hello-box/ 34184 0 0 0 https://prairierivers.org/?post_type=popup_theme&p=34185 Thu, 17 Sep 2020 16:43:04 +0000 https://prairierivers.org/uncategorized/2020/09/cutting-edge/ 34185 0 0 0 https://prairierivers.org/?post_type=popup_theme&p=34186 Thu, 17 Sep 2020 16:43:04 +0000 https://prairierivers.org/uncategorized/2020/09/framed-border/ 34186 0 0 0 https://prairierivers.org/?post_type=popup_theme&p=34187 Thu, 17 Sep 2020 16:43:04 +0000 https://prairierivers.org/uncategorized/2020/09/floating-bar/ 34187 0 0 0 https://prairierivers.org/?post_type=popup&p=34188 Thu, 01 Oct 2020 14:00:05 +0000 https://prairierivers.org/?post_type=popup&p=34188 Join us for our ANNUAL DINNER @Home Virtual Event on Oct 23rd at 7:00 PM CT  

Learn More

]]> 34188 0 0 0 https://prairierivers.org/?post_type=popup_theme&p=34439 Wed, 13 Jan 2021 21:17:29 +0000 https://prairierivers.org/?post_type=popup_theme&p=34439 34439 0 0 0 https://prairierivers.org/?post_type=popup_theme&p=34440 Wed, 13 Jan 2021 21:17:30 +0000 https://prairierivers.org/?post_type=popup_theme&p=34440 34440 0 0 0 https://prairierivers.org/?post_type=popup_theme&p=34441 Wed, 13 Jan 2021 21:17:30 +0000 https://prairierivers.org/?post_type=popup_theme&p=34441 34441 0 0 0 https://prairierivers.org/get-involved/how-you-can-help-at-home/be-river-smart/ Mon, 03 May 2021 17:07:01 +0000 https://prairierivers.org/?page_id=39306 Be River Smart at home and when you are out on the river by following these simple guidelines:

Conserving Water In and Around Your Home

• Repair leaky faucets and running toilets right away. Leaks can waste as much as 50 gallons of water a day.
• Don't run the faucet when you are brushing your teeth, shaving, or washing dishes. This can waste 3-5 gallons every time you run the faucet.
• Install low flow toilets to save 3-5 gallons per flush.
• Install water saving showerheads. Outdated showerheads can waste 20 gallons of water a day.
• Don't run your dishwasher or washing machine unless they are full.
• Water your lawn or garden in the early morning or evening to avoid water loss due to evaporation.

Controlling Pollution In and Around Your Home

• Use a rain barrel to collect rain water from your roof and gutter and reuse to water your flower garden or yard.
• Never dump oil, anti-freeze, paint or any other chemical or pollutant down the storm drain. Take them to you local hazardous waste disposal site instead. Most storm drains go directly to our rivers where oil and paint can kill fish, birds and other wildlife.
• Compost or recycle your yard waste and minimize your use of fertilizers and pesticides on your lawn and garden. Any yard waste or pesticides that are washed off your property and down the nearest storm drain will usually end up in your local river.
• Plant a rain garden on your property to minimize the amount of stormwater runoff that leaves your property and washes down the stormdrain. Rain gardens also help reduce the amount of water you need to use to water your plants.
• Don't flush expired and unused medicines down the drain or toilet. Your local sewage treatment plant does not have the technology needed to remove these chemicals from the waste water, and most of them are then discharged to our rivers where they can harm fish and other aquatic life. Take them to your local hazardous waste disposal site instead.
• Use environmentally friendly house hold cleaners like phosphate free detergent in your dishwasher.
• Properly maintain your septic tank and fix any car leaks right away. Both can be sources of pollution that end of up in your local river.

Minimize Your Impacts When You Are On The River

• Be considerate of fish, wildlife and other people. Never leave behind any trash or leftovers from your river trip or throw any trash in the river that could harm wildlife or ruin the view for the next visitor. If you find someone else's trash, take it with you. Keep noise levels down to avoid disturbing wildlife and people.
• Carry any water you need in reusable hard plastic water bottles. Most commercially bottled water comes from rivers, aquifers or even the tap, and the disposable water bottles are wasteful and frequently discarded improperly.
• If you pull over on a river bank or sand bar, try to disturb as little wildlife habitat as possible. Travel on established trails and leave everything as you found it.
• Report unusual smelling water, discarded barrels that appear to be leaking or illegal dump sites to your nearest EPA office.
• Retrieve any snagged or broken fishing equipment before leaving.
• Make sure you wash your boat off before transferring it from one river to another to minimize the risk you are transplanting unwanted species.

For more details on how to minimize your impacts when out on the river, visit Leave No Trace.]]> 39306 127 0 0 https://prairierivers.org/get-involved/how-you-can-help-at-home/hazardous-waste/ Mon, 03 May 2021 17:18:58 +0000 https://prairierivers.org/?page_id=39314 Properly Dispose of Household Hazardous Waste Ever wonder what to do with your old paint cans and pesticides? You're not alone! First off, here's how NOT to dispose of your household hazardous waste:

• Don't dump it down the sink (the sewage treatment plant is not equipped to properly treat household hazardous waste)
• Don't dump it down the storm sewer (in many communities, the storm sewer drains to the nearest creek or lake)
• Don't bury it in your backyard (leakage of buried waste can contaminate groundwater).

Unfortunately, not many vendors accept unwanted household hazardous waste. But there are a few that take very specific types of waste, such as light bulbs, batteries, medication, and motor oil. If you live in east-central Illinois, visit regional household hazardous waste for more information on what different vendors will accept. The Illinois EPA coordinates one-day household hazardous waste collections each year in the spring and fall. If none of the above options rid you of all your household hazardous waste, store it in a cool, dry place until there is a local or regional household hazardous waste collection event. Household hazardous waste includes:

• paint and paint removers
• batteries
• light bulbs
• mercury thermometers
• medications
• pesticides
• fertilizers
• pool chemicals
• motor oil
• antifreeze
• lubricants
• drain cleaners
• household cleaners.

]]> 39314 127 0 0 https://prairierivers.org/get-involved/how-you-can-help-at-home/stormwater-pollution-construction/ Mon, 03 May 2021 17:24:44 +0000 https://prairierivers.org/?page_id=39319 Reduce Stormwater Pollution by Reporting Construction Site Violations Construction sites are one of the primary sources of sediment pollution in rivers. The removal of vegetation and disturbance of the ground during normal construction activities destabilizes the soil. When it rains or the snow melts, the soil is moved off the construction site with the flowing storm water and winds up in nearby waterways. The deposition of soil into water bodies is known as sedimentation. Sedimentation results in the loss of spawning habitat, smothers the gills of aquatic organisms, and is the leading cause of water impairment in Illinois. All construction sites over 1 acre in size are required to have a storm water permit issued by the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency. As a condition of the permit, the developer must prevent storm water runoff by installing certain practices called best management practices (BMPs). Best Management Practices Include:

• Silt fencing (to prevent soil from leaving the site)
• Gravel exits (to prevent soil from getting on public roads)
• Vegetation buffers along waterways (to slow the flow of storm water and protect rivers)
• Protection of storm drain inlets (to block soil from going down storm drains)

You can view descriptions and photographs of BMPs recommended by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. [one_half] [caption id="attachment_475" align="aligncenter" width="300"] An example of effectively-installed storm water BMPs: silt fences are buried and standing up, and vegetation has been preserved.[/caption] [/one_half] [one_half_last] [caption id="attachment_476" align="aligncenter" width="300"] An example of ineffectively-installed storm water BMPs: silt fences are absent along the roadway and the storm drain in the gutter is unprotected from the bare soil nearby.[/caption] [/one_half_last] Unfortunately, many developers do not adequately install or maintain best management practices, and many construction sites are never visited by a government inspector. However, citizens can report storm water violations to the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency and ask that an inspection be done.]]> 39319 127 0 0 https://prairierivers.org/get-involved/how-you-can-help-at-home/report-water-pollution/ Mon, 03 May 2021 17:30:34 +0000 https://prairierivers.org/?page_id=39323 What do you report? Fish kills, discoloration in the water or an oily sheen on the water, illegal dumping in our waterways, unusually high water temperatures, sediment carried off a construction site without controls, or effluent coming from a pipe that smells or look strange.

When?

Right away, but if you continue to observe the problem on an ongoing basis be sure to keep a record of the dates and time. If the problem goes unreported, it may never be solved.

Who do you call?

Call the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency for any water quality violation, and make an additional call to the Department of Natural Resources in case of a fish kill. It may be prudent to contact your local police department or 9-1-1, in the case where a chemical spill could pose a threat to human health.

How?

When reporting the incident, try to do the following:

1. Identify the source of pollution.
2. Get a picture of the source as well as a picture of any impact you notice in the stream such as a fish kill or water condition. Even if you cannot identify the source, it is still important to photograph any impacts you see in the stream.
3. Note the date, time, and location. If you observe the incident more than once, note all dates and times.
4. Get names and numbers of anyone else who observed the incident.

Who To Contact:

Illinois Environmental Protection Agency Emergency Response at 1-800-782-7860, or you can fill out a Citizen Complaint Report. Department of Natural Resources Office of Law Enforcement (for conservation offenses such as a fish kill) at the toll-free telephone number, 1-877-2DNRLAW (1-877-236-7529). Local Reporters or News Outlets Illinois EPA Field Offices - Report pollution violations to the office nearest you:

Champaign 217-278-5800 Collinsville 618-346-5120 Des Plaines 847-294-4000 Marion 618-993-7200 Peoria 309-693-5463 Rockford 815-987-7760 Springfield 217-786-6892

For emergencies or when field offices are closed, call 800-782-7860.

IDNR (IL Department of Natural Resources) 1-217-782-6302 ACE (Army Corps of Engineers) - call the office nearest you]]> 39323 127 0 0 https://prairierivers.org/get-involved/how-you-can-help-at-home/protect-wetlands/ Mon, 03 May 2021 17:33:19 +0000 https://prairierivers.org/?page_id=39326 Filling wetlands or streams to convert them to housing developments or a few extra acres of agricultural land causes an obvious loss of important habitat for birds, fish, and other wildlife. Section 404 of the Clean Water Act requires that such destruction be minimized and mitigated, and as with many programs of the Act, your participation and vigilance is critical to its success.

Background

Section 404 of the Clean Water Act requires that anyone who proposes to dredge or discharge dredged or fill material into waters of the United States, including wetlands and streams, must get a permit from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (Corps) before doing so. This includes situations where an individual seeks to "straighten" a stream. Before the Corps can issue the permit, the applicant must demonstrate that:

1. there are no practical alternatives;
2. the project will not cause significant degradation;
3. all negative impacts on the wetland and/or streams are mitigated; and
4. Illinois EPA certifies that the project will not violate water quality requirements.

Mitigation can include creation of a new wetland or stream habitat to replace the one that is lost, restoration of a degraded stream or wetland, enhancement of an existing resource and/or preservation of an existing high quality resource. If the applicant does not satisfy these requirements, the Corps must deny the permit.

Your Role

Keep your eyes and ears open for unpermitted destruction. Neither Illinois EPA nor the Corps has staff available to patrol watersheds to ensure that nobody dredges or fills wetland or stream habitats without a permit. Therefore the responsibility of looking for and reporting unpermitted activities falls on you, your neighbors, and your watershed organization. If you don't do this, nobody will. Such monitoring does not require special skills or knowledge. Simply pay attention as you are driving through your watershed. Bulldozers are large and relatively easy to spot. If you see one near a wetland or stream, inquire locally about the activity. If it appears that dirt is being pushed into or dug out of a wetland or stream, contact your Corps of Engineers District office immediately (see below) to report the activity and find out if they have a permit.

Participate in Permitting Decisions

The Clean Water Act emphasizes the importance of public participation in decisions that affect your streams and wetlands. You are encouraged to review and comment on proposals for 404 permits. The notices of applications for these permits are posted periodically on the Corps District websites (see below). When reviewing and commenting on permit applications, keep in mind the legal requirements mentioned above and described in the regulations. Ensure that alternatives that would not affect the wetlands and streams are fully considered. If significant degradation would occur, describe the degradation and request that the Corps deny the permit. If the mitigation proposed would not fully replace the lost resource, or if no mitigation is proposed, request that the Corps deny the permit. A sample of a letter to the Corps is attached to help you get started (see Resources section). The mailing address for the correct Corps District office is included on the notice. As described in the notices, comments may also be submitted by email. Send a copy of your comments to IEPA, and if water quality will be impacted by the project, ask IEPA to deny certification of the permit under section 401 of the Clean Water Act. These letters should be sent to: Illinois EPA, Bureau of Water, Watershed Management Section, P. O. Box 19276, Springfield, IL 62794-9276.

Contacting the Right Office of the Corps

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers has district offices located throughout the country. Almost all of Illinois is covered by four districts. These districts and their contact info are summarized below. For a more detailed map showing the boundaries of these districts see the online map. Chicago District - Lake, McHenry, Cook, Kane, DuPage, and Will Counties Phone: 312-846-5330 Rock Island District - Northern half of Illinois, except counties in Chicago District Phone: 309-794-5729 Louisville District - Southeast portion of the state, specifically the Wabash River basin Phone: 502-315-6766 St. Louis District - Southwest portion of the state Phone: 314-331-8002

Additional Resources

Regulations -Because the summary presented here is necessarily simplified, we encourage you to learn more about the regulations that apply to dredge and fill projects. It is also useful to quote regulations directly in your comment letter. Mitigation guidelines - Because mitigation is such an important part of most permits, it is useful to understand the guidelines the Corps uses in determining whether proposed mitigation is acceptable. In addition to the Federal Regulatory Guidance Letter (found at the web address above), each District should also have specific guidelines that incorporate the federal guidance.]]> 39326 127 0 0 https://prairierivers.org/get-involved/how-you-can-help-at-home/monitor-stream/ Mon, 03 May 2021 17:45:03 +0000 https://prairierivers.org/?page_id=39332 Illinois volunteer-based stream monitoring programs Audubon Naturalist Society Water Monitoring Program Conservation Foundation Fox River Ecosystem Partnership Fox River Study Group Friends of the Chicago River Friends of the Fox River Illinois RiverWatch Openlands Project Sierra Club River Prairie Group 

T

]]> 39332 127 0 0 https://prairierivers.org/?p=2843 Mon, 12 Apr 2010 22:12:59 +0000 http://prairierivers.org/?p=2843 Cows in a factory farm hooked up for milking[/caption] Environmentally Concerned Citizens of South Central Michigan Food & Water Watch Illinois Environmental Protection Agency National Agricultural Law Center U.S. Department of Agriculture, Natural Resources Conservation Service U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Environmental Impacts    

Factory Farm Watch Home Page

   ]]> 2843 0 918 0 Factory Farm Watch]]> https://prairierivers.org/?p=2846 Tue, 13 Apr 2010 22:34:03 +0000 http://prairierivers.org/?p=2846 Dumpster for carcasses from hog factory farm (credit: Diane Baldwin, Neuse Riverkeeper)[/caption] The following are among the many publications containing information on factory farm impacts on the environment and neighboring communities: "Antibiotic Resistance, Gene Transfer, and Water Quality Patterns Observed in Waterways Near CAFO Farms and Wastewater Treatment Facilities." Bridgett M. West et al. 2010. "CAFOs Uncovered: The Untold Costs of Confined Animal Feeding Operations." Union of Concerned Scientists. 2008. "Cesspools of Shame: How Factory Farm Lagoons and Sprayfields Threaten Environmental and Public Health." Natural Resources Defense Council and Clean Water Network. 2001. "Concentrated Animal Feeding Operations: EPA Needs More Information and a Clearly Defined Strategy to Protect Air and Water Quality from Pollutants of Concern." United States Government Accountability Office. 2008. "Concentrating on Clean Water: The Challenge of Concentrated Animal Feeding Operations." Carol J. Hodne. 2005. "Detecting and Mitigating the Environmental Impact of Fecal Pathogens Originating from Confined Animal Feeding Operations: Review." United States Environmental Protection Agency. 2005. "Factory Farms - Are They the Best Way to Feed the Nation?" CQ Researcher. 2007. "Illinois' Failure to Regulate Concentrated Animal Feeding Operations in Accordance with the Federal Clean Water Act." Danielle Diamond. 2006. "Livestock Agriculture: Increased EPA Oversight Will Improve Environmental Program for Concentrated Animal Feeding Operations." United States General Accounting Office. 2003. "Putting Meat on the Table: Industrial Farm Animal Production in America." The Pew Commission. 2008. "Understanding Concentrated Animal Feeding Operations and Their Impact on Communities." National Association of Local Boards of Health. 2010.

Factory Farm Watch Home Page

 ]]> 2846 0 916 0 https://prairierivers.org/?p=2848 Mon, 12 Apr 2010 16:10:42 +0000 http://prairierivers.org/?p=2848 Helping Others Maintain Environmental Standards (Jo Daviess County) Illinois Citizens for Clean Air and Water (statewide umbrella organization) Rochester Buckhart Action Group (Sangamon County) Rural Residents for Responsible Agriculture (McDonough and Schuyler counties) [caption id="attachment_3810" align="aligncenter" width="300"] Public meeting held by Helping Others Maintain Environmental Standards (credit: HOMES)[/caption]  

Factory Farm Watch Home Page

  ]]> 2848 0 919 0 https://prairierivers.org/?p=2850 Tue, 13 Apr 2010 15:15:43 +0000 http://prairierivers.org/?p=2850 If only cows produced just milk ...[/caption] Discharges of animal waste into waterways must meet the requirements of the federal CAFO rule and Illinois' state regulations. These regulations allow factory farms to apply for a NPDES permit to discharge animal waste into waterways, but only during heavy storms. In Illinois, permits must be obtained from the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency (IEPA). If a factory farm discharges without a permit, or discharges waste in a manner not allowed by the permit, the owner is in violation of the law and subject to enforcement action. Common examples of discharge violations are:

• Waste is illegally discharged from lagoons and other containment structures into waterways via ditches and underground tiles or pipes
• Waste overflows from containment structures and spills into nearby waterways
• Waste is spilled during transportation
• Waste is applied on steep slopes when the ground is frozen
• Waste is land-applied too close to (within 200 feet) or directly over a waterway
• Waste is over-applied to the extent that it pools on the ground.

[caption id="attachment_3858" align="aligncenter" width="300"] Dead fish in water polluted by animal waste (credit: Klein/ECCSCM)[/caption] [caption id="attachment_3853" align="alignright" width="300"] Citizens monitoring a stream next to a factory farm (credit: Helping Others Maintain Environmental Standards)[/caption] All observations of factory farm pollution in waterways should be reported. Signs of water pollution from animal waste include a coffee color, foam, bad odor, dead fish, and waste on the streambank. Water samples can also be taken and tested for pollution, using field test kits or an accredited laboratory. Good indicators of pollution include high Biochemical Oxygen Demand (BOD), ammonia, phosphorus, and bacteria (e.g., fecal coliform, E. coli). Citizens may report pollution using any of the following methods:

• Call the nearest regional IEPA office
• Call the IEPA environmental helpline 1-888-372-1996
• File an online complaint form with the IEPA
• If an emergency, call the Illinois Emergency Management Agency 1-800-782-7860.

When filing your initial complaint, get the name of the person you speak with so that you can call them back and get an update on the investigation. Your persistence will likely be critical to ensuring that the suspect farm is properly investigated by government staff.

Factory Farm Watch Home Page

 ]]> 2850 0 917 0 https://prairierivers.org/?p=3148 Thu, 15 Apr 2010 16:56:00 +0000 http://prairierivers.org/?p=3148 Being aware of which factory farms plan to pollute [caption id="attachment_4104" align="alignright" width="300"] Factory farms that discharge waste into ditches and waterways must obtain a NPDES permit from the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency (credit: ECCSCM)[/caption] Factory farms that discharge animal waste must obtain a water discharge permit from the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency (IEPA). This permit is the General NPDES Permit for Concentrated Animal Feeding Operations. The application for the NPDES permit must include a Nutrient Management Plan and be filed at least 180 days before operations begin. IEPA reviews the submitted documents and posts them on their website for a 30-day public comment period. Any citizen may comment on the permit application and request a public hearing on the proposed permit.

Commenting on Nutrient Management Plans (NMPs)

Nutrient management plans (NMPs) describe how factory farms will manage and dispose of animal waste. NMPs are submitted to the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency by applicants seeking an NPDES permit. Special Condition 4 of the permit outlines what the NMP must contain. It is important that the public comment on NMPs because these plans are considered enforceable conditions that are incorporated into NPDES permits. To learn more about NMPs, see U.S. EPA's Managing Manure Guidance.

Reporting animal waste discharges

Factory farms are not allowed to discharge waste into waterways without a NPDES permit. The few facilities that have a permit are only allowed to discharge under certain conditions. All observed or suspected discharges should be reported to the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency. In the event of a definite and hazardous discharge, call the Illinois Emergency Management Agency (1-800-782-7860).

Reporting erosion at factory farm construction sites

Factory farm construction projects over 1 acre in size must have a NPDES General Permit for Storm Water Discharges from Construction Site Activities. This permit is obtained from the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency (IEPA) by submitting a Notice of Intent form at least 30 days prior to the expected start day for construction. The permit requires that the loss of soil (via erosion) from the construction site be minimized through the use of best management practices such as silt fences and sediment basins. Citizens can monitor streams downstream from construction sites to determine whether erosion is indeed being kept in check. If there is an increase in the amount of soil in streams (measured using a turbidity tube or otherwise sampling total suspended solids), citizens can contact the IEPA and request that a stormwater inspection be done by their trained field staff. Call the Prairie Rivers Network office at 217-344-2371 to obtain more specific information about how to monitor construction sites. [caption id="attachment_3846" align="aligncenter" width="300"] Soil leaves a factory farm construction site despite silt fence on right side of picture (credit: Helping Others Maintain Environmental Standards)[/caption]

Requesting information on particular factory farms

Certain documents can be requested from state agencies by filing a Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request. Illinois Environmental Protection Agency (IEPA) and Illinois Department of Agriculture (IDOA) maintain files on some factory farms. These files include letters to or from farm managers, inspection reports, annual reports, nutrient management plans, permit applications or notices of intent, and permits. To submit a FOIA: IEPA visit www.epa.state.il.us/foia/ IDOA submit a written request to Susan Baatz either by email (susan.baatz@illinois.gov) or hard copy:

Illinois Department of Agriculture P.O. Box 19281 Springfield, IL 62794

Filing a lawsuit

[caption id="attachment_3847" align="alignright" width="300"] Lawsuits are a course of action for citizens and organizations who oppose the construction of a new factory farm or have been negatively affected by an existing factory farm (credit: Helping Others Maintain Environmental Standards)[/caption] Legal tools exist to prevent new factory farms from being built or to seek retribution against those already in existence. When there is strong evidence that a factory farm is in violation of local, state, or federal regulations, citizens may file a citizen suit. If the factory farm is considered or expected to be a public nuisance, another legal tool is the filing of a nuisance suit. When a new or expanding factory farm is being built, an injunction suit can be filed to stop the construction. The following files list people who have served or may be willing to serve as expert witnesses or legal counsel for factory farm cases. These lists are for reference purposes only and do not constitute endorsement by Prairie Rivers Network. Expert witness list Attorneys

Factory Farm Watch Home Page

 ]]> 3148 0 912 0 https://prairierivers.org/?p=3156 Wed, 14 Apr 2010 15:37:44 +0000 http://prairierivers.org/?p=3156 [caption id="attachment_3229" align="alignright" width="300"] A large dairy under construction (credit: Helping Others Maintain Environmental Standards)[/caption] In order for a new or expanding factory farm to be built in Illinois, the owner must get permission from the Illinois Department of Agriculture (IDOA). Whether the IDOA approves a project is dependent on whether the factory farm will be in compliance with the Livestock Management Facilities Act. Factory farms must also comply with the livestock regulations in the Illinois Environmental Protection Act. IDOA does not invite public comments on applications to build factory farms (known as a Notice of Intent to Construct). However, a public meeting may be held if a proposed factory farm will contain at least 1,000 animal units or store waste in a lagoon. The IDOA will notify the local County Board if such an application is received. The County Board has 30 days to ask the IDOA to hold a public information meeting. The public information meeting may be the public's only opportunity to ask questions and raise concerns. Once the meeting is held, the County Board will make a non-binding recommendation to the IDOA. The recommendation is based on whether the County Board feels the facility will meet the 8 siting criteria. Therefore, it is critical for residents to communicate their concerns with County Board members. Residents can determine whether factory farm construction has been proposed in their community by visiting www.agr.state.il.us/Environment/LMFA/noitclist.php. When there is proposed construction, residents can petition their County Board to request a public information meeting. [caption id="attachment_3866" align="aligncenter" width="300"] Yard signs opposing the construction of a new factory farm (credit: Helping Others Maintain Environmental Standards)[/caption] Several grassroots organizations exist in Illinois as a result of factory farms moving into their communities. These organizations are an important resource for those who want to learn more about factory farm issues, regulatory policies, and advocacy strategies. If you are not alone in your opposition to a proposed factory farm, you will be more effective if you join forces with like-minded community members and form a grassroots organization. There are important steps that can be taken to help new organizations be successful.  

Factory Farm Watch Home Page

 ]]> 3156 0 915 0 https://prairierivers.org/?p=3167 Wed, 14 Apr 2010 22:44:13 +0000 http://prairierivers.org/?p=3167 Waste discharges from factory farms into nearby ditches, streams, and ponds are subject to NPDES permitting requirements[/caption] Water pollution from factory farms is regulated under the federal Clean Water Act. A 2008 rule issued by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency requires factory farms that discharge animal waste into waterways to obtain a National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permit. This wastewater permit sets limits on the pollution that a factory farm can discharge into nearby surface waters. Discharges can come from animal holding pens, waste holding structures, and the fields where waste is applied as fertilizer. Nevertheless, best management practices should be implemented and maintained to minimize the amount of pollution leaving factory farms. In Illinois, the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency (IEPA) is responsible for issuing NPDES permits to factory farms and enforcing permit requirements. Most applicants will seek the general NPDES permit, which prohibits discharges except during particularly heavy storm events (25-year, 24-hour storms). More information about IEPA's CAFO program, including a copy of the State's general NPDES permit, can be found at www.epa.state.il.us/water/cafo/index.html. Illinois has thousands of factory farms, but fewer than 50 have NPDES permits. You can find out if a factory farm near you has a permit to pollute by checking IEPA's permit database.  

Factory Farm Watch Home Page

 ]]> 3167 0 913 0 https://prairierivers.org/?p=3249 http://prairierivers.org/?p=3249 ]]> 3249 0 955 0 https://prairierivers.org/?p=3737 http://prairierivers.org/?p=3737 Water Polluters Take Advantage of Legal Uncertainties A recent article in the New York Times shows that developers and corporations are using uncertainty in the Clean Water Act to thumb their noses at regulators and freely dump toxic pollution into our waters.   The New York Times has hit the nail on the head: Congressional and USEPA inaction is leaving 117 million Americans at risk for polluted drinking water.

Send a message to Senator Burris today asking him to support the Clean Water Restoration Act!

Millions more are being harmed as wetlands, streams and lakes are polluted and destroyed. Without these natural buffers, outdoor recreation, natural pollution control, and protection from floodwaters are lost. Here in Illinois:

• over half our rivers and streams may lose protections
• over 12% of our remaining wetlands are threatened
• at least 700 major polluters may be able to claim that the Clean Water Act no longer applies to them

You Can Help

Use the link above to send a message to Senator Burris asking him to support the Clean Water Restoration Act; Senator Durbin has already expressed his support. Several Illinois Congressional Representatives (Representatives Johnson, Costello, Schock, and Hare) will be key to moving a House bill; if you live in their districts, ask them to support the Clean Water Restoration Act. Visit www.house.gov to find out your Representative’s contact information. Feel free to use language from our letter to Senator Burris when making your request. Please help Prairie Rivers Network continue to work for passage of the Clean Water Restoration Act by joining our network today. Together, we can counter industry lobbyists and their scare tactics.]]> 3737 0 922 0 https://prairierivers.org/?p=4169 Mon, 10 May 2010 13:00:03 +0000 http://prairierivers.org/?p=4169 By Traci Barkley, Water Resources Scientist [caption id="attachment_3516" align="alignright" width="269" caption="TVA Kingston Fossil Plant coal ash spill, appx. 1 mile from the retention pond. The pile of coal ash is 20-25 feet high, and stretches for two miles and then empties into the Emory River. Photo Credit: Brian Stansberry from Wikimedia Commons."][/caption] The US Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) is about to make an important decision about how it will regulate dangerous coal ash- the waste left over from the burning of coal to make electricity. Coal ash contains concentrated levels of contaminants like arsenic, mercury, selenium, chromium and cadmium that can damage the nervous systems and other organs, especially in children. A recent study reveals that living near coal ash sites increases residents’ risk of contracting cancer. Recent USEPA reports indicate that coal waste leaches hazardous pollution in much greater quantities than had been recognized previously. Proper management of coal waste is critical in protecting public drinking water supplies and the health of our natural environment. Illinois currently ranks 8th in the country for generation of this harmful coal ash. Many coal disposal sites are not currently regulated and monitored, and the extent to which coal waste has polluted drinking water and rivers is not fully known. In fact, Illinois holds first place designation nationally for the most “potential damage cases” from improper coal ash disposal. In partnership with National Sierra Club, Earthjustice, Environmental Integrity Project, Physicians for Social Responsibility, and clean water advocates nationwide, Prairie Rivers Network is demanding that USEPA designate coal ash as the hazardous substance that science has shown it to be. If the USEPA designates coal ash as hazardous waste, it will be regulated under the provisions of the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act. This Act requires the tracking of hazardous waste from “cradle to grave” including generation, transport, treatment and/or disposal. As concern with rising health care costs and increasing prevalence of cancer mounts, one of the most responsible things we can do as citizens, elected officials and public service agencies, is to reduce the known threats to public health and safety. Unfortunately, the current regulatory framework to control these wastes is weak. And because the USEPA is under extreme pressure from the coal industry to choose a weak classification for coal ash, we need your help. More than ever, our elected officials need to hear from their citizens that you value clean water and want it to be protected for future generations from hazardous coal waste. Please call your U.S. Representative’s office today! Visit our website to find your district, your congressional representative and for additional talking points.

It is time for coal ash waste to be taken seriously.

ACT NOW! Check our website for more information on contacting the US EPA http://prairierivers.org/articles/2010/02/action-alert-call-reps-coal-waste/]]> 4169 0 898 0 https://prairierivers.org/?p=4227 http://prairierivers.org/?p=4227 Asian Carp Regional Coordinating Committee will be hunting for Asian carp in two locations in the Chicago Area Waterway system where water samples taken this spring (map) showed evidence of the presence of Asian carp. Electrofishing and netting will start today in the North Shore Channel, near Wilmette. Starting May 21, the O'Brien Lock on the Cal Sag Channel will be closed, and rotenone will be used to kill carp on the inland side of the lock.  Read our press release about the effort and the need for a permanent solution to the movement of invaders between the Mississippi and Great Lakes basins. The Chicago Area Waterways have been slowly recovering from decades of industrial and sewage pollution. Native fish populations are beginning to move into the waterways again, and the waters are now clean enough to be attractive for paddling and other recreation. Until recently, these waters had been basically written off by the Illinois EPA, but in 2008 they moved to require the same level of protection from pollution afforded other rivers in Illinois. The move continues to be held up in Pollution Control Board hearings by the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago and other industrial polluters who use the waterways as a waste conduit. Unfortunately, the Cal Sag sampling effort in particular will involve extensive collateral damage – native fish in the area will be killed along with any Asian carp. We have not objected to the Carp Committee's assessment that the poisoning is necessary. Unlike the poisoning undertaken in late 2009, they have announced plans to gather as much scientific data as possible, so in addition to killing Asian carp threatening Lake Michigan, they will get needed information on the health of native fish populations in the waterways and further validate the new water sampling method that detects asian carp DNA in the water and is used as an indicator of their presence. The Committee has not committed to share the data; we are disappointed by this lack of transparency, and that they have not yet released data on the number and types of fish caught after the 2009 poisoning. The Carp Committee has been moving forward on important stop-gap measures (water and fish sampling, improving methodologies, dealing with threats of carp moving overland during floods, and pressing forward with plans for a third(!) electric barrier in the Lower des Plaines River. What is missing is any movement towards a permanent solution that will eliminate the transfer of invasive animals and plants via the Chicago waterways. We believe that the solution is to restore, somewhere within the Chicago Area Waterway System, the natural basin divide that once provided a physical barrier to alien species migration. Without that piece, these short-term efforts are doomed to fail eventually.]]> 4227 0 897 0 https://prairierivers.org/?p=4706 http://prairierivers.org/?p=4706 4706 0 871 0 https://prairierivers.org/?p=4890 http://prairierivers.org/?p=4890 Read Ann Alexander's Blog here.]]> 4890 0 862 0 https://prairierivers.org/?p=5009 http://prairierivers.org/?p=5009 Keep Coal Ash Pollution Out of Illinois' Rivers and Streams

So urgent is the coal ash pollution problem in Illinois that Prairie Rivers Network is taking the unusual step of issuing a special appeal to members and friends for financial donations to help us considerably increase our work on coal-ash issues and other coal-related problems.

An anonymous donor has pledged up to $15,000 to help Prairie Rivers Network in this work. This challenge grant will match, dollar-for-dollar, new and increased contributions. We need these new contributions by August 31, 2010. IMPORTANT NOTE: Donations are processed through Network for Good, a secure online donation processing service for nonprofits.  Donations may be made anonymously.  

New to Prairie Rivers Network?

Join Today to Protect the Rivers and Streams of Illinois

Future PRN Members and River Advocates

As a member you will receive information about our river conservation efforts through our quarterly newsletters. You can also join our online community, which will keep you up-to-date on important action alerts, volunteer opportunities, clean water issues, and river conservation news within our state via e-mail.

Donate Online with a Credit Card

You may make a contribution online through PayPal by clicking the appropriate membership level from the table below, which will take you to the secure PayPal website where you will be asked to create a PayPal account and enter your name, address, and credit card information:

Membership Levels

• $25 Student Membership
• $50 Basic Membership
• $100 River Sustainers
• $250 River Guardians
• $500 River Stewards
• $1000 River Protectors
• Other Amount

IMPORTANT NOTE: If you wish to receive our quarterly newsletter by mail, be sure to enter your correct shipping address, and do not select the option to hide your shipping address from us!

PayPal is a widely used, secure system for sending money through the Internet. Your credit card information will be available only to PayPal, and will be kept secure in keeping with their privacy policies.

Donate by Check

If you would like to donate to Prairie Rivers Network by check, you can download our PRN Membership Form (PDF document) and mail it to:

Prairie Rivers Network 1902 Fox Drive, Suite G Champaign, IL 61820  

Donate through Workplace Giving

Prairie Rivers Network is a member of EarthShare of Illinois. If you participate in a workplace giving campaign, look for ESI and you can designate PRN to receive your contributions.

 

Prairie Rivers Network is a registered 501 (c) (3) and your contribution is tax deductible.

 

Contribute Anytime You Order from Amazon.com

Click on the Amazon logo and you will be taken to Amazon.com in a way where any purchase you make will result in a contribution from Amazon.com to Prairie Rivers Network. Bookmark this link and you can contribute to Prairie Rivers Network automatically any time you order from Amazon.com: What could be more convenient? Photo Credit: Coal power plant photo by D. Scott]]> 5009 0 855 0 https://prairierivers.org/?p=5192 http://prairierivers.org/?p=5192 Atrazine: It's in the water]]> 5192 0 840 0 https://prairierivers.org/?p=5795 http://prairierivers.org/?p=5795 A request to change the zoning rules in McLean County was withdrawn, but if it had passed, it would have allowed drilling for oil and natural gas on land zoned for agriculture without the need for special use permits, thus excluding public input. The Pantagraph quoted Prairie Rivers Network's Traci Barkley in this article highlighting concerns that fracking will endanger clean drinking water.]]> 5795 0 779 0 https://prairierivers.org/?p=6540 http://prairierivers.org/?p=6540 ICJT has two parts: the Illinois Youth Recreation Corps and the Illinois Conservation Corps. Illinois Youth Recreation Corps – SEEKING EMPLOYERS! The Illinois Youth Recreation Corps is a grant program to help not-for-profit entities and units of local government employ 16-19 year-olds for up to 60 days this summer. Grants will fund wages for jobs that provide recreational opportunities in areas including (but not limited to) physical activity, arts, and learning. Participating employers must provide suitable facilities, materials, and management staff.  16-19 year olds are eligible to work through the end of August at the rate of $8.50/hour.  There is no limit to the number of employees per local sponsor. Organizations seeking a grant must complete the attached application and submit it electronically to IDNR by 5pm on Thursday, June 30, 2011. Please e-mail dnr.grants@illinois.gov or call 217-782-7481 with any questions. Illinois Conservation Corps – SEEKING WORKERS! The Illinois Conservation Corps is a six-month employment opportunity for people between the ages of 18-25.  Participants will work on public lands owned or leased by the IDNR.  Young adult workers must be currently unemployed and are eligible to work for up to six months. Applicants are accepted on a rolling basis. Workers in this program will assist DNR staff with a variety of the following duties, primarily at State Parks:

• Maintaining buildings and grounds
• Litter cleanup
• Mowing
• Weed control
• Brush removal
• Concrete and asphalt road surface patching
• Camping permit issuance
• State park camper registration
• Security and fire patrol
• Trail building
• Tool/equipment maintenance, painting and repair
• Bird care and propagation
• Bird pen cleaning
• Hunter check station operations

To apply for a position, contact  Michele.Brown@illinois.gov for an application. If you have any questions, please call 217-782-6752 and ask for the Conservation Worker Program Manager. Applicants will be reviewed and hired on a first-come-first-served rolling basis. ------ For more information, visit: Illinois Youth Recreation Corps information Grant Application]]> 6540 0 776 0 https://prairierivers.org/?p=6544 http://prairierivers.org/?p=6544 Prairie Rivers Network and Heartland Coalfield Alliance Call Out Recent State-sponsored Education Conference for Presenting One-sided View of Coal From coal mining’s destructive impacts on water quality, farmland, forests and natural watercourses, to the contamination of drinking water supplies by unregulated coal ash dumps, coal is a major threat to clean water in Illinois. So why is the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (IDCEO) telling our kids’ teachers otherwise? Along with our partners in the Heartland Coalfield Alliance, we were disturbed to learn about the IDCEO’s Coal Education Conference, which took place at Rend Lake Resort from June 14-17, 2011. The retreat is an annual all-expenses paid continuing education event where teachers from across the state learn how to develop lessons using a coal industry funded curriculum! The days of workshops and the hundreds of pages of materials downplay the destruction of streams and wetlands by strip mining, the threats posed to surface water and aquifers by coal waste and coal ash impoundments, and the numerous mines that violate their water permits. Instead of focusing on these problems and the clean energy alternatives that could help solve them, the IDCEO's materials present coal as a clean energy source, and even question whether or not climate change is real! For full coverage from the Heartland Coalfield Alliance click here [http://heartlandcoalfieldalliance.org/2011/06/14/action-alert-selling-coal-to-our-kids/]. Let your state representative and senator know that the Illiniois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity needs to tell the truth about the coal industry's impacts on clean water! For a copy of the IDCEO curriculum contact Linda Dunbar at (217) 785-6055 or linda.dunbar@illinois.gov For a view of the IDCEO perspective on land reclamation and environmental impacts related to coal, click here.]]> 6544 0 777 0 https://prairierivers.org/?p=7021 http://prairierivers.org/?p=7021 Citizens in Southern Illinois will have to contend with questions surrounding hydraulic fracturing, or fracking, as energy companies have come to Saline, Edwards and Hamilton counties with the aim of convincing residents to sign leases to allow drilling on their land. The process of hydraulic fracturing involves pumping fracking fluid (made of water, sand and chemicals) into natural gas wells to cause the surrounding rock to fracture.  The fluid holds the fractures open and allows the natural gas to escape. Prairie Rivers Network and other citizens are concerned about risks from fracking including contamination of groundwater and the disposal of the chemical-laden fracking fluid.  Traci Barkley, Water Resources Scientist with Prairie Rivers Network, says two real concerns are the amount of water used in fracking and the lack of a requirement to disclose the chemicals in the fracking fluid.

It's a real concern. Anytime you have chemicals that are mixed with water and then have to be disposed of, if you aren't aware of what chemicals are in there, it's impossible to appropriately treat that water.

Ms. Barkley was quoted in this article in The Southern and we encourage you to read the whole article and see photos of water contamination from fracking, as well as photos of the fracking process here. In the last legislative session, Senate Bill 664 sought to regulate fracking in Illinois by requiring companies who use fracking to disclose the chemicals used to the Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR), and would put in place some standards for well casings (to prevent chemicals from leaching out of the natural gas wells) as well as a requirement to store fracking fluid in a lined pit or container.  SB 664 passed the Senate but was delayed in the House. This bill would have provided some accountability and transparency of the fracking process to the public. IDNR currently inspects natural gas wells, but with 12 inspectors and 38,000 wells, it can take one to two years for inspectors to cycle through routine inspections. The lack of disclosure and secrecy from companies wanting to use fracking is also a concern.  A public meeting in McLeansboro presented information to residents who could potentially sign drilling leases, and much of that information was incorrect.  Representatives from Eagle Resources, LLC, a drilling company, claimed that there has never been a case of contaminated drinking water due to fracking operations. Actually, there have been cases of contaminated drinking water in Wyoming, Colorado, Pennsylvania, and Ohio. In a dramatic illustration of contaminated water, the documentary, "Gasland," shows tap water that can be lit on fire. See these websites for a more complete description of fracking: ProPublica: What is Hydraulic Fracturing? EarthWorks.org's page on Hydraulic Fracturing A very in-depth look at hydraulic fracturing and related concerns is here.]]> 7021 0 770 0 https://prairierivers.org/?p=9646 http://prairierivers.org/?p=9646 9646 0 670 0 https://prairierivers.org/?p=11378 Fri, 20 Jul 2012 16:08:27 +0000 http://prairierivers.org/?p=11378 filed a lawsuit against the Environmental Protection Agency to institute specific, numeric criteria for total nitrogen and total phosphorous discharges for the entire Mississippi River watershed, and also to have EPA impose a total maximum daily load requirement for nitrogen and phosphorous within the watershed. Nitrogen and phosphorous are needed in certain amounts as fertilizer to grow crops, but in excessive amounts, these nutrients are polluting our waterways.  The Mississippi River is among the most polluted, and drains this pollution down to the Gulf of Mexico Dead Zone, which cannot sustain life. Our lawsuit against EPA asked that instead of the states each individually addressing their nutrient pollution problems, that the EPA should develop federal regulations for the entire watershed in accordance with the Clean Water Act.  States contend that they have already developed their own standards and don't need more federal regulations. EPA’s continued lack of leadership at a federal level is a serious problem because the Mississippi River flows through or forms the border of 10 states, no one of which can act independently to fully protect the river. Only meaningful federal action by the EPA can unify states behind solutions that match the size of the problem at hand. Read more about this problem in our earlier web post.

Read the news about the states' intervention at LegalNewsline.com (PDF).

Share this Story!

]]> 11378 0 665 0 https://prairierivers.org/?p=11895 http://prairierivers.org/?p=11895 Park Forest E-News covered this story. Read the Press Release (pdf) from the Governor's office.]]> 11895 0 650 0 https://prairierivers.org/?p=12685 http://prairierivers.org/?p=12685 Pantagraph. Stacy James and Charles Goodall wrote this editorial piece which was published in the News-Gazette.]]> 12685 0 621 0 https://prairierivers.org/?p=12847 http://prairierivers.org/?p=12847 [/caption] Realizing cover crops are a rising conservation star, Prairie Rivers Network recently co-sponsored a cover crop workshop with other members of the Lake Vermilion Water Quality Coalition. The workshop took place in Danville and was attended by approximately 60 people. Several participants already had some experience with cover crops and were there to learn more, while others were yet to take the plunge. Prairie Rivers Network is also promoting cover crops in the Big Bureau Creek Watershed in north-central Illinois near Princeton. The watershed is polluted and degraded by too much nitrogen, phosphorus, and sediment. We are working with the Friends of the Big Bureau Creek Watershed to increase the adoption of conservation practices that reduce soil and fertilizer loss. On February 27, 2013, the Friends will be partnering with ProHarvest Seed Company to put on a cover crop workshop for local farmers. Continuing education programs are a vital part of pollution reduction efforts, but education means little if it is not implemented by a critical mass. At the Danville workshop, one of the speakers mentioned that the Environmental Protection Agency wants farmers to do more to clean up our rivers. Farmers can act now or face possible new regulations in the future. Fortunately, many in agriculture are starting to take the threat seriously. Back when the Clean Water Act passed in 1972, sewage treatment plants and factories (i.e., point sources) were primarily to blame for America’s dirty rivers. Now the main culprit is agriculture, which is exempt from the Clean Water Act. So, what can you do? If you are a farmer, maybe you can adopt some of the many conservation practices like cover crops that provide a win-win situation for farmers and the environment. If you are not a farmer, think about possible actions you can take that will help create a culture that expects environmental stewardship on all lands. As consumers and constituents, we have a voice that should be used for good purpose.  ]]> 12847 0 604 0 https://prairierivers.org/?p=14080 Thu, 09 May 2013 15:59:38 +0000 http://prairierivers.org/?p=14080 lawsuit against atrazine-maker Syngenta was brought by municipalities and water providers in Illinois and six other states because of the presence of atrazine in their water supplies, forcing them to incur costs associated with testing, monitoring and filtering their water. Read more about the lawsuit's progress in the Madison St. Clair Record on May 9, 2013 (PDF) and March 27, 2013 (PDF). ********* The suit against Syngenta AG and Syngenta Crop Protection LLC, the manufacturers and distributors of the agricultural herbicide, settled in October 2012 for $105 million. ELPC and PRN intervened in the case in March 2011 “for the sole purpose of enforcing the public’s presumptive right of access to documents in the judicial record,” the groups state in their recently-filed brief.]]> 14080 0 580 0 https://prairierivers.org/?p=14948 http://prairierivers.org/?p=14948 An important tool for reducing water pollution In Illinois, crop production ranks 2^nd on the State’s list of top contributors of water pollution.  Thousands of stream miles and lake acres have too much nitrogen, phosphorus, atrazine, and sediment pollution.  Fertilizers, pesticides, and topsoil leave farm fields during storms and snowmelts via overland runoff or underground tile drainage systems.  Signs that there are too many agrichemicals in the water include algal blooms, loss of natural plant and animal life, and fish kills. Too many Illinois waters suffer these conditions, and the effects travel downstream too; Illinois cropland is a major source of the pollution that causes the dead zone in the Gulf of Mexico. Unfortunately, state and federal water pollution laws can do little to stop this type of pollution; farming activities are largely exempt from them. And other environmental policies, like the Farm Bill and the Energy Independence and Security Act, unintentionally encourage this pollution by fostering market conditions that favor cropping systems that are particularly polluting (such as tile drainage and corn-after-corn rotations). As we work towards better policies, we also must come up with effective solutions that can be adopted on farms relatively easily by a critical mass. Fortunately, we already know that there are a number of practices that farmers can adopt which significantly reduce runoff of agrichemicals from farm fields. One of the practices getting the most attention right now is the planting of cover crops, which have the potential to reduce nitrogen and phosphorus pollution from farm fields by half. In brief, cover crops are planted in the fall as a winter crop and “cover” the soil during a time of year when fields are normally bare.  Farmers get a number of benefits from cover crops, including healthier soil, production of livestock forage, and reduced erosion.  Winter is a time when agricultural fields can shed a disproportionate amount of topsoil and polluted runoff, so having a living crop in the field is a great way to reduce water pollution. Realizing cover crops are a rising conservation star, Prairie Rivers Network co-sponsored a cover crop workshop in January with other members of the Lake Vermilion Water Quality Coalition.  The workshop took place in Danville and was attended by approximately 60 people.  Several participants already had some experience with cover crops and were there to learn more, while others were yet to take the plunge. In February, we promoted a second cover crop workshop in Princeton.  Princeton is located in the Big Bureau Creek Watershed, where we are working with the Friends of Big Bureau Creek to increase the adoption of conservation practices on farms.  The watershed is polluted by too much nitrogen, phosphorus, and sediment, and widespread adoption of cover crops could greatly improve the health of the creek. We have learned firsthand at these workshops that an important barrier to wider adoption of cover crops is simply farmers’ unfamiliarity and lack of experience with them. Although use of cover crops is growing by leaps and bounds in some parts of the state, they are completely absent in other areas. Agencies such as the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service and Illinois Department of Agriculture are co-sponsoring conservation workshops that include talks on cover crops. Seed companies and conservation organizations are also taking the initiative to hold their own workshops. Prairie Rivers Network is part of a growing network of organizations and individuals pursuing strong policies to control pollution from croplands. In the near term, we are pressing for Illinois to develop a Nutrient Management Strategy (required by the US EPA) that will lay the groundwork for real pollution reductions. We are also working to improve the Farm Bill, arguing that farmers who receive subsidies from taxpayers should have to employ responsible practices to control pollution. When pollution control requirements for cropland are enacted, cover crops will likely be an important tool for farmers to meet them.]]> 14948 0 556 0 https://prairierivers.org/?p=15235 http://prairierivers.org/?p=15235 Dangerous Chemicals Pose Public Health Risk for Ohio River Basin Communities  Conservation groups in the Ohio River Basin joined together today to oppose the Ohio River Valley Sanitation Commission’s (ORSANCO) proposal to allow two more years of dangerous chemical discharges to the Ohio River. Since 2003, the Ohio River Valley Sanitation Commission (ORSANCO) had required that all permitted facilities eliminate their “mixing zones” for bioaccumulative chemicals of concern (BCCs), including dangerous chemicals such as mercury, by October 2013.  ORSANCO is now proposing to extend that deadline to October of 2015.  This proposal is of great concern to the eight states in the ORSANCO compact and to all of the communities located downstream. ORSANCO is an interstate commission that was established to control and abate pollution in the Ohio River Basin. All member states pay a portion of ORSANCO’s operating costs, and in return, ORSANCO is responsible for ensuring that the river and its tributaries can be used for drinking water, industrial supplies, and recreational purposes, and can support a healthy and diverse aquatic ecosystem. For many years, it has been common practice for coal fired power plants and other permitted facilities to create special “mixing zones” in the river where they were able to dilute their waste water in order to meet the legal limits for water quality. Research has shown that certain pollutants can remain in the water and pose significant concerns, even after being diluted to lower concentrations.  Of particular alarm are those substances - such as mercury, PCBs, dioxin and various other chemicals - known to accumulate or magnify as they travel up the food chain and subsequently pose serious health threats to humans.  It was this rationale that led ORSANCO and other states to initially propose mixing zone bans.  Unfortunately, ORSANCO has not met its obligations. Kentucky Waterways Alliance, Ohio River Foundation, Ohio Environmental Council, West Virginia Rivers Coalition, Cumberland and Hoosier Chapters of the Sierra Club, and American Rivers are extremely concerned with ORSANCO’s recent actions.  First, ORSANCO created a variance procedure in 2011 that allowed polluters to delay compliance with the mixing zone ban.  Then, in 2012, ORSANCO failed to accept their own staff’s mercury fish tissue sampling data for the Ohio River, which indicated that fish in some areas of the Ohio River already exceeded the “safe” limit for mercury.  Instead, the Commission chose to use a technique to assess the river that is not recommended by the U.S. EPA.  In October 2012, ORSANCO proceeded to grant a variance to the largest mercury discharger on the Ohio River, PPG Industries. After decades of polluting, any further delay to eliminate mixing zones for BCCs is inexcusable.  Further, any extension of the mixing zone deadline must have clearly articulated accountability measures. To that end, in order to ensure that the health of both our rivers and our citizens are protected, ORSANCO must utilize EPA-recommended methods to complete a full assessment of mercury in fish tissue for the Ohio River.  If the river is already “impaired” for mercury, ORSANCO and the states must make plans to enforce the mixing zone ban as soon as possible. Regardless, ORSANCO must enforce the proposed October 2015 deadline as final and, to meet that timeline, all dischargers must develop compliance timelines immediately.  Further, the state agencies responsible for permitting these facilities must integrate the compliance timelines retroactively as permit requirements.  These are minimum measures that ORSANCO must take in order to regain the public’s trust, and ensure the health of our rivers and our citizens are sufficiently protected. Additional quotes: “Now, ten years after enacting the ban on mixing zones for these most dangerous chemicals, the Commission is considering extending the deadline for all dischargers because no one has determined who may need a variance and who can comply with the limit for chemicals like mercury. This is unacceptable and the public’s health should not be held hostage to industry’s failures,” stated Tim Joice, Water Policy Director for KWA. “West Virginians share a heritage of fishing and recreating in the Ohio.  The Commission should be standing up for our right to safely enjoy this aspect of our way of life,” said Angie Rosser, Executive Director of West Virginia Rivers Coalition. “ORSANCO’s actions are like telling a teenager every time he misses a curfew he can stay out later – eventually, he will be out all night because there is no curfew to take seriously.” "Anyone who eats fish that contains mercury can be at risk of severe health problems, but mercury is particularly harmful to young children and the unborn babies of pregnant mothers who eat the fish," said Bowden Quinn, Conservation Director for the Sierra Club's Hoosier chapter. "ORSANCO must do much more to protect the people who enjoy fishing on the river and eating their catch." "The solution to pollution is not dilution," said Kristy Meyer, Managing Director, Agricultural, Health & Clean Water Programs for the Ohio Environmental Council." As of spring last year mixing zones have been banned in the Great Lakes. Ohioans in the Lake Erie basin already have more protective water quality standards than the other 2/3rds of the state. After giving industries in the Ohio River watershed nearly a decade to comply with this ban, ORSANCO needs to stop playing Russian Roulette with millions of Ohioan's health and not extend the deadline."]]> 15235 0 546 0 https://prairierivers.org/?p=15588 http://prairierivers.org/?p=15588 Please join Prairie Rivers Network and friends for our Happy Hour on December 6!

We'll raise a toast to clean water, healthy rivers, and good beer!

When: December 6, 2013, 6-8pm Where: Quality Bar, 110 N. Neil St, Champaign, IL

Everyone is welcome!

]]> 15588 0 528 0 https://prairierivers.org/?p=16296 Thu, 13 Mar 2014 21:54:28 +0000 http://prairierivers.org/?p=16296

Last week a dozen residents and river advocates spoke out at a press conference to bring attention to failing coal ash storage pits which are polluting the Middle Fork of the Vermilion River. Two of the three ash pits at the facility are now failing, releasing harmful pollutants into the only National Scenic River in Illinois. What's wrong with coal ash? It contains high levels of harmful heavy metals —arsenic, lead and zinc among them — that can poison wildlife and threaten human health.

“With every rainfall and flood event, these ponds are leaking into adjacent groundwater and threatening a potential breach,” said Traci Barkley, Water Resources Scientist with Prairie Rivers Network. “These ash dumps should have never been built next to the river and over mine voids in the first place. They were not built to withstand the test of time.”

Sign this petition to urge local, state and regional decision makers to support complete closure and cleanup of these ash pits to preserve the health of the Middle Fork River and the communities that depend on it for future generations.

[caption id="attachment_16308" align="aligncenter" width="470"] Structural controls to protect the river from ash dumps (ponds) have failed.[/caption]]]> 16296 0 496 0 https://prairierivers.org/?p=16783 Tue, 24 Jun 2014 21:20:55 +0000 http://prairierivers.org/?p=16783 It has been well over two years since we got involved in a fight to protect Illinois’ most-visited state park from a silica sand mine that wants to open up shop right next door. Well, we’re still at it. Over the past few years, we have pushed local, state, and federal agencies to protect Starved Rock, culminating in a temporary moratorium on new mining operations in LaSalle County, and a lawsuit against the Illinois Department of Natural Resources Office of Mines and Minerals for granting a mining permit without adequately fulfilling their obligation to protect the park and surrounding communities. This past April, we had our day in court, and unfortunately lost. The Sangamon County Circuit Court found that that we lacked the necessary standing to bring forward a suit against the IDNR. But the story does not end there. Last month, we filed a Notice of Appeal, with the hope that the Illinois Appellate Court will recognize our right to hold the IDNR accountable. Our second day in court will likely happen in late 2014 or early 2015, and will hopefully yield a better result. We will keep you updated as developments occur. In addition to continuing our lawsuit, we have been working with partner organizations, local residents, and government officials to update and improve the LaSalle County Comprehensive Plan (link takes a minute to load) to protect ecologically significant land and water resources from unfettered mining and development. Representatives from the County have been very receptive to our suggestions and concerns, directly incorporating many of them into the update. Progress is bittersweet, though. The LaSalle County Board will vote on the updated plan next month, and if accepted, the moratorium on new mining operations will be lifted. In the meantime, mining companies will continue to annex their land into nearby towns to avoid the moratorium. Nearby residents will have little say in the matter, and will continue to be faced with the tough decision to sell their land or be surrounded by sand mines. The agriculture- and tourism-based economy of the area will continue to face challenges, while the natural environment is degraded due to habitat losses and air and water quality impairment. This is a complex issue that doesn’t appear to be going away any time soon. We must be persistent in order to protect this unique landscape for all who depend on it.]]> 16783 0 470 0 https://prairierivers.org/?p=17464 http://prairierivers.org/?p=17464 The new federal coal ash rule and what it means for Illinois After years of delay, the US EPA has proposed first-ever regulations for coal ash as a "solid waste." While the weaker-than-expected provisions set minimum standards for the location and inspection of storage pits, there are no provisions for federal enforcement. Rather than place the burden for safe disposal on waste producers, the rules force states and citizens to ensure that their communities are protected. Background Six years ago – December 22, 2008 – a dike ruptured at the Tennessee Valley Authority’s Kingston Fossil Plant, releasing 1.1 billion gallons of coal ash slurry. The waste poured into the Emory and Clinch Rivers, ravaging the waterways and resulting in fish kills, and inundated 300 acres of land, damaging homes and property. Following this disaster, just one of dozens of coal ash spills nationwide, the US EPA began looking at potential regulations for coal ash under federal waste rules. Coal ash is the solid byproduct that is left over after coal is burned for electricity. Coal ash contents may vary depending on the type of coal burned, nevertheless, it contains heavy metals like mercury, arsenic, selenium, chromium and cadmium which can cause cancer and brain damage in humans and are harmful to fish and wildlife. In spite of these risks, hundreds of leaking and deteriorating coal ash pits where the waste is stored remain almost entirely unregulated. Coal ash is the second-largest industrial waste stream in the United States (number one is mining wastes), yet there are fewer safeguards on coal ash disposal than on municipal landfills for household garbage. Essentially, the banana peel you toss in the trash will face more stringent regulations on disposal. Regulations Proposed Facing the need for long-overdue protections, in June 2010 the US EPA proposed two possible ways for regulating coal ash: (1) as a “hazardous waste” (also referred to as Subtitle C provisions under RCRA), or (2) as a “nonhazardous waste” (under less-stringent Subtitle D provisions) for nonhazardous waste. Under “hazardous waste” provisions, utilities would have been required to phase out existing ash pits and prohibited from building any new wet ash pits. [caption id="attachment_17466" align="alignright" width="300"] 208 known cases of contamination and spills[/caption] The current method of disposal into the nation’s more than 1,400 coal ash waste dumps has contaminated more than 200 rivers, lakes, streams and sources of underground drinking water in 37 states. Illinois is home to over 90 coal ash pits, many sited in places that are unsuitable and dangerous for the disposal of toxic waste. Fifty-six ash pits were built over groundwater recharge areas, 62 over shallow aquifers, and 9 were constructed over wetlands. In 2009, the Illinois EPA investigated 22 of the 24 coal-fired power plant sites in Illinois and found groundwater contamination from coal ash pollution at all 22 sites. While millions of tons of coal ash continued to be produced and improperly disposed of each year, the US EPA sat on the proposed regulations and never finalized the rulemaking – opening the door for industry lobbyists and some congressmen to push legislation that would prevent any federal regulations. In response to the delay, Prairie Rivers Network joined with national partners, Earthjustice, Environmental Integrity Project, Physicians for Social Responsibility and other state-based environmental protection organizations in filing a lawsuit to finalize national standards for coal ash disposal (April 2012). Steps toward real regulations came in 2013, when a federal judge (via consent decree, in agreement with the environmental lawsuit) set a deadline of December 19, 2014 for the EPA’s final rule. Final Federal Rule After a rushed review period by the federal government, the final rule was released on time – Friday December 19^th. [caption id="attachment_17467" align="alignright" width="240"] Deteriorating wall of the Dynegy coal ash pit along the Middle Fork of the Vermilion River[/caption] In response to an unprecedented public involvement effort – over 450,000 comments, eight public hearings, and countless meetings – the EPA released a rule under less-strict “Subtitle D” provisions, directed toward providing clarity on technical requirements for coal ash landfills and surface impoundments. There is little doubt that Friday’s rule is very weak – in fact, weaker than the original draft proposal. It allows the continued practice of storing massive quantities of toxic coal ash in unlined and unstable pits adjacent to our nation’s most valuable water sources, rather than phasing them out. Additionally, the regulations apply only to coal ash disposal pits at active facilities – leaving problem sites like the Dynegy Vermilion facility with few protections. Perhaps the most significant aspect of the new rule is its implementation. As described,

“the rule does not require permits, does not require states to adopt or implement these requirements, and EPA cannot enforce these requirements … EPA recognizes the significant role states play in implementing these requirements and EPA strongly encourages states to revise their Solid Waste Management Plans (SWMPs or plans) to show how these new criteria will be implemented.”

While the new rule may set out instructive standards for coal ash disposal, it does not have the teeth to ensure compliance with those standards. The EPA merely encourages states to revise their plans, which will then be reviewed and approved by the EPA. A press release from the EPA states that the new requirements include:

• The closure of surface impoundments and landfills that fail to meet engineering and structural standards and will no longer receive coal ash;
• Reducing the risk of catastrophic failure by requiring regular inspections of the structural safety of surface impoundments;
• Restrictions on the location of new surface impoundments and landfills so that they cannot be built in sensitive areas such as wetlands and earthquake zones;

The responsibility to enact these protections, however, is on the communities not the waste producers. Illinois at Risk Coal-fired power plants and industries in Illinois continue to generate over 4.4 million tons of coal ash each year while importing ash from at least 6 other states, with poor disposal practices placing Illinois as a top state for damage cases in the nation. To address these risks, the Illinois Pollution Control Board is currently reviewing rules proposed by the Illinois EPA to regulate the disposal of coal ash. Throughout the process, Prairie Rivers Network and partner organizations have pushed for

• Expanded protections for surface waters in addition to groundwaters;
• Consideration of alternatives to ash pit closure in place, including removal of coal ash for final disposal in a high and dry landfill;
• Consideration of structural integrity and stability issues;
• Increased provisions for public participation in the closure process; and
• Requirements for power companies to provide financial assurances so that taxpayers are not left paying the bill for clean-up.

With federal standards now available for review, it will be essential that the Illinois Pollution Control Board uses the most protective of these standards to build on the current state proposal – for example, a requirement for closure of unlined pits that are causing groundwater contamination. While the federal rules alone do not have the power to protect communities, Illinois regulators can use these standards to inform the development of state regulations that will preserve our at-risk waters for recreation, drinking water, and successful business.]]> 17464 0 446 0 https://prairierivers.org/?p=17471 Mon, 01 Jul 2013 21:23:53 +0000 http://newsite.prairierivers.org/news/plant-a-rain-garden Rain Garden[/caption]

What is a rain garden?

A rain garden is a shallow, vegetated landscaping feature that captures excess rainwater and puts it to work. As the rain garden bed is slightly below the level of the yard, the garden acts as a shallow dish that holds the water for a short time so that it can instead soak into the garden soil. Well-designed rain gardens absorb 30% more water than turf lawns and will drain completely within a few days after an average storm.

What are the benefits of a rain garden?

Rain gardens have many benefits. First, it is an attractive addition to any yard. Both you and your neighbors will enjoy its beauty for years to come. In addition, rain gardens provide environmental benefits by improving water quality and promoting water conservation. Water that runs off hard surfaces, like your roof, and from your yard during rain events flows down the street collecting contaminants such as automobile fluids, yard fertilizers, and pet waste. This adds pollution to your local rivers because storm drain water is not treated before it enters your local rivers. For example, yard waste & fertilizers add excessive amounts of nutrients to rivers. This causes algae to grow and depletes oxygen in the water that fish and other aquatic life depend on. By collecting the excess runoff before it reaches the street, rain gardens reduce the amount of polluted water flowing into storm drains. Research has shown that the intensive installation of rain gardens in neighborhoods can greatly reduce storm water runoff and street flooding. The water retained in the garden soaks down into the soil, providing water for the garden plants as well as for the underlying water table. This minimizes the need for watering and helps conserve municipal water supplies. Finally, the native plants used in rain gardens provide habitat for birds, butterflies and other beneficial insects. Native plants also require less maintenance, particularly less watering, over time because they are adapted to the local soil and climate conditions.

What are the steps for creating a rain garden?

1. Decide where you want the rain garden located and where it would be most effective in collecting the runoff from your property (i.e. close to a downspout).
2. Design the garden. Determine the garden size and depth that will maximize the amount of runoff the garden receives. Garden shape is largely a matter of preference or available space.
3. Select your plants. Choose moisture-loving species for the garden bottom and drought-tolerant species for the sides and berm. Selecting plants that are diverse in color, height, texture, and blooming time results not only in a more interesting display, but one that attracts a greater variety of birds and butterflies.
4. Plant the garden. Planting time depends mostly on the size of your garden. For most gardens, a few people working together will be able to complete the project in a day. Ask your friends and neighbors for help; this is a great opportunity to spread the word about the benefits of rain gardens.

How much will it cost?

The cost of installing a rain garden depends on several factors such as garden size, your yard's soil type, and the plants selected. You can reduce the cost of plants by selecting younger plants, getting specimens from friends, or raising your own from seed. You can also plant in phases; completing one section of the garden this year, and then completing the planting in the following year.

Where can I get more information?

If you would like more information about rain gardens or would like PRN to give your group a presentation on why rain gardens are beneficial and the basic steps of design and installation, please contact us (217) 344-2371 or info@prairierivers.org. Download our Rain Garden Brochure]]> 17471 0 563 0 https://prairierivers.org/?p=18098 Fri, 04 Sep 2015 19:51:47 +0000 http://prairierivers.org/?p=18098 Illinois' Soil and Water Conservation Districts (SWCDs) and their equally important partners in the Illinois Department of Agriculture is in jeopardy. Illinois has some of the richest and most productive soils in the world along with abundant fresh water, yet instead of investing in the long term foundation of our state’s soil and water, we continue to sacrifice the future for the present.  Soil and water conservation efforts have already been cut to the bone over the last decade and cannot sustain further cuts; funding has been cut by 70% since fiscal year 2002. Read more and sign our petition to Governor Rauner and state legislators, asking them to fund Illinois' Soil and Water Conservation Districts. ]]> 18098 0 418 0 https://prairierivers.org/?p=19226 Sun, 24 Jul 2016 19:16:10 +0000 https://prairierivers.org/?p=19226 Eastern Monarch butterflies are beautiful creatures and important pollinators, but they are in trouble because their populations have plummeted by 90% due to the loss of habitat. If the Monarch butterfly is to be saved, we must all take action, and our mayors can lead the way! Cities, towns, and counties can help by planting butterfly-friendly gardens, changing mowing schedules to promote the growth of milkweed, and educating residents about how and where to grow milkweed and other pollinator plants. By signing the Mayor’s Monarch Pledge (pdf), your mayor will commit to taking at least three of the 25 action items (pdf) in the pledge, and will receive recognition and support from the National Wildlife Federation. With strong leadership, municipalities across the country can provide habitat and engage the public to help Monarch butterflies thrive.

You can help.

Ask your Mayor or city leader to sign the Mayors' Monarch Pledge by signing our petition today.

 

Take Action Now

 ]]> 19226 0 392 0 https://prairierivers.org/?p=26858 Mon, 01 Feb 2016 14:58:34 +0000 https://prairierivers.org/?p=26858 America’s basic infrastructure is old and crumbling. Do we still have the will to dream big, to act big, to accomplish big projects? We built these cities up, can we keep them alive? Or will we allow the poisoning of our bodies and our children rather than doing what’s necessary to have healthy, thriving communities? The ONLY WAY to guarantee the public is protected is to make it a national priority to remove lead service lines altogether. We say it’s time to remove all lead drinking water lines in America. ‪ #‎GetTheLeadOut‬ and employ thousands of Americans doing it! Sign our petition to tell your legislators to remove all lead drinking water lines.  

Take Action Now

 ]]> 26858 0 400 0 https://prairierivers.org/?p=26861 Wed, 01 Jun 2016 14:03:23 +0000 https://prairierivers.org/?p=26861 Unless medications are properly disposed of, they can contaminate lakes, streams, and drinking water supplies. And water treatment facilities cannot remove pharmaceuticals from water, creating health risks for you and your family, as well as our aquatic friends. Safe disposal also means that dangerous prescription drugs are less likely to be abused or misused. Cook County can be a leader in Illinois and across the nation by providing safe, permanent, and free pharmaceutical drop off sites for its residents.  

Sign Petition Now

 ]]> 26861 0 394 0 https://prairierivers.org/?p=26864 Mon, 01 Sep 2014 14:07:49 +0000 https://prairierivers.org/?p=26864 There’s a new rule that’s good for clean water and it’s under attack. U.S. EPA and the Army Corps of Engineers want to do the right thing and clarify Clean Water Act protections for some of our smallest yet most important streams and wetlands. These waters are at risk of pollution and destruction and in need of legal protection. Streams and wetlands filter pollutants, reduce flooding, provide drinking water for millions of people, and habitat for fish and wildlife. There is strong opposition from those who want to continue using our waters as dumping grounds. Regretfully many polluters have the ears of Congress and are working hard to defeat the rule. Some are spreading outlandish lies about the rule.  Click here for the truth. We need to show our support for the rule with U.S. EPA and Congress!  Please send an email to each by clicking the buttons below:        ]]> 26864 0 460 0 https://prairierivers.org/?p=26866 Sun, 01 Jun 2014 14:14:16 +0000 https://prairierivers.org/?p=26866 Through foul odors, lower property values, creek and well contamination, and health problems, factory farms can harm rural residents and their quality of life. Prairie Rivers Network is helping the group Save Our Sandy stand against a proposed hog factory farm in Marshall County. Read more about their fight and watch our video documenting the negative impacts of factory farms on rural residents across Illinois. Changes to the law need to be made so that neighbors and the environment are better protected from factory farms.

Take Action Now

 ]]> 26866 0 477 0 https://prairierivers.org/?p=26869 Tue, 01 Apr 2014 14:19:29 +0000 https://prairierivers.org/?p=26869 Smokestacks from Coal fired Power plant.[/caption] Behind Illinois’ coal-fired power plants lies a dirty secret: coal ash, the solid byproduct that is left over after coal is burned for electricity. Coal ash is full of heavy metals like mercury, arsenic, selenium, chromium and cadmium, which can cause cancer and brain damage in humans and are harmful to fish and wildlife. Submit your comments to the Illinois EPA and demand the strongest possible rule to end coal ash pollution.]]> 26869 0 494 0 https://prairierivers.org/?p=26877 Tue, 01 Oct 2013 14:27:42 +0000 https://prairierivers.org/?p=26877 Windmill in a soybean field with cumulus cloud formations in central Illinois.[/caption] The Illinois Renewable Portfolio Standard (RPS) program can continue to benefit the environment and our state economy with your help! This visionary legislation was passed in 2007 and established the Illinois Renewable Portfolio Standard (RPS), a path to ensure 25 percent of our energy would come from clean sources by 2025. However, the program has unexpectedly stalled due to implementation challenges, and now it needs your support. Please contact your legislators and tell them to support SB 103 and HB 2864 to protect Illinois renewable energy. UPDATE: The Illinois Renewable Portfolio Standard (RPS) program fix was not voted on by the Illinois legislature in the Spring 2014 session. SB 103/HB2864 has 21 co-sponsors in the Senate and 45 in the House.  We’ll keep working on this in the next legislative session. ]]> 26877 0 540 0 https://prairierivers.org/?p=27200 https://prairierivers.org/?p=27200 2014 River Steward Pete Leki[/caption]

Do you know a volunteer who is working hard to protect the state's rivers and streams?

Help celebrate and elevate their important work with a nomination for our 8th annual River Steward Award.

The deadline is September 23, 2016.

It is time once again to celebrate the important work of an individual whose on the ground efforts to protect the state’s rivers and streams inspires us. There are many dedicated citizen volunteers around our state who spend countless hours working to protect Illinois’ rivers. They educate us; they do the legwork; they speak the unpopular truths; they go above and beyond. Too often, their outstanding achievements are not known outside of their local community. The River Steward Award recognizes and celebrates the most exemplary river stewards; heroes with stories that we all need to hear. Prairie Rivers Network wants to recognize the people whose clean water victories inspire our staff and other river advocates around the state. The annual River Steward Award will be announced October 21, 2016 at Prairie Rivers Network’s Annual Dinner. The honoree and a guest, as well as the nominator, will be invited to attend the dinner for the awards ceremony. The award recipient will also be announced to the river conservation community around the state, announced to the media in a press release, and posted on our website. Past Winners: Carla Murray, 2015; Pete Leki, 2014; Suzanne Smith, 2013; Brenda Dilts, 2012; Scott Hays, 2011; Kathy Andria, 2010; Gary Mechanic, 2009; Joyce Blumenshine, 2008; Mary Pat Holtschlag, 2007; Fran Caffee, 2006; Jan Holder, 2005. Nomination Procedure: If you know a citizen volunteer you would like to nominate as the next River Steward, please e-mail the following information to Sarah Scott (sscott [at] prairierivers.org or call her at 217/344-2371 x 211 for more information. 1. Nominee’s contact information 2. Your contact information 3. Nominee's qualifications (500 words)

a. General background information concerning the river/watershed of interest

b. Summary of their river conservation efforts

4. The specific achievements for which the nominee deserves recognition]]> 27200 0 388 0 https://prairierivers.org/?p=28198 https://prairierivers.org/?p=28198 28198 0 368 0 https://prairierivers.org/?p=28661 Fri, 07 Apr 2017 19:39:35 +0000 https://prairierivers.org/?p=28661 Please call your Representative today and ask them to support HB2958 banning coal tar sealants in IL. Coal tar is a commonly used pavement sealant. It's the black substance sprayed or painted on parking lots, driveways, and playgrounds. Coal tar sealants contain polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), which are toxic to humans and other animals. Exposure to these sealants can increase the risk of cancer and birth defects in humans and can cause severe defects in fish and other aquatic life. Communities in Illinois and around the country are banning coal tar sealants. Ace Hardware, Home Depot, Lowes, and Menards have stopped selling coal tar sealants. Safe alternatives exist like asphalt-based sealants and permeable pavement. State Representative Laura Fine (D-Glenview) has proposed a bill that bans the use of coal tar sealants and other high PAH content sealants in Illinois. We need the support of some Republican House members to ensure passage of this important bill. Please call your representative today. Here is some suggested language: “My name is ___ and I live in ____. I support passage of HB2958, which bans the use of toxic pavement sealants in Illinois. PAHs in these sealants threaten the health of our communities and our rivers. Safe alternatives exist. Please support this important bill.” If you don't know your state representative's information, click here and enter your address and then click on your house representative's name for their contact information. Thank you for calling your Illinois Representative.

THANK YOU FOR TAKING ACTION!

]]> 28661 0 359 0 https://prairierivers.org/?p=28810 https://prairierivers.org/?p=28810 Earlier this month (April 7), PRN issued an Action Alert seeking support for Illinois HB2958 banning coal tar sealants in the state. Our thanks to those who responded. Today, we issue another alert on this same piece of legislation. Representative Laura Fine (D-Glenview) has proposed an amendment that would change the bill language from a statewide ban to allowing counties and municipalities to enact their own bans at the local level. We believe this change will encourage Republicans to support this bill. Please call your representative today, especially if yours is a Republican House member, and ask him or her to support this important bill. Here is some suggested language: “My name is ___ and I live in ____. I support passage of HB2958, which will allow counties and municipalities to enact bans against the use of toxic pavement sealants. These sealants threaten the health of our communities and our rivers when safe alternatives exist. Please support this important bill.” If you don't know your state representative's information, click here and enter your address and then click on your house representative's name for their contact information. Thank you for calling your Illinois Representative.

THANK YOU FOR TAKING ACTION!

]]> 28810 0 354 0 https://prairierivers.org/?p=28819 Mon, 24 Apr 2017 18:03:55 +0000 https://prairierivers.org/?p=28819 Action #1: Please call Illinois Senator Tammy Duckworth and ask her to help protect our water by supporting the Clean Water Rule. Action #2: Call your state representative and state senator and ask them to support the Illinois Natural Areas Stewardship Act.

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Action # 1: Protect Clean Water

The Clean Water Rule is under attack. Senator Duckworth has been a brave champion for people and the environment, and we need her continued support. President Trump has recklessly ordered the EPA to repeal the Clean Water Rule, putting our most vulnerable streams and the drinking water of 117 million Americans at risk. The President has ordered the EPA to come up with a new rule, which by all accounts will not protect us. Senator Duckworth sits on the Environment and Public Works (EPW) Committee. The committee is holding a hearing on the Clean Water Rule this Wednesday, April 24, 2017. Please call Senator Duckworth and tell her you support the Clean Water Rule. It is important that Senator Duckworth knows her constituents support this rule. Call Senator Tammy Duckworth’s office at (202) 224-2854. Here is some suggested language:

“Hello, my name is ______ and I live in ______. I support EPA’s Clean Water Rule because it protects our drinking water and our small businesses. Without the Clean Water Rule, the drinking water of 1 in 10 residents of IL is at risk. I ask that Senator Duckworth show her support for a strong Clean Water Rule at the EPW hearing this Wednesday by insisting that EPA provide ample opportunity for public engagement."

Please let us know you called by emailing PRN at info@prairierivers.org with your full name.

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Action # 2: Support Healthy Landscapes

The Illinois General Assembly is considering the Natural Areas Stewardship Act (HB 2031/SB 1029) that would allow nonprofit organizations to help local and state government conduct needed stewardship on Illinois Nature Preserves, which are some of the highest quality wildlife habitat in the state. These special places need our help! The health of our water is tied to the health of our land. Please call your state representative and senator and ask them to support the Illinois Natural Areas Stewardship Act. If you don't know your legislators' information, click here and enter your address and then click on your legislators' names for their contact information. Here is some suggested language:

“Hello, my name is ______ and I live in ______. I am a strong supporter of the Natural Areas Stewardship Act (HB 2031/SB 1029). The bill allows the IL Dept. of Natural Resources to provide grants to nonprofit conservation organizations to conduct management on Illinois Nature Preserves. It also helps nonprofits and government agencies to work together to carry out the State’s natural resource goals. This won't require any new tax dollars - the grants will be provided from the Natural Areas Acquisition Fund. The IDNR supports this legislation. I ask that Representative (or Senator) _____ support this bill.”

Please let us know you called by emailing PRN at info@prairierivers.org with your full name.

THANK YOU FOR TAKING ACTION!

]]> 28819 0 353 0 https://prairierivers.org/?p=28962 https://prairierivers.org/?p=28962 A river in need of a hero. The Middle Fork of the Vermilion River needs a hero. The Middle Fork of the Vermilion, Illinois’ only National Scenic River, is the gem of Vermilion County. The river is flanked by 10,000 acres of public land, beautiful high bluffs and abundant wildlife. The river is home to numerous unique and endangered species, but it is also home to over three million cubic yards of coal ash on the only private inholding along 17 designated scenic miles of river. Dynegy, the owner who abandoned the power plant in 2011, is asking the State for a permit to leave their ash on the river bank forever. Dynegy's ash is dangerously close to the river, and that's where they plan to leave it. Even the National Park Service has made it clear that it would prefer to see the coal ash removed. The river is an economic asset to the county. The Middle Fork flows through the heart of Kickapoo State Park, which attracts over one million visitors to central Illinois each year.  A livery service puts over 10,000 paddlers down the river in the summer, on a 13-mile river trail that brings them directly past the coal ash. Visitors often fish or swim from the river banks. Downstream, the Middle Fork merges with the Salt Fork to form the Vermilion River, which flows through downtown Danville, a city of 32,000. Danville is currently redeveloping its riverfront.  The City intends to link this revitalized open space to the city’s adjacent downtown as a way of attracting tourists and boosting their local economy. Dynegy's ash continually seep into the river, staining the riverbank orange where the river meets the coal ash. The coal ash pits at Vermilion Power Station, like many across the state, are unlined, which means the ash is completely exposed and saturated by groundwater. That groundwater flows directly into the Middle Fork. Dynegy's long term plan for this ash is to cap it, and leave it there forever. Unfortunately, a cap only prevents infiltration of water from above the ash, but the sides and bottom of these pits are completely exposed. The Middle Fork is a force of nature, designated a National Scenic River for it's beauty and free-flowing nature. That free flowing quality is what makes the river meander, swinging back and forth across it's floodplain over the years. For as long as the river has existed, it has meandered between the bluffs guarding the river valley. The record of these historical meanders is written into the shape of the bluffs. Viewing just the land surface from above, the natural curves of the bluffs tell this story. Unfortunately for the river, Dynegy's ash is in the floodplain, directly in the way of it's meandering path. The bluffs behind the floodplain clearly demonstrate that the ash sits on land that was once the river. Over the years, the owners of the Vermilion Power Station have doubled, tripled and even quadrupled down on their invasion of the floodplain, building a second and third coal ash impoundments and subsequently expanding the newest one. Leaving the ash where it lies is not an option. The river will one day erode the dams holding back the coal ash and cause a devastating spill. It's time Illinois leadership takes a stand for Illinois' growing coal ash problem.]]> 28962 0 349 0 https://prairierivers.org/?p=29317 Fri, 23 Jun 2017 16:58:41 +0000 https://prairierivers.org/?p=29317 the electric barrier is fundamentally flawed, efforts to provide additional protections against Asian carp have been consistently delayed or blocked, often at the behest of the barge shipping industry. Most recently, the release of a study focused on installing protections at the Brandon Road Lock and Dam was delayed by the Trump administration, after lobbying from the shipping industry. We cannot afford any more delays. Immediate action is needed to protect the Great Lakes and thousands of jobs across the region. Legislation was introduced in Congress this week demanding the release of the Brandon Road study. Given today's news, we are calling for immediate release of the study as well as the continued pursuit of solutions to the transfer of aquatic invasive species between the Great Lakes and Mississippi River basins. TAKE ACTION NOW - Contact your members of Congress to support the release of the Brandon Road study by signing the petition HERE - http://action.prairierivers.org/p/dia/action4/common/public/?action_KEY=22497 Here's approximately where the carp was found: Read more about the live carp here - http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/nationworld/midwest/ct-asian-carp-lake-michigan-20170623-story.html ]]> June 23, 2017 | Press Release A live Asian carp was found only 9 miles from Lake Michigan, well beyond the electric barrier that serves as the only line of defense against Asian carp invading the Great Lakes.]]> 29317 0 339 0 https://prairierivers.org/?p=29447 Thu, 27 Jul 2017 19:11:51 +0000 https://prairierivers.org/?p=29447 send their elected representatives a letter calling for the release of the Brandon Road Tentatively Selected Plan - a study conducted by the Army Corps of Engineers aimed at preventing Asian carp from moving beyond the Brandon Road Lock and Dam in Joliet, IL. The release of the study was delayed in February by the Trump administration after lobbying efforts by the navigation industry and their friends in Congress. One such Congressman, Rep. Rodney Davis, Republican, of the 13th Congressional District of Illinois, was kind enough to reply to our members with a letter describing in some detail his rationale for asking for the study to be delayed. While we appreciate this substantive response to our members, his response is characteristic of those who oppose the release of the report. We must take issue with some of the points raised. Below you will find a redacted version of the letter that Rep. Davis sent to one of our members. 1. Will the findings of this study impact commercial navigation at the Brandon Road Lock and Dam?

The findings of this study, when released, could have significant and lasting implications for commercial vessel traffic at the Brandon Road Lock. This lock is critical to the movement of goods on the Chicago Area Waterways System (CAWS), so any potential structural modification must be thoroughly reviewed and cautiously implemented in order to ensure the safety of commercial vessel crews.

Rep. Davis asserts that the findings of the study "could have significant and lasting implications for commercial vessel traffic at the Brandon Road Lock." But as Rep. Davis is likely aware, this is only a preliminary study, not a final project ready for construction. It is nonsense to say that "the release of the study could have implications for shipping." A completed project might, yes, but not the preliminary study. Further, we cannot know what those implications are until the study is released, so we should release the study ASAP and publicly discuss its pros and cons as we would with any proposed project. Any project would be reviewed, but we have to see the proposal first in order to know whether to move forward with it or not. Further, the Army Corps has made it very clear that, given the preliminary nature of this study, an Assistant Secretary of the Army is not needed for the study to be released, so there is no need to wait for the Trump administration to appoint one. 2. Has the leading edge of the carp moved? Is enough being done already to deal with Asian carp?

This is evidenced by the fact that the "leading edge" of the Asian Carp population has not moved upriver beyond the Dresden Island pool, more than 10 miles downriver from the Brandon Road Lock, in more than 25 years.

Rep. Davis asserts that the "leading edge" of the Asian Carp population has not moved upriver beyond the Dresden Island Pool in more than 25 years. First off, this statement obscures the truth by ignoring important data, including the fact that in the last few years, larval fish and carp eggs have been found hundreds of miles closer to Lake Michigan than ever before. On top of that, Rep. Davis' position has been superseded by the recent discovery of a live Asian carp, only nine miles from Lake Michigan, well past the electric barrier that is supposed to keep them from moving upstream. 3. Have "nonstructural actions" been successful against Asian Carp?

It is therefore clear that nonstructural actions have been successful at mitigating the risks associated with Asian Carp thus far.

Apparently, Rep. Davis only wants to continue to pursue "nonstructural actions" such as harvesting as a solution to Asian carp. But again, a live Asian carp was found well past the electric barrier in waters that are open to Lake Michigan. So, no, nonstructural actions have not been completely successful thus far. We know well that structural improvements to the Illinois River and the Chicago Area Waterway System (CAWS) would provide far and away the most protection against Asian carp. There is another critical point that Rep. Davis misses when he speaks of "nonstructural actions. Nowhere does Rep. Davis mention the two-way nature of the Aquatic Invasive Species (AIS) threat. Rep. Davis' district covers a good deal of the Illinois River, which would be impacted, economically and ecologically, by AIS coming down from the Great Lakes through the CAWS like the zebra mussel has done. The Army Corps has identified many species poised to enter the Illinois River via the CAWS, species which pose a threat equal or greater to that of Asian carp. Currently, no real actions are being taken to deter these AIS from entering the Illinois River. Rep. Davis should be more concerned about the economic and ecological well-being of his district and demand action be taken to prevent AIS from coming through the CAWS and into the Illinois River.

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We appreciate Rep. Davis responding to our members' requests for action on Asian carp, but Rep. Davis and others who feel as he does need to take the threat of Asian carp and other AIS more seriously. They could start by supporting the immediate release of the Brandon Road Tentatively Selected Plan.]]> 29447 0 335 0 https://prairierivers.org/?p=29480 Mon, 31 Jul 2017 14:24:33 +0000 https://prairierivers.org/?p=29480 July 31, 2017 | Action Alert In 2015, the Obama Administration gave us the Clean Water Rule, a common sense rule that protects the streams and wetlands that provide nearly 1 in 3 Americans with drinking water. These water bodies also provide fish and wildlife habitat, filter pollutants, and absorb flood waters. We need to protect them!]]> 29480 0 333 0 https://prairierivers.org/?p=29523 Fri, 04 Aug 2017 21:32:07 +0000 https://prairierivers.org/?p=29523 Take Action Now! Ameren has asked the Illinois Commerce Commission (ICC) to break the Future Energy Jobs Act agreement and fall short of the legislation’s Energy Efficiency savings goals by 27% for the next four years.]]> August 4, 2017 | Action Alert Take Action Now! Ameren has asked the Illinois Commerce Commission (ICC) to break the Future Energy Jobs Act agreement and fall short of the legislation’s Energy Efficiency savings goals by 27% for the next four years.]]> 29523 0 329 0 https://prairierivers.org/?p=30632 Wed, 14 Mar 2018 19:33:35 +0000 https://prairierivers.org/?p=30632 February 27, 2018 | Action Alert Illinois has smart floodplain regulations that help protect communities and wildlife, yet the Rauner Administration is rolling back the state’s power to oversee changes to the biggest levees in the state.]]> 30632 0 273 0 https://prairierivers.org/?p=30823 https://prairierivers.org/?p=30823 30823 0 264 0 https://prairierivers.org/?p=30824 Thu, 19 Apr 2018 19:10:53 +0000 https://prairierivers.org/?p=30824 30824 0 263 0 https://prairierivers.org/?p=30885 https://prairierivers.org/?p=30885 A big Thank You to our Clean Water Fundraising Team that raised $8,400 and ran/walked 114.40 miles in 20 hours, 36 minutes, and 24 seconds during the 2017 Illinois Marathon race weekend in April.

YOU CAN BE PART OF THE TEAM FOR THE 2018 CHRISTIE CLINIC ILLINOIS MARATHON. IT REALLY IS EASY TO RAISE MONEY AND A FUN RACE TO PARTICIPATE IN. DON’T MISS OUT.

[caption id="attachment_28840" align="alignright" width="300"] Top Individual Fundraisesr, Karen Kane, with her daughter getting ready for their run for clean water![/caption]

Individual fundraisers:

Jacquelyn Brewer

Amy Irle

Karen Kane

Rob Kanter

Chris Main

Nudelman Family

Andrea Martinez Gonzalez

First Presbyterian Church of Urbana Earth Care Team:

David Bullock

Liz and Don Greeley

Dixie and Gary Jackson

David Sherwood

Case Sprenkle

Barbara Sturgeon

Prairie Rivers Network also thanks our business sponsors for supporting us, sponsoring this and other events, and clean water.

Platinum $5,000+

  [one_half][/one_half] [one_half_last][/one_half_last] [one_half][/one_half] [one_half_last][/one_half_last]  

Gold $1,000+

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Erich Adickes Photography

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Silver $500

  [one_half padding="5px 5px 5px 5px][/one_half] [one_half_last padding="5px 5px 5px 5px][/one_half_last] [one_half padding="5px 5px 5px 5px]

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Bronze $250

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Additional Business Sponsors

 

Arthur J. Gallagher & Co.

Color & Grain Inc.

Deborah Fell Art Quilts

Hamilton Walker's

Heel to Toe

International Galleries

Krannert Center for the Performing Arts

Chris Main Photography

Old Neesby Construction Company

Pizzeria Antica

Silvercreek and Courier Cafe

Salt Fork River Runners

The Station Theatre

Urbana Park District

Watson's Shack & Rail

Webber & Thies, P.C. Lawyers

Wedge Tequila Bar & Grill

White on Wood (Derek Pankau)

 

Would you like to sponsor Prairie Rivers Network?

Prairie Rivers Network invites you to support clean water and healthy rivers by becoming a business member of Prairie Rivers Network. Business sponsors can be recognized at our Annual Dinner, Wild & Scenic Film Festival, and Illinois Marathon - Run/Walk for Clean Water - charity running team. For more information, please view our Business Sponsor Form, or contact Vickie Nudelman at 217.344.2371 or vnudelman [at] prairierivers.org.

]]> 30885 0 259 0 https://prairierivers.org/?p=30980 https://prairierivers.org/?p=30980 Latest video of the coal ash seeps on the Middle Fork. ]]> 30980 0 254 0 https://prairierivers.org/?p=31505 Tue, 28 Aug 2018 20:00:09 +0000 https://prairierivers.org/?p=31505 we need you to write a letter to the editor of the Chicago Tribune about what the Middle Fork River means to you. The Chicago Tribune wants to know what Illinoisans think the next Governor should prioritize, and we think they should hear about the Middle Fork. In 300 words or fewer, write the Chicago Tribune in your own voice:

• Tell them about Illinois’ only National Scenic River, the Middle Fork, and why the river matters to you.
• Let them know about the coal ash that Dynegy wants to leave on the banks of the river. You can read more about the coal ash along the Middle Fork.
• Tell them that you’d like to see that the next Governor, whoever they may be, permanently protects the Middle Fork from the threat of coal ash so future generations can enjoy the river.

That’s it. Speak from the heart, and let the Tribune know why the Middle Fork means so much to you. There are no wrong answers. Please just share your voice so the next Governor knows this is an issue important to you. Send your letter to letters@chicagotribune.com, and include your name and phone number in the email so they can contact you. Thanks for writing!]]> August 28, 2018 | Action Alert If you love the Middle Fork, we have a special request for you… we need you to write a letter to the editor of the Chicago Tribune about what the Middle Fork River means to you.]]> 31505 0 231 0 https://prairierivers.org/?p=32472 Thu, 09 May 2019 13:59:17 +0000 https://prairierivers.org/?p=32472 May 9, 2019 | Action Alert We need you to slip in support of Senate Bill 9, the Coal Ash Pollution Prevention Act!]]> 32472 0 173 0 https://prairierivers.org/?p=32632 Mon, 10 Jun 2019 16:50:48 +0000 https://prairierivers.org/?p=32632 June 10, 2019 | Action Alert Help us protect communities and families from toxic coal ash. Ask the governor to sign the Coal Ash Pollution Protection Act!]]> 32632 0 159 0 https://prairierivers.org/?p=32769 Thu, 01 Aug 2019 13:00:43 +0000 https://prairierivers.org/?p=32769 ]]> August 1, 2019 | Action Alert Take Action! We need you to write Governor Pritzker and your Illinois Senator and Representative in Springfield!]]> 32769 0 147 0 https://prairierivers.org/?p=33522 Tue, 25 Feb 2020 12:00:23 +0000 https://prairierivers.org/?p=33522 ]]> February 25, 2020 | Action Alert | The National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) is under attack! Help save the foundation of environmental review!]]> 33522 0 106 0 https://prairierivers.org/uncategorized/2000/01/il-farm-burea/ Mon, 24 Jan 2000 16:08:49 +0000 http://newsite.prairierivers.org/?p=1020 Champaign, January 24, 2000: In its recently published 2000 Policy Resolutions, the Illinois Farm Bureau continued to stand by positions that are detrimental to Illinois’ rivers, water quality, and the environment in general. The annually published Policy Resolutions outline the positions that Farm Bureau lobbyists and public relations professionals will pursue with federal and state legislators and government officials. Prairie Rivers Network, a statewide river conservation group based in Champaign, has carefully reviewed Illinois Farm Bureau policies in the past. In 1999, Prairie Rivers Network published "Dirty Water, Dirty Business," a report on Illinois water quality, the impact of the agriculture industry on Illinois’ rivers, and the Illinois Farm Bureau’s stances on these issues. Copies of the report can be obtained by contacting Prairie Rivers Network."As in years past, the Illinois Farm Bureau continues to insist that the agriculture industry should not be held accountable for the water quality problems it causes," said Robert Moore, Executive Director of Prairie Rivers Network. Over 85% of the rivers that fail to meet state and federal water quality goals are impacted by pollution from the agriculture industry. According to Illinois EPA it will cost Illinois taxpayers tens of millions of dollars to correct the damage. "You’d think the Illinois Farm Bureau would be interested in finding long term solutions to problems caused by the agriculture industry," said Moore. "That’s what responsible advocates for other industry groups do." Many of the criticisms of Illinois Farm Bureau policies which Prairie Rivers raised in "Dirty Water, Dirty Business" remain true for 2000. Prairie Rivers’ examination showed little to no change in language on issues concerning agricultural pollution and environmental protection, river issues, water quality, river conservation districts, heritage areas, and wetlands. "The Illinois Farm Bureau has taken an obstructionist stance in the past, and will do so in the future," Moore stated. "In 2000, you can look for the Farm Bureau to attempt to disrupt the river clean-up plans required by the Clean Water Act, and work to exempt the agriculture industry from implementation of those plans." The agriculture industry is the number one source of water pollution in Illinois according to Illinois EPA and Illinois DNR. The Illinois EPA recently reported that almost 11,000 miles of streams are impaired by the agriculture industry. An additional 3,500 miles of streams are impaired by channelization, dredging, and streambank destabilization, which occur in large part from the activities of the agriculture industry. Some of Illinois Farm Bureau’s anti-environmental stances include:

• Opposing development of river clean-up plans, even though over 85% of the rivers not meeting water quality goals are impaired by agricultural pollutants;
• A continuing call for "sound science" that delays progress, drains research resources and taxpayer dollars, and diverts attention from the flood of existing scientific studies linking agriculture to water pollution and drinking water problems. The Tobacco Industry used the same tactic when scientific studies linked smoking to cancer;
• Actively resisting attempts to hold the agriculture industry accountable for the pollution it creates and ignoring the impacts it has on downstream landowners and communities. Illinois Farm Bureau supports voluntary, incentive-driven measures over any other solutions;
• Resisting the enforcement of environmental laws already on the books, and seeking to weaken these laws through lobbying efforts, including elements of the Clean Water Act and policies which protect wetlands; and
• Championing the rights of drainage and levee districts that are often involved with the physical destruction of streams and the degradation of water quality.

The Illinois Farm Bureau is the most visible representative of the agriculture industry in Illinois. While portraying itself as an advocate of family farmers, less than 27 per cent of its members could possibly be farmers. Many of its policy positions have more in common with the goals of large corporations and companies that sell farmers chemicals, seeds and equipment. The Illinois Farm Bureau owns in whole or in part insurance and agriculture companies, including companies that manufacture or sell agricultural chemicals, blurring the line between pursuing policies that benefit the agribusiness industry and policies that would benefit the family farmer. "Prairie Rivers recognizes the tremendous effort that Illinois’ family farmers have invested in conservation and stewardship efforts," said Moore. "It’s too bad the Illinois Farm Bureau hasn’t put forth a similar effort."]]> 1020 0 1206 0 https://prairierivers.org/uncategorized/1997/10/cwa-25/ Wed, 01 Oct 1997 16:10:30 +0000 http://newsite.prairierivers.org/?p=1023 WILL-AM 580 Commentary In 1972 Congress passed a law that said clean, safe water was not the privilege of a few, but the right of every American citizen.  That law was the Clean Water Act.  Rob Moore of Central States Education Center has this commentary. In 1972 water pollution couldn't be ignored in the US.  A few years earlier the whole nation watched as the Cuyahoga River in Ohio burst into flames.  Boston harbor was little more than a cesspool, and the Great Lakes, particularly Lake Michigan and Lake Erie, were declared biologically dead.  Outraged at what they saw happening, the American people demanded that their water be cleaned up and protected for future generations.As a result of the Clean Water Act we have seen a dramatic decrease in the amount of pollution reaching Illinois' groundwater and our rivers, lakes, and streams.  Before its passage, industrial polluters used our rivers as public sewers, making them unsuitable for fishing, drinking, or swimming.  Today, much of that pollution has ended and our rivers, and the communities along them, are better off as a result. Besides cleaning up industrial pollution, the Clean Water Act required communities to do a better job handling stormwater and sewage discharges.  Prior to 1972, a great deal of water pollution in Illinois came from cities and towns, which did little to treat their wastes before dumping them into our rivers. One can look at the Illinois River to see how the Clean Water Act has benefitted our state.  For years polluters in Chicago sent toxic chemicals and sewage into the Illinois.  In 1972 most of the Illinois River above Peoria was in poor condition.  Fish caught there were considered unsafe for human consumption.  Today the condition of the Upper Illinois is much improved.  The flow of pollution from Chicago and other towns on the Illinois has decreased and the river is slowly recovering. Because of the Clean Water Act canoeing, boating, and swimming are again popular on Lake Michigan, and the state's rivers and streams.  Hunting and fishing have been steadily rising on Illinois' waterways as a result of the increasing populations of sport fish, waterfowl, and other game.  Activities like hiking, camping, and birding are also on the rise along Illinois' waterways. But we remain far short of the original goal of making the nation's waters fishable and swimmable, chiefly because we haven't addressed all sources of water pollution and waterway degradation.  We have yet to deal with pollution caused by land-use activities, what's known as polluted run-off or non-point source pollution.  When rainwater and melting snow run off the land it carries pollution in the form of sediments, animal wastes, fertilizers, herbicides, and pesticides.  These materials find their way into our rivers and our groundwater eventually. Because of this polluted runoff rivers and reservoirs are filling in with silt; fish and aquatic life are threatened; downstream drinking water supplies are contaminated; and entire watersheds are at risk. One crucial missing piece to the water quality puzzle is wetlands.  Over 85% of Illinois' wetlands have been destroyed and our watersheds have paid the price.  Floods are more frequent and more destructive.  Clean groundwater resources are diminishing.  Wildlife populations, while recovering, are a shadow of what they were 50 years ago.  This happened because wetlands which absorbed the floods, recharged the groundwater, and filtered out pollutants no longer exist. The Clean Water Act is up for reauthorization soon and many in Congress want to weaken it. In 1995, Congress nearly gutted the Clean Water Act with a bill written by the polluters' lobbyists.  Fortunately, Congress learned that the American people care more about having clean water than saving the profit margins of corporate campaign donors. What we should do is think about what the Clean Water Act was intended to do: "restore and maintain the chemical, physical, and biological integrity of the nation's waters."  Restore and maintain.  The law was not intended to only clean up our polluted waters, but also protect and preserve our clean waters, and we're not doing an adequate job of that in Illinois.  While we're working to clean up the state's worst rivers we're allowing our highest quality waterways to back slide.  Instead of watching the slow degradation of our rivers and streams we need a policy of anti-degradation. So when reauthorization of the Clean Water Act comes up this year, think about what the Act has done for this country, this state, and your community.  The Great Lakes have been recovering, rivers and streams are running cleaner and clearer than at any point in the last 25 years, wildlife is returning to areas previously considered "dead", and most communities don't worry if their drinking water is safe. Strengthening the Clean Water Act is essential to protecting current and future generations' water.  It ensures that all states, all communities, and all citizens are entitled to clean water.  Without the Clean Water Act clean water is a privilege.  With the Clean Water Act it is a fundamental right...of everyone. I'm Rob Moore of Central States Education Center.]]> 1023 0 1209 0 https://prairierivers.org/uncategorized/1997/10/illinois-cwa-now/ Wed, 01 Oct 1997 16:12:13 +0000 http://newsite.prairierivers.org/?p=1027 25 Years With The Clean Water Act In 1972 a law was passed that made clean, safe water a right, not a privelege, of American citizens.  That law was the Clean Water Act.  The Clean Water Act has since gone on to be recognized as one of the most effective peices of legislation passed this century.  In the twenty-five years since its inception the Clean Water Act has drastically improved the quality of Illinois‚ water. Before the Clean Water Act Illinois‚ waters were in a highly degraded condition.  The Illinois River above Peoria was so heavily polluted that fish caught there were unsuitable for human consumption.  The same was true of Lake Michigan where heavy metals and other contaminants posed serious health risks to the human population living along its shores.  Throughout Illinois, groundwater, rivers, lakes, and streams were threatened by the actions of polluters. That began to change with the passage of the Clean Water Act on October 19, 1972.

Illnois‚ Successes Under the Clean Water Act

One of the biggest successes in Illinois has been the decrease in pollution being discharged directly into our rivers, lakes, and streams.  Such "point sources" of pollution had a major impact on the state‚s waterways.  Industrial polluters accounted for a great deal of the toxic chemicals being discharged directly into our waters previous to 1972, making them unsuitable for fishing, drinking, or even swimming. In addition the Clean Water Act required every community to build wastewater treatment plants.  Prior to 1972 one of the biggest polluters of Illinois‚ waterways was the discharge of wastes from local community‚s storm and sanitary sewer systems.  Now, the problems formerly caused by these uncontrolled discharges are largely a thing of the past. Because of the Clean Water Act we are seeing a resurgence in recreational uses of our waters.  Canoeing, boating, and swimming are again popular on Lake Michigan and the states 33,000 miles of interior waterways.  Hunting and fishing have been steadily rising on Illinois‚ rivers, lakes, and streams.  With improved water quality came the sport fish, waterfowl, and other wildlife that thrives in and around our rivers and streams.   Also recreational birding has been increasing within the state as a result of the cleaner waters and its attraction to migratory birds.  

We still have more to do

The Clean Water Act had the goal of making the waters of this nation fishable and swimmable by 1983.  Obviously, Illinois, and other states, have fallen far short of this goal. One of the biggest water quality problems facing Illinois is polluted runoff.  Polluted runoff contains sediment, animal wastes, fertilizers, herbicides,and pesticides.   After it rains or after snow melts, water runs across the land and picks up these contaminants from farms, construction sites, highways, and animal feedlots.   Contamination from such "nonpoint sources" of pollution contributes to the silting in of lakes and streams, algal blooms, and the contamination of downstream drinking water supplies. Another issue which has a great effect on water quality is protecting valuable ecosystems such as wetlands.  Under the Clean Water Act wetlands are supposed to be protected from activities that would fill them or drain them.  Over 95% of the state‚s wetlands have been destroyed.  These areas used not only provide habitat for wildlife, but also provided flood protection and acted as natural filter for removing pollutants from our water. Under the Clean Water Act Illinois EPA is required to adopt a policy which ensures the condition of the state‚s waterways will not "backslide" as a result of increased pollution.  This "anti-degradation" policy is supposed to protect those water resources that enjoy higher than normal water quality.  However, Illinois has not adopted a policy that adequately accomplishes this important task.  As a result some of the state‚s few remaining pristine waterways are in decline as a result of increased pollution.

The future of the Clean Water Act

Ensuring the future of the Clean Water Act is essential to protecting current and future generations‚ water.  The role of the federal government is essential to safeguarding the quality of America‚s water.  Without nationwide standards a "race to the bottom" might ensue among states trying to lure industries with low water quality standards.  The Clean Water Act ensures that all states, all communities, and all citizens are entitled to clean water.  Without the Clean Water Act clean water is a privelege.  With the Clean Water Act it is a fundamental right.]]> 1027 0 1208 0 https://prairierivers.org/articles/2011/02/victory-for-springfield-dam-opponents/ Mon, 07 Feb 2011 17:29:02 +0000 http://prairierivers.org/?p=5404 previous post. [caption id="attachment_5407" align="alignright" width="300"] Anti-Hunter Dam Brochure by CSWU, a Springfield-based citizen's group[/caption]

It appears the Army Corps of Engineers may agree with us. The Corps has found  CWLP’s analysis of the environmental impacts of the dam unacceptable  and will require CWLP,  if it still wants a permit, to reexamine the feasibility of using the gravel pits as a water supply.

Here is a link to a project factsheet by the US Army Corps of Engineers: http://www2.mvr.usace.army.mil/Projects/dsp_factsheet.cfm?ProjID=F5A05759-FBBA-DA94-102FB1854749E477

Prairie Rivers Network applauds the Army Corps of Engineers for standing firm and requiring adequate study and consideration of alternatives to this harmful and unnecessary project.

]]> 5404 0 819 0 https://prairierivers.org/articles/1999/09/stewardship-and-the-watershed-community/ Tue, 14 Sep 1999 21:59:22 +0000 http://newsite.prairierivers.org/news/stewardship-and-the-watershed-community By Robert J. Moore, Executive Director-Prairie Rivers NetworkWe all live upstream from someone. To convince yourself of this fact, take your coffee outside, pour it on the ground and ask yourself the following. "Into what river or stream will it flow?" Depending on where you live in Champaign County, it could ultimately reach the Sangamon, Kaskaskia, Vermilion, or Embarras River. Champaign County is the origin of these rivers. It is why this area is often referred to as the "Headwaters Region" of Illinois. the source of water for numerous communities downstream of Champaign-Urbana. Trace the path of these rivers on a map. Find the towns and cities along them? Decatur, Tuscola, Sidney, Villa Grove, Charleston. You probably have friends or relatives that live in these communities. Besides the coffee you just sacrificed, what else are we sending to those communities via these rivers? These are fundamental questions we must answer to understand a watershed and our role in the watershed community. In a nutshell, a watershed is the land that drains to a common waterbody, be it river, lake, or stream. This is your watershed, and everything within those boundaries is part of your watershed community. Living in the headwaters of so many watershed communities, people in this area have a special responsibility to those who live downstream. The pollution we generate will ultimately impact our downstream neighbors. Pollution from factories, sewage from nearby towns, and chemicals from surrounding farmfields all find their way into our rivers and travel downstream. As good neighbors and as responsible stewards every member of the watershed community should strive to minimize the problems they pass on to those living downstream. In the last twenty-seven years we have worked to minimize water pollution. The passage of the Clean Water Act and the Safe Drinking Water Act guaranteed Americans the right to clean and safe water. At the same time these laws gave us all the responsibility for keeping our waters clean and safe. And many of us are taking that responsibility very seriously. Companies are trying to meet state and federal standards for water pollution. Cities and towns do likewise, treating sewage and meeting guidelines for the quality of their stormwater. They do this not just because they are stewards, but because the watershed community, all of us, have demanded they do so. The result of these efforts ? our most polluted streams have seen improvements in water quality. But much work remains and many problems have gone unsolved. This is particularly true in the case of runoff from agricultural lands. For over sixty years farmers and landowners have had an alphabet soup of programs available to them to address polluted runoff. Thousands of farmers throughout Illinois have participated in these programs and hundreds of millions of dollars have been spent to provide farmers with assistance to deal with polluted runoff from their lands. Clearly many farmers have a strong sense of stewardship. They care deeply about the land they farm and the impact they have on the watershed community. But we cannot ignore the largest source of water pollution in Illinois ? agricultural runoff. There is a flood of scientific research that proves this to be the case. In Illinois over 85 percent of our impaired river miles are impaired by the agriculture industry. These water quality problems are well documented?soil erosion and sedimentation, channelization and dredging, as well as the runoff of farm chemicals like fertilizers, herbicides, and pesticides. The impacts can be seen locally. Flooding on the Salt Fork. Nitrates in the water supplies of Danville and Decatur. Similar problems in Charleston and Mattoon. Many farmers are voluntarily taking steps to help those living downstream. They manage their land in a way that helps control runoff?as any responsible member of the watershed community would. Many use conservation practices on their farms to minimize downstream impacts. Unfortunately, many do not. 700,000 acres of Illinois farmland have been enrolled in farm conservation programs. While that’s a lot of farmland, it is only 2.4 percent of the 27 million acres of farmland in Illinois. In other words, over 97 percent of Illinois’ farmland is not benefiting from federal and state conservation incentive programs. Those living downstream also do not benefit. Does this mean farmers on that 97 percent of the land are not good stewards? Not at all. Many farmers are proud of the conservation ethic they practice, a conservation ethic taught by generations of fathers and uncles. But many farmers today don’t have the time or the resources to practice the ideals of good stewardship. The agriculture industry does not have the time or the patience for such idealism. Farming has changed in the last three decades. As in other parts of the business world? bigger is better. Farms are larger than ever and to work such enormous swaths of land farmers must be more efficient and more productive. This type of farming has become less about family, less about community, and less about stewardship. It has become more about mechanization, productivity, and business. Farm chemical use has skyrocketed in the last 30 years. More than 95 percent of our corn acreage has herbicides and pesticides applied to it. A similar percentage of land is treated with chemical fertilizers. We now have crops that are genetically altered so that herbicides can be applied in high amounts. Farming has indeed changed, as has the watershed community. When the Clean Water Act was passed in 1972, we sought immediate solutions to the most obvious pollution problems ? industrial waste and municipal sewage. The Clean Water Act helped convince industries and cities to minimize pollution before it became a problem for those downstream. They were convinced because the law required them to change the way they did business?to be held accountable for their stewardship. Before the Clean Water Act, we relied on industry’s sense of volunteerism to protect our waters, and our waters suffered. Today, in Illinois and across the nation, we are depending on the agriculture industry’s sense of volunteerism and stewardship to address the increasing problem of polluted runoff. So far, that record of volunteerism shows painfully slow progress. The agriculture industry must increase its effort to be responsible stewards. The industry must become an active participant in the watershed community. Our family farmers would like nothing more than to practice the type of stewardship their fathers and grandfathers practiced, maintaining the long-term health of the soil and the waters while at the same time forging a life for themselves by working the land. This conservation ethic runs deep in the tradition of the American family farmer. Unfortunately, the agriculture industry, like all large-scale industries, is competitive. The margins of error for the family farmer are small. All too often the agriculture industry fails to provide adequate assistance to those upon whom their foundation is built?the family farmer. The family farmer is doing all they can ? the agriculture industry must do more. Prairie Rivers Network has worked for years to protect Illinois’ natural resources. We are constantly looking for ways to work with those interested in safeguarding our rivers and our streams from the effects of pollution. But we cannot do it alone, nor can anybody else. It takes an effort from everybody in the watershed community, including the agriculture industry. We would like to invite all members of the agriculture industry to work with us. Maybe we can begin making progress together if we all sit down and discuss it ? perhaps over a cup of coffee.]]> 12848 0 1207 0 https://prairierivers.org/?p=33566 Tue, 10 Mar 2020 16:58:40 +0000 https://prairierivers.org/?p=33566 ]]> March 10, 2020 | Action Alert | We need you to ask your congressperson to support legislation that will protect those most affected by America’s declining demand for coal. ]]> 33566 0 102 0 https://prairierivers.org/?p=33639 Tue, 14 Apr 2020 13:39:05 +0000 https://prairierivers.org/?p=33639 ]]> April 14, 2020 | Action Alert | Tell Congress the Upper Mississippi River needs an Integrated Water Management Plan! Take action today!]]> 33639 0 94 0 https://prairierivers.org/?p=33728 Mon, 04 May 2020 18:27:15 +0000 https://prairierivers.org/?p=33728 ]]> May 4, 2020 | Action Alert | Take action today to delay fossil fuel bailouts and save Illinoisans money on their energy bills!]]> 33728 0 85 0 https://prairierivers.org/?p=33782 Tue, 19 May 2020 13:31:46 +0000 https://prairierivers.org/?p=33782 ]]> May 19, 2020 | Action Alert | Help ensure our economic recovery is both clean and just by contacting your legislators today and ask them to support the Clean Energy Jobs Act!]]> 33782 0 79 0 https://prairierivers.org/?p=33899 Thu, 02 Jul 2020 14:19:57 +0000 https://prairierivers.org/?p=33899 ]]> July 2, 2020 | Action Alert Take action today against Bayer/Monsanto's petition and prevent five dangerous herbicides from being sprayed throughout the growing season!]]> 33899 0 70 0 https://prairierivers.org/uncategorized/2020/07/take-action-by-july-15th/ Tue, 14 Jul 2020 16:31:23 +0000 https://prairierivers.org/?p=33909 ]]> July 14, 2020 | Action Alert | Tell your representative in Washington to support science on the Upper Mississippi River! Take action today! ]]> 33909 0 68 0 https://prairierivers.org/?p=34079 Tue, 18 Aug 2020 20:38:34 +0000 https://prairierivers.org/?p=34079 ]]> August 18, 2020 | Action Alert | The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency is reconsidering the permitted use of dicamba, a potent herbicide that is known to drift onto other crops and orchards, and into forests and backyard habitats.]]> 34079 0 57 0 https://prairierivers.org/?p=34123 Wed, 02 Sep 2020 18:36:23 +0000 https://prairierivers.org/?p=34123 ]]> September 3, 2020 | Action Alert | We need you to write Springfield today! Tell Illinois’ leaders to pass CEJA this fall!]]> 34123 0 54 0 https://prairierivers.org/?p=34211 Tue, 06 Oct 2020 20:25:55 +0000 https://prairierivers.org/?p=34211 ]]> October 6, 2020 | Action Alert | Tell the Illinois Pollution Control Board about the risks of coal ash near you, and what protections would be best!]]> 34211 0 49 0 https://prairierivers.org/?p=34219 Tue, 29 Sep 2020 19:46:53 +0000 https://prairierivers.org/?p=34219 ]]> September 29, 2020 | Action Alert Ameren Illinois is trying to cripple a program called that compensates residential solar customers when they produce more energy than they need.]]> 34219 0 51 0 https://prairierivers.org/?p=34303 Mon, 23 Nov 2020 22:03:18 +0000 https://prairierivers.org/?p=34303 Lake Michigan Chicago. (Photo credit: Frank McNamara Flickr)[/caption] This is a tremendous opportunity for Illinois to create a bold, inclusive vision for Illinois’ water, so Prairie Rivers Network has several staff working with state agency personnel to ensure that the plan protects public health and the environment. We need YOU to weigh in and tell the state that this plan is important and that it must prioritize public health and the environment. We can’t overstate this enough -- YOUR INPUT IS IMPORTANT!

There Are Two Ways You Can Help!

1. Take a Public Survey, available in English and in Spanish.

Fill out the survey according to your own interests and concerns. If you need some guidance, here are a few recommendations from our perspective:

• Question #2 - Be sure to tell them Prairie Rivers Network sent you.
• Question #3 - Navigation is not a high priority, and in fact, the health of our rivers has been sacrificed for decades to benefit the navigation industry. It is also a terrible economic investment, with taxpayer dollars subsidizing a river-wrecking industry that can’t afford to pay its own way. There are countless better uses for the money, including preparing for and adapting to climate change. Prairie Rivers Network believes navigation to be of the lowest priority on this list.
• Question #4 - Other issues that should be addressed: Equity and access to resources should be prioritized throughout all the issue areas.
• Question #7 - The future of water resources management must, first and foremost, prioritize human health and the environment over polluting and climate-wrecking industries. Climate change must be addressed and planned for, and equity and justice must be centered so that all Illinoisans have access to and can enjoy clean water, vibrant communities, and a healthy environment.

This survey is quite short and should only take a few minutes to complete, so please do so now.

2. Attend any of the three virtual public meetings that the State will host on December 1, 2, and 3, 2020.

Details about the meetings are available on the State Water Plan website. Visit the site for information on meeting times and for links to join the virtual meetings. We want you to tell the State of Illinois how passionate you are about protecting Illinois’ water resources. It’s particularly important to tell the state that public health and the environment, including ensuring clean, safe drinking water to all residents, should be the highest priority. We encourage you to share this email with others; we need as many of you to participate as possible! If you are unable to attend the public meetings but still want to comment, you can email your comments to the State of Illinois at dnr.owrplanning@illlinois.gov. If you have any questions at all, please contact Prairie Rivers Network staff member Robert Hirschfeld at rhirschfeld@prairierivers.org.]]> November 23, 2020 | Action Alert | We need you to weigh in on the Illinois State Water Plan to tell the state that the plan must prioritize public health and the environment.]]> 34303 0 37 0 https://prairierivers.org/?p=34434 Tue, 12 Jan 2021 19:13:15 +0000 https://prairierivers.org/?p=34434 ]]> January 12, 2021 | Action Alert | Tell your legislators to invest in clean jobs across the state while also creating the new Jobs and Environmental Justice Seed Funding Program TODAY!]]> 34434 0 27 0 https://prairierivers.org/?p=39022 Tue, 09 Feb 2021 19:50:53 +0000 https://prairierivers.org/?p=39022 ]]> February 9, 2021 | Action Alert | We need you to write Springfield today, and tell Illinois’ leaders to pass the Clean Energy Jobs Act!]]> 39022 0 22 0 https://prairierivers.org/?p=39073 Thu, 31 Dec 2020 17:41:25 +0000 https://prairierivers.org/?p=39073 2020 Accomplishments While 2020 was fraught with a number of challenges in our efforts to protect water, heal land, and inspire change, there were amazing bright spots. This is just a taste of some of the progress we have made in safeguarding Illinois’ environment.

Protect Water

[caption id="attachment_34386" align="alignright" width="300"] Kaskaskia River[/caption] Following 2019's win with the Coal Ash Pollution Prevention Act, our energy team worked hard to ensure the rules that regulate coal ash are as strong and protective as possible. The rulemaking process continued despite the COVID-19 crisis with virtual hearings in August and September, 2020. Scores of folks signed our petition, and over a hundred people spoke at the online hearing. We joined partners in several lawsuits challenging the harmful practices of several federal agencies. We worked together against the Trump administration’s EPA, the Fish & Wildlife Service, and the Army Corps of Engineers to ensure better protection for wetlands and headwater streams, Lake Sturgeon, and the Mississippi River. Our Clean Water Act lawsuit against Dynegy for illegal discharges on the Middle Fork of the Vermilion River made progress in 2020 after some initial setbacks. The lawsuit received national attention as one of the first applications of an important US Supreme Court decision on a similar Clean Water Act case in Maui. PRN fought another attempt by Dynegy to have the case dismissed, and we’ll continue fighting to protect the Middle Fork, Illinois’ only National Scenic River. The Illinois State Water Plan is being updated for the first time in 40 years. The plan provides guidance on how the state manages water resources, covering issues from water quality and climate change to recreation and equity of access. This is a tremendous opportunity for Illinois to create a bold, inclusive vision for Illinois’ water resources, and PRN has several staff working with state agency personnel to ensure that the plan protects public health and the environment.

Heal Land

In August 2020, PRN, the National Wildlife Federation, and the Xerces Society published a report titled Drifting Toward Disaster: How Dicamba Herbicides are Harming Cultivated and Wild Landscapes. “In Illinois we’ve seen firsthand the effect that herbicide drift has on public and private lands, wildlife habitat, and farms that grow sensitive crops,” said Kim Erndt-Pitcher, PRN Habitat and Agriculture Programs Specialist. “The EPA seems more concerned with the needs of industry and manufacturers than those of farmers and the environment.” We continue to work with our partners in Regenerate IL, a statewide network with a mission to cultivate an equitable food system. Together we are connecting all groups and individuals working to create a food and farming system for Illinois that is just, fair, and based on regenerative agriculture. Our work with farmers is also drawing connections to the ways they are fighting climate change and benefiting from renewable energy. With partners we featured a small farm’s solar array on a video tour and co-hosted a webinar on climate change and its impact on southern Illinois farming.

Inspire Change

[caption id="attachment_34400" align="alignright" width="300"] Clean Energy Lobby Day in Springfield in early March[/caption] Before the COVID-19 restrictions were put in place, PRN helped plan two major events in Springfield. With the help of longtime PRN member Chris Main and her group of volunteers, we gathered signatures on an important petition in support of the Clean Energy Jobs Act (CEJA). In total, Illinois Clean Jobs Coalition groups gathered more than 23,000 signatures for CEJA, which we helped deliver to the Governor in January. In early March 2020, over 700 advocates from across the state descended on the Capitol to push for CEJA passage. Due to COVID, we couldn’t hold another in-person lobby day, but in November, over 1,000 people participated in a Virtual Lobby Day for CEJA! Many took part in a week of action that culminated with legislator meetings over Zoom and then a virtual rally. During the summer, PRN worked with partners to develop policies that advance racial and socioeconomic justice, helping shape workforce and Black, Indigenous and People of Color (BIPOC) contractor development programs, and a policy that increases funding for Illinois’ low income solar program. We continue to advocate for a comprehensive energy bill that centers on equity and brings all Illinoisans into a clean energy future. We are helping the IDEA Farm Network (IFN) grow and improve. The Network now has over 500 members, up from 425 last year. During the pandemic, the IFN has held virtual field days and tailgate conversations to help farmers connect with each other when they would otherwise meet in person, walk fields, and share their stories of regenerative farming together. Despite COVID-19, the group continues to share and grow.

Read More

The 2020 Annual Report is here! More on our accomplishments can be read in our Fall/Winter 2020 Newsletter.

Accomplishments from Previous Years

2019 ACCOMPLISHMENTS 2018 ACCOMPLISHMENTS 2017 ACCOMPLISHMENTS 2016 ACCOMPLISHMENTS 2015 ACCOMPLISHMENTS 2014 ACCOMPLISHMENTS 2013 ACCOMPLISHMENTS 2012 ACCOMPLISHMENTS 2011 ACCOMPLISHMENTS 2010 ACCOMPLISHMENTS 2009 ACCOMPLISHMENTS 2008 ACCOMPLISHMENTS 2007 ACCOMPLISHMENTS 2006 ACCOMPLISHMENTS 2005 ACCOMPLISHMENTS 2004 ACCOMPLISHMENTS 2003 ACCOMPLISHMENTS 2002 ACCOMPLISHMENTS 2000 ACCOMPLISHMENTS  ]]> December 31, 2020 | Blog Post Look at what we accomplished with your help in 2020!]]> 39073 0 14 0 https://prairierivers.org/?p=39344 https://prairierivers.org/?p=39344 Sandy Bales and Nan Ehrlich[/caption]

Unbounded Energy

When a dam proposed for the Sangamon threatened the University of Illinois’ Allerton Park, Nan joined the Committee on Allerton, the “ancestor” organization of Prairie Rivers Network. She brought to the fledgling organization unbounded energy, superb writing skills, and important contacts with community members as well as political insights honed in her work among diverse local and statewide groups and her position as the Executive Director of the Illinois Public Transit Association. She diligently monitored area-wide press coverage of the battle and helped ensure accurate reporting of the committee’s work. In January 1973, the Committee formed the Coalition on American Rivers, incorporating as a non tax-exempt organization so its members had the right to lobby elected officials on behalf of rivers. Nan joined the Board of Directors, becoming its secretary-treasurer. As the Coalition undertook work that ultimately led to changes in federal policy regarding flood control dams and waterways, Nan provided valuable advice and unwavering support to the board. She also befriended and mentored the group’s first paid employee, the young Executive Director, John Marlin.

A Bridge Between Successes

In late 1983, with battles over dams drawing to a close and the organization existing only on paper, it was reborn as the Central States Education Center and turned its attention to pollution flowing into waterways, particularly from landfills. Nan became the bridge between the Allerton successes and waste victories the revived organization achieved. She was the wise soul counseling another very young new Executive Director, John Thompson. She was the mother hen, gathering the ever-growing flock of youthful employees and University of Illinois student volunteers for an outing to her secluded retreat near the Salt Fork River. She kept the reborn group steady during rough periods of funding. Nan retired from the Board of Directors just before the group became Prairie Rivers Network, promoting clean water and ecological health for all Illinois waters. But she never retired her enthusiasm for and generous support of the beloved organization or the friendship she shared with its founding members and their families. It’s safe to say that as Prairie Rivers Network celebrates successes now and in the future, we are benefiting from the continuing influence of Nan Ehrlich. ]]> 39344 0 1 0 https://prairierivers.org/articles/2000/12/2000-accomplishments/ Sun, 31 Dec 2000 18:39:03 +0000 http://newsite.prairierivers.org/?p=351 New Law Protects State's Largest Rivers Working with Representative Kurt Granberg (D-Carlyle), Prairie Rivers helped pass House Bill 3093, making it illegal for landowners to clearcut trees along the state's largest rivers, also known as public, or navigable, waterways. The legislation protects these rivers from streambank erosion and preserves valuable riparian habitat.

Second Annual Salt Fork River Clean-Up

Prairie Rivers, with the Champaign County Forest Preserve District, the Salt Fork River Partners, and the Izaak Walton League, attracted 125 volunteers to the October river clean-up, despite less than ideal weather. While cleaning trash from the stream, volunteers gained new awareness of the need to protect and cherish this Champaign County resource.

Reducing Pollution to our Rivers

We reviewed and commented on over 60 requests submitted to Illinois EPA by industries, municipalities, and others who wanted permits to dump more pollutants into Illinois streams. We also testified at 8 public hearings, challenging plans to dump pollution into Illinois' rivers. Through these steps we helped ensure that pollution was reduced in over half the permits we challenged and that steps would be taken to protect and preserve Illinois' flowing waters.

Outreach and Education

To enlist citizens from across the state in efforts to restore and preserve Illinois' streams and rivers, we presented Illinois Rivers: Alteration of a Landscape, our slide show about Illinois, its history, and the rivers' place in that history, reaching over 1,200 people in 30 communities. We published our quarterly Prairie River Notes and distributed it to 350 individuals and organizations, including members of the media, and also published the Prairie Rivers Directory to more than 200 groups and agencies interested in river conservation in Illinois. With the Illinois Student Environmental Network we co-hosted the 2000 Watershed Training Conference. Experts on river conservation and clean water policies from across the nation to taight 112 students and watershed group leaders how they can protect their rivers, particularly by using the Clean Water Act.

Exposed Illinois Farm Bureau

We published Dirty Water, Dirty Business, exposing how the Farm Bureau, the self-appointed leader of the agricultural industry, routinely blocks initiatives to promote water quality improvement and river conservation. We also issued several press releases on the Bureau's activities and sent sign-on letters from 29 organizations to the Farm Bureau requesting that they become part of the solution to agricultural pollution, instead of part of the problem.]]> 351 0 1190 0 https://prairierivers.org/uncategorized/2001/06/farm-bill/ Wed, 20 Jun 2001 15:34:43 +0000 http://newsite.prairierivers.org/?p=969 Champaign, June 20, 2001:  Prairie Rivers Network staff traveled to Washington, D.C. earlier this week to lobby Congress for strong voluntary conservation incentives in the upcoming 2002 Farm Bill.  The 2002 Farm Bill will set the standard for U.S. agricultural policy on Illinois’ working lands and is a tremendous opportunity to restore and maintain water quality, as well as conserve habitat and wildlife through voluntary incentive programs, according to Prairie Rivers Network. "Illinois farmers are the state’s most important natural resource managers," said Marc Miller, Watershed Organizer for Prairie Rivers Network.  "Reauthorizing and expanding Farm Bill conservation programs is the best way to give Illinois farmers the tools they need to make the state’s working lands an asset for people, water quality, habitat and wildlife."Reauthorizing and expanding voluntary programs such as the Conservation Reserve Program (CRP), the Wetlands Reserve Program (WRP), Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP), and the Wildlife Habitat Incentives Program (WHIP), while retaining disincentives for bad practices, during the upcoming reauthorization is critical for water quality and conservation. "With over 77 percent of Illinois land in agricultural production, we need to make conservation of working lands the centerpiece of the Farm Bill," said Miller. Miller met with Congressmen and staffs of 16 of Illinois’ 22 representatives, including Congressmen Jerry Weller (R ­ 11th), Jerry Costello (D ­ 12th), Tim Johnson (R ­15th), and David Phelps (D ­ 19th).  Photos available upon request. Prairie Rivers Network is a statewide river conservation organization working on water quality and river conservation issues throughout Illinois.]]> 969 0 1186 0 https://prairierivers.org/uncategorized/2001/05/subsidizing-pollution/ Thu, 10 May 2001 15:36:00 +0000 http://newsite.prairierivers.org/?p=972 Springfield—May 10, 2001:  Prairie Rivers Network is calling on Governor Ryan to stop giving taxpayer dollars to coal companies, particularly when coal mines threaten water quality and place high quality streams at risk. Over 1,000 miles of Illinois streams are currently polluted by coal companies in Illinois.  Despite the devastating environmental impacts of coal mining and the costly cleanup—which taxpayers will pay for—Governor Ryan continues to subsidize coal mines. Last year the Department of Commerce and Community Affairs (DCCA) handed out $11.6 million to coal companies, often to mines that caused severe levels of water pollution."Subsidizing the coal industry is bad enough, but it’s even worse when coal mines are exempt from water pollution regulations," said Robert Moore, Executive Director of Prairie Rivers Network.  He says it’s not a mystery why more than 1,000 miles of Illinois streams are impacted by coal mines.  Coal mines are exempt from meeting the Clean Water Act in Illinois. Numerous bills are moving through the General Assembly that encourage the use of Illinois coal and further subsidize coal mines.  If signed into law, they could increase the risk to Illinois’ streams. A new mine in Vermilion County illustrates the problems caused by subsidizing coal companies. Black Beauty Coal received $700,000 from Governor Ryan to operate mines in Vermilion County.  Black Beauty is owned by Peabody Coal Company, the world’s largest coal producer. Black Beauty Coal Co. is now building a new mine on the Little Vermilion River, one of the state’s most outstanding streams.  The mine is near an Illinois Nature Preserve and the water supply for the communities of Georgetown and Olivet.  Three state protected species—the Bigeye Shiner, the Little Spectaclecase Mussel, and the Slippershell Mussel—are known to exist in the area. Illinois EPA and Illinois DNR both issued permits to build and operate the mine in December of last year.  Within weeks of beginning construction Black Beauty Coal Company had thirteen violations of its water pollution permit. Because Illinois EPA did not take corrective action, Prairie Rivers Network has been forced to take matters into its own hands and are preparing to file a federal lawsuit. "It’s not right that Illinois citizens have to enforce our environmental laws, while tax dollars are used to subsidize pollution by coal companies," said Moore. Prairie Rivers maintains that the increased subsidies and incentives for coal mining will lead to more cases like the one on the Little Vermilion River. "You’re going to see a lot of high quality streams affected by coal mines," said Moore. Coal mines are not required to meet water quality standards in Illinois—the standards established to protect our water resources and make sure they are safe for drinking, swimming, and fishing.  Furthermore, the coal industry is not required to review a mine’s impacts to water quality and populations of fish and mussels, like every other industry in the state must.  Prairie Rivers has been pushing Illinois EPA to close this loophole. Unless Governor Ryan directs Illinois EPA to properly regulate coal companies—and stops giving taxpayer dollars away to mines that pollute—problems will continue. "It’s a bad situation," stated Moore.  "The Governor’s handing out millions to an industry that’s exempt from water quality regulations. We want this practice to stop." Last week Illinois EPA notified the public that it would issue permits to two mines in Southern Illinois that are already contributing to water quality problems. The Knight Hawk Coal Co. and S. Coal Co. discharge mine effluent to Beaucoup Creek, Bonnie Creek and the Big Muddy River.  All of these streams are impaired by coal mine pollution and the Agency is beginning a costly clean up effort at public expense this summer.  Knight Hawk also received $154,000 from DCCA. "The Governor has the power and the responsibility to protect our rivers and our natural resources," said Moore.  "He should direct Illinois EPA to hold coal companies accountable for the water quality problems they cause and he should stop the flow of tax dollars to coal companies that are polluting of our rivers."]]> 972 0 1187 0 https://prairierivers.org/uncategorized/2001/04/black-beauty/ Fri, 20 Apr 2001 15:38:28 +0000 http://newsite.prairierivers.org/?p=975 PRAIRIE RIVERS TO TAKE ACTION IF ILLEGAL POLLUTION DOES NOT CEASE Champaign, April 20, 2001:  Black Beauty Coal Company’s Vermilion Grove Mine releasd over one ton of material into a small creek in direct violation of its water pollution permit. Prairie Rivers has notified Black Beauty of its intent to file a lawsuit if the illicit discharges, and other permit violations, are not corrected. In February Black Beauty Coal Company illegally discharged over one ton of sediment and suspended solids into a creek on the west side of the Vermilion Grove Mine. Prairie Rivers Network uncovered this information while reviewing Illinois EPA documents concerning the mine. A water pollution permit for the Vermilion Grove Mine was issued by Illinois EPA on December 27, 2000. "Just weeks after beginning operations, they’d illegally dumped over one ton of material into a small creek," said Robert Moore, Executive Director of Prairie Rivers Network. Prairie Rivers has opposed the mine for over a year and has repeatedly warned that the mine would release pollution that could harm water quality in the region, including Georgetown’s drinking water supply. "They can’t even comply with a permit which was underprotective in the first place," added Moore. Today Prairie Rivers Network notified Black Beauty Coal Company that it would file suit under the federal Clean Water Act within 60 days unless the illegal discharges cease.  Under the Clean Water Act citizens are required to give the offender 60 days notice before filing suit.  USEPA Administrator Christie Todd Whitman, U.S. Attorney General John Ashcroft, Illinois Attorney General Jim Ryan, Illinois EPA Director Tom Skinner, and Governor George Ryan were also notified of Prairie Rivers’ actions. According to documents submitted by Black Beauty to Illinois EPA the company exceeded the Daily Maximum and 30 Day Average Concentration Limits for Total Suspended Solids that were specified in its water pollution permit.  Total Suspended Solids includes particles of organic matter and soil that cloud water and lead to siltation.  Lake Georgetown is already impaired by excessive siltation. The discharges, which took place in February, cumulatively dumped more than one ton of sediment into a small creek on the west side of the mine.  Other violations of certain monitoring provisions in the permit were also documented by Prairie Rivers Network. Illinois EPA has not initiated any type of enforcement action at this time.  Moore said, "Prairie Rivers has been concerned about pollution from the mine since it was first proposed." Prairie Rivers Network is currently appealing the water pollution permit on the grounds that the permit conditions are not protective of water quality.  Prairie Rivers also maintains that the mine poses a threat to three state protected species known to exist in the river.  The Illinois Pollution Control Board will hear the appeal on May 1st and 2nd. The mining permit issued by Illinois Department of Natural Resources is also being appealed by Prairie Rivers Network.  The organization maintains that the mine will degrade water quality and that the permit should never have been issued because of past violations of environmental laws and regulations by Black Beauty and its parent company, Peabody Coal. Last year Governor George Ryan gave Black Beauty $700,000 to support their mines in the area near the Vermilion Grove Mine.]]> 975 0 1188 0 https://prairierivers.org/uncategorized/2001/04/conservation-award/ Sat, 14 Apr 2001 15:40:33 +0000 http://newsite.prairierivers.org/?p=978 Champaign, April 14, 2001:  The Illinois Division of the Izaak Walton League of America (IWLA) presented a "Special Conservation Award" to Prairie Rivers Network at the IWLA Illinois Division Annual Meeting in Decatur this past weekend. Marc Miller, Watershed Organizaer, accepted the award for Prairie Rivers. This award recognized Prairie Rivers Network’s "tireless efforts to promote conservation by working to restore and protect Illinois streams, rivers and watersheds."   Prairie Rivers Network was the only organization recognized this year for its achievements. Robert Moore, Executive Director of Prairie Rivers Network said, "We are grateful for this recognition from the Izaak Walton League, and look forward to working with their members around the state to protect the state’s rivers and the fish and wildlife that depend on them." Prairie Rivers Network is the only state-wide river conservation organization in Illinois.  The organization was formed in 1967, and is based in Champaign. The Izaak Walton League was founded in 1922 as a national organization of hunters, anglers and other conservation-minded outdoor enthusiasts who work to ensure the sustainable use of America’s natural resources.  There is a Champaign County chapter of the IWLA. Prairie Rivers Network’s conservation accomplishments, recognized by IWLA, included:

• Keeping 1.5 million pounds of pollution out of Illinois streams by pushing for tighter controls on water pollution control permits issued to polluters;
• Presenting educational programs on river conservation throughout the state;
• Helped create and pass legislation making it illegal to clearcut trees along 5,000 miles of the state’s largest rivers;
• Worked with Illinois EPA to protect 23 high quality streams from sewage treatment discharges; and,
• Coordinated the 5 day Rivers 2000 "Pass the Paddle" Campaign for river stewardship in Illinois, which Governor Ryan proclaimed "Rivers 2000 Celebration Days."

]]> 978 0 1189 0 https://prairierivers.org/uncategorized/2001/01/vermilion-grove-mine/ Wed, 31 Jan 2001 15:42:20 +0000 http://newsite.prairierivers.org/?p=981 First Ever Appeal of Water Pollution Permit in Illinois Champaign, January 31, 2001:  On Wednesday, January 31st Prairie Rivers Network appealed a water pollution permit granted to Black Beauty Coal Company by Illinois EPA. The appeal was filed with the Illinois Pollution Control Board and requested that the Board review Illinois EPA’s decision to allow the proposed Vermilion Grove Mine to be built on the banks of the Little Vermilion River, south of Danville, Illinois. This will be the first time the Illinois Pollution Control Board hears an appeal of a water pollution permit from a third party.Prairie Rivers Network contends that the proposed mine could devastate the Little Vermilion River.  The Little Vermilion is one of the highest quality streams in the state, providing some of the last remaining habitat for three state protected species of fish and mussels.  Just downstream is one of the only state nature preserves dedicated to protecting aquatic habitats.  In addition the mine also poses a grave threat to Lake Georgetown, which serves as the drinking water supply for the village of Georgetown and is just downstream of the mining site. Prairie Rivers Network’s Executive Director, Robert Moore, stated, "This mine could be disastrous for the Little Vermilion, Lake Georgetown, the protected species, and the quality of life of those that will have to live with the mine." The Environmental Law and Policy Center of the Midwest is representing Prairie Rivers Network in the appeal. The appeal will focus on the inadequacy of Illinois EPA’s water quality analysis, that toxic levels of pollution will be released, and that the mine will exacerbate existing water quality problems in the area. "This is a serious blow to efforts throughout the state to protect our high quality streams from pollution," said Moore.  "If they can permit something like this on the Little Vermilion, they could allow it on any stream and in anybody’s backyard in Illinois." The mine has been the center of controversy for almost a year.  Black Beauty Coal, a subsidiary of Peabody Coal and the owner of the proposed Vermilion Grove Mine, received $700,000 from the state to develop coal resources in the area — a decision made by Governor Ryan which did not please local residents. Residents have repeatedly expressed concerns about the impact of the mine on their families’ health, their drinking water, and on the river itself. In addition to the water pollution permit issued by Illinois EPA, the Illinois Department of Natural Resources’ Office of Mines and Minerals issued a mining permit to Black Beauty.  Prairie Rivers Network requested an administrative hearing on that decision last week. Numerous state and local government offices, organizations, and private citizens have voiced intense opposition to the proposed mine and have testified to Illinois EPA and the Office of Mines and Minerals that permits should not be issued. For more information contact: Robert Moore, Executive Director Prairie Rivers Network Office:  (217) 344-2371 Mobile:  (217) 493-7661 Albert Ettinger, Senior Attorney Environmental Law & Policy Center of the Midwest Office:  (312) 795-3707]]> 981 0 1191 0 https://prairierivers.org/uncategorized/2000/10/little-vermilion-river/ Wed, 25 Oct 2000 15:45:29 +0000 http://newsite.prairierivers.org/?p=984 Champaign, October 25, 2000:  The Illinois Environmental Protection Agency (IEPA) has made a tentative decision to restrict the amount of pollution released by the City of Georgetown's sewage treatment plant. This week the IEPA public noticed a water pollution permit that will restrict the amount of pollution that the City of Georgetown's sewage treatment plant can release to the Little Vermilion River.  Prairie Rivers Network applauded the Agency for their efforts to protect the Little Vermilion River and the willingness of the City of Georgetown to voluntarily accept the more stringent pollution limits.This is the third action IEPA has taken to protect the Little Vermilion River in the past two years.  Previously IEPA halted plans to enlarge a reservoir on the Little Vermilion and also made DynaChem, a Vermilion County manufacturer, cut back on the pollution it released to the river. But it remains to be seen how IEPA will act on  the most serious threat yet to the Little Vermilion River -- the proposed Vermilion Grove Coal Mine. The mine threatens the Little Vermilion River and Lake Georgetown, which serves as a drinking water supply for nearby communities.  The proposed mine also puts a downstream nature preserve, and the habitat of three state protected species at risk. "We're glad the IEPA has again acted to protect the Little Vermilion River," said Robert Moore, Executive Director of Prairie Rivers Network.  "We can only hope they'll help protect the river from the proposed mine."]]> 984 0 1192 0 https://prairierivers.org/uncategorized/2000/08/2000-celebration-days/ Thu, 03 Aug 2000 15:47:29 +0000 http://newsite.prairierivers.org/?p=988 Champaign, August 3, 2000: Governor Ryan proclaimed August 7th through 11th Rivers 2000 Celebration Days to coincide with Illinois’ participation in the Rivers 2000 "Pass the Paddle" events, where a canoe paddle is passing through all 50 states to promote the nation’s rivers. Marc Miller, Prairie Rivers’ Watershed Organizer and Rivers 2000 state coordinator, stated, "We appreciate Governor Ryan’s continuing commitment to Illinois’ streams, and we thank him for his support of Rivers 2000."The Gubernatorial proclamation stated, "Prairie Rivers Network is spreading Illinois’ participation in ‘Rivers 2000,’ a nation-wide effort to educate the public on the value of rivers.... [P]ublic awareness and appreciation for rivers have contributed significantly to their protection and should be encouraged." Miller said, "The goal of Rivers 2000 is to increase public understanding and appreciation of Illinois’ 33,000 miles of rivers, emphasizing recognition, recreation, revitalization, as well as community and individual involvement in the stewardship of our state’s beautiful and important streams." The Governor’s proclamation further stated that, "Illinois is looking forward to a future where: healthy rivers support naturally functioning ecosystems, are safe for human consumption and recreation, contribute to sustainable local economies, and improve the quality of life for all Illinoisans." Miller added, "Information will be provided at each Rivers 2000 event by Prairie Rivers Network and other participating organizations for citizens to learn how to connect to stewardship efforts in their own watershed."  

Pass the Paddle Events

Tuesday, August 8, 2000

• St. Louis Arch Overlook Stage, 9-12noon

Wednesday, August 9

• Gateway Bldg., Peoria riverfront, 10-12noon

• Joliet mural dedication of "River Rebirth", Rt. 53 & Rudy Street, 3-6 p.m.

Thursday, August 10

• Walton Island, Elgin, 11 am-1pm.

Friday, August 11

• Centennial Fountain ceremony, 300 E. McClurg Court, Chicago, at 10:30 a.m.
• Chicago’s "Rock the River" event, 12 p.m.

Saturday, August 12

• State line bridge - Kankakee River, 11am.

]]> 988 0 1195 0 https://prairierivers.org/uncategorized/2000/08/press-conference/ Thu, 03 Aug 2000 15:49:01 +0000 http://newsite.prairierivers.org/?p=991 Champaign, August 3, 2000 ­ Opponents of a Vermilion County mine will be holding a press conference on Monday, August 7th at 1:00 pm at the residence of Jean Heyward (ADDRESS). Representatives of Concerned Citizens for a Quality Environment and Prairie Rivers Network will be talking about the importance of protecting the Little Vermilion River and the serious threat posed by the proposed mine. At a public hearing held on July 12th, over 200 local residents voiced opposition to the proposed mine, stating that the mine would severely degrade the Little Vermilion River and impact people’s homes and properties immediately adjacent to the mine. The Illinois Department of Natural Resources’ Office of Mines and Minerals is currently considering granting permission to Black Beauty to begin blasting and mining activities on the proposed site. The Office of Mines and Minerals failed to do an assessment of environmental impacts, contrary to requirements of state and federal law. Prairie Rivers Network and local residents are challenging the mining permit."The Governor is looking into this matter at our request," said Robert Moore, Executive Director of Prairie Rivers Network, a statewide river conservation group based in Champaign. "Mistakes were clearly made by the Office of Mines and Minerals and we hope IDNR and the Governor will correct those mistakes." The Office of Mines and Minerals also failed to recognize that the Little Vermilion River is listed on the state’s Natural Areas Inventory site. It further failed to notice that three state endangered species depend on the habitat provided by the Little Vermilion River. In addition it did not recognize potential impacts to the town of Georgetown’s water supply and the Carl Flierman’s River Nature Preserve which are immediately downstream. Last year the Illinois Department of Natural Resources denied permission for the town of Georgetown to enlarge a reservoir on the same site as the proposed mine, because of its potential to harm the river. Now it is prepared to allow Black Beauty and Peabody Coal do even greater harm to the river. Illinois EPA is also reviewing Black Beauty’s application for a water pollution permit. Prairie Rivers Network and Concerned Citizens for a Quality Environment will be reviewing this as well. In addition, the Illinois Department of Commerce and Community Affairs has given a $700,000 grant to Black Beauty to support their operations in Vermilion County. "We’re very concerned about what the mine is going to do to the river, and what impact it will have on our lives," said Rose Ellis, a resident of nearby Vermilion Grove, and one of the leading opponents to the mine. "I’ve fished this river my whole life, and now Peabody Coal may see to it that nobody else ever fishes there again," stated Joe Grave, a lifelong resident of the area that is concerned about the potential impact to the Little Vermilion River. Added Moore, "The Little Vermilion is a very special river that the state has acted to protect many times in the past. We hope they’ll act to protect it again."   Press Conference Monday, August 7th, 1:00 pm Speaking at the press conference will be:

Robert Moore, Executive DirectorPrairie Rivers Network(217) 344-2371	Jean Hayward217-662-2773Georgetown, Illinois
Rose Ellis217-247-2650Indianola, Illinois	Jim Wengler217-662-8480Ridgefarm, Illinois
Joe Grave217-662-8280Georgetown, Illinois	Peggy Kotcher217-247-2798Ridge Farm, Illinois

]]> 991 0 1194 0 https://prairierivers.org/articles/2000/06/nutrients/ Wed, 28 Jun 2000 15:51:08 +0000 http://newsite.prairierivers.org/?p=995 Champaign, June 28, 2000 ­ According to data compiled by the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency (Illinois EPA) and released on Wednesday by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) as part of their bi-annual National Water Quality Inventory, 12,558 miles of streams and 324 lakes in Illinois fail to meet the fishable and swimmable goals of the Clean Water Act. Nutrient-based pollution was responsible for 10,716 miles of the impaired streams (85%) and 301 of the impaired lakes (93%). Nutrients, such as nitrogen and phosphorus, come mainly from agricultural runoff and farm fertilizers but also from municipal sewage, animal feedlots, and runoff from golf courses and lawns."There’s no question that nutrients are Illinois’ main water quality problem," said Robert Moore, Executive Director of Prairie Rivers Network, a statewide river conservation group based in Champaign. According to Illinois EPA and USEPA, the agricultural industry topped the list of polluters, impacting 10,977 miles of impaired streams. Of these, row crops accounted for 7,051 of the polluted stream miles while animal feedlots accounted for only 124 miles. Agricultural fertilizers are the main source of nutrient pollution in downstate Illinois. While nutrient pollution is a serious issue in Illinois, it also causes problems far downstream. The Gulf of Mexico "Dead Zone" is an area between 6,000 and 8,000 square miles in size, where oxygen levels are too low to support marine life. Excess nutrients in the Dead Zone allow algae and phytoplankton to thrive, taking oxygen out of the water. The source of the nutrients is agricultural fertilizers in the Midwest. A federal task force, made up of representatives of federal agencies and states along the Mississippi River has been studying the problem in the Gulf and suggesting solutions. The task force has examined six detailed scientific studies and has proposed a draft action plan to solve the problems in the Gulf. "Unfortunately, Illinois is balking at solutions," stated Moore. Despite documented problems with nutrients in Illinois and the Gulf, Illinois officials are reluctant to take action to reduce levels of this pollution. On June 15th and 16th, at a meeting of a federal task force studying water quality problems in the Mississippi River and the Gulf of Mexico, Illinois’ representative, Warren Goetsch of the Illinois Department of Agriculture, refused to support numerical goals for reducing nutrient-based pollution, despite well documented problems in Illinois. "Illinois should support these goals because it’s good for Illinois and its rivers and streams," said Moore. "If reducing nutrients also benefits the Gulf, so much the better." Illinois would certainly benefit from reducing nutrients. Nitrogen and phosphorus not only impact uses such as swimming and fishing, but also drinking water supplies. Downstate communities like Danville and Decatur experience violations of federal nitrate standards almost every year. Danville’s water supplier recently announced that it would provide free bottled water to customers because of recurring nutrient contamination. Decatur is looking into a $7.5 million upgrade of its treatment plant to remove nutrients from its drinking water. "Reducing nutrients would clean up our rivers, improve habitat, and provide cleaner and safer drinking water," said Moore. "We don’t understand why Illinois would oppose a goal of reducing nutrients." On June 13th Prairie Rivers Network and 32 other conservation groups sent a letter to Governor Ryan requesting that he become a leader in efforts to reduce nutrients, if not for the sake of the Gulf of Mexico, then for the sake of Illinois and its citizens. Prairie Rivers sent a follow up letter to the Governor on June 27th requesting that he support a numerical goal for nutrient reduction.]]> 995 0 1196 0 https://prairierivers.org/uncategorized/2000/05/fox-river-stp/ Tue, 16 May 2000 15:55:42 +0000 http://newsite.prairierivers.org/?p=998 FRWRD Seeks Permission to Triple Discharge to Fox River at One Plant, Exemption From Standard Pollution Controls at Another At an Illinois EPA hearing Tuesday night in Elgin, Fox River advocates will be seeking answers to serious questions about the impact of two Elgin sewage treatment plants that dump nearly 30 million gallons of treated wastewater each day into the River. Under IEPA's proposed permits, neither plant will be required to install controls for phosphorous and other nutrients, which are the major pollution problem in the Fox River. "The biggest threat to the Fox River is the huge amount of phosphorous and other nutrients that create deadly conditions for fish and other aquatic life during the summer, " said Jack Darin, Director of the Sierra Club, Illinois Chapter.  "Unless Illinois EPA begins requiring controls on these pollutants, the Fox River will lose much of the progress we have made in recent decades." The Illinois Environmental Protection Agency is holding a public hearing tonight at 6:30 at the Elgin City Hall on proposed water pollution permits for two sewage treatment plants operated by the Fox River Water Reclamation District (FRWRD). The FRWRD West Plant  is seeking permission to expand its discharge from its current average of 1.5 million gallons per day to 5 million gallons per day.  The proposed permit for the FRWRD South Plant will remove all restrictions on the amount of mercury and cadmium it can release and, will allow an exemption from thorough treatment requirements in some situations. "Communities in the Fox River Valley are growing at a tremendous rate and water pollution is increasing right along with it," stated Robert Moore, Executive Director of Prairie Rivers Network, a statewide river conservation group.  "Illinois EPA is supposed to protect our waters from this type of threat, but in this case they're allowing increased water pollution." The West Plant is seeking to expand its allowable discharge to accommodate wastewater from new development west of Elgin.  The increased amount of wastewater generated by new homes and businesses is expected to be a major threat to the Fox River, as the State projects that the Fox will be receiving 57% more wastewater in 2010 than it did in 1990. "The Fox River is the ultimate recipient of increases in polluted wastewater as more and more houses replace farmland in the Fox River Valley," said Cindy Skrukrud, President of Friends of the Fox River.  "That why every sewage plant on the river needs to better treat its waste if we are to keep the Fox River clean in coming years." The South Plant, which is permitted to dump an average of 25 million gallons per day into the Fox, is apparently not large enough to  treat properly the volume of sewage it is expected to handle.  But, instead of requiring that more capacity be built, the draft permit allows the plant to bypass proper treatment whenever it is overloaded.  "The bypass allowed by the draft permit is probably illegal," stated Albert Ettinger, Senior Staff Attorney of the Environmental Law and Policy Center, "and it is certainly not protective of the Fox River." Fox River advocates are pleased that Illinois is taking the Fox's problems more seriously, and moving to address the threats to water quality posed by suburban sprawl.  Since 1999, Illinois EPA has agreed to prepare a cleanup plan for polluted segments of the Fox River, rejected proposals to weaken ammonia limits for sewage plants, and reversed plans to abolish the Facility Planning Area process, which requires a permit for the extension of new sewer lines into undeveloped areas.   Environmentalists are hoping that IEPA will also upgrade its regulation of sewage plants on the Fox. "Unless sewage treatment plants along the Fox River are held to a higher standard, we will lose much of the progress we have made toward a cleaner river," said Jack Darin, Director of the Sierra Club, Illinois Chapter.  "The incredible growth in the Fox River Valley is sending more and more sewage into the river, and major upgrades in sewage treatment are needed to handle it."]]> 998 0 1199 0 https://prairierivers.org/uncategorized/2000/04/farm-burea/ Tue, 25 Apr 2000 15:57:28 +0000 http://newsite.prairierivers.org/?p=1002 Champaign, April 25, 2000: Twenty-four conservation, outdoor recreation, and family farm advocacy organizations in Illinois today sent a letter to Illinois Farm Bureau president, Ron Warfield, requesting that, "Illinois Farm Bureau end its history of resisting efforts to find long-term solutions to polluted agricultural runoff." "Polluted agricultural runoff is the number one water quality problem in Illinois, and Farm Bureau leadership has ignored this problem for too long," said Robert Moore, Executive Director of Prairie Rivers Network. "Enough is enough."The twenty-four organizations signing the letter not only criticized Illinois Farm Bureau’s past opposition to clean water initiatives, but suggested ways the Farm Bureau could be part of the solution to agricultural runoff, instead of part of the problem. The letter suggested several long-term, sustainable solutions that Illinois Farm Bureau could implement to assist farmers and improve water quality. The organizations asked that Farm Bureau:

• Provide and underwrite risk management tools and programs from Farm Bureau’s insurance companies to assist farmers in transition towards more profitable, sustainable agricultural practices, by reducing practice of using high inputs of pollution-causing chemicals.
• Support measures that minimize impacts on farmers and other downstream neighbors from increased water flow from excessive drainage.
• Provide and underwrite assistance and expertise for farmers willing to move from chemical-intensive, row crop agriculture to a diversified enterprise agriculture, perhaps in the certified organic sector of food markets.

Bob Vogel, President of Friends of the Rock River remarked, "Environmental problems from modern agriculture are real and growing, and we would like to see Illinois Farm Bureau be an advocate of solutions instead of resisting solutions." The Illinois Farm Bureau has actively opposed the development of watershed restoration plans, also known as Total Maximum Daily Load studies or TMDLs. Under the Clean Water Act, states must develop these plans for waters not meeting clean water goals. These scientific studies would quantify pollution from all sources, including agricultural lands, and create a plan to meet water quality goals. "Their opposition to TMDLs even hurts efforts where agriculture is not a major source of pollution," said Jeff Swano, Executive Director of Salt Creek Watershed Network, a Chicago-area conservation group. Swano’s organization is closely involved with a TMDL study being developed to combat pollution in the Salt Creek, a stream in suburban Chicago. They have also opposed local governments’ authority to curtail agricultural pollution. Even though Illinois Farm Bureau has repeatedly supported local authority over other environmental concerns, it opposes local control when those concerns include siting of mega-livestock facilities and controlling agricultural runoff. "They’re against local control if it is gives family farmers an advantage over agribusiness," according to Karen Hudson of F.A.R.M. and the G.R.A.C.E. Factory Farm Project. "They should rename themselves the Factory Farm Bureau." The impacts of agribusiness on natural resources worries those who live along the state’s rivers and streams ­ and with good reason.

• Over 500 water bodies are polluted by nutrients, such as farm fertilizers.
• About 470 water bodies are affected by siltation, causing our streams, lakes, and backwaters to slowly fill with silt, decreasing water storage capacity and decreasing the quality of wildlife habitat. State agencies estimate that 158 million tons of soil erode each year from croplands.
• Industrial-scale livestock and poultry operations impair over 130 water bodies.
• Agricultural pollutants, such as nutrients, sediments, and farm chemicals impair eighteen Illinois drinking water sources, forcing communities to invest in expensive treatment technologies.

"If the Illinois Farm Bureau truly cared about stewardship and the family farmer, there would be more farmers in Illinois and less agricultural pollution in our rivers," said Moore. "The industry has taken wealth from the land, but Farm Bureau denies any responsibility to the health of our streams, to the state’s natural resources, or to the benefit of future generations."       April 25, 2000 Mr. Ron Warfield Illinois Farm Bureau Bloomington, Illinois Dear Mr. Warfield: We the undersigned environmental, conservation, family farm, and sportsmen’s groups request that Illinois Farm Bureau end its history of resisting efforts to find long-term solutions to polluted agricultural runoff. Agriculture is the number one source of water pollution in Illinois. Yet, large scale agriculture is not held to the same measures of accountability as other industries­in spite of the fact that over 77 percent of Illinois land, or over 27 million acres, is in agricultural production. Some of the impacts of the agricultural industry in Illinois:

• Agricultural pollutants, such as nutrients, sediments, and agricultural chemicals impair eighteen Illinois drinking water sources, forcing these and other communities to resort to expensive treatment technologies.

• Over 500 water bodies are impaired by nutrients which affect aquatic life, drinking water quality, the recreational use of our state’s waters, and water quality beyond our borders.

• About 470 water bodies are impaired by sediments filling in lakes, backwaters and wetlands, decreasing water storage capacity, and decreasing the quality of aquatic habitat. State agencies estimate that 158 million tons of soil erode each year from croplands.
• Feedlots, animal holding or management areas, or manure lagoons impair over 130 water bodies.

• Over 180 water bodies are impaired by channelization that results in increased flooding, reduced habitat and increased erosion.
• Over 90 percent of Illinois’ original wetlands, or over 7 million acres, have been drained, mostly for agricultural production, resulting in increased flooding and decreased water quality.
• Many of the impacts from agriculture result in a loss of habitat and breeding areas for waterfowl, sport fish and other species.

The Illinois Farm Bureau has consistently taken positions that are detrimental to Illinois’ rivers, lakes, and streams. This is done while Illinois Farm Bureau is cultivating a public image that claims the Illinois Farm Bureau is concerned with clean water and a healthy environment. Among these positions:

• Supporting only voluntary, incentive-driven programs while actively opposing solutions that would make agribusiness accountable for reducing its pollution.
• Denouncing scores of scientific studies that point to agricultural runoff as the source of water quality problems, while producing no convincing evidence that agriculture is not the problem.
• Discouraging the enforcement of current laws that protect water quality like the Clean Water Act and Safe Drinking Water Act. Illinois Farm Bureau opposes use of river cleanup plans (called TMDLs) to reduce agricultural runoff.
• Opposing attempts by the state legislature to prevent water quality degradation.
• Opposing attempts by local governments to control agricultural pollution. The Illinois Farm Bureau has repeatedly shown an interest in local control of problems, but not when local control includes siting mega-livestock facilities or controlling agricultural runoff and stormwater management.
• Opposing wetlands regulations, despite the state’s drastic loss of its original wetlands. The Illinois Farm Bureau seeks expanded exemptions for farmed wetlands, weaker definitions of wetlands, and insists that governments compensate landowners whenever laws affect use of private wetlands, thereby discouraging wetland protection.
• Promoting the activities and broad powers of drainage and levee districts, even when these activities cause habitat loss, water quality degradation and flooding problems for downstream farmers and other rural landowners.

We believe that there is much that the Farm Bureau can do to become part of a long-term, sustainable solution, instead of being a hindrance to the protection of Illinois’ waterways. We encourage the Farm Bureau to take a proactive, rather than obstructionist, stance on water quality to make genuine improvements to Illinois’ waters. Illinois Farm Bureau and other agricultural industry representatives must take steps to assist farmers in finding long-term, sustainable solutions. Some suggestions to improve water quality and improve assistance to family farmers include:

• Providing and underwriting risk management tools and programs that assist farmers in transition towards more profitable, sustainable agricultural practices, by reducing practice of using high inputs of pollution-causing chemicals.
• Supporting measures that minimize impacts on farmers and other downstream neighbors from increased water flow from excessive drainage.
• Providing and underwriting assistance and expertise for farmers willing to move from chemical-intensive, row crop agriculture to a diversified enterprise agriculture, perhaps in the certified organic sector of food markets.

All of these suggestions would support long-term profit stability for the family farmer rather the short-term profits of the agricultural industry. In promoting organic markets, the agriculture industry would recognize a fast growing demand and an increasing segment of the market for organic foods, and farmers would benefit from higher market prices. Some of these suggestions would provide family farmers with long-term financial benefits and stability, should Illinois Farm Bureau consider family farmer constituents more important than Illinois Farm Bureau’s agribusiness interests. Current crop insurance programs, lobbied for by Illinois Farm Bureau and subsidized by federal taxpayer dollars, benefit the Illinois Farm Bureau owned insurance company, Country Mutual Insurance Company. Illinois Farm Bureau also benefits from the manufacture and sale of agricultural chemicals through its ownership in Growmark, Inc. Much of the expenses for the suggestions above could be supported with the large annual profits of the Farm Bureau companies and cooperatives that enjoy tax-exempt status. Farmers care about clean water and a healthy environment. There is a common value of stewardship and a connection to the land and waters that we, the undersigned, and farmers share. We encourage you to end Illinois Farm Bureau’ resistance to sensible, long-term solutions to agricultural runoff, and begin to make genuine, positive contributions in the area of environmental protection. Illinois Farm Bureau’s first steps can be made by adopting these common values of environmental stewardship. Sincerely,     Robert Moore, Executive Director Prairie Rivers Network 809 S. Fifth Street Champaign, IL 61820     Karen Hudson, President Families Against Rural Messes (F.A.R.M.) David Jenkins American Canoe Association Erik Spenner, Regulatory Affairs Chairman Chicago Whitewater Association Gary Mechanic, Executive Director Des Plaines River Alliance Nick Nikola Friends of Critters and Salt Creek Bob Vogel Friends of the Rock River Dr. David Brubaker Global Resource Action Center for the Environment (G.R.A.C.E.)/ G.R.A.C.E. Factory Farm Project Marilyn Campbell, Executive Director Illinois Audubon Society Kevin Bradley, President Illinois Paddling Council Diane Brown Illinois Public Research Interest Group (IL P.I.R.G.) Laura Huth, Executive Director Illinois Student Environmental Network David Pittman, Co-Chair Living Upstream/Downstream Committee of the Sun Foundation Deanna Belz Living Upstream, Bloomington Chapter George Burrier, President Mackinaw Canoe Club Jay Friberg, President Prairie Preservation Society of Ogle County Dr. Martha Marks, Executive Director REP America (Republicans for Environmental Protection) Valerie Spale Salt Creek Greenway Association Jeff Swano, Executive Director Salt Creek Watershed Network Dennis Wandell, President Salt Fork River Partners Kathy Jefferies Save Our Land and Environment, Inc. (S.O.L.E.) Marianne Byrns, Executive Director South East Environmental Task Force Louis Reuschel Western Illinois Sustainable Agriculture Society Citizens for Responsible Practices]]> 1002 0 1202 0 https://prairierivers.org/uncategorized/2000/04/farm-bureau-enough/ Tue, 11 Apr 2000 16:00:05 +0000 http://newsite.prairierivers.org/?p=1005 Springfield, April 11, 2000: Prairie Rivers Network today released the report, Amber Waves of Gain: How the Farm Bureau is Reaping Profits at the Expense of America’s Family Farmers, Wildlife and the Environment. The report describes how Farm Bureau has used its considerable political power to build an agribusiness empire, while family farmers and the environment pay the costs. In September of last year Prairie Rivers released Dirty Water, Dirty Business, a report which examined Illinois Farm Bureau’s policies, business interests, and their impact on the environment. The information in Dirty Water, Dirty Business is supported by the findings of Amber Waves of Gain and a recent 60 Minutes report on the Farm Bureau."For years the Illinois Farm Bureau has represented the interests of agribusiness, not the Illinois farmer," said Moore. To many this is not surprising, given the small percentage of Farm Bureua members that are farmers and the vast financial stake the Illinois Farm Bureau holds in agribusiness. The Illinois Farm Bureau’s agribusiness interests are not only detrimental to the Illinois farmer, but detrimental to the environment as well. Agriculture is the number one source of water pollution in Illinois. According to Illinois EPA:

• Over 500 water bodies are polluted by nutrients, such as agricultural fertilizers, which affect aquatic life, contaminate drinking water, and diminish the recreational use of our state’s waters, as well as water quality beyond our borders.

• About 470 water bodies are affected by siltation, causing our streams, lakes, and backwaters to slowly fill with silt, decreasing water storage capacity and decreasing the quality of wildlife habitat. State agencies estimate that 158 million tons of soil erode each year from croplands.
• Industrial-scale livestock and poultry operations impair over 130 water bodies.
• Agricultural pollutants, such as nutrients, sediments, and farm chemicals impair eighteen Illinois drinking water sources, forcing communities to invest in expensive treatment technologies.

But Prairie Rivers Network says enough is enough, claiming Illinois Farm Bureau leadership has ignored these well documented problems for too long. and actively resisted efforts to find solutions. The Illinois Farm Bureau has actively opposed the development of watershed restoration plans, also known as Total Maximum Daily Load studies or TMDLs. Under the Clean Water Act, states must develop these plans for waters not meeting clean water goals. These scientific studies would identify and quantify pollution from all sources, including agricultural lands, and create a plan to meet water quality goals. They have also opposed local governments’ authority to curtail agricultural pollution. Even though Illinois Farm Bureau has repeatedly supported local authority over other environmental concerns, it opposes local control when those concerns include siting of mega-livestock facilities and controlling agricultural runoff. Critics claim the Illinois Farm Bureau has failed to be a leader to the farming community. Instead they’ve elected to do nothing as long as they can ­ a strategy that benefits agribusiness according to critics. Unfortunately for farmers, doing nothing is not a long-term solution. Eventually it is the farmer, not the Farm Bureau that will pay the price for inaction. Meanwhile agribusiness fortunes continue to increase while farmers’ fortunes slump ­ along with the environment. "Agribusiness profits enormously from the status quo," stated Moore. "And the Farm Bureau has been a staunch defender of the status quo." Not surprising considering the tax-exempt Illinois Farm Bureau is an agribusiness giant itself, with ownership in over 52 companies including Country Companies Insurance, Growmark, and Prairie Farms Dairy. On Tuesday Prairie Rivers Network called for the Illinois Farm Bureau to put its profits to work for farmers and the environment. They called on the Illinois Farm Bureau to:

Provide direct financial assistance to farmers trying to make the transition to more sustainable, conservation-minded, farming practices.

Turn over information on agricultural chemical sales of Farm Bureau-owned companies to the Illinois State Water Survey, U.S. Geological Survey, and Illinois EPA so these agencies can better estimate impacts to our waters by agricultural runoff

With 27 million acres dedicated to agriculture in Illinois, farmers are the most important natural resource managers in the state. If Illinois Farm Bureau was a leader, it would help farmers become more effective stewards of the resources they manage and contribute to the search for solutions. But promoting stewardship of family farms and promoting agribusiness are not always compatible goals. "If the Illinois Farm Bureau truly cared about stewardship and the family farmer, there would be more farmers in Illinois and less agricultural pollution in our rivers," said Moore. "Instead we have more pollution and fewer farmers."]]> 1005 0 1201 0 https://prairierivers.org/uncategorized/2000/04/agricultural-pollution/ Wed, 05 Apr 2000 16:01:50 +0000 http://newsite.prairierivers.org/?p=1009 Springfield, April 5, 2000:  Prairie Rivers Network today released Pollution Paralysis, a report compiled by the National Wildlife Federation which documents the slow progress of states in dealing with polluted runoff from urban and agricultural lands.  In Illinois, agriculture is responsible for 29% of the state‚s impaired waterbodies. "Illinois has a long way to go in restoring our rivers and streams," said Robert Moore, Executive Director of Prairie Rivers Network.  The two main problems facing Illinois‚ rivers are nutrient-based pollution and siltation problems associated with the agricultural industry.  Under the Clean Water Act, states were supposed to periodically review the condition of their waters and create restoration plans for those that did not meet clean water goals.  The restoration plans, also known as Total Maximum Daily Loads or TMDLs, require the state to examine all sources of pollution in its impaired waters and create a plan for reducing the "total load" of pollution.  However, as Pollution Paralysis points out, no state has adequately fulfilled this obligation.  No restoration plans have been completed in Illinois since passage of the Clean Water Act twenty-seven years ago.   But Illinois is hardly alone.  Very few states have taken these responsibilities seriously.  Illinois has done a very good job of identifying waters in need of restoration.  The most recent 303(d) report, which identifies the state's impaired waters,  listed 738 rivers, lakes, and streams in 336 different watersheds that require the development of restoration plans.  The largest source of impairment is the agricultural industry.  Currently, the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency is developing restoration plans for six watersheds.  The Agency is expected to announce the next set of waters scheduled for restoration plan development in the coming weeks.]]> 1009 0 1203 0 https://prairierivers.org/uncategorized/2000/02/iepa/ Wed, 23 Feb 2000 16:04:11 +0000 http://newsite.prairierivers.org/?p=1012 February 23, 2000: This week Illinois EPA acted to protect some of the state’s most threatened streams from increased levels of pollutants. The move was hailed by clean water advocates from around the state including Prairie Rivers Network, the Illinois Chapter of the Sierra Club, and Friends of the Fox River. Along the Fox River the Agency restricted the amount of pollution which Island Lake Sanitary District was allowed to release. This included more stringent limits on the discharge of ammonia and fecal coliform. Also, dischargers to nineteen other high quality streams throughout the state, among them tributaries to the Mackinaw, Des Plaines, and Vermilion Rivers, will have to restrict the amount of ammonia they release. Ammonia can be toxic to fish and mussels and is a nutrient which can contribute to harmful algae blooms. The Island Lake Sanitary District currently discharges its treated sewage into a section of the Fox River which has high levels of fecal coliform, harmful bacteria that can pose a threat to human health. Sometimes the amount of fecal coliform in the river exceeds the state’s water quality standard. In an agreement worked out by Prairie Rivers Network, Friends of the Fox River and Illinois EPA, Island Lake will voluntarily cut the amount of fecal coliform they release almost in half, thereby helping achieve water quality standards and minimizing the environmental impact on the Fox River. Island Lake will also meet more stringent limits for the amount of ammonia they release. "We’re very pleased that Illinois EPA is taking action to protect the Fox River," said Robert Moore, Executive Director of Prairie Rivers Network, a statewide river conservation group based in Champaign. "Illinois EPA definitely made the right decision," according to Cindy Skrukrud, President of Friends of the Fox River. "As the population of the Fox River Valley continues to grow, we need to minimize the impact we have on the river in order to keep it clean and healthy so this area remains an attractive place to live and visit." Nineteen other streams around the state, many of which are home to threatened and endangered species, will also receive increased protections. At the request of Prairie Rivers Network and other river conservation groups Illinois EPA reviewed several water pollution permits they had issued in the past two years and decided that more protective measures were appropriate. "Releases of ammonia have been a major issue for the past couple of years. Illinois EPA’s decision to limit the release of this toxic pollutant is a step forward in efforts to protect our rivers," said Moore. Jack Darin, Director of the Sierra Club, Illinois Chapter, added, "We are pleased to see the Ryan administration taking these water pollution problems more seriously, and taking action to protect our rivers and streams." The nineteen streams that will receive increased protections from ammonia discharges are:

Receiving Stream	Discharger	County
Tributary to Big Bureau Creek	Princeton STP	Bureau
E. Branch of S. Branch of the Kishwaukee	Sycamore North STP	DeKalb
South Henderson Creek	Union Elementary	Henderson
Pigeon Creek	Cissna Park STP	Iroquois
Ashkum Creek	Swissland Packing Co.	Iroquois
Tributary of Coon Creek	Hampshire STP	Kane
S. Branch of Rock Creek	Manteno STP	Kankakee
Indian Creek	Fairbury STP	Livingston
Sugar Creek	Mount Olive North STP	Macoupin
S. Branch of Kishwaukee	Huntley East & West STP	McHenry
Little Vermilion River	Georgetown STP	Vermilion
N. Fork Vermilion	Hoopeston STP	Vermilion
Tributary of Vermilion River	Thomas MHP	Vermilion
Tributary of Cedar Creek	Heat and Control	Warren
Claypool Drainage Ditch	Braidwood STP	Will
Jackson Creek	Gateway MHP	Will
Manhattan Creek	Manhattan STP	Will
Black Walnut Creek	Peotone STP	Will
Walnut Creek	Eureka STP	Woodford

STP, Sewage Treatment Plant MHP, Mobile Home Park Added Prairie Rivers’ Robert Moore, "Some of these streams are among the finest Illinois has to offer. We’re very pleased that Illinois EPA is taking action to protect them."     For more information contact: Robert Moore, Executive Director ­ Prairie Rivers Network (217) 344-2371 Jack Darin, Director ­ Sierra Club, Illinois Chapter (312) 251-1680 Cindy Skrukrud, President ­ Friends of the Fox River (815) 675-2594]]> 1012 0 1204 0 https://prairierivers.org/uncategorized/2000/02/water-pollution-to-be-subject-of-public-hearing/ Wed, 16 Feb 2000 16:06:40 +0000 http://newsite.prairierivers.org/?p=1016 "Our rivers should be protected, not polluted," said Robert Moore, Executive Director of Prairie Rivers.  "But Illinois Environmental Protection Agency is prepared to issue a permit that would allow Alton to double the pollution they release to the Mississippi River." Under the Clean Water Act, sewage treatment plants must have a permit to release pollution to the nation’s rivers and streams.  Alton is seeking to renew their water pollution permit, the conditions of which would allow increases in the amount of pollution they discharge to the Mississippi River. The city is seeking permission to move their discharge pipe from Wood River Creek to the Mississippi River.  By doing so Illinois EPA will allow them to double the amount of suspended solids they release as well as organic wastes that remove oxygen from the water as they decay.  In addition the Agency will remove limits on the discharge of ammonia, a chemical that can be toxic to fish and is a nutrient that can  contribute to algae blooms.  Illinois EPA claims that, because the Mississippi is such a large river, the pollutants will be diluted. However, the Illinois EPA’s own water quality reports indicate that this section of the Mississippi River is already impaired by high levels of nutrients and suspended solids. Moore stated, "We should not make an existing water quality problem worse."  He added that the Clean Water Act expressly forbids increasing discharges of pollutants that are already causing or contributing to water quality problems. Alton Sewage Treatment Plant Hearing Thursday, February 17th, 7 pm Alton Days Inn, 1900 Homer Adams Parkway       Prairie Rivers Network 1902 Fox Drive, Suite G, Champaign, IL 61820 (217) 344-2371, (217) 344-2381 fax, info@prairierivers.org]]> 1016 0 1205 0 https://prairierivers.org/articles/2000/05/dirty-water-dirty-business/ Mon, 01 May 2000 22:16:45 +0000 http://newsite.prairierivers.org/news/dirty-water-dirty-business Dirty Water, Dirty Business, a critical report discussing the number one water pollution source in the state of Illinois -- polluted agricultural runoff. The report also details the water quality positions of the largest representative of the agriculture industry, the Illinois Farm Bureau. From Field to Stream: Water Pollution in Illinois Over the last 27 years, Illinois has generally seen some of its most heavily polluted streams improve. Waterways that were devoid of aquatic life and unsafe for recreation once again support fishing and swimming. These water quality improvements can be traced to the implementation of the Clean Water Act of 1972 and the public's insistence that water pollution be cleaned up. Since 1972 most efforts to clean up Illinois' waters have focused on the easiest to identify "point sources" such as industries and municipal sewage plants that release pollutants directly into rivers. There has been a large amount of progress in addressing these sources, but little progress in checking the effects of polluted runoff, particularly from agricultural lands. In examining national water quality trends over the past 25 years, the U.S. Geological Survey stated, "Four times as many streams deteriorated as improved. This trend is consistent with increased polluted runoff from agriculture" (D.P. Lettenmaier et al., "Trends in Stream Quality in the Continental United States, 1978-1987," as quoted in Adler, The Clean Water Act 20 Years Later). Polluted runoff comes from a variety of sources -- stormwater from roads and parking lots, treated lawns and golf courses, and agricultural lands. Polluted agricultural runoff includes the excess nutrients from fertilizers, siltation from soil erosion, animal wastes, herbicides and pesticides applied to fields such as atrazine and alachlor. In Illinois and across the nation, agriculture is by far the largest contributor of polluted runoff. Polluted agricultural runoff and the associated problems

• According to the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency (IEPA), over 85 percent of the impaired river miles in Illinois are polluted by agricultural runoff.
• Extensive use of chemical fertilizers has plagued Illinois' water supplies with nitrates and nitrites. Virtually every drinking water supply in central Illinois fails to meet nitrate/nitrite drinking water standards at some time during the course of the year. Occurrences increase in fall and spring, when most agricultural chemicals are applied.
• Excessive nitrates and nitrites in drinking water can cause "blue baby syndrome," a condition which results from the decreased oxygen carrying capacity in an infant's bloodstream.
• The widespread use of chemical fertilizers in the Midwest is leading to excessive levels of nutrients in our waters, creating conditions for enormous algae blooms. Algae can be toxic and cause oxygen levels to drop below that necessary to support marine life. In the Mississippi River Basin, excess nutrients have created an algae bloom responsible for a 6,000 square mile "Dead Zone" in the Gulf of Mexico.
• Herbicide and pesticide use has increased substantially since the early 1960s. By the early 1990s, "more than 96 percent of all cropland in Illinois was treated for weeds at least once a year" (Illinois Department of Natural Resources, "CTAP Summary"). Drinking water samples from around the state occasionally contain pesticides like atrazine and alachlor.
• In addition to excessive nutrients and other agricultural chemicals, our rivers are choked with sediment due to soil erosion from farm lands. The product of the first Governor's Conference on the Management of the Illinois River System in 1987, the Illinois River Action Plan, ranked "soil erosion and siltation" as the top-priority item for the Illinois River and stated that "sedimentation, today's major pollutant of our nation's agricultural waterways, is the primary obstacle in preserving some semblance of the historic Illinois River for future generations."
• The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers estimates that, over the past 35 years, it has dredged more than 14 million cubic yards of sediment from the Illinois River alone. That is enough to cover 138 square miles of land with one inch of valuable topsoil.
• Lakes in Illinois are slowly filling in with the soil that erodes from farm lands, resulting in a significant loss of water storage capacity. Some lakes in central Illinois, like Lake Decatur, have lost as much as 30 percent of their original storage capacity. Such losses diminish the amount of water available in times of drought and reduce the capacity of reservoirs to contain flood waters.

How has the agricultural industry become the primary polluter of Illinois waters? Initially, the environmental protection agencies and the public focused on industrial and municipal pollution. The Clean Water Act empowered states to address polluted runoff, but these provisions were largely ignored. Illinois has relied instead on programs that encourage voluntary participation tied to financial incentives to reduce polluted agricultural runoff. These measures have no method of ensuring accountability from polluters. Tens of millions of dollars have been spent on voluntary programs to address polluted agricultural runoff, but the problems continue. While pollution from municipalities and traditional industries has largely decreased, polluted runoff from the agriculture industry has increased. One reason for this is the far-reaching power of the Illinois Farm Bureau. The Illinois Farm Bureau has used tactics to stall progress and divert attention away from polluted agricultural runoff. Illinois Farm Bureau has also fought measures that would hold the agricultural industry accountable for polluted agricultural runoff, resisted enforcement of current laws, and undermined existing clean water policy. It is the purpose of these fact sheets to bring to light the policies and activities of the Illinois Farm Bureau, to invite unbiased scrutiny of these policies and activities, and to encourage public debate of the Illinois Farm Bureau. Meet the Illinois Farm Bureau The Illinois Farm Bureau, also known as the Illinois Agricultural Association, speaks of itself as the "voice of agriculture." Most people assume the Illinois Farm Bureau represents farmers and farm families, but few know that a majority of Farm Bureau members are not farmers. In fact, its constituency includes a number of large and powerful agribusiness, insurance, and financial corporations. A few facts about the Illinois Farm Bureau:

• The Illinois Farm Bureau claims over 345,000 members, but Illinois has only 79,000 farm operations according to the 1998 Illinois Agriculture Statistics Annual Summary. The Department of Agriculture defines a farm operation as any operation that sold or could have sold $1,000 worth of agricultural products in a year. Even by this liberal estimate, farmers account for only 22.9% of total members in the Farm Bureau -- assuming all of Illinois' farm operators are members.
• The majority of the Illinois Farm Bureau's non-farmer "members" are holders of Country Companies Insurance. Illinois Farm Bureau owns Country Companies and requires membership to purchase insurance.
• Illinois Farm Bureau supports 300 full-time employees, including 97 county managers who administer county Farm Bureaus (IFB, "A Family of Companies").
• Illinois Farm Bureau and its subsidiaries employ 57 registered lobbyists, 42 of whom work directly for the Illinois Farm Bureau (Illinois Secretary of State, Index Dept.).
• Illinois Farm Bureau owns, in full or in part, 18 separate corporations. These include agricultural chemical companies, insurance companies, and companies concerned with seed and feed, livestock production, dairy production, accounting, commodities, mutual funds, financial trusts, fuel oil and refining, and communications (IFB, "A Family of Companies").
• The Illinois Farm Bureau is a not-for-profit organization, enjoying a special tax exempt status that places it in a group similar to churches, charities, educational and other traditional, public service non-profit groups. The Farm Bureau also enjoys special tax status in the form of the "Unrelated Business Income Tax" (UBIT) exemption.
• In a recent audit of Illinois and other state Farm Bureaus, the IRS found that less than five percent of "associate members had joined for agricultural-related purposes." In 1994, the IRS issued a memorandum (Technical Advice Memorandum 9416002) that eliminated the UBIT tax exemption on non-farmer, or associate, Farm Bureau membership dues.
• According to documents from a 1996 court case involving the IRS, the Illinois Farm Bureau's total revenue that year was almost $29 million, and its total assets $25 million. The Illinois Agricultural Holding Company, 94 percent owned by Illinois Farm Bureau, earned over $51 million and had year-end assets of over $291 million.
• At the urging of national and state Farm Bureaus, Congress passed the Small Business Jobs Protection Act of 1996 that gave the exemptions lost in court back to the Farm Bureaus, and gave the Farm Bureau additional tax relief.

Not just your family farmers… Illinois Farm Bureau has built a large web of companies to profit from the services and goods they provide. The special tax status gives Illinois Farm Bureau special power in the marketplace over competitors and producers. That and its claim of "over 300,000 members" give the Farm Bureau power to push legislation resulting in increased Illinois Farm Bureau profits. In other words, the Illinois Farm Bureau is Big Business. Like most other businesses, it's interested mainly in increasing and protecting earnings. This interest is sometimes detrimental to the interests of small farmers, water quality, and the environment in Illinois. Sound Science: The Deafening Cry of Stall Tactics Time and again the agriculture industry is identified as the largest contributor to water quality impairment in Illinois, chiefly through polluted agricultural runoff. Yet, spokespeople for the Illinois Farm Bureau often call for "sound science" that would link polluted agricultural runoff to downstream water quality problems, ignoring the volumes of data that exist on polluted runoff. Polluted runoff includes siltation and sedimentation, excessive nutrients in water from fertilizers, animal wastes and agricultural chemicals. By continually calling for "sound science" the Illinois Farm Bureau implies that the mountain of scientific studies linking agriculture to water quality problems is not sound. This charge is a tactic that delays the implementation of solutions, including enforcement of existing laws. It also shifts the burden of proof away from the polluter and onto the taxpayers. A case in point The Farm Bureau continues to call for further studies concerning the Gulf of Mexico's "Dead Zone," a 6,000 square mile area where marine life is virtually non-existent. Oxygen levels in the water have dropped below that necessary to support marine life because of excess nutrients transported from the Mississippi River Basin. The Farm Bureau refuses to accept that polluted agricultural runoff is the cause. Though scientific studies already have linked agricultural fertilizers to the problem, the Farm Bureau states, doggedly, "We believe that any policies made regarding the Gulf of Mexico Hypoxia area must be backed by sound, scientific research" (1999 IFB Policy Resolutions, Section 16). The organization adds, "Illinois Farm Bureau and its allies should use all means at their disposal to address the issue in a way that gives proper consideration to the impacts it has on agricultural production" (Section16). Can the Farm Bureau turn down the volume on the scientific community?

• The call for further studies ignores the volumes of scientific studies performed by reputable researchers and subjected to peer review before publication. Many studies point to agriculture as the major cause of water quality impairment.
• Illinois EPA (IEPA) reported in 1998 that over 85 percent of all river and stream miles impaired by pollution in Illinois are impaired by agricultural runoff.
• In a separate report on water resources, IEPA noted that "increasing amounts of nutrients such as phosphorus and nitrite/nitrate have been identified in some rivers that are likely the result of nonpoint source pollution (mainly from agricultural activities)" (IEPA, Condition of Illinois Water Resources).
• The Illinois Department of Natural Resources has stated "a highly significant trend is toward increased concentrations of substances in common agricultural use such as phosphorous and nitrate nitrogen" (Critical Trends Assessment Project ­ Summary Report, 1994).
• In the Lake Decatur area, the Upper Sangamon River Watershed Committee has viewed or funded a large number of studies and monitoring reports indicating that agriculture is the source of the watershed's water quality problems. At least six studies have been done on nitrates alone.
• At an IEPA meeting on drinking water contamination, Illinois Farm Bureau and Growmark were asked to provide fertilizer sales information, which would help scientists more accurately gauge the impacts of agricultural runoff. Growmark representative Jean Trobec objected, saying the figures were not public information.

The public can turn to a number of websites that offer reliable information on agricultural runoff and its impacts:

• U.S. Geological Survey
• USEPA Office of Water
• EPA Region 5 drinking water
• Environmental Working Group
• Fertilizer Use
• Pesticide Use

Many studies and many researchers have concluded that agricultural pollution is the leading cause of water quality problems. Science already proves this to be true. If science were a goal of Illinois Farm Bureau, we already would have arrived at a remedy for water quality impairment. But the Farm Bureau will likely continue its calls for further research -- in an effort to forestall any attempt at a real solution. Illinois' Biggest Polluter: The Farm Bureau Fights Accountability The Illinois Farm Bureau consistently resists accountability for agricultural runoff while advocating voluntary, incentive-based approaches to water quality problems. Voluntary programs can be effective if properly implemented, but they would be more effective if the programs would include a measure of accountability. Voluntary conservation programs cannot reverse the trend toward increased water quality problems from polluted runoff. Concrete water quality goals with some measure of accountability are necessary, but the Illinois Farm Bureau has successfully resisted efforts to accomplish this. Some facts:

• Even with over 77 percent of the land in Illinois used for agricultural purposes, the agricultural industry is not held accountable for the pollution that ends up in our rivers and streams. This means that poor land-use practices, fertilizers, herbicides and pesticides can be applied to almost 28 million acres of Illinois land without any liability for the silt and chemicals that wash off the land and into our waterways.
• Illinois Farm Bureau supports only voluntary measures, economic incentives, and education as a means to reduce water quality impacts from agricultural pollution. While voluntary efforts do help, the problem is too pervasive to rely on volunteers alone. The Farm Bureau opposes any other solutions that would hold the agriculture industry accountable for water quality problems, as other industries are.
• Illinois Farm Bureau often insists that financial incentives must be attached to voluntary measures. "We support soil conservation programs using education, voluntary compliance, financial incentives, and other non-punitive means to encourage compliance" (1999 IFB Policy Resolutions, Section 37). This makes agriculture the only industry that is paid not to pollute our waters.
• Among the Farm Bureau's 1999 statements is a policy resolution opposing "any attempt to mandate low-input methods of farming," despite the fact that many rural communities spend millions to treat drinking water proven to be polluted by agricultural runoff. In such cases enforceable controls would help solve the problem.
• Virtually every town in Central Illinois -- including Decatur, Springfield, Mattoon, and Danville -- has problems with agricultural runoff affecting their drinking water supplies. State and local governments have spent millions of taxpayer dollars to pay for problems caused by the agricultural industry. For example, Decatur plans to spend an estimated $7.5 million, while Georgetown spent $3.5 million.
• The Illinois Farm Bureau encourages local governments "to utilize all practical means to control non-farm soil erosion" (1999 Illinois Farm Bureau Policy Resolutions, Section 37). However, the Farm Bureau opposed similar measures for agricultural lands, most notably in a letter from Illinois Farm Bureau President Ron Warfield to then Lt. Gov. Kustra stating, "We have reservations with county ordinances to address water quality issues" (Illinois River Strategy Team, "Illinois River Watershed Plan," p.20).
• Illinois Farm Bureau policy resolutions call for County Soil and Water Conservation Districts to address urban wetland and stormwater management problems, while at the same time opposing similar management authority over farmland drainage (1999 IFB Policy Resolutions Section 20).

Summary The Illinois Farm Bureau has repeatedly fought efforts to make the agricultural industry accountable for water quality issues. With almost 28 million acres in Illinois used for agricultural purposes, lack of accountability for polluted runoff has a serious effect. Without accountability, Illinois will continue to see rising trends in phosphorous and nitrate/nitrite nitrogen, excessive sedimentation, and impaired river miles. Above the Law: Fighting Water Policy Enforcement We have seen how the Illinois Farm Bureau fights accountability for the agriculture industry's water pollution. But the Farm Bureau also opposes enforcement of existing laws and policies for clean water. The Illinois Farm Bureau's non-enforcement message contradicts its own policy resolution, which states, "We deplore irresponsible acts of defiance and lack of respect for laws enacted by our elected governmental representatives at all levels." Some facts:

• The Illinois Farm Bureau wants the agriculture industry exempted from cleaning up our rivers. The federal Clean Water Act requires the establishment of Total Maximum Daily Loads (TMDLs), which are planning tools for restoring polluted rivers. Essentially, a TMDL is a study that identifies and quantifies all sources of water pollution in a watershed and establishes future water quality goals. Yet the Farm Bureau's 1999 policy resolution includes this statement: "We oppose using regulations to address agricultural, non-point source issues related to Total Maximum Daily Loads (TMDLs) of pollutants in streams."
• Illinois Farm Bureau does not want the agriculture industry to have accountability for meeting water quality standards required under state and federal law. If agriculture does not play a significant role, industries and municipalities alone must carry the burden for reducing water pollution.
• Ignorance of the law is no excuse in our courts. The Farm Bureau's recent policy resolutions state, "The IEPA should be required to prove intent to violate as part of prosecution." This language is an attempt to circumvent prosecution of agricultural polluters.
• Illinois Farm Bureau pledged legal support and assistance to the repeat polluter that operates the Alan Durkee Swine Farm near Stronghurst, in Henderson County (IAA March Board Meeting Executive Summary, March 18-20, 1998). This polluter faced eight counts of air and eight counts of water violations for his consistent mismanagement of hog manure.
• Most industries make arrangements for secondary containment of pollutants, to minimize the risk of accidental spills. The Farm Bureau, on the other hand, proposes that "direct discharges [to water] due to natural causes should be exempt from civil and punitive penalties and damages." In other words, if a livestock producer builds a manure lagoon that will blow out in a rain, he will not be liable for any damages.
• While the nation as a whole begins to realize the importance of wetlands, the Illinois Farm Bureau has fought to weaken policies aimed at protecting these valuable ecosystems. Farm Bureau supports:
  • Exemptions. Under Section 404 of the Clean Water Act and Swampbuster of prior converted cropland and any land that has been cropped in at least six of the last ten years (1999 IFB Policy Materials, section 43).• A weaker definition of wetlands, requiring "the presence of hydric soils, hydrophytic vegetation, and standing water." This despite the fact that Illinois has already lost more than 90 percent of its original wetlands (section 43).
  • Paying landowners to obey laws. The Farm Bureau calls for "compensation to property owners when their ability to make management decisions is restricted by laws or regulation aimed at protecting wetlands." In other words, governments would be required to pay landowners to obey the law (section 43).

Summary Our environmental laws and policies were created to protect people from pollution and safeguard our natural resources for future generations. They were intended to make clean water a right, rather than a privilege. Through laws and policies designed at the local, state, and federal level, we have created a system that recognizes the importance of conservation. It is a system in which polluters are held accountable for their actions. Only through the fair enforcement of these laws and policies can all Illinoisians enjoy the benefits of clean water and healthy rivers. But the Illinois Farm Bureau has consistently taken positions which are at odds with the goals of these policies. It has repeatedly tried to weaken many of the policies that protect our rivers, keep our drinking water clean, and protect the public's interests. In some cases it has successfully exempted the agriculture industry from responsibilities that individuals, municipalities, and other industries must regularly uphold. Although there are laws in existence now that would begin to address issues of accountability, the Illinois Farm Bureau actively resists their implementation and further contributes to the slow degradation of Illinois' streams. As long as the agricultural industry can pollute with little risk of being held responsible, water quality degradation at the hand of the agricultural industry will continue. Wetlands to Farmland: Causing a Flood of ProblemsThe practices of local drainage districts and levee districts are detrimental to water quality and to the environment in general. Illinois Farm Bureau champions the rights of these local organizations while deterring any other local efforts to mitigate their negative impacts.

Before and after pictures of Drainage District stream "improvements" on the Salt Fork River. Such improvements increase downstream flooding, increase the transportation of sediment and agricultural chemicals, and stream bank erosion. The effects on wildlife habitat are also tremendous.

Drainage districts straighten once-meandering streams and construct elaborate networks of ditches for transporting stormwater from farmlands, increasing runoff and washing soil and farm chemicals downstream. Levee districts maintain levees that constrain the river to a narrow channel, cutting off wetlands and backwater lakes, which damages wildlife habitat and makes flood events more common. Illinois Farm Bureau has resisted measures that would hold drainage and levee districts responsible for downstream impacts like drinking water contamination, habitat impairment and property damages due to flooding from channelization and increased stream flows. Some facts:

• Farm Bureau will "seek uniform interpretation of regulations to allow stream and drainage ditch maintenance without the requirement of a permit" (1999 IFB Policy Resolutions, Section 20).
• Illinois Farm Bureau supports "legislation which will deter unwarranted interference with drainage work" (Section 20).
• Illinois Farm Bureau supports "drainage districts as independent units of local government and their right to retain control" (Section 20).
• The Farm Bureau "believes adequate funds should be made available to the Corps of Engineers and Natural Resource Conservation Service to assist in the repair of levees on the main rivers and their tributaries" (Section 27).
• The Bureau supports efforts "to secure federal and state funds for constructing certified levees and associated systems on major rivers" (Section 27).

Not only does the Illinois Farm Bureau support drainage and levee districts, but it issues policy statements that would increase these districts' autonomy, hold others accountable for downstream impacts, and continue to exempt the agriculture industry from taking responsibility for its actions. Illinois Farm Bureau supports:

• Legislation to enable local governmental units to unite to solve stormwater problems stemming from impervious surfaces in watersheds within their jurisdictions so long as the power and authority of drainage districts are not forcibly usurped or diminished. For purposes of storm-water management, farmland would not be considered an impervious surface (Section 20).
• A requirement for all municipalities to institute projects such as water retention basins and dry dams that would collect water runoff and release it at a slower rate (Section 20).
• Legislation to make the creation of River Conservancy Districts more difficult (Section 34). Under Illinois law these districts have the authority to curtail agricultural runoff and protect water quality.

The Illinois Farm Bureau opposes…

• Legislation that would grant any stormwater management authority the power to regulate farmland drainage (Section 20).
• The involuntary dissolution of agricultural drainage districts and their administration and taxing levy being assumed by the county stormwater commission (Section 20).

Enough is enough Drainage districts were created long ago to turn the marshy prairies of Illinois into productive farm ground. Drainage districts have served their purpose, and it could be argued that the archaic statutes that created these entities need to be overhauled, if not eliminated. The activities of drainage and levee districts supported by the Illinois Farm Bureau already have caused a tremendous amount of environmental damage. In 1993, Illinoisians were reminded by the Mississippi River that constraining the river's flow can have disastrous consequences. Levees throughout the floodplain pushed the floodwaters to ever higher stages. Illinois Farm Bureau advocates more money be spent to fortify these levees when the sensible measure would be to create and restore wetlands to help minimize the chance that such a flood would occur again. The Company Store: The Corporate Takeover of Agriculture News concerning mergers and monopolies frighten and anger independent farmers, but their "family farmer advocate" may not be the place to turn for help. Often, it's the same corporate agribusiness that sells them seed, chemicals, fuel, and technical advice. Being a family farmer advocate and a player in the competitive agribusiness industry are not always compatible. Illinois Farm Bureau's policies benefit big business

• Some Illinois Farm Bureau policies, published in yearly "Policy Resolutions" and carried to Washington and Springfield by Farm Bureau lobbyists, may seem to be motivated by corporate interests over family farmers and have detrimental consequences for the environment. Among them are the following from the 1999 Farm Bureau

Policy Resolutions:

• "We oppose any attempt to mandate low-input methods of farming" (Section 22). Low-input means low sales of agricultural chemicals, including fertilizer, and fuel oil. Farmers would reduce overhead costs, water quality would improve, and Illinois Farm Bureau profits would suffer.
• "Legislation, regulations, and programs dealing with sources of potential agricultural pollution should recognize economic benefits posed by production or use of potential pollutants" (Section 16). Illinois Farm Bureau produces, sells and profits from pollutants that impair our rivers and our drinking water.
• Illinois Farm Bureau advocates increasing the number of fuel oil tanks per farm so that one farmer could "receive a transport load of each specific fuel" (Section 15). This would result in higher sales, decreased handling and transportation costs for Growmark and Farm Services -- and an increased risk of oil spills and stormwater contamination.
• Illinois Farm Bureau supports: restricted use of pesticide recordkeeping, and congress providing a delay in the Food Quality Protection Act (FQPA) implementation" (Section 33). Recordkeeping encourages less chemical use, and, therefore, lower amounts of pollutants in Illinois waters

Remember who owns the store. Illinois Farm Bureau's interests in corporate ownership Illinois Farm Bureau has a great deal of power, both politically and in the marketplace. The Farm Bureau is an active participant in the concentration of the agricultural business community. As the Illinois Farm Bureau advocates agricultural issues, one should remember that they are not simply an organization of farmers. Illinois Farm Bureau is also an organization of agricultural corporations.

• Illinois Farm Bureau has ownership in at least 18 separate corporations that sell, market, or produce agricultural chemicals, fuel and oil refining and distribution, seed and feed, livestock production, dairy, accounting, commodities, insurance, mutual funds, financial trusts, lawn and garden chemicals, and communications.
• A list of Illinois Farm Bureau's major holdings and ownership has been provided with this packet. Some corporations included in these holdings are:
  • Country Companies Insurance
  • Growmark, Inc.
  • Farm Services (FS)
  • Prairie Farms Dairy
• Growmark alone is a behemoth in the Midwest. In addition to selling seed, feed, and agricultural chemicals-including fertilizer, pesticides, herbicides, lawn and garden chemicals - the corporation refines and distributes fuel oil and other production supplies and services. Some facts about Growmark, Inc., from its website:
  • 1998 sales: $1 billion.
  • Net income: $300 million.
  • Assets: $65 million.
• Growmark also purchases 1 billion bushels of grain annually, making Growmark the largest grain cooperative in the Midwest.
• ADM/Growmark, a partnership with Archer Daniels Midland, markets grain in domestic and oversees markets. According to Feedstuffs, "The Growmark and Countrymark joint ventures . . . give ADM access to 50 percent of the corn and soybean market region and 75 percent of Canada's corn and soybean market region."
• In the U.S. more than 450 million gallons of petroleum products are delivered each year. On average, a semi truck of petroleum is delivered by Growmark every 10 seconds.

Where else can a farmer shop? Effects of consolidation in agriculture

• Dr. William Heffernan, a rural sociologist at the University of Missouri, recently published a report finding that a small number of firms own and control U.S. food production, squeezing out small farmers, and "threatening America's system of independent family farms and ranches."
• The consolidations give the large companies a market advantage and power to pay farmers less for commodities. Agrinews reported in January of 1999 that the top four firms in grain marketing and processing control 59 percent of port facilities, 62 percent of flour milling, 74 percent of wet corn milling and 76 percent of soybean crushing.
• Steve Barwick, vice president of corporate marketing and operations for Illinois Farm Bureau's Growmark, Inc. declared, in an interview reported in Agrinews, "in every industry, the most efficient are the survivors. A lot has to come in production and that means fewer people producing more" (Agrinews 1/22/99).
• At a meeting with federal anti-trust officials one farmer remarked, "while the Justice Department is suing computer software companies for anti-trust [violations] American farmers are being crushed by market-manipulating global corporations."

Bigger Than You Think: Illinois Farm Bureau's Holdings and Associations Companies, holdings and associations This list does not include possible ownership of stock in other businesses.

1. Illinois Agricultural Association -- otherwise known as the Illinois Farm Bureau
2. Growmark, Inc. -- 29.4% (Farm Services (FS), Inc. Illinois Grain Corporation)
3. All Illinois County Farm Bureaus
4. ADM/Growmark, Inc.
5. Interstate Producers Livestock Association -- 38.5%
6. Illinois Milk Producers Association -- 45.5%
7. Prairie Farms Dairy -- 31.2%
8. Illinois Agriculture Auditing Association -- 49.1%
9. Country Mutual Insurance Company -- IAA has proxy control
10. Country Casualty Insurance -- owned 100% by Country Mutual Insurance Company
11. Country Preferred Insurance -- owned 100% by Country Mutual Insurance Co.
12. Northwest Farm Bureau Insurance Company -- owned 100% by Country Mutual Insurance Company
13. CC Services (Country Companies), Inc. -- 71.4% by IAA, 11% by Country Life, 17% by Country Mutual Insurance
14. Illinois Agricultural Holding Company -- 94%
15. Country Life Insurance Company -- owned 100% by Illinois Agricultural Holding Co.
16. Illinois Agricultural Association (IAA) Trust Company -- owned 100% by Illinois Agricultural Holding Co.
17. Illinois Agricultural Service Company -- owned 100% by Illinois Agricultural Holding Co.
18. AgriVisor Services, Inc. -- owned 100% by Illinois Agricultural Holding Co.
19. Illinois Agricultural Association (IAA) Communications Company -- owned 100% by Illinois Agricultural Holding Co.
20. Country Capital Management Company -- owned by Country Life Insurance Co.
21. Country Investors Life Assurance Company -- owned by Country Life Insurance Co.

Associations with "management agreements" to IAA

1. Association of Illinois Agricultural Associations
2. IAA Foundation (Illinois Agricultural Association)
3. IAA Federal Credit Union
4. IAA Recreation Association
5. Illinois Corn Growers Association
6. Illinois Corn Marketing Board
7. Illinois Soybean Program Operating Board
8. Land of Lincoln Soybean Association

Prairie Rivers Network is a not-for-profit organization that works on river conservation issues in Illinois. It is the only statewide organization focused solely on the protection and preservation of Illinois' rivers and streams. Prairie Rivers is a clean water advocate involved in the creation, implementation, and enforcement of water policies. How to contact Prairie Rivers Network:

Phone: 217-344-2371 Fax: 217-344-2381 Web: http://prairierivers.org E-mail: info@prairierivers.org Mail: 809 South Fifth Street, Champaign, IL 61820

]]> 12849 0 1200 0 https://prairierivers.org/articles/2000/06/nutrient-based-water-pollution-affecting-illinois-waterways/ Tue, 13 Jun 2000 13:40:33 +0000 http://newsite.prairierivers.org/special-reports/nutrient-based-water-pollution-affecting-illinois-waterways This fact is illustrated by the listings of impaired Illinois waters submitted by Illinois EPA and approved by U.S. EPA. The sources of nutrient-based pollutants are primarily runoff from agricultural lands and treated wastewater from municipal sewage treatment plants. Illinois EPA, Illinois DNR, and numerous researchers at state universities have conducted studies of nutrient based pollution and have confirmed that our waters are being impacted by nutrients. Many streams, reservoirs, and backwaters suffer from extremely low dissolved oxygen levels, a result of nutrient-based pollution. Numerous drinking water supplies regularly exceed the standards for nitrates. Not only are Illinois’ fish and wildlife impacted adversely by nutrient-based pollution, but Illinois’ citizens, too, are impacted by consuming polluted drinking water and paying for expensive treatment upgrades with public tax dollars. The federal government is in the midst of its own examination of nutrient-based pollution. Currently, U.S. EPA is developing water quality criteria for the control of nutrients. The Gulf of Mexico/Mississippi River Basin Watershed Nutrient Task Force has issued findings that show Illinois to be one of the major sources of nutrients that influence the so-called "Dead Zone" in the Gulf of Mexico, or Gulf Hypoxic Zone. We have read your comments, dated July 27, 1999, to the Gulf of Mexico/Mississippi River Basin Watershed Nutrient Task Force. Some of your criticisms of the Task Force’s findings raise legitimate scientific concerns regarding the relationship between pollution in Illinois and effects on the Gulf. But we must not fail to recognize the overarching problem we face from nutrient-based pollution in Illinois. No matter what conclusions are drawn about Illinois’ contribution to the Gulf of Mexico Dead Zone, Illinois must not ignore the problems with nutrients within Illinois’ borders and caused by sources within our state. The agricultural industry is by far the number one source of nutrients in Illinois. Numerous studies conducted by the state’s own scientists show this to be the case, particularly in downstate Illinois. In the northeastern part of the state municipal sewage treatment plants, straining to meet the demands of an ever increasing urban population, are the primary cause of nutrient-based pollution. Leadership is needed on this important and timely issue. We the undersigned believe that Illinois must do more to control the release of nutrient-based pollution into our waters. We would very much like to discuss this matter with you and your staff at your earliest convenience. Please notify Prairie Rivers Network and the undersigned organizations about when such a meeting might be possible. Sincerely, Robert J. Moore Executive Director Prairie Rivers Network Joanna Hoelscher, Executive Director Citizens For a Better Environment 407 South Dearborn Street, Suite 1775 Chicago, IL 60605 Sam Oliver, Staff Director Citizens For Conservation P.O. Box 435 Barrington, IL 60011 Dan Faust, Chairman Central Illinois Chapter of the Illinois Paddling Council 17 Oakwood Drive Pontiac, IL 61764 Gary Mechanic, Executive Director Des Plaines River Alliance 4905 N. Hamlin Chicago, IL 60625 Mark Wertz, State Chairman Ducks Unlimited 30 Rosewood Lane Pekin, IL 61554 Karen Hudson Families Against Rural Messes (F.A.R.M.) P.O. Box 615 Elmwood, IL 61529 Sam Stearns, Public Education Coordinator Friends of Bell Smith Springs RR 1, Box 154 Stonefort, IL 62987 Nick Nikola Friends of Critters and Salt Creek 114 Essex Road Elk Grove Village, IL 60007 Cynthia Skrukrud, Ph.D., President Friends of the Fox River P.O. Box 1314 Crystal Lake, IL 60039 Ken Konsis, President Illinois Association of Conservation Districts 2296-A Henning Road Danville, IL 61834 Marilyn Campbell, Executive Director Illinois Audubon Society 425B N. Gilbert P.O. Box 2418 Danville, IL 61834-2418 Edward L. Michael Conservation and Fishery Development Chair Illinois Council of Trout Unlimited 223 Barberry Road Highland Park, IL 60035 Lynne Padovan, Executive Director Illinois Environmental Council 319 W. Cook Springfield, IL 62704 Kevin Bradley Illinois Paddling Council 610 Randi Lane Hoffman Estates, IL 60194 Bob Williams Illinois Rivers Project Southern Illinois University Box 2222 Edwardsville, IL 62026 Randy Vogel, Executive Director Illinois Stewardship Alliance PO Box 648 Rochester, IL 62563 Laura Huth, Executive Director Illinois Student Environmental Network 110 S. Race, Suite 205 Urbana, IL 61801 Rhea Edge John Wesley Powell Audubon Society 313 North Main Street Bloomington, IL 61761 DeAnna Belz, President Living Upstream (Bloomington Chapter) Rt. 1 Box 166 Towanda, IL 61776 David Pittman, Co-Chair Living Upstream Chapter of the Sun Foundation (Peoria Chapter) 2701 W. Moss Ave. Peoria, IL 61604 George Burrier, President Mackinaw Canoe Club of Central Illinois 257 E. Washington St. East Peoria, IL 61611 Jerry Paulson, Chair Water Resources Committee McHenry County Defenders 132 Cass Street Woodstock, IL 60098 Gerald Adelmann, Executive Director Openlands Project 25 E. Washington Street, Suite 1650 Chicago, IL 60602 Jay Friberg Prairie Preservation Society of Ogle County 1522 Stillman Road Oregon, IL 61061 Don Swensson, Grant Administrator Quad City Conservation Alliance 2621 4th Ave. Rock Island, IL 61201 Martha Marks, Ph.D., Executive Director REP America (Republicans for Environmental Protection) PO Box 7073 Deerfield, IL 60015 Valerie Spale Salt Creek Greenway Association Save the Prairie Society 10327 Elizabeth Westchester, IL 60154 Jeff Swano, Executive Director Salt Creek Watershed Network 8738 Washington Ave. Brookfield, IL 60513 Dennis Wandell, President Salt Fork River Partners 1167 County Rd 2400E St. Joseph, IL 61873 Jack Darin, Director Sierra Club, Illinois Chapter 200 N. Michigan Avenue, Suite 505 Chicago, IL 60601-5908 Brook McDonald, Executive Director The Conservation Foundation 10 S. 404 Knock Knowles Road Naperville, IL 60565 Albert Pyott, President The Wetlands Initiative 53 W. Jackson Blvd. #1015 Chicago, IL 60604-3703 Cc: Renee Cipriano Lt. Gov. Corrinne Wood]]> 12850 0 1198 0 https://prairierivers.org/articles/2000/06/nutrient-letter-to-governor-george-ryan/ Tue, 27 Jun 2000 13:41:59 +0000 http://newsite.prairierivers.org/special-reports/nutrient-letter-to-governor-george-ryan According to Illinois EPA over 500 lakes and streams are impaired by nutrient pollution including several Illinois drinking water supplies. Just this week, the City of Danville began offering free bottled water to its customers because of annual violations of the nitrate drinking water standard. This is just one example of nutrient problems in Illinois, but it illustrates the need to commit to reducing nutrient levels in Illinois waters. State representatives to the Task Force concluded the meeting in St. Louis with a commitment to establishing an appropriate goal. We ask that you direct Illinois’ representative to the Task Force to support a numerical goal for nutrient reduction ­ for the sake of Illinois’ waters if not for the Gulf of Mexico. Prairie Rivers and those organizations signing our earlier letter of June 13th are still interested in meeting with you and your staff to discuss Illinois’ problems with nutrient-based pollution. Please notify us when such a meeting might be feasible. Sincerely, Robert J. Moore Executive Director Cc: Lt. Governor Corinne Wood Reneé Cipriano]]> 12851 0 1197 0 https://prairierivers.org/articles/2000/09/update-black-beauty-coal-mine/ Fri, 01 Sep 2000 13:43:05 +0000 http://newsite.prairierivers.org/news/update-black-beauty-coal-mine As you know, the proposed mine threatens one of Illinois’ finest streams:

• Water discharged from the 440 acre site will contain sediments, metals, and acid mine drainage.
• The discharge will threaten Georgetown’s and Olivet’s drinking water.
• Carl Flierman's River Nature Preserve is a short distance downstream.
• The river is listed on the state's Natural Areas Inventory, and is home to three state endangered species — the slippershell mussel, little spectaclecase mussel, and bigeye shiner — and the riparian corridor is home to one federally listed species, the Indiana bat.

Here’s what happened since we alerted you about the mine: IDNR’s Office of Mines and Minerals has reviewed Black Beauty’s application for a mining permit, "public noticed" the permit and held a hearing. But their review was inadequate and the agency’s actions premature. The Office of Mines and Minerals did not consider the mine's potential to impact water quality and endangered species in the river, or consult with experts at IDNR until after the permit was public noticed and Prairie Rivers Network called attention to the Agency’s failure to research the issues. Now, IDNR must decide whether to issue the permit despite the shoddy "review" by its own employees in the Office of Mines and Minerals.In addition to a mining permit from IDNR, Black Beauty must get a water pollution permit from IEPA. This permit regulates the quality of stormwater from sediment ponds, spoils piles, and the mine in general. Illinois EPA "public noticed" the water pollution permit before IDNR’s decision was finalized — a highly unusual action. The agency also failed to consult with IDNR’s endangered species experts before public noticing the permit. Prairie Rivers Network believes that citizens who value the Little Vermilion — or any Illinois river — should be outraged by these agencies’ failure to follow rules intended to protect our natural resources. Neither agency has adequately considered the mine's potential impact on the river, Carl Flierman’s River Nature Preserve, or Georgetown’s water supply. Concerned Citizens for a Quality Environment (CCQE), a group formed to oppose the mine, has been raising awareness and visibility among local residents and decision makers. They have been successful in petition, letter writing, and fundraising drives. Prairie Rivers Network is assisting CCQE in their efforts. What you can you do to help:

• Attend a public hearing on the mine's water pollution permit, scheduled by the IEPA at 5:00 PM, September 27th at the Georgetown-Ridge Farm High School, 500 W. Mulberry Street, Georgetown. Tell agency officials you want them to reject the permits and protect the Little Vermilion.
• Write to the Governor’s office, Illinois EPA, Illinois DNR, and the Nature Preserves Commission requesting that they deny the permits for Black Beauty Coal. Let them know your disappointment in the shoddy process the agencies have followed and your concerns about the safety of the Little Vermilion River.

Their addresses:

Gov. George Ryan 207 Statehouse Springfield, IL 62706 Illinois EPA PO Box 19276 Springfield, IL 62794 Illinois DNR 524 S. Second St. Springfield, IL 62701 Nature Preserves Commission 524 S. Second Street Springfield, IL 62701

Get involved TODAY. Help protect the Little Vermilion for ourselves and for generations to come. ]]> 17465 0 1193 0 https://prairierivers.org/articles/2002/12/2002-accomplishments/ Tue, 31 Dec 2002 18:37:52 +0000 http://newsite.prairierivers.org/?p=348 Protecting Our Best Streams We took the lead in securing adoption in February of an "antidegradation policy" for Illinois rivers. By requiring that clean waters must stay that way and that the beneficial uses of those waters must be protected, the policy addresses one of the most critical and neglected aspects of Illinois' clean water regulations. As a result, Illinois now has one of the nation's most progressive anti-degradation policies---preserving biodiversity, protecting recreational uses, maintaining watershed integrity, and safeguarding the state's most exceptional streams.

Holding Polluters Accountable

We continued to press for full implementation of the Clean Water Act as it applies to industries, municipalities, and other recognized sources of water pollution. We participated in state programs to repair waterways that currently violate water quality standards, commented on numerous discharge permits (in writing and at hearings we requested), called for improvements in water quality standards, and continued to press the state to improve its record of ensuring compliance with, and enforcement of, the Clean Water Act.

Training Others to Help Enforce the Clean Water Act

In June, with support from the Clean Water Network and River Network, we published an expanded edition of Permitting an End to Pollution. This first-of-its-kind handbook teaches citizens how to review and comment on water pollution permits, thereby giving them a voice in the process that affects the waterways they care about. This book is now being distributed nationally.

Reducing Pollution from Farm Runoff

Through one-on-one meetings and public forums, we encouraged farmers and landowners to become more actively involved in efforts to minimize pollutants that flow from our farms into our rivers.

Creating New River Conservation Organizations, and Building the Capacity of Existing Organizations

We helped local clean water advocates form the Friends of Kickapoo Creek and other organizations. Prairie Rivers Network also assisted many organizations with technical and organizational assistance to build their capacity and effectiveness.

Working In Our Own Backyards

We co-hosted the Fifth Annual Salt Fork River Clean-up, an event that enhances and raises public awareness of Prairie Rivers' "hometown" stream. Also, as a member of the Salt Fork River Steering River Committee, we emphasized the need to restore and improve habitat and water quality and to halt destructive channelization and dredging projects. A small but visible aspect of our work included our response to an accidental fish-kill stemming from a discharge of ammonia in the River by the University of Illinois.]]> 348 0 1180 0 https://prairierivers.org/uncategorized/2003/12/groups-praise-sewage-treatment-accord/ Tue, 02 Dec 2003 15:03:25 +0000 http://newsite.prairierivers.org/?p=916 Permit is model for other communities who want to minimize environmental impacts of growth Plano, December 2, 2003: Environmental groups that work to protect water quality and river health in Illinois, today praised an agreement that had been reached with the City of Plano to dramatically reduce the impacts the expansion of their sewage treatment plant will have on water quality and aquatic life. The permit formalizing that agreement was issued in November. "All parties have much to be proud of," said Jean Flemma, Executive Director of Prairie Rivers Network. "This agreement and the final permit show that a cooperative approach to planning for growth can result in a win for the environment and for communities." Earlier this year, the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency had proposed issuing a National Pollution Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permit for the City of Plano that would have allowed an increase in discharges from the city's sewage treatment plant into Big Rock Creek from almost 1 million gallons per day to 2.5 million gallons per day. This expansion was proposed to facilitate new growth expected in the area. The requirements proposed by the permit were typical of many sewage treatment plant permits and lacked sufficient environmental protections. At the same time, Big Rock Creek is not a typical creek; it is one of the healthiest streams in northeastern Illinois. To address the concerns regarding the adequacy of the proposed permit, representatives from the City and conservation interests worked together to develop a plan for providing better protection by decreasing the pollution that would be discharged to the creek from the expanded sewage treatment plant. "The primary goal of the Big Rock Creek Watershed Committee is to ensure that this unique, high quality watershed remains so during and after the massive population growth in our area. That can only be accomplished with the cooperation of the governments within the watershed. The City of Plano's actions demonstrate that they share that goal as well," said Wade Joyner, a member of the Committee. Many improvements were made to the Plano NPDES permit that were not found in the original proposal. Specifically, the plant will now remove much of the phosphorus that is typically found in sewage; a portion of the treated wastewater will be used on the nearby golf course rather than discharged to the creek; the treated wastewater will be discharged to a holding pond, and perhaps in the future to a constructed wetland, rather than discharging it directly to the creek. "The addition of phosphorus removal technology at the plant is a significant move by the City of Plano to minimize the impact of their sewage discharge to the high quality Big Rock Creek," said Cindy Skrukrud, Clean Water Advocate for the Sierra Club. The City will also conduct chemical sampling in Big Rock Creek upstream and downstream of the discharge for several parameters including phosphorus and nitrate (two important nutrients). Finally, the City has expressed an interest in continuing to work with local conservationists to explore more opportunities for applying treated water to land rather than discharging to the stream. Mayor Bill Roberts stated, "The City of Plano is proud of the part we played in this process and very pleased with the final product. I can't say enough about the cooperative and committed efforts of the Sierra Club, Prairie Rivers Network, the Big Rock Creek Watershed Committee, Cedardell Golf Club, Walter E Deuchler Associates, Inc and my entire staff, in particular Darrin Boyer Superintendent of the Waste Water Treatment Plant. All parties involved share a common concern for protecting the environment and our Big Rock Creek." # # #]]> 916 0 1166 0 https://prairierivers.org/uncategorized/2003/11/salt-fork-drainage/ Mon, 17 Nov 2003 15:04:55 +0000 http://newsite.prairierivers.org/?p=919 Champaign, November 17, 2003: In a petition filed before the Court on Friday, Prairie Rivers Network, a Champaign-based river conservation organization, asked to be given standing to represent the public's interest in the environmental values of the Salt Fork River in a pending drainage district case that could have significant ramifications for the river. At issue is a plan by the Upper Salt Fork Drainage District (USFDD) to clear trees from and dredge more than eighteen miles of the Salt Fork River. A petition before the Circuit Court, filed by the USFDD and asking for authority to assess landowners in the drainage district more than half a million dollars to pay for the proposed project, contains many assertions, but little documentation to support the need for such extensive work. Of specific concern to Prairie Rivers, the petition does not demonstrate how the proposed work will meet legal requirements of the drainage code to protect environmental values such as trees and fish and wildlife habitat. "The petition filed by the Upper Salt Fork Drainage District claims that aquatic life in the stream should not be endangered in any way by the work they propose, but they provide no evidence supporting that claim", said Jean Flemma, Executive Director of Prairie Rivers Network. "We seek standing to ensure that the impacts to the environment, including fish and wildlife habitat are adequately considered." In addition to providing drainage for farmers, the Salt Fork River provides water for downstream users, scenic beauty to nearby homeowners, enjoyable and important wildlife habitat, and an essential spawning ground for fish that later populate fishing grounds downstream. These uses are real and legitimate, and the public has the right to expect that its multiple uses will be respected and accommodated by drainage decision-makers. Channelization, dredging, and removal of streamside vegetation may have many negative impacts on those uses by destroying wildlife habitat and food sources for fish, birds, reptiles, and other animals, and increasing water temperatures which is harmful to aquatic species. Streamside habitat alteration, including the channelization work performed by drainage districts, is also the third leading cause of Clean Water Act impairments in Illinois, totaling over 2700 miles of rivers and streams, according to Illinois EPA. Most maintenance is done by drainage districts with little public accountability and using maintenance practices that have changed little since the 1870's. New research has suggested these practices may no longer be necessary to provide the full economic benefit to agricultural producers. Prairie Rivers supports the need to provide adequate drainage, but advocates the use of specific problem-targeted maintenance techniques. Unfortunately the petition before the court does not detail specific problems and does not propose problem-specific solutions. "Decades ago our grandfathers improved drainage by excavating. Now the task of maintaining that drainage calls for the use of new techniques such as localized bank protection, minor meander adjustment, spot removal of obstructions, all done with understanding of water flow realities and the willingness to accommodate multiple uses," said Charles Goodall, farmer, drainage district commissioner, and Board member of Prairie Rivers Network. # # #]]> 919 0 1167 0 https://prairierivers.org/uncategorized/2003/11/wetlands-2/ Thu, 06 Nov 2003 15:07:13 +0000 http://newsite.prairierivers.org/?p=922 Passage of Illinois HB 422, the Wetlands Protection Act seen as urgent Champaign, November 6, 2003: A new Bush Administration Clean Water Act draft rule released in the press today demonstrates the Administration's intent to give developers and industry a blank check in their quest to destroy the nation's wetlands and streams, giving new urgency to need for passage of the Illinois Wetlands Protection Act, HB 422. The state of Illinois has only one million acres of wetlands left today, down from an historical ten million acres. This draft rule puts more than a third of those wetlands that remain at risk of immediate destruction, with significant impacts for the environmental and economic health of the state. "Wetlands provide some of the best wildlife habitat in the state, for fish, waterfowl and numerous other species. They are also extremely important to the protection of water quality, acting as a natural filter for pollutants, and protect private property by absorbing floodwaters," said Jean Flemma, Executive Director of Prairie Rivers Network. "Recent polls show that citizens in Illinois overwhelmingly support the protection of wetlands, water quality, and fish and wildlife habitat. Illinois Senators must pass the Illinois Wetlands Protection Act, and protect against the sweeping changes to the Clean Water Act proposed by the Administration." The bill, HB 422, was passed by the House last spring and will be considered by the Senate during the veto session this month. It is intended to provide protections for Illinois' wetlands that have been left vulnerable by a 2001 Supreme Court decision that limited Clean Water Act protections for some "isolated" wetlands. The Bush Administration's proposed rule would drastically expand the affects of that ruling, not only as it applies to wetlands but also as it applies to streams and ponds. For instance, the draft rule would eliminate Clean Water Act protections for ephemeral and intermittent streams that do not have groundwater as their primary source of water flow, or that flow for less than six months of the year. "In addition to threatening our wetlands with unrestricted filling and destruction, the draft rule would also threaten thousands of miles of streams in Illinois with a similar fate. This will only exacerbate flooding problems and further threaten water quality and fish and wildlife habitat," said Flemma. "To claim that it simply clarifies what was found to be a very narrow court ruling is ludicrous and an affront to the citizens of the United States whose property and water quality will be impacted by this rule should it go into affect." "We must pass HB 422 to put the initial safeguards in place to protect against these broad sweeping rollbacks of the Clean Water Act." # # #]]> 922 0 1169 0 https://prairierivers.org/uncategorized/2003/10/citizens-want-more-protection-for-water-and-wildlife/ Wed, 08 Oct 2003 15:09:08 +0000 http://newsite.prairierivers.org/?p=926 River group cites current drainage district practices as contrary to public interest Champaign, October 8, 2003: A new survey conducted by experts from the Illinois Natural History Survey has found that protecting water quality is of paramount concern to Illinois citizens. The survey of Illinois residents found that more than 80% believe that economic prosperity depends on a healthy environment and that high water quality is needed for strong economic growth. In addition, 66% of the public felt that more protection needed to be given to wildlife habitat along streams and rivers in Illinois. Prairie Rivers Network noted that the survey results provided a sharp contrast to projects being implemented by drainage districts÷local units of government with broad powers and little oversight ? that frequently dredge and clear cut miles of river banks in an effort to move stormwater downstream. "Its ironic that at a time when the public is reaffirming the need to protect water quality and fish and wildlife habitat along rivers, drainage districts around the state continue to implement projects that have serious negative impacts on the very resources Illinois citizens value, with no public oversight or accountability," said Jean Flemma, Executive Director of Prairie Rivers Network. "According to the Illinois EPA, habitat alteration is the third leading cause of water quality decline in the state. Much of that alteration is being performed by drainage districts." Current law requires drainage districts to protect environmental values, including trees and fish and wildlife habitat, and to avoid erosion and pollution of the land, water, or air. Rarely do these requirements appear to be met. For example, a project proposed by the Upper Salt Fork Drainage District, on the Salt Fork of the Vermilion River in Champaign County, will dredge and clear all trees and other vegetation along the banks and as far as twenty feet back from the edge of the banks for more than twenty miles along the river. This will impact wildlife, including gamefish sought by many who travel to the Salt Fork, by removing shade trees and woody debris in the stream that many fish, amphibians, mammals and birds rely upon for shelter, perching, and food supply. In DeWitt County, the Coon Creek Drainage District charged close to $400,000 to straighten, deepen and widen segments of Coon Creek. Demonstrating the need for better accountability, the drainage district incorrectly drew the boundaries of the district, charging those whose land didn't even drain into the stream for two years of property assessments, yet no refunds have yet been offered to the landowners. One year after the project began, citizen monitoring efforts shows that biological degradation from the work is evident, and that increased siltation on the stream bottom has occurred. In Boone and McHenry Counties, opponents have pursued re-activating a now defunct drainage district to stop the creation of a 109 acre restored wetland, as part of the Crow's Foot Conservation Area ? a joint project between Boone and McHenry County Conservation Districts, and Illinois DNR. "We have heard from numerous landowners, and concerned citizens who are very concerned about the impacts that drainage district work is having on water quality and fish and wildlife habitat---environmental resources the drainage district commissioners are required to protect under the law," said Flemma. "They are also concerned about the potential for increased flooding downstream, the costs of these projects, and the lack of timely public notice. Clearly, we need better public accountability when it comes to the initiation of maintenance and new projects." In the case of the Upper Salt Fork Drainage District, the project has been under consideration for more than two years, but the public received notice less than thirty days before the District went to court to seek approval of the assessment for $675,000 in new taxes. "The results of the Natural History Survey study shows that Illinois residents recognize the link between a healthy environment and a strong economy, and the drainage commissioners need to recognize that as well," said Flemma. "Alternative practices for providing drainage now exist that do not need to have the same negative impacts on the environment. We can have adequate drainage, a healthy environment and a strong economy, but the old ways of thinking need to be altered if we are to achieve those goals, and ensure that the public interests of protecting water and wildlife are being met."]]> 926 0 1170 0 https://prairierivers.org/uncategorized/2003/09/antiquated-drainage-practices/ Thu, 04 Sep 2003 15:10:23 +0000 http://newsite.prairierivers.org/?p=929 Champaign, September 4, 2003: On Wednesday morning, September 3rd, just 48 hours after an enormous rain of 5-7 inches fell over the Upper Salt Fork River watershed, direct observation revealed that from county road 2700 N down to 1950 N (7 1/2 miles) water had receded enough to allow tiles to run unimpeded. Thus the upper Salt Fork passed the "2-day" test and drained nearly 70% of the watershed quickly enough to avert crop damage and casts doubt on plans to deepen the upper reach of the river. Prairie Rivers Network cautions that the plan by the Upper Salt Fork Drainage District (USFDD) to wholesale clear-cut and re-dredge more than fifteen miles of the Salt Fork River does not merit support. A petition before the Circuit Court asking for authority to levy an additional assessment of $.67 million contains sweeping assertions, but no documentation to support the need for such extensive and drastic work. The petition before the court is inadequate in several respects. First, no specific tile drains are identified as lacking outlet due to inadequate ditch capacity. In addition, no crop damage is attributed to lack of ditch capacity. If damage does occur, it may result from inadequate tile or from surface water impoundment behind ditch-side berms or be attributed to the normal risk assumed by farming in a flood plain. It would not necessarily indicate lack of ditch capacity, and therefore should not be used to justify re-dredging. The calculation of benefits from the proposed work to farmland in the tax roll appears to be hypothetical, inflated, and unconnected to real and actual benefits that might result from the proposed work. Overstated benefits should not be used to justify the proposed work. Of significant concern, the petition also fails to demonstrate how the proposed work would protect environmental values such as fish and wildlife habitat and avoid erosion as required by the drainage code. "We cannot understand how the engineer's report and the petition can claim that riparian habitat will not be significantly affected by this proposed work, when they plan to dredge and clear-cut every tree and remove every bit of vegetation in the river, on both slopes and within twenty feet of the river bank," said Marc Miller of Prairie Rivers Network. "Even the Corps of Engineers recommended that clearing of vegetation and trees be limited to one side of the river and only to vegetation which obviously obstructs the stream flow." The upper Salt Fork River corridor is multifunctional, and clear-cutting and re-dredging the upper Salt fork by the USFDD is unsupportable because it completely ignores that fact. In addition to providing drainage for farmers, the upper Salt Fork also provides water for downstream users, scenic beauty to nearby homeowners, enjoyable and important wildlife habitat, and an essential spawning ground for fish that later populate fishing grounds downstream. These de facto uses are real and legitimate, and the public has the right to expect that its multiple uses will be respected and accommodated by drainage decision-makers. Under State law, all fish and wildlife are the property of the people of Illinois. Prairie Rivers advocates that drainage maintenance techniques be selected carefully and used so that multiple ditch functions will be accommodated and protected. The upper Salt Fork River tributaries are part of single system and the desire to speed upland drainage must be balanced with the need to avoid downstream flooding. The petition contains no evidence that dredging the channel will not raise downstream water levels. Prairie Rivers also opposes wholesale re-dredging because experience shows that landownersâ money spent on re-dredging is often wasted. Specifically, drainage districts often find that a "re-dredge fix" lasts only a couple of years. In addition, it destabilizes ditch banks causing them to slump and erode, thereby producing material that nature re-deposits in the channel. A wide channel bottom formed by re-dredging a ditch can not be kept open by the low flow of water that occurs most of the year. Prairie Rivers supports the need to provide adequate drainage for row-crop production, but advocates the use of specific problem-targeted maintenance techniques. Unfortunately the petition before the court does not detail specific problems and does not propose problem-specific solutions. On August 26, 2003, the Champaign County Soil and Water Conservation District and Farm Bureau co-sponsored a drainage workshop in which drainage commissioners were cautioned that large excavating projects are often poor investments because they result in unstable channels that can quickly revert to their previous condition. "Decades ago our grandfathers created drainage ditches by excavating. Now the task of maintaining those ditches calls for the use of new techniques such as localized bank protection, minor meander adjustment, spot removal of obstructions, all done with understanding of water flow realities and the willingness to accommodate multiple ditch uses", said Charles Goodall, farmer, drainage district commissioner, and Board]]> 929 0 1171 0 https://prairierivers.org/uncategorized/2003/07/salt-fork-spill/ Fri, 11 Jul 2003 15:11:53 +0000 http://newsite.prairierivers.org/?p=932 Champaign, July 11, 2003: Marking the one year anniversary of an ammonia nitrogen spill in the Salt Fork River that killed more than 105,000 fish and impacted countless other aquatic and riparian species, Prairie Rivers Network and the Salt Fork Rivers Partners urged the State agencies responsible to resolve the case and allow restoration efforts to begin as quickly as possible. "It has been a year since the spill, and we are very concerned that measures to mitigate the impacts have not yet been identified," said Jean Flemma, Executive Director of Prairie Rivers Network. "We urge the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency and the Department of Natural Resources to make their recommendations for a settlement to the Attorney General's office as soon as possible, so that the long overdue recovery efforts on the Salt Fork can get underway." Salt Fork River Partners agreed. "A comprehensive restoration and remediation package that encompasses strategies for habitat improvements needs to be agreed to as quickly as possible to repair the damage caused by the spill. Not only will habitat restoration help speed the recovery of the resource in this situation, it will help encourage recovery in the future if another spill or other adverse discharge to the river were to occur, regardless of the source," said Dennis Wandell, President of the Salt Fork River Partners. On September 23, 2002, the State filed a claim for $50,000 to recover damages for the fish that had been killed by the ammonia spill, despite the fact that the Department of Natural Resources had already established figures showing higher overall costs for more than 30 species of fish impacted by the spill. These included gamefish such as the smallmouth and largemouth bass, various sunfish, and catfish, and other species important to the health of the stream such as the river redhorse, emerald shiner, madtom, bluebreast and greenside darters. The Stateâs claim also did not take into account the damages to the Salt Forkâs other resources that are obviously much more difficult to quantify, like insects, crayfish, and diminished ecological health. Since that time, settlement discussions have continued but no agreement has been reached. In a letter to the Attorney General in March, Prairie Rivers urged the office to ensure that the settlement include habitat improvements, the purchase of long-term conservation easements along streams to provide protection in the case of future spills, and, importantly, a requirement that all revenues from fines be invested in restoration activities. Also of significant importance, Prairie Rivers has repeatedly stressed that opportunity for public involvement in the settlement process must be provided before any final settlement is approved. "We feel this is the only way to ensure that a comprehensive restoration package is adopted, and that the interests of the citizens that care about the Salt Fork are addressed", Flemma said.]]> 932 0 1173 0 https://prairierivers.org/uncategorized/2003/07/salt-fork-fish-kill-recovery/ Tue, 01 Jul 2003 15:15:41 +0000 http://newsite.prairierivers.org/?p=936 River Groups Call for Accountability and Responsibility Champaign, July 1, 2003 - Nearly one year after the devastating fish kill, river conservation groups have learned that a local unit of government, the Spoon River Drainage District, plans to dredge a high quality fish spawning area on the Salt Fork, altering the habitat in a manner that could undermine the river's ability to recover from the 2002 ammonia spill. A member of Prairie Rivers Network, a statewide river conservation group based in Champaign, noticed backhoes stationed on the Spoon River in northern Champaign County and contacted the organization. The Spoon River is classified by Illinois EPA and DNR as a class "A" stream or a unique aquatic resource, which is a measurement of its high fish diversity and water quality. Although a small stream in a man-altered channel, it has varied aquatic habitats such as pools and runs, and is used by many fish like smallmouth bass to spawn and raise their young. Prairie Rivers contacted the Champaign County Soil and Water Conservation District (SWCD) to learn that the drainage district intends to dredge the channel. Prairie Rivers Network notified the drainage district through SWCD of a recent record of a state endangered mussel, the little spectaclecase, in the Spoon River, forcing the Spoon River Drainage District to seek information from DNR before dredging. While the presence of endangered species may be an immediate issue, a larger question also exists as to whether the re-dredging is needed and what the overall impacts would be to the ecosystem. "The main problem is how to balance the use of streams for agriculture, recreation, and wildlife, not the presence of endangered species," said Charles Goodall, farmer, drainage district commissioner, and a board member of Prairie Rivers Network. "Drainage in this area is important to agriculture and has contributed a great deal over generations, but today new ideas and new maintenance techniques are needed to bridge agricultural drainage requirements and stewardship responsibilities. This is an issue of sharing the waterway with other legitimate functions." Members of Salt Fork River Partners, the local river conservation group concerned with the health of the river, have been monitoring the Spoon River for earth moving equipment and attending meetings to keep an eye on drainage district activities. "High quality streams like the Spoon River, Jordan and Stoney Creeks will help repopulate the Salt Fork River with fish and other aquatic life," said Cecily Smith, a member of Salt Fork River Partners. "Biologists have suggested that any disturbances on these streams could hamper recovery from the 2002 fish kill." Agricultural engineering research centered at Ohio State University, and research from University of Illinois, suggests new ways in which agricultural drainage can be maintained while providing habitat for aquatic and other wildlife, trap sediment and remove nutrients that impact water quality and aquatic life, and provide for reduced maintenance and, ultimately, lower property tax assessments. "The Spoon River already possesses conditions suggested by current agricultural engineering research," stated Goodall. "Re-dredging and other work to increase the speed of water flow of water may not be necessary and may be a waste of taxpayer dollars." Currently drainage districts are not required to provide notice of maintenance work to be performed, and citizens who are concerned about the health of rivers and streams, and the tributaries that act as spawning grounds for fish and other life, find it necessary to react to earth-moving equipment working on waterways. "If there were notification requirements for drainage district work, we could work cooperatively with drainage commissioners to address environmental responsibility and other concerns," said Smith. "Instead, when work begins on high quality areas such as Spoon River, we have little chance for meaningful discussions on responsible practices. If drainage districts on class A streams are not going to demonstrate environmental stewardship required by the drainage code and other state laws, where can we expect it?"

Background

Drainage Districts were established by Illinois' Legislature in 1871, and have broad powers to build, straighten, deepen, enlarge and maintain manmade and natural streams, removing trees and other wildlife habitat structures. They also have authority to take property under eminent domain, to file lawsuits, and to levy property taxes within their boundaries, all with little public oversight or reporting requirements. Although Illinois drainage law was recodified in 1955, the powers of drainage commissioners have largely remained unchanged since 1871. Illinois Drainage Law requires drainage district commissioners to protect environmental values [70 ILCS 605/4-15.1.]. The Illinois Endangered Species Protection Act requires drainage districts to consult with DNR if activities will adversely impact a listed species. Prairie Rivers Network is the statewide river conservation organization, based in Champaign. Prairie Rivers is the state affiliate of National Wildlife Federation. Salt Fork River Partners is a watershed-based river conservation group concerned with the health and protection of the Salt Fork of the Vermilion River.]]> 936 0 1174 0 https://prairierivers.org/uncategorized/2003/06/pew-ocean-commission/ Wed, 04 Jun 2003 15:18:21 +0000 http://newsite.prairierivers.org/?p=939 Recommendations for Curbing Agricultural Runoff Recognize that America's Oceans Start Here Champaign, June 4: After conducting the first national review of US ocean policies in more than 30 years, the Pew Ocean Commission released its findings today, outlining a new national agenda for restoring the nation's oceans. The Commission, which was funded by the Pew Charitable Trusts and chaired by former Congressman and White House Chief of Staff Leon Panetta, spent three years traveling the country to learn about challenges facing the country's oceans and formulating recommendations for addressing them. While overfishing of the nation's fish stocks was identified as the most obvious impact on the marine environment, the Commission found that the greatest pollution threat to coastal marine life if the runoff from excess nitrogen from fertilized farm fields, animal feed lots, and urban areas, including those found far, far away from the coasts. Excess amounts of these nutrients cause massive algal blooms that deplete oxygen in the ocean and cause huge hypoxic zones, or "Dead Zones", such as the one in the Gulf of Mexico which was the size of the State of Massachusetts in the summer of 2002, and where little or no marine life can survive. "Polluted runoff from agriculture in Illinois is not just a problem for Illinois' rivers," said Jean Flemma, Executive Director of Prairie Rivers Network. "It causes problems as far away as the Gulf of Mexico. In fact, while only 7% if the water that flows into the Gulf of Mexico comes from Illinois, 15% of the nutrient pollution comes from here as well. To address the problem of nutrient pollution, the Commission recommended that the EPA and states should establish water quality standards for nutrients, particularly nitrogen as quickly as possible. Illinois EPA is currently in the process of developing nutrient standards, however the agency may not limit nitrogen. Development of nutrient standards will have little impact on the biggest source of nutrient pollution - agriculture. To address that problem, the Commission recommended that the Clean Water Act should be amended to control polluted runoff from agriculture, but that effort could take time. They also suggested that agricultural and other subsidies should be linked to compliance with the Clean Water Act, providing economic incentives to those that reduce their runoff. Also of note, they recommended that Combined Animal Feeding Operations, CAFOs, should be brought into compliance with the current requirements of the Clean Water Act that limit wastewater discharges. "We are pleased that the Pew Ocean Commission has drawn attention to the problems of agricultural nutrient pollution that Prairie Rivers and others have long argued must be addressed. It is important for people to realize that our inability or unwillingness to reduce nutrient pollution here in the Illinois River basin affects not only Illinois' water quality and fisheries, but the health of our oceans and marine life as well, Flemma said." "America's oceans do not start at the coast, America's oceans start here."taxpayers were similarly being charged license fees to fish or paddle in those same rivers.]]> 939 0 1175 0 https://prairierivers.org/uncategorized/2003/06/clean-water-advocates-applaud-requirements-for-polluters-to-pay-fees-for-water-pollution-control-permits/ Tue, 03 Jun 2003 15:20:16 +0000 http://newsite.prairierivers.org/?p=943 Champaign, June 3: Prairie Rivers Network and other clean water advocates from around the state praised the Illinois General Assembly for making polluters pay for the right to discharge into Illinois's rivers and streams. Authority for Illinois EPA to assess fees for water pollution control permits, deposit those fees into a new Clean Water Act fund, and used the monies to carry out the Agency's clean water activities was included in the budget package that was passed in the final hour of the legislative session. Prairie Rivers Network, the Environmental Law and Policy Center, and the Sierra Club have been working for many years to see these fees put in place. Illinois is one of forty-three states with delegated authority from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency under the Clean Water Act to administer a water pollution control permit program. These permits, known as a National Pollution Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permits, are required to discharge pollution to any waterbody of the United States. Although it costs millions of dollars each year to process, issue, and monitor compliance with NPDES permits, Illinois was one of only eight states that did not charge fees for issuing them. As a result, Illinois taxpayer dollars were subsidizing the degradation of the rivers and lakes valued for drinking water, wildlife, and recreational opportunities, while taxpayers were similarly being charged license fees to fish or paddle in those same rivers. As a result of the state budget deficit, the Governor' budget proposed many new fees for a variety of government services and permits. The NPDES fees which passed were modeled after SB 1060, introduced by Senator Garrett, and will eliminate subsidies for polluters and provide more than $20 million annually for implementation of the NPDES permit program. Fees will improve water quality and enhance wildlife habitat and fishing, and to continue IEPA's work to protect Illinois' waters from the harmful effects of water pollution. "This is a victory for Illinois' rivers and streams, and for it's citizens," said Jean Flemma, Executive Director of Prairie Rivers Network. "During the current fiscal climate in the state, it made no sense for us to continue giving polluters a free ride at taxpayers' expense. If you want o dump pollution into Illinois' waters, there should be a cost."]]> 943 0 1176 0 https://prairierivers.org/uncategorized/2003/06/educational-display-celebrates-rivers-of-the-vermilion/ Mon, 02 Jun 2003 15:22:18 +0000 http://newsite.prairierivers.org/?p=946 Champaign, June 2, 2003: An educational display on the high quality rivers of the Vermilion River watershed and its recreational opportunities begins touring the Vermilion Rivers's libraries and businesses. The display was created by Prairie Rivers Network, the state's river conservation organization, with a grant from the Department of Natural Resources Conservation 2000 Ecosystems Partnership Program. The grant was forwarded by the Vermilion River Eco-partnership. A watershed is an area of land where rainfall drains towards a particular body of water that gives the watershed its name, such as a river, and the Vermilion River watershed encompasses much of Vermilion and Champaign counties and portions of four other counties in east central Illinois. Eight rivers and streams in this watershed are considered biologically significant by the Department of Natural Resources. "The rivers of the Vermilion River watershed are some of the finest in the state of Illinois," said Marc Miller, watershed organizer for Prairie Rivers Network. "The display shows the beauty of the area, and encourages more people to enjoy fishing, paddling, and wildlife-watching on our streams." Also included in the display are facts about the watershed and its wildlife, such as the number of fish, crayfish, and mussel species found in this watershed, and an accompanying brochure points the reader to appropriate areas for recreational activities such as fishing, hunting, canoeing, camping and other activities. Information is also provided on how individuals can do their part to protect these natural resources. "We depend on these water resources for not just quality of life, but our drinking water as well," stated Miller. "Little steps at work and at home will guarantee clean water and healthy rivers for all of us and for our recreational activities." Professional photographer Jason Lindsey (perceptivevisions.com) created the layout and contributed outdoor photographs to the display. For more information on the Vermilion River Watershed display or how to bring it to your business or public event, contact Marc Miller at 217/344-2371 or mmiller@prairierivers.org.]]> 946 0 1178 0 https://prairierivers.org/uncategorized/2003/02/hickory-creek/ Tue, 04 Feb 2003 15:24:18 +0000 http://newsite.prairierivers.org/?p=949 Champaign, February 4, 2003: Prairie Rivers Network expressed concern today regarding a proposed permit that will allow the discharge of wastewater into Hickory Creek in Will County. In a letter to Illinois Environmental Protection Agency (IEPA), the group objected to the issuance of the wastewater discharge permit for the Village of New Lenox because it does not ensure that required water quality standards will be met. According to Beth Wentzel, Prairie Rivers' watershed scientist, "Despite pollution impacts in recent decades, Hickory Creek remains a significant ecological resource with a unique history and promising prospects for recovery. If not modified, the discharge permit which would allow New Lenox to increase its discharge of waste, will threaten the Creek and the possibility for restoration." Under the Clean Water Act, the state must ensure that certain standards are met before discharge permits can be issued. In the case of the New Lenox permit for Hickory Creek, however, several of those standards have not been met in the proposed permit. For instance, the permit does not ensure that the existing uses of the stream will be protected. These include the educational use of the stream by ecology classes from the area, as well as the habitat use by a broad array of species that currently call the waterway home. In addition, Prairie Rivers expressed concern that the facility that will be receiving the permit may currently be contributing to water quality violations in Hickory Creek. "Under state regulations, IEPA must demonstrate that the discharge allowed under the new permit will not cause or contribute to water quality standard violations in the future," Wentzel stated. In order to ensure that these and other concerns are addressed, Prairie Rivers Network, the Illinois Chapter of the Sierra Club, and the Lower Des Plaines River Alliance have all requested that IEPA hold a public hearing on the proposed permit. A response from the agency is expected in the next few weeks. # # #]]> 949 0 1179 0 https://prairierivers.org/news/2002/12/executive-director/ Wed, 04 Dec 2002 15:25:52 +0000 http://newsite.prairierivers.org/?p=952 Champaign, December 4, 2002: Prairie Rivers Network announced today the appointment of Jean Flemma as Executive Director. Prairie Rivers is the Champaign-based statewide river conservation organization. Ms. Flemma has a BA in economics from Middlebury College and a MMA in Marine Policy and Natural Resources Management from the University of Washington. She went to Capitol Hill in 1992 to join the staff of the Marine Fisheries Committee. Currently she is a senior member of the professional staff of the U. S. House of Representative Committee on Resources, responsible for advising and representing the committee's ranking minority member on issues relating to fisheries management, endangered species, wetlands, coastal management, hydropower licensing, water allocation, open space acquisition, and easements. She replaces Robert J. Moore who took a position with the Conservation Law Foundation in Vermont.]]> 952 0 1181 0 https://prairierivers.org/uncategorized/2002/07/fish-kill/ Thu, 25 Jul 2002 15:27:15 +0000 http://newsite.prairierivers.org/?p=955 Champaign, [July 25, 2002]: Prairie Rivers Network, the statewide river conservation organization based in Champaign, took the first steps toward filing a lawsuit today in response to the fish kill caused by Urbana-Champaign Sanitary District's (UCSD) Northeast Sewage Treatment Plant and the University of Illinois. Prairie Rivers Network filed a 60-day notice letter, notifying the UCSD of their intent to file suit in federal district court for violations of the Clean Water Act. The 60-day notice is required by the Clean Water Act for citizen suits. A similar letter will be filed next week with the University of Illinois. "We want to make sure fish kills do not occur again," said Robert Moore, Executive Director of Prairie Rivers, "and to ensure that the Sanitary District and the U of I restore the Saline and the Salt Fork." Last week the UCSD released a large amount of toxic ammonia which killed over 80,000 fish on the Salt Fork River, the largest fish kill in recent memory. Fish were killed as far downstream as Homer, more than 15 miles downstream. According to the UCSD, the source of the ammonia was the University of Illinois' Abbott power plant. "Prairie Rivers raised serious questions about the sewage treatment plant's ammonia treatment two years ago," stated Moore. "This spill raises those questions again." Prairie Rivers Network is waiting for additional information on the impacts to the river from the ammonia such as the downstream impact on dissolved oxygen levels, the river's fish populations, as well as other important populations of aquatic life like crayfish, amphibians and mussels. "Right now, we know the river has been devastated, but we don't know the full extent," said Moore. "We need to find out the impacts and then figure out how to solve the problem."]]> 955 0 1182 0 https://prairierivers.org/uncategorized/2002/07/river-conservationists-alarmed-by-local-fish-kill/ Tue, 16 Jul 2002 15:29:11 +0000 http://newsite.prairierivers.org/?p=958 Champaign, [July 16, 2002]: Prairie Rivers Network, the statewide river conservation organization based in Champaign, was alarmed by reports that toxic chemicals were apparently discharged by the Urbana-Champaign Sanitary District's (UCSD) Northeast Sewage Treatment Plant between July 12th and 14th. A large quantity of ammonia was discharged that resulted in a massive fish kill on the Saline Branch of the Salt Fork of the Vermilion River that extended 9 miles from the plant to the confluence of the Salt Fork. The Saline Branch originates in Champaign-Urbana. "Two years ago Prairie Rivers pushed for more stringent ammonia limits on UCSD's plants to protect aquatic life," said Robert Moore, Executive Director of the conservation group, "and this is the reason why." Reports on the cause and extent of the spill or the numbers of dead fish have not been released by Illinois EPA or the Sanitary District. Many fish killed by the ammonia spill were mature sportfish, including numerous smallmouth bass that were in excess of a foot in length. The fish were likely using the Saline Branch to spawn. "The Saline Branch is a critical fish hatchery for the Salt Fork River," stated Moore. "The number of fish in the river system will decline as a result of this spill." Moore added that the Salt Fork River is a source of local tourism dollars as many sportsmen and women from around the state travel to Champaign County to fish the Salt Fork River. Prairie Rivers Network has requested information from the two governmental agencies, and is waiting for an official response. "It's pretty clear that UCSD has violated its water pollution permit, and we're considering a citizen's suit," said Moore.]]> 958 0 1183 0 https://prairierivers.org/uncategorized/2001/07/campaign-conservation-funding/ Thu, 19 Jul 2001 15:30:44 +0000 http://newsite.prairierivers.org/?p=962 Springfield, July 19,2001: The U.S. Senate needs to restore funding for three vital, farmer-initiated agriculture conservation programs that were zero-funded in the president’s budget and the House of Representatives’ 2002 agriculture appropriation bill, according to a television ad campaign launched today by Prairie Rivers Network, Defenders of Wildlife, the National Wildlife Federation, and other conservation and farm groups around the country.  The ads will air in Iowa, Wisconsin, Florida, North Dakota, South Dakota, and Illinois. "With a little help from conservation programs, America’s farmers help to protect our environment," according to the commercial. "But now President Bush is proposing the government spend... Nothing for the Wetlands Reserve Program... Nothing for Wildlife Habitat Incentives... Nothing for Farmland Protection.  Will Congress turn that around?"The Wetlands Reserve Program (WRP), Wildlife Habitat Improvement Program (WHIP) and the Farmland Protection Program (FPP) have proven extremely popular with stewardship-minded farmers, offering them a means to improve conservation performance on their farms with projects of their own design.  These  programs have faced chronic under-funding, which culminated in zero-funding in the president’s budget and the House appropriation for 2002, despite a backlog of thousands of farmer proposals for each of the programs, representing more than a million acres and habitat for a host of wildlife species. "Illinois farmers are the state’s most important natural resource managers," said Marc Miller, Watershed Organizer for Prairie Rivers Network.  "Adequate funding for these conservation programs will give Illinois’ family farmers the tools they need to make the state’s farmland an asset for all Illinoisians, water quality, habitat and wildlife." "It is incredibly short-sighted for the administration and the House appropriators to ignore the thousands of farmers waiting at the gates to make room for wildlife on their land," stated Rodger Schlickeisen, president of Defenders of Wildlife.  "The White House’s rhetoric is very big on locally-led, voluntary conservation programs, but that sure didn’t show up in their budget for these model initiatives." The Senate has the opportunity to restore funding for WRP, WHIP, and FPP through either the regular FY2002 Agriculture Appropriations legislation, or through an emergency FY2001 supplemental currently before the Senate Agriculture Committee. "There is overwhelming public support for agricultural conservation programs and practices," said Miller, noting recent polling by American Farmland Trust (www.farmland.org).  "Our nation’s leaders should listen to the wide range of citizens ? from environmentalists, outdoorsmen, and family farmers ? that want agricultural programs that restore and maintain water quality, as well as conserve habitat and wildlife through these voluntary incentive programs." Prairie Rivers Network highlighted the enormous backlog of America’s farmers who are waiting to participate in these conservation programs.  While the WRP program has successfully restored over 47,000 acres of wetlands in Illinois, the state currently has a backlog of 148 farmers requesting funding for a total of $18.5 million.  Other conservation programs do not fare much better. "We need to tell the President and Congress that we can do better," stated Miller.  "We can do better for our farmers, our environment, and our water quality."]]> 962 0 1184 0 https://prairierivers.org/uncategorized/2001/06/tim-johnson/ Tue, 26 Jun 2001 15:32:28 +0000 http://newsite.prairierivers.org/?p=965 Champaign, June 26, 2001: Prairie Rivers Network praised U.S. Representative Tim Johnson (R-15th) today for recent votes to protect our nation’s environment.  The votes ranged from protecting National Monuments, protecting coastal areas from oil drilling, upholding strong environmental mining laws, and energy conservation. "Congressman Johnson’s recent pro-environmental votes are good examples of the kind of scope and depth needed by elected officials to make sound judgements on natural resource issues," said Robert Moore, Executive Director of Prairie Rivers Network.Representative Johnson voted on amendments to a House bill that funds the Department of Interior (H.R. 2217), which provides for natural resource agencies and programs that steward our nation’s public lands.  Johnson supported amendments that:  

• Preserved boundaries of our Nation’s National Monuments, which were threatened by mining and oil interests seeking to drill and mine in the National Monuments;

• Protect coastal areas off of the Florida coast from oil and natural gas drilling;

• Prevented strong environmental regulations of the mining industry from being overturned; and,

• Increased funding to energy efficiency programs while cutting fossil fuel research and development programs.

"Members of Johnson’s staff also watched for an anti-environmental rider that would prohibit funding of the proposed Grand Kankakee Marsh National Wildlife Refuge," said Moore.  "The new refuge will need a champion in the House." Senator Richard Durbin strongly supports the Refuge and has sent a letter to the Interior Appropriation Committee requesting that the Senate Interior Appropriations Bill include $500,000 for the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service for land acquisition to establish the Refuge. The Wildlife Refuge would be located between the Iroquois Wildlife Conservation Area in Illinois and the Willow Slough Fish and Wildlife Area in Indiana, creating a large continuous block of wildlife habitat in the Kankakee and Iroquois River watersheds. Johnson has also listened to Prairie Rivers’ suggestions to make conservation the centerpiece of the next Farm Bill.  The 2002 Farm Bill will set the standard for U.S. agricultural policy on Illinois’ working lands and is a tremendous opportunity to restore and maintain water quality, as well as conserve habitat and wildlife through voluntary incentive programs, according to Prairie Rivers Network. "Reauthorizing and expanding Farm Bill conservation programs is the best way to give Illinois farmers the tools they need to make the state’s working lands an asset for people, water quality, habitat and wildlife," stated Moore.  "Representative Johnson is in a position to do just that from his seat on the House Agriculture Committee." Prairie Rivers Network is a statewide river conservation organization working on water quality and river conservation issues throughout Illinois.]]> 965 0 1185 0 https://prairierivers.org/articles/2003/03/wetlands-101-how-to-tell-a-swamp-from-a-fen/ Thu, 20 Mar 2003 13:46:02 +0000 http://newsite.prairierivers.org/river-education/wetlands-101-how-to-tell-a-swamp-from-a-fen by Emily Bergner Wetlands are an essential part of the natural environment. They provide habitat for an abundance of living creatures, control flooding, clean water, provide recreational opportunities for people, and are beautiful and interesting places to visit and admire. Many wetlands are adjacent to rivers and are necessary to the river's ecosystem, serving as breeding grounds for fish and habitat for young fish and other river creatures. In broad terms, wetlands are defined as transitional areas between dry land and bodies of water, such as lakes, rivers and streams. More specifically, they contain soils that are frequently wet, plant communities adapted to wet conditions, and have hydrology that is different from non-wetland areas. Individual wetlands can be quite unique, but can generally be grouped according to the source from which they receive water, their dominant vegetation, and their geologic and topographic characteristics. Perhaps the most familiar type of wetland is a floodplain, the flat, low area adjacent to many large rivers and streams. This area becomes flooded periodically when stream flows are high. Floodplains support a variety of plant species, and provide temporary storage for floodwaters and sediments from the river's watershed. Marshes are another common type of wetland. They occur along the shallow edges of lakes and rivers, and in poorly drained depressions in the landscape. They are dominated by floating leafed plants, and soft-stemmed aquatic plants. Most water in marshes comes from surface waters, but some ground water also enters marshes. Marshes are the wetlands with the greatest biodiversity, as well as the highest productivity, of all types of wetlands. There are a number of wetlands that, like marshes, support primarily herbaceous vegetation, but unlike marshes, derive water mostly from precipitation. These include wet meadows and wet prairies, grasslands with waterlogged soils and frequent standing water. Prairie potholes, which develop in the pockmarks left by glaciers, are found mainly in the Dakotas, Iowa, and the Canadian prairie, and may dry up during dry times. Playas are similar to Prairie Potholes, but are found in the southern High Plains of the United States, and occur in low areas. Finally, vernal pools are small, shallow ponds found in both grasslands and forests that are covered at the bottom by bedrock or hard clay, which hold in water. They often have water in the winter and spring, but may be dry in the summer and fall. Swamps are wetlands with woody plant life-trees, shrubs, or both. They are fed primarily by surface water inputs, have standing water for some of the year, and have very wet soils during the growing season. They often occur in floodplains. A final category of wetlands are bogs and fens, wetlands containing a spongy organic material called peat. Bogs are found in the formerly glaciated areas of the northern U.S., in the Southeast, and on mountains. They form in old lake basins or depressions in the landscape. As plants present in bogs die and sink, they form a layer of peat and gradually decompose. Bogs are often covered by a layer of sphagnum moss, which supports a mat of floating plants. They contain evergreen trees, shrubs, and herbaceous vegetation. The water in bogs derives mainly from rainfall, and its high acidity creates conditions for a unique community of species, including carnivorous plants such as the Venus flytrap. Fens, unlike bogs, derive their water from groundwater, and are less acidic than bogs or even basic, which allows them to support a wider variety of plants and animals. They are usually covered with grasses, sedges, reeds and wildflowers, and often look like meadows. They, too, contain a bottom layer of peat, and occur commonly in the same areas as bogs. Though different, all wetlands have an important part to play in the natural world. To learn more about current threats to wetlands in Illinois and what you can do, click here---]]> 17466 0 1177 0 https://prairierivers.org/articles/2003/08/public-perceptions-of-water-quality-in-illinois-by-the-illinois-natural-history-survey/ Thu, 21 Aug 2003 13:47:14 +0000 http://newsite.prairierivers.org/special-reports/public-perceptions-of-water-quality-in-illinois-by-the-illinois-natural-history-survey Illinois Natural History Survey Water Report]]> 17467 0 1172 0 https://prairierivers.org/articles/2003/11/special-report-on-the-fox-river-released-by-watershed-group/ Sat, 08 Nov 2003 13:49:42 +0000 http://newsite.prairierivers.org/special-reports/special-report-on-the-fox-river-released-by-watershed-group State of Fox River, 2003

The state of Illinois' rivers by Prairie Rivers Network

Illinois has a rich heritage that is intrinsically linked to the 87,000 miles of streams that border and cross our prairie landscape. Culturally and historically, we are bound to "thy waters gently flowing." We also have an outstanding biologically diverse heritage -- a great number of species of fish, mussels, insects, amphibians, and reptiles that are dependent on these ribbons of life. Rivers and streams define a quality of life in Illinois, and can define our growth and economic future. A recent survey found that protecting water quality was the highest ranking issue among Illinois residents out a list of 10 community issues. Survey respondents also agreed overwhelmingly that "economic prosperity depends on a healthy environment," that "stronger protection is needed" for water quality, and more protection is needed for wildlife habitat along streams. Residents are aware of their drinking water source and the threats to water quality, and a large majority of the population -- 7.7 million residents -- rely on surface water. Important too, is that wildlife-related recreation in Illinois generates significant economic inputs -- $4.3 billion dollars in the 2001 alone. Many state and watershed-based organizations have been working together to protect and restore rivers -- Prairie Rivers Network, Sierra Club, Environmental Law and Policy Center, Illinois Environmental Council, Audubon, Illinois Smallmouth Alliance, Illinois Paddling Council, and of course, Friends of the Fox River, and other watershed-based groups. And river conservationists know that we are at a critical point in our history -- our efforts to save the remaining rivers and their streamside lands will determine whether future generations of residents, visitors, and schoolchildren will personally experience our rich natural heritage. There is a great deal to focus our attention and energy upon to protect our rivers. The largest threat overall comes from how we use our land, as these land use activities impact water quality, habitat, wildlife, and stream flows. Unsound urban development, associated sewage discharges, household septic systems, wetlands destruction, and urban stormwater runoff have great and growing potential to impact streams. Additionally, agricultural stormwater runoff, carrying nutrients and chemicals, confined animal feedlot operations, channelization, clearcutting and other river alterations can significantly alter stream quality and habitat. Many of these additional sources are unregulated, or are just coming under the scrutiny of the public. Unregulated pollutants and loopholes in present water quality regulations also impact our rivers and streams. Too many nutrients and the linked problem of low dissolved oxygen in water are the number one and number two cause of water quality impairments according to Illinois EPA. There are currently no limits to nutrients in rivers, and there are many problems with how state agencies monitor oxygen levels in rivers. Illinois EPA is presently monitoring only 15,000 of the 87,000 miles of streams in Illinois. Of these 15,000 stream miles, approximately 5,500 miles of streams are not fully supporting aquatic life and suffering from impairment. Under the Clean Water Act, each river should receive a water quality restoration plan (or TMDL). Illinois is slow to develop and adequately implement these plans. The river conservation movement's greatest strength is its people. There are many opportunities for people to engage in the democratic expression of our deeply-held values of conservation, stewardship, and preservation, and many ways we can protect rivers and streams. In the year ahead, river conservationists should advocate for policies that express these values, educate and connect people to our rivers, and create new river advocates. Learning about the enforcement of the Clean Water Act, and other tools, can be a first step. Citizen monitoring efforts can bring better understanding of conditions and this involvement can improve the enforcement of water pollution control permits and other Clean Water Act programs. Citizens can work on new programs, like municipal and construction stormwater permits, and discover oft-neglected programs, like the wetlands and waterways dredge and fill permit program. We can also work on new initiatives to create better tools to protect water quality and streamside lands. And in the best way to educate others about the richness of Illinois' rivers and streams, we can personally show new individuals how beautiful our rivers and streams, and their wildlife truly are.]]> 17468 0 1168 0 https://prairierivers.org/articles/2005/12/2005-accomplishments/ Sat, 31 Dec 2005 18:32:20 +0000 http://newsite.prairierivers.org/?p=338 Clean Water Safer Rivers for Fishing and Swimming - We challenged Illinois EPA's practice of exempting wastewater discharges from disinfection, ensuring that rivers where children play and people fish are free of dangerous pathogens. Preventing Growth of Algae - After more than two years of effort, Illinois will become one of the first states in the Midwest to limit phosphorus pollution in its rivers, preventing the growth of algae that chokes aquatic life and poses health threats. More Oxygen for Fish and Aquatic Life - We fought a proposal by polluters to decrease the amount of oxygen available in Illinois waters.

Habitat Protection

Cleaner Air and Water and Protection for the Middle Fork - We participated in a legal case which resulted in a landmark settlement with Dynegy Midwest Generation with the following provisions: $500 million in new pollution controls will be installed on five Illinois power plants; precedent-setting mercury emissions controls will be installed on their Oakwood plant; and 1100 acres along the Middle Fork of the Vermilion River will be donated to the state, creating a protected corridor that stretches from Kickapoo State Park to the Middle Fork State Fish and Wildlife Area. Balancing Drainage with Healthy Habitat - We produced "A Citizen's Guide to Illinois' Agricultural Drainage Practices and Law," promoting environmentally sensitive practices for agricultural drainage maintenance. Protecting Rivers from Dredges and Dams - We discouraged projects that would fill and channelize rivers, winning an important victory with the Friends of Kickapoo Creek to prevent a dam that would have had serious impacts on the health of the creek.

River Stewardship and Awareness

Illinois Stream Team - We continued our trainings on stream monitoring and now have a total of fourteen groups monitoring water quality in their local streams. The goal of this program is to have a Stream Team in every watershed. Cleaner Rivers, New Advocates - Working with volunteers from the Vermilion and Sangamon rivers, we helped organize two new annual clean-ups that drew hundreds of participants. Reaching New Volunteers - We began distributing our new monthly e-newsletter which is sent to river advocates around the state with tips for protecting water quality and a calendar of upcoming river related activities and volunteer opportunities. Storm Drain Patrol - We helped citizens from seven communities stencil hundreds of neighborhood storm drains with the important message, "Dump No Waste - Drains to Rivers." Through this project we are increasing awareness of the fact that runoff of storm water from our homes and streets, collected by stormdrains, is not treated but instead flows directly into our rivers and streams.]]> 338 0 1153 0 https://prairierivers.org/articles/2004/12/2004-accomplishments/ Fri, 31 Dec 2004 18:34:53 +0000 http://newsite.prairierivers.org/?p=341 Reducing Nutrient Pollution In collaboration with the Sierra Club and Environmental Law and Policy Center, we pressed for long-overdue reductions in the amount of phosphorus that sewage treatment plants and others release into Illinois streams. In response, Illinois EPA proposed that phosphorus in new or increased wastewater discharges be reduced to just 1 mg per liter, a level that would significantly reduce excess algae growth and other problems in rivers and streams. We are now working to win the Pollution Control Board's approval of this important change, the first significant limit on phosphorous discharges to Illinois streams.

Enforcing the Clean Water Act

We continued to closely monitor implementation and enforcement of the Clean Water Act and to intervene when agencies failed to fulfill their responsibilities under the act. For example, we sought to strengthen dozens of draft permits for municipalities, industries, and others who wanted to discharge pollutants into state streams. We intervened when proposed permits failed to meet the act's standards, forcing the agency to require fuller compliance. When an association representing those who discharge wastewater into Illinois streams proposed pollution levels which would reduce dissolved oxygen in the state waters and negatively impact fish and other aquatic species, we initiated a campaign to oppose it, and are continuing work to prevent this unwarranted and damaging change.

Improving Chicago Area Waters and Minimizing the Impacts of Development

With partners such as the Environmental Law and Policy Center, Sierra Club and citizen groups along the Fox River, Manhattan Creek, Hickory Creek, and other streams, we continued to use the Clean Water Act to help protect streams in the rapidly developing Chicago region. We provided technical and organizing assistance to citizen groups, empowering them to influence community officials as sewage treatment plants were expanded to serve new households. We also served on Task Forces formed to consider improved water quality standards for the Des Plaines River, the Chicago River, and other area waters.

Engaging River Advocates

We developed new initiatives to inspire and equip citizens to care for Illinois rivers. Our "Illinois Stream Team" is a volunteer monitoring program that enables citizens to investigate and measure the chemical and physical quality of waters in rivers and streams, and report that information to a central database. In September we trained the first volunteers for the team. Our long-term goal is to have monitors in every Illinois watershed. Our Storm Drain Stenciling program is part of a "Be River Smart Illinois" campaign which we launched to inform the general public of simple steps they can take to improve water quality and protect their rivers. Using kits that we assembled, volunteers can paint "Dump no waste - Drains to stream" notices on storm drains throughout their communities. Prairie Rivers is working with volunteers to stencil drains in Champaign, Urbana, and around the state.

Reforming Drainage Practices

We began a long-term effort to reform Illinois drainage practices. The Illinois Drainage Code, unchanged since the 1870's, empowers hundreds of drainage districts throughout the state to levy taxes, channelize and dredge river beds, and clear trees from private property. Although these actions speed the movement of water from the land, they have enormous consequences for streams, including the destruction of fish and wildlife habitat and increased water temperatures, flood heights, and stream bank erosion. As part of our effort in this area, we worked with landowners to intervene in a drainage district's plan to dredge and channelize a portion of the Salt Fork River, and began to build public awareness of alternatives to these practices, laying the foundation for a state-wide effort to improve drainage practices.]]> 341 0 1155 0 https://prairierivers.org/articles/2003/12/2003-accomplishments/ Wed, 31 Dec 2003 18:36:51 +0000 http://newsite.prairierivers.org/?p=345 Enforcing the Clean Water Act We continued to press for full implementation of the Clean Water Act to restore polluted waters and keep clean waters clean. This includes enforcement of the new anti-degradation policy to protect our highest quality waters, better land management and stormwater controls, and improved implementation of the watershed restoration program for degraded waters. With partner groups, we have taken steps to designate Illinois' finest streams as Outstanding Resource Waters, in which no new pollution is allowed.

Empowering River Advocates

In January 2003, we trained 40 citizen activists to use the Clean Water Act to reduce pollution discharged to their hometown streams. Throughout the year, we worked with community advocates from New Lenox to Carbondale, challenging projects that would pollute streams and threaten fishing, swimming, and safe drinking water. We also continued to foster new groups that can become the eyes and ears of their rivers.

Ending Clean Water Act Exemptions for Mining

In 2001, we discovered that Illinois law exempted the mining industry from requirements of the Clean Water Act, allowing mining activities that pollute Illinois rivers. With the Environmental Law and Policy Center we challenged this violation of federal law. Now all mining permits that the Illinois EPA issues must first be reviewed by US EPA to ensure they meet Clean Water Act requirements. Since this new practice was adopted, the permits issued are some of the strongest we have seen in Illinois. While regulatory changes are needed to eliminate the exemption permanently, the agency and the industry are well aware that permits must comply with the federal law or be challenged by Prairie Rivers and our partners.

Improving Chicago Waters and Combating Unsound Development

With partners such as the Environmental Law and Policy Center and Sierra Club, we pressed Illinois EPA to significantly improve water quality standards for Chicago-area rivers to make these waters safe for recreation and aquatic life. In addition, when sewage treatment plants sought to expand their discharges to accommodate urban growth, we worked with local communities to ensure full compliance with the Clean Water Act, thereby reducing pollution discharges and minimizing the impacts of growth on water quality and river habitat.

Working in Our Own Backyard

We again co-hosted the annual Salt Fork River Clean-up, attracting nearly 200 volunteers to remove unsightly and hazardous trash from this scenic Champaign County stream. Plans are underway to initiate a similar event on the Sangamon River and to establish a new group to be the voice for that river. We hosted canoe tours for policy makers, developed a Vermilion Rivers educational display, and gave numerous presentations for local groups.]]> 345 0 1162 0 https://prairierivers.org/uncategorized/2006/05/local-wastewater/ Wed, 10 May 2006 14:38:58 +0000 http://newsite.prairierivers.org/?p=884 May 10 , 2006

Prairie Rivers Network and the Salt Fork River Partners are praising the Urbana Champaign Sanitary District for agreeing to disinfect the wastewater discharged from their Northeast Sewage Treatment Plant in Urbana.  The plant is currently exempt from federal disinfection requirements. The plant, which treats domestic and industrial wastewater from the Cities of Champaign and Urbana, as well as tributary areas of Champaign County, discharges its treated wastewater to the Saline Branch of the Salt Fork River.   The federal permit required to discharge this wastewater—known as an NPDES permit—is currently undergoing a once every five year review and renewal.  The agreement regarding disinfection came during the public process associated with the renewal process. “We are very pleased that the Sanitary District took the time to listen to the concerns of local residents and worked with us to address those concerns,” said Jean Flemma, Executive Director of Prairie Rivers Network.  “This is the kind of cooperative public process that the Clean Water Act fosters, allowing us to improve water quality and our communities.” Under the Clean Water Act, municipal dischargers are required to disinfect their wastewater, which can include pathogens and other bacteria, unless they receive an exemption from doing so.  In the late 1980’s, Illinois EPA began exempting many, if not most, municipal dischargers from the disinfection requirement because of the concern that that commonly used disinfection methods of dumping chlorine into wastewater was having significant impacts on aquatic life in the streams where discharges were occurring.  In addition, IEPA concluded, frequently erroneously, that people were not using the streams where discharges were occurring so human exposure to pathogens was not a concern. In the case of the Urbana Champaign plant, the exemption from requirements to disinfect has been in effect since 1988.  When the NPDES permit came up for public review this year, Prairie Rivers Network, the Salt Fork River Partners, and local citizens questioned whether the exemption was still appropriate for several reasons. Of particular concern, many people were known to recreate on the Saline Branch and further downstream in the Salt Fork.  Several residents submitted comment letters to IEPA to that effect, as did a 4-H group that conducts water testing in the river.  At the same time, new techniques that have been developed mean that heavily chlorinated wastewater, which would harm fish and other aquatic life, need not be discharged as a by-product of disinfection. Based on concerns expressed by Prairie Rivers Network and Salt Fork River Partners, the public input, the new disinfection techniques, and discussions with IEPA staff, the Sanitary District has concluded that it is appropriate to disinfect wastewater during most of the year, except during winter months when people are unlikely to be in or on the water. Because the chlorination equipment used at the plant before 1988 is old and out of date, the District will install a new system as part of the upgrades included in their Long Range Plan, with improvements in the plan to be completed by 2010.  They will include planning for new disinfection system in this process, with completion of disinfection component in time to begin disinfection by the spring of 2009. Contact: Jean Flemma or Glynnis Collins, Prairie Rivers Network, (217) 344-2371, jflemma@prairierivers.org or gcollins@prairierivers.org. ###]]> 884 0 1150 0 https://prairierivers.org/uncategorized/2004/04/oceans-in-trouble/ Tue, 20 Apr 2004 14:42:09 +0000 http://newsite.prairierivers.org/?p=887 April 20th, 2004 Ocean policy report identifies pollution from inland states as significant problem. (Washington D.C.) The U.S. Commission on Ocean Policy, a congressionally established 16-member panel tasked with studying the status of and threats facing the nation's oceans, today provided its comprehensive report based on two years of work to governors and members of Congress. It represents the first Congressionally-mandated review of our national ocean policy in more than 30 years and includes recommendations for a coordinated and comprehensive national ocean policy. The report is the second of two high-level ocean studies to appear in the past twelve months, and the U.S. Commission study arrived at the same major findings as the independently established Pew Oceans Commission did last year: Overfishing, pollution, coastal development, habitat destruction and mismanagement are leading to the decline of ocean wildlife and the collapse of entire ocean ecosystems. Key among the findings were the impact that nutrient pollution, much of it coming from inland states, is having on the marine ecosystem. "Many in Illinois and elsewhere around the Midwest may wonder whether the findings of this report are of significance beyond our coasts, and the answer is a resounding yes," said Jean Flemma, Executive Director of Prairie Rivers Network. "The oceans and the resources within belong to all Americans, and we all benefit from them. Similarly, we all have a responsibility to do our part to protect them." According to the report, every year an area covering 12,000 square miles in the Gulf of Mexico becomes a "dead zone" as a result of nitrogen fertilizers from farms far inland washing into streams and ultimately the Mississippi river, flowing into the Gulf. These nutrients cause excessive algal growth, depleting oxygen in the Gulf's waters to levels too low to support fish, crustaceans, and many other forms of marine life. The report also found that, on average, streams draining from the agricultural states of Iowa and Illinois contribute about 35% of the nitrogen coming from the Mississippi into the Gulf. "This is the second major ocean report in the past year that has identified nutrient pollution from inland states like Illinois as having a significant impact on the oceans' resources," said Flemma. "As more and more Americans focus on the plight of the oceans, Illinois should expect that it will be asked to do its part to reduce these impacts." In fact, the Commission recommended that significant reductions of nonpoint source pollution, including nutrient pollution, in all impaired watersheds like the Gulf be established as a national goal. Achieving such a goal will require reductions in these pollutants from all sources, including inland states. To that end, the Commission made several recommendations aimed at reducing nutrient pollution. Key among them was the recommendation that USDA should align its conservation and funding with other programs aimed at reducing nonpoint source pollution and that it should require its state conservationists working in the Natural Resources Conservation Service to participate in watershed planning processes to ensure that funding for agricultural conservation programs complements and advances federal and state water quality plans. In addition, the Commission also recommended that Congress and USDA adopt more incentives to reduce agricultural nutrient runoff, including incentives to reward farmers for good performance, tax incentives for farmers who implement best management practices, insurance programs for farmers who apply fertilizer at below the recommended agronomic rates, and tying federal farm aid to the implementation of best management practices. Some of these incentives are already being tested on a limited basis around the Midwest. "At some point, we must recognize that even as a land-locked state, our activities still affect the ocean," said Flemma. "Nutrient run-off from agriculture and manufacturing here in Illinois makes its way into rivers and streams which ultimately flow into the ocean, and we must implement mechanisms for reducing them,Ó she said. "America's oceans don't start at the coast, America's oceans start here." Contact: Jean Flemma Prairie Rivers Network 217-344-2371 ###]]> 887 0 1156 0 https://prairierivers.org/uncategorized/2004/03/river-is-ditch/ Fri, 19 Mar 2004 14:49:56 +0000 http://newsite.prairierivers.org/?p=892 March 19, 2004

River Conservationists Disappointed that Other River Uses Were Ignored

(Champaign, IL) Calling the Salt Fork River a "ditch", Circuit Court Judge Michael Jones approved a project proposed by the Upper Salt Fork Drainage District to dredge and clear trees from eleven miles of the river. The work had been objected to by landowners who live along the river as well as Prairie Rivers Network. All were concerned about the impacts to the environment that would result from the work. "We are disappointed," said Jean Flemma, Executive Director of Prairie Rivers Network. "We had hoped that the Judge would understand that this is a river that provides not only drainage, but a variety of other functions, including habitat for fish and wildlife." The law requires that drainage districts "use all practicable means and measures, including consideration of alternative methods of providing the necessary drainage, to protect such environmental values as trees and fish and wildlife habitat". According to the Judge, he could not say that the drainage district had actually considered alternatives, but he was not convinced that there would be significant adverse environmental impacts, calling trees an "aesthetic loss" but not one that would necessarily impact wildlife. Moreover, he found that because the drainage district said more drainage was needed, it must be true, despite the lack of evidence provided regarding actual drainage problems that could be solved by dredging. The cards are stacked against fish and wildlife," said Flemma. "Under this judge's interpretation of the law, dredging will always be allowed, regardless of whether it's necessary." Calling the Salt Fork River a "storm sewer", the drainage district's attorney Jeff Tock merely asserted that the benefits of the project exceed the costs, though he did not identify which lands would benefit, and by how much. Instead, he argued that more drainage was always better, and that because sediment removal was the only practical alternative to provide more drainage, then their obligation to protect the environment did not apply. "By failing to define 'necessary drainage', and simply calling witnesses to state that more drainage is better, the Drainage District was able to justify inflicting unlimited environmental harm," stated Flemma. "We understand and respect the need for drainage, we just don't think the other values that the river provides need to be completely disregarded. There are alternatives, but the drainage district refused to consider them." Prairie Rivers and others had hoped that drainage maintenance could be put on a much more sound financial and environmental footing. Precise definition of drainage problems can and should precede investments in maintenance as it does in any other industry. Problem driven maintenance has the advantage of pointing to specific and local maintenance techniques that have much lower costs to landowners and less damage to the environment. With Judge Jones' decision, however, drainage districts can continue to rely on end to end dredging ? the most damaging of maintenance techniques. # # #]]> 892 0 1157 0 https://prairierivers.org/uncategorized/2004/03/saltfork-hearing/ Mon, 01 Mar 2004 14:54:18 +0000 http://newsite.prairierivers.org/?p=897 Champaign, March 1, 2004: Today in Circuit Court, Judge Jones set a hearing date of March 17, 2004, to determine whether the Upper Salt Fork Drainage District's petition to dredge and clear almost twenty miles of the river should be approved. That date leaves only two weeks for interested parties and objectors to review yet another amended petition that was filed by the Drainage District at the court hearing today. In a Friend of the Court brief filed Friday, Prairie Rivers Network argued that re-dredging the entire Upper Salt Fork River is a costly, environmentally harmful, and unnecessary approach to solving localized drainage problems and that alternatives need to be considered that provide drainage while also protecting recreation, wildlife, and the environment. "Contrary to what some have asserted, the Upper Salt Fork is a river, not a ditch, and historic records show it was a river long before the drainage district straightened and dredged it," said Jean Flemma, Executive Director. "We understand and support the fact that it now provides much needed drainage for local farmers and the community and will continue to do so, but it also serves many other functions, including habitat for fish and wildlife, and these functions deserve the protection afforded to them under the law. " Concerned that the drainage district's plan would violate state law by failing to protect the environment as required under the drainage code, Prairie Rivers sought the legal standing to object to the proposal last fall. On December 30, Judge Jones denied Prairie Rivers that standing, but asked the group to act as friends of the court. The brief filed Friday was prepared in response to that request. In addition to failing to protect environmental values, the drainage district's petition has no cost benefit analysis demonstrating the expected increase in crop yields and whether the value of these increases will exceed the high cost of the project. Nor does it include any identification of where specific drainage problems exist that the district claiming to address. Finally, it fails to include the consideration of alternatives to top to bottom dredging as a means of providing the needed drainage. Instead the drainage district is operating under the premise that dredging and clear cutting the channel from top to bottom is the only solution to address yet-to-be-defined drainage problems because that is how its always been done. In a statement filed as part of the Friends of the Court brief, the Salt Fork River Partners said, "·As we no longer use horse-driven plows to till the soil, we should no longer employ outdated methods of drainage in our watershed management." The Friend of the Court brief filed by Prairie Rivers does suggest alternative approaches that could and should be considered when implementing drainage activities. It also includes an analysis by University of Illinois drainage experts of the information needed to make drainage maintenance decisions that can provide cost effective solutions while considering environmental mandates and identifies other experts including streams specialists for the Illinois Department of Agriculture. The brief also includes supporting statements in opposition to the Upper Salt Fork Drainage District's proposal from local chapters of Sierra Club, Audubon Society, Izaak Walton League, and the Salt Fork River Partners, and from statewide organizations such as the the Illinois Stewardship Alliance. "A recent poll by the Illinois Natural History Survey shows that 66% of the citizens of the state think more protection needs to be given to fish and wildlife habitat along our streams and rivers while only 15% disagree with that view," said Flemma. "We and many other groups in Champaign County and around the state agree with the majority."]]> 897 0 1158 0 https://prairierivers.org/uncategorized/2004/01/mercury/ Fri, 30 Jan 2004 14:56:03 +0000 http://newsite.prairierivers.org/?p=901 January 30, 2004, Champaign: Illinois environmental groups and angler organizations today denounced a Bush Administration proposal to roll back standards for dangerous mercury emissions from coal fired power plants. They joined with a coalition of national clean air and public health organizations in saying that the proposed rules fall far short of current Clean Air Act requirements, place vulnerable populations including babies and women of childbearing age at risk, and threaten fish and wildlife populations. "The mercury rule published in the federal register today falls far short of what the law requires, and of what health experts say is necessary to protect children from the neurotoxin mercury," said Jean Flemma, Executive Director of Prairie Rivers Network. "The Administration ignored the advice of their own Federal Advisory Committee when it recommended serious controls. Now they want to shut the public out of the process." More than 50 editorials nationwide have already urged the Administration to issue a rule that recognizes the dangers of toxic mercury and takes immediate action to address the problem. However, the administration's plan gives utility companies another decade to begin reducing their mercury emissions. Nationally, the electric utility sector, including coal-fired power plants is responsible for 60% of mercury emissions. In Illinois, coal fired power plants are the number one source of mercury emissions , and electric utilities emitted 4894 pounds of mercury to the air and water in 2001 according to EPA's Toxics Release Inventory. Mercury contamination is so widespread, Illinois has a statewide fish advisory in effect, with levels of mercury in some fish species high enough to pose a risk to pregnant or nursing women, women of child bearing age, and young children. "EPA's own data shows that most modern coal-fired power plants can and do achieve greater than 90% control of mercury and other toxic chemicals," said Angela Ledford, a spokesperson for Clear the Air, a national coalition of clean air and public health organizations. "Other industries, like hospital and city garbage incinerators, have been required to meet that 90% standard for over a decade. The EPA should require power companies to do no less. There's no reason all coal-fired power plants can't meet the same standards everyone else does." "Toxic mercury pollution also has a serious impact on fish and wildlife," said Jim Coursey, Chair of the Illinois Council of Trout Unlimited's Government Affairs Subcommittee. "Outdoor recreation is an important part of the economy and the culture of our state, in fact, anglers spent almost $600 million in Illinois in 2001. We should be able to enjoy this pastime without the fear that our fish, wildlife, water resources and children aren't being poisoned by mercury." In late February of this year, EPA will hold a public hearing on the new mercury rule be in Chicago. The final date, time, and location have yet to be announced. EPA Report on Mercury Toxicity]]> 901 0 1161 0 https://prairierivers.org/uncategorized/2003/12/drainage/ Wed, 31 Dec 2003 14:58:04 +0000 http://newsite.prairierivers.org/?p=906 Champaign, December 31, 2003: Yesterday, in Champaign County circuit court, Judge Michael Jones denied Prairie Rivers Network's request to intervene as objectors to the Upper Salt Fork Drainage Districtâs plan to clear-cut trees and dredge the river as far north as Rantoul. Emphasizing the importance of the environmental issues in this case, however, the Judge invited Prairie Rivers to participate as a "friend of the court". Judge Jones noted the valuable information that had already been provided to the court by Prairie Rivers. Yesterdayâs court decision means that Prairie Rivers, as a public interest group, cannot legally object to the first phase of the $588,000 project being proposed by the drainage district, but will still be able to provide important input in the court's decision making process. "We are pleased to accept the judgeâs invitation to participate as a 'friend of the court' by making our drainage, engineering and environmental expertise available to the Drainage District and to the Court," said Jean Flemma, Executive Director of Prairie Rivers Network. "We are also delighted that Judge Jones emphasized that under Illinois law it is the responsibility of the Upper Salt Fork Drainage District to protect environmental values, and that all parties now have sixty days to work together, consult experts, and share information. " "Prairie Rivers is committed to finding reasonable and modern ways to accommodate the need for drainage and the need to protect fish, wildlife and other environmental values. We are already taking steps to exchange information with all parties in a systematic and focused manner. Open dialogue is the most important thing that can happen now. We believe all parties and the citizens of Champaign County will benefit as a result." # # #]]> 906 0 1163 0 https://prairierivers.org/uncategorized/2003/12/sewage-permit/ Thu, 18 Dec 2003 14:59:54 +0000 http://newsite.prairierivers.org/?p=909 Champaign, December 18, 2003: Prairie Rivers Network, the statewide river conservation group in Illinois, has objected to a water pollution control permit the Illinois EPA is proposing to issue to the Tuscola sewage treatment facility. The group says that, as proposed, the permit will not ensure that state and federal water quality laws will be satisfied. Three waterbodies downstream of the sewage treatment facility, Scattering Fork, Embarras River, and Charleston Side Channel Reservoir, are polluted with too much phosphorus. Excess phosphorus in rivers and streams can cause algae blooms and decrease oxygen and water clarity. These conditions are hazardous for fish and other stream organisms and can render the water aesthetically offensive. Because the sewage treatment plant is not removing phosphorus, it is contributing to phosphorus problems downstream. "The law clearly prohibits sewage treatment plants from contributing to pollution problems," said Beth Wentzel, watershed scientist for Prairie Rivers. "We are asking that the City incorporate affordable treatment technology to reduce its contribution to these problems." Under the Clean Water Act, more stringent limits for pollutants must be determined and incorporated into the sewage treatment plant permit when there is already too much pollution for the stream to handle. Based on Prairie Rivers Network's review of the permit, it would appear this facility is currently contributing to water quality standards violations. Prairie Rivers Network is also concerned that the Tuscola permit does not include reductions in phosphorus required by the watershed restoration plan for Charleston's drinking water source, recently approved by USEPA and required under the Clean Water Act. "The restoration plan recently finalized by Illinois EPA specifies that a dramatic reduction in the phosphorus load on the Embarras River is needed to satisfy water quality standards in Charleston's reservoir," stated Wentzel. "But now the agency is ignoring an opportunity to take concrete steps to improve that water quality." Illinois EPA is currently considering public comments and final action on the Tuscola permit. # # #]]> 909 0 1164 0 https://prairierivers.org/uncategorized/2003/12/new-lenox-sewage/ Thu, 04 Dec 2003 15:01:22 +0000 http://newsite.prairierivers.org/?p=912 Permit allows 63% increase in wastewater discharge to Hickory Creek without limits on nutrient pollution New Lenox, December 4: A coalition of clean water advocates concerned with the health of Hickory Creek have filed a legal appeal objecting to a permit issued to the Village of New Lenox to increase its discharge of wastewater into Hickory Creek by 63% without installing controls on nutrient pollution. The coalition ÷ which includes the Des Plaines River Watershed Alliance, the Livable Communities Alliance, Prairie Rivers Network, and the Sierra Club ÷ is appealing the permit, which was issued by the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency (IEPA) in October, seeking better treatment options that wonât jeopardize the health of Hickory Creek. The appeal of the permit was filed Tuesday before the Illinois Pollution Control Board (PCB). The PCB has the authority to review decisions by the IEPA, and reverse or modify them as they deem appropriate. According to Jim Bland of the Des Plaines River Watershed Alliance, "Despite pollution impacts in recent decades, Hickory Creek remains a significant ecological resource with a unique history and promising prospects for recovery. This discharge permit ÷ which allows New Lenox to increase its discharge of wastewater by almost one million gallons per day ÷ threatens the Creek and the possibility for restoration." Under the Clean Water Act, IEPA must ensure that certain standards are met before discharge permits can be issued. In the case of the New Lenox permit for Hickory Creek, however, several of those standards have not been met in the issued permit. For instance, the permit does not ensure that the existing uses of the stream will be protected. These include the educational uses of the stream as well as the habitat use by a broad array of fish and other species that currently call the waterway home. In addition, there is concern that the sewage treatment plant which received the permit may already be contributing to water quality violations in Hickory Creek. "Hickory Creek is an asset that holds economic and recreational possibilities. What we are asking is that New Lenox and the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency raise the bar, so that we can preserve the creek and insure the future livability of New Lenox as it continues to grow," explained Kimberly Kowalski, president of of the Livable Communities Alliance. "There are alternatives, more stringent controls available. As a growing community, this is a real opportunity for New Lenox to exemplify a positive, effective solution that eliminates the degradation of our streams." Unfortunately, under the permit that was issued last month, New Lenox is not required to remove nutrient pollution, such as phosphorus, before dumping the wastewater into Hickory Creek. Excessive levels of phosphorus are known to cause pollution problems that threaten fish and aquatic life, and clean water advocates are calling for consideration of alternatives that would reduce or eliminate the level of phosphorus pollution entering Hickory Creek. "We would like to see Hickory Creek be clean and healthy as New Lenox grows, but this increase in nutrient pollution could overwhelm the Creek," says Cindy Skrukrud, Clean Water Advocate for the Sierra Club, Illinois Chapter. "We hope New Lenox will look at available alternatives that avoid dumping all this nutrient pollution into Hickory Creek." Area residents have noticed excessive algal blooms in areas of the creek where current discharges from the New Lenox plant are occurring. These types of blooms are usually associated with excessive levels of phosphorus and other nutrients, which are common in sewage treatment plant discharges. When nutrient levels reach unhealthy levels, unnatural, explosive algae growth can turn water pea-green in the summer, cause unpleasant odors, and rob a stream of the oxygen needed for healthy aquatic life. The coalition is concerned that the New Lenox permit allows increases in discharges without the restrictions needed to prevent excessive nutrient pollution which will reduce oxygen levels and cause fish kills and devastate aquatic life in the Creek. "Under state regulations, IEPA must demonstrate that the discharge allowed under the new permit will not cause or contribute to water quality standard violations in the future," said Beth Wentzel of Prairie Rivers Network. "Clearly, this permit does not comply with the law and we look forward to working closely with concerned area citizens, the Illinois EPA, and the Village of New Lenox to take the actions needed to save Hickory Creek." # # #]]> 912 0 1165 0 https://prairierivers.org/news/2006/11/volunteers-of-the-year-joe-petry-and-eric-robeson/ Fri, 03 Nov 2006 18:58:12 +0000 http://newsite.prairierivers.org/?p=1217 1217 0 1147 0 https://prairierivers.org/news/2006/11/river-steward-award-recipients/ Fri, 03 Nov 2006 19:01:33 +0000 http://newsite.prairierivers.org/?p=1220 River Steward - Fran Caffee In order to honor and thank those individuals that have dedicated countless volunteer hours to protecting their local river or stream, Prairie Rivers Network created the River Steward Award. This award allows you the opportunity to nominate volunteers or groups in your own community that you feel deserve this recognition. Out of numerous nominations that were sent in, we selected Fran Caffee of the Valley of the Fox Group as this year's River Steward. Fran has donated countless hours over the years to protecting the Fox River. She formed the Sierra Club's Valley of the Fox Group in 1992. While the work of the Valley of the Fox Group depends on its many active members, Fran has consistently been the ‘glue' that pulls volunteers into new efforts, garners support and funding for their efforts and maintains the general atmosphere within the group that encourages Valley of the Fox Group members to do what they can on behalf of their local environment, especially the Fox River. The Valley of the Fox Group's territory covers the towns of Kane and Kendall counties that sit on the Fox River. Congratulations Fran on being named Prairie Rivers Network's 2006 River Steward!

Mississippi River Steward - Chad Pregracke

Since we recently expanded our work to assist in the efforts underway to restore the Mississippi River Basin, we could not overlook one very special River Steward nomination. Normally our River Steward award is reserved for individuals or groups that volunteer their time to conservation efforts. This year, however, we received a nomination for someone that started out as a volunteer and found a way to make it their full-time job. Chad Pregracke is our Mississippi River Steward. In high school, Chad Pregracke started cleaning trash out of the Mississippi one piece at a time in his john-boat. With his undeniable charisma, energy, ingenuity, and love for the Mississippi and all rivers, Chad took a one-man operation and turned it into a highly successful, not-for-profit organization dedicated to restoring bottomland forest, organizing community-based river clean-ups, and educating teachers and citizens about the importance of these precious river systems aboard their floating classroom. Today Living Lands & Waters is comprised of 4 barges, 2 tow boats, 5 john boats, 6 trucks, and 10 full-time staff. To date with the help of over 30,000 volunteers they have removed over 3 million pounds of garbage from the Mississippi, Illinois, Missouri, Ohio, Anacostia, and Potomac Rivers and planted close to 25,000 trees. Our sincere thanks and congratulations to Chad Pregracke, as our special "Mississippi River Steward".]]> 1220 0 1146 0 https://prairierivers.org/news/2005/11/river-steward-award-jan-holder/ Fri, 04 Nov 2005 19:03:54 +0000 http://newsite.prairierivers.org/?p=1226 This year, Prairie Rivers Network announced its new River Steward Award. This award recognizes those volunteers-individuals and groups-that stand out from the crowd, the ones that go the extra mile to protect and restore their favorite river or stream. In future years we will be asking people around Illinois to nominate volunteers they feel are worthy recipients of the title River Steward. There are many people in Illinois that are doing great things to protect their streams, and we cannot possibly know them all. We will need input from around the state to help identify them. However, this year, the first year of our River Steward Award, we thought the choice was obvious. The first ever River Steward Award was given to a woman and a group that have demonstrated the strength, patience, wherewithal, and resourcefulness that it takes to be effective in protecting their local stream. We thank and recognize Jan Holder, President of Friends of Kickapoo Creek and the entire group of Friends as our 2005 River Stewards. In early 2002, Friends of Kickapoo Creek was a small group of landowners concerned about the rapid development occurring along their creek, Kickapoo Creek in McLean County. In just three short years, albeit tough at times, the Friends of Kickapoo Creek has grown to be one of the most effective an dynamic grassroots organizations Prairie Rivers has had the honor to work with. Their list of accomplishments is long and each one is certainly worthy of mentioning. They quickly learned to delegate the tasks at hand, push the envelope, and stretch dollars to achieve their goals. Over the past three years they have been able to protect sections of land along the creek; they built public awareness of storm-water issues by working with citizen groups to mark stormdrains with medallions that say "Dump No Waste - Runs to Creek;" they stopped the construction of a dam at the headwaters of the creek - this land will now be protected; they developed a brochure and website; they regularly monitor the water quality of their stream as Stream Team members; they have performed biotic surveys with IDNR along their stream this past summer; and they applied for not-for-profit status. As part of our mission at Prairie Rivers, we strive to improve the effectiveness of small grassroots groups and help create new ones. Over the next few years we will continue to recognize more River Stewards like Friends of Kickapoo Creek. It brings us great joy to see, work with, and know people that truly change the destiny of Illinois' rivers and streams for the better. If you know an individual or group that should be considered as a River Steward, check out our website for more information about how to submit a nomination. Or call Kim Erndt at 217-344-2371.]]> 1226 0 1152 0 https://prairierivers.org/news/2005/11/1231-2/ Thu, 03 Nov 2005 19:08:08 +0000 http://newsite.prairierivers.org/?p=1231 Without further ado, they are: Judy Sacotnik, founder and owner of Middle Fork Canoe Outfitters. She brought several Vermilion County community groups together to clean up the Vermilion River. Judy, along with a wonderful team of volunteers organized not just one, but two river cleanups and a fall environmental festival on the Vermilion River. This festival will now be an annual event. [caption id="attachment_1232" align="alignright" width="240" caption="Sandy Mason and Kim Erndt"][/caption] Sandy Mason of the University of Illinois Extension in Champaign and the Allerton Allies. She worked to help organize the first ever Sangamon River Clean-up in the Monticello area. With over 10 organizations assisting in the effort, Sandy demonstrated the passion, enthusiasm and smarts it takes to make an event successful. More than 175 volunteers participated. Her organizing skills, creativeness and fundraising abilities showed that she really was the steam behind this great event. Sue Smith of the Salt Fork River Partners. She has tirelessly worked to organize the Salt Fork River Clean-up for eight years in a row. Sue and her family have lived on and farmed the land near the river for years. She is also a member of the Salt Fork River Steering Committee and has been a long-time advocate and voice for the River. After long days working on the family farm, Sue dedicates her "spare time" to saving the Salt Fork River and organizing its annual river clean-up. It is an honor for us to recognize these three volunteers this year. Organizing a river clean-up is no easy task, and this year we had the privilege to work with these individuals and the other fantastic people on the river clean-up committees that represented local clubs, organizations and government groups. Each group and situation is as different as each river. In each group, a leader was born-someone that wanted to step up and pitch in that extra amount because he/she cared. It is our hope to see this happen in every watershed across the state. We hope that river clean-ups are just the beginning of great things to come. If you would like help organizing a river clean-up or another activity that will get people out on the river, contact Kim Erndt at kerndt@prairierivers.org.]]> 1231 0 1154 0 https://prairierivers.org/articles/2004/02/upper-salt-fork-river-serves-many-purposes/ Mon, 02 Feb 2004 13:52:13 +0000 http://newsite.prairierivers.org/special-reports/upper-salt-fork-river-serves-many-purposes by Charles Goodall (This op-ed ran in the Champaign News Gazette ) Chris Hausman, president of the Champaign County Farm Bureau, in a November 30 Guest Commentary wrote that citizens following the Upper Salt Fork River drainage controversy "come away with very little understanding about the true purpose of the waterway." If that is true, his commentary only adds to their confusion. Here's why: Historically, the Upper Salt Fork River was a natural waterway. Maps produced in the 1870's, many years before the Drainage District was established, clearly show the Salt Fork as a natural stream extending from Rantoul to Homer. The Drainage District itself, in its petition before the Court, quotes a 1925 report of its Commissioners describing the existing condition of the Salt Fork Creek from Rantoul to St. Joseph as a " a natural stream very crooked and tortuous in its course and extremely shallow, at most places being only a few feet in depth." Clearly then, the upper Salt Fork already existed, and not merely "for the sole purpose of draining storm runoff from the land." Mr. Hausman ignores historical fact. Today, even though it has been channelized, the stream still serves multiple purposes, among them a sanctuary for wildlife and fish. Citizens understand this and want all functions to be accommodated. Just as the drainage function cannot be ignored, neither can it override the requirement to protect the environment, as Mr. Hausman suggests. Nor do citizens assert that fish and wildlife should "receive a higher priority than the proper maintenance" of drainage systems as Mr. Hausman would lead readers to believe. Illinois drainage law specifically requires the use of "all practical means and measures, including consideration of alternative methods of providing the necessary drainage, to protect such environmental values as trees and fish and wildlife habitat." Unfortunately, the Drainage District's analysis and proposed maintenance methods are not suitable for protecting the environmental functions of the river and may not even pursue proper farm drainage goals in a cost-effective manner. That is why Prairie Rivers Network has intervened. In general, drainage maintenance practices lag behind other public works projects in terms of compliance with environmental standards. Maintenance and construction of roadways and other utilities must comply with environmental protection laws such as the state and federal Endangered Species Acts and other 20th century mandates that accommodate societal concerns. Mr. Hausman ignores too much when he suggests that "if a road becomes worn or a city water pipe breaks, we fix them regardless of the impact those repairs might have on habitat." Fortunately, we can have our cake and eat it too. The choice that Mr. Hausman apparently would have us worry about ? the choice between maintaining necessary drainage and protecting important environmental features of the Salt Fork River ? is a not a choice we have to make. We can do both because we have modern maintenance tools such as modeling and analysis of river function, prioritizing and sequencing of maintenance steps based on cost-benefit analysis and guided by feedback, as well as a rich variety of targeted maintenance methods. Citizens who value the Upper Salt Fork River for its multiple uses ? drainage, wildlife habitat, and recreation among them ? are simply asking that all stream functions be protected. If achieving this goal requires the appointment of new drainage commissioners willing to consider new ideas as the law requires, then we support that too. Citizens' desire to see the Salt Fork River managed to support multiple functions is not a secret campaign, as Mr. Hausman suggests, but a genuine effort that others can join. It is a clear exercise of citizen rights in a democratic society. State drainage law provides that any landowner that pays taxes to the drainage district has the legal right to be appointed as a drainage district commissioner. Nowhere does the law stipulate that this is a privilege reserved only for grain producers as some have asserted. New commissioners can bring a fresh approach to drainage issues, using up-to-date research findings and honoring all mandates of the drainage code, including those protecting the environmental values of streams. This is how to provide necessary drainage while protecting the multiple uses of our streams and making our county an attractive place to live and work. Itâs our opportunity to pass on to our children a landscape thatâs a little healthier than the one we inherited. Charles Goodall, grain farmer, drainage commissioner, Farm Bureau member and board member of Prairie Rivers Network, can be reached at prairierivers.org.]]> 17469 0 1160 0 https://prairierivers.org/articles/2004/02/testimony-of-jean-flemma-executive-director-prairie-rivers-network-before-the-us-environmental-protection-agency/ Wed, 25 Feb 2004 13:53:59 +0000 http://newsite.prairierivers.org/special-reports/testimony-of-jean-flemma-executive-director-prairie-rivers-network-before-the-us-environmental-protection-agency February 25, 2004 Thank you for allowing me to testify. My name is Jean Flemma, and I am the Executive Director of Prairie Rivers Network. Prairie Rivers is a statewide river conservation organization that seeks to protect the health and beauty of the rivers and streams of Illinois for the people, fish and wildlife that depend on them to survive. Illinois has 87,000 miles of rivers and streams and 309,000 acres of lakes and they have been severely polluted by mercury. So much so, that the Illinois Fish Contaminant Monitoring Program has issued a statewide advisory for predator fish in all Illinois waters due to methylmercury. The advisory has been established to protect the most sensitive populations: pregnant and nursing women, fetuses, women of childbearing age and children younger than 15. Predator species to which the advisory applies include all species of black bass (largemouth, smallmouth and spotted), striped bass, white bass, hybrid striped bass, walleye, sauger, saugeye, flathead catfish, muskellunge and northern pike. Now, your Agency has the opportunity to drastically reduce mercury emissions which have enormous impacts on public health, particularly that of women and children, and on the health of the rivers and wildlife of Illinois. Unfortunately, the proposed rules published on December 30 do not do this and instead allow the children of Illinois to be exposed to far more mercury, for a decade longer than is necessary. They also fail to implement the Clean Air Actâs requirements for safeguarding human health and our environment against toxic air pollutants. As such, I join with many of the witnesses here today in urging EPA to reject the proposals it is currently considering and instead reduce power plant mercury emissions as much as possible, using maximum achievable control technologies at each and every power plant by 2008. As many with far greater expertise than I will testify today, mercury is a highly toxic chemical whose effects on the central nervous system are comparable to those of lead. (U.S. EPA, June 2002. "Mercury Update. Impact on Fish Advisories.") Exposure, which can cause severe neurological and developmental problems, is widespread. As I already mentioned, Illinois has a statewide fish advisory in effect for a large number of fish species that applies to all of our rivers and lakes. Nationwide, there are more than 12 million acres of lakes and 400,000 miles of rivers that currently have posted warnings advising people to avoid or limit fish consumption due to mercury. [U.S. PIRG, Fishing For Trouble, (June 2003)] Still, a recent study by Centers for Disease Control estimated that 1 in 12 women of childbearing age in the U.S. have unsafe levels of mercury in their blood. [Centers for Disease Control, January 2003. Second National Report on Human Exposure Environmental Chemicals.] In addition, your agency just doubled its estimate÷to as many as 630,000---of the number of children born each year who could be at risk of developmental disorders because of mercury exposure in the mother's womb. [New York Times, EPA Raises Estimate of Babies Affected by Mercury Exposure (February 10, 2004).] Mercury is not just a threat to human health. It also has biological and physiological effects on many species of wildlife. Studies indicate that in some fish species, size, weight, and reproduction are negatively impacted by mercury exposure. The toll on fish-eating birds, including mallards, red-tailed hawks, and the common loon are also well documented and include eggshell thinning, and reduced hatchability due to increased embryo mortality. Mercury has also been shown to impact the survival, reproduction, and growth of river otters. This is of concern in Illinois where, once on the verge of extinction, otters have recently returned to our rivers. Here in Illinois, wildlife-associated recreation---including sport fishing, hunting, and birdwatching---contributed $1.9 billion to the economy in 2001. [2001 National Survey of Fishing, Hunting, and Wildlife Associated Recreation, US Departments of Interior and Commerce, October 2002.] The continued assault of mercury on the environment threatens not only human health, but this valuable contributor to the state's economy at a time when we can ill afford it. Fortunately, we know the source of our mercury emissions problem and we have the technology to address it. The largest industrial source of the mercury that threatens human health and contaminates our rivers is coal fired power plants. Yet, they are also the only major mercury polluters not regulated under federal clean air standards. As a result, in 2001, Illinois utilities released more than 4000 pounds of mercury to the air, a staggering number that ranks our state 6th in the nation for mercury emissions from utilities. [USEPA, 2001Toxics Release Inventory] Protecting public health and our $1.9 billion wildlife-associated recreation industry in Illinois necessitates the reduction of mercury from its largest source, and the Clean Air Act requires these reductions. Specifically, Section 112 of the Act says that toxic substances such as mercury must be controlled to emission levels achievable by "maximum achievable control technologies" (or MACT). Two years ago, EPA estimated that under a MACT standard, electric utilities could reduce 90 percent of mercury from power plants using existing technologies, thereby lowering mercury emissions to about 5 tons per year by 2008. [U.S. EPA, December 4, 2001 ( supplementary presentation for EEI on mercury), page 6. ] What a difference two years can make. When issued last December, EPAâs proposed options for reducing mercury were dramatically different from the protections provided under the Clean Air Act and from your own estimate of what was possible. Specifically, the proposed MACT rule would only require an overall 30% cut in mercury emissions nationwide and not until 2010 at the earliest. This is a far cry from the 5 ton per year limit --- or the 90% reduction--- that the agency estimated was possible by 2008. In addition, much of these reductions would come from power plants that burn coal mined in the eastern United States, while requiring much less emissions reductions from plants that burn western coal. As a result, a state like Illinois, where coal fired power plants use a significant amount of western coal, could see limited mercury reductions. This is of particular concern given our 6th place ranking in amounts of mercury currently emitted. While your proposed New Source Performance Standard (NSPS) alternative would eventually set a cap of 15 tons of emissions per year, these would not be required until 2018 and again would fall far short of the 90% reductions your agency has said are possible. In addition, it would allow some power plants to avoid making mercury reductions at all by adopting a mercury emissions trading program. Because local sources of emissions often account for a large amount of local mercury deposition, this type of program---which allows plants to buy mercury credits instead of reducing emissions---significantly increases the likelihood and severity of "hotspots" where mercury deposition is more prevalent. Again, this is of significant concern given the large amount of mercury emitted from Illinois' 24 coal fired power plants. At the same time, we already know that requiring plant-specific controls can provide significant benefits when addressing local mercury problems. As others have mentioned, a study conducted in southern Florida and the Everglades found that the levels of mercury contamination in largemouth bass and other wildlife in the Everglades declined by 60 to 75 percent after an effort was initiated in the early 1990s to clean up municipal and medical-waste incinerators. In closing, EPA's pending proposals to regulate mercury emissions do not protect the people and the environment of Illinois and do not fulfill the Agency's obligation under the Clean Air Act, allowing power plants to emit six to seven times more mercury into the air, and for a decade longer, than the Act requires. I respectfully urge you to withdraw the proposals now on the table and develop a new MACT proposal that rejects mercury trading plans and that will require every plant to install state of the art mercury controls to achieve an aggregate reduction of 90% by 2008. Thank you very much.]]> 17470 0 1159 0 https://prairierivers.org/uncategorized/2006/06/eric-freyfogle-presents-beginning-with-rivers/ Tue, 06 Jun 2006 21:39:15 +0000 http://newsite.prairierivers.org/news/eric-freyfogle-presents-beginning-with-rivers June 6 , 2006 Noted environmental law professor, Eric Freyfogle, will present "Beginning with Rivers" on Thursday, June 15 at 7 p.m. at Illinois Wesleyan University. This free talk will explore the past, present, and future of our rivers. Just as settlements in Illinois began along our rivers, so too can renewed conservation efforts. The talk will be held in Room C101 of the Center for Natural Science Building on 201 E. Beecher St. in Bloomington. Sponsors are Prairie Rivers Network, as statewide river conservation organization headquartered in Champaign, and The Friends of Kickapoo Creek of McLean County. Both organizations work with local communities to protect our watersheds through advocacy, education, and monitoring. Freyfogle is the Max L. Rowe Professor of Law at the University of Illinois at Champaign-Urbana. A native of central Illinois, he has long been active in local, state, and national conservation efforts. He is a member of the Illinois Environmental Council and the Prairie Group of Sierra Club, and currently serves on the Board of the Prairie Rivers Network. Freyfogle is the author or editor of several books, including The Land We Share: Private Property and the Common Good (2003); The New Agrarianism (2001); Bounded People, Boundless Lands (1998); and Justice and the Earth (1993) and a recently published book Why Conservation is Failing and How It Can Regain Ground (Yale University Press). Professor Freyfogle has lectured widely, including recent appearances in England, Brazil, and Korea. He received his J.D. degree summa cum laude from the University of Michigan Law School, and was Managing Editor of the Michigan Law Review. He served as an assistant to the Army general counsel in Washington, D.C., and practiced law in Indianapolis before joining the faculty. His teaching and scholarly work focus on issues of property ownership, natural resources law, and environmental policy. The IWU map can be found at http://www2.iwu.edu/aboutiwu/campus/index.shtml Parking is available in lots across the street to the north, two blocks to the east, and along the street. For more information on the sponsors, go to www.prairierivers.org and www.kickapoocreek.org Contact: Jean Flemma, Prairie Rivers Network, (217) 344-2371, jflemma@prairierivers.org or Gretchen Knapp, Friends of Kickapoo Creek, 309/454-7432, ge_knapp@yahoo.com ###]]> 17473 0 1148 0 https://prairierivers.org/uncategorized/2006/06/sandwichstp/ Mon, 05 Jun 2006 21:41:35 +0000 http://newsite.prairierivers.org/news/clean-water-advocates-praise-local-municipality-efforts-to-protect-water-quality June 5 , 2006 Prairie Rivers Network, the Illinois Chapter of the Sierra Club, and Friends of the Fox River are praising the City of Sandwich for agreeing to disinfect the wastewater discharged from the City’s Sewage Treatment Plant. The plant is currently exempt from federal disinfection requirements. The plant, which treats domestic and industrial wastewater from the City of Sandwich, discharges its treated wastewater to Harvey Creek, a tributary to Little Rock Creek. The federal permit required to discharge this wastewater—known as an NPDES permit—is currently undergoing a once every five year review and renewal. The agreement regarding disinfection came during the public process associated with the renewal process. “We are very pleased that the City has agreed to address the concerns of local residents,” said Jean Flemma, Executive Director of Prairie Rivers Network. “This is the kind of cooperative public process that the Clean Water Act fosters, allowing us to improve water quality and our communities.” Under the Clean Water Act, municipal dischargers are required to disinfect their wastewater, which can include pathogens and other bacteria, unless they receive an exemption from doing so. In the late 1980’s, Illinois EPA began exempting many, if not most, municipal dischargers from the disinfection requirement because of the concern that commonly used disinfection methods of dumping chlorine into wastewater was having significant impacts on aquatic life in the streams where discharges were occurring. In addition, IEPA concluded, frequently erroneously, that people were not using the streams where discharges were occurring so human exposure to pathogens was not a concern. In the case of the Sandwich plant, the exemption from requirements to disinfect has been in effect since 1990. When the NPDES permit came up for public review this year, Prairie Rivers Network, Friends of the Fox River and the Illinois Chapter of the Sierra Club questioned whether the exemption was still appropriate for several reasons. Of particular concern, many people are known to recreate on Big Rock Creek, downstream of the Sandwich treatment plant’s discharge. At the same time, new techniques that have been developed mean that heavily chlorinated wastewater, which would harm fish and other aquatic life, need not be discharged as a by-product of disinfection. Based on concerns expressed by Prairie Rivers Network, Friends of the Fox, and Sierra Club, the new disinfection techniques, and discussions with IEPA staff, the City has concluded that it is appropriate to disinfect wastewater. The City plans to install a new system to disinfect wastewater using ultra-violet light that will begin operation in two years. The incremental cost in operations that will be required to implement this technology is a small price to pay for a cleaner, safer river, and a healthier community. Contact: Jean Flemma or Traci Barkley, Prairie Rivers Network, (217) 344-2371, jflemma@prairierivers.org or tbarkley@prairierivers.org. or Tom Schrader, Friends of the Fox River, (630) 942-3890 or Cindy Skrukrud, Sierra Club, (815) 675-2594]]> 17474 0 1149 0 https://prairierivers.org/uncategorized/2006/01/clean-water-advocates-applaud-governors-proposal-to-reduce-mercury-pollution-from-illinois-power-plants/ Thu, 05 Jan 2006 21:43:34 +0000 http://newsite.prairierivers.org/news/clean-water-advocates-applaud-governors-proposal-to-reduce-mercury-pollution-from-illinois-power-plants January 5, 2006 Cleaner air and water will benefit public health, communities, and the environment throughout Illinois Champaign, Illinois, January 5, 2006:Prairie Rivers Network and other clean water and air advocates from around the state are lauding a proposal made by Governor Blagojevich today to eliminate 90% or more of mercury pollution emitted by coal-fired power plants by 2009. The new rules will be proposed by Illinois EPA next month and could go into effect later this year. "This is a huge victory for public health in Illinois, and the Governor should be commended for taking the lead in protecting our citizens, our communities, and our environment," said Jean Flemma, Executive Director of Prairie Rivers Network. Mercury is a highly toxic chemical whose effects on the central nervous system are comparable to those of lead. Exposure, which usually comes from eating fish tainted with mercury, can cause severe neurological and developmental problems and is widespread. The Centers for Disease Control has estimated that 1 in 12 women of childbearing age in the U.S. have unsafe levels of mercury in their blood, and according to the US EPA, as many as 630,000children born each year could be at risk of developmental disorders because of mercury exposure in the mother's womb. "Our 87,000 miles of rivers and streams and 309,000 acres of lakes are so polluted by mercury, we have a statewide advisory in effect warning people to limit their consumption of certain fish species caught in Illinois waters," Flemma noted. Fortunately, the source of our mercury pollution problem in Illinois and nationwide is easily identified—coal-fired power plants. Illinois currently ranks fifth in the nation for mercury emitted by power plants. Unfortunately, new rules adopted last year by the Bush Administration to regulate mercury emissions from power plants fell far short of the 90% reductions that the US EPA experts said were technologically possible and far short of the reductions needed to protect public health. Instead, the federal rules only required Illinois power plants to reduce mercury emissions by 47% by 2010 and 79% by 2018. Under a pollution trading system that was also proposed, it was estimated that the 79% reductions would not likely be reached until 2025. The ability to trade mercury credits is of significant concern in Illinois, as it means some plants would not have to reduce emissions at all. Studies have shown that between 40 and 80% of mercury emitted from power plants is deposited locally, creating mercury "hot spots". In fact, two thirds of the mercury that falls on Chicago is estimated to come from sources within the state. In sharp contrast to the federal rules, the proposal put forth by the Governor today requires the majority of power plants in Illinois to capture 90% of their emissions of mercury pollution by 2009, with the remainder of plants required to meet that goal by 2012. It also prohibits mercury pollution trading. Specifically, under the Governor's proposal---

• Coal plants in Illinois will be required to implement and install modern pollution control equipment that will reduce their mercury emissions by capturing 90% or more by June 30, 2009.

• Companies owning multiple coal plants will be allowed to reduce their mercury emissions with a system wide average of 90% or more by June 30, 2009, provided that: (a) No plant may achieve less than a 75% reduction of mercury emissions by June 30, 2009; and (b) All of the plants must implement and install modern pollution control equipment that will capture 90% of their mercury emissions by December 31, 2012.

• Coal plants will be prohibited from out-of-state or in-state trading of mercury pollution credits, ensuring that dangerous mercury pollution hot spots will not be perpetuated in Illinois.

"The good news is, the State is doing what federal regulators refused to do," said Flemma. "Instead of having some of the largest mercury emissions in the country, Illinois will now be at the forefront of reducing mercury pollution, protecting our children's health and serving as a model for other states. We support the Governor's proposal and thank him and the Illinois EPA for their leadership." Contact: Jean Flemma Prairie Rivers Network 217-344-2371]]> 17475 0 1151 0 https://prairierivers.org/articles/2007/12/2007-accomplishments/ Mon, 31 Dec 2007 18:20:36 +0000 http://newsite.prairierivers.org/?p=328 Clean Water Cleaning up Our Disinfection Exemption Program - We contributed to an overhaul of the Disinfection Exemption Program for wastewater treatment plants at the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency (IEPA) resulting in IEPA reviewing 20 years of exemptions and deciding to apply a more stringent and judicious process for new exemption requests. Marathon Oil, Robinson Refinery - We prevented two proposed permits that would have authorized excessive loading of pollutants to already impaired streams. We also negotiated an improved NPDES permit and are working for the rehabilitation of two streams badly damaged from Marathon's historical wastestream. New Lenox Waste Water Treatment Facility - After four years of challenging IEPA's approval of a wastewater treatment facility's expansion request that would negatively impact Hickory Creek in Will County, we received a favorable ruling from the Illinois Pollution Control Board that will likely improve the implementation of anti-degradation policies that are intended to protect streams throughout Illinois. Use Attainability Analysis - We worked in collaboration with other Illinois environmental organizations to ensure that IEPA proposes upgraded use designations and improved water quality standards for the Chicago-area waterways.

Habitat Protection

Mississippi River Habitat Restoration - We began a new effort to work with local citizen groups along the Mississippi River to build support for projects that will restore the river's wetlands, side channels, and wildlife corridors. Healthy Land - Healthy Water - We worked to bring together landowners, farmers, watershed groups, and experts in a joint effort to increase the quality and amount of land that provides habitat for wildlife, protects stream corridors, and helps improve water quality. Mississippi River Clean Water Collaborative - We continued our work with eleven other groups along the Mississippi River to improve water quality throughout the river system and the Gulf of Mexico. Keeping on Cleaning Up - We helped organize river clean-ups and habitat restoration days along the Salt Fork River, the La Moine River, and Boneyard Creek. The Boneyard Creek Community Day event received the 2007 Governor's Hometown Award.

River Stewardship and Awareness

Don't Rush to Flush! - By partnering with other not-for-profits, and state and federal agencies, we began an education campaign on the dangers of improperly disposed medications, which can end up in our rivers and streams, harming fish and wildlife. Mississippi River Education - To build awareness about the multitude of issues the Mississippi River faces, we collaborated with other environmental groups, educational institutions and teachers to create an education program for high school students who live along the Mississippi River. Cleaning and Conserving Rain Water - We taught citizens throughout the state who are interested in reducing stormwater runoff around their homes or businesses the benefits of rain gardens and how to design and install one on their property. Illinois Stormwater Patrol - We trained citizens to monitor stormwater runoff at construction sites and elsewhere, and to be on the lookout for pollution in their local streams.]]> 328 0 1130 0 https://prairierivers.org/articles/2006/12/2006-accomplishments/ Sun, 31 Dec 2006 18:30:14 +0000 http://newsite.prairierivers.org/?p=335 Clean Water Cracking Down on Polluters - To complement our program that ensures Clean Water Act permits strictly limit the pollutants that can be discharged to our rivers, we initiated a new effort to ensure that polluters complied with their permits and began notifying permit violators of our intent to sue them if they did not bring their discharge practices within compliance. Cleaner, Safer Water for Fishing and Swimming- Challenging Illinois EPA's practice of exempting wastewater discharges from disinfection, we eliminated this exemption at plants from Champaign and St. Joseph to Sandwich and Braidwood and got IEPA to revise their disinfection exemption application and review process. Mississippi River Clean Water Collaborative - We began a new effort with eleven other groups along the River to improve water quality throughout the river system and the Gulf of Mexico.

Habitat Protection

Mississippi River Habitat Restoration - We began a new effort to work with local citizen groups along the River to build support for projects that will restore wetlands, side channels and wildlife corridors. Healthy Land - Healthy Water - We began an effort to ensure that farm conservation programs aimed at protecting habitat and water quality achieve their intended purpose.

River Stewardship and Awareness

Keeping on Cleaning Up- We helped organize the First Annual Boneyard Creek Community Day, a cleanup event designed to connect residents to an urban stream in Champaign-Urbana. In the process we forged partnerships with the cities, park districts, local Rotaries and businesses, the University of Illinois and many others dedicated to protecting this local stream. Cleaning and Conserving Rain Water - We initiated a program to install rain gardens at local Habitat for Humanity homes and are developing instructional materials for homeowners who want to use rain gardens to prevent polluted rain water from running off their property into the nearest storm drain. Illinois Stormwater Patrol- We continued training citizens to monitor stormwater runoff at construction sites and elsewhere, and to be on the lookout for pollution in their local streams.]]> 335 0 1145 0 https://prairierivers.org/uncategorized/2007/11/greatlakescompact/ Wed, 28 Nov 2007 01:25:33 +0000 http://newsite.prairierivers.org/?p=667 November 27 , 2007

ANN ARBOR, MI —Global warming’s impacts on the Great Lakes will likely be exacerbated unless inadequate regional water laws are strengthened to prevent water diversion, according to a new report by the National Wildlife Federation.

“The Great Lakes are facing the one-two punch of global warming and water diversion,” said report co-author Noah Hall, an environmental law professor at Wayne State University Law School in Detroit, Mich. “We have known for many years that existing laws are inadequate to protect the Great Lakes from diversions and overuse.  Now we know that climate change is certain to put additional stress and pressure on the Great Lakes. Prompt passage of the Great Lakes Compact will go a long way toward mitigating the impacts of global warming while safeguarding a resource that millions of people depend on for their economy and way of life.” The new report, “Climate Change and Great Lakes Water Resources,” warns that a warming climate is likely to reduce Great Lakes water supply while increasing water demand within the region. Further, as other regions suffer from water shortages and increased demand for water resources, they may look to divert Great Lakes water to quench their thirst. Against this backdrop, the report concludes that the existing legal framework will not be enough to protect the Great Lakes.  “This report is a wakeup call,” said co-author Bret Stuntz, an attorney and geologist in Michigan. “The threats are severe, and the solution is clear: The Great Lakes Compact is perfect for managing 20 percent of the world’s fresh surface water during a time of change in the region and across the United States.” The report comes as water shortages around the United States are increasing due to both insufficient water conservation policy and drought conditions, and as the specter of water diversion out of the Great Lakes has propelled the issue into the 2008 Presidential campaign. “Battles over water are not science fiction. They are occurring now in the United States and around the globe and they will only get worse,” said Molly Flanagan, water program manager for the National Wildlife Federation’s Great Lakes office. “The Great Lakes region has an opportunity to be a leader in managing and protecting our water resources and to set an example for the rest of the country. We cannot afford to sit back and allow others to decide the fate of our Lakes. Now is the time to close the door on future water diversions and put our house in order by passing the Great Lakes Compact.” The report synthesizes the latest peer-reviewed science on global warming impacts to the Great Lakes and finds that warming temperatures will likely lower lake levels, help invasive species take hold, and lead to more sewer overflows. It examines current legal framework for protecting the Great Lakes and concludes that they are uniformly inadequate. The report recommends enactment of the Great Lakes-St. Lawrence River Basin Water Resources Compact (“Great Lakes Compact”), as an important step in improving Great Lakes water resource policy to meet the challenge of climate change.  “We hope this report inspires legislators, conservationists, and business leaders to work together to protect the Great Lakes by adopting the Great Lakes Compact and national legislation that would deeply reduce the pollution that causes global warming,” said Zoe Lipman, NWF's regional senior manager, global warming.  “Without decisive action to address global warming and to protect the water and wildlife of the Great Lakes, all the hard-fought progress made by so many to restore the Great Lakes could be lost.  By taking action now we protect this precious resource, our communities, and the economy of our region, for our children and grandchildren.” Once approved by each of the eight Great Lakes state legislatures and consented to by the U.S. Congress, the Great Lakes Compact will become legally binding and provide for joint management and increased protections for the Great Lakes.  Minnesota and Illinois have already adopted the Compact. The New York Assembly and Senate have passed the Compact and the legislation awaits concurrence from the Assembly which may happen yet this year. Legislation is moving forward in Indiana, Pennsylvania and Michigan and positive momentum for the Compact is building in each of the Great Lakes states. The National Wildlife Federation is America's conservation organization inspiring Americans to protect wildlife for our children’s future.

To read the full report, visit: http://www.nwf.org/news/

                     Contact: Molly Flanagan, National Wildlife Federation, (734) 887-7103; flanaganm@nwf.org Zoe Lipman, National Wildlife Federation, (734) 887-7108; lipman@nwf.org Noah Hall, Report Author, (734) 646-1400; nhall@wayne.edu Bret Stuntz, Report Author, (248)229-3748; bstuntz73@yahoo.com Jordan Lubetkin, National Wildlife Federation, (734) 887-7109; lubetkin@nwf.org State Contacts and Quotes: ILLINOIS: Cecily Smith, Prairie Rivers Network (IL), (217) 351-0927, csmith@prairierivers.org “The new report makes clear that the question is not how the Great Lakes will be affected by global warming, but whether we as a region will ensure the future health and sustainability of all the Lakes’ water resources by enacting the Compact into law,” said Cecily Smith, Prairie Rivers Network. “For those states that have not yet passed the Compact, this report provides the facts and rationale for why they should make it a priority.” INDIANA: John Goss, Indiana Wildlife Federation, (317) 525-0198, gonefishing53@earthlink.net “Without the Compact, Lake Michigan and the Great Lakes will remain vulnerable -- both to export abroad and to uncontrolled consumptive uses at home,” said John Goss, Indiana Wildlife Federation. “In Indiana the Great Lakes Compact has broad support from the business community, the environmental and conservation community, and was endorsed by three legislative study committees this fall.  We are hopeful that the Indiana legislature will act swiftly to adopt the Compact when they return to session in January.” MICHIGAN: Donna Stine, Michigan United Conservation Clubs, (517) 346-6487, dstine@mucc.org “While it’s difficult to imagine the Great Lakes running out of water, it’s not that difficult to imagine places like Las Vegas, New Mexico, Florida and California running out,” said Donna Stine, Michigan United Conservation Clubs. “When our thirsty neighbors look to us to solve their water shortage problems, we need to be prepared to say no.  The Great Lakes Compact gives us the ability to say no.  Michigan, a state defined by the Great Lakes, is working steadily towards adopting the Compact and passage of the Compact should remain a priority for the Michigan legislature.” MINNESOTA: Gary Botzek, Minnesota Conservation Federation, (651) 293-9295, gary@capitolconnections.com “In February, Minnesota became the first state to adopt the Great Lakes Compact because Minnesotans recognize that the Compact is critical for the long-term protection of Lake Superior. This summer Lake Superior reached near record lows.  We know that climate change could worsen this situation,” said Gary Botzek, Minnesota Conservation Federation.  “It’s not a question of whether or not we need increased protections for the Great Lakes, but rather when we will put them in place.  We shouldn’t wait any longer.  The Great Lakes states should act immediately to adopt the Compact and protect our precious water resources.” NEW YORK: Erica Ringewald, Environmental Advocates of New York, (518) 210-9903, eringewald@eany.org “The release of the Climate Change and Great Lakes Water Resources report is a much-needed call to action for New Yorkers, as well as for our lawmakers throughout the Great Lakes Basin. We need to seize this opportunity to protect our precious water resources from the threats of climate change,” said Katherine Nadeau, water and natural resources program associate, Environmental Advocates of New York. “Passing the Great Lakes Compact will guarantee New York a voice when it comes to Great Lakes water use. This is particularly important in light of projected water shortages nationwide. The Compact is our opportunity to protect Lakes Ontario, Erie, and the St. Lawrence River Basin. New York should lead the region toward responsible water use and ratify the Compact this year.” OHIO: Larry Mitchell, League of Ohio Sportsmen, (614) 274-8370, president@leagueofohiosportsmen.org “It is imperative that the Ohio legislature act swiftly to adopt the Great Lakes Compact,” said Larry Mitchell, League of Ohio Sportsmen. “Lake Erie is the shallowest of the Great Lakes and receives more than 80 percent of its inflow from the Upper Great Lakes making it the most susceptible to injury that could occur if lake water levels fall due to diversions and excessive withdrawals from the waters of the Basin. Lake Erie supports the largest sport fishery in the Great Lakes and the one of the largest commercial freshwater fisheries in the world, underpinning a $1 billion sport fishing industry. Given the support shown by the Ohio House for ratification last year, adoption of the Compact should be a no-brainer for the General Assembly.” WISCONSIN: George Meyer, Wisconsin Wildlife Federation, (608) 516-5545, georgemeyer@tds.net “With the predicted impacts of climate change causing significantly lowered Great Lakes water levels and adverse impacts on fish and wildlife habitat, it makes it even more important for the Great Lakes states to immediately pass strong Great Lakes Compact legislation preventing further major diversions of Great Lakes water,” stated George Meyer, executive director, Wisconsin Wildlife Federation. “Wisconsin should act quickly to adopt the Great Lakes Compact and protect our priceless water resources for our children and grandchildren.”

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]]> 667 0 1134 0 https://prairierivers.org/articles/2007/09/backyard-wildlife-habitat/ Sun, 30 Sep 2007 20:40:02 +0000 http://newsite.prairierivers.org/?p=710 National Wildlife Federation will donate $5.00 to Prairie Rivers Network.]]> 710 0 1137 0 https://prairierivers.org/uncategorized/2007/05/raingarden/ Thu, 03 May 2007 00:51:35 +0000 http://newsite.prairierivers.org/?p=725 May 2 , 2007

On Saturday May 5th, volunteers from the Champaign-Urbana area will create a rain garden at a newly-completed Habitat for Humanity home in Champaign.  Rain gardens are bowl-shaped gardens that collect rain water from downspouts, sidewalks, and other hard surfaces that do not absorb water.  Runoff that might normally flow into the street and down the storm drain is instead pooled within the garden and quickly taken up by plants and soil.  The plants and soil also trap pollution that the rain water picks up from lawns, parking lots, and streets.  Rain gardens reduce local flooding and pollution, while providing a unique landscaping feature that attracts butterflies, birds, and other wildlife.Spearheading this effort is Prairie Rivers Network, a Champaign-based non-profit organization that works to protect Illinois waterways.  Prairie Rivers Network promotes rain gardens because they benefit communities by keeping water clean.  According to Stacy James of Prairie Rivers Network, “Many people do not realize that water going down the storm drains in our community does not get treated by sewage treatment plants.  Instead, storm water empties into our local streams, and carries with it soil and chemical pollutants that are picked up from yards, parking lots, and streets.  The flooding and pollution that result have negative impacts on streams and the plants and animals living there.”

Prairie Rivers Network has been giving presentations on rain gardens to local groups since January of this year, and is now giving members of those groups the opportunity to actually install a rain garden.  Volunteers will help dig, shape, mulch, and plant the rain garden.  This is the second time in two years that Prairie Rivers Network has collaborated with Habitat for Humanity of Champaign County to create a rain garden in the yard of a willing new homeowner.  “This has been an exciting opportunity for us to install rain gardens in yards that have not yet been landscaped, and to provide new homeowners with a unique garden of native and showy plants.  We also hope that our volunteers will be more motivated to install rain gardens in their own yards” said James. Members of the community who want to learn more about rain gardens can call the Prairie Rivers Network office at 217-344-2371.

Contact Info: 

Stacy James , 217-344-237 ###]]> 725 0 1142 0 https://prairierivers.org/articles/2008/01/about-agriculture-conservation/ Tue, 01 Jan 2008 15:45:23 +0000 http://newsite.prairierivers.org/?p=814 [/caption] Flowing along Illinois’ borders and through its interior are more than 87,000 miles of rivers and streams. Many, if not most, of these waterways exist within or adjacent to agricultural land. The Illinois Environmental Protection Agency found that pollution from crop production impairs approximately 20% of the state’s streams. Such impairment denies Illinois citizens and wildlife the right to clean, safe water. The most common pollutants from agriculture are sediment, nitrogen, and phosphorus. In addition, thousands of stream miles in Illinois, including many which flow just downstream of headwaters, are impacted by activities of small units of government called drainage districts. Streamside habitat alteration, such as channelization and maintenance work performed by drainage districts, is the third leading cause of Clean Water Act impairments in Illinois, meaning that these streams do not meet water quality or aquatic life goals, according to Illinois EPA. For more detailed information, visit our Agriculture Conservation, Agriculture Runoff, and Agriculture Drainage pages.]]> 814 0 1129 0 https://prairierivers.org/articles/2008/01/about-pollution/ Tue, 01 Jan 2008 15:57:12 +0000 http://newsite.prairierivers.org/?p=817 Clean, healthy waters are important to everyone. Waters of Illinois are needed for drinking, growing food, washing, swimming, fishing, and supporting amazingly diverse wildlife. Our overwhelming, but under-appreciated, dependence on clean water mandates our careful use and protection of our rivers. We all live in a watershed. A watershed is an area of land that drains into a particular river or stream. So, if you were to go outside and pour your coffee onto the ground, where would it flow? Into a storm drain? Then where? Regardless of where you live, everything that flows from your yard, business, or farm ends up in a nearby stream. Literally thousands of pollutants find their way into Illinois rivers. The things we do around our homes and communities every day makes a difference on the quality of our rivers because we all live in a watershed. For more detailed information about water pollution, visit the following pages: Agriculture Runoff Stormwater Runoff Nutrients Pharmaceuticals Wastewater Septic Systems Gulf of Mexico Dead Zone (Hypoxic)]]> 817 0 1128 0 https://prairierivers.org/articles/2008/01/about-stormwater/ Tue, 01 Jan 2008 16:02:21 +0000 http://newsite.prairierivers.org/?p=820 [/caption] Urban areas are dominated by hard surfaces such as streets, roofs, and parking lots. These surfaces allow very little rain and snow to penetrate into the ground underneath, and are therefore called impervious surfaces. Whereas natural land cover absorbs about 90% of precipitation, suburban neighborhoods may only soak up about 70% and downtowns are even worse at 45%. What is not absorbed by the ground flows downhill and becomes stormwater runoff. For more information on how you can help, visit our Stormwater Runoff page.]]> 820 0 1127 0 https://prairierivers.org/articles/2008/01/about-mississippi-river-restoration/ Tue, 01 Jan 2008 16:07:41 +0000 http://newsite.prairierivers.org/?p=824 [/caption] Historically, there have been significant human-caused environmental impacts along the Mississippi River, unfortunately only minimal environmental restoration activities have occurred. The Illinois portion of the river has been no exception to this poor situation. Although there have been noteworthy but relatively modest and spotty restoration works ongoing since the mid-1980s, without a major increase in long-term restoration efforts virtually every river system expert believes the river will further degrade. The primary focus of the Prairie Rivers Network (PRN) program will be upon increasing awareness and improving conditions for restoration activities to occur along the Mississippi and Illinois River’s area within Illinois. Our program dedicates a River Restoration Coordinator specifically to organizing others to accomplish the goals related to improving river restoration in the state. For more information, visit our Mississippi River Restoration page.]]> 824 0 1126 0 https://prairierivers.org/uncategorized/2007/07/deadzone/ Mon, 30 Jul 2007 14:25:58 +0000 http://newsite.prairierivers.org/?p=863 July 30 , 2007

Champaign, IL – A team of researchers just finished mapping the size of the “Dead Zone” in the northern Gulf of Mexico, and at 7900 mi2, it is the third largest since monitoring began in 1985.  The Dead Zone is an area of hypoxic water that forms every summer along the Gulf Coast and robs ocean life of oxygen.  Species that cannot escape the hypoxia may perish, and those able to migrate may have to swim outside of the Dead Zone to survive.   

The Gulf of Mexico Dead Zone is of enough concern to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency that an independent team of scientists was assembled to study the causes and nature of the hypoxia.  The team, known as the Science Advisory Board Hypoxia Advisory Panel, recently released a second draft of their report. The report concludes that recent increases in the hypoxic area are primarily due to nitrogen and phosphorus inputs from the Mississippi and Atchafalaya River Basin, which drains approximately 40% of the United States and empties into the Gulf of Mexico.  The nutrients fuel high phytoplankton production, and the eventual death and decay of these microscopic plants results in low dissolved oxygen levels.  The report suggests that a 45% reduction in nitrogen inputs and at least a 40% reduction in phosphorus will be necessary to reduce the size of the hypoxic area to the current goal of 5000 km2.  “This reduction of inputs should not only help the Gulf, but will have the simultaneous benefit of a cleaner Mississippi River and its tributaries,” according to Stacy James of Prairie Rivers Network.    The report found that point sources such as sewage treatment plants and industry contribute approximately 22% of the nitrogen and 34% of the phosphorus inputs to the Gulf of Mexico.  Among the report’s proposed options for nutrient management is a recommendation for tighter limits on the concentrations of nitrogen and phosphorous discharged from sewage treatment plants. Non-point sources such as crop production and urban landscaping contribute the majority of nutrients to the Dead Zone.  Regulation of these sources is more difficult, but can be achieved through voluntary efforts such as fertilizer application management and enrollment of acreage into state and federal land conservation programs.      The report states that the Upper Mississippi River sub-basin is one of the top two sub-basins contributing nutrients to the Gulf of Mexico.  “Efforts made in Illinois to reduce nutrient loss to waterways could have important benefits at the state, regional, and national level,” James said. The Illinois Environmental Protection Agency (IEPA) regularly monitors the health of the state’s waterways, and summarizes the data every 2 years.  In 2006, IEPA found that phosphorus is a potential cause of impairment for 14% of the streams surveyed, and nitrogen is a potential cause of impairment for 11% of streams.  Instead of a well-documented “dead zone,” Illinois residents may see signs of excessive nutrients in the form of algal blooms, fish kills, and bad-tasting water.  “The quality of life in Illinois stands to benefit from efforts to better manage nutrients, and we hope that IEPA and other government agencies will implement the suggestions of the Hypoxia Advisory Panel report,” James said. The IEPA not only assesses the health of Illinois’ waters, but also sets limits on the amounts of pollutants allowed in waterways.  However, IEPA has not developed statewide criteria for phosphorus and nitrogen.  IEPA plans to develop criteria by 2008, but as earlier proposed deadlines have not been met, it is unclear whether this one will be either.  “When Illinois finally adopts nitrogen and phosphorus criteria, IEPA will be able to reduce nutrient pollution coming from sewage treatment plants and other facilities; however, the agency’s ability to reduce nutrient pollution from agricultural sources will still be very limited.  We will need other solutions to address the most important contributor to the Dead Zone and to make a real difference for Illinois waters, the Mississippi River, and the Gulf.” said Glynnis Collins of Prairie Rivers Network. The draft report of the Science Advisory Board Hypoxia Advisory Panel is available online at http://www.epa.gov/sab/pdf/hap_draft_advisory_report_7-24-07.pdf. Prairie Rivers Network is Illinois’ statewide leader in river protection, conservation, and restoration.  Prairie Rivers Network works to protect water quality and river habitats, helping to make communities better places to live.

 Contact Info: 

Stacy James – 217-344-2371 Glynnis Collins – 217-344-2371  ###]]> 863 0 1138 0 https://prairierivers.org/uncategorized/2007/11/greatlakescompact-3/ Wed, 28 Nov 2007 14:31:52 +0000 http://newsite.prairierivers.org/?p=868 November 28 , 2007 (Springfield, IL) Today, Illinois Governor Blagojevich signed into law the Great Lakes-St. Lawrence River Basin Water Resources Compact, an interstate agreement to protect the Great Lakes in perpetuity. The Illinois House of Representatives unanimously adopted the Compact on March 29, 2007. The Illinois Senate voted in favor of the compact on May 22, 2007. Governor Blagojevich sealed the deal with his signature on the legislation today. Bill sponsors, Representative Harry Osterman and Senator John Cullerton, along with Governor Rod Blagojevich and Lieutenant Governor Pat Quinn were instrumental in ensuring the adoption of the Compact. “The Compact enjoys bipartisan support in the Illinois legislature and is supported by diverse stakeholders throughout the Great Lakes region. This broad support demonstrates the value of Great Lakes water resources to Illinois,” said Cecily Smith, spokesperson for the Illinois River conservation group Prairie Rivers Network. “Many Illinois citizens have first-hand experiences with the environmental and recreational benefits provided by the Great Lakes and are eager to do their part to protect this precious natural resource.”“By adopting the Compact, Illinois has done its part to remove the bull’s-eye on Lake Michigan. The Compact is critical for the long-term protection of the lakes and will allow the Great Lakes region to maintain control of its waters as demand continues to grow throughout the nation and worldwide,” said Molly Flanagan, Great Lakes Water Resources Program Manager at the National Wildlife Federation. The Compact is the culmination of a multi-year process of negotiations among the eight Great Lakes States. The Compact will protect Great Lakes water supplies by implementing an effective water management plan, including protections against water diversions out of the basin and the promotion of water conservation measures within the basin. To become law, the Compact must be adopted by all eight Great Lakes state legislatures, and consented to by the U.S. Congress. The Great Lakes governors endorsed the Compact in December 2005. Minnesota became the first state to adopt the Compact in February 2007. So far in 2007, the New York Assembly and Senate have also passed the Compact. Legislation is pending in Indiana, Michigan, and Pennsylvania. Notably missing from this lineup is Ohio where the House adopted the Compact in 2006, but the Senate ran out of time at the end of session. Each Great Lakes state is expected to introduce legislation before the year ends. Flanagan states, “ Passing the Compact is critical to protecting the Great Lakes. We applaud the state of Illinois for their leadership and hope that every Great Lake state will join Illinois in making adoption of the Compact a top priority.”   Contact Info:  Cecily Smith, Prairie Rivers Network: (217) 344-2371 Molly Flanagan, National Wildlife Federation: (734) 887-7103 ###]]> 868 0 1133 0 https://prairierivers.org/uncategorized/2007/10/mississippi-river/ Tue, 16 Oct 2007 14:33:12 +0000 http://newsite.prairierivers.org/?p=872 October 16 , 2007

CHAMPAIGN, IL − A report on the health of the Mississippi River, released today by the National Research Council of the National Academies (NRC), reveals that the Mississippi River will continue to deteriorate unless Midwestern states limit nitrogen and phosphorus pollution and farmers become significantly more effective at soil and water protection.  More than 50 cities and 18 million Americans depend on the Mississippi and its tributaries for drinking water. The River is a vital economic, recreational and natural resource to communities up and down its 2300 mile course, of which 585 miles border Illinois.  In 1998, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) called on states to adopt specific limits on nitrogen and phosphorous pollution to halt serious water quality problems. EPA warned States that it would enact its own limits if States had not complied by 2001.  To date, every state along the Mississippi has failed to adopt limits for both nitrogen and phosphorous, and the federal government has not stepped in.  Illinois has only adopted limits for phosphorus in lakes.The NRC Report, Mississippi River Water Quality and the Clean Water Act, makes clear that “The EPA has failed to use its mandatory and discretionary authorities under the Clean Water Act to provide adequate interstate coordination and oversight of state water quality activities along the Mississippi River.” The report declares, “as a result of limited interstate coordination, the Mississippi River is an ‘orphan’.”    Agricultural policies that enable unnecessary runoff of fertilizers and pesticides are the major source of poor river health, according to the report.  The NRC said, “The 1933 Farm Bill, and the subsequent 70 years of Farm Bills and other agricultural programs, have had a tremendous influence on Mississippi River basin land uses,” creating problems with runoff patterns and water quality.   To reverse these trends, the Report recommends that new Farm Bill conservation incentives be “widely and aggressively applied” and that programs aimed at reducing nutrient and sediment pollution be targeted at problem areas. It also calls for EPA and the Department of Agriculture to “strengthen their cooperative activities” to reduce agricultural impacts to the Mississippi River and Gulf of Mexico.

Communities and conservationists up and down the river are calling on the EPA and Congress to carefully consider the findings in this report and take action.

“This report clearly states that Illinois must adopt numeric criteria limiting nitrogen and phosphorus pollution, in order to improve the health of the Mississippi River,” according to Stacy James, Water Resources Scientist for Champaign-based Prairie Rivers Network.  “Because agricultural production does not have to meet state criteria, it will also be necessary for farmers to adopt practices such as buffers and tile drainage management to reduce the amount of runoff leaving their fields. The use of protective practices is especially important in Illinois, where over 60% of the land area is row crop agriculture” said James. “The Mississippi River is one of our most treasured resources, and we can’t afford to ignore the recommendations of this Report,” said Brad Klein, a Staff Attorney at the Environmental Law & Policy Center in Chicago. “U.S. EPA needs to step up and set a firm deadline for states to adopt phosphorus and nitrogen limits and to make good on its obligation to enforce the Clean Water Act.” A summary of the NRC report is available for download at www.nationalacademies.org

 

Contact Info: 

Stacy James, Prairie Rivers Network: 217-344-2371 Brad Klein, Environmental Law & Policy Center: 312-673-6500

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]]> 872 0 1135 0 https://prairierivers.org/news/2007/11/new-office/ Wed, 28 Nov 2007 14:34:49 +0000 http://newsite.prairierivers.org/?p=876 November 28 , 2007

Prairie Rivers Network has moved offices from their longtime location in the McKinley Foundation building at Fifth and Daniel Streets in Campustown to 1902 Fox Drive in Champaign.  The statewide river conservation organization is celebrating forty years since its founding as the Committee on Allerton Park, created to save the park and surrounding areas from a planned Corps of Engineers project to dam the Sangamon River near Monticello. The new office space will is in property owned by Fox Development Corporation, which owns the office building, provided office space for the not-for-profit group at a below-market rate.  “We’re delighted to be in a larger space with great amenities,” said Jon McNussen, President of the Board of Directors for Prairie Rivers Network.  “The people at Fox Development have designed and built out the space specifically to meet our needs at no additional cost.  For an organization like ours, with few financial resources for “extras,” this is a tremendous benefit,” said McNussen.  The relationship with Fox Development, and Peter Fox, its President, was initiated through another Prairie Rivers Network Board member, Clark Bullard.  “We want to support local entities that represent the values that make Champaign-Urbana a great for people to live and work”, said Peter Fox, Chairman of Fox Development. “I have always been impressed with the caliber of the Prairie Rivers Network board and wanted to help. Bruce Hannon and Clark Bullard approached me for assistance and I was happy to help them after watching their advocacy and work in the community.” “We’ve been in the McKinley Foundation building for almost 25 years, and we greatly appreciate all the support we have received from the Foundation during that time,” said Kim Erndt, Interim Executive Director of Prairie Rivers Network.  The McKinley Foundation building is undergoing extensive renovation; upon completion, there will no longer be office space for Prairie Rivers and other not-for-profit groups who have rented there in the past.

 

  Contact Info:  Kim Erndt, 217-344-237 ###]]> 876 0 1132 0 https://prairierivers.org/uncategorized/2007/12/salt-fork-river-court-decision/ Tue, 04 Dec 2007 14:36:47 +0000 http://newsite.prairierivers.org/?p=880 December 4 , 2007

Judge Holly Clemons denied a request by the Upper Salt Fork Drainage District (USFDD) to permanently increase its annual tax levy from $1.15 to $5.00/acre.  Six landowners from rural St. Joseph had filed objections because the request called for building dozens of permanent structures in the channel without a plan showing where they would be built, or how many trees would be destroyed to gain access to the construction sites.  The decision upholds those parts of Illinois law that require consideration of environmentally friendly ways to maintain drainage, and requires court oversight to protect the broader public interest.

The court order allowed the District a one-year increase to pay for development of a long-term maintenance plan.  In the absence of a definitive plan, the Court would not grant such a large increase. A smaller increase in the maintenance levy, large enough to cover annual expenses, was approved.In a statement released today, three area conservation groups expressed support for the judge’s decision to require prior court approval of specific construction plans before authorizing the USFDD to proceed.  The USFDD’s request for a massive, permanent tax increase was denied, but a temporary increase was allowed for preparing detailed plans to be evaluated in the future.    JP Peters of Save Our Trees: “We are pleased that the drainage commissioners are committed to considering alternatives to traditional dredging and clear-cutting practices.  We look forward to working with them to develop a reasonable plan.  The Salt Fork River belongs to all of us, not just to farmers.  It needs to be shared by wildlife, fish, residents, visitors and people who live alongside it.  It should be appreciated and respected for what it can do for everyone.”  Clark Bullard, Prairie Rivers Network board member who also testified as expert witness: “The existing channel, first dredged in 1930 is an unstable shape that requires continuous re-dredging, destroying fish and wildlife habitat in the process.  We support the drainage district’s goal of re-shaping the channel into a stable, more natural form that is self-maintaining.  New technologies are becoming available, enabling drainage engineers to work with natural forces instead of against them.” Suzanne Smith, Salt Fork River Partners: “Now the drainage district will be required to bring channel maintenance plans before the court for review, giving taxpayers an opportunity to express any concerns regarding work that could adversely affect their property.   We see this as a step forward in the continued dialogue regarding the many uses of this beautiful natural resource of Champaign and Vermilion County.”  Contact Info: 

JP Peters (SOT) 217/469-7179 Suzanne Smith (SFRP) 217/621-7528 Cecily Smith (Prairie Rivers) 217/344-2371 ###

]]> 880 0 1131 0 https://prairierivers.org/news/2007/11/award-recipients/ Sun, 04 Nov 2007 20:00:38 +0000 http://newsite.prairierivers.org/?p=1241 Volunteer of the Year

Mike Musinski

River Steward Award

Mary Pat Holtschlag

]]> 1241 0 1136 0 https://prairierivers.org/articles/2007/01/understanding-the-clean-water-act/ Mon, 01 Jan 2007 18:32:14 +0000 http://newsite.prairierivers.org/?p=1382 Clean Water Act Online Course and its accompanying manual, The Clean Water Act: An Owner's Manual published by River Network. These resources present an excellent overview of the CWA and several of its key programs. It can quickly provide you the background information (and vocabulary) to: 

• participate in the water pollution control permits, or "NPDES," program to minimize pollution from industries, sewage treatment plants, mining activities, stormwater, etc.;
• understand the water quality standards, which set limits on how much pollution a river, lake, or stream can take;
• use the watershed restoration planning or "TMDL" program to restore polluted waters in your watershed to fishable and swimmable goals;
• use the dredge and fill permits, or "404 permit," program to ensure that wetlands and streams are not unavoidably destroyed; and,
• access funds for projects to control pollution.

The manual also provides several examples of how the CWA can be and has been successfully used by people to solve specific problems. Finally, it provides a brief summary of other laws that may be useful in your quest to protect your streams.]]> 1382 0 1144 0 https://prairierivers.org/uncategorized/2007/07/landmark-lawsuit-reduces-mercury-pollution/ Mon, 16 Jul 2007 21:33:29 +0000 http://newsite.prairierivers.org/news/landmark-lawsuit-reduces-mercury-pollution-adds-1100-acres-along-illinois%e2%80%99-national-scenic-river  For Immediate Release July 16, 2007 Oakwood, July 13, 2007 ─ Prairie Rivers Network, joined by Attorney General Lisa Madigan ,officials of the Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR), representatives of Dynegy, Inc., celebrated the State of Illinois’s recent acquisition of a site along the Middle Fork of the Vermilion River as part of a major clean air settlement reached in 2005. The acquisition of 1,135 acres of undeveloped land across the river from Dynegy’s Vermilion power station near Oakwood, was announced at an afternoon press conference. The land forms a natural connection between the state’s Middle Fork State Fish and Wildlife Area to the north and Kickapoo State Park to the south. The land is primarily wooded and dominated by a large, forested ravine system, which also contains seep-spring wetlands and other geologically-significant areas. Following is the statement by Glynnis Collins, Interim Director of Prairie Rivers Network, at the press conference to celebrate the acquisition: It is a pleasure to be here to celebrate the linkage of two popular parks along Illinois’ first and only National Scenic River. We at Prairie Rivers Network are proud to be a part of this important undertaking. It is now possible to begin thinking of building fishing access to the ponds. A footpath would allow families to enjoy the golden glow that fills the deep ravines during autumn as the sun filters through the yellow leaves of the sugar maple trees. In fact it may soon be possible for hikers to walk the entire 17 miles of National Scenic River frontage, to enjoy the wildlife that canoeists and kayakers have long enjoyed. Just two weeks ago, officials from the National Wildlife Federation took a short canoe trip on the river and saw a bald eagle, wild turkey, beaver, a great horned owl, and 2 baby raccoons peering out of a hole in a hollow sycamore tree. Illinois residents and wildlife are soon to benefit from another component of the settlement agreement that brought about the land transfer we celebrate today. Dynegy has installed cutting-edge air pollution controls at their Oakwood plant to reduce mercury air pollution by 90%. Dynegy’s leadership provided the evidence Prairie Rivers Network and other groups needed to convince Illinois lawmakers that such reduction is possible across the board. This past January, Illinois became a national leader in air pollution control by requiring that all power plants in the state cut their mercury pollution. This will keep a toxic chemical out of our air, which in turn will keep it out of our rivers and lakes, and out of the fish and wildlife that use them. We look forward to the day when people can safely eat fish caught in Illinois rivers. Thanks to all those here whose efforts are helping to make Illinois a better place for all of us to live. Contact Info: Glynnis Collins, Interim Executive Director (217) 344-2371,gcollins@prairierivers.org]]> 17472 0 1140 0 https://prairierivers.org/articles/2007/01/40anniversary/ Mon, 01 Jan 2007 21:07:25 +0000 http://newsite.prairierivers.org/news/headlines/prairie-rivers-network-celebrates-its-40th-anniversary Prairie Rivers Network has been working for clean water and healthy communities for 40 years! We will celebrate PRN's 40th Anniversary at our Annual Dinner on November 9th. If you haven't had an opportunity to attend our annual dinner, this is the year to do so. The staff and Board are planning an exciting event that will highlight our accomplishments over the past 40 years and the important work we will be undertaking in the future. PRN's members are the cornerstone of our organization, and we hope you will be able to attend the dinner and share in this exciting time for PRN. Prairie Rivers Network was established in 1967 by Bruce and Patricia Hannon as the Committee on Allerton Park to oppose the construction of the Oakley Reservoir on the Sangamon River near Monticello, which would have put Allerton Park underwater. This group of concerned and dedicated citizens also fought to stop dams, reservoirs, and other environmentally costly water projects that would have permanently altered the habitats of the Mississippi and Illinois Rivers. After their successful efforts, the Committee on Allerton Park was renamed Central States Education Center in 1984 to illustrate their statewide focus on empowering people to preserve our natural resources. Under the leadership of John Marlin, CSEC brought together people that crossed political and social boundaries to support a greater common cause: the protection of our natural waterways. Central States Education Center was changed to Prairie Rivers Network in 1998 to more accurately reflect our focus on issues that impact Illinois' rivers and watersheds. Since its inception, PRN has consistently used grass roots organizing and advocacy to protect the rivers and streams of Illinois. From the successful opposition of dams proposed in the 1970's that would have permanently altered the flow of our rivers, to our current efforts to ensure full enforcement of the Clean Water Act to protect our drinking water and fish and wildlife habitats, PRN works with local citizens to advocate for the protection of our rivers at the federal, state, and local level. With the support of our members, Prairie Rivers Network has grown to become the statewide leader in river protection, conservation, and restoration. Thank you for being a part of this great conservation tradition in Illinois.]]> 17476 0 1143 0 https://prairierivers.org/uncategorized/2007/07/septic/ Sat, 21 Jul 2007 15:10:39 +0000 http://newsite.prairierivers.org/take-action/septic-system-regulation-permit Support IEPA's Septic System Regulation Permit

Pumping a Septic System

Surface discharging systems are prevalent in some parts of Illinois, particularly rural areas with soils that are unsuitable for traditional subsurface septic systems. There are around 140,000 active systems in the state, with nearly 5,000 more installed annually. In June of 2007, the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency (IEPA) issued a draft permit under the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) that would regulate surface discharging septic systems throughout the state for the first time. Until now, these systems that discharge treated wastewater directly to the ground’s surface, a collection tile, or a body of water, have not been regulated by IEPA, contrary to requirements of the Clean Water Act. The draft permit sets effluent limits for some pollutants, and requires that effluent be tested twice per year to ensure that systems are functioning as they should. Opponents of IEPA’s draft permit, including the Onsite Wastewater Professionals of Illinois, a trade group, and some local health departments have objected regulation of these systems, and have enlisted the assistance of a few state lawmakers. IEPA plans to hold several public hearings on the draft permit late this year. Prairie Rivers Network, working with the Environmental Law and Policy Center and the Sierra Club, will attend these hearings and continue to press for IEPA to comply with the Clean Water Act and regulate these point source discharges of pollutants. What you can do: Write to IEPA and tell them you support regulating surface discharging septic systems as proposed in the draft General Permit (Proposed NPDES Permit No. ILG4) because:

• Studies have shown that these systems are often not operated properly, resulting in a failure rate of between 20 and 60%.
• Failing systems discharge minimally-treated or untreated sewage, along with disease causing organisms it may contain, directly to the ground surface or to a body of water.
• Failing systems discharge minimally-treated or untreated sewage, along with disease causing organisms it may contain, directly to the ground surface or to a body of water.
• Results of monitoring from larger surface discharging systems that are regulated by IEPA show that they frequently do not meet permit effluent limits, highlighting the need for regulation of this type of system.

Send your letter to:

Illinois Environmental Protection Agency Division of Water Pollution Control Permit Section, Mail Code #15 1021 North Grand Avenue East P. O. Box 19276 Springfield, IL 62794-9276

]]> 17477 0 1139 0 https://prairierivers.org/uncategorized/2007/07/cwra/ Sun, 01 Jul 2007 22:23:16 +0000 http://newsite.prairierivers.org/news/support-the-clean-water-restoration-act Your action is needed TODAY to protect wetlands, intermittent streams, and other waters in Illinois! Many of our natural aquatic resources have lost protection under the Clean Water Act as a result of recent decisions by the U.S. Supreme Court. More precisely, 150,118 acres of Illinois wetlands and 56% of Illinois streams may no longer be protected.There is a lot of uncertainty about what waters are regulated by the Clean Water Act. Fortunately, a bipartisan bill called the Clean Water Restoration Act (H.R. 2421) has been introduced in the U.S. House of Representatives. This bill would serve to clarify and restore the original intent of the Clean Water Act by protecting waters of the United States, not just the navigable waters. As a result, isolated wetlands and other non-navigable waters would get the protection that our lakes and rivers currently have. More information about the Clean Water Restoration Act can be found at http://transportation.house.gov/news/PRArticle.aspx?NewsID=227. So far, Illinois Representatives Bean, Davis, Emanuel, Gutierrez, Jackson, Kirk, Rush, and Schakowsky are co-sponsors of the bill. If you live in their district, please let them know that you support their efforts and want them to vote for the final passage of H.R. 2421. If your Representative is not listed above, please ask him or her to become a co-sponsor and vote for the bill. Contact information for your Representative can be found at www.house.gov. If you would like more information before calling or meeting with your Representative, call the Prairie Rivers Network office at (217) 344-2371. There is no date yet for a House vote on the bill, so you should contact your Representative as soon as possible to ensure your voice is heard in time. Your action is important and very much appreciated!]]> 17478 0 1141 0 https://prairierivers.org/articles/2008/07/prairie-river-notes/ Tue, 01 Jul 2008 20:50:33 +0000 http://newsite.prairierivers.org/?p=452 Prairie River Notes is PRN’s quarterly newsletter with articles about what we are working on, membership updates, and upcoming events. The following Prairie River Notes newsletter archives are for Summer 2008 - 2002 and are available in pdf format. You will need Adobe© Reader© to view the newsletters: Summer 2008 (with Annual Report) Spring 2008 Winter 2007 Fall 2007 Summer 2007 (with Annual Report) Spring 2007 Winter 2006 Fall 2006 Summer 2006 Spring 2006 Winter 2005 Fall 2005 Summer 2005 Spring 2005 Winter 2004 Fall 2004 Summer 2004 Spring 2004 Winter 2003 Fall 2003 Summer 2003 Spring 2003 Winter 2002 Fall 2002 Summer 2002 Spring 2002 ]]> 452 0 1112 0 https://prairierivers.org/articles/2008/09/pharmcollection/ Fri, 05 Sep 2008 00:41:03 +0000 http://newsite.prairierivers.org/?p=545 Help keep pharmaceuticals out of our rivers and streams. Until Illinois has a comprehensive statewide program for pharmaceutical collections, individuals will have to rely on what facilities or programs are in their area. If you are aware of a pharmaceutical collection program that is not listed below, please contact Prairie Rivers Network. For more information on how pharmaceuticals enter our rivers and streams, the effects of pharmaceuticals on aquatic organisms, and why you should care, visit our preventing pharmaceutical water pollution webpage.

Illinois Environmental Protection Agency

Conducts one-day collection events in the spring and fall throughout the state. Events are organized based on applications submitted by counties, municipalities and groups. Contact: Waste Reduction Unit, (217) 785-8604; see schedule of IEPA collection events.

City of Chicago

One-day collection events in rotating city neighborhoods; pharmaceuticals are accepted at these events. The city's permanent Household Chemicals and Computer's Recycling Center does not currently accept pharmaceuticals. Contact: 312-744-7672, or 311; or visit Chicago web portal.

Cook County

Partnering with the Chicago Police Department, Cook County has held annual one-day Unwanted Medicine Disposal events. Contact:

DuPage County

The City of Naperville has a facility which currently accepts pharmaceuticals Saturdays and Sundays from 9:00 am - 2:00 pm. Contact: 630.420.4190; or visit City of Naperville website.

City of Galesburg

Holds monthly outreach and collection events in rotating locations. Contact: Julie Main, Community Development Program, 309.345-3614.

Kendall County

Kendall County residents can drop off expired or unwanted medications in their original containers Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. at the Yorkville Police station. Contact: Officer Barry Groesch, Yorkville Police Department, 630.553.8511, or click here.

Knox County

The Knox County Health Department accepts pharmaceuticals and over the counter medications during regular operating hours. Contact: Christy Potts, Knox County Health Department, 309.345.3614, x236.

Lake County

The Solid Waste Agency of Lake County (SWALCO) schedules mobile collection events throughout the year. Their permanent collection facility at Gurnee also accepts pharmaceuticals, but only by appointment. Contact: 847.336.9340; or visit the SWALCO events calendar.

Warren County

Non-narcotic pharmaceuticals and over the counter medications accepted by the County Health Department during regular operating hours. Contact: Warren County Health Department, 400 N. Main, Monmouth, 309.734.1314.

Will County

Holds one-day collection events throughout the year. In September 2007 started a voluntary take-back program with Basinger's Pharmacies in Joliet; four pharmacies currently accept unwanted, unused medications. Contact: Will County Land Use Department, 815-727-8834; or visit the Department's events calendar.]]> 545 0 1106 0 https://prairierivers.org/articles/2008/02/prairie-rivers-umr-current-newsletters-winter-2008/ Fri, 01 Feb 2008 13:35:19 +0000 http://newsite.prairierivers.org/?p=634 UMR Current is PRN’s newsletter covering our Upper Mississippi River Restoration work. The following archives are for winter 2008 - 2007 Volume 2, Issue 1 - Winter 2008 Volume 1, Issue 3 - Summer 2007 Volume 1, Issue 2 - Spring 2007 Volume 1, Issue 1 - Winter 2007]]> 634 0 1116 0 https://prairierivers.org/news/2008/07/collins/ Thu, 17 Jul 2008 00:28:52 +0000 http://newsite.prairierivers.org/?p=707 Glynnis Collins has been choosen by the Board of Directors to take over the leadership role as Prairie Rivers Network's Executive Director. Previously one of PRN's Water Resources Scientists, her work focused on ensuring that the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency followed the Clean Water Act requirement to set protective standards for the amounts of harmful pollutants that can be in our waterways. She also has experience in watershed-based ambient water quality monitoring and has done research into the fate and transport of nitrogen in water. She has worked with permit applicants, advocacy groups, municipalities, and local citizens—all of whom we communicate with in our clean water work on a regular basis. As Executive Director, Glynnis brings with her an intimate knowledge of PRN's program work and forward-thinking, pragmatic leadership to continue our important work. Glynnis has a B.S. in Environmental and Forest Biology and M.S. in Biology. Contact Glynnis at (217) 344-2371 or gcollins@prairierivers.org.]]> 707 0 1111 0 https://prairierivers.org/uncategorized/2008/01/indeck/ Fri, 04 Jan 2008 00:48:25 +0000 http://newsite.prairierivers.org/?p=718 January 1, 2008

Global Warming and Public Health Concerns Prevail

After encountering a buzz saw of local opposition and growing public concerns about global warming pollution Indeck Energy became the latest US energy company to abandons plans for a new coal plant.  For four years Indeck had been trying to build a large coal-fired power plant in the Village of Elwood, Illinois, 50 miles south of the Chicago Loop, but had been stymied repeatedly by lawsuits and public concerns about air pollution.  In the past week Indeck Energy failed to renew its lease for the proposed site, effectively drawing the curtain on the protracted four-year controversy.  Indeck’s decision to abandon its coal plant plans is the latest showing of a major shift in public opinion on energy choices.  Across the country citizens, local governments and states are saying no to coal and yes to clean energy. In 2007 plans for fifty-five new coal fired plants have been defeated or abandoned in the US - four in the past three weeks alone.

“Since there are cleaner sources of energy available, and Indeck’s outdated proposal would have worsened both conventional air pollution and accelerated global warming.” says Brian Urbaszewski, Director of Environmental Health Programs, Respiratory Health Association of Metropolitan Chicago. “It should have no place in Illinois’ energy future.”  After Indeck received an air permit in 2003, the project has been plagued with controversy and state politics have continued to move away from more coal development and toward clean energy alternatives.  The project had been opposed by a broad coalition of public health and environmental organizations, as well as the downwind City of Chicago.  In 2007 the Illinois legislature adopted a clean energy standard that will require 25% of Illinois’ electricity come from renewable sources by the year 2025 and Governor Blagojevich announced a global warming task force that is finalizing recommendations for Illinois to slash global warming emissions statewide.  According to the Blue Green Alliance, by moving away from coal and into modern and cleaner electricity options Illinois could gain as 50,000 new jobs in solar and wind development.  “The writing is on the wall – the dirty and outdated technologies that increase global warming pollution are no longer acceptable sources of energy,” says Verena Owen of the Sierra Club, “Indeck’s decision to abandon coal comes at the same time that other companies are embracing wind and solar energy here in Illinois, and we are creating family-supporting clean energy jobs that don’t jeopardize our children’s future and don’t accelerate global warming.  Over the past four years as we have helped to defeat more than a dozen dirty and expensive coal plant proposals, the state has seen a boom in clean wind energy development, including the construction of one of the Nation’s largest wind farms north of Bloomington.”

Background

The proposed Indeck-Energy coal plant has been mired in controversy for over four years.  When Illinois EPA issued the draft permit in 2003, a broad coalition of national and local groups urged the state to consider cleaner, safer options for electricity generation.  Local residents testified that the plant threatened the adjacent Midewin National Tallgrass Prairie.  Chicago Mayor Richard Daley weighed in, urging the State to consider cleaner technologies as a way to protect downwind Chicago residents.  When the State rejected these concerns and issued the final air permit in October 2003, a coalition of groups including Respiratory Health Association of Metropolitan Chicago (formerly known as American Lung Association of Metropolitan Chicago. RHAMC ended its affiliation with American Lung Association on July 1, 2007), Clean Air Task Force, Citizens Against Ruining the Environment (CARE), Lake County Conservation Alliance and Sierra Club appealed the permit.  In September 2006, the US Environmental Appeals Board remanded the permit, ruling that the State had failed to ensure that the proposed coal plant installed modern pollution controls and protected the adjacent Midewin National Tallgrass Prairie.  Over the past four months Indeck had tried to revive its project, but finally pulled the plug and decided last week to not renew its lease on the site of the proposed plant.  At the height of the state’s coal revival program in 2004, as many as 17 coal plants were proposed in Illinois.  The majority of these have been defeated or abandoned in the face of public opposition and impending global warming regulation.  There is currently only one small coal plant (250MW) under construction in the City of Springfield, and that project only proceeded after the City and the Sierra Club reached a landmark pollution reduction agreement.  Two other coal plants are on hold for the foreseeable future because of Sierra Club lawsuits (Enviropower’s Benton plant and Tenaska’s Taylorville plant).  A fourth project – Peabody Energy’s massive 1500MW coal plant proposal southeast of St. Louis – is mired in controversy over its water and mining permits.  If constructed, the Peabody coal plant proposal would be the largest new source of global warming pollution constructed in the United States in over two decades. Contact:           Bruce Nilles, Director, Sierra Club National Coal Campaign, (608) 257-4994 or (608) 712-9725 Brian Urbaszewski, Director of Environmental Health Programs, Respiratory Health Association of Metropolitan Chicago, 312-628-0245 or (312) 405-1175

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]]> 718 0 1118 0 https://prairierivers.org/uncategorized/2008/01/idnrgrants/ Sat, 19 Jan 2008 00:50:38 +0000 http://newsite.prairierivers.org/?p=721 January 15, 2008

Grant program helps protect species in greatest need of conservation

SPRINGFIELD, IL - The Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) is now accepting pre-proposals for grants to fund projects through the 2008 State Wildlife Grant (SWG) program.  The SWG program, funded through the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, provides funds specifically for the protection and management of non-game species in the greatest need of conservation as identified in the Illinois Wildlife Action Plan.

"This grant program is intended to help us put federal dollars to work on the ground in Illinois now to conserve wildlife and vital natural areas for future generations," said IDNR Acting Director Sam Flood. Those organizations interested in seeking funds for wildlife conservation projects in Illinois are asked to submit their grant proposals online through the IDNR website no later than April 11, 2008. The Illinois Wildlife Action Plan outlines specific steps - developed by scientists, sportsmen, conservationists and members of the community - to conserve wildlife before species become rarer and more costly to protect. The SWG program provides funding to every state and territory to support cost effective conservation aimed at keeping wildlife from becoming endangered. In Illinois, the program is administered by the IDNR Office of Resource Conservation. The Illinois allocation of these federal funds is uncertain at this time as the U.S. Congress has not yet approved funding legislation.  Illinois received approximately $2 million for the program in 2007 and funding at a similar level is expected for 2008.  Approval of project proposals submitted by the April 11 deadline will be subject to the final allocation of available federal funding. Annual SWG funds given to each state and territory are disbursed according to population and land area, and are contingent upon annual funding appropriated by Congress. Under new guidelines released by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service for 2007, the new "Planning" definition allows for a match of 75 percent federal funds to 25 percent state funds within certain parameters.  The new"Implementation" definition restricts the match to a maximum reimbursement of 50 percent of total project costs. Information on the pre-application for the State Wildlife Grant program is available on the IDNR web site at: http://dnr.state.il.us/orc/wildliferesources/theplan/swggrant/login.asp The Illinois Wildlife Action Plan is available on the IDNR web site for review and/or to download at: http://dnr.state.il.us/orc/Wildliferesources/theplan/ For more information on the State Wildlife Grant program in Illinois, contact the IDNR Watershed Protection Section, One Natural Resources Way, Springfield, IL 62702-1271, phone 217/ 785-5907, e-mail: james.renn@illinois.gov. The deadline for submitting project pre-proposals for the State Wildlife Grants is April 11, 2008.

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]]> 721 0 1117 0 https://prairierivers.org/articles/2008/01/about-ethanol/ Tue, 01 Jan 2008 16:22:59 +0000 http://newsite.prairierivers.org/?p=830 For years, ethanol has been touted as a “cleaner fuel alternative” with little discussion regarding growing environmental concerns related to increased acreage production, questionable comparable fuel efficiency, production impacts to air and water and a major change in infrastructure. While there are no easy answers to the ethanol dilemma, Prairie Rivers Network is focusing on the many issues that need to be addressed regarding the process by which the ethanol production industry is permitted to use and discharge water in the State of Illinois. For more detailed information, visit our Ethanol page.]]> 830 0 1125 0 https://prairierivers.org/articles/2008/01/hypoxic/ Tue, 01 Jan 2008 16:32:33 +0000 http://newsite.prairierivers.org/?p=833 Gulf of Mexico Dead Zone page.]]> 833 0 1124 0 https://prairierivers.org/articles/2008/09/e-newz/ Mon, 01 Sep 2008 16:38:45 +0000 http://newsite.prairierivers.org/?p=1094 E-Newz is PRN’s monthly e-newzletter that keeps communities informed about volunteer opportunities, clean water issues, and river conservation news within our state. The following E-Newz archives are for September 2008 - 2005.

2008 E-Newz Issues

• September 2008 E-Newz
• August 2008 E-Newz
• July 2008 E-Newz
• June 2008 E-Newz
• April/May 2008 E-Newz
• March 2008 E-Newz
• February 2008 E-Newz
• January 2008 E-Newz

2007 E-Newz Archives

• Pharmaceutical Disposal
• Get Hopping for Wetlands - Support the Clean Water Restoration Act
• Help Conserve Household Water Use This Summer
• Pet Waste and Clean Water
• Aug 25th - Rolling on the River Ride

2006 E-Newz Archives

• Rollin', Rollin', Rollin'
• Cypress Mulch: Caveat Emptor
• Rain Garden Project a Success
• Rain Garden Basics
• River Steward Award Nominations (Word document).
• Falling Down the Rabbit Hole
• When "Clean" Water May Not Be Clean Enough
• Aliens From Earth
• The Power of the Pen
• Earth Day: Past, Present, and Future
• Illinois Earth Day Events
• Navigating the Waters of the Clean Water Act
• World Water Day
• Re-Discovering the Arts
• Rain Garden Update

2005 E-Newz Archives

• Be a Septic Skeptic This Season
• Sidewalk Salt in Rivers: a Salient Issue for River Conservation
• Learn About the Water Drop Patch
• Working Together: Citizens and Developers Help Protect Local Streams
• Keep an eye out for pollution on rivers
• River clean-ups keep on coming
• Dog Days of Summer
• Watershed Restoration Plans Need Your Help
• Rain Gardens: A way to minimize stormwater runoff
• BioBlitz
• Success Stories in Construction Site Monitoring
• Overfertilizing is "Lawn" Gone!
• Five Reasons to Storm Drain Stencil
• Construction Season Under Way

]]> 1094 0 1107 0 https://prairierivers.org/articles/2008/09/stream-monitorin/ Mon, 01 Sep 2008 16:17:35 +0000 http://newsite.prairierivers.org/?p=1338 Illinois volunteer-based stream monitoring programs Audubon Naturalist Society Water Monitoring Program Conservation Foundation Fox River Ecosystem Partnership Fox River Study Group Friends of the Chicago River Friends of the Fox River Illinois RiverWatch Openlands Project Sierra Club River Prairie Group 

T

]]> 1338 0 1108 0 https://prairierivers.org/articles/2008/03/river-uses/ Sun, 23 Mar 2008 16:45:08 +0000 http://newsite.prairierivers.org/?p=1357 Drinking Water

Most Illinois residents get their drinking water from large scale municipal water systems that rely on surface water sources such as the surface water of local rivers or that of dammed rivers which form reservoirs. However, many Illinois residents also depend on ground water sources such as aquifers (e.g. Mahomet Aquifer that serves much of east central Illinois) or private wells. In either case, we enjoy some of the cleanest drinking water supplies in the world. You can learn more about your local drinking water resources and how they are regulated by visiting the U.S. EPA's website for drinking water.

Family Activities

Much of Illinois landscape may be row crops, but if you're looking for some outdoor family fun there may be more opportunities than you realize. Illinois has numerous beautiful wildlife areas and recreational opportunities. For more information on family activities, visit our Get Outside section.

 

Wildlife

Illinois is home to an amazing array of wildlife from river bottom to tree top and sky. The following links connect you to valuable resources and tools you can use to learn more about the wildlife Illinois has for you to enjoy.

 

Fish

Visit the Illinois Department of Natural Resources' fish guide for a comprehensive list (with photos) of Illinois' native fishes.

Birds

Visit www.illinoisbirds.org for tons of information on the birds of Illinois.

Other Animals

For information on other types of animals that currently live and used to live in Illinois explore the University of Illinois Extension website.

Invasive species in Illinois

With changes in land use, increases in interaction between different ecosystems and habitats and human interference comes increase threats to our valuable wildlife populations. Among the top of the list of these threats are non-native or invasive species. These species compete with our natural or native plants and animals for water, food, and habitat. For more information on invasive species in Illinois, visit the Illinois Department of Natural Resources invasives website where you can look at a photo gallery of the species that are a threat in Illinois. Two Species on the Invasive Species Watchlist

Bighead Carp

Like many invasive species, bighead carp were originally brought to the U.S. with good intentions in mind. However, this carp species has proven again that there are consequences to introducing an exotic species into an ecosystem. With high flooding in the Midwest in 1993, some carp escaped stocking ponds and entered the Mississippi River. Since that time, bighead carp have spread through the Mississippi into conjoining rivers such as the Illinois, and recently the Missouri. Illinois-Indiana Sea Grant has compiled a Asian Carp.

Northern Snakehead

The snakehead is a predacious fish brought to North America from Asia. Snakeheads are aggressive predators known to feed on a variety of species, occasionally including mammals. The snakehead feeds high on the food chain, and is therefore a danger to many of the native game fishes of North America. They are a major concern because of their ability to reduce gamefish populations, as well as spread to new habitat. Snakeheads are capable of surviving in bodies of water with low levels of dissolved oxygen, and due to a primitive lung, they can travel over land to reach bodies of water. They have been known to survive up to three or four days out of water. Snakehead adults usually have a dark brown body with large black blotches. Snakeheads can reach more than1 meter in length and 15 pounds. The snakehead should not be confused with the bowfin, a native species to Illinois. The bowfin is the only remaining fish of the Amiidae family, a group originating over 100 million years ago. The bowfin is a very important species in controlling the populations of many small fish species. The bowfin is often confused for the snakehead, due to their close physical resemblance. Distinctive qualities of the bowfin include a large flattened head with tube-like nostrils, long sharp teeth, and a long spineless dorsal fin, extending over the majority itsâ body. The bowfinâs long body is covered with olive colored scales with occasional slight variations in color. Another distinctive feature between the bowfin and snakehead is the anal fin on the two species. On the snakehead, the anal fin is noticeable longer, generally covering about half the length of the body. The bowfinâs anal fin is much shorter, usually only a few inches, or approximately one eighth of the fishes total body length. Also, the pelvic fin of the bowfin is positioned at mid-body while the pelvic fin on the snakehead is further back. The snakehead also has a narrow, pointed head, while the bowfinsâ head is larger and recedes from the body at a slighter angle. As the name implies, the snakeheadâs small head resembles that of a serpent. You can view a map of where INHS has collected the bowfin. Exotic species of many types pose threats to the ecological well being of native species and their habitats when introduced into ecosystems. When either the bighead carp or the snakehead is encountered, it is recommended that their presence be reported to wildlife officials, and they are not released back into the habitat they were found in. The Illinois Department of Natural Resources can be reached at (217) 782-6302.]]> 1357 0 1115 0 https://prairierivers.org/articles/2008/05/river-facts/ Fri, 23 May 2008 16:46:40 +0000 http://newsite.prairierivers.org/?p=1360 $ 1.9 Billion - The amount of money outdoor wildlife watching, hunting and fishing contribute to the state economy. Much of the habitat for this wildlife is found along Illinois rivers. 7 Million - Number of people who get their drinking water from surface water, including rivers, in Illinois. 1.2 Million - Number of people who fish Illinois' rivers and lakes. 87,000 - Number of miles of rivers and streams in Illinois, which are wildlife migration corridors, providing habitat, food sources, and nesting areas, as well as refuge along the nation's important migratory bird and waterfowl flyways. 188 - Number of fish species found in Illinois 8 Acres - Size of the oil slick created when one quart of motor oil is dumped down a storm drain. Many storm drains connect directly to our rivers. Help keep oil, yard waste and other pollution out of our storm drains and out of our rivers. 57 - Number of mussel species found in Illinois. 21 - Number of crayfish species found in Illinois 353 - Number of species of sensitive aquatic insects (mayflies, stoneflies, and caddisflies).]]> 1360 0 1114 0 https://prairierivers.org/articles/2008/07/illinois-river/ Wed, 23 Jul 2008 16:55:37 +0000 http://newsite.prairierivers.org/?p=1370

American lotus blooms on the waters along the Illinois River

The Illinois River is a principal tributary of the Mississippi River and flows approximately 273 miles (439 km) long, through the state of Illinois. The river drains a large section of central Illinois, with a drainage basin of 40,000 square miles (104,000 km²). Because it serves as the principal water route between the Mississippi River and the Great Lakes, the Illinois River was important among Native Americans and early European traders. After the construction of the Illinois and Michigan Canal and the Hennepin Canal in the 19th century, the river's role as link between Lake Michigan and the Mississippi was extended into the era of modern industrial shipping. Today, the Illinois River still serves as an important route for barge navigation, water recreation and provides for domestic and industrial uses for neighboring communities. Scientists have studied the geology and biology of the Illinois River for over 100 years-leading some to call it the "most studied river in the world" (Riverweb Museum Consortium, 2003). From 1905 to 1915, more freshwater fish were harvested from the Illinois River than from any other such river in the U.S., except for the Columbia River in Washington State. In 1950, flocks of migrating mallards and lesser scaup ducks numbered two million along the Illinois, making it a hunter's paradise. Just after the turn of the present century, the Illinois briefly sustained a fleet of 2,600 boats harvesting mussels for the booming pearl button industry. Today's hunters and commercial fishermen cannot match those historic harvests. The long-term sustainability of the river's biological harvest was hampered by a succession of ecological injuries, including the draining of wetlands, channelization of tributaries, disconnection with the floodplain, the diversion of Chicago domestic and industrial waste, construction and maintenance of the navigation channel and more intensive, chemical-reliant and top-soil depleting agriculture. See http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Illinois_River for more information.]]> 1370 0 1110 0 https://prairierivers.org/articles/2008/07/mississippi-river-2/ Wed, 23 Jul 2008 16:56:02 +0000 http://newsite.prairierivers.org/?p=1373

Over 30 million people live within the UMRB, the vast majority in urban areas. More than 60% of the land area within the basin is cropland, the majority growing corn and soybeans.

Upper Mississippi River Basin Transportation History

Native Americans and Europeans have used the Mississippi River system to travel upon and transport goods for centuries. The primary goods shipped and the people shipping them have changed over time. During the 1600s and 1700s the French traded furs shipped mainly to Europe. By the mid-1800s to the early 1900s lumber was the main product coming south from Minnesota and Wisconsin to support U.S. population growth in the corn belt. Agricultural crops became the commodities of influence by the early1900s and in aggregate remain the most shipped products today. These agricultural products are typically shipped south while coal and petroleum products, other high-volume shipped commodities, typically flow north. The most noteworthy period of human transport on the river was the steamboat era between 1820 and 1880 when numerous large, but fragile, wooden ships traveled both north and south between river ports.

Upper Mississippi River Basin Impoundment History

There have been many dams constructed within the river basin since the settlement of the region by Europeans, the largest portion being constructed by the 1930s. The damming of the Upper Mississippi River itself was largely accomplished during the 1930s. There are a total of 29 lock& dam projects managed by the US Corps of Engineers on the Upper Mississippi River with the most southern one located near St. Louis. There are also 6 major lock& dam projects on the Illinois River.

Sources: USGS, USACE, UMRBA , Immortal River by Calvin R. Fremling Image Source: http://www.mvr.usace.army.mil/Brochures/MeetingTheChallenge.asp]]> 1373 0 1109 0 https://prairierivers.org/articles/2008/01/npdes/ Tue, 01 Jan 2008 18:42:55 +0000 http://newsite.prairierivers.org/?p=1387 Water pollution permitting (National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System" or NPDES permitting) is a core program established by the Clean Water Act and has arguably been the greatest success of the Clean Water Act, as it has brought about drastic reductions in water pollution from the most concentrated sources. The NPDES program was developed to eliminate pollution from "point sources," which include sewage treatment plants, discharges from industrial operations, mining, stormwater runoff from many areas, and most other types of polluted water entering streams through pipes or ditches. Anyone who discharges from a "point source" must get an NPDES permit that specifies terms under which the discharge is allowed. These terms include specific limits on the amount of pollution that is allowed, and they must assure that the discharge will not violate water quality standards or any other provision of the CWA. However, according to Illinois Environmental Protection Agency's (IEPA's) report on the state's water quality, more than a third of the impaired waters in the state are impaired due, at least in part, to point sources. When properly implemented and enforced, the NPDES program will prohibit these sources from contributing to impairments, but your participation is needed. In many cases, citizens provide important information to IEPA that is used to strengthen permits and ensure that their waters are safe for children to play and safe for fish and other aquatic life. All permits that are issued, must be made available for the public to provide comments. Written comments are accepted and addressed, and a public hearing may be held if citizens request. The comment period is typically only 30 days, so you must act fast. To find out if any permits are proposed in your watershed check the public notices issued by IEPA, ask IEPA to add your name to its mailing list.

Permitting an End to Pollution

The Permitting an End to Pollution handbook, produced by Prairie Rivers Network, River Network, and Clean Water Network, offers much more detail on effective participation in the water pollution control permit (NPDES) program. NPDES (National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System) permits are required of almost anyone who would like to dump pollution into any water in the country. There are likely several such "dischargers" in your watershed, who must get an NPDES permit and must renew that permit at least every five years. There are excellent regulations requiring that NPDES permits only allow minimal pollution that does not make the streams harmful or unattractive for the people, fish, and wildlife that use the stream. However, your participation will be instrumental in ensuring that these regulations achieve their purposes. To make the best use of this handbook, you will want to begin by: finding out what dischargers are currently under an NPDES permit in your watershed (see the Watershed Assessment guidance in this handbook), determining potential problems associated with these discharges, finding out when those permits are due to expire, and watching for notices that any new or renewed permit is available for public comment. The handbook will then offer excellent instruction on how to use applicable regulations to ensure that the new or renewed permit guarantees that the streams of your watershed are protected. For guidance reviewing permits and developing comments, please see the publication Permitting an End to Pollution, which you can download here:

Introduction Chapter 1 Chapter 2 Part 1, Chapter 2 Part 2 Chapter 3 Chapter 4 Appendices Costs for Analytical Procedures

Contact Prairie Rivers Network if you are interested in attending a training course for advocates on reviewing permits, contact Prairie Rivers Network. For information on a variety of NPDES permitting issues, check USEPA's NPDES webpages.

CWA's Antidegradation Policy for Use When Reviewing NPDES Permits

The purpose of the Clean Water Acts' antidegradation policy is to protect existing uses of all waters and maintain the quality of waters with higher quality than the minimum water quality standards. In February 2002, Illinois adopted a comprehensive set of regulations (especially section 302.105) establishing its antidegradation policy. The following is a very simple summary of these regulations designed to assist citizens reviewing NPDES permits.

Existing Uses

ALL existing uses attained on or after November 28, 1975, must be maintained. Such uses might include any recreational use, water supply use, or use by particular aquatic life.

Outstanding Resource Waters

An Outstanding Resource Water (ORW) is a water of "exceptional ecological or recreational significance" that is designated as such by the Illinois Pollution Control Board (IPCB). ORWs must not be lowered in quality (a few exceptions are described in regulations). Citizens may submit a petition to designate a water as ORW. Illinois has not yet designated any waters as ORW.

High Quality Waters

Waters that are cleaner than required by the water quality standards must be maintained at high quality unless lowering the quality is necessary to accommodate important economic or social development. Before Illinois EPA (IEPA) allows increased pollution into any high quality water, through the NPDES program, 401 certification, or other means, it must conduct an antidegradation assessment. The few activities that are not subject to this review are described in the regulations.

Antidegradation Assessments

Permit applications must include information for IEPA's use in making the assessment. This information includes, among other things:

• The purpose and anticipated benefits of the proposed activities.
• An assessment of alternatives to the proposed discharge that would result in less environmental degradation; these may include additional treatment, discharge to a different location, and changing activities to produce less pollution.

IEPA must use this information to complete an antidegradation assessment. Before issuing the permit, IEPA must assure that:

• All water quality standards will be met and all existing uses will be fully protected.
• All reasonable measures to avoid or minimize the increased pollution will be taken.
• The activity that causes the increased pollution will benefit the community at large.

]]> 1387 0 1122 0 https://prairierivers.org/articles/2008/01/wetlands-habitats/ Tue, 01 Jan 2008 18:46:15 +0000 http://newsite.prairierivers.org/?p=1392 The Clean Water Act 404 Program [caption id="attachment_1554" align="alignright" width="170"] Mallard ducks enjoying a wetland at Illinois Beach State Park[/caption] Under Section 404 of the Clean Water Act, anyone who hopes to fill a wetland, channelize a stream, or otherwise fill a portion of a water with sediment, must obtain a "404 permit" from the US Army Corps of Engineers (Corps). The Corps must assure that each permit it issues complies with guidelines developed together by the Corps and the US Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA). The guidelines specify that a discharge of fill material into a water may not be permitted if:

• There is a practical alternative
• The discharge would cause or contribute to violation of water quality standards
• The discharge jeopardizes the existence of a threatened or endangered species
• The discharge will cause or contribute to significant degradation of waters
• Appropriate steps are not taken to minimize adverse impacts.

These regulations and more information on the program can be found on the Corps website. The requirements for mitigation are spelled out in the "Mitigation Rule," part of the regulations governing the Corps of Engineers' permitting program for wetland and stream fill projects: http://www.usace.army.mil/CECW/Pages/final_cmr.aspx Citizen Action Needed to Help Protect Wetlands Citizens can participate in the 404 program by commenting on permit applications that are available through the US Army Corps of Engineers, district offices and monitoring destruction and mitigation projects in your area. These permits must also receive a water quality certification (or "401 certification") from Illinois EPA. Members of the public can also review and comment on these certifications. Prairie Rivers Network assists local advocates in effectively participating in these programs. Contact us at info@prairierivers.org or (217) 344-2371 if you are concerned about wetland or stream channel destruction near you.

More information on how Protect Your Streams and Wetlands from Dredging and Filling.

Background information on wetlands.

]]> 1392 0 1123 0 https://prairierivers.org/articles/2008/01/controlling-stormwater-pollution/ Tue, 01 Jan 2008 18:48:26 +0000 http://newsite.prairierivers.org/?p=1395 At Construction Sites [caption id="attachment_475" align="alignright" width="240"] Silt fences can reduce sediment polllution from entering rivers[/caption]

Many of you have seen large construction projects underway in your neighborhoods, and you may have noticed a lot of dirt coming off the site. This dirt that is tracked into roads or washed off the construction site ends up in our streams where it settles, smothering streambeds and destroying habitat, and muddies the water, making it difficult for fish to see their prey.

Existing law, under the water pollution permitting program of the Clean Water Act, requires that dirt be maintained on site to the extent possible and states that construction sites may not contribute to stream impairments. To comply with the law, each construction site must develop and implement a Storm Water Pollution Prevention Plan that describes the techniques the contractor will use to prevent soil from leaving the site. Unfortunately, the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency (IEPA) does not review these plans or monitor sites frequently to ensure that plans are followed. Therefore, it is up to local citizens and local governments to ensure that these laws are enforced. If there are construction sites in your watershed, request a copy of the "Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan" from the developer. The general permit that requires the plans requires that these documents be made available to citizens. Inspect the site regularly. When driving past the site, pull safely to the side of the road, and check to be sure you can answer YES to each of these questions: 1. Is the construction site exit covered with coarse gravel to prevent dirt from entering the street? 2. Are there silt fences (usually black fabric fences) installed around the site? 3. Do these silt fences appear to be capturing all of the dirt? 4. Are there ponds on the site to capture water settle dirt before water runs off the site? 5. If there are storm drains near the site, is there filter material around them to prevent sediment from entering? 6. Has some vegetation been left on the construction site? 7. Is bare soil covered with straw, mulch, or fabric? 8. If there is a stream nearby, is the water downstream of the site as clear as the water upstream? If the site is not stabilizing soil and preventing runoff, you should report the site to the IEPA field office near you. The field offices and contact information can be found on the IEPA's website. Also report problems to your local government officials. Most municipalities have ordinances requiring control of erosion and sediment. Visit Monitoring Construction Sites or Stormwater Runoff for more information on how to reduce stormwater pollution in your community and at your home. For more information on stormwater NPDES programs, visit US EPA's stormwater website and/or Illinois EPA's stormwater website.]]> 1395 0 1121 0 https://prairierivers.org/articles/2008/01/tmdl/ Tue, 01 Jan 2008 18:59:30 +0000 http://newsite.prairierivers.org/?p=1398 Kayak on the Vermilion river (fecal coliform impairment identified on the Vermilion in 2007)[/caption] The Clean Water Act (CWA) Total Maximum Daily Load (TMDL) program requires that states and EPA identify impaired waters and develop clean-up plans (TMDLs) for those waters. The clean-up plans must specify the amount of pollution from "point sources" (such as sewage treatment plants, industrial discharges, regulated stormwater, etc.) and from "non-point sources" (such as runoff from agricultural fields) that can be allowed without violating water quality standards. Citizens may participate in this program by commenting on the impaired waters list (usually referred to as the 303(d) list) which is revised every few years, attending stakeholder meetings for TMDL development, and commenting on TMDLs at public hearings and in writing. The Clean Water Network provides helpful guidance on reviewing the impaired waters list (303(d) list) and reviewing clean-up plans. To review the most recent information on Illinois' TMDL program, including the most recent 303(d) list, TMDLs under development, and notices for proposed TMDLs, check Illinois Environmental Protection Agency TMDL website.]]> 1398 0 1120 0 https://prairierivers.org/articles/2008/01/water-quality-standards/ Tue, 01 Jan 2008 19:01:01 +0000 http://newsite.prairierivers.org/?p=1401 Too much phosphorus causes algae blooms that reduce water quality[/caption] The goal of the Clean Water Act (CWA) is "to restore and maintain the chemical, physical, and biological integrity of the Nation's waters." One step in achieving this goal is stated as an interim goal to attain "water quality which provides for the protection of fish, shellfish, and wildlife and provides for recreation in and on the water..." (This is sometimes referred to as the fishable and swimmable goal.) To achieve these goals, it is necessary to more specifically define what is required for "integrity" or protection of aquatic life and recreation. Therefore, section 303 of the CWA requires that standards be developed for the Nations waters. In Illinois, the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency (IEPA) is responsible for setting these standards, with guidance from USEPA and input from the public. Regulations specify that these standards must include the following three components:

• Designated uses are human and ecological water uses that are protected by the state. These uses dictate how the water will be protected. For example, waters used for public drinking water have different requirements from those that are not used for this purpose. In Illinois, the designated uses are General Use, Public and Food Processing Water Supply, Secondary Contact and Indigenous Aquatic Life, and Lake Michigan Basin.
• Criteria identify the minimum chemical, physical, and biological characteristics necessary to support uses. These include "numeric" criteria (for example, pH must always be between 6.5 and 9.0) and "narrative" criteria (for example, water shall be free from unnatural plant or algal growth).
• An antidegradation policy is required to protect all existing uses of all waters and to provide additional protection for high quality waters. At least once every three years, IEPA is required to conduct a review of the standards and solicit public input on the standards.

For more information on water quality standards in Illinois, review the regulations regarding Illinois standards. USEPA also maintains a compilation of recommended criteria and many guidance documents that describe the science upon which those recommendations are based.]]> 1401 0 1119 0 https://prairierivers.org/articles/2008/07/prn-talks-river-protection-with-local-news-station/ Tue, 15 Jul 2008 16:18:46 +0000 http://prairierivers.org/?p=1670 http://illinoishomepage.net/media_player.php?media_id=15981]]> 1670 0 1113 0 https://prairierivers.org/articles/2008/09/pharm-states/ Fri, 05 Sep 2008 00:56:49 +0000 http://newsite.prairierivers.org/?p=552 facilities or programs are in their area. Many other states have adopted comprehensive take-back and/or collection programs that provide all residents with the opportunity to safely dispose of unwanted and unused pharmaceuticals and are listed below. For more informationon on how pharmaceuticals enter our rivers and streams, the effects of pharmaceuticals on aquatic organisms, and why you should care, visit our preventing pharmaceutical water pollution webpage.

Indiana

Indiana law allows pharmacists to resell, reuse and redistribute prescription medications if they meet certain conditions including: the drug was prescribed to a patient in a hospice or "institutional facility;" the container is unopened; and the medication has not expired. Indiana Code 25-26-13-25. Indiana has also enacted a Regional Drug Depository Program which permits health care facilities and providers, and drug manufacturers to donate certain drugs to designated depository for free redistribution to nonprofit health clinics. Indiana Code 25-26-20.

Maine

Enacted in 2003, the Unused Pharmaceutical Disposal Program requires the Maine Drug Enforcement Agency (MDEA) to establish a system for disposal of unused pharmaceuticals. The program operates using prepaid mail-in envelopes that are available to the public at a variety of locations, including pharmacies, doctor's offices and post offices. The envelopes are sent to a single collection location and are handled only by MDEA officials. For a PDF of the law go to http://janus.state.me.us/legis/statutes/22/title22sec2700.pdf.

Maryland

Maryland's Drug Repository Program is even more expansive in that it allows any person to donate certain prescription medications to pharmacies designated as repositories. The donated prescriptions can then be distributed to any state resident declared a "needy patient" by their health practitioner. Maryland Annotated Code, Health General Sec. 15-601-609.

More expansive programs similar to that in Maryland

Arizona (link to prescription medication donation program, 32-1909) California Hawaii (has two programs, one for donation of pharmaceuticals, and one that allows returns for credit and reuse) Iowa (in space provided type 135M) Kentucky (link to Legend Drug Repository Program) Louisiana Mississippi (links to specific sections 43.13.501-509) Missouri North Dakota (similar to Maryland's program, link to Drug Repository Program) Ohio Wyoming (Title 35, Chapter 7, Article 16)

Recycling of cancer drugs only

Colorado (Title 35, Article 35) Minnesota Wisconsin

Other

Arkansas (Title 17, Subtitle 3, Chapter 19, Subchapter 11) New Hampshire (NHRS Title 30, Chapter 318.56-60) Oklahoma Rhode Island Tennessee Visit a compilation of websites, research studies, and news articles on pharmaceuticals in the enviroment at our Pharmaceuticals Resource Library]]> 552 0 1105 0 https://prairierivers.org/articles/2008/09/pharmlibrary/ Fri, 05 Sep 2008 01:20:10 +0000 http://newsite.prairierivers.org/?p=555

• School and Community Assistance for Recycling & Composting Education (SCARCE), 630/545-9710.
• Illinois Environmental Protection Agency, Waste Reduction Unit, 217/785-8604: click here for information on applying for an IEPA collection day in your area.
• United States Geological Survey: click here for information, headlines and links to studies on the presence and impacts of pharmaceuticals in water sources.
• Tulane and Xavier Universities: e.hormone: your gateway to hormones and the environment.
• United States Environmental Protection Agency, click here for information on EPA research and studies (and bibliography of non-agency studies).
• United States Fish and Wildlife Service: click here for information on endocrine disruptors.
• USGS, 2002. Pharmaceuticals, Hormones, and Other Organic Wastewater Contaminants in US Streams. USGS Fact Sheet FS-027-02.
• Natural Resources Defense Council website has a section which explains endocrine disruptors and their health impacts.

Studies on Pharmaceutical Effects

Nentwig, Gerrit. 2007. Effects of Pharmaceuticals on Aquatic Invertebrates. Part II: The Antidepressant Drug Fluoxetine. Journal Archives of Environmental Contamination and Toxicology, v. 52, no. 2, 163-170. Barber, L.B., Lee, K.E., Swackhammer, D.L. Schoenfuss, H.L. 2007. Reproductive responses of male fat minnows exposed to wastewater treatment plant effluent, effluent treated with XAD8 resin, and an environmentally relevant mixture of alkylphenol compounds. Aquatic Toxicology, v. 82, no. 1 (16 October 2007), 36-46. Barber, L.B., Murphy, S.F., Verplanck, P.L., Sandstrom, M.W., Taylor, H.E., and Furlong, E.T. 2006. Chemical loading into surface water along a hydrological, biogeochemical, and land use gradient - A holistic watershed approach. Environmental Science and Technology, v. 40, no. 2, 475-486. C., J., Lee, K.E., and Schoenfuss. 2006. Larval exposure to environmentally relevant mixtures of alkylphenolethoxylates reduces reproductive competence in male fathead minnows. Aquatic Toxicology, v. 79, 268-277. Daughton, C.G., Ternes, T.A. 1999. Pharmaceuticals and personal care products in the environment: agents of subtle change? Environmental Health Perspectives, v. 107 Suppl 6, 907-938. Daughton, C.G. 2003b. Cradle-to-cradle stewardship of drugs for minimizing their environmental disposition while promoting human health - Part 2: Drug disposal, waste reduction and future direction. Environmental Health Perspectives, v. 111(5), 775-785. Folmar, L.C., Denslow, N.D., Rao, V., Chow, M.., Crain, D.A., Enblom, J., Marcino, J., and L J Guillette, L.J., Jr. 1996. Vitellogenin induction and reduced serum testosterone concentrations in feral male carp (Cyprinus carpio) captured near a major metropolitan sewage treatment plant. Environ Health Perspect., v 104(10), 1096-1101. Henry, Theodore B., Kwon, Jeong-Wook, Armbrust, Kevin L., and Black, Marsha C. 2004. Acute and Chronic Toxicity of Five Selective Seratonin Reuptake Inhibitors in Ceriodaphnia Dubia. Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry, v 23, issue 9, 2229-2233.Koplin et al. 2002. Pharmaceuticals, hormones, and other organic wastewater contaminants in U.S. streams, 1999-2000: A national reconnaissance. Environmental Science & Technology, v. 36, no. 6, 1202-1211. National Center for Health Statistics (NCHS), Centers for Disease Control, 2004. Health, United States, 2004, p. 38-39. United States Geological Survey, 2002. Pharmaceuticals, Hormones, and Other Organic Wastewater Contaminants in US Streams. USGS Fact Sheet FS-027-02 http://toxics.usgs.gov/pubs/FS-027-02/ United State Geological Survey, 2002. Water-quality data for pharmaceuticals, hormones, and other organic wastewater contaminants in U.S. streams, 1999-2000. USGS Open-File Report 02-94. Woodling, J.D., Lopez, E.M., Maldonado, T.A., Norris, D.O., Vajda, A.M. 2006. Intersex and other reproductive disruption of fish in wastewater effluent dominated Colorado streams. Comparative Biochemistry and Physiology C, Toxicology and Pharmacology 144, 10-15.

Recent Newspaper Articles on Pharmaceuticals

Bohlander, B. "Colorado State study fids antibiotics used for growth, prevention of diseases in food animals can make their way into waterways." 2004 press release. Dean, Cornelia. "Contaminants, contaminants everywhere." Chicago Tribune, 4 April, 2007. Deardoff, Julie. "Medicines and household chemicals pollute U.S. streams, study finds." Chicago Tribune, 14 March, 2002. Deardorff, Julie. "Discarded drugs take a bad trip to the environment." Chicago Tribune, 28 May, 2006. Donn, Jeff, Martha Mendoza, Justin Pritchard. "Drugs in Water Hurt Fish and Wildlife." Associated Press, 10 March 2008. Donn, Jeff, Martha Mendoza, Justin Pritchard. "AP Probe Finds Drugs in Drinking Water." Associated Press, 9 March, 2008. Downing, Bob. "Medicines, household chemicals flow into creeks." Akron (Ohio) Beacon Journal, 5 February, 2006. Fahrenthold, David A. "Male Bass Across Region Found to Be Bearing Eggs: Pollution Concerns Arise In Drinking-Water Source." Washington Post, 6 September 2006; p A1. "Governor Blagojevich announces Illinois Environmental Protect(sic) Agency to strengthen drinking water protections." Press Release from the Office of the Governor, 12 March 2008. Harper, Steven and Parikhit, Sinha. "Tackling emerging contaminants at POTWS." Pollution Engineering, 1 November, 2006. Human, Katy. "Chemical traces taint rivers in Colorado." Denver Post, 27 June, 2007. Kreisberg, Joel. "Greener pharmacy: Proper Medicine Disposal Protects the Environment." Integrative Medicine, Volume 6, No. 4, (Aug/Sept 2007); p.50-52. Mendoza, Martha. "More Testing for Drugs in Water Sought." Associated Press, 16 March 2008. Mendoza, Martha. "Water Tests Ordered after AP series." Associated Press, 12 March 2008. Mendoza, Martha. "AP Water Probe Prompts Senate Hearing." Associated Press, 11 March 2008. Neerguard, Lauren. "Leftover medicine? Toss it out with cat litter." Associated Press, The (Bloomington, IL) Pantagraph, 6 November, 2007. Pritchard, Justin. "Water Cleaning Presents Challenges." Associated Press, 11 March 2008. Rademaekers, Brian. "Drinking water gets a drug test." Philadelphia Inquirer, 27 February, 2006. Reynolds, Kelly A. "Pharmaceuticals in Drinking Water Supplies." Water Conditioning and Purification Magazine, Volume 45, Number 6 (June 2003). Salamone, Debbie. "As antibiotics, hormones taint water, Florida uses new purifying techniques." Orlando Sentinel, 28 July, 2002. Underwood, Anne. "Rivers of Doubt; Minute quantities of everyday contaminants in our drinking supply could add up to big trouble." Newsweek, 4 June, 2007.]]> 555 0 1104 0 https://prairierivers.org/articles/2008/09/umr-education-program/ Mon, 08 Sep 2008 00:18:42 +0000 http://newsite.prairierivers.org/?p=615 Working with Teachers to Inform Students About the UMR In early 2007 PRN began working with representatives from the National Great Rivers Research and Education Center-Godfrey, Southern Illinois University-Edwardsville and Sierra Club to investigate concerns about the lack of focus upon the Upper Mississippi River in local schools. After meeting with several local teachers and other organizations the group decided to form a committee to determine what tools and actions we could pursue to improve the condition.

• By July 2007 a CD with lectures, reports and articles, images and activities on the UMR had been developed.
• In October 2007 the committee organized its first full-day UMR focused high school field trip with 60 students from two local schools attending. The students spent the morning at the Melvin Price Locks & Dam/National Great Rivers Museum.The afternoon session was at Principia College, above the Mississippi River, where the students worked in several groups with river experts and college student facilitators discussing river related environmental problems culminating in 5-minute presentations covering their suggested solutions.
• In April 2008 our second field trip was held with over 60 students from two local schools. The afternoon session was held this time at Lewis & Clark College in Godfrey and students dicsussed and prepared presentions on either The Dead Zone, Sedimentation or Floodplain Reconnection.
• In July 2008 we organized a third issue solving session in which 20 summer school students participated.
• In October 2008 we held our fourth field trip. High school students toured the dam at the Melvin Price Locks & Dam/National Great Rivers Museum and visited Principia College in Jersey County, Illinois where they worked together to develop possible solutions to some of the UMR's most difficult environmental problems with the assistance of local river experts and college student facilitators. Some of the creative solutions to deal with the Asian Carp issue included using a combination of biological or chemical controls, community fishing contests up and down the river on certain days and developing processing plants for animal feed or export. After the session students toured the campus UMR overlook. Thus far the effort has been limited in its scope but the committee plans to expand to more schools in the future. The program has been well received by all participants and there has been considerable interest from other educators in the region.

UMR Goals, Objectives, and Curriculum (PDF) Field Trip Objectives (PDF) October 2007 Field Trip Photos - Locks & Dam / NGRM & Principia College (PDF) April 2008 Field Trip Photos - Locks & Dam/ NGRM & Lewis & Clark College (PDF) July 2008 Issue Discussion Session Photos - Mascoutah High School (PDF) October 2008 Field Trip Photos - Locks & Dam / NGRM & Principia College (PDF) 

Update 10/30/08: October 2008 Field Trip Info

]]> 615 0 1103 0 https://prairierivers.org/uncategorized/2008/09/greatlakescompact-2/ Mon, 08 Sep 2008 01:22:09 +0000 http://newsite.prairierivers.org/?p=660 Protecting the Great Lakes: The Great Lakes Compact On December 13, 2005, the Governors of Illinois, Indiana, Ohio, Minnesota, Wisconsin, Pennsylvania and New York, and the Premiers of Ontario and Quebec signed companion documents designed to provide unprecedented protections for the Great Lakes-St. Lawrence River Basin. The Great Lakes-St. Lawrence River Basin Water Resources Compact ("the Compact") sets forth the provisions to be followed by the eight Great Lake states for protecting and managing Great Lakes water resources. For the Compact to become a legally enforceable document it must: 1) be ratified by all the Great Lakes states; and 2) approved by the U.S. Congress. Michigan Governor Jennifer Granholm's July 9, 2008 signing of legislation ratifying the Great Lakes Compact completed the first step of the process. On July 11, 2008 Wisconsin Governor Jim Doyle, Chair of the Council of Great Lakes Governors (CGLG), notified the Speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives Nancy Pelosi, House Minority Leader John Boehner, Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid and Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell that the State ratification process of the Compact was complete. To read the CGLG's letter click here. The next step towards ensuring that the Compact protections are in place will be Congress' approval of the Compact. Prairie Rivers Network will continue to provide updates on our website as consideration of the Compact approval moves through Congress. We will also let you know what you can do to support this final effort towards putting the necessary protections in place for ensuring Great Lakes water and water dependent resources are managed in a sustainable manner for people and wildlife. Illinois Adoption: On August 17, 2007, Governor Rod Blagojevich signed legislation ratifying the Compact. Representative Harry Osterman and Senator John Cullerton sponsored Compact legislation in their respective houses/chambers. The Need for Compact Protection: A crisis point for Great Lakes Basin water resources is not impending; it is here. It is an interconnected crisis of water supply and water quality. In the Great Lakes Basin, maintaining sustainable water levels is essential to ensure the continued existence of critical water dependent habitats, stability of Great Lakes economies, clean drinking water, and the integrity of the Great Lakes Basin ecosystem. The Compact is an agreement made among the eight Great Lakes Governors for managing the water resources of the Great Lakes. The primary objectives of the Compact are to protect, conserve, improve and restore Great Lakes water resources as well as water dependent resources. The Compact identifies the Great Lakes Basin as a single hydrological unit and recognizes that Great Lakes waters support a variety of uses from recreation to commercial fishing to supporting wildlife. To ensure improved protections for Great Lakes water resources, the Compact requires each Great Lakes State to:

• inventory state water resources and sources of existing water withdrawals, and to share this information through a common database;
• adopt an ecosystem-based, adaptive management approach using periodic cumulative assessments of water withdrawal and diversion impacts on Basin water resources;
• provide enforcement measures via administrative and/or legal proceedings.

Unlike other agreements and laws related to protecting Great Lakes water resources, the Compact provides comprehensive, legally enforceable standards for approving project proposals for new large scale water withdrawals of Great Lakes Basin waters. These standards are designed to maintain healthy, sustainable levels of water, as well as the integrity of the Basin's varied ecosystems. Compact Adoption in Illinois: On August 17, 2007, Governor Rod Blagojevich signed legislation ratifying the compact on august 17, 2007. Illinois was the second state to pass the Compact. Representative Harry Osterman and Senator John Cullerton sponsored Compact legislation in Illinois, which passed unanimously in both the House and Senate. Climate Change and the Great Lakes: On November 27, 2007, the National Wildlife Federation released a report entitled "Climate Change and Great Lakes Water Resources." The report includes a short overview of the current science on global climate change, which estimates that average global temperatures will increase approximately 3 to 7 degrees in the next century. The report states that a warming climate will likely reduce the Great Lakes water supply while increasing water demand within the region. Great Lakes water resources will also become more vulnerable to outside interest from hotter, drier regions needing additional water. NWF's report concludes by discussing how the Great Lakes Compact offers the greatest legal protection for addressing long-term protection and conservation of Great Lakes Basin water resources. You can view NWF's report at http://www.nwf.org/news. To read a press release on the report click here. Additional Resources

• The text of the Compact can be read and downloaded at: http://www.cglg.org/projects/water/docs/12-13-05/Great_Lakes-St_Lawrence_River_Basin_Water_Resources_Compact.pdf.
• Current status of U.S. congressional approval of the compact is online at: http://www.cglg.org
• Fact Sheets on the Great Lakes Compact (downloadable)

Frequently Asked Questions

Legal Summary and Overview

The Legislative Process

Sharing Benefits, Sharing Responsibilities

]]> 660 0 1102 0 https://prairierivers.org/uncategorized/2008/09/help-protect-chicago-waterways/ Tue, 09 Sep 2008 00:12:59 +0000 http://newsite.prairierivers.org/?p=689 Friends of the Chicago River website. ]]> 689 0 1101 0 https://prairierivers.org/articles/2008/09/champpharm/ Tue, 09 Sep 2008 00:18:17 +0000 http://newsite.prairierivers.org/?p=692 click here.]]> 692 0 1100 0 https://prairierivers.org/news/2008/09/rrr/ Tue, 09 Sep 2008 00:20:49 +0000 http://newsite.prairierivers.org/?p=699 Become a part of the fun, enjoy cycling in the beautiful Fox River valley, and help PRN continue its efforts to protect our rivers and other water resources for a healthy environment, healthy people and healthy communities. This year your donation dollars will go even farther as we have several challenge grants; all you have to do is select PRN as your charity when registering or donating.  Join the Prairie Rivers Road Toads team or form your own. Prizes for fundraising range from commuter and trail bikes to Patagonia cycling accessories and a weekend stay in a lakeshore Chicago condo. Online registrations/donations are easy - visit the RRR website at www.rollingriverride.org for more information.]]> 699 0 1098 0 https://prairierivers.org/news/2008/09/riverstewardaward/ Tue, 09 Sep 2008 00:26:12 +0000 http://newsite.prairierivers.org/?p=702 Do you know a volunteer who is working hard to protect the state's rivers and streams? Help celebrate and elevate their important work by nominating them for our 4th annual River Steward Award. Deadline is October 23, 2008. It is time once again to celebrate and elevate the important work of an individual whose work to protect the state's rivers and streams inspires us. There are many dedicated citizen volunteers around our state that spend countless hours working to protect Illinois' rivers. They educate us; they do the legwork; they speak the unpopular truths; they go above and beyond. Too often, their outstanding efforts and successes are not known outside of their local community. The River Stewardship Award recognizes and celebrates the most exemplary nomination, and it will collect stories of work that we all need to hear. Prairie Rivers Network wants to recognize and celebrate the people who make these achievements possible, sharing their victories and inspiring other river advocates around the state. The fourth annual River Stewardship Award will be announced November 21, 2008 at Prairie Rivers Network's Annual Dinner. The honoree and a guest, as well as the nominator, will be invited to attend the dinner for the awards ceremony. The award recipient will also be announced to the river conservation community around the state, announced to the media in a press release, and posted on our Web site. If you know a citizen volunteer you would like to nominate as the next River Steward, please fill out a 2008 River Steward Nomination Form (Word document) or contact Cecily Smith at csmith@prairierivers.org or 217/344-2371 for more information. Prairie Rivers Network requests the nomination form for the River Stewardship Award be returned by October 23, 2008.]]> 702 0 1099 0 https://prairierivers.org/articles/2008/09/be-river-smart/ Tue, 09 Sep 2008 20:05:31 +0000 http://newsite.prairierivers.org/?p=742 Be River Smart at home and when you are out on the river by following these simple guidelines:

Conserving Water In and Around Your Home

• Repair leaky faucets and running toilets right away. Leaks can waste as much as 50 gallons of water a day.
• Don't run the faucet when you are brushing your teeth, shaving, or washing dishes. This can waste 3-5 gallons every time you run the faucet.
• Install low flow toilets to save 3-5 gallons per flush.
• Install water saving showerheads. Outdated showerheads can waste 20 gallons of water a day.
• Don't run your dishwasher or washing machine unless they are full.
• Water your lawn or garden in the early morning or evening to avoid water loss due to evaporation.

Controlling Pollution In and Around Your Home

• Use a rain barrel to collect rain water from your roof and gutter and reuse to water your flower garden or yard.
• Never dump oil, anti-freeze, paint or any other chemical or pollutant down the storm drain. Take them to you local hazardous waste disposal site instead. Most storm drains go directly to our rivers where oil and paint can kill fish, birds and other wildlife.
• Compost or recycle your yard waste and minimize your use of fertilizers and pesticides on your lawn and garden. Any yard waste or pesticides that are washed off your property and down the nearest storm drain will usually end up in your local river.
• Plant a rain garden on your property to minimize the amount of stormwater runoff that leaves your property and washes down the stormdrain. Rain gardens also help reduce the amount of water you need to use to water your plants.
• Don't flush expired and unused medicines down the drain or toilet. Your local sewage treatment plant does not have the technology needed to remove these chemicals from the waste water, and most of them are then discharged to our rivers where they can harm fish and other aquatic life. Take them to your local hazardous waste disposal site instead.
• Use environmentally friendly house hold cleaners like phosphate free detergent in your dishwasher.
• Properly maintain your septic tank and fix any car leaks right away. Both can be sources of pollution that end of up in your local river.

Minimize Your Impacts When You Are On The River

• Be considerate of fish, wildlife and other people. Never leave behind any trash or leftovers from your river trip or throw any trash in the river that could harm wildlife or ruin the view for the next visitor. If you find someone else's trash, take it with you. Keep noise levels down to avoid disturbing wildlife and people.
• Carry any water you need in reusable hard plastic water bottles. Most commercially bottled water comes from rivers, aquifers or even the tap, and the disposable water bottles are wasteful and frequently discarded improperly.
• If you pull over on a river bank or sand bar, try to disturb as little wildlife habitat as possible. Travel on established trails and leave everything as you found it.
• Report unusual smelling water, discarded barrels that appear to be leaking or illegal dump sites to your nearest EPA office.
• Retrieve any snagged or broken fishing equipment before leaving.
• Make sure you wash your boat off before transferring it from one river to another to minimize the risk you are transplanting unwanted species.

For more details on how to minimize your impacts when out on the river, visit Leave No Trace.]]> 742 0 1097 0 https://prairierivers.org/articles/2008/09/enforce-cwa/ Tue, 09 Sep 2008 20:09:08 +0000 http://newsite.prairierivers.org/?p=746 The Federal Clean Water Act (CWA) is perhaps the strongest, most effective federal law available to ensure that streams, wetlands, and lakes are protected and restored. One of the important recurring themes throughout the CWA is the importance of meaningful participation on the part of people who know and value local waters. Prairie Rivers Network continuously fights for the effective and full implementation of the Clean Water Act, but we need your help too. Prairie Rivers Network calls on you to join us in taking on this responsibility. Opportunities for citizens to protect their waters through the CWA include: Strengthening Water Pollution Permits (NPDES Program) - Water pollution permits (National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System or NPDES permitting) are required for anyone who discharges pollution into Illinois rivers to assure that the discharge will not violate water quality standards set by the CWA. Protecting Wetlands and Stream Habitats - Under Section 404 of the CWA, anyone who hopes to fill a wetland, channelize a stream, or otherwise fill a portion of a water with sediment, must obtain a "404 permit" from the US Army Corps of Engineers (Corps). The Corps must assure that each permit it issues complies with guidelines developed together by the Corps and the US Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA). Controlling Stormwater Pollution - The water pollution permitting program of the CWA requires that dirt be maintained on construction sites to the extent possible and states that construction sites may not contribute to stream impairments. To comply with the law, each construction site must develop and implement a Storm Water Pollution Prevention Plan that describes the techniques the contractor will use to prevent soil from leaving the site. Restoring Degraded Waters (TMDL Program) - The CWA Total Maximum Daily Load (TMDL) program requires that states and EPA identify impaired waters and develop clean-up plans (TMDLs) for those waters. Improving Water Quality Standards - The CWA requires water quality standards to be defined to insure "water quality which provides for the protection of fish, shellfish, and wildlife and provides for recreation in and on the water..." At least once every three years, IEPA is required to conduct a review of the standards and solicit public input on the standards. Ending Coal Mines Exemptions from Water Pollution Standards - Coal mines are exempted from meeting water quality standards in the State of Illinois. This includes exempting mines from the antidegradation rules that were recently adopted to bring Illinois into compliance with the Clean Water Act antidegradation requirements.]]> 746 0 1096 0 https://prairierivers.org/articles/2008/09/river-group/ Tue, 09 Sep 2008 20:11:14 +0000 http://newsite.prairierivers.org/?p=749 Interested in Joining/Starting a Local River Group? [caption id="attachment_1507" align="alignright" width="288"] River Clean-Up Volunteers[/caption] There are many reasons to organize or get involved in a river group. Some citizens organize to protect their stream from an imminent threat-a dam, dredging, or clear-cutting of trees along its corridor. Others organize because they perceive a future threat to their stream or the creatures that depend on it. Many get involved just because they want to contribute to their community and to the quality of life of future generations. Whatever their reasons, citizens who organize on behalf their hometown stream-or its entire watershed-take on important, rewarding work that will impact the stream and their community for years to come. Download our Toolkit for Watershed Groups to help run/organize your local river group.]]> 749 0 1095 0 https://prairierivers.org/articles/2008/09/construction-monitoring/ Tue, 09 Sep 2008 20:15:06 +0000 http://newsite.prairierivers.org/?p=753 Reduce Stormwater Pollution by Monitoring Construction Sites Construction sites are one of the primary sources of sediment pollution in rivers. The removal of vegetation and disturbance of the ground during normal construction activities destabilizes the soil. When it rains or the snow melts, the soil is moved off the construction site with the flowing storm water and winds up in nearby waterways. The deposition of soil into water bodies is known as sedimentation. Sedimentation results in the loss of spawning habitat, smothers the gills of aquatic organisms, and is the leading cause of water impairment in Illinois. All construction sites over 1 acre in size are required to have a storm water permit issued by the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency. As a condition of the permit, the developer must prevent storm water runoff by installing certain practices called best management practices (BMPs). Best Management Practices Include:

• Silt fencing (to prevent soil from leaving the site)
• Gravel exits (to prevent soil from getting on public roads)
• Vegetation buffers along waterways (to slow the flow of storm water and protect rivers)
• Protection of storm drain inlets (to block soil from going down storm drains)

You can view descriptions and photographs of BMPs recommended by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. [one_half] [caption id="attachment_475" align="aligncenter" width="300"] An example of effectively-installed storm water BMPs: silt fences are buried and standing up, and vegetation has been preserved.[/caption] [/one_half] [one_half_last] [caption id="attachment_476" align="aligncenter" width="300"] An example of ineffectively-installed storm water BMPs: silt fences are absent along the roadway and the storm drain in the gutter is unprotected from the bare soil nearby.[/caption] [/one_half_last] Unfortunately, many developers do not adequately install or maintain best management practices, and many construction sites are never visited by a government inspector. However, citizens can report storm water violations to the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency and ask that an inspection be done.]]> 753 0 1094 0 https://prairierivers.org/articles/2008/09/clean-the-stream/ Wed, 10 Sep 2008 00:30:20 +0000 http://newsite.prairierivers.org/?p=758 Protect Your Local Stream - Participate in a River Clean-Up [caption id="attachment_1498" align="alignright" width="230"] PRN Member, Eric Robeson, collecting trash at the Boneyard Clean-Up in Champaign[/caption] Planning and hosting a local river clean-up is easy when it's done in an organized, timely fashion. Remember that any clean-up is a successful clean-up: if your organization is small, start with a small stretch of the river or a tributary. It may also be easier to start by focusing on a stretch of the river that is in public land, such as a forest preserve or park district. This eliminates the need to get permission from private landowners and allows for possible co-coordination with the public entity. As the clean-up is publicized year after year, the resources and volunteers will grow, allowing you to expand the area.

Getting Started and Planning

The key to getting started is to plan as far in advance as possible. Here are a few things to keep in mind when you get started. For a complete list of tips and timelines for planning a river clean up you can download our Toolkit for Watershed Groups.

1. Choose the date: advanced planning allows for the coordination of services, especially if facilities need to be rented. (9-12 months in advance if possible) Be sure to be aware of possible high water in the spring, low water in the middle of summer heat, and cold temperatures in the fall! Taking a look at historical weather patterns and water levels is very important!
2. Meet with co-hosts: (other river groups, civic organization, park district, etc.) if applicable. Depending on how much you tackle, clean ups can be a lot of work so gather some friends or partners and delegate responsibilities or establish committees using the categories below.
3. Choose the location and obtain permission: Remember to gain access the property from the appropriate landowners. (3-4 months in advance) If you are unsure where your efforts are needed, you can inventory the watershed to determine stream segments and property owners who need your help.
4. Solicit monetary donations to support the costs of the clean-up if necessary. (3 months in advance)

Here are some committees that you will likely want to form:

• Publicity and Volunteer Recruitment
• Sites and Logistics
• Necessary Gear
• Soliciting Refreshments and Raffle Prizes
• Safety

Remember for more details on organizing a River Clean-Up please download our Toolklit for Watershed Groups.]]> 758 0 1093 0 https://prairierivers.org/articles/2008/09/report-water-pollution/ Wed, 10 Sep 2008 00:33:20 +0000 http://newsite.prairierivers.org/?p=761 What do you report? Fish kills, discoloration in the water or an oily sheen on the water, illegal dumping in our waterways, unusually high water temperatures, sediment carried off a construction site without controls, or effluent coming from a pipe that smells or look strange.

When?

Right away, but if you continue to observe the problem on an ongoing basis be sure to keep a record of the dates and time. If the problem goes unreported, it may never be solved.

Who do you call?

Call the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency for any water quality violation, and make an additional call to the Department of Natural Resources in case of a fish kill. It may be prudent to contact your local police department or 9-1-1, in the case where a chemical spill could pose a threat to human health.

How?

When reporting the incident, try to do the following:

1. Identify the source of pollution.
2. Get a picture of the source as well as a picture of any impact you notice in the stream such as a fish kill or water condition. Even if you cannot identify the source, it is still important to photograph any impacts you see in the stream.
3. Note the date, time, and location. If you observe the incident more than once, note all dates and times.
4. Get names and numbers of anyone else who observed the incident.

Who To Contact:

Illinois Environmental Protection Agency Emergency Response at 1-800-782-7860, or you can fill out a Citizen Complaint Report. Department of Natural Resources Office of Law Enforcement (for conservation offenses such as a fish kill) at the toll-free telephone number, 1-877-2DNRLAW (1-877-236-7529). Local Reporters or News Outlets Illinois EPA Field Offices - Report pollution violations to the office nearest you:

Champaign 217-278-5800 Collinsville 618-346-5120 Des Plaines 847-294-4000 Marion 618-993-7200 Peoria 309-693-5463 Rockford 815-987-7760 Springfield 217-786-6892

For emergencies or when field offices are closed, call 800-782-7860.

IDNR (IL Department of Natural Resources) 1-217-782-6302 ACE (Army Corps of Engineers) - call the office nearest you]]> 761 0 1092 0 https://prairierivers.org/articles/2008/09/stenciling/ Wed, 10 Sep 2008 00:37:25 +0000 http://newsite.prairierivers.org/?p=764 What Is It? Storm Drain Stenciling is an event where community groups, scouts, neighborhood organizations, and watershed groups stencil the message "DUMP NO WASTE-DRAINS TO RIVERS" on the storm drains in their neighborhood. Other team members deliver door hangers or flyers that inform neighborhood residents of the stenciling project and pick up trash and debris that could eventually find it's way down the storm drain to the river. Stenciling is a fun and easy way to educate people about the fate of stormwater runoff, a major source of water pollution. Stormwater runoff collects many contaminants as it travels across streets, driveways, yards, or parking lots before entering a drain. In most communities, storm drains lead directly to local rivers and streams, not to treatment facilities, carrying the untreated and polluted storm water. Consequently, the cumulative effects of polluted stormwater runoff can be devastating to the health and vitality of Illinois' rivers, lakes, and streams.

Why Stencil Our Storm Drains?

1. You're getting to the root of the problem - Most people still believe that industry is the greatest source of pollution, but it's not. Non-point source pollution, or "pointless pollution", originates from not one source, but from many miscellaneous and unrelated sources. Pointless pollution is the largest source of pollution in our rivers and streams and much of it gets there when it washes down the storm drains. By Storm Drain Stenciling, you are educating others about the affect their every day actions can have on water quality. 2. We need to address the problem of dirty storm water - Dirty storm water is a serious problem and has serious consequences for human health. According to the EPA, most of our surface water pollution comes from storm water. However, 60% of Americans depend upon surface water for their drinking water. This means that keeping storm water clean helps not only overall water health, but the health of a majority of Americans. 3. It's easy - Little time is required to stencil storm drains, and it does not require specific skills. Plus, Prairie Rivers Network makes Storm drain stenciling extremely easy by loaning storm drain stenciling kits free of charge. We want to help as many groups throughout our state develop their own Storm Drain Stenciling Adventure. The kits have a majority of the necessary equipment for stenciling drains. We provide as much assistance as needed to help interested groups hold an event. What could be easier? 4. It's effective - Studies have validated the effectiveness of storm drain stenciling. People around stenciled neighborhoods were more aware of the fate of storm water than those without the stenciled storm drains. Recent studies in Wisconsin and Washington show that over 75% of people who had seen the stenciled drains knew where their water went, compared to about a third of those who had not seen a stenciled drain. 5. It teaches people to appreciate their interconnectedness to water - By stenciling, you are educating people about their impacts on others who live further down the river. They begin to see that something that starts at home has bigger consequences for surrounding communities.

Commonly Asked Questions

How long does it take?

The actual event takes between 2-4 hours. You should begin the planning process a minimum of four weeks in advance. This will give you the time required to get permission from you village or city to stencil drains, create publicity, and to recruit volunteers. This can be a great opportunity to recruit new members to your watershed group.

What does Prairie Rivers provide?

• Kits - You want no more than 50 people at once for each event, but you can have as few as 5. We have 10 kits, and recommend recruiting 5 people per kit.
• Technical assistance - We provide assistance as needed to help your group hold its own stenciling event.

]]> 764 0 1091 0 https://prairierivers.org/articles/2008/09/lte/ Wed, 10 Sep 2008 00:40:26 +0000 http://newsite.prairierivers.org/?p=767

May 2015 Voice of the Reader: EPA should honor wetlands, halt Mississippi boondoggle (Published in The Southern Illinoisan) To the Editor: This May is the 25th anniversary of American Wetlands Month. Many of us may not even know a wetland when we see one, yet their importance cannot be overstated. Wetlands quietly protect us by absorbing flood waters, filtering pollution, and providing habitat for many valuable birds, fish and wildlife species. In the Missouri bootheel lies a large area of wetlands that is part of the New Madrid Floodway. These wetlands are one of the largest contiguous wetlands that can still be directly flooded by the Mississippi River. They provide a huge area where migratory birds seek rest and food, and where fish spawn and rear their young. The wetlands also protect Cairo and Olive Branch from destructive flooding by storing massive amounts of flood water. These wetlands get water from the Mississippi River through the last remaining gap in the complex of levees that separate the river from its floodplain. The St. Johns/New Madrid project, proposed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, would eliminate this gap. Without the gap, the direct connection between the Mississippi River and these expansive backwater wetlands would be lost. We may also likely see floods in Cairo and Olive Branch like we did in 2011. The Army Corps of Engineers wants to close the gap with a $165 million boondoggle. EPA has the power to stop it. It should. Let’s honor America’s wetlands. Kim Erndt­Pitcher Makanda

 

Sunrise not upfront on mining's dangers (Published in the News-Gazette) February 2014 Roof collapse. Lacerations. Broken bones. Fires. Lung disease. These are just some of the injuries and dangerous conditions that coal miners face every day. Of course, danger is present in many jobs, but coal mining in particular often operates under the radar in terms of the quantity and severity of accidents. One has to dig into the U.S. Department of Labor, Mine Safety and Health Administration website and key in the mine number to find the required accident reports. The Carlisle Mine in Indiana operated by Sunrise Coal LLC, which is similar to the proposed Bulldog Mine in Vermilion County, had 180 violations in 2013, and they're on track to repeat that this year. That's an average of two per week for which they were fined over $50,000. If you're thinking that employment with this company is a good idea, consider that two Illinois miners died in separate accidents just last October. Every day you will put your health on the line with no union to back you up; every day you'll breathe in coal dust for 8 hours, you'll dodge chunks of falling rock and you'll hope that the stream by your house is still running clear for your kids who like to play there. This company and those like it claim they offer safe jobs, but the numbers don't agree. They claim they protect the environment, but the evidence shows the opposite. If Sunrise were all it claimed to be, they would not have mounted their widespread public relations campaign to convince you otherwise. SUSAN FORSYTH Homer

]]> 767 0 1090 0 https://prairierivers.org/articles/2008/09/decision-makers/ Wed, 10 Sep 2008 00:44:24 +0000 http://newsite.prairierivers.org/?p=772 Who are the decision makers that affect river health? This is a common question when looking for resources, technical expertise, or ways to protect your local streams. As Illinois' statewide river conservation organization, Prairie Rivers Network can provide expertise and resources, but you should be familiar with federal, state, and local entities whose decision affect your river. The following list provides information on agencies, responsibilities, and opportunities for citizens to participate in decision making.

Federal Agencies Most Commonly Having Jurisdiction Over Waterways

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) is responsible for the Clean Water Act, Safe Drinking Water Act, and other environmental laws, but in most cases, has delegated authority to states for implementation and enforcement. U. S. EPA has oversight of these programs and ensures that federal laws are met by the states. Illinois is within USEPA Region 5, which is based in Chicago.

Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) is a sub-agency of the U.S. Department of Agriculture, with a state office in Champaign and many regional offices with experts on agricultural conservation. There is one NRCS employee in each county, reporting to two different entities - the state NRCS office and the local county Soil and Water Conservation District Board. NRCS is responsible for implementing agricultural conservation programs authorized under federal law. Its staff determines how millions of federal dollars in funding will be spent in Illinois and the programmatic priorities for the funding. The state NRCS has a Technical Advisory Committee (TAC) that advises the NRCS administrator on these matters. The TAC consists largely of representatives from the agricultural industry. Watershed groups are encouraged to join the committee to help ensure that conservation programs protect rivers.

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) is a bureau within the Department of the Interior. It is responsible for enforcing federal wildlife laws; protects federally listed endangered species; and manages migratory birds and the National Wildlife Refuge System, national fish hatcheries, fishery resource offices, and field stations.

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (ACE) is a separate command in the military which reports to the Pentagon. It has more than 35,000 civilian and military personnel with multiple responsibilities and disciplines, including oversight of more than 1,500 water resource and civil works projects. These include more than 500 dams, 11,000 miles of river navigation channels, and 8,500 miles of levees and floodwalls.

The ACE is at a crossroads in its history. Habitat restoration, land acquisition, and easement projects have become an increasing part of its mission, yet maintaining and creating other river-related projects has continued to contribute to loss of habitat and aquatic species.

State Agencies

The Illinois Environmental Protection Agency (IEPA) reports to the Governor and is responsible for safeguard environmental quality, consistent with the social and economic needs of the State, so as to protect health, welfare, property and the quality of life. The agency is responsible for enforcement of many state and federal laws critical to protecting rivers and streams, including the Federal Clean Water Act of 1972. IEPA has authority, delegated by U.S.EPA, to administer this program, specifically water quality monitoring and reporting, the permitting program which regulates discharge of polluted water into rivers and streams, and funding for nonpoint source grants. To ensure environmental equity in the administration of its programs, public participation is critical to IEPA's implementation of its Environmental Justice policy.

Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) is a state agency whose mission includes managing public lands and recreational opportunities and providing natural resource related education, science, and assistance. The agency includes the state's scientific surveys - Water, Geology, Natural History Surveys and the Waste Management Research Center - valuable sources of research and reliable information . Their websites provide many great resources for watershed organizations. The Natural History Survey has several species databases where browsers review records from 145 years of sampling rivers. Other publications and programs are useful in developing conservation messages: the Critical Trends Assessment Project (CTAP), Illinois Natural Areas Inventory, Ecowatch and Riverwatch programs. There is also a quarterly forum for public comments. The Natural Resources Advisory Board meets every three months and offers a comment period during which constituents can bring forward their concerns.

The Illinois Department of Agriculture (IDA) focuses on the agricultural industry, including protecting the health and welfare of livestock animals; horse racing, state and county fairs; regulating seed, feed and fertilizer products; oversight of grain dealers and financial stability of warehouses; and promoting Illinois food and agricultural products. It also includes programs and services to conserve the state's land and water resources.

University of Illinois Cooperative Extension Service (Extension) provides educational programs and research-based information to citizens. Extension serves many different constituencies, but its core concern is delivering the latest University of Illinois research to agricultural and rural communities. It is structured in four broad areas: 4-H Youth Development; Agriculture & Natural Resources; Community & Economic Development; and Nutrition, Family & Consumer Sciences. There are 79 unit offices located throughout Illinois.

Other State Forums

Rivers of Illinois Coordinating Council (RICC) - chaired by the current Lieutenant Governor, is a diverse group of citizens, grassroots and not-for-profit organizations, state and federal agencies, and river enthusiasts. RICC coordinates all private and public funding for river restoration in the Illinois River Watershed. The public comment portion of RICC quarterly meetings offers opportunity to bring concerns before members.

The State Attorney General (AG) - a statewide elected constitutional officer - has an Environmental Division with several different functions. You may want to bring certain environmental conditions to the AG's attention. An Environmental Litigation Division, whose mission is to enforce state environmental laws, pursues cases with the goal of forcing polluters, not taxpayers, to pay the cost of cleanups. An Environmental Crimes Bureau and Environmental Investigator's Network designate and train local law enforcement officers to identify and investigate polluters.

Local Entities

County Soil and Water Conservation Districts (SWCD) were formed during the Dust Bowl years under President Franklin Roosevelt to conserve soil and water resources. They were originally conceived to encompass entire watersheds, but political forces intervened and the districts were formed on a county level. Today, SWCDs are public bodies that administer Federal Farm Bill conservation programs and prioritize natural resource concerns. It is important to have a working relationship with SWCDs, as a great deal of program funding goes through their county offices. SWCDs are governed by a five-member board, with most, if not all, seats filled by farmers. Activists should consider attending monthly SWCD board meetings and running for positions on the SWCD board.

Drainage Districts small units of government created by an 1879 law to drain wetlands so that the land can be farmed. Each district is governed by a three panel board, usually of farmers, that are either appointed or elected. Districts help control stormwater, but many of their maintenance methods are outdated and can cause great damage to water quality and wildlife habitat. They remove shade-giving trees along rivers and streams, increasing water temperatures; dredge stream beds and destroy aquatic habitat, impacting fish and other species; and increase habitat fragmentation by disconnecting streamside forested corridors.

]]> 772 0 1089 0 https://prairierivers.org/articles/2008/09/watershed-assessment/ Wed, 10 Sep 2008 00:46:27 +0000 http://newsite.prairierivers.org/?p=775 One of the most critical steps in protecting your stream is finding out what is happening in the watershed. Conducting a watershed assessment will help you identify existing problems in your stream, anticipate future threats, and create opportunities to promote the value of your local stream. It also can be a fun and rewarding activity for the members of your organization. Exhaustive research may not be necessary or feasible for your organization, so do not be overwhelmed by the numerous possibilities identified here. Start collecting information now and consider watershed assessment an ongoing process that grows with your organization.

Set Goals for Your Assessment

As with most activities, it is useful to spend time thinking about why you want to do it before starting. A little planning will ensure that you focus on collecting the information you need and that your participants are satisfied that the efforts are serving a purpose. Each organization will likely choose some different goals for its watershed assessment, and you are encouraged to be creative and develop your own. A few examples are provided here to get you started.

Possible Goals for a Watershed Assessment

1. To understand and document the ecological state of streams and other natural resources of the watershed. (In other words, which areas of the watershed are healthy? Which are polluted? Which areas should be priorities for additional protection?)
2. To identify potential causes of pollution, including very localized impacts.
3. To prepare for effective participation in Clean Water Act programs and other programs designed to protect and restore the watershed.
4. To identify priority areas for a river clean up.
5. To identify the most critical areas for restoration efforts.
6. To identify recreational needs and promote recreational resources of the watershed.
7. To raise local awareness for protecting local streams.
8. To build and strengthen commitment of our organization's membership through an important, fun, eye-opening, and rewarding activity.

Get Started! Gather Available Information

Just as goals will vary among watershed groups, each organization will include different information in its assessment, based on different interests of the participants. This section offers ideas that you may choose from and add to as you study your watershed. Because there is a lot of information out there and you'll want to involve several members in this activity, you may want to divide these tasks among several teams. Get a good topographic map of the watershed. The Illinois Atlas & Gazetteer (DeLorme) is a great starting place for locating the boundaries of your watershed, and it is likely that at least one of your members has a copy in her car. If you'd like more detail, you can buy USGS maps at various scales. These can be found in good map stores, or can be ordered from the USGS online store . Draw the watershed boundary on the map. By connecting all of the highest elevations around the streams of your watershed, you can identify all of the land area and potential pollution sources that drain into the streams in your watershed. Identify unique natural resources in your watershed. Several Illinois Dept. of Natural Resources documents, such as Critical Trends Assessment Program (CTAP) reports, are useful in identifying healthy waters and lands. You can also search the Illinois Natural History Survey collections and databases to find plants and animals that have been collected in your watershed, dating back to the 1800s. The fish, crustacean, insect, and mussel collection databases will allow search queries by stream, and these are extremely useful tools. Talk to local conservationists to learn about other areas of local ecological interest. Collect available water quality data. USEPA's STORET system is a repository for water quality data. Additional volunteer monitoring data may have been collected through Illinois RiverWatch program. Check the RiverWatch website to find out if volunteer data is available in your watershed. Identify the impaired waters in your watershed. Using the state's 303(d) list, identify which streams in your watershed have been identified by Illinois EPA as impaired (note causes of impairment and sources). Note that less than 20% of the state's streams are assessed for the purposes of this report. Therefore, it is not a comprehensive list of impairments, but it is a good starting point. Contact Illinois EPA to find out if these streams are scheduled to have "TMDLs" (water quality restoration plans) developed. Identify regulated pollution sources. Using the permit compliance system, locate all point source discharges. Illinois EPA's Water Quality Mapping Tool also contains information on pollution sources and identifies the location on a map. Note the type of facility, the pollutants discharged in your watershed, and the amount of pollution discharged. Find out when these permits are due to expire. Review other items in this toolkit to prepare to participate in the permit renewal process. Identify towns and counties that are wholly or partially within the watershed. Note whether these towns are expected to grow significantly in coming years. Find out what local protections these local governments have adopted such as watershed protection ordinances. These could include stream buffer ordinances, erosion and sediment control ordinances, etc.

Explore Your Watershed

In getting to know your watershed, there is no substitute for muddy boots. A lot of information about the health of the streams is not yet documented anywhere except on the land and waters themselves. Bring your watershed map, a notebook, and a camera for a drive/walk/canoe around the watershed. If you have a GPS, bring it along to note precise locations associated with your observations. Be respectful of property owners; obtain permission before crossing private property. Most participants won't need to be reminded to have fun, but encourage them to bring along binoculars, fishing rods, etc. Note the physical characteristics of the streams where you can get to them. Is there a vegetated buffer on either side of the stream? Are the banks eroding? Are there deeper pool areas and shallow riffle areas? Is there a lot of trash? Is the water clear, brown, green? Take photographs of both the good and the bad conditions that you find. These photographs may also be useful in outreach and education efforts, most importantly, slide shows for public audiences. Note the adjacent land uses. What areas of the watershed are urban or suburban? Which areas are agricultural? Are there pasture lands? If so, is there evidence of livestock entering the creeks? Are there a number of landowners planting row crops to the edges of the stream? Do nearby lands have gullies or other evidence of severe erosion? Are there any adjacent industrial or mining developments? Identify public areas along streams (state parks, local parks, forest preserve). Note good wildlife watching areas, fishing spots, canoe launches, and hiking opportunities. Begin collecting your own water quality data around the watershed. Check the RiverWatch website to find out when the macroinvertebrate monitoring training sessions are offered. Contact Prairie Rivers Network if you are interested in collecting water chemistry information through the Illinois Stream Team. See the Illinois Stream Team section of this toolkit for more information about this program. Review your goals to identify what other information you need to find in order to achieve your mission of protecting your streams. Contact Prairie Rivers Network for assistance or to share suggestions for future watershed assessments.

Examples of helpful websites:

IEPA Online Mapping Tool USGS online store (maps) CTAP reports INHS Collections STORET system RiverWatch - National Great Rivers Research and Education Center Illinois 303(d) list  ]]> 775 0 1088 0 https://prairierivers.org/articles/2008/09/wetlands/ Wed, 10 Sep 2008 00:48:55 +0000 http://newsite.prairierivers.org/?p=778 Filling wetlands or streams to convert them to housing developments or a few extra acres of agricultural land causes an obvious loss of important habitat for birds, fish, and other wildlife. Section 404 of the Clean Water Act requires that such destruction be minimized and mitigated, and as with many programs of the Act, your participation and vigilance is critical to its success.

Background

Section 404 of the Clean Water Act requires that anyone who proposes to dredge or discharge dredged or fill material into waters of the United States, including wetlands and streams, must get a permit from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (Corps) before doing so. This includes situations where an individual seeks to "straighten" a stream. Before the Corps can issue the permit, the applicant must demonstrate that:

1. there are no practical alternatives;
2. the project will not cause significant degradation;
3. all negative impacts on the wetland and/or streams are mitigated; and
4. Illinois EPA certifies that the project will not violate water quality requirements.

Mitigation can include creation of a new wetland or stream habitat to replace the one that is lost, restoration of a degraded stream or wetland, enhancement of an existing resource and/or preservation of an existing high quality resource. If the applicant does not satisfy these requirements, the Corps must deny the permit.

Your Role

Keep your eyes and ears open for unpermitted destruction. Neither Illinois EPA nor the Corps has staff available to patrol watersheds to ensure that nobody dredges or fills wetland or stream habitats without a permit. Therefore the responsibility of looking for and reporting unpermitted activities falls on you, your neighbors, and your watershed organization. If you don't do this, nobody will. Such monitoring does not require special skills or knowledge. Simply pay attention as you are driving through your watershed. Bulldozers are large and relatively easy to spot. If you see one near a wetland or stream, inquire locally about the activity. If it appears that dirt is being pushed into or dug out of a wetland or stream, contact your Corps of Engineers District office immediately (see below) to report the activity and find out if they have a permit.

Participate in Permitting Decisions

The Clean Water Act emphasizes the importance of public participation in decisions that affect your streams and wetlands. You are encouraged to review and comment on proposals for 404 permits. The notices of applications for these permits are posted periodically on the Corps District websites (see below). When reviewing and commenting on permit applications, keep in mind the legal requirements mentioned above and described in the regulations. Ensure that alternatives that would not affect the wetlands and streams are fully considered. If significant degradation would occur, describe the degradation and request that the Corps deny the permit. If the mitigation proposed would not fully replace the lost resource, or if no mitigation is proposed, request that the Corps deny the permit. A sample of a letter to the Corps is attached to help you get started (see Resources section). The mailing address for the correct Corps District office is included on the notice. As described in the notices, comments may also be submitted by email. Send a copy of your comments to IEPA, and if water quality will be impacted by the project, ask IEPA to deny certification of the permit under section 401 of the Clean Water Act. These letters should be sent to: Illinois EPA, Bureau of Water, Watershed Management Section, P. O. Box 19276, Springfield, IL 62794-9276.

Contacting the Right Office of the Corps

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers has district offices located throughout the country. Almost all of Illinois is covered by four districts. These districts and their contact info are summarized below. For a more detailed map showing the boundaries of these districts see the online map. Chicago District - Lake, McHenry, Cook, Kane, DuPage, and Will Counties Phone: 312-846-5330 Rock Island District - Northern half of Illinois, except counties in Chicago District Phone: 309-794-5729 Louisville District - Southeast portion of the state, specifically the Wabash River basin Phone: 502-315-6766 St. Louis District - Southwest portion of the state Phone: 314-331-8002

Additional Resources

Regulations -Because the summary presented here is necessarily simplified, we encourage you to learn more about the regulations that apply to dredge and fill projects. It is also useful to quote regulations directly in your comment letter. Mitigation guidelines - Because mitigation is such an important part of most permits, it is useful to understand the guidelines the Corps uses in determining whether proposed mitigation is acceptable. In addition to the Federal Regulatory Guidance Letter (found at the web address above), each District should also have specific guidelines that incorporate the federal guidance.]]> 778 0 1087 0 https://prairierivers.org/articles/2008/09/prn-talks-pharmaceuticals-with-local-news-station/ Thu, 11 Sep 2008 16:29:20 +0000 http://prairierivers.org/?p=1673 http://illinoishomepage.net/media_player.php?media_id=26441]]> 1673 0 1086 0 https://prairierivers.org/articles/2008/09/water-supply-planning/ Thu, 18 Sep 2008 01:25:54 +0000 http://newsite.prairierivers.org/?p=1043

The waterfall at the head of Illinois Canyon in Starved Rock State Park

Until a few years ago, the phrase "water protection" was automatically linked with the issue of water pollution; protecting our waters meant we only needed to be concerned about decreasing the amount of chemicals being released into our rivers from the end of a pipes, or reducing the soil and other contaminants carried by storm water into storm drains and then into our rivers. Now "water protection" includes protecting the finite amount of water in our streams, wetlands, aquifer and other sources. Keeping our water clean in part means ensuring our water supplies are not depleted, that water withdrawals are managed sustainably for the people, fish and wildlife that depend on them. Projections for at least two regions in Illinois indicate that population increases will create a demand for more high quality water and greater withdrawals of both surface and groundwater. About two thirds of Illinois residents live in northeast Illinois; the population in that region, currently 6.8 million, is predicted to reach 10 million by 2030. In east central Illinois, the amount of water withdrawn from the primary source of water, the Mahomet Aquifer, is forecast to increase 51 percent by 2050 (this does not include water withdrawn for power generation). In general, if you live east of the Mississippi, disputes over water use have historically been governed by the "riparian doctrine." Based on an underlying assumption of plentiful water, the riparian doctrine entitles upstream surface water users to take a "reasonable amount" of water. In Illinois, "reasonable use" is also the standard applied to groundwater supplies. Defining reasonable use is typically done on a case-by-case basis, with decisions doing little to provide clarity to this vague standard. In the last few years, several factors illuminate the problem of continuing to rely on an ineffective water use standard that does not take future needs into account: rapid population growth and development in sections of northeast and east central Illinois, increased contamination of groundwater from excessive withdrawals, drought events and water shortages, and the unknown impacts of climate change. In 2006, Governor Blagojevich issued Executive Order 2006-1 authorizing the Illinois Department of Natural Resources to oversee a three-year regional water supply planning project with the assistance of the state water and geological surveys. In the Governor's own words "It is critical for Illinois to get ahead of the curve when it comes to water supply planning." Illinois' northeast and east central regions were selected for this pilot project because of the likelihood of near-term water shortages and conflicts in those areas. As of September 15th, 2008 the Northeast Regional Water Supply Planning Group (RWSPG) and the East Central Regional Water Supply Planning Committee (RWSPC) have received reports that provide detailed forecasts of water demands up to 2050. The Illinois State Water Survey now needs to research the impact of the projected demands on regional water supplies. The regional planning groups will then use this information to form water planning recommendations, tentatively scheduled for release in June 2009. Visit our Ethanol and Great Lakes pages for more information.]]> 1043 0 1084 0 https://prairierivers.org/news/2008/09/building-capacity-in-illinois-watersheds-workshop/ Thu, 18 Sep 2008 02:03:51 +0000 http://newsite.prairierivers.org/?p=1054 Below is some information from the Workshop and Forum Discussion that was held on 10/10/2008 at the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library in Springfield.

View workshop goals.

View Power Point presentations from the workshop below:

• capacity-building
• modeling-and-monitoring-tools
• prelim-survey-results
• social-indicators
• sustainable-practices

View the USEPA Social Indicators Handbook.

View the Workshop Presenters' Bios.

View the Preliminary Survey Results.

View comments and a summary of the workshop.

Read about the upcoming workshop on February 18, 2009.

For more information, contact Kim Erndt at kerndt@prairierivers.org or (217) 344-2371

Post updated 12/8/08 - Upcoming workshop info Post updated 10/7/08 - Updated workshop agenda Post Updated 10/15/2008 - Presentation Information Post Updated 10/19/2008 - Presentation Information Post Updated 10/28/2008 - Comments

]]> 1054 0 1083 0 https://prairierivers.org/uncategorized/2008/09/saveourparks/ Wed, 17 Sep 2008 13:10:11 +0000 http://newsite.prairierivers.org/?p=1059 Log on to www.SaveOurStateParks.org to tell Gov. Blagojevich to keep all our state parks open! SPRINGFIELD - On Wednesday, September 17, at 11:00 a.m. in the State Capitol Blue Room, Lt. Governor Pat Quinn launched the "Save Our State Parks" online petition drive to prevent Gov. Rod R.Blagojevich from permanently closing 11 Illinois state parks. On August 28, Gov. Blagojevich announced the closure of 11 state parks as part of his effort to slash $ 14 mil lion from the budget of the Illinois Department of Natural Resources. State parks which will be closed on November 30 include: Castle Rock State Park and Lowden State Park in Oregon; Hennepin Canal Parkway State Park in Sheffield; Illini State Park in Marseilles; Channahon Parkway State Park in Morris; Hidden Springs State Forest in Strasburg; Kickapoo State Park in Oakwood; Moraine State Park in Leroy; Weldon Springs State Park in Clinton; and Wolf Creek State Park in Windsor. Illinois citizens can voice their support for saving all our state parks by visiting www.SaveOurStateParks.org, and sending a loud and clear message to Gov. Blagojevich that closing any of our state parks is not acceptable to the families and children of Illinois. "All of us have a duty to maintain and protect our state parks for the next generation," Quinn said. "We must leave no child inside." In the most recent year, there were more than 44 million visitors to Illinois state parks and recreation areas. Wildlife watching, hunting, and fishing contribute $2.4 billion to the Illinois economy each year, according to a U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Survey. Last month, Lt. Governor Quinn organized an online petition at www.NoPayRaise.org where more than 17,000 Illinois taxpayers sent emails to Gov. Blagojevich and Senate President Emil Jones forcing the Senate to take a roll call vote rejecting political pay raises for the Governor, legislators, and other public officials. Last spring, Lt. Governor Quinn spearheaded the grassroots movement which forced Gov. Blagojevich to abandon his plan to slash state funding for Soil and Water Conservation Districts, the 4-H Society and the University of Illinois Cooperative Extensions in each county of the state. After a firestorm of public opposition, Gov. Blagojevich backed down and restored funding to all three vital programs. As Lt. Governor, Quinn is the Chairman of the Illinois River Coordinating Council and the Rural Affairs Council. For more information on the online petition to save our state parks, please visit www.SaveOurStateParks.org.

]]> 1059 0 1085 0 https://prairierivers.org/news/2008/09/prn-annual-dinner-november-21st/ Thu, 18 Sep 2008 15:49:14 +0000 http://newsite.prairierivers.org/?p=1074 Celebrating Our Work Protecting Illinois Rivers for People, Fish, and Wildlife [caption id="attachment_1076" align="alignright" width="160" caption="Vermilion River, Tim Palmer"][/caption] Prairie Rivers Network's annual dinner will be held on Friday, November 21st at the brand new I-Hotel and Conference Center in Champaign. We have a lot of wonderful success stories to reveal. And our new Executive Director will have the opportunity to share her vision for the important work that Prairie Rivers Network will be spearheading in the future. PRN's staff and Board of Directors cannot thank our members enough for your continued support over the years. We hope you will be able to help us grow and strengthen our work by attending our Annual Fundraising Dinner and bringing a potential new member with you. [caption id="attachment_1075" align="alignleft" width="114" caption="Tim Palmer Book"][/caption] Our keynote speaker will be Tim Palmer, an award-winning author and an accomplished photographer. His work combines his love of rivers and nature with his drive for creative expression and his deep commitment to conservation. Tim is a dynamic and inspiring speaker and will present a vivid personal journey about his passion for rivers and their crucial importance to all of life, as well as display photos that capture the magic of rivers. ( www.TimPalmer.org) This year's dinner will be an exciting and educational evening that allows us to personally thank all of our members for their generous support and dedication to Illinois' rivers and streams. We will kick off our cocktail reception at 6 p.m. with music from The Farmer's Market String Band, which includes Tom Bassett, a PRN member for the past 10 years!

Dinner Details

Location: I Hotel Conference Center, 1900 S First Street, Champaign, IL 61820 Time: 6 p.m. Reception, 7 p.m. Dinner Tickets are $35 each. Reservations Required - RSVP to Vickie at (217) 344-2371 or vnudelman@prairierivers.org by November 12th.]]> 1074 0 1081 0 https://prairierivers.org/articles/2008/10/fall2008newsletter/ Thu, 02 Oct 2008 14:18:57 +0000 http://prairierivers.org/?p=1611 Prairie River Notes - Fall 2008 newsletter with the following articles:

• PRN Launches Redesigned www.prairierivers.org
• Annual Dinner - November 21
• River Steward Award
• Capacity Building Workshop - October 10
• IL Water Conference - October 8-9
• IL Paddling Council Season Ender
• Pollution Risk of New "Megadairy"
• Restore DNR Funding
• Rolling on the River
• Welcome Cecily Smith & Steph Adams

]]> 1611 0 1080 0 https://prairierivers.org/articles/2008/10/ecilea-meeting-wed-oct-15/ Fri, 10 Oct 2008 18:37:46 +0000 http://prairierivers.org/?p=1622 The speaker will be Sarah Livesay, President of the Environmental Education Association of Illinois. A panel discussion will follow. Panelists are Don Davis, Sierra club, Judy Miller, Urbana Park District, and Pam Leiter, Champaign County Forest Preserve. The panel will be moderated by Traci Barkley, Prairie Rivers Network. ECILEA was formed a year ago under the auspices of the Natural Resources Committee of the CCLWV.]]> 1622 0 1077 0 https://prairierivers.org/articles/2008/10/president-bush-signs-agreement-to-protect-great-lakes-water/ Fri, 03 Oct 2008 13:46:55 +0000 http://prairierivers.org/?p=1627 Click here for entire article.]]> 1627 0 1078 0 https://prairierivers.org/articles/2008/09/letter-to-the-editor-pharmaceutical-disposals/ Thu, 18 Sep 2008 13:58:04 +0000 http://prairierivers.org/?p=1632 articles about disposing pharmaceuticals on the front pages of your September 15 and 16 editions. This is an issue we will all be hearing much more about in the next few years, and Prairie Rivers Network was pleased to see such a great educational piece for Central Illinois residents.We know from research studies that pharmaceutical chemicals in rivers adversely impact aquatic life in several ways, including abnormal reproductive development in fish. The articles printed in the News-Gazette point out some critical challenges related to proper disposal of pharmaceuticals: lack of knowledge and inconsistent disposal practices in the healthcare industry, and contradictory messaging about proper disposal from federal agencies. These issues are impacting pharmaceutical disposal practices in Illinois, as was made clear during testimony given last week during an Illinois Senate's Public Health Committee hearing. Representatives from the Illinois Council on Long Term Care and the Health Care Council of Illinois confirmed that federal Drug Enforcement Agency regulations often leave them with no other option than flushing to dispose of potent narcotics. Home health care and hospice professionals have expressed their frustration at inconsistent disposal policies even when the pharmaceuticals they flush are not controlled substances. The hearing witnesses themselves demonstrated the confusion over proper disposal methods; some promoted no flushing and others promoted disposal via the trash. Disposal methods would not be an issue if easily accessible, permanent facilities or collection points were established throughout the state. As the only permanent facilities are in the Chicago area, the next best disposal option of one-day collection events is possible only if communities have the resources or can partner with the Illinois EPA, which also has limited funding. While some counties, communities and pharmacies are working to provide pharmaceutical collections, much more is needed to reach all of Illinois' residents.]]> 1632 0 1082 0 https://prairierivers.org/articles/2008/10/mickey/ Tue, 14 Oct 2008 14:00:51 +0000 http://prairierivers.org/?p=1637 When my friends tell me how they spent their summers riding their bikes across the country or studying abroad in India, they're usually not impressed when I tell them I spent mine in Springfield interning at the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency. Even though it wasn't the most exciting summer, I had a good time and I learned two important life lessons. First important life lesson, people in Springfield love snow cones. There are about 100 snow cone stands and they all have "snow" in their names. My favorite was Snow Biz. Second important life lesson, volunteering at the PRN was the best preparation I could have had for this internship or any other internship. Volunteering at the PRN is one of the smartest things I've ever done. It not only helped me get the internship, due to the letters of recommendations from the PRN staff, but also made me one of the most capable interns. Many of the tasks I was assigned at the IEPA internship were similar to things I'd already done volunteering at the PRN. A big part of my job at the IEPA was researching various issues, and due to my work at the PRN, I had already researched many of these topics. When it came time to write summaries about topics like the dangers of pharmaceuticals in the water, it was a piece of cake (potentially full of a variety of medications from mood stabilizers to sex hormones). Another significant part of my internship involved writing. For example, I was required to write thank you letters to several large corporations thanking them for sponsoring the internship program. This was by far my least favorite aspect of the internship, due to philosophical differences, but it was a good experience overall. The time spent writing articles for the PRN newsletter during the school year refined my writing skills so that I was able to approach those more personally difficult assignments as a professional, a skill that will be important for any future job. Most importantly, volunteering at the PRN made me realize I want to pursue an environmental career. I don't know the exact job I want after I graduate, but I know it will be something I feel is important to the environment. If it wasn't for my experience at PRN, I probably would have never applied to the IEPA internship and would have missed out on an amazing opportunity. Mickey Kudia is a second-year volunteer with Prairie Rivers Network. He will graduate next spring with a degree in Environmental Journalism. Thanks Mickey - we'll miss you come May!]]> 1637 0 1074 0 https://prairierivers.org/articles/2008/10/creative-river-activism/ Tue, 14 Oct 2008 13:57:48 +0000 http://prairierivers.org/?p=1639 For ten years, the Salt Fork River Partners (SFRP) in Homer, Illinois, organized an annual clean up of the Salt Fork River. Last year the Salt Fork River Partners decided to bring the beauty of the Salt Fork River to a wider group of residents by printing a calendar of seasonal photographs of the Salt Fork River along with a history of the river. During October, the SFRP invites you to submit your photos of the Salt Fork River for the 2009 calendar, and encourages photographers to include information or a story about their photos. For more information on the contest contact Suzanne Smith at suzannesmith@hughes.net. For ten years, the Salt Fork River Partners (SFRP) in Homer, Illinois, organized an annual clean up of the Salt Fork River. The Salt Fork River clean-up event introduced hundreds of people to this East Central Illinois river, popular with paddlers, anglers and wildlife enthusiasts. For the river itself the cleanups meant the removal of tons of trash from its banks and waters. In 2006 the SFRP directed their efforts to another local water resource closely connected to the area rivers. Partnering with Prairie Rivers Network, the Champaign Soil and Water Conservation District, the Champaign County Forest Preserve and Save Our Trees, the SFRP led a work day to help restore wetlands near St. Joseph. Volunteers assisted with planting native plants, removing invasive garlic mustard, shrubs and cattail plants, and setting up boxes for purple martins, bluebirds and bats. The SFRP provides an example of how river activism can extend beyond a river's banks. Consider promoting your local river using a variety of activities as the SFRP has - something as "simple" as a photograph can inspire and motivate people to protect what may be one of the few natural resources in your part of Illinois.]]> 1639 0 1075 0 https://prairierivers.org/uncategorized/2008/10/watershed-groups/ Fri, 10 Oct 2008 20:32:28 +0000 http://prairierivers.org/?p=1661 With Prairie Rivers Network, U.S. EPA and industry partners, Agency hosts forum to develop goals for sustainable watersheds SPRINGFIELD - Members of watershed groups, state and federal agencies, and industry representatives gathered in Springfield on Friday to participate in a workshop and forum discussion to formalize a strategy for watershed stakeholders in Illinois. Along with representatives from the Prairie Rivers Network, staff from the Illinois EPA, U.S. EPA, Hach Environmental and Tetra Tech, Inc. assembled to discuss methods necessary to maintain the integrity of Illinois' watersheds. "Protecting and preserving Illinois' watersheds requires a unified approach," said Illinois EPA Director Doug Scott. "We intend for participants in this forum to develop a set of tools to take back to their organizations and put to use." Watersheds are defined as areas of land where the water, such as rainwater or snow melt, flows into specific water bodies such as rivers and lakes. Proper management of watersheds, results in improved surface water quality. As runoff water moves toward the water body, it moves through and across agricultural, industrial and urban lands, collecting contaminants on the way. These water bodies are then used for recreation and drinking water purposes. Among the issues discussed were erosion, flooding and the overall water quality. Wildlife is also heavily dependent on proper watershed management. "We are thankful for the opportunity to bring so many people involved in protecting our water resources together," said Kim Erndt, Habitat Conservation Program Coordinator for the Prairie Rivers Network. "It's an opportunity for us to learn from each other and lay a foundation that will strengthen our ability to protect our water resources for the people, fish and wildlife that depend on them." Among the participants are representatives from conservation districts, environmental preservation groups, local governments and educators, as well as state natural resources and agriculture agencies. They discussed development of strategies and tools, and shared success scenarios. The Prairie Rivers Network also presented early findings of an ongoing watershed survey, which is being posted on its website at: http://prairierivers.org/survey/. Erndt encouraged interested parties to complete and submit the survey, to aid them in their research. The workshop was held through a grant by the Illinois EPA as part of Section 319 of the Federal Clean Water Act, and through matching funds by the Prairie Rivers Network and the industry partners. The purpose of the Grant Program is to work with local government and other organizations to protect water quality in Illinois through the control of nonpoint source pollution. The program provides funds to implement projects that utilize cost-effective best management practices to protect Illinois' water resources.

-30-

]]> 1661 0 1076 0 https://prairierivers.org/uncategorized/2008/10/forest-preserve-referendum/ Fri, 24 Oct 2008 18:26:58 +0000 http://prairierivers.org/?p=1676 www.Vote2cents.org]]> 1676 0 1071 0 https://prairierivers.org/articles/2008/10/nrc-epa-report/ Mon, 20 Oct 2008 18:27:29 +0000 http://prairierivers.org/?p=1683 http://www.epa.gov/npdes/pubs/nrc_stormwaterreport.pdf The NRC press release is at: http://www8.nationalacademies.org/onpinews/newsitem.aspx?RecordID=12465]]> 1683 0 1072 0 https://prairierivers.org/uncategorized/2008/10/salt-fork-art-festival/ Wed, 29 Oct 2008 18:39:11 +0000 http://prairierivers.org/?p=1694 For Immediate Release Contacts: Joe Taylor, Owner, Sleepy Creek Vineyards, 217.733.0330 Steph Adams, Prairie Rivers Network, 217.621.7671 The first annual Salt Fork River Art Festival held at the Sleepy Creek Vineyard September 27 and 28 raised $1,000 to preserve Illinois' rivers. Vineyard owners, Joe and Dawn Taylor, contributed a portion of the event's proceeds and encouraged guests to donate to Prairie Rivers Network, the statewide river conservation organization. "The rivers and streams of Vermilion County are the reason we located Sleepy Creek Vineyards where we did," stated Joe Taylor. "We have a beautiful stream on the property that runs into the Salt Fork River. Since Prairie Rivers Network's mission is to help protect these resources, we had been looking for a way to work with them. An art festival seemed to be the perfect fit to focus attention on the beauty of the local rivers and the need to preserve them." The festival featured wine tasting, 25 regional artists from Illinois and Indiana, and a stroll through the beautiful, sun-filled vineyard. Sleepy Creek Vineyard is located just south of Oakwood in Fairmount, Vermilion County. The festival's namesake, the Salt Fork River, winds through agricultural land from north of Urbana to Danville where it joins the Vermilion River. "It is really inspiring to be asked to share in the profits of a festival named after one of the local treasures that we are here to protect. Prairie Rivers Network is grateful to Joe and Dawn Taylor of Sleepy Creek Vineyard for their generosity and commitment to what they love about Vermilion County," said Steph Adams. Prairie Rivers Network will use the $1,000 donation to continue preserving riverside vegetation and to teach local citizens how to be river activists and stewards for their local waterways. ########

Updated 11/12/08 with Logo

]]> 1694 0 1069 0 https://prairierivers.org/articles/2008/10/umr-eduction/ Thu, 02 Oct 2008 18:51:54 +0000 http://prairierivers.org/?p=1699 Upper Mississippi Eduction Program held its fourth successful field trip for 60 Illinois high school students. Students started the day with a tour of the dam at the Melvin Price Locks & Dam/National Great Rivers Museum and then participated in a Team Building exercise. The afternoon was spent at Principia College in Jersey County, Illinois, where the students worked together to develop possible solutions to some of the UMR's most difficult environmental problems with the assistance of local river experts and college student facilitators. Some of the creative solutions that the students came up with to deal with the Asian Carp issue included using a combination of biological or chemical controls, community fishing contests up and down the river on certain days and developing processing plants for animal feed or export. After the session students toured the campus UMR overlook. View photos from the trip.]]> 1699 0 1079 0 https://prairierivers.org/news/2008/11/2008-sponsors/ Tue, 25 Nov 2008 19:01:49 +0000 http://prairierivers.org/?p=1744 Tim Palmer was inspiring, and the I Hotel had excellent service. Thank you to our sponsors for helping us make it happen!

Headwaters Circle

Royse Wagner, Inc .

River Protector

Kyle and Phyllis Robeson Benefit Funds

River Steward

Anonymous

River Guardian

River Sustainer

In-Kind Sponsors

B. Lime

Sleepy Creek Vineyards

Blue Moon Farm

Sun Singer Wine & Spirits

Champaign Do It Best Hardware

International Galleries

Kickapoo Landing

Prairie Rain Harvester

]]> 1744 0 1067 0 https://prairierivers.org/uncategorized/2008/12/dam-on-sangamon-river-dec-3/ Mon, 01 Dec 2008 14:19:01 +0000 http://prairierivers.org/?p=1763 If built, the reservoir would impound Horse Creek and Brush Creek, both tributaries of the South Fork of the Sangamon River, affecting almost 500 acres of riparian corridors, would inundate over 3,000 acres of wetlands, bottomland forest, stream channels, ponds and farmland, and overall would directly impact nearly 8000 acres. This dam was first proposed in the early 1970s, and has gone through several iterations, always to be disregarded primarily due to anticipated environmental impacts. "There are so many alternatives to this dam. Alternatives that are much less expensive both financially and environmentally," stated Traci Barkley, water scientist at Prairie Rivers Network. "We Illinoisans-with our bankrupt state budget-owe it to ourselves to put the most cost-effective water supply plan into place. Alternatives to the dam such as water conservation, groundwater wells or the use of sand and gravel pits will allow us to meet water supply demands without destroying the land and river forever." The Illinois Environmental Protection Agency is charged with the responsibility of certifying that construction of the reservoir will not contribute to violations of water quality standards and will not adversely impact fish and other inhabitants of the Horse Creek, Brush Creek and South Fork of the Sangamon Rivers. The purpose of the hearing is to provide an opportunity for citizens to ask questions, submit comments and provide additional information that will help inform the Agency in determining potential water quality impacts. The public hearing and the 30-day public comment period to follow are the final steps in the process towards environmental permitting for the dam and reservoir proposed to supplement the City of Springfield's water supply. For more information regarding the public hearing, please visit http://www.epa.state.il.us/public-notices/2008/cwlp-hunter-lake/index.pdf Contact: Traci Barkley Prairie Rivers Network Phone: 217/344-2371 tbarkley@prairierivers.org #########

Post Updated 12/4/2008

]]> 1763 0 1066 0 https://prairierivers.org/uncategorized/2008/10/salt-fork-drainage-district-appeal-update/ Thu, 16 Oct 2008 14:23:27 +0000 http://prairierivers.org/?p=1766 In fall 2007 Champaign County Judge Holly Clemons denied a request by the Upper Salt Fork Drainage District to permanently increase its annual tax levy from $1.15 to $5.00/acre as the district did not provide the court with evidence that the work was necessary, cost-effective and environmentally sound. The three-judge appellate panel ruled unanimously in favor of six landowners from rural St. Joseph who objected to the District's proposal to build dozens of permanent structures in the channel without a plan showing where they would be built, or how many trees would be destroyed to gain access to the construction sites. The appeals court refused to buy the drainage district's assertion that the law gave courts no authority to scrutinize the method by which the proposed work will be accomplished. The court declared: "We conclude that the legislature intended greater protection for the taxpayer." (p. 22 of court order 4-07-1068). In effect, in cases where there are objections to a district's petition, the court's decision shifts the burden of proof to the district to provide evidence supporting its request for an increase in annual assessments. The appellate court's decision was praised by Prairie Rivers Network, the statewide organization that provides expert assistance to landowners who object to dredging and tree-cutting by drainage districts. "Illinois law requires drainage projects be conducted with prior court approval" said Cecily Smith, policy specialist for Prairie Rivers. "In this case, the drainage district proposed construction projects but tried to label them maintenance projects, in an attempt to avoid court oversight." During the trial Prairie Rivers did not object to drainage improvements; its expert witness simply stated that plans and specifications were needed in order to evaluate the cost-effectiveness and environmental impacts of the proposed work. "We are willing and would like to work with the drainage district to develop a plan that maintains adequate drainage, and attacks the root causes of the problem. Erosion from unstable banks contributes thousands of tons of soil into the water, and this problem will persist as long as dredging continues to be the preferred method of drainage maintenance for the Salt Fork and other rivers. We would like to see maintenance techniques adopted that work with the natural river systems to form a self-maintaining process - these techniques are available and feasible." said Smith. Contact: Clark Bullard, 217.333.7734]]> 1766 0 1073 0 https://prairierivers.org/uncategorized/2008/11/tim-palmer/ Wed, 19 Nov 2008 14:31:09 +0000 http://prairierivers.org/?p=1771 Tim will present Rivers of America, a vivid personal journey about passion for rivers and their crucial importance to all of life. Tim has been taking photos of America's rivers and natural landscapes for more than 30 years and may have the most complete collection of river photos, with images from all across the U.S. In addition, Prairie Rivers Network will be releasing a booklet documenting their 40-year history, from the first success of saving Allerton Park from being flooded by a proposed reservoir to recent victories against new pollution from sewage treatment plants. The celebration will be hosted by Prairie Rivers Network's new Executive Director, Glynnis Collins, "We're looking forward to a special event this year. Tim's inspirational photography will remind us of the timeless beauty of rivers and how we can work together to protect our natural heritage for future generations." Ms. Collins was a staff scientist with Prairie Rivers Network for three years before stepping in to the role of Executive Director. Her work focused on making sure that the laws intended to protect clean water in Illinois are actually doing so. Among other things, she worked to improve protections for wetlands and to make sure that limits for pollution levels in rivers are safe. The event will be attended by 250 members of Prairie Rivers Network. The general public is invited, but an RSVP is requested. Tickets are $35 per person. Call 344-2371 for more information. Contacts: Glynnis Collins, Executive Director, Prairie Rivers Network, 344-2371 Jon McNussen, Board Chair, Prairie Rivers Network, 344-2371 ######]]> 1771 0 1068 0 https://prairierivers.org/articles/2008/12/sangamon-dam/ Mon, 08 Dec 2008 03:00:56 +0000 http://prairierivers.org/?p=1779 Why is this Happening? The City of Springfield "needs" 10 million more gallons of water per day, and to get it, they want to build a dam and reservoir just outside of Springfield. Really? If built, the reservoir dubbed "Hunter Lake" would impound Horse Creek and Brush Creek, both tributaries to the Sangamon, affecting almost 500 acres of riverbank corridors, would inundate over 3,000 acres of wetlands, bottomland forest, stream channel, ponds and farmland, and overall would directly impact nearly 8000 acres. This dam was first proposed in the early 1970s, and has gone through several iterations, always to be put aside primarily due to anticipated environmental impacts. On December 3rd in Springfield, a public hearing was held in order to provide an opportunity for citizens to ask the hard questions and submit comments regarding the proposed reservoir. The hearing was part of a process in which the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency must certify that the supplemental water supply project for the City of Springfield will meet water quality standards and not impact fish and other inhabitants upstream and downstream of the proposed dam. A certification that is completely false-there is no such thing as a "no impact" dam. The hearing was attended by over 150 people. Public comments (including by PRN staff and board members) were overwhelmingly opposed to the dam. Some of the issues raised were:

• The reservoir would provide 21.5 millions gallons of water a day, although the demand report forecasts the needs of the city are less than half that amount. Two published reports predict that water quality standards cannot be met in the proposed reservoir.
• Reservoir construction cannot begin until the upstream communities of Pawnee, Divernon, and Virden agree to divert sewage treatment plant wastewater from the reservoir. Representatives from Pawnee and the Virden Sanitary District have indicated they are not in a financial position to install the diversion pipes.
• The dam could lead to flooding problems both upstream and downstream of the dam; the city has not considered this impact.
• Places to restore or create new stream, wetland, and forest habitat to make up for those destroyed by the project (as is required by law) have not been identified and the proposed "mitigation plan" is woefully inadequate.
• Areas that would be inundated for the reservoir include several hundred historical Native American and pioneer settlements and trails.

There are less costly ways of meeting this demand. Opponents to building the dam have long held that the environmental costs of the project far outweigh the benefits and that projected water needs can be met through:

• water savings in power production practices;
• water conservation measures throughout the service community;
• installation of groundwater wells and use of nearby sand and gravel pits to meet the temporary needs for additional water in times of extreme drought; and
• implementation of conservation pricing and a new rate structure for large volume water users to create incentives for more efficient water usage.

We know this. Alternatives to giant engineering projects are mainstream options being put into practice all over the world. Many people benefit when these alternative options are implemented. The problem is that it takes a lot of individuals to voice their preference for alternatives to dams-enough to counter the weight of the engineering and construction interests who win when a big dam is ordered.

Take action now!

The public hearing and the 30-day public comment period to follow are the final steps in the process towards environmental permitting for the reservoir-this is the time for the public to state their preference for alternatives to damming. Damming tributaries of the Sangamon River will result in the loss of stream and streamside habitat, an altered fish community, additional water pollution, and a massively wasteful public expenditure. The destruction from damming lasts forever. The water provided only lasts until the reservoir fills up with sediments. It is critical that the Illinois EPA hears all public concerns now. Written comments will be accepted by the Agency through January 5, 2009 and can be submitted by fax, mail or email at the number and addresses listed below. This is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to protect an ecologically, historically and socially important resource, the Sangamon River system. If you would like help in developing comments for Illinois EPA, please contact Traci Barkley (tbarkley@prairierivers.org).

Written comments must be postmarked or e-mailed by midnight, January 5, 2009

Comments need not be notarized and should be sent to:

Hearing Officer Kurt Neibergall Illinois Environmental Protection Agency #5 1021 North Grand Avenue East P. O. Box 19276 Springfield, IL 62794-9276

Phone 217-785-3819 TDD (hearing impaired) 217-782-9143

E-mail Kurt.Neibergall@illinois.gov

Read our press release.

]]> 1779 0 1065 0 https://prairierivers.org/articles/2008/12/2008-award-recipients/ Mon, 08 Dec 2008 03:14:42 +0000 http://prairierivers.org/?p=1786

Lt. Gov. Pat Quinn - Outstanding Public Service

Lt. Governor Pat Quinn received our first-ever Outstanding Public Service Award. The Lt. Governor has an intense interest in clean water and is a state leader in river conservation policy and citizen activism. He rises to the top as someone who not only knows the importance of protecting our natural resources, but also takes the required steps to make a difference.

Joyce Blumenshine - River Steward

Joyce is the Conservation Chair for the Illinois Chapter of the Sierra Club, where she supports and guides conservation efforts of over 25,000 Sierra Club members and 15 groups. Joyce has been a pivotal leader in addressing the onslaught of new coal mines proposed in Illinois and the impact of these operations on surface and groundwater quality, as well as the destruction of wetlands. Joyce is a tireless champion for the environment and an inspirational leader.

Mickey Kudia - Volunteer of the Year

This is Mickey's second year volunteering with PRN. Some of the projects he has worked on include writing E-Newz articles, research on pharmaceuticals, and tracking Freedom of Information Act requests on mining operations. Mickey will be graduating in 2009 with a degree in Environmental journalism.]]> 1786 0 1064 0 https://prairierivers.org/articles/2008/12/pharmaceutical-petition/ Mon, 08 Dec 2008 03:26:32 +0000 http://prairierivers.org/?p=1792 Pharmacies are critical partners in efforts to create convenient and consistent collection programs. At this time, while only a few independent pharmacies in Illinois have take-back programs at their stores, these collection sites are used frequently by their customers and other community members. Help Prairie Rivers Network send a clear message to pharmacists that they must be actively involved in providing Illinois residents locally convenient, secure and permanent disposal options for their unwanted and unused medicines. Sign our petition at http://www.thepetitionsite.com/1/protect-Illinois-rivers You can also send the link to your family and friends who are Illinois residents. Thank you for keeping our rivers clean and our fish and other wildlife healthy. For more information, read our pharmaceutical articles.]]> 1792 0 1063 0 https://prairierivers.org/articles/2008/12/2008-annual-dinner/ Mon, 08 Dec 2008 03:58:54 +0000 http://prairierivers.org/?p=1796

On November 21st, Prairie Rivers Network held its Eleventh Annual Dinner at the I Hotel and Conference Center in Champaign. Over 260 guests were welcomed, three amazing river advocates were honored, and eight lucky people won prizes.

Tim Palmer autograph's his book for a PRN member

This year's keynote speaker took us on a grand tour for river lovers. Tim Palmer, photographer and author of nineteen books, including Rivers of America, treated us to a slideshow documenting his personal engagement with and passion for our nation's rivers over a forty year career of paddling, writing, photography, and activism. We saw rivers before they were flooded by dams. We saw the Sangamon, which Mr. Palmer photographed in the late 1960's, fearing that it would soon be flooded. We saw rivers that once were and still are because of organizations like Prairie Rivers Network. There were quite a few misty-eyed river rats thinking of the rivers we love-and the rivers we want to preserve for tomorrow.

Thank you, Tim Palmer, for inspiring us.

And now...back to work! Prairie Rivers Network wishes to thank all of our longtime members, new guests, and dinner sponsors for your participation in our work. The Annual Dinner is a fundraiser, and it successfully raised funds, but it also recharges all of us, brings us together and reminds us that we have a vision of clean water: water we can fish and swim in, water we can drink, water clean enough so that everything depending on it can flourish.

Special thanks to our sponsors and raffle donors, whose generosity is so important to this event - please consider giving them your business!

And a very special thank you to our volunteers that have donated their time throughout the year and at the dinner. The staff truely appreciate all of the hard work:

• Lucy Bannon
• Alex Hoekstra
• Mickey Kudia
• Erin O'Neill
• Sarah Scott
• Greg Wojslaw.

Photos from the Dinner:

The Farmer's Market String Band Entertain our Members

New board member and former executive director, Jean Flemma (on left) visit with members during the cocktail hour

Joyce Blumenshine receives River Steward Award

Ann Begeron wins wine tasting at Sun Singers

Members enjoyed a wonderful dinner at the I Hotel

Members talk with our river advocates during cocktail hour

]]> 1796 0 1062 0 https://prairierivers.org/news/2008/12/capacity-building-workshop/ Tue, 09 Dec 2008 02:44:27 +0000 http://prairierivers.org/?p=1817 Recent Workshop A Big Success On October 10th, in collaboration with the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Illinois Lake Management Association, Tetra Tech Inc., Hydrolab/Hach Environmental, and Prairie Rivers Network held a forum about building the technical capacity of people and groups working to protect Illinois' rivers and streams. Approximately 60 people from diverse backgrounds attended. City managers, watershed group volunteers, resource conservationists, and state and federal employees that work on water resource issues came together to talk about how we can strengthen our efforts to improve water quality and protect wildlife habitat. As a result of this forum, Prairie Rivers Network will spend the next two years partnering with other nonprofits, watershed groups, private businesses, and agencies to deliver a series of workshops and networking opportunities that provide valuable information and tools to these groups and that will foster collaboration among the diverse entities working to protect our streams.

Read more about Workshop and Forum Discussion that was held on 10/10/2008

Upcoming Workshop

Grant Opportunities and Funding Options for Lake and Watershed Projects

This workshop on February 18, 2009 will provide a broad spectrum of information related to grant opportunities for lake and watershed projects with Federal and State agencies. Representatives from Illinois EPA, Illinois DNR, and Peoria County SWCD/NRCS will present attendees with a list and description of grant opportunities in their agency and related information such as tips for writing or applying for grants, application deadlines, contact information, website links, leveraging funds for match, and estimated funds available. Two additional presenters will provide information about funding options for lake and watershed projects from a homeowner's perspective. The session will conclude with a panel discussion that will allow attendees to obtain more specific information regarding funding for their own lake or watershed project. The workshop is hosted by the Illinois Lake Management Association in partnership with Prairie Rivers Network (through CWA 319 funding provided by Illinois EPA and USEPA) in an effort to build capacity in Illinois watersheds. For more information please email Kim Erndt at kerndt@prairierivers.org. To keep informed about this workshop visit the Illinois Lake Management Association's website at www.ilma-lakes.org or view the IMLA Conference Brochure.

Post Updated on 12/9/08, 1/9/09, 1/13/09

]]> 1817 0 1061 0 https://prairierivers.org/articles/2008/12/winter-2008-newsletter/ Tue, 09 Dec 2008 17:41:53 +0000 http://prairierivers.org/?p=1831 Prairie River Notes - Winter 2008 Newsletter with the following articles:

• Welcome Kim Knowles
• 2008 Accomplishments
• Looking Ahead to 2009
• Solution to Drugs in our Water
• Capacity Building Workshops
• Court Case Protects Salt Fork
• PRN Annual Dinner Recap
• Holiday Gift Membership
• 2008 Award Recipients

]]> 1831 0 1060 0 https://prairierivers.org/uncategorized/2008/12/there-is-still-time-to-voice-opposition-to-hunter-dam/ Wed, 10 Dec 2008 23:23:51 +0000 http://prairierivers.org/?p=1840 Opponents to the proposed reservoir for a supplemental Springfield water supply came out in strong force at a recent IEPA-hosted public hearing. Springfield-area residents provided some of the most compelling testimony at the December 3 hearing on the Section 401 water quality certification permit for the proposed Hunter Lake reservoir. IEPA’s approval of the 401 permit will likely guarantee that this unnecessary and environmentally destructive project will proceed.

Take action now! The 30-day public comment period to follow the hearing is the final step in the process towards environmental permitting for the reservoir. Damming tributaries of the Sangamon River would be a massive waste of public funds. The destruction from damming lasts forever and is expansive: loss of stream and streamside habitat, altered fish communities, and additional water pollution.

Use this link to send an email voicing your objections to the Army Corps of Engineers and the Illinois EPA:

http://action.sierraclub.org/site/R?i=04IPa2bFMYU5j84F4K6YFA

It is critical that the Illinois EPA hears all public concerns now. Written comments will be accepted by the Agency through January 5, 2009 (for details click here). This is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to protect the ecologically, historically and socially important resources within the Sangamon River system. If you would like help in developing comments for Illinois EPA, please contact Traci Barkley, tbarkley@prairierivers.org.

Contact these Springfield-area groups for more information on Sangamon River Valley natural resources and how you can protect them:

Sierra Club Sangamon Valley Group  - Promotes and practices the responsible use of the Earth's ecosystems and resources; explores, enjoys and protects the wild places of the Earth; educates and enlists humanity to protect and restore the quality of the natural and human environment, http://www.illinois.sierraclub.org/sangamon

Sustainable Springfield – Advocates the sustainable and energy conscious development of Springfield, http://sustainablespringfield.org/ssblog/ (blog on Hunter Lake).

Friends of the Sangamon Valley - Dedicated to the preservation of the Sangamon Valley Watershed by acquiring, restoring and protecting its ecologically significant lands in the Sangamon Valley Watershed, http://www.fosv.org/.

Press coverage on the December 3 IEPA hearing:

http://www.sj-r.com/homepage/x776465164/IEPA-to-hold-public-hearing-on-lake-proposal

http://www.sj-r.com/homepage/x776470342/Public-hearing-on-Hunter-Lake-held

http://www.illinoistimes.com/gyrobase/Content?oid=oid%3A9003

]]> 1840 0 1059 0 https://prairierivers.org/articles/2009/01/eagle_watchin/ Wed, 14 Jan 2009 21:47:54 +0000 http://prairierivers.org/?p=1859

A mature bald eagle and an immature bald eagle interact over the mostly frozen Illinois River.

January in Illinois might be too cold for fishing or paddling, but it is a prime month to visit rivers and streams for eagle viewing. This is also the month that organizations dedicated to protecting the health and sustainability of bald eagle populations rely on volunteers to count eagles. Counting adult and immature bald eagles provides important information on population health; eagle counts for the last two years have recorded declining numbers of immature eagles in the Midwest, which is one indicator that the birds' reproduction is not as successful as it has been in previous years. Throughout the month of January, you can help record the status of our national symbol by volunteering to count bald eagles. The Eagle Nature Foundation's 49th Annual Midwest Bird Count is the weekend of January 24-25. Volunteers from Minnesota to Tennessee will get out their binoculars and scopes to join in this effort. Last year's total of 4,052 was the highest in the event's 48-year old history. Interested volunteers should contact the count coordinator, Terence Ingram, at 815.594.2306 to get count forms. If you are not able to get a form, then be sure to mark your count location and time on a map. Counts should be done earlier in the morning before 11:00 am, and need to include the totals for both adult and immature eagles (heads and tails must be pure white to be counted as adults; dark heads and tails are immature; if the head or tail looks mottled and/or or has a dark stripe, then the eagle is also considered immature). The ENF offers bald eagle tours on the Upper Mississippi in January and February. For more information about bald eagles, bald eagle tours and the 49th Annual Midwest bird Count, visit the ENF's website at www.eaglenature.com. Lt. Governor Pat Quinn's website also has comprehensive information on bald eagle events, tours and places for eagle watching throughout Illinois at www.standingupforillinois.org/eagles/index.php.]]> 1859 0 1055 0 https://prairierivers.org/articles/2009/01/wild-scenic-film-festival/ Wed, 14 Jan 2009 16:57:00 +0000 http://prairierivers.org/?p=1872 Friends of the Fox is hosting the 2nd Annual Wild and Scenic Film Festival January 29 and 30, which is sponsored by Patagonia. This year's offerings include Fish and Cow, Pollen Nation, Against the Current and For the Price of a Cup of Coffee. For more details about the event or to volunteer visit www.wildandscenicfilmfestival.org, or contact Jenni Kempf, jennikempf@yahoo.com, 847.651.1121, or Gary Swick, gary.swick@d300.org, 815.370.0026.]]> 1872 0 1056 0 https://prairierivers.org/articles/2008/12/2008-accomplishments/ Wed, 31 Dec 2008 22:03:31 +0000 http://prairierivers.org/?p=1878 Clean Water Reduced pollution from sewage treatment plants - We negotiated lower pollution levels from five treatment plants, with negotiations underway for several more. Because of our positive track record, polluters often seek our input before applying for permits to discuss alternatives to higher pollution levels. Held agencies and coal companies accountable - PRN has seen a rapid increase in new coal mining permits proposing to use longwall mining techniques which can be particularly damaging to rivers and wetlands. Despite limited public review due to a fragmented regulatory framework, we have been able to improve permit requirements for four mines, and are poised to appeal two more permits if clean water and habitat issues are not addressed.

Habitat and Natural Stream Flows

Protected headwater streams from ill-conceived drainage projects - Please see article on page 5 about our support of landowners in a successful challenge to the Upper Salt Fork Drainage District's vague plans for "maintenance" of the Salt Fork of the Vermilion River.

River Awareness and Stewardship

Helped local groups protect rivers and riverside habitat - With funding from EPA, we created and distributed a survey, the first of its kind, to over 11,000 individuals and groups working to protect Illinois waterways. Our analysis of the survey results, plus discussion at a follow-up workshop will be the starting point for a new two-year effort to provide training and support to address identified needs. Trained Piasa Palisades Stormwater Team - As a result of training from PRN and Sierra Club, the Sierra Club Piasa Palisades group (Madison County) has formed an active construction site monitoring team and is reporting illegal pollution to government staff.

Organizational Capacity

Planned and improved PRN outreach materials - With a very generous donation of design services from Royse Wagner, Inc., we have been able to develop a beautiful new Web site and outreach materials. These will help us better tell our stories and reach new potential partners and members.]]> 1878 0 1058 0 https://prairierivers.org/articles/2009/01/find-prn-on-facebook/ Tue, 13 Jan 2009 22:15:26 +0000 http://prairierivers.org/?p=1883 Check out the Prairie Rivers Network Page on Facebook and become a fan.

]]> 1883 0 1057 0 https://prairierivers.org/news/2009/01/esi-salsa/ Tue, 27 Jan 2009 14:32:39 +0000 http://prairierivers.org/?p=1904 EarthShare Illinois is holding a benefit salsa dance in Chicago on February 14th, featuring renowned Chicago Salsa artist Papa Santiago and Orchestra Infraverde. As you Salsa the night away you'll be helping PRN continue our work to keep our rivers clean and healthy for people, fish and wildlife. EarthShare is a workplace giving organization where employees interested in protecting the environment can make payroll donations to groups including Prairie Rivers Network. Last year PRN received over $7,500 in donations through the EarthShare program.]]> 1904 0 1053 0 https://prairierivers.org/articles/2009/01/environmental-alamanac-blog/ Thu, 15 Jan 2009 14:40:35 +0000 http://prairierivers.org/?p=1912 resolving to enjoy, conserve Illinois rivers in 2009.]]> 1912 0 1054 0 https://prairierivers.org/uncategorized/2009/02/prn-welcomes-pat-quinn-2008-outstanding-public-servant-to-the-governs-office/ Thu, 05 Feb 2009 17:14:11 +0000 http://prairierivers.org/?p=1922 In the days since taking office, Governor Quinn has promised to re-open state parks and historic sites, and to review leadership at Illinois Department of Natural Resources. Quinn has also vowed to continue the programs he initiated as Lt. Governor. With the signing of SB 1132, Quinn has already reversed budget sweeps of critical fish, wildlife and habitat programs made by the Blagojevich administration in recent months. While Illinois is facing an extremely dire financial crisis, Prairie Rivers Network believes that Governor Quinn will make sure that state agencies have the leadership and resources they need to fulfill their obligations in safeguarding public health, clean air, and clean water. According to Stacy James, Water Resources Scientist with Prairie Rivers Network, "Governor Pat Quinn is a leader who really understands the importance of clean rivers and clean water. He knows that the citizens of Illinois get countless recreational, economic, and social benefits from our waterways, and that people, fish, and wildlife depend on these waterways for their very survival." As Lt. Governor, Quinn initiated programs to help governments and schools reduce pollution and use less energy. As chair of the Illinois and Mississippi River Coordinating Councils, Quinn brought citizens and government agencies together to coordinate actions and policies that protect the state's two biggest rivers. In response to tragic drownings at several Illinois dams, Quinn launched a dam safety initiative to educate the public about dam safety, improve signage at dams, and investigate where structural improvements are needed to make dams safer. In 2005 he initiated "It's Our River Day," a statewide celebration of rivers on the third Saturday of every September, that features activities and events such as river cleanups that citizens participate in or even organize. "Governor Quinn believes in government accountability and working together. We're looking forward to working with him to make Illinois a national leader in nature protection and green development because it's a sound investment in the health of our families, our children, and future generations," said Collins. CONTACT: Glynnis Collins, Executive Director Stacy James, Water Resources Scientist 217-344-2371]]> 1922 0 1052 0 https://prairierivers.org/uncategorized/2009/02/action-alert/ Fri, 06 Feb 2009 16:32:18 +0000 http://prairierivers.org/?p=1928 Action Alert The Corps of Engineers section of Title IV of S. 336, the Senate Economic Stimulus legislation, includes a terrible precedent by waiving all existing cost-sharing requirements for construction of Army Corps of Engineers Inland Waterways projects. Such a waiver would reverse 23 years of national policy set in the landmark 1986 Water Resources Development Act (WRDA) that the nation's barge companies are required contribute 50 percent of costs of new construction or major rehabilitation of inland waterway locks, dams or channels. Taxpayers currently pay the entire cost of operations and maintenance of inland waterways. Thus, in 2008 the barge companies already received an enormous 91 percent taxpayer subsidy for all the costs of inland waterways - contributing only $92 million out of total expenditures of $930 million. The Stimulus waiver means all of the costs of operating, maintaining and constructing inland waterways would be borne by U.S. taxpayers as long as the Stimulus funds are applied to waterway construction. Bill gives inland waterways a 100 percent taxpayer subsidy. No other form of transportation (other than space travel) receives anywhere near such level of taxpayer subsidy. A 1992 CBO study found that "On a percentage basis, the inland waterway system is the most heavily subsidized of the three modes of transportation, although aviation is more heavily subsidized in absolute terms."  (Paying for Highways, Airways, and Waterways:How Can Users Be Charged?, May 1992 - download 8MB file here.) The waiver constitutes a narrow earmark for a handful of companies which include a number owned by some of the wealthiest, most profitable corporations in the nation. Waiver is unfair and biases spending toward inland waterway projects. The waiver sets up an unfair bias in Corps construction funding for inland waterways over other types of Corps of Engineers projects, such as flood control, navigation and environmental restoration. All of these types of projects under the bill must still provide their required non Federal cost-shares. Other water programs in the bill, such as EPA water quality improvement and treatment projects, receive only loans. Corps projects are highest cost per job-type activities. Channel dredging and constructing locks and dams are among the most costly of all public works-type jobs. A University of Illinois study found Corps of Engineers construction projects to be the least job intensive when compared with rail and mass transit construction, wastewater treatment construction, providing Social Security benefits, providing national health insurance or tax relief. Abandoning cost-sharing sets a dangerous precedent and threatens critical aquatic environments. It has become increasingly clear that inland waterway construction and constant and expensive dredging has contributed to major deterioration of aquatic ecosystems of a number of our nation's most important rivers. The establishment in the 1980's of the requirement that beneficiaries of Corps projects must share in their costs has served as a basic test of the value of projects. Waiving the cost-sharing for inland waterways virtually guarantees we will see wasteful spending and environmentally-damaging projects with Stimulus funds.

We strongly urge the Senate to reject this waiver provision.

For more information please contact David Conrad, National Wildlife Federation at conrad@nwf.org or Kim Erndt, Prairie Rivers Network at kerndt@prairierivers.org. Prairie Rivers Network is the Illinois affiliate of the National Wildlife Federation.]]> 1928 0 1051 0 https://prairierivers.org/uncategorized/2009/02/marc-miller-idnr/ Fri, 06 Feb 2009 18:46:24 +0000 http://prairierivers.org/?p=1938 "We expect that the IDNR and the citizens of Illinois will be well-served by Marc Miller, who has a proven commitment to preserving and protecting our natural resources," stated Glynnis Collins, Executive Director of Prairie Rivers Network. As a watershed organizer, Mr. Miller spent much of his time on the road, meeting with citizens around the state and talking with them about the state's rivers and natural areas. This experience provided Mr. Miller with an in-depth background in Illinois' water issues, as well as an understanding of the strong desire of Illinois' citizens to protect their local natural resources. In addition, Mr. Miller's four years with Lt. Gov. Quinn's office have given him an appreciation for the IDNR's scope of responsibilities, lack of funding, and the challenges faced by the understaffed agency trying to fulfill its state-mandated mission. "Miller is an especially sound choice because he knows the Governor, knows the issues, and has sensible judgment. He'll work hard to conserve nature, yet ensure that conservation benefits the people of Illinois, today and in the future. He'll hit the ground running," stated Eric Freyfogle, a member of Prairie River Network's board of directors. CONTACTS: Glynnis Collins, Executive Director, 217-344-2371 Eric Freyfogle, Board Member, 217-714-7754]]> 1938 0 1050 0 https://prairierivers.org/news/2009/02/grant-opportunities/ Mon, 09 Feb 2009 18:52:12 +0000 http://prairierivers.org/?p=1948 Workshop on February 18 On Wednesday, February 18, 2009, the Illinois Lake Management Association in partnership with Prairie Rivers Network will be hosting a workshop from 1:00-5:00 PM at the Pẻre Marquette Hotel in Peoria. Agencies will present information about grant programs available to fund lake and watershed projects. Speakers include Amy Walkenbach (IEPA), Tammy Watson (IDNR), Hal Pyle (NRCS on SWCD, NRCS, and FSA), Trent Thomas (IDNR on USFWS), Dick Hilton (Wonder Lake Homeowner's Association), and Tom Ryan (Lake Sara Forever Foundation). The speakers will join together in a panel discussion at the end of the workshop. Attendees will learn tips for writing or applying for grants, application deadlines, contact information, website links, leveraging funds for matching grants, and estimated funds available. Handouts will be provided, including a list of current grant programs with their funding sources, funding focuses, and contact information. The workshop costs $15.00 (no late fee), and you may register on-site the day of the event. Or, to register in advance, please visit the Illinois Lake Management Association's website at www.ilma-lakes.org or view the ILMA Conference Brochure. This workshop is hosted by the Illinois Lake Management Association in partnership with Prairie Rivers Network (through CWA 319 funding provided by Illinois EPA and USEPA) in an effort to build capacity in Illinois watersheds. For more information please e-mail Alison Meanor at ameanor@prairierivers.org.]]> 1948 0 1048 0 https://prairierivers.org/articles/2009/02/rivers-corps-of-discovery/ Mon, 09 Feb 2009 20:14:16 +0000 http://prairierivers.org/?p=1954 Prairie Rivers Network is partnering with Mike Jeffords, Susan Post, and Carolyn Nixon of the Illinois Natural History Survey (INHS) to expand their "Corps of Discovery" program throughout Illinois. This program trains individuals in photography, descriptive writing, and sketching with the goal of using these skills to create "a total aesthetic picture" of Illinois river and floodplain ecosystems as they exist today and into the future. River Corps of Discovery volunteers have already been trained to record the rich diversity of the Cache River wetlands, the Nature Conservancy's Emiquon Preserve along the Illinois River, Allerton and Lost Mound. Another round of training workshops begins April 16th at the INHS office in Champaign. The course consists of five all-day workshops which include skill-building activities; volunteers are not required to have prior artistic backgrounds or demonstrated skills, but must be dedicated and committed to using their training within the River Corps of Discovery program. For more information on the River Corps of Discovery visit www.inhs.uiuc.edu/outreach/COD.html, or contact Michael Jeffords at Jeffords@illinois.edu or 217.333.5986. The deadline for registration and fee payment ($75) for the workshops closes March 15, 2009.]]> 1954 0 1047 0 https://prairierivers.org/articles/2009/02/frog-call-survey-training/ Mon, 09 Feb 2009 13:50:07 +0000 http://prairierivers.org/?p=1963

Bullfrog by Dan Olson

Are you interested in becoming a volunteer frog call surveyor? If so, the Champaign County Forest Preserve District and the Urbana Park District are looking for you. We need your help monitoring frog calls on District lands. We will have training to become Frog Call Surveyors on:

Tue. February 24th, 2009

From 6:30 to 8:30 pm (Classroom training) And Wed. March 4th, 2009 From 6:30 to 8:30 pm (Field Training) Participants must attend both days in order to be certified to do call surveys. If you can not make both days please do not register as space is limited.

If you are already a frog call monitor, this is a great refresher!

Training is at the Salt Fork Center (formerly the Outdoor Recreation center) in the Homer Lake Forest Preserve in Champaign County. For detailed directions visit www.ccfpd.org. The commitment we need from our volunteers includes:

• At least two training sessions per year (one classroom, one in the field).
• A minimum of 10 hours of call surveys in the field per year.
• Timely reports from the field.

Other good stuff to know

• Most of the surveying will be done in the spring and early summer.
• Surveying time is flexible to your schedule.
• Evening work is necessary (that is when the frogs are at their best).
• No experience is necessary to become a surveyor.
• Volunteer and training time counts towards Master Naturalist hours.
• This is real data that the Districts will use for future management decisions.

Space is limited so please RSVP to dolson@ccfpd.org by Friday Feb. 20th. Please include "frog call" in the title line. We hope to see you there.]]> 1963 0 1049 0 https://prairierivers.org/articles/2009/02/prn-opposes-proposed-hunter-reservoir/ Tue, 24 Feb 2009 14:22:43 +0000 http://prairierivers.org/?p=1984

PRN Letter to the Army Corps of Engineers in opposition to Hunter Reservoir

PRN Letter to the Illinois EPA in opposition to Hunter Reservoir 

 Read more articles about PRN's fight to stop the Hunter Reservoir:

The Sangamon River System Needs Your Help! (posted 12/7/08)

PRN Calls on Public to Voice Opposition to Proposed Dam Dec. 3 (posted 12/1/08)

]]> 1984 0 1046 0 https://prairierivers.org/news/2009/02/illinois-state-parks-are-open/ Thu, 26 Feb 2009 22:38:25 +0000 http://prairierivers.org/?p=1996

Glynnis Collins with Governor Quinn

This morning I had the pleasure of attending a press conference where Governor Pat Quinn and Department of Natural Resources Director Marc Miller announced the opening of the seven state parks that were closed by the Blagojevich administration last fall. This is a day that we at Prairie Rivers Network and a host of other partners have been working for since the closures were initially announced in July 2008. In their remarks, Miller and Quinn emphasized the value of these (and all) state parks for Illinois families, the state economy, and overall public health.  We applaud the Governor and DNR Director for moving so quickly to address a real problem and for making natural resource protection and promotion of outdoor activities a priority of the new administration in Springfield. It was quite a scene over at the beautiful DNR building on the State Fairgrounds in Springfield. The podium where Quinn and Miller spoke was on the lowest floor of the 4-story atrium, and three stories worth of open balconies and stairways surrounding the atrium were crowded with DNR employees. It looked as if they were hanging from the rafters. When Quinn and Miller approached the podium there was a huge and long round of applause, and the same happened several times during their remarks. Quinn mentioned that he and Miller are rebuilding the agency, which has suffered budget and personnel cuts and a lack of strong leadership for several years. Several times he spoke of the hard working, passionate DNR employees and what an important job they have. I spoke with a few people after, and there does seem to be a sense that new and good things are happening for the first time in a long time. You can read more about today's action here: http://standingupforillinois.org/saveourparks/ Glynnis Collins, Executive Director]]> 1996 0 1045 0 https://prairierivers.org/articles/2009/03/big-turnout-for-grant-opportunities-workshop/ Thu, 05 Mar 2009 16:06:20 +0000 http://prairierivers.org/?p=1988

Grant Opportunities Workshop Participants

This February, PRN partnered with the Illinois Lake Management Association and held a workshop titled "Grant Opportunities and Funding Options for Lake and Watershed Projects."  This workshop was offered as part of PRN's continuing effort to build capacity in Illinois watersheds by increasing the skill sets of individuals working on water quality issues.  Held at the Hotel Pẻre Marquette in Peoria, the workshop was a huge success, with over 70 people from around the state in attendance.

Meghan Oh (ILMA) Moderates Panel Discussion

Presenters included Tom Ryan (Lake Sara Forever Foundation), Amy Walkenbach (IEPA), Hal Pyle (NRCS), Trent Thomas (IDNR), Dick Hilton (Wonder Lake Homeowner's Association), and Tammy Watson (IDNR) (pictured from left to right).  During a panel at the end of the individual presentations, we had an active, educational, and thought-provoking discussion.

Dozens of funding programs from over 10 agencies were addressed. Attendees learned about available grants and funding sources for lake and watershed projects, as well as tips on how to write and submit funding proposals.  A list of current grant programs with their funding sources, funding focuses, cost shares, and contact information was provided.  Click the link below to view this.  PRN will keep this list updated on our website, so keep checking it every few months!

View the List of Grant Programs - February 2009. View PowerPoint presentations from the February 2009 workshop below (please note that these are large files and may take a few minutes to download):

• IEPA Funding Programs by Amy Walkenbach
• IDNR Grant Opportunities and Funding Options by Tammy Watson
• Grant Funded Watershed Projects - Part I by Trent Thomas
• Grant Funded Watershed Projects - Part II by Trent Thomas
• Special Service Area Taxing District by Dick Hilton
• Obtaining Grants from a Homeowners Perspective by Tom Ryan

View other workshop handouts:  319 Watershedbased Plan Requirements (nine minimum elements)

The Illinois Wildlife Action Plan: Defining a Vision for Conservation Success

Floodplain Management Resource Guide for Illinois Communities

Funding for this and future Capacity Building Workshops is through an IEPA and USEPA CWA 319 grant. Be sure to watch our website for details of upcoming workshops.  A big thanks to all of the great speakers and to those of you who attended in February!  We look forward to seeing you again at future workshops. 

For more information, please contact Alison Meanor at ameanor@prairierivers.org or (217) 344-2371.

Post updated 3/9/09 - Added 319 Watershedbased Plan Requirements link 

]]> 1988 0 1042 0 https://prairierivers.org/articles/2009/03/help-protect-drummer-creek/ Mon, 02 Mar 2009 20:54:09 +0000 http://prairierivers.org/?p=2010 Attend the hearing. Protect clean water.

This permit does not ensure that the water quality of the receiving stream, Drummer Creek, will not degrade further as a result of One Earth Energy’s proposed discharges. IEPA One Earth Engergy NPDES Public Hearing Notice (pdf) PRN One Earth Energy Public Hearing Informational flyer (pdf)]]> 2010 0 1044 0 https://prairierivers.org/articles/2009/03/two-river-films-featured-in-telluride-mountain-film-fest/ Wed, 04 Mar 2009 17:24:44 +0000 http://prairierivers.org/?p=2041 The Last Frontier documents an exploration by kayak of Papua New Guinea and its threatened rain forests. Red Gold tells of how a proposed (enormous) gold and copper mine threatens the largest remaining sockeye salmon run in the world, in Bristol Bay, Alaska. Click here for the list of films. The film festival will be presented at the Parkland College Theater at 7pm on Tuesday, March 10, 2009.]]> 2041 0 1043 0 https://prairierivers.org/articles/2009/03/protect-rivers-by-reporting-construction-site-runoff/ Fri, 06 Mar 2009 20:01:30 +0000 http://prairierivers.org/?p=2104

Bad Construction Site Entrance

Help us keep rivers clean by attending our free construction site workshop! On Saturday, March 14, Prairie Rivers Network and Sierra Club are holding a half-day workshop on how to monitor construction sites for erosion and harmful stormwater runoff. Many of Illinois' rivers have too much soil in them because storms wash bare soil from construction sites into nearby storm sewers and streams. Developers are supposed to minimize soil loss from construction sites by using various practices, but these practices are often not followed, equipment is not installed or erosion control measures are poorly maintained. Whistleblowers are needed to report erosion problems to developers and government agencies. Most government inspections are triggered by public complaints, so citizen activism can make a difference! The FREE half-day workshop will take place Saturday, March 14th, from 10:30-3:30 p.m. at Prairie View Education Center in Crystal Lake (McHenry County). Participants will learn about stormwater regulations, erosion control practices, and reporting options. To register, please contact Stacy James at 217-344-2371 by March 12th.]]> 2104 0 1041 0 https://prairierivers.org/articles/2009/03/foxfresh-unwanted-medications-collection-day/ Fri, 06 Mar 2009 20:08:28 +0000 http://prairierivers.org/?p=2110

Pharmaceutical Take Back Day

FoxFresh is a community group based in Aurora which is working to keep pharmaceuticals out of their local rivers and streams. On April 4 from 8:00 am - 12:00 pm they will be sponsoring a collection event for unwanted and unused medications. Bring your unwanted and expired prescription and over-the-counter medications to the Aurora Transportation Center, 233 N. Broadway, Aurora. Sharps and thermometers will not be accepted. If you are interested in volunteering contact Terri Voitik at terri@voitik.net.]]> 2110 0 1040 0 https://prairierivers.org/articles/2009/03/help-map-illinois-wetlands/ Fri, 06 Mar 2009 20:14:45 +0000 http://prairierivers.org/?p=2115 The first training session will be held on Saturday, April 4 from 9:30 am -12:30 pm at the Aurora Public Library West Branch. If you live in the northern part of the state (above I-80) and are interested in helping with this project, you are encouraged to attend this training session. The Aurora Library West Branch is located at 233 S. Constitution Drive, just 2 1/2 miles south of the I-88 & Orchard Road interchange. Future trainings will be held throughout the state as DU completes their inventory work. Please RSVP to cindy.skrukrud@sierraclub.org or jennifer.hensley@sierraclub.org if you would like to attend the April 4 training session. Also let us know if you live in other parts of the state and would like us to let you know when a training session will be held in your area.]]> 2115 0 1039 0 https://prairierivers.org/articles/2009/03/clean-water-starts-in-your-own-backyard/ Fri, 06 Mar 2009 20:21:38 +0000 http://prairierivers.org/?p=2121

PrairieRainHarverster.com

Rain and melting snow running off parking lots, driveways, and streets collect and transport fertilizers, pet wastes, oil and other pollutants into our rivers and streams via storm drains. Homeowners have several options available to help reduce the amount of stormwater running off their property: using permeable materials for sidewalks, patios and driveways, planting rain gardens and installing rain barrels. During warmer months average household water use increases, and approximately 40 percent of that amount is for watering outdoor lawns and gardens. Installing one or more rain barrels not only helps capture water that would otherwise become polluted before entering storm drains, it gives you a new source of water for household uses, helping you to use less water from your tap and to lower your water bills.

Support PRN...Protect Our Rivers...Install a Rain Barrel Today

Through a generous donation by Austin Grammer, Prairie Rivers Network has several 55-gallon Prairie Rain Harvester rain barrels which we are selling for $85. All of the proceeds from the sale of these barrels will go to PRN. Austin uses locally-sourced recycled (canola oil) barrels, which are child and animal safe and also have mesh mosquito/debris screens. If you would like to purchase a rain barrel from PRN, call our office at 217-344-2371. For Champaign city residents, the Champaign County Soil and Water Conservation District is offering a $25 rebate on Austin's barrels that will be used within town (contact Bruce Stikkers, 217-352-3536, ext. 6, Bruce.stikkers@ilnacdnet.net). For more information on Prairie Rain Harvester rain barrels and sale locations visit www.prairierainharvester.com. Rain barrels can also be purchased at B. Lime, 12 East Washington Street / Downtown Champaign / Illinois / 217.359.5741. For Champaign County residents, the $25 rebate will be applied right at the register. This money won't last forever, so don't wait! In the Chicago area, The Conservation Foundation (contact Jim Kleinwachter, 630.553.0687 ext. 302, jkleinwachter@theconservationfounddation.org) and Chicago Rain Barrel (www.chicagorainbarrel.com) also offer rain barrels for sale.]]> 2121 0 1038 0 https://prairierivers.org/articles/2009/03/recovery-act-funding/ Wed, 18 Mar 2009 20:30:12 +0000 http://prairierivers.org/?p=2151 EWP Floodplain Easement Site and NRCS Recovery Information. For more information contact Kim Erndt at kerndt@prairierivers.org.]]> 2151 0 1037 0 https://prairierivers.org/articles/2009/03/citizen-stormwater-patrol-training-a-success/ Fri, 20 Mar 2009 18:40:31 +0000 http://prairierivers.org/?p=2156 Thanks to the 11 citizen activists who attended our March 14th training on how to monitor construction sites for excessive soil erosion and stormwater runoff. The training was held in beautiful McHenry County north of Chicago, where the numerous streams and wetlands abut new developments that are all-too-often in violation of stormwater regulations. Now that these activists are armed with knowledge and resources, they will be "inspecting" construction projects in their communities and reporting problems. This effort will make developers aware that we expect them to be good neighbors and do their part to protect Illinois' waterways. Citizen activists are invaluable for nature protection, and we thank them for their passion and dedication. Our thanks also goes out to Cindy Skrukrud of the Illinois Chapter of the Sierra Club, who co-taught the workshop with Prairie Rivers Network, the Environmental Defenders of McHenry County for sponsoring the workshop, and to PrairieView Education Center for providing training space.]]> 2156 0 1036 0 https://prairierivers.org/articles/2009/03/join-illinois-riverwatch-and-help-protect-your-favorite-stream/ Fri, 20 Mar 2009 19:48:59 +0000 http://prairierivers.org/?p=2162 Upcoming Workshop - April 4th Want to get involved in the stewardship of the state's rivers and streams? Grab your rubber boots and join the Illinois RiverWatch Program.  During this interactive workshop, you will learn to identify stream macroinvertebrates (e.g., dragonfly and mayfly nymphs, beetles, snails, and much more) and practice proper monitoring techniques at a local stream. Equipment will be provided. Please bring knee-high boots or waders, sun block, insect repellent, a water bottle, and lunch. After completing the workshop, you may adopt a local stream site and monitor annually. Sign up for either the whole workshop or a refresher workshop by Friday, March 27th. Homer Lake Forest Preserve 2573 S. Homer Lake Rd. Homer, IL 9:00 A.M. - 4:00 P.M. Refresher Workshop is 10 A.M. - 2 P.M. Fee: $20/person For more information, call (217) 896-2455]]> 2162 0 1035 0 https://prairierivers.org/articles/2009/03/prn-testified-for-drummer-creek-on-march-16-2009/ Tue, 24 Mar 2009 19:41:49 +0000 http://prairierivers.org/?p=2165 th, 2009 at a public hearing for the One Earth Energy ethanol plant in Gibson City, Illinois. Our comments requested that the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency (IEPA) issue a water permit that is truly protective of the diverse and sensitive species found in Drummer Creek. In particular, we asked IEPA to ensure that the waste discharged from the plant be cooled enough to protect native fish and the threatened and endangered mussels found in Drummer Creek. We also insisted that the Agency require additional testing of the wastewater to guarantee that chemical additives and other pollutants generated in the plant are not toxic to life in the stream.

IEPA is accepting written comments on One Earth Energy’s water permit until March 30^th 2009. PRN is working on those comments now and will be posting the letter on our website. If you have any questions, please write Kim Knowles at kknowles@prairirerivers.org.

Update 4/8/09: To read PRN's comments on One Earth Energy's water permit click here.

]]> 2165 0 1034 0 https://prairierivers.org/articles/2009/03/take-our-survey/ Mon, 30 Mar 2009 21:05:43 +0000 http://prairierivers.org/?p=2168 Please Share Your River Experiences and Opinions We would greatly appreciate you taking a few moments to fill in an online survey about your perceptions of Prairie Rivers Network and how you prefer us to keep in touch. The survey should take no longer then it takes to drink your morning cup of coffee and it would mean a great deal to us.

Click here to take the survey.

Your answers will be kept in complete confidence and will help us plan our activities, particularly our communications efforts, for the coming year. Thanks in advance for your time, Glynnis Collins Executive Director]]> 2168 0 1033 0 https://prairierivers.org/articles/2009/04/upcoming-riverwatch-workshops/ Wed, 08 Apr 2009 17:52:12 +0000 http://prairierivers.org/?p=2174 RiverWatch, a stream monitoring program offered by The Natural Great Rivers Research & Education Center is offering several new workshops in May. Refresher Workshop: Sat, May 2, 10AM - 2PM Lake in the Hills Sanitary District 515 Plum Street Lake in the Hills, IL Training Workshop: Sat, May 2, 9AM - 4PM Lake in the Hills Sanitary District 515 Plum Street Lake in the Hills, IL Training Workshop: Sat, May 2, 9AM - 4PM Streator City Hall 204 S. Bloomington St. Streator, IL   Please contact Vera Bojic, IL RiverWatch Program Coordinator, if you are interested in attending. National Great Rivers Research & Education Center Lewis and Clark Community College 5800 Godfrey Road * Godfrey, IL 62035 Ph: (618) 468-4870 Fax: (618) 468-7221 vbojic@lc.edu www.ngrrec.org/river_watch.htm]]> 2174 0 1031 0 https://prairierivers.org/articles/2009/04/clean-water-celebration/ Wed, 08 Apr 2009 19:02:46 +0000 http://prairierivers.org/?p=2177 The Sun Foundation, the Rivers Project, and Illinois American Water Company invite students, teachers, community leaders, and the general public to attend the Clean Water Celebration, April 26 and 27, 2009. This two day, five event program takes place in four different locations throughout the Peoria area. Clean Water Celebration encourages us to learn to improve water quality, to think critically and creatively about adequate and safe water supplies, and to promote the wise use of natural resources.

Day 1

Event 1 "Parade of Waters"

April 26, 2009 Opening Noon Gateway Building, 200 NE Water St., Peoria, IL A "Parade of Waters" will kick off the Clean Water Celebration on Sunday, April 26 at noon at the Gateway Building on the Peoria riverfront. Mayors, Village Presidents, and other Community Leaders will each bring water that was drawn from the Illinois River, lakes, and streams from their community and symbolically pour their waters together declaring their community's commitment to clean water. A Native American Blessing of the waters will then be given and "Making Waves" awards will be presented to groups or individuals that have made a difference to the cleanliness of water and the environment. Free

Event 2 "Science Riverwalk"

April 26, 2009 Science Riverwalk 1:00 p.m. Gateway Building, 200 NE Water St., Peoria, IL Enjoy a walk along the Illinois River while learning about many of the plants, animals, and factors that influence the river and the people that depend on its rushing waters. Joining the walk will be scientists, storytellers, and teachers sharing their insight and knowledge. Also take part in fishing, water critter identification, water quality tests, storytelling, and face painting. All ages are welcome! Questions, call Camron Stanley at 309-253-5988. Free and open to the public. Free

Event 3 "Oil & Water"

April 26, 2009 2:00pm to 4:00pm Illinois Humanities Council Oil & Water Forum & Panel Discussion: "It All Flows Downstream" Moderator: Paul Heltne, Ph.D-Director, Center for Humans & Nature, Chicago Gateway Building, 200 NE Water Street, Peoria, IL Room 201 From the Illinois River watershed to the Mississippi River watershed, we are all connected in Western Illinois, & the choices we make about how we use water at the regional, local, and personal level affect all of us. What are the main water demands in Western Illinois, and how do we decide how those demands are met? How can understanding the history of water use and pollution of the Mississippi River guide the choices we make today? What are the ethical issues inherent in the conflict between the short-term needs of people and communities and the long term needs of the environment and of future generations? It All Flows Downstream will raise key questions about how we access and control water in Western Illinois. Presenters will include Misganaw Demissie, Head of the Center for Watershed Science at Illinois Water Survey, and John Anfinson, Historian at the Mississippi National River and Recreation Area for the National Park Service. Christopher H. Pearson, Assistant Professor, Department of Philosophy, SIU, Edwardsville. Free and open to the public.

Event 4 " Lecture & Dinner"

April 26, 2009 6:30 pm Be One With the Earth: A Message from the Past to the Future Dinner & Lecture at the GAR Hall 416 Hamilton Blvd. Downtown Peoria Archeologist Dr. Michael Wiant shares his knowledge in a presentation regarding how past generations have had an impact on current and future generations and gives insightful information about what we can do to uphold those standards. Reservation deadline is April 20. If interested, send check to the Sun Foundation. For more information, contact the Sun Foundation at 309-246-8403. The dinner and lecture fees are $10 for students and $15 for adults. It is $10 to attend the lecture only.

Day 2

Event 5 "Back to the Future"

April 27, 2009 9am to 2pm Special Events Back to the Future Keynote Session Environmental Streams Peoria Civic Center For students in grades 5-12 & the general public Dr. Michael Wiant, Director of Dickson Mounds Museum & archeologist, will be leading the keynote session at 9am and 11am. He will be exploring the history of Native American life along the Illinois River Valley and will be sharing their sustainable messages and ways of living. Also, he will provide information on how those tribes conformed to and utilized their water sources and what attributes we could gain from them. The Environmental "Streams" are sets of learning stations that cover water-related topics and are presented by educators and professionals in the community. These workshops rotate students every twenty minutes and are located in Exhibit Hall C. In addition to the keynote presentations and workshops there are fourteen different special event/breakout sessions that will feature scientists, authors, storytellers, and more. Free and open to the public. Click here to download the Clean Water Celebration registration form and full schedule of events. Click here to download the Clean Water Celebration financial support for school transportation. If interested, please contact the Sun Foundation by email at: info@sunfoundation.org.]]> 2177 0 1030 0 https://prairierivers.org/articles/2009/04/prairie-river-notes-spring-2009-newsletter/ Thu, 09 Apr 2009 14:00:21 +0000 http://prairierivers.org/?p=2184 View PRN’s Prairie River Notes - Spring 2009 Newsletter (pdf)  with the following articles:

• PRN Watches Factory Farms
• Big Turnout for Grant Workshop
• Water Watch
• Medication Disposal Bills
• Boneyard Creek Community Day
• Sound Policies for Sound Rivers
• Board of Directors Changes
• Welcome New Water Resources Advocate
• Clean Water Starts in Your Backyard

]]> 2184 0 1029 0 https://prairierivers.org/articles/2009/05/sound-policies-for-sound-rivers/ Mon, 04 May 2009 14:00:37 +0000 http://prairierivers.org/?p=2195 Conservation requires sound public policies, and sound policies arise only when vocal, informed citizens call for them. Money is required for restoration, monitoring, and enforcement. Effective conservation requires coordinated action that is out of reach for individuals acting alone. PRN calls for Illinois lawmakers to promote better human uses of our waters and lands: 1. DNR and IEPA funding. The Illinois Department of Natural Resources and Illinois Environmental Protection Agency lack funds to do their jobs protecting the state's resources and providing lawmakers and citizens with scientific data. More funding is urgently needed, preferably through a reliable means that is immune from politics. 2. River corridor protections.Rivers and streams are greatly affected by human uses of streambanks and riverside corridors. Illinois needs new, state-wide policies to protect such corridors and to restore the most degraded. Restoration measures should include reconstructed wetlands and other features that help rivers regain health naturally. 3. Water and drainage laws. Illinois laws on water usage and drainage date from the nineteenth century, a time when water was plentiful and drainage simply meant pushing water out of sight. Water has become short. Ecological interconnection is better understood. Vastly better drainage practices are available. New laws and policies could help ensure that water diversions and drainage practices do not destroy aquatic communities and exacerbate flooding and droughts. 4. Information flows. Government can help citizens by providing full, prompt information on proposed pollution and mining permits (by the state EPA, DNR, and Department of Agriculture) and on permits to fill wetlands (Corps of Engineers). They should also make monitoring data and information on permit compliance and violations available online. It is time to harness the power of the Internet to enhance democracy! 5. Monitoring and enforcement. Too many people seem unaware of their duties under current laws, and the state itself knows too little about the conditions of waterways and the actions of polluters. We need better funding for monitoring of both waterways and polluting activities, as well as staff for outreach and education. 6. Wetlands protections. Illinois has lost over 90% of its wetlands and can afford to lose no more. Indeed, reconstruction efforts are needed. PRN is among the many groups calling on Congress to revise the Clean Water Act to clarify the original plan to protect all of the nation's wetlands and to insist that further wetland losses be mitigated by offsetting restorations. 7. Farm policies. Farmers, farm communities, and river users alike would benefit if federal payments made to farmers were earmarked to reward good land uses, not greater production. Public policies should insist that all landowners act responsibly, in cities and in rural areas. 8. Stormwater inspections.The Illinois EPA should improve its efforts to monitor and improve stormwater runoff by enlisting the help of more Soil and Water Conservation Districts in inspections and enforcement. Get involved with Prairie Rivers Network's vision and policy work for Illinois' rivers. Look for more information to come on this project. Tell us what you think - post a comment here!]]> 2195 0 1024 0 https://prairierivers.org/articles/2009/04/water-watch/ Thu, 23 Apr 2009 14:00:13 +0000 http://prairierivers.org/?p=2200 For nearly two decades, PRN has worked to prevent the pollution and degradation of Illinois' rivers. Water Resources Scientist, Traci Barkley, and Water Resources Specialist, Kim Knowles, review permit applications for wastewater discharges from municipal, mining and industrial practices that have the potential to harm Illinois waterways. Here is an update on some of their latest work:

Challenged dam proposal for Sangamon County

Summary: A new dam has been proposed for Horse Creek in Sangamon County that will bury over 100 acres of wetlands, 80 acres of streams and more than 1,500 acres of forest. Proponents claim Hunter Dam is needed to create a backup water supply for the City of Springfield, but we believe there are more sustainable and less environmentally harmful ways of ensuring an adequate water supply. Current actions: PRN and Sierra Club joined together to challenge the dam. We gave testimony at a public hearing and wrote extensive comments in opposition to the project. The Illinois Environmental Protection Agency (IEPA) is now in the process of reviewing nearly 1,500 pages of mostly negative comments received from the public. A decision on whether to permit the dam is expected from the IEPA in mid-2009. Looking forward: PRN is talking to elected officials and providing support to citizens of Springfield concerned about the negative impacts of Hunter Dam.

Appealed coal mine permit, Franklin County

Summary & Current Actions: PRN and partners, Environmental Law and Policy Center and the Illinois Chapter of the Sierra Club, have appealed a permit issued by IEPA for discharges of pollution into the Middle Fork of the Big Muddy and into Akin Creek from the proposed new Sugar Camp coal mine. We objected to this permit because we believe the mine must use enhanced pollution treatment methods in order to avoid the further destruction of these streams; the Middle Fork of the Big Muddy and Akin Creek are already damaged from decades of agricultural and mining activities and should be protected from further decline.

Challenged the weakening of water quality protections for Spring Creek, Sangamon River and Illinois River

Summary: PRN opposed a petition filed by Springfield's City Water Light & Power (CWLP) asking the Illinois Pollution Control Board (IPCB) to allow the CWLP coal-fired power plant to discharge increased amounts of the pollutant boron into Spring Creek and the Sangamon and Illinois Rivers. Current actions: Traci Barkley testified at two public hearings before the IPCB challenging CWLP's assertions that it could not afford to treat its waste to remove boron adequately and criticizing the company's failure to thoroughly assess the impact of greater amounts of boron on fish, mussels, and insects in these streams. Traci's testimony provided important insight to the IPCB on how boron harms stream ecology. She was also able to show the IPCB that viable methods of removing boron are available. Looking forward: We expect the IPCB to rule on CWLP's petition this spring.

Speaking out against polluting ethanol plant on Drummer Creek, Ford County

Summary: The IEPA is proposing to grant another weak permit to an ethanol plant that will discharge pollutants into Drummer Creek. Drummer Creek has been rated a "Biologically Significant Stream" by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources because there are many different kinds of fish and other species living in the stream. A public hearing on One Earth Energy's permit application was held on March 16th in Gibson City. Current actions: PRN opposes this permit because, as currently written, it fails to protect clean water in Drummer Creek. Traci and Kim attended the hearing and demanded that One Earth Energy be required to adopt responsible water use practices and other practices to limit the amount of pollution that will be discharged into the stream. Looking forward: We expect a decision from IEPA on the permit by this summer.]]> 2200 0 1025 0 https://prairierivers.org/articles/2009/04/fourth-annual-boneyard-creek-community-day/ Fri, 10 Apr 2009 14:00:37 +0000 http://prairierivers.org/?p=2212 Join Prairie Rivers Network and partners on April 18th from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. for the Fourth Annual Boneyard Creek Community Day (BCCD). Due to construction at Scott Park, this year the main registration site will be at the Engineering (Bardeen) Quad on the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign campus. Volunteers will clean up trash, remove non-native plants from the creek areas and install stormdrain medallions ("Drains To Rivers - Dump No Trash"). Volunteers will receive a free lunch and entertainment by Chad Dunn and Recycled Rhythms. This year's BCCD organizers are the cities of Champaign, Urbana and their respective Park Districts, the University of Illinois, Champaign County Design and Conservation Foundation, Champaign-Urbana Area Rotary Clubs, Prairie Rivers Network, and Ward & Associates Realtors, Inc. For more information on registration and sponsorships, visit www.boneyardcreek.org.

 See you April 18th!

]]> 2212 0 1028 0 https://prairierivers.org/articles/2009/04/prn-and-supporter-in-the-news/ Mon, 13 Apr 2009 18:03:39 +0000 http://prairierivers.org/?p=2237

PrairieRainHarverster.com

The News-Gazette published a great story on rain barrels in the Sunday, April 12th paper. The story featured Prairie Rivers Network supporter and rain barrel entrepreneurs Austin and Sarah Grammer, who own the business Prairie Rain Harvester. Also quoted is Stacy James, Water Resources Scientist and stormwater specialist for Prairie Rivers Network. If you would like to support Prairie Rivers Network by purchasing one of the rain barrels that the Grammers generously donated to our organization, please call our office at 217/344-2371.]]> 2237 0 1027 0 https://prairierivers.org/articles/2009/04/poisoned-waters-pbs/ Mon, 20 Apr 2009 20:51:01 +0000 http://prairierivers.org/?p=2245 PBS Frontline Program Examines Newest Health Hazards in Nation’s Contaminated Waterways The Public Broadcasting Service's (PBS) Frontline program is airing a documentary titled "Poisoned Waters" on Tuesday, April 21, from 9:00 to 11:00 p.m. EST (check local PBS listings). According to the PBS press release, Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist Hedrick Smith reveals "startling new evidence that today's growing environmental threat comes not from the giant industrial polluters of old, but from chemicals in consumers' face creams, deodorants, prescription medicines and household cleaners that find their way into sewers, storm drains, and eventually into America's waterways and drinking water."]]> 2245 0 1026 0 https://prairierivers.org/articles/2009/05/prn-watches-factory-farms/ Mon, 11 May 2009 14:00:33 +0000 http://prairierivers.org/?p=2189

Factory Farm Buildings with Large Sewage Lagoons

Prairie Rivers Network is broadening our clean water work by initiating a new campaign called the Illinois Factory Farm Watch. Factory farms, also known as confined animal feeding operations (CAFOs), house thousands of livestock and poultry in buildings or feedlots for the purpose of mass meat, egg, or dairy production. Factory farms generate huge amounts of sewage which is stored in underground pits, man-made lagoons, or dumped into huge manure piles. Waterways become contaminated during storms when rain carries sewage into the water. Sewage is often sold or given to nearby farmers who apply it as fertilizer, but all too often there is more supply than demand and the sewage is over-applied to the factory farm's own fields using trucks or an irrigation spray system. When managers are desperate to get rid of the waste, they have been known to dump it into nearby streams. Some have even created underground piping systems for this very purpose. Massive fish kills have resulted from this illegal practice. Recently Stacy James, PRN's Water Resources Scientist, traveled to a "Pure Farms, Pure Waters" summit in North Carolina, sponsored by Waterkeeper Alliance. She met people from around the country who are working to reduce the negative impacts of factory farms. Some of these people were members of watershed or environmental groups that are battling a particular proposed or existing factory farm. Other attendees were lawyers, scientists, consultants and family farmers. All concurred that we need to return to the old way of small, diversified farms where the animals can be outside and eat growing vegetation. Factory farms will continue to dominate the market until we change agricultural policies and the way we eat and grow our food. In the meantime, what can we do? One angle is to make sure that pollution from factory farms is regulated as required by the Clean Water Act. Like sewage treatment plants, factory farms are considered "point sources" of pollution and must have a wastewater permit if waste from the facility reaches a stream or lake. The majority of factory farms claim to be no-discharge facilities, but the reality is that most facilities eventually contaminate nearby waterways or groundwater. PRN will demand that discharging factory farms have permits while working with state and federal agencies to reduce the likelihood of discharges occurring. We will also be monitoring streams around specific facilities to determine whether they have been contaminated by illegal discharges. Some of this monitoring will be done by volunteers and some by paid scientists. In the event that violations are found, we will ask that Illinois Environmental Protection Agency (IEPA) conduct an inspection and take the appropriate enforcement actions, or we will initiate our own lawsuit.

What Can You Do?

• If you know a factory farm is discharging sewage into a waterway, report the incident by calling IEPA at 888/372-1996 or fill out their online pollution complaint form at www.epa.state.il.us/pollution-complaint/.
• If you live near an operational factory farm and suspect illegal discharges, call PRN at 217/344-2371.
• Reduce your consumption of meat/eggs/dairy and/or buy these products from smaller producers with a reputation for conservation-mindedness.

Photo by: Diane Baldwin, Neuse Riverkeeper Foundation]]> 2189 0 1021 0 https://prairierivers.org/articles/2009/05/register-now-for-prns-summer-workshop/ Fri, 08 May 2009 18:11:43 +0000 http://prairierivers.org/?p=2248 Chicago:  June 22  (registration deadline is June 17)

Champaign:  August 7  (registration deadline is July 27)

Using On-line Data and Tools for Your Watershed

Locally-led watershed projects are vitally important to improving and maintaining the health of Illinois' rivers, lakes, and streams.   The groups and/or agencies working in Illinois watersheds need to be able to identify water quality concerns and solutions, and communicate them in a meaningful way to decision makers.    This is an important aspect of building public support.  To address this need, Prairie Rivers Network, the Illinois Lake Management Association, the Illinois EPA, and the U.S. EPA are offering this workshop. We are holding two identical workshops, one in Chicago on Monday, June 22 and the other in Champaign on Friday, August 7. 

Workshop Dates and Locations

The June 22nd Chicago workshop will be held at the U.S. EPA Region 5 office located at 77 W. Jackson Boulevard.  (http://www.epa.gov/region5/visitor/index.htm)    The August 7th Champaign workshop will be held at Parkland College, 2400 W. Bradley Avenue. (http://www.parkland.edu/guide/highwaymap.html)  

Workshop Goals

In this hands-on workshop, participants will pull together data and on-line tools and customize them to their watershed.  (If you are not currently part of a watershed, we will provide an example watershed for you to work on.)  You will leave the workshop with useful materials and contacts to apply to your watershed work.    

Tentative Agenda

8:00-8:30 a.m.  Registration 8:30-9:00 a.m.  Purpose of Capacity Building Workshops and Speaker Introductions 9:00–9:20 a.m.  Workshop Introduction As a part of a watershed organization focused on planning and implementation, you need to be able to clearly show the problem to generate support and to be able to make decisions.  We will review what information is needed to help guide a community’s efforts.

9:20–11:20 a.m.  Getting the Data and Tools On-line:

To show the problem, we will collect data and images to:

• Create a map of impaired waters.
• Present the data that shows the water is impaired.
• Identify what the land use is.
• Create images of this watershed.
• Identify what the potential pollution sources are (point sources or non-point). 

We will be working with sources such as STORET, Google Earth, Inland Sensitivity Atlas, National Wetlands Inventory and more.

11:20–noon:  Pulling It Together

• Learn how to pull together the various tools and data collected in the previous sessions into meaningful sets of information.
• See examples of watershed data/information pulled together.
• Learn how to prioritize projects, needs, and goals.

noon-1:00 p.m.  Lunch Break and Open Computer Labs

1:00-3:30 p.m.  Afternoon Session - Pick One: Technical Track  OR  Outreach Track

Technical Track

• Practice putting data and maps into Excel-based tool for use.
• Create informative maps/resources for your watershed group.
• Input monitoring data and images of an area to create a customized water quality monitoring template.
• Use data to calculate monitoring needs.

- OR -

Outreach Track

• Spend some time on U.S. EPA’s Non-Point Source (NPS) outreach tool box (example of downloading audio and adding watershed group tag to it for radio time).
• How to use data to create presentations/images to illustrate and convey the problem in your watershed, and how to take actions in a meaningful way. 

3:30-4:30 Wrap-Up Session - Instructors lead discussion with all Participants:

• How to help protect your stream or lake.
• How to use what you created for your watershed plans.
• Future workshop schedule and topics.
• Feedback from participants.
• Online survey and workshop survey.

Registration and Cost 

Workshop space is limited, so please register early!  To register, e-mail Alison Meanor at ameanor@prairierivers.org  or phone her at (217) 344-2371.  Indicate which date/location you are interested in and whether you will attend the Technical Track or the Outreach Track.  Further workshop details, including a finalized agenda, will be provided to registrants.  Pay your $15.00 workshop cost the day of the event, or make your check payable to Prairie Rivers Network and mail it to:

Prairie Rivers Network ATTN:  Alison Meanor 1902 Fox Drive, Suite G Champaign, IL 61820 This workshop is a part of our continuing efforts to build capacity in Illinois watersheds.  Funding is provided through an IEPA and U.S. EPA CWA 319 grant.

Updated post 6/10/09 - addition to title

]]> 2248 0 1022 0 https://prairierivers.org/articles/2009/05/vermilion-river-conservation-opportunity-area/ Tue, 05 May 2009 13:00:38 +0000 http://prairierivers.org/?p=2306 On Wednesday May 13th from 6:00-8:00 PM at the Homer Lake Forest Preserve's Salt Fork Center (2573 Homer Lake Road, Homer, Illinois) the Illinois Department of Natural Resources, Prairie Rivers Network, and Southern Illinois University Carbondale will be holding an informational meeting about the Vermilion River Conservation Opportunity Area (includes the Middle Fork, North Fork and Salt Fork Rivers) in the State Wildlife Action Plan. We invite you to join us and learn more about this Conservation Opportunity Area (COA) and how it fits into the State Wildlife Action Plan. At this meeting we also hope to gather a talkative group of land managers and stakeholders to discuss:

• what is going on in the Vermilion River basin;
• where we need to focus our wildlife habitat conservation efforts;
• where opportunities for partnership and information sharing exist;
• gather land use plans, maps, and data so that we can get a complete look at what types of habitat restoration and preservation areas are in the basin. (If you have a plan or other information please bring it!); and
• form a lead group that will work together to create a comprehensive plan for wildlife habitat protection for the Vermilion River basin.

View the flyer advertising the event and a map of the Vermilion River COA. Please feel free to pass this information along to anyone you feel may be interested. All are welcome. If possible, please RSVP to Kim Erndt at kerndt@prairierivers.org to help ensure we have enough informational handouts. Thanks and we hope to see you all on the evening of the 13th! Kim Erndt River Restoration and Habitat Conservation Specialist, Prairie Rivers Network (217) 722-6622 (cell) David J. Myers Conservation Opportunity Area Project Manager Illinois Department of Natural Resources SIU Department of Zoology]]> 2306 0 1023 0 https://prairierivers.org/articles/2009/05/americans-concerned-about-their-driking-water/ Wed, 13 May 2009 20:18:48 +0000 http://prairierivers.org/?p=2359 Gallup poll shows that Americans rank pollution of their drinking water their top concern.]]> 2359 0 1020 0 https://prairierivers.org/articles/2009/05/allerton-walk-postponed-to-saturday-may-23/ Fri, 15 May 2009 13:00:09 +0000 http://prairierivers.org/?p=2365 2365 0 1019 0 https://prairierivers.org/articles/2009/05/attend-the-5th-annual-chicago-river-summit/ Mon, 18 May 2009 13:00:57 +0000 http://prairierivers.org/?p=2368 An Introduction to Responsible River Corridor Planning and Development Friday, June 5, 2009 The Merchandise Mart, Chicago 9 a.m.- 1 p.m. Friends of the Chicago River in partnership with the Office of Chicago Mayor Richard M. Daley will host the fifth annual Chicago River Summit. Attendees will include elected officials, municipal staff, developers, engineers, architects, environmental consultants, environmental groups, and other Chicago River stakeholders. The Chicago River Summit, founded in 2004 in partnership with Governor Pat Quinn, is an annual event that focuses on identifying sustainable solutions for the issues that impact the Chicago River. This year's theme is the responsible development and planning of the Chicago River corridor and how this type of activity can create a community asset and spur economic development. The program agenda will provide information and real world examples of responsible river corridor development in the region. Chicago Mayor Richard M. Daley will be the keynote speaker. RSVP required to John Quail, jquail@chicagoriver.org, (312) 939-0490, ext. 20. Sponsorships available. The notice of the Chicago River Summit and additional information can be found at: http://www.chicagoriver.org/events/river_summit/]]> 2368 0 1018 0 https://prairierivers.org/articles/2009/06/join-prn-at-kickapoo-state-park-june-20th/ Thu, 04 Jun 2009 07:45:27 +0000 http://prairierivers.org/?p=2376 Join fellow river enthusiasts and naturalists for a walk with Prairie Rivers Network along Illinois' Wild and Scenic River: The Middle Fork of the Vermilion River. Date: Saturday, June 20, 2009 (Check www.PrairieRivers.org for weather update: rain date June 27) Time: 10:00 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. Adult walk starts at 10:00. Family walk begins at 10:30. Place: Kickapoo State Park 10906 Kickapoo Park Road Oakwood, IL 61858 217/442-4915 Kickapoo State Park is off of I-74 just West of Danville. Meet at the Clear Lake pavilion near the south end of the RiverView Trail (Follow signs to Clear Lake or Kickapoo Landing Boat Rental) RSVP: Registration is limited. Tue, June 16, 2009 to Steph Adams at 217/344-2371 or sadams@prairierivers.org Details: • Bring water, binoculars, and field guides if you have them. • Bagels, fruit, and lemonade will be available after the walk. • Directions and park map.]]> 2376 0 1016 0 https://prairierivers.org/articles/2009/05/public-comments-due-on-east-central-water-supply-report/ Tue, 26 May 2009 19:37:51 +0000 http://prairierivers.org/?p=2381 The Regional Water Supply Planning Committee (RWSPC) for east-central Illinois is accepting public comments on its draft final report "Plan to Improve the Planning and Management of Water Supplies in East-Central Illinois" through June 15, 2009. The report finds that withdrawals from the Mahomet Aquifer, the major source of water for Champaign County, could increase as much as 80 percent by 2050 if we take no action to reduce our use of water and plan for future needs. The purpose of the report is to provide recommendations and guidelines for how water in east-central Illinois should be managed to prevent future water shortages. Although the RWSPC has been meeting monthly for almost three years, there has been little public comment provided at the Committee's meetings. You can contribute towards protecting the rivers, streams and groundwaters which support wildlife and which supply drinking water and other benefits to east-central Illinois residents by submitting comments to the RWSPC's draft report. To read or download the Committee's draft report, go to www.rwspc.org/commproducts.htm. For a list of report references to Champaign County in the draft report click here. For more information contact csmith@prairierivers.org.]]> 2381 0 1017 0 https://prairierivers.org/articles/2009/06/prairie-river-notes-summer-2009-newsletter/ Thu, 04 Jun 2009 18:57:10 +0000 http://prairierivers.org/?p=2402 View PRN’s Prairie River Notes - Summer 2009 Newsletter (pdf)  with the following articles:

• Preserving Riverside Habitat Through Wildlife Action Plans
• A Message from Our Board President
• Join PRN at Kickapoo
• Film Review: Poisoned Waters
• Legislature Passes Pharmaceutical Bills
• 2008 Annual Report
• Clean Water and You: Choosing the Best Household Products
• Kickin' It at Kickapoo

]]> 2402 0 1015 0 https://prairierivers.org/articles/2009/06/kickin-it-at-kickapoo/ Sat, 06 Jun 2009 13:00:09 +0000 http://prairierivers.org/?p=2410 River protection depends on people who have the opportunity to fall in love with a natural place.

"I have a wish for humanity: that all of our children would become field naturalists as they grow up. Imagine living in a society where every youth has the chance to explore the Earth on foot and in hand, getting to know its creatures on a first-name basis. " -- Gary Paul Nabhan

Research shows that the outdoor experiences of our youth provide the foundation for a lifelong ethic of stewardship. This is why Prairie Rivers Network has teamed up with Illinois Public Media (Champaign-Urbana's PBS affiliate), Kickapoo State Park, the U of I College of Media, the Danville Public Library and Keep Vermilion County Beautiful on a project to connect teens and their families with Kickapoo State Park. Middle and high-school students from the Danville Boys and Girls Club will produce video Public Service Announcements, aimed at other teens, to encourage them to visit and use the park. Prairie Rivers Network's part is to lead the youths in a day of fun activities in the park this June, including canoeing, fishing, photography, and exploring a stream. In conjunction with the project, the teens will talk with their peers about barriers to visiting the park and create strategies to encourage more teens and families to take advantage of this great, free resource. Some of the public service announcements will be shown on WILL TV during this September's airing of the new Ken Burns documentary The National Parks: America's Best Idea. The project will culminate in a public celebration at the Danville Public Library on September 1, where all the student videos will be shown. PRN encourages you to invite young people in your life to take an outing to your local state park and help cultivate our next generation of nature advocates. Visit the project website for photos, videos, and lots of posts from the student participants: www.youthmediaworkshop.org/kickapoo.]]> 2410 0 1014 0 https://prairierivers.org/articles/2009/06/preserving-riverside-habitat-through-wildlife-action-plans/ Mon, 22 Jun 2009 13:00:46 +0000 http://prairierivers.org/?p=2416

The federally-mandated State Wildlife Action Plans are the first nationwide attempts to focus on preserving the habitat that all wildlife needs for survival. The plans are a major shift away from preserving single species to a strategy that would preserve the habitat necessary to prevent the loss of entire networks of interconnected wildlife.

Illinois’ Wildlife Action Plan identifies 32 Conservation Opportunity Areas (COAs), which are unique in regards to topography and wildlife. In some COAs, intense agriculture production will be the main challenge, while in others it may be the existence of waterways that have been heavily modified in a way that has destroyed natural habitat.

This spring, Prairie Rivers Network began working with David Myers of the Illinois Department of Natural Resources and Southern Illinois University to pilot the first phase of a portion of the Illinois Wildlife Action Plan. We are focusing our initial efforts on the Vermilion River COA, which includes the North Fork, Salt Fork, and Middle Forks of the Vermilion River and the Little Vermilion River system and their smaller tributaries. In hopes that the Illinois Plan can protect and connect large portions of river and riverside habitat for wildlife movement, PRN plans to be involved in other COAs in a similar manner in the coming year, including those along the Mississippi River.

It is the goal of the Illinois Plan to form local COA Partnerships consisting of property owners and managers who share a conservation philosophy and set of objectives and who recognize that their property exists in an area with significant or potentially significant wildlife habitat resources.

These partnerships provide opportunities for local expertise to guide conservation efforts and allow local conservation organizations to have an impact regionally and at the state level. Because many land managers, watershed groups, and private landowners already have conservation goals in place, the partnerships provide opportunities for the members to share information and develop shared goals for protecting wildlife habitat. Participation in COAs is voluntary. If you are a landowner or manager, or just want to get involved in helping protect wildlife habitat in your area, contact Kim Erndt at kerndt@prairierivers.org for more information.

Prairie Rivers Network believes the partnerships hold great promise because they make management a bottom up, not a top down endeavor: a private landowner’s voice can be heard as clearly as a state land manager’s. We believe that Illinois’ Wildlife Action Plan and the partnerships created within can facilitate shared decision making and creative solutions to coordinate habitat protection on land with many different owners and uses. Ultimately, we hope this process will result in a shared vision to preserve the natural areas we all value.

For more information on the State Wildlife Action Plan visit: www.wildlifeactionplans.org/illinois.html

      ]]> 2416 0 1009 0 https://prairierivers.org/articles/2009/06/illinois-legislature-passes-bills-for-safe-pharmaceutical-disposal/ Wed, 10 Jun 2009 13:00:27 +0000 http://prairierivers.org/?p=2421

During the 2009 session of the Illinois General Assembly, PRN has strongly supported two bills introduced by Senator Susan Garrett, 29th District, to reduce the amount of pharmaceuticals entering our rivers and streams. Both of these bills have passed the Senate and House and now await Governor Quinn’s signature to become law.

Senate Bill 178 provides some guidance for facilities that collect unused/unwanted medicine so that their disposal is safe for people and the environment. The bill amends the Illinois Environmental Protection Act to require facilities accepting unused/unwanted medicines (including one-day collection events) to be clearly identified, accept items only from private individuals, and manage and secure collected pharmaceuticals in a manner preventing their release into the environment or possession by unauthorized individuals.

We are disappointed that an earlier amendment of the bill took out a provision that would have required health care providers to display a poster created by the IEPA with information on proper pharmaceutical disposal and drop-off locations. We will continue to advocate for increased participation by health care providers in educating the public and in offering them proper disposal solutions.

Senate Bill 1919 prohibits health care institutions, employees and partners from using disposal methods that send unwanted and unused pharmaceuticals into a public wastewater system (e.g. by flushing them down toilets or sinks).

Research on the effects of pharmaceuticals on aquatic life and humans continues to build the case that this is a major source of pollution. It is clear that there is no current effective, affordable method for completely eliminating pharmaceutical chemicals during wastewater treatment. At this time, keeping unused and unwanted pharmaceuticals out of the wastewater system is the best preventative measure citizens can take for their rivers and streams. You can do this by purchasing only the amount of prescription and over-the-counter medicine you need and by properly disposing of unwanted and unused medications. Visit our pharmaceuticals webpages for more information on how to dispose of medicine.     ]]> 2421 0 1012 0 https://prairierivers.org/articles/2009/06/prn-featured-in-illinois-issues/ Tue, 09 Jun 2009 17:32:39 +0000 http://prairierivers.org/?p=2427 A recent article appearing in Illinois Issues, entitled "Government relies on a wide range of Illinois nonprofits to provide human services, support education and keep the arts alive," highlights the work of Prairie Rivers Network.]]> 2427 0 1013 0 https://prairierivers.org/articles/2009/07/its-our-river-day-sept-19-2009/ Wed, 01 Jul 2009 13:00:15 +0000 http://prairierivers.org/?p=2431

Photo from It's Our River Day Brochure

It's Our River Day is a day dedicated to increasing awareness and appreciation for the rivers of Illinois through the planning of activities and events and by cultivating education, recreation and conservation. It's Our River Day takes place each year on the third Saturday in September. 

Education, recreation and conservation are important to the health of our rivers. They are interconnected like a river within its ecosystem. It is important to keep the history and culture of life along the river alive, to continue to address the threats against its health, and to form new and innovative ways to provide access to the waterways for recreation. With this in mind, communities and organizations are invited to celebrate your river by offering citizens a chance to contribute to the health of the watershed by providing organized activities and events annually on the third Saturday in September.  View the official It's Our River Day brochure (PDF) or regester your event (Word document).]]> 2431 0 1004 0 https://prairierivers.org/articles/2009/06/join-prn-at-kickapoo-state-park-june-20th-2/ Sat, 13 Jun 2009 13:00:43 +0000 http://prairierivers.org/?p=2450 Join fellow river enthusiasts and naturalists for a walk with Prairie Rivers Network along Illinois' only National and Scenic River: The Middle Fork of the Vermilion River. Date: Saturday, June 20, 2009 (Check www.PrairieRivers.org for weather update: rain date June 27) Time: 10:00 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. Adult walk starts at 10:00. Family walk begins at 10:30. Place: Kickapoo State Park 10906 Kickapoo Park Road Oakwood, IL 61858 217/442-4915 Kickapoo State Park is off of I-74 just West of Danville. Meet at the Clear Lake pavilion near the south end of the RiverView Trail (Follow signs to Clear Lake or Kickapoo Landing Boat Rental) RSVP: Registration is limited. Tue, June 16, 2009 to Steph Adams at 217/344-2371 or sadams@prairierivers.org Details: • Bring water, binoculars, and field guides if you have them. • Bagels, fruit, and lemonade will be available after the walk. • Directions and park map.]]> 2450 0 1010 0 https://prairierivers.org/articles/2009/06/coal-waste-is-a-major-water-supply-hazard-in-illinois/ Thu, 11 Jun 2009 13:00:57 +0000 http://prairierivers.org/?p=2465 failed in Tennessee in December 2008. Recent USEPA reports indicate that coal waste leaches hazardous pollution in much greater quantities than had been recognized previously. In Illinois, our knowledge and capacity to coordinate the proper monitoring and management of these wastes needs to be updated to avoid our own  disaster. Click on the video below to view news report on the Tennessee disaster:   Read letter from Prairie Rivers Network and 108 other organizations to EPA Administrator, Lisa Jackson. For more information about this issue from the Environmental Integrity Project: www.environmentalintegrity.org/pub640.cfm]]> 2465 0 1011 0 https://prairierivers.org/articles/2009/06/american-clean-engergy-and-securities-act/ Thu, 25 Jun 2009 15:17:28 +0000 http://prairierivers.org/?p=2479 ***Update*** On Friday, June 26, 2009, the House of Representatives passed the American Clean Energy and Security Act. Another version of the bill will now make its way through the Senate. The legislation will establish a new U.S. energy policy that reduces dependence on foreign oil and builds a new, domestic clean technology manufacturing base to supply wind, solar, and other renewable energy. The bill also takes significant steps toward solving the global warming crisis by limiting carbon pollution. We feel that this is an historic opportunity for the nation to finally come to terms with our contribution to global warming. Everything we do at the state level, here in Illinois, will depend on our ability as a nation to make cleaner energy. This is the most important piece of legislation in this generation. Prairie Rivers Network urges you to find out how your Representative voted. Thank those who voted in favor. Ask for an explanation from those who voted against it. You can look up the votes by representative name:    http://clerk.house.gov/evs/2009/roll477.xml Or try the Sierra Club's tool that uses your home ZIP code:    http://action.sierraclub.org/site/VoteCenter?page=voteInfor&voteId=9605

***

ACTION ALERT

[caption id="attachment_2504" align="alignright" width="171"] Maggie Bruns, Long time supporter of PRN[/caption] An improtant message from former PRN volunteer, Maggie Bruns, now working for The League of Conservation Voters. HEY FOLKS! I need your help on some important legislation!!!! THIS IS HUGE! You all know I care deeply about protecting this great earth, and as I sit here in DC, we are on the verge of a historic environmental vote on Friday 6/26. My boss has been working on this for over 30 years, and as I hear him say every day "we have never been this close to passing serious climate legislation". I really need you to tell Representative Tim Johnson [or your Representative] to vote for the HR 2454, the American Clean Energy and Securities Act. It will take you about 5 seconds, as I have included the phone numbers, text and email link below. When it comes down to it, Representative Johnson votes pro environment over 60% of the time. This is a very high score for a Republican, but it is still unclear how he will vote on this piece of legislation. So please, please give his office a call and make your friends/family do the same! Overall, this bill will create new jobs in America, break our dependence on foreign oil and cut global warming pollutants. I wrote up a little script for you to say over the phone or via email. Please feel free to edit or add your own little factoids. Phone calls are ideal, but emails will work too. The main point is to ask Representative Johnson [or your Representative] to VOTE YES on HR 2454. I hope you will consider emailing a note to all your friends living in his district and any list serves urging folks to support ACES. Let me know if you have any questions. I have lots of materials on this stuff. Maggie Bruns Legal and Operations Associate League of Conservation Voters maggie.bruns@gmail.com PHONE Representative Johnson's DC Office Phone: 202-225-2371 Champaign Office Phone: 217-403-4690 EMAIL If you would like to send an email please click on this link and cut/paste text below selecting energy as subject: http://timjohnson.house.gov/?sectionid=56&sectiontree=3,56 ************************************ ************************************ Representative Tim Johnson, IL-15 United States House of Representatives Washington, DC 20515 Re: Vote Yes on H.R. 2454, the American Clean Energy and Security Act I am writing to urge Representative Johnson to vote for HR 2454, the American Clean Energy and Security Act. ACES will create clean energy jobs in IL and revitalize the US economy by opening the doors to millions of manufacturing and construction jobs. For instance, just one American-built wind turbine requires 8000 parts made by American steelworkers. These are good paying jobs and most importantly they are American jobs. The global economy will require this switch in order to stay competitive, and America should take the lead in this global effort. ACES will invest in research and ingenuity in clean energy technology and carbon sequestration methods. This increase in funding will jump start universities across the country including the University of Illinois, Eastern Illinois University and Illinois State University. With a vote for ACES, our country will be closer to achieving energy independence by increasing the production of domestic clean energy. This bill will increase our national security, by increasing domestic production of clean energy sources and decreasing our dependence other country's dirty energy resources. Finally, carbon pollution threatens the livelihoods of our communities, including that of Illinois' farmers. Increasing carbon pollution emissions will create more floods, increase incidence of crop pests, and heighten the likelihood of extreme weather. Please vote yes on HR 2454 to support IL agriculture for future generations. Please vote YES on the American Clean Energy and Securities Act. Thank you,]]> 2479 0 1006 0 https://prairierivers.org/articles/2009/06/illinois-dam-safety-report-on-run-of-river-dams/ Thu, 25 Jun 2009 14:33:40 +0000 http://prairierivers.org/?p=2486 The Illinois Dam Safety Report, takes a thorough look at 25 run of river dams on Illinois waterways. A run of river dam is a dam with a height less than 25 feet that spans the width of a river and which during normal flow conditions typically has water flowing over the entire dam. Dams alter wildlife habitat by flooding the stream corridor above the dam and change the natural seasonal fluctuations in water level below. These alterations harm fish and wildlife both above and below the dam. Not only do dams alter the ecosystem and landscape, but they are also extremely dangerous. Nearly every year in Illinois, people accidentally die because of dams. By getting too close, paddlers, waders, fishermen, and other people enjoying time in their local river can easily get sucked into the current and trapped in the hydraulic effect (boil and backwash) dams create. Read the full Illinois Dam Safety Report here: Dam safety report part 1 (pdf) and Dam safety report part 2 (pdf).

So please remember, BE ALERT when you are on the river and stay away from low head dams!

]]> 2486 0 1008 0 https://prairierivers.org/articles/2009/06/new-rules-concerning-dam-safety/ Thu, 25 Jun 2009 14:40:30 +0000 http://prairierivers.org/?p=2495 Recently, the Illinois Department of Natural Resources issued a notice of proposed rules concerning Dam Safety. These rules may affect landowners, businesses, and recreationist along the river; particularly part 3703 of the rules. Part 3703 of the new rules, state that there needs to be mandatory 350' exclusion Zones around dams. Specifically the "Exclusion Zone" means a segment of the river, beginning 50 feet downstream of a dam and proceeding to a point 300 feet upstream of the dam, that no one is allowed to enter for any purpose, except those purposes exempted by this Part. This zone includes the spillway, gates, piers and other appurtenant dam works that are not designed for the express purpose of general pedestrian access. These new rules will undoubtedly hinder paddling on many streams, at least for the coming paddling season. And although Prairie Rivers Network feels strongly that people should be able to use and enjoy the river, we also care greatly for everyone's safety. Prairie Rivers Network's stance on this position has always been that run of river dams are dangerous to humans and harm the environment as well. We support efforts to remove these dams and restore the streams to their natural state. However, until these dams can be removed, we support the Illinois Department of Natural Resources' decision to mandate exclusion zones around these structures and encourage citizens to obey the rules and take their safety seriously. It is our hope that the portages required to allow for safe paddling in these areas can be installed in the coming year so that only one paddling season is effected. To read the dam safety rule visit http://dnr.state.il.us/LEGAL/PROPOSED/3703-Proposed.pdf To view the Illinois Department of Natural Resources proposed rules site http://dnr.state.il.us/LEGAL/rule-status.htm]]> 2495 0 1007 0 https://prairierivers.org/articles/2009/06/dam-safety-rules-take-2/ Mon, 29 Jun 2009 18:27:35 +0000 http://prairierivers.org/?p=2513 Our paddling members and friends have set us straight on DNR's proposed Dam Safety Rule, Rule 3703, now pending before the Illinois General Assembly's Joint Committee on Administrative Rules). We expressed support for the proposed rule in a post last week. The rule would impose a 350-foot exclusion zone around all dangerous dams in order to protect the public safety and prevent the needless drowning deaths that occur in Illinois rivers nearly every year. (Also see our post on the report evaluating costs of improving safety through removal or modification.)

Paddling organizations throughout Illinois, such as the Illinois Paddling Council and Prairie State Canoeists have struggled with the issue of how best to protect river users without making restrictions so tight that they keep people off of and out of the rivers altogether. The paddling community in Illinois is in consensus that the proposed rule, while well-intentioned, will not achieve that balance, at the expense of paddlers in particular. Exclusion zones that are too large can make paddling long stretches of river nearly impossible. Established landings for canoeists and kayakers to pull their boats out of the river and carry them around dangerous dams are typically within the exclusionary zone the new rule would create. According to the Illinois Paddling Council, the new rule would eliminate existing safe portages on 19 out of 25 dams on the Kankakee, Rock, Fox, Des Plaines, and the Vermillion, essentially closing those rivers to paddlers. Prairie Rivers Network supports efforts of the paddling community to work with legislators and the Illinois DNR to develop a better plan to prevent deaths and to encourage safe recreation in and along our rivers. To follow the latest on the issue, visit the Illinois Paddling Council's Web site and consider signing their petition requesting a better rule. Our stance on dams has always been that run-of-the-river dams are dangerous to people and harmful to river systems as well. These dams can affect downstream water chemistry and starve downstream habitats of vital materials such as silt, sand, gavel, and decaying plant material. Dams also change flow rates, water levels, and impede natural migrations of fish, amphibians, and reptiles that live in streams. Most of these dams in Illinois have outlived their original purpose and now provide recreational and aesthetic benefits that could be provided as well or better by rivers restored to their natural state. We will continue to support efforts to remove these dams by helping local communities find funding sources for planning and removal, and by pressing DNR to consider dam removal when they are undertaking dam maintenance and repair projects. Thanks to all of you (really!) who called to our attention to the fact that there are better ways to protect river users than the approach called for in Rule 3703.]]> 2513 0 1005 0 https://prairierivers.org/articles/2009/07/clean-water-and-you-choosing-the-best-household-products/ Mon, 13 Jul 2009 13:00:03 +0000 http://prairierivers.org/?p=2456 Some of the chemicals found in our household products are toxic to humans and harmful to the environment as they become more concentrated in our water supply. In the future these chemicals may be limited by government regulations, but until then, concerned consumers want to buy the least harmful products. Unfortunately, wading through the information about chemicals in our household products can be very confusing. Many companies do not list all the chemicals that are found in their products and are not required to by law (thus the mysterious "and other ingredients"). Even when all chemicals are listed, how does a consumer find out which are harmful and why? It is easier to find information about chemicals considered harmful to humans, but much more difficult to find clear information for the layperson on the effects on fish and wildlife. Here are three tips to help you make the most informed consumer choices: First, consider making your own cleaners at home, using environmentally-safe ingredients such as vinegar and baking soda. There are many cleaning recipes available online:

• www.epa.state.il.us/p2/less-toxic-products.html
• http://nemo.uconn.edu/tools/publications/clean_waters/cwfact2.pdf

Second, buy products that disclose all ingredients and strive to meet a higher standard of safety.

• The U.S. EPA's Design for the Environment Formulator Program partners with companies who use safer ingredients in cleaning products. Look for their label on products.
• Seventh Generation, a brand of household products, has developed a handy "label reading guide": www.seventhgeneration.com/show-whats-inside/cleaning-products-ingredients-guide.

Third, avoid these five problem ingredients in store-bought cleaners:

• Phosphate was banned from laundry detergents, but is still widely used in automatic dishwasher detergents (labeled as sodium orthophosphate, sodium tripolyphosphate or others; some products are labeled "contains no phosphates"). Phosphates cause eutrophication, an increased growth of algae that uses up too much oxygen and kills fish.
• Triclosan is used in anti-bacterial soaps. It is very toxic to aquatic organisms and persists in the environment over long time periods. There is also concern that overuse of anti-bacterial products may lead to increased bacterial resistance, making it harder to kill germs and unwanted bacteria in the future. Studies have shown that washing hands with antibacterial soaps is no more effective than using plain soap and water. To get clean hands, make sure you wash long enough (at least 15 seconds--long enough to sing "Happy Birthday" twice!); it is scrubbing with soap that physically removes the germs from your hands. Use of an alcohol-based gel sanitizer is OK--these are effective if they are at least 60% alcohol, which physically destroys the germs and does not create bacterial resistance.
• Bleach (sodium hypochlorite) is acutely toxic to fish and can bind with organic matter to form toxic compounds that persist in the environment. Instead, use soap and water-most household tasks don't require bleach.
• Methylisothiazolinone a preservative found in detergents and hand dish soap, is toxic to aquatic organisms with long-term persistence in the environment.
• Lauramidopropylamine oxide is found in cleaning, laundry, and dish washing products and is toxic to aquatic life.

]]> 2456 0 1001 0 https://prairierivers.org/articles/2009/07/chicago-workshop-a-success-dont-miss-out-on-august-7/ Thu, 09 Jul 2009 15:53:06 +0000 http://prairierivers.org/?p=2521 Using On-line Data and Tools for Your Watershed

The second run of the Capacity Building Workshop on "Using On-line Data and Tools for Your Watershed" is being held on Friday, August 7 at Parkland College in Champaign, IL.

The registration deadline is July 27, and there are a few spots still available.  The workshop is intended for planners, technical analysts, or outreach coordinators who will apply this information to their watershed work.  Please join us!   Chicago participants provided wonderful feedback on how the workshop went.  Those of you already signed up for the August 7 workshop have much to look forward to, and we invite more of you to attend.

Feedback From Participants

What did you like about this workshop?

hands-on activities; excellent handouts

very helpful to have one-on-one tutorial assistance

interactive components; being able to actually click and explore helps process the information

excellent speakers who made following along very easy and understandable

D2M workbook is awesome and should help a lot; the binder is a great resource

learning about the ways to use excel to help quantify data and give a visual representation

How will you apply this material to your watershed work?

The outreach track will be useful to educate our residents.

We are now more familiar with using the data to make it more accessible and understandable to the general public.

This material will help me continue the planning and implementation process in local watershed planning.

It will make it easier to quantify our base-line data.

This material will be useful for us to identify impaired waters.

What I learned will help me in obtaining and working through available data.

This could add another useful layer of information when reporting current conditions.

 

Registration:

To register for the August 7 workshop, please e-mail Alison Meanor at ameanor@prairierivers.org  or phone her at (217) 344-2371.  Indicate whether you will attend the Technical Track or the Outreach Track for your afternoon session:  Technical Track     *      Practice putting data and maps into Excel-based tool for use.     *      Create informative maps/resources for your watershed group.     *      Input monitoring data and images of an area.     *      Create a customized water quality monitoring template.     *      Use data to calculate monitoring needs.  Outreach Track     *      U.S. EPA's Non-Point Source (NPS) outreach tool box     *      download Public Service Announcements and customize them for your needs     *      websites made easy     *      available on-line watershed tools

 A detailed article describing this workshop is in the previous post: "Register Now for PRN's Summer Workshop" Pay your $15.00 workshop cost the day of the event, or make your check payable to Prairie Rivers Network and mail it to:

Prairie Rivers Network ATTN:  Alison Meanor 1902 Fox Drive, Suite G Champaign, IL 61820

This workshop is a part of our continuing efforts to build capacity in Illinois watersheds. Funding is provided through an IEPA and U.S. EPA CWA 319 grant.

]]> 2521 0 1002 0 https://prairierivers.org/articles/2009/07/rainwater-harvesting-workshop-july-17-18/ Wed, 08 Jul 2009 16:47:31 +0000 http://prairierivers.org/?p=2600

Click for More Information

Rainwater Harvesting is the hottest new thing in water conservation and stormwater management. Aquascape Designs is hosting a rainwater harvesting workshop at Pheasant Run in St. Charles, IL. On July 17, they will have several presentations on how their RainXchange systems work and how they benefit water quality, stormwater, and water conservation. This workshop is only $50. On July 18, they will be installing 30+ systems in one neighborhood in Sugar Grove. They will "transform" this traditional neighborhood into a "green" neighborhood in one day. This day is free and you can come and go as you please and see how these systems are installed and how they work.]]> 2600 0 1003 0 https://prairierivers.org/articles/2009/07/victoryforillinoispaddlers/ Thu, 16 Jul 2009 15:18:57 +0000 http://prairierivers.org/?p=2610 [/caption] Earlier this week, the proposed Dam Safety Rule that would have effectively closed many well-used Illinois rivers to paddlers was sent back to Illinois Department of Natural Resources by the legislative body that approves state agency rules (see news story). The Joint Committee on Administrative Rules cited concerns raised by the Illinois Paddling Council as the primary reason for rejecting the proposed rule. The Committee has asked DNR to revise the rule, taking a case-by-case approach, rather than the one-size-fits-all proposal for determining safety exclusion zones around dangerous low-head dams on public waterways in Illinois. Prairie Rivers Network will work with the paddling community and the DNR to come up with a workable solution that will protect lives at these dangerous dams while allowing for the safe use of rivers by paddlers. Congratulations to Illinois Paddling Council and other groups and individuals who carried out this successful campaign!]]> 2610 0 998 0 https://prairierivers.org/uncategorized/2009/07/prn-urges-sen-burris-to-support-cwra/ Thu, 16 Jul 2009 13:00:41 +0000 http://prairierivers.org/?p=2616 In a letter hand-delivered to Sen. Burris' Chicago office on Tuesday, July 14, Prairie Rivers Network scientist, Stacy James, said, "The way Clean Water Restoration Act restores these protections is by removing the term "navigable waters" (originally defined as "waters of the U.S.") and replacing it with "waters of the U.S.". "Waters of the U.S." is then defined as including the breadth of natural waterways in addition to the mere two percent of waterways that are truly navigable. This change is critical because it acknowledges the importance of streams and wetlands that are seasonal or intermittent in nature but are nevertheless crucial to the healthy functioning of our environment. The Act also maintains existing agricultural exemptions that farmers have enjoyed for years. Failure to pass the bill will undermine President Obama's budget initiative to restore the Great Lakes (including its wetlands) and Illinois' beloved Lake Michigan." "The Clean Water Restoration Act presents an opportunity for Senator Burris to stand up for Illinoisans and protect clean drinking water to the extent envisioned by Congress when they passed the original Act in 1972," said Glynnis Collins, Executive Director, Prairie Rivers Network. "This Act will clarify the connection between water sources, so that a stream is not seen in isolation to the sources of water that feed it." In recent years, Supreme Court decisions and federal agency rules have weakened the protections in the Clean Water Act of 1972 by removing safeguards to wetlands, seasonal streams and other waters. These critical parts of the entire system of waterways lost legal protection even though they are crucial to drinking water quality, habitat and the prevention of flooding. "What happened to the Clean Water Act over the last eight years is a tragedy. EPA cannot clean up big rivers and streams unless they can limit pollution of the small tributaries" said Clark Bullard, Board Member, Prairie Rivers Network. "A series of Supreme Court decisions failed to recognize the fact that all waters are connected, whether they flow every day or not. Congress clearly intends for the EPA to regulate dumping of pollutants into a streambed that is temporarily dry. Illinois has more than 87,000 miles of rivers and streams, many of which are seasonal, and all those pollutants flow downhill." The Clean Water Restoration Act would protect a large portion of the nation's drinking water that is currently without protection. In Illinois, over 50 percent of headwaters and seasonal streams and 150,000 acres of wetlands would regain protection. According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, 59 percent of stream miles in the continental U.S. are intermittent or ephemeral and many of these have been losing Clean Water Act protection since 2006. These streams provide important drinking water, flood control, and aquatic habitat functions. An estimated 20 million acres of wetlands - or 20 percent of all remaining wetlands in the lower 48 states - are already losing Clean Water Act protection, and many more are at risk. EPA estimates that more than 111 million Americans get their drinking water from public supplies fed in whole or in part by intermittent or ephemeral streams vulnerable to pollution under these decisions. "The Clean Water Act as it now stands is inadequate for protecting the water that we cannot and should not live without. Senator Burris' support of The Clean Water Restoration Act is therefore essential for ensuring that there will be enough clean water in Illinois for future generations," said Stacy James, Water Resources Scientist with Prairie Rivers Network. Prairie Rivers Network strives to protect the rivers and streams of Illinois and to promote the lasting health and beauty of watershed communities. www.prairierivers.org ###]]> 2616 0 999 0 https://prairierivers.org/articles/2009/07/call-senator-burris/ Thu, 23 Jul 2009 17:16:33 +0000 http://prairierivers.org/?p=2628

Prairie Rivers Network needs you to call Senator Burris during the week of July 27-31 as part of our Burris Blast for clean water!  Ask him to vote FOR the Clean Water Restoration Act, Senate Bill 787.  Your call is important because the opposition (e.g., Farm Bureau, National Homebuilders Association, National Mining Association) is strong. This Act will restore protections to isolated wetlands and ephemeral waters no longer covered by the Clean Water Act because of recent Supreme Court decisions that weakened the protections that have been in place since 1972. Senate Bill 787 recognizes that all natural waters are important, not just the permanent waters big enough to be navigable. You can call Senator Burris' office in Washington, D.C. (202-224-2854) or Chicago (312-886-3506). Tell the person who answers the phone:

1. Your name and where you live.
2. That you support the Clean Water Restoration Act, Senate Bill 787, and you think it is important for Senator Burris to vote in favor of it. 

It's that simple!

Sources of More Information:

Prairie Rivers Network's letter to Senator Burris. Prairie Rivers Network's press release. Clean Water Restoration Act Bill. National Wildlife Federation's CWRA information page.

7/28/09 Updated CWRA link

]]> 2628 0 994 0 https://prairierivers.org/articles/2009/07/power-plant-kills-fish/ Thu, 23 Jul 2009 14:00:26 +0000 http://prairierivers.org/?p=2630 Just over one week ago, between 350 and 400 fish were killed when water temperatures in Baldwin Lake topped 100 degrees (read news article here). This is not an uncommon experience during warm summer stretches at lakes that serve the dual purposes of cooling water from power plants and providing recreational opportunities for residents. Fish kills are not the only impact, though, that high temperature discharges can have on a lake. Ameren Energy has petitioned the Illinois Pollution Control Board to allow increased thermal discharges from their Coffeen Power Station to Coffeen Lake, another site that serves as a recreational resource to Illinois residents. Prairie Rivers Network joins the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency in opposition to allowing hotter discharges to Coffeen Lake because of anticipated impacts to the lake's water quality and the resident fish population. In particular, increasing the thermal limits of the power plant's discharges could not only contribute to lower oxygen available for fish resulting in fish stress or even fish kills; increased temperatures may also lead to higher levels of nutrients and mercury in Coffeen Lake, resulting in nuisance algae and contaminated fish. These impacts threaten the valued uses of the lake including boating and fishing, both for recreation and a food supply. Click here for PRN's comments asking the Illinois Pollution Control Board to deny Ameren's request for regulatory relief and instead require Ameren to implement existing technology to provide additional cooling.]]> 2630 0 996 0 https://prairierivers.org/articles/2009/07/what-is-the-future-of-our-water-supply/ Thu, 23 Jul 2009 15:00:56 +0000 http://prairierivers.org/?p=2649 Citizens from Tazewell to Vermilion Counties will have an opportunity to discuss the future of East-Central Illinois water supplies during public meetings being held by the Regional Water Supply Planning Committee (RWSPC). Created by Executive Order 2006-1, and authorized by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources, the RWSPC's has the responsibility to develop recommendations for water supply planning in  East-Central Illinois. The 15 counties included in the RWSPC's region overlie the Mahomet Aquifer, the major water supply for much of the region. Findings in the Committee's final report indicate that water use demands on this valuable natural resource are already affecting the aquifer's normal hydrology and water levels. The report also notes that water demands within the region may increase by as much as 60% by 2050. Although the Committee's final report and recommendations have been released, the planning process is intended to continue and adapt over time, with subsequent water planning committees incorporating new  information into water supply planning initiatives. The committee's report, "A Plan to Improve the Planning and Management of Water Supplies in East-Central Illinois" can be downloaded at http://www.rwspc.org/commproducts.htm Ten public meetings are currently scheduled between July 22 and August 27, from 7:00pm to 9:00pm. RWSPC members will give presentations summarizing the committee's report and then answer questions. For a  list of meetings dates and locations visit http://www.rwspc.org/meetings/outreach2009.html.]]> 2649 0 995 0 https://prairierivers.org/articles/2009/07/usda-seeks-input-to-improve-conservation-practice-standard-comments-should-be-submitted-by-aug-11/ Wed, 22 Jul 2009 13:00:31 +0000 http://prairierivers.org/?p=2656 All comments will be reviewed and considered for incorporation into final rules directing delivery of conservation programs. Public comments can be submitted online, by mail, via e-mail, in person, or by fax through Aug. 11. View full press release. Contact information is listed in the notice. The notice can be found at http://edocket.access.gpo.gov/2009/pdf/E9-13870.pdf. For more information about NRCS and conservation programs that may be available, go to: www.nrcs.usda.gov or visit the nearest USDA Service Center.]]> 2656 0 997 0 https://prairierivers.org/articles/2009/07/urgent-ask-gov-quinn-to-veto-subsidies-to-develop-in-floodplains/ Fri, 31 Jul 2009 17:02:57 +0000 http://prairierivers.org/?p=2665 [caption id="attachment_2672" align="alignright" width="300" caption="Proposed site for STAR bonds development in American Bottom floodplain."][/caption] Described variously as "TIF on steroids" or "Worst Bill Ever," Illinois Senate Bill 1909 - the STAR Bonds Financing Act - gives money to private developers at Illinois state taxpayers' expense to develop in the 100-year floodplain because "such sites are more likely to remain underutilized and undeveloped." Eligible sites must be vacant and no less than 600 acres, at least 30 per cent of which is in the 100-year floodplain. Floodplains should remain undeveloped. A floodplain is a land area adjacent to a river, stream, or other water body that is subject to flooding. This area, if left undisturbed, stores excess rainwater during storms. If developed, floodwaters are displaced, leading to increased flooding elsewhere. According to State floodplain management officials, Illinois is one of the nation's most flood-prone states, with flooding currently costing the State more than $250 million a year. Development in flood-prone areas has caused an increasing level of damage and destruction. Preservation of floodplain areas reduces the number and severity of floods and minimizes water pollution. Floodplains frequently contain large tracts of wetlands and provide critical wildlife habitat. Wetlands store and filter floodwaters and help recharge aquifers. The Illinois Dept of Revenue estimates that each STAR bond project could cost the State $15 million per project per year in lost tax revenue. Much of this loss will be due to the erosion of the State government tax base that existed before the STAR district was created. There would also be a loss in revenue and jobs to nearby communities. SB 1909 indicates there are a number of areas around the state with 100-year floodplains that could benefit from STAR bonds, potentially costing the State more than a hundred million dollars per year. One of the sites already proposed for a STAR bonds project is in the American Bottom floodplain of the Mississippi River in Glen Carbon, part of the Metro East area. The area's levee system has been "decertified" by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, meaning the levees lack structural integrity necessary to protect the area from severe flood events. Such projects would be unwise anytime, but especially so now when the state and local communities already face severe budget deficits and are ill-equipped to deal with costs associated with more flooding. Prairie Rivers Network, along with many of our partners (Sierra Club - Illinois Chapter and Kaskaskia Group, American Bottom Conservancy, Illinois Environmental Council) opposed this Bill throughout the 2009 legislative session, but the bill has passed both the Senate and the House and awaits Governor Pat Quinn's signature or veto. Governor Quinn has been a longtime champion of rivers and wise floodplain management. SB 1909 promotes sprawl, rewards private developers for irresponsible floodplain development on the backs of taxpayers, and goes against everything we have learned over the years about floodplain management. Call Governor Quinn at (217) 782-0244 or (312) 814-212,1 or contact him at his website.  Ask him to protect communities, the environment, wildlife and taxpayer dollars and to deny special funding for private developers.

Ask Governor Quinn to please VETO SB 1909, the STAR bonds bill.

]]> 2665 0 993 0 https://prairierivers.org/articles/2009/08/water-conservation-take-an-online-quiz-habitat-gets-1/ Thu, 06 Aug 2009 11:09:41 +0000 http://prairierivers.org/?p=2679 One of our business sponsors, Gorilla Polymedia, designed a Web site for Kohler about water conservation. Along with plugs for Kohler's water-efficient product lines, there is useful information on how to save water at home. The site also has a quiz; if you take it, Kohler will donate $1 in water-conserving fixtures to Habitat for Humanity. See what savings you can find in your own home - every bit we do as ordinary citizens helps to protect our rivers today and for our children!]]> 2679 0 991 0 https://prairierivers.org/articles/2009/08/sugar-camp-mine/ Tue, 04 Aug 2009 18:01:46 +0000 http://prairierivers.org/?p=2684 IEPA is accepting comments until September 8, 2009 regarding granting a Section 401 water certification permit for the approximately 1,264 acre mine. A 401 certification cannot be granted if the project will cause or contribute to a violation of Illinois water quality standards. Plans for the Sugar Camp mine include impounding two tributaries which run through the site for the purpose of creating a treatment pond. The mine will directly impact thirteen wetlands on the project site, with 6.51 acres of emergent wetlands and 1.01 acres of forested wetlands being lost. In addition 5,416 linear feet of intermittent streams will be lost. The proposed Sugar Camp mine will use the longwall method of mining, where coal is mined from long rectangular areas, or "panels" underneath the surface. As a result of clearing out coal, rock and soil from the panels, land subsidence, or sinking, occurs above the panels. These alterations in the land's surface can impact stream drainage and water quality. The August 6th IEPA hearing begins at 6:00 pm at the Franklin County Extension Building, 1212 Route 14 W, in Benton, Illinois. For more details about the issues related to the Sugar Camp mine click here. For more information, email csmith@prairierivers.org.]]> 2684 0 992 0 https://prairierivers.org/articles/2009/08/illinois-has-new-law-protecting-drinking-water/ Mon, 24 Aug 2009 21:05:03 +0000 http://prairierivers.org/?p=2689 press release from the Illinois Government News Network.]]> 2689 0 990 0 https://prairierivers.org/articles/2009/08/who-owns-water-resources/ Tue, 25 Aug 2009 13:44:29 +0000 http://prairierivers.org/?p=2692 Listen here to Eric Freyfogle, PRN board member and supporter for over ten years, discuss who owns our water resources here in Illinois on WILL Focus 580, Illinois Public Media.]]> 2692 0 989 0 https://prairierivers.org/articles/2009/09/call-for-nominations-2009-river-steward-award/ Thu, 03 Sep 2009 13:00:06 +0000 http://prairierivers.org/?p=2695

Jan Holder (left), PRN's First River Steward Award Winner

Do you know a volunteer who is working hard to protect the state’s rivers and streams? Help celebrate and elevate their important work by nominating them for our 5th annual River Steward Award. Deadline is October 15, 2009. It is time once again to celebrate and elevate the important work of an individual whose work to protect the state’s rivers and streams inspires us. There are many dedicated citizen volunteers around our state that spend countless hours working to protect Illinois’ rivers. They educate us; they do the legwork; they speak the unpopular truths; they go above and beyond. Too often, their outstanding efforts and successes are not known outside of their local community. The River Steward Award recognizes and celebrates the most exemplary nomination, and it will collect stories of work that we all need to hear. Prairie Rivers Network wants to recognize and celebrate the people who make these achievements possible, sharing their victories and inspiring other river advocates around the state. The fifth annual River Steward Award will be announced November 6, 2009 at Prairie Rivers Network’s Annual Dinner. The honoree and a guest, as well as the nominator, will be invited to attend the dinner for the awards ceremony. The award recipient will also be announced to the river conservation community around the state, announced to the media in a press release, and posted on our website.

Nomination Procedure

If you know a citizen volunteer you would like to nominate as the next River Steward, please e-mail the following information to Cecily Smith at csmith@prairierivers.org or call her at 217/344-2371 for more information:

1. Nominee's contact information
2. Your contact information
3. Nominee qualifications (500 words):

• Summary of their river conservation efforts
• General background information concerning the river/watershed of interest
• The specific work for which the nominee deserves recognition

Deadline: Nominations must be received by October 15, 2009.]]> 2695 0 987 0 https://prairierivers.org/articles/2009/09/nwf-global-warming-bringing-more-extreme-heat-waves/ Wed, 02 Sep 2009 13:00:18 +0000 http://prairierivers.org/?p=2707

Chicago ranks 14th of the top 30 cities that are at high heat risk

The National Wildlife Federation, NWF, recently posted a report titled "Global Warming Bringing More Extreme Heat Waves." The report details how:

Global warming will bring more extreme heat waves

Urban air pollution could be exacerbated by more extreme heat

Heat waves disproportionately impact people who are poor, elderly, children, or have asthma or heart disease, or live in big cities

Natural habitats and agriculture are also vulnerable to heat waves

We can reduce the severity of heat waves and their impacts on vulnerable people

]]> 2707 0 988 0 https://prairierivers.org/articles/2009/09/chemical-drift/ Thu, 03 Sep 2009 13:42:36 +0000 http://prairierivers.org/?p=2716 Chemical drift occurs when pesticides are blown downwind when applied to fields. Currently farmers are not required to alert their downwind neighbors that chemicals might be floating their way. Children have been sprayed, organic farms have been sprayed, and we all get an extra dose of chemical pollution in our waterways. Recent incidents, and the passage of legislation in Maine that requires farmers to notify adjacent property owners of aerial chemical applications, have inspired Senator Dave Koehler, D-Peoria and committee Chairman Sen. Michael Frerichs, D-Champaign, to call for a public hearing. That hearing is scheduled for September 30th at 10:00 AM at the State Capital Building in Springfield, room 409. If this issue has affected you, please let them know by attending the hearing or submitting comments to Sen. Frerichs' Springfield office at 217-782-2507. Read a recent article from the Journal Star on chemical drift: Questions lead to public hearing on chemical drift]]> 2716 0 986 0 https://prairierivers.org/articles/2009/09/prairie-rivers-notes-fall-2009-newsletter/ Thu, 03 Sep 2009 21:17:53 +0000 http://prairierivers.org/?p=2720 View PRN’s Prairie River Notes - Fall 2009 Newsletter (pdf) with the following articles:

• A Message from our Executive Director
• Annual Fundraising Dinner - November 6th
• PRN and Developer Infiltrate Stormwater Together!
• Ask Gov. Quinn and General Assembly to Discourage Floodplain Development
• Nominate Your Favorite River Steward TODAY!
• An Interview with Board Members, Jon McNussen and Clark Bullard
• Watershed Managers and Planners Learn to Access Online Data
• Illinois Takes a Closer Look at Being Green
• Salt Fork Arts Festival

]]> 2720 0 985 0 https://prairierivers.org/articles/2009/09/where-there-are-coal-plants-there-is-coal-waste/ Fri, 04 Sep 2009 13:00:41 +0000 http://prairierivers.org/?p=2728 by Traci Barkley, Water Resources Scientist

Illinois' 24 Coal-Fired Power Plants

Last December, residents living near the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) Kingston Steam Plant were flooded with approximately 1.6 billion gallons of toxic coal sludge. It covered the area equivalent to 100 city blocks and flooded into tributaries of the Tennessee River which is the water supply for Chattanooga, Tennessee and millions of people living downstream in Alabama. Burning of coal to make electricity produces solid and liquid waste that is typically stored on-site in huge piles (solids) and impoundments (solids and liquids). Unfortunately, the regulatory framework to control these wastes is weak and under-enforced. Proper management of coal waste is critical in protecting public drinking water supplies and the health of our natural environment.* This disaster prompted then-Lieutenant Governor Pat Quinn to request an assessment of Illinois' 24 coal-fired power plants and 83 coal ash impoundments. The Illinois Environmental Protection Agency (IEPA) conducted a preliminary evaluation and found that:

1. At most impoundments (51 of 83), no liners to contain waste and prevent pollution of groundwater were installed;
2. At most impoundments (55 of 83), no groundwater monitoring is required;
3. At all of the power plant sites evaluated (6 out of 24), groundwater is contaminated;
4. At most of the power plant sites (16 of 24), dams creating the impoundments are unpermitted and have not been inspected for safety or stability by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources - Office of Water Resources.

At the same time, U.S. EPA compiled data on the cancer risk of nearly half of the impoundment dump sites in the US, including Illinois, because among the hazardous constituents contained in power plant waste are 17 toxic chemicals including arsenic, mercury, cadmium, chromium, selenium, aluminum, antimony, barium, beryllium, boron, copper, lead, manganese, molybdenum, nickel, vanadium, and zinc. These contaminants cause birth defects, cancer, and neurological damage in humans, and similar damage to wildlife. EPA's assessment was followed by an independent analysis of the same data by the Environmental Integrity Project and Earthjustice, a non-profit public interest law firm. According to the EIP/Earthjustice analysis of the EPA data, there are high-risk coal ash impoundment dump sites in at least three dozen states. Illinois ranks third, with 14 such sites. Based on these assessments, it is fair to say that power plant waste presents a significant risk to clean water and public health in Illinois. Illinois is clearly bearing a great public risk that, until now, has received little attention. The current state of oversight of coal waste disposal is insufficient to protect our water supplies and resources adequately. Besides the ash impoundment dump sites, the State of Illinois also allows power plant waste to be dumped in active and abandoned coal mines. Requirements, responsibilities, and units of government providing oversight vary depending on where and how the waste is disposed of or used. This lack of consistency creates opportunity for threats and problems to go undetected. In the near future at least, we expect to see greater production and disposal of coal waste. The state lacks the knowledge and capacity to coordinate the proper monitoring and management of these wastes needed to avoid a repeat of the Tennessee disaster here in Illinois. To that end, Prairie Rivers Network in collaboration with a variety of partners has committed to:

1.  Pressure IEPA to ensure that existing coal waste disposal sites are managed safely and that future sites are designed to prevent harm to our communities and water supplies;
2. Critically review and challenge proposed facilities and permits that do not include adequate protections and monitoring; and
3. Work with Illinois legislators to update regulations governing coal waste use and disposal to ensure appropriate siting, proper pollution controls and adequate regulatory oversight.

How you can get involved:

1. Find out about the coal waste risks nearest your community by calling Illinois EPA’s Division of Public Water Supplies at 217/785-4787.
2. Work with your local watershed group to monitor your water.
3. Join Prairie Rivers Network and contribute to our effort.

*Managing Coal Combustion Residues in Mines, National Research Council of the National Academies, 2006.

DRAFT U.S. EPA Human and Ecological Risk Assessment of Coal Combustion Waste, U.S. EPA, 2008.

Wastes from the combustion of fossil fuels: Volume 2- Methods, Findings, and Recommendations, U.S. EPA Report to Congress, 1999.]]> 2728 0 984 0 https://prairierivers.org/articles/2009/09/prn-annual-fundraising-dinner-nov-6th/ Sat, 05 Sep 2009 13:00:33 +0000 http://prairierivers.org/?p=2768 Prairie Rivers Network's staff and board of directors invite you to celebrate and show your support for Illinois' rivers. Please join us for an evening of conservation stories to lift your spirits and renew your commitment to the rivers flowing through our communities. PRN's annual dinner will be held on Friday, November 6th at the I Hotel and Conference Center in Champaign.

Schedule of Events

6:00 pm - Cocktail Hour (raffle prizes include kayak & painted rain barrel) 7:00 pm - Dinner and Initiation of Annual Donor Campaign 8:00 pm - Keynote Speaker

Keynote Speaker

Carolyn Raffensperger is executive director of the Science and Environmental Health Network, a non-profit working to engage communities and governments in the effective application of science to protect and restore public and ecosystem health. When Carolyn left a career as an archaeologist to join the environmental movement, she first worked for the Illinois Sierra Club where she addressed an array of environmental issues, including forest management, river protection, and pesticide pollutants. As an appointed member of Illinois' Low-level Radioactive Waste Disposal Facility Siting Commission in the early 1990s, she voted down the Martinsville Site (Clark County) for a low-level radioactive waste facility. As an environmental lawyer, Carolyn specializes in the fundamental changes in law and policy necessary for the protection and restoration of public health and the environment. She is co-editor of two influential books on the "Precautionary Principle," the idea that when an activity raises threats of harm to the environment or human health, precautionary measures should be taken even if cause and effect relationships are not fully established scientifically. Tickets: $40 per person Must Purchase Tickets by Oct 28th by mailing in response-card or contacting Vickie at (217) 344-2371 or vnudelman@prairierivers.org.

We hope you will be able to attend!

Post Updated 10/1/09

]]> 2768 0 983 0 https://prairierivers.org/articles/2009/09/prairie-rivers-and-developer-infiltrate-stormwater-together/ Sat, 12 Sep 2009 13:00:37 +0000 http://prairierivers.org/?p=2736 by Stacy James, Water Resources Scientist When rain falls and snow melts, the resulting stormwater runoff eventually winds up in rivers and lakes. As stormwater travels, it picks up trash, pesticides, and other pollutants that then contaminate Illinois' waterways. Urban stormwater isn't just dirty, there's a lot of it! In highly developed areas, more than half of precipitation becomes runoff because it cannot soak into the pavement and roads that cover most of the ground. This leads to an unnaturally high influx of water into rivers and lakes, causing flooding, eroding shorelines and streambanks, and property damage. Subsequently, most urban waterways are not very healthy.

BEFORE: Grassy swale behind Chesterbrook Academy

At PRN, we are working to promote development that keeps most precipitation on site instead of sending it to the nearest storm drain. Stormwater management practices such as porous pavement, rain gardens, and green roofs are among the many options available; collectively, these practices are known as "green infrastructure." Our advocacy work really becomes fun when we move beyond meetings or mailings and into implementation. Fortunately, Fox Development Corporation of Champaign asked us for help on two projects where the green infrastructure approach would not only improve on-site water permeability, but aesthetics as well! Of course, we couldn't say "no" to our landlord! Indeed, we welcomed the opportunity to work with a progressive company that values open space and manages many properties in Champaign County.

AFTER: Bioswale in bloom

The first project we tackled was a grassy swale behind Chesterbrook Academy at the University of Illinois Research Park. The swale collects water from a nearby street and parking lot, but the occasional presence of standing water damaged underlying grass and made mowing difficult. As a solution, the grass was removed and the soil was blended with compost to increase water infiltration. Gravel was then placed over the soil. Moisture-loving, native, flowering plant species were planted on the west slope of the swale, to help soak up the stormwater and provide colorful wildlife habitat. In the year since the project was completed, this bioswale has become well-established with healthy plants and the area no longer needs to be mowed. The second project took place at the I Hotel and Conference Center. The 2-acre detention basin was a big, square hole in the ground: weedy and unattractive. To make this an amenity instead of an eyesore for guests, the area was planted with native species that tolerate occasional inundation with stormwater. The ecological services firm JFNew prepared the soil and did the seeding earlier this year. Additional, eye-catching vegetative features were added to the basin's slopes, and an observation deck provides a place to hang out and bird watch. Some of the funding for this project came from the Illinois Department of Agriculture's Conservation Practices Program, via a grant to Prairie Rivers Network that was administered by the Champaign County Soil and Water Conservation District. We thank Fox Development Corporation for being a local leader in green infrastructure and daring to do what most are afraid to try. We hope these projects will serve as models for the community, with other developers following suit. Green infrastructure can be a very cost-effective way of managing stormwater, while providing recreational, aesthetic, and wildlife benefits that improve our quality of life.]]> 2736 0 980 0 https://prairierivers.org/articles/2009/09/ask-gov-quinn-and-general-assembly-to-discourage-floodplain-development/ Mon, 07 Sep 2009 13:00:06 +0000 http://prairierivers.org/?p=2745

Proposed site for STAR bonds development in the American Bottom Floodplain

In the final hours before his August 30th deadline for taking action, Governor Quinn issued an "amendatory veto" on the STAR Bonds Financing Act (Senate Bill 1909). The Bill sets up a mechanism for public financing of large commercial developments in blighted urban areas. Prairie Rivers Network, along with many of our partners (Sierra Club - Illinois Chapter and Kaskaskia Group, American Bottom Conservancy, Illinois Environmental Council), opposed the Bill throughout the 2009 Legislative Session because it includes the ludicrous provision that eligible projects must be at least partly located in floodplains. This provision is part of the Bill in order to target the taxpayer subsidy to a specific development, a mega- shopping mall and entertainment complex in and along the floodplain of the Mississippi River in Glen Carbon, IL (metro East St. Louis area). We are pleased that the Governor has requested lower subsidies than were proposed by Bill Sponsor Senator James Clayborne, of Belleville. However, we are disappointed that the issue of floodplain development has not been addressed. A floodplain is a land area adjacent to a river, stream, or other water body that is subject to flooding. This area, if left undisturbed, stores excess rainwater during storms. If developed, floodwaters are displaced, leading to increased flooding elsewhere. According to State floodplain management officials, Illinois is one of the nation's most flood-prone states, with flooding currently costing the State more than $250 million a year. Preservation of floodplain areas reduces the number and severity of floods and minimizes water pollution. Floodplains frequently contain large tracts of wetlands that provide critical wildlife habitat, store and filter floodwaters, and help recharge underground drinking water supplies. Floodplains should remain undeveloped. This is especially important now when the state and local communities already face severe budget deficits and are ill-equipped to deal with costs associated with more flooding. There are three possible outcomes for the Bill at the General Assembly's October Veto session: (1) legislators may take no action (killing the bill), (2) they may adopt Quinn's amendment (enacting the Bill as amended), or (3) they may override the amendment (enacting the Bill as originally proposed). While option 1 would be a win for the floodplain, we think that options 2 or 3 are more likely outcomes. In the run up to the Veto Session, we will be calling upon Governor Quinn and leaders in the Senate and House to show leadership and fix the irresponsible mandate the Bill provides for floodplain development across Illinois. We ask you to make your voice heard as well. Contact Governor Quinn at 217/782-0244 or 312/814-2121 or at www.illinois.gov/GOV/. Let him know that you are disappointed that he did nothing to fix the irresponsible mandate for floodplain development in Senate Bill 1909, a mandate that goes against everything we know about wise floodplain management. Ask him, as a longtime champion of our rivers, to protect communities, the environment, and taxpayer dollars. Contact the General Assembly members below. Ask them to show leadership in removing the irresponsible mandate for floodplain development contained in the STAR Bonds Bill. Senator James Clayborne (Bill Sponsor) at 618/875-1212 Rep. Tom Holbrook (Bill Sponsor) at 618/394-2211 Senate President John Cullerton at 773/883-0770 House Speaker Michael Madigan at 773/581-8000 Your State Senator and Representative]]> 2745 0 982 0 https://prairierivers.org/articles/2009/09/an-interview-with-board-members-jon-mcnussen-and-clark-bullard/ Tue, 15 Sep 2009 13:00:17 +0000 http://prairierivers.org/?p=2750

Rob Kanter

by Rob Kanter, Prairie Rivers Network member

Prairie Rivers Network is the Illinois Affiliate of the National Wildlife Federation (NWF), whose mission is to "inspire Americans to protect wildlife for our children's future." This partnership, started in 1999, connects PRN to national-level conservation work and creates opportunities to learn from our peers in other states. Two of PRN's board members, Jon McNussen and Clark Bullard, represented Illinois this year at the NWF Annual Meeting, where Clark Bullard was also re-elected to the NWF board of directors. Prairie Rivers Network member Rob Kanter traveled with Jon and Clark and asked them to share what they learned from the NWF Annual Meeting. Rob Kanter is the author of the website www.environmentalalmanac.blogspot.com. Rob Kanter: What do you get out of attending the National Wildlife Federation's Annual Meeting?  [caption id="attachment_83" align="alignleft" width="120" caption="Clark Bullard"][/caption] Clark Bullard: NWF is providing strong leadership in climate policy, particularly its efforts to focus Congress on the need to establish contiguous migration corridors to ensure that plants and wildlife can survive global warming. Even in the most optimistic scenario for phasing out fossil fuels, wildlife and their food supplies must move northward together at a rate of 30 feet per day, every day for the next century, just to survive climate changes already in the pipeline. If we don't link fragmented habitats, logically along our rivers and streams, hundreds of species will be trapped and die in the fragmented habitats where they live today. Prairie Rivers is working with Illinois Department of Natural Resources to focus the state's Wildlife Action Plan on this critical issue of wildlife survival. In the Midwest, the biggest threat to wildlife is from industrial agriculture. Sixty-seven percent of Illinois' land has been turned into an ecologically sterile landscape of corn and beans producing polluted runoff that is currently unregulated by EPA. With food and fuel now competing for a finite amount of land, pollution could increase and more habitat could be destroyed. Now is the time to re-visit agriculture's special exemptions from our environmental laws - before it is too late. I think we all draw inspiration from hearing about the successes of others. Representatives from the New Mexico affiliate, for example, gave a truly compelling presentation on their work to organize groups with widely divergent interests in order to protect the Valle Vidal (aka "New Mexico's Yellowstone") from oil and gas development.

Jon McNussen

Jon McNussen: Going to the meeting allows me to learn about what's going on in other states in terms of policy and legislative activity, and to get a sense of what strategies are working effectively for other affiliates. It also allows me to share what's effective for us with others. It's also good to meet with other people face-to-face to talk over opportunities for collaboration, since the concerns of Prairie Rivers Network-clean air, clean water, wildlife-transcend political boundaries. Rob Kanter: How will what you heard at the meeting influence your approach to PRN's work in Illinois? Jon McNussen: I was struck by the commitment to developing partnerships with groups that haven't been traditional allies to work in pursuit of common goals. I think that's what it's going to take to meet a challenge as large as global warming. I also applaud the way NWF brings together a wide variety of speakers, from people who are working on technical solutions to energy challenges, to hunters and anglers, the people who are witnessing climate change on the ground. We're at a critical moment for action, one that calls for changes in policy, business, and everyday behavior. Clark Bullard: Two things. My service on the committee that oversees NWF's 47 state affiliates reveals that PRN is well above average but still has much to learn from more successful peers, and NWF provides opportunities to do just that. Second, NWF is a $100 million/year organization with a talented staff that exerts a powerful influence on federal policy. Employing some of the same governance and staffing practices here can increase PRN's effectiveness in Illinois.]]> 2750 0 979 0 https://prairierivers.org/articles/2009/09/il-takes-a-closer-look-at-being-green/ Thu, 10 Sep 2009 13:00:03 +0000 http://prairierivers.org/?p=2761 by Stacy James, Water Resources Scientist For every inch of rain that falls, about a half-gallon of stormwater runoff is produced from one square foot of roof or pavement. That’s a lot of water, and most of it eventually winds up in our waterways. Along the way, the stormwater picks up oil, trash, bird droppings, pesticides, and other pollutants from the ground. Since stormwater is dirty, certain construction sites, industrial developments, and municipalities are required to have a permit for the stormwater they shed. The Illinois Environmental Protection Agency (IEPA) is responsible for issuing these permits, which allow stormwater to be discharged with little or no treatment into sewer systems and rivers. Historically, regulated entities have managed stormwater on their properties via "gray infrastructure" (e.g., gutters, pipes, storm drains) and detention or retention ponds. These systems do little to purify stormwater. But now people realize that infiltrating stormwater into the ground keeps pollution out of waterways and reduces flooding. Subsequently, a suite of practices known as "green infrastructure" has been developed to trap and soak up water where it falls. Examples of green infrastructure include porous pavement and rain gardens. Green infrastructure is not very widespread, but could become required by permits, local ordinances, or even state law. To better understand green infrastructure’s potential to manage stormwater, IEPA has funded a report that should be completed in 2010. One of the recipients of the funding is Chicago’s Center for Neighborhood Technology, a PRN partner organization. For our part, we will be working with the report writers and IEPA during and after the completion of the report, and advocating that Illinois take significant steps to promote on-site infiltration and green infrastructure.]]> 2761 0 981 0 https://prairierivers.org/articles/2009/09/support-prn-by-attending-the-salt-fork-arts-festival/ Sun, 20 Sep 2009 13:00:17 +0000 http://prairierivers.org/?p=2765 Visit Sleepy Creek Vineyards for more information. 

]]> 2765 0 975 0 https://prairierivers.org/articles/2009/09/successful-summer-workshops-for-watershed-managers-and-planners/ Tue, 15 Sep 2009 14:53:32 +0000 http://prairierivers.org/?p=2789 As part of our continuing initiative on Building Capacity in Illinois Watersheds, PRN, along with the Illinois EPA and U.S. EPA, held workshops this summer, in Chicago and Champaign, on "Using On-Line Data and Tools for Your Watershed." These workshops taught participants how to evaluate pollution sources in their watersheds and create customized maps. The goal of these workshops was to teach watershed planners, managers, and citizens from locally-led watershed projects how to use and display publicly available information on local water pollution problems in order to generate support for their efforts and strategize planning efforts. Participants explored EPA's "Surf Your Watershed" website to find information specific to their watersheds, including details about impaired waters. They learned how to use an interactive on-line mapping tool and layer data from EPA water quality stations, EPA regulated facilities, USGS water monitoring stations, and the National Wetlands Inventory. Participants provided positive feedback, particularly about the hands-on nature of the workshop. PRN thanks the hard-working and enthusiastic team from U.S. EPA Region 5, who designed and presented the workshop material: Cyd Curtis, Environmental Scientist; Tom Davenport, National Nonpoint Source Expert & Region 5 Agricultural Advisor; Janice Huang, Systems Design and Support; Carmen Masó, GIS Analyst; and Lucy Stanfield, GIS Specialist. PRN also thanks, Jennifer Nebe, Water Resource Specialist from "Save the Dunes Conservation Fund", who shared how her organization has used on-line data and tools to reach their conservation goals. Jennifer also showed participants how to use U.S. EPA's "Nonpoint Source Outreach Toolbox" to create a personalized public service announcement. And, thanks to Kim Erndt (PRN) who shared a variety of on-line resources for watershed groups to use as they create plans and meet their goals, including PRN's "Toolkit for Watershed Groups" and U.S. EPA's "Getting In Step."

Funding for these Capacity Building Workshops is provided by IEPA and U.S. EPA through Section 319 of the Clean Water Act.

]]> 2789 0 978 0 https://prairierivers.org/articles/2009/09/register-now-for-november-watershed-workshop/ Wed, 16 Sep 2009 21:47:42 +0000 http://prairierivers.org/?p=2813 UPSTATE: Thursday, November 12, 8:30-4:00 The Morton Arboretum, Lisle, IL - OR - DOWNSTATE: Friday, November 13, 8:30-4:00 Wildlife Prairie State Park, Peoria, IL PROVIDING ILLINOIS WATERSHED GROUPS TIPS AND TOOLS FOR BUILDING PARTNERSHIPS PRN is pleased to announce that Jen McDonnell, Public Outreach Specialist with Tetra Tech Consultants (www.ttwater.com), will be facilitating two workshops on building partnerships in Illinois watershed groups. WORKSHOP CONTENT AND GOALS Jen will present from the manual "Getting In Step: A Guide for Conducting Watershed Outreach Campaigns"  prepared by Tetra Tech, Inc. under a contract with U.S. EPA.  This manual provides "new and improved tips and tools for creating awareness, educating specific audiences, and motivating positive behavior change to improve water quality."  Join us to learn how to increase participation in your watershed management efforts, work together, effectively communicate, and reach your target audience. IDENTIFYING CONCRETE TAKE-HOME STRATEGIES Throughout the workshop, Illinois case studies will be referenced, and participants will break out into small groups to engage in discussion to identify how the principles presented can be applied specifically to their watersheds. Participants will leave the workshop with concrete strategies and tools on how to reach their goals on building partnerships within their watersheds. View case studies on recruiting and retaining volunteers: In Lisle:  "Indian Creek Watershed Project, 1999-2009" In Peoria:   "Citizens for Conservation:  Flint Creek Watershed" REGISTRATION AND CONTACT INFORMATION Registration deadline is November 2 (extended).   To reserve your spot, e-mail Alison Meanor at ameanor@prairierivers.org, phone her at (217) 344-2371, or mail in the $15.00 registration fee. COST The registration fee is $15.00.  Please mail your check, payable to Prairie Rivers Network, to: Prairie Rivers Network ATTN: Alison Meanor 1902 Fox Drive, Suite G Champaign, IL 61820

This workshop is a part of our continuing efforts to build capacity in Illinois watersheds. Funding is provided through an IEPA and U.S. EPA CWA 319 grant.

Post updated 9/28/09 - Posted to "Featured Articles" Post updated 10/23/09 - Announced details and extended registration deadline Post updated 5/18/11 - edit to title; pdfs added

]]> 2813 0 977 0 https://prairierivers.org/articles/2009/09/ny-times-water-pollution/ Thu, 17 Sep 2009 14:36:30 +0000 http://prairierivers.org/?p=2834 Toxic Waters: Clean Water Laws Neglected, at a Cost in Suffering" that appeared Sunday, September 13, I encourage you to do so now. The article paints a stark picture of health threats posed by pollution in our nation's waters. Pollution found in our drinking water is making people sick and has been linked to cancer and damage to the kidneys and nervous system. The Environmental Protection Agency and state regulatory agencies are charged with carrying out the Clean Water Act and the Safe Water Drinking Act in order to ensure clean, safe drinking water. However, between a "culture of transgression and apathy" and a doubling in the number of regulated facilities in the last ten years, the agencies responsible for making sure the laws are enforced are not getting the job done. Here in Illinois, 63% of regulated facilities are in violation of the Clean Water Act; this is one of the highest violation rates in the country. Yet, Illinois has taken formal enforcement action against just 7% of these facilities. I think we all agree that clean, safe drinking water is a basic human right and one that must be a priority in all of our communities. Our agencies, and ultimately our elected officials, are failing us. They must do better. This is where Prairie Rivers Network fits in. As Illinois' watchdog for clean water, we keep an eye on pollution laws and permits; we monitor permit violations and press for enforcement; we work to help regulators do the best jobs they can and advocate for more resources so that they can do their jobs better (Click here for a recent post on what PRN is doing about coal power plant waste.) We all have a role to play in protecting our water. You can fill your role by supporting Prairie Rivers Network in our work to hold polluters and agencies accountable so that our water can be clean and safe again. To see state-specific data and the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency's response to New York Times inquires go to: http://projects.nytimes.com/toxic-waters/polluters/state-data Working toward cleaner, safer water, Glynnis Collins Executive Director]]> 2834 0 976 0 https://prairierivers.org/articles/2009/09/participate-in-water-supply-planning/ Mon, 28 Sep 2009 20:32:14 +0000 http://prairierivers.org/?p=2861

Click to Enlarge

Formed in 2006, The East Central Illinois Regional Water Supply Planning Committee (RWSPC) released its final report in June, 2009, containing recommendations for future regional water supply planners. The group will discuss its report, "A Plan to Improve the Planning and Management of Water Supplies in East-Central Illinois" Wednesday, September 30, from 7-9 pm at Parkland College's Tony Noel Center. This report is not the end, but the beginning, of water supply planning efforts in East Central Illinois. The next steps will involve choosing specific measures, such as conservation practices, that will reduce water use. Public participation and oversight during the subsequent water supply planning process is critical. Future choices regarding water conservation must include protecting the functions and benefits of regional rivers and streams, as well as the the Mahomet Aquifer. The Mahomet Aquifer is the primary source of water for most of the residents in East Central Illinois. It stretches over an area containing 15 counties, from Vermilion County in the east, to Cass County in the west; however, there are already signs that heavy withdrawals from the Mohamet Aquifer are having an impact on the aquifer's normal distribution, or hydrology. Water levels below the Champaign-Urbana area are dropping; aquifer waters that normally flow west, are now being pulled towards the east, affecting the aquifer's hydrology below western counties. Restoring normal water levels is not a quick fix, but relies on natural processes that take hundreds of years. To read the RWSPC's report, and for more information on the committee, go to www.rwspc.org/index.html.]]> 2861 0 974 0 https://prairierivers.org/articles/2009/10/take-the-2009-conservation-congress-survey/ Thu, 01 Oct 2009 13:05:07 +0000 http://prairierivers.org/?p=2874 A Message from the Director of IDNR

As Director of the Illinois Department of Natural Resources, I believe it is important to hear from our constituents. I urge you to TAKE OUR ON-LINE SURVEY to tell us your opinions on important natural resources and outdoor recreation policy issues.The survey asks your opinions about public access on land for recreational activities, programming and recruiting for youth outdoor nature-related activities, and options to fund conservation and outdoor recreation. Answers are confidential, and will not be attributed to you. Survey results will be presented at the Conservation Congress (a gathering of Department constituents to develop policy recommendations for elected and appointed officials) in October to inform the debate. Yours in Conservation, Marc Miller, Director Illinois Department of Natural Resources The survey closes on October 16 so don't delay. If you are a resident of Illinois, we want to hear from you.

]]> 2874 0 972 0 https://prairierivers.org/articles/2009/10/plan-to-fight-gulf-dead-zone-will-target-ag-polluters/ Mon, 05 Oct 2009 13:00:13 +0000 http://prairierivers.org/?p=2879 [/caption] Stacy James, one of PRN's Water Resources Scientist, was recently quoted by the NEW ORLEANS METRO REAL-TIME NEWS regarding a new initiative funded through the US Department of Agriculture to target and reduce agricultural runoff into the Mississippi river in order to reduce the "dead zone" in the Gulf of Mexico. Read the full article here: "Plan to fight Gulf 'dead zone' will target agricultural polluters."]]> 2879 0 971 0 https://prairierivers.org/articles/2009/09/how-cool-is-your-home/ Wed, 30 Sep 2009 21:00:02 +0000 http://prairierivers.org/?p=2886 Environmental Fair in Western Springs, IL on October 17

Don't miss this great opportunity to learn more about eco-friendly products, services and organizations. The fair will be informative and festive, with speakers, demonstrations, exhibits, food, an onsite children's activity center, live entertainment, and giveaways. Time: 11:00 am to 3:00 pm Location: Lyons Township High School - South Campus - 4900 S. Willow Springs Road, Western Springs, IL Free admission and the first 250 adults will receive a free reusable grocery bag! List of Exhibitors, Speakers, and Sponsors page. Bring in certain electronics for recycling and receive a chance to win a free iPod Shuffle. To learn more about the fair, visit the LWVLGA website. If you are interested in being an exhibitor/sponsor, email the LWVLGA at info@lagrangearealwv.org or contact Pat Rocco at (708) 354-8861. This event is sponsored by The League of Women Voters Education Fund, a grant from The Township of Lyons, and our sponsors.]]> 2886 0 973 0 https://prairierivers.org/articles/2009/10/toxic-coal-ash/ Thu, 08 Oct 2009 13:02:16 +0000 http://prairierivers.org/?p=2909 A preliminary evaluation of Illinois' 24 coal-fired power plants and 83 coal ash impoundments conducted by the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency (IEPA) found that:

1. At most impoundments (51 of 83), no liners to contain waste and prevent pollution of groundwater were installed;
2. At most impoundments (55 of 83), no groundwater monitoring is required;
3. At all of the power plant sites evaluated (6 out of 24), groundwater is contaminated;
4. At most of the power plant sites (16 of 24), dams creating the impoundments are unpermitted and have not been inspected for safety or stability by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources - Office of Water Resources.

Tell EPA Administrator Lisa Jackson that coal ash is hazardous and needs to be regulated with stringent environmental protections, here: http://action.sierraclub.org/bigpicture_ash. Read more about toxic coal ash here.]]> 2909 0 969 0 https://prairierivers.org/articles/2009/10/pumpkin-paddle-oct-17th/ Tue, 13 Oct 2009 12:40:59 +0000 http://prairierivers.org/?p=2924 [/caption] The Illinois Paddling Council is holding the first Pumpkin Paddle - an opportunity for newer paddlers, veterans and families to experience fall color on the Chicago River's Ralph C Frese River Trail, and have a little Halloween fun. Bring a carved pumpkin (or just come and have fun) and fasten it to your boat as you paddle. First second and third place prizes for originality will be awarded. Pumpkins will be judged at the launch site and must reach the takeout intact. The paddle is cosponsored by the Forest Preserve District of Cook County and the Illinois Paddling Council. Participants do not have to preregister, but must bring their own boat, paddles, and properly fitted PFD (Life Preserver, which must be worn at all times on the water) The paddle is 5.8 miles long and requires carrying around two small dams. First time paddlers will have difficulty completing this trip and should not attempt it. All participants will be required to have a dump bag (an extra set of dry clothes either in a dry bag or double bagged trash bags) you will be checked for PFD, dump bag, and drinking water before you launch. The first 30 paddlers to sign in will receive a free Pumpkin Paddle fleece hat. We will launch from 9:00am to 11:00am on Saturday October 17th from the put in just below the Willow Road dam which is located on Forestway Drive 500 feet north of Willow Rd. The intersection is .6 of a mile east of the Willow Road exit from the Edens Expressway. Car shifts will be arranged to the take out which will be at Linne Woods one mile west of the Edens on Dempster. Cider and donuts will be served]]> 2924 0 968 0 https://prairierivers.org/articles/2009/10/prn-voices-concern-at-public-hearing-for-a-water-discharge-permit-for-coal-mine/ Wed, 21 Oct 2009 18:16:53 +0000 http://prairierivers.org/?p=2928

Traci Enjoying a Day on the River

One of PRN's water resources scientist, Traci Barkley, was working to protect clean water at a recent water discharge permit public hearing held by the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency at the SIC Foundation Center in Harrisburg. She voiced concerns that increased mine activity would disturb the land and vegetative covers and affect water quality. Read more about the large turnout posted on TheSouthern.com.]]> 2928 0 967 0 https://prairierivers.org/articles/2009/10/donations-sought-by-citizen-groups-fighting-factory-farms-in-their-communities/ Thu, 29 Oct 2009 18:23:12 +0000 http://prairierivers.org/?p=2993 Two citizen groups engaged in legal battles with factory farms are in great need of financial donations to pay their litigation costs. Factory farms house thousands of confined poultry and livestock that may never stand in sunshine or eat a blade of grass. Prairie Rivers Network is not a plaintiff in these cases, but we want to let our members and subscribers know about this opportunity to make a difference. Helping Others Maintain Environmental Standards (HOMES) is based in Jo Daviess County in the northwest corner of Illinois. HOMES formed to prevent the construction of a large dairy that would contain thousands of cows and acres of manure lagoons. A temporary injunction is in place, and the next step is a trial for a permanent injunction. To learn more or to donate, visit www.stopthemegadairy.org. Rochester Buckhart Action Group (RBAGroup) is based in Sangamon County in central Illinois, and they are fighting a 3,750-head hog facility. A court ruling against RBAGroup has left the group with significant legal fees. To learn more or to donate, visit www.rbagroup.org. Prairie Rivers Network has been following these cases because of the serious threats factory farms pose to clean water. Manure stockpiles on the farms can contaminate nearby drinking water wells and foul streams with germs and other pollutants. When factory farms move into communities, the quality of life can be significantly reduced. In addition to water pollution problems, nearby residents may become sickened by nauseating and debilitating toxic gases that waft from animal waste. Although difficult to track, more of these facilities are being built in Illinois every year and it is important that they be held to the same standards as other industrial operations, both for clean water and other damage to surrounding communities. Prairie Rivers Network's work on this issue includes commenting on factory farm construction and wastewater discharge permits, and monitoring a few target facilities for illegal stream pollution. We applaud the efforts of these courageous citizens to oppose an industrial scale of farming that is heavily subsidized and polluting.]]> 2993 0 966 0 https://prairierivers.org/articles/2009/11/2009-annual-dinner/ Thu, 12 Nov 2009 19:09:58 +0000 http://prairierivers.org/?p=2999 [/caption] [caption id="attachment_3016" align="alignright" width="240" caption="Chris Main and Cora Musial Enjoying the evening"][/caption] [caption id="attachment_3009" align="alignleft" width="240" caption="PRN Board President, Jon McNussen, welcoming members and supporters to the Annual Dinner"][/caption] [caption id="attachment_3014" align="alignright" width="240" caption="Marc Miller, Director of Illinois' Department of Natural Resources, talks with members Glennie and Bill Hamel"][/caption] [caption id="attachment_3012" align="alignleft" width="240" caption="Board member Eric Freyfogle with Bill Van Hagy and John Marlin"][/caption] [caption id="attachment_3005" align="alignright" width="240" caption="Naturalist Fran Harty talking with fellow PRN supporter"][/caption] [caption id="attachment_3008" align="alignleft" width="240" caption="The Flexible Flyers, Tom Faux and Robin Kearton, entertain members during the cocktail hour"][/caption] [caption id="attachment_3010" align="alignright" width="240" caption="PRN Executive Director, Glynnis Collins, challenging members to expand our network by getting a friend to join PRN"][/caption] [caption id="attachment_3006" align="alignright" width="240" caption="Board member Jason Lindsey talks with long time PRN member Dave Delaney"][/caption] [caption id="attachment_3001" align="alignleft" width="240" caption="PRN staff Kim Knowles and Kim Erndt with PRN members Beth Wentzel and Tod Ambs"][/caption] [caption id="attachment_3003" align="alignright" width="240" caption="PRM members John Epifanio and Dick Harris helping with the kayak raffle prize"][/caption] [caption id="attachment_3013" align="alignleft" width="240" caption="Katie Zimmerman, PRN member and winner of the kayak"][/caption] [caption id="attachment_3017" align="alignleft" width="240" caption="Erin Knowles and Cari Vanderpool, winners of the painted rain barrel raffle prize"][/caption] [caption id="attachment_3018" align="alignright" width="240" caption="PRN staff Kim Knowles and Kim Erndt with Jessica Dexter from Environmental Law and Policy Center and PRN volunteers"][/caption]]]> 2999 0 965 0 https://prairierivers.org/articles/2009/11/prn-supporters-get-a-pre-holiday-rush-sale-at-blime-green/ Wed, 18 Nov 2009 13:00:45 +0000 http://prairierivers.org/?p=3033 Shop locally and consciously, and support a business that supports Illinois' rivers! From November 23 to November 25, mention PRN's enews and receive 15% off your entire purchase at B.Lime Green located at 12 E Washington St. in Champaign. *Sorry, rain barrels cannot be discounted, but you can get a rebate from Champaign County.]]> 3033 0 963 0 https://prairierivers.org/articles/2009/11/lte-raking-leaves-best-way-to-clean-up/ Mon, 16 Nov 2009 13:00:44 +0000 http://prairierivers.org/?p=3038 PRN's Water Resources Scientist, Stacy James, reminds our neighbors, in a letter to the editor recently published in The News-Gazette, that raking leaves is the best way to clean up:

It's autumn, and the leaves are falling once again, covering lawns and choking storm sewers. It's time to get out the rakes. Yet far too often, lawn care companies and residents waste gas on small jobs that don't warrant an engine. Not only are leaf blowers incredibly loud, they also stir up dust, mold and allergens. Running one produces polluted emissions equivalent to that of several cars. If you want to make a difference in the wake of dwindling fuels and a warming planet, the increased use of muscle power is a clean and healthy step to take.

]]> 3038 0 964 0 https://prairierivers.org/articles/2009/11/what-rivers-do-you-visit/ Thu, 19 Nov 2009 16:01:43 +0000 http://prairierivers.org/?p=3061 We need to know what rivers you recreate on - paddling, fishing, hiking...

This information helps us argue for their protection.

Prairie Rivers Network needs your participation. We are collecting data on where our members and supporters wade, swim, fish, and paddle. This is important. There are many situations in which we are asked to prove that people are in contact with the water, or else - so the logic goes - it can be polluted. Please call us at (217) 344-2371 or send an email to info@prairierivers.org to let us know where you, or your children or grandchildren, play.]]> 3061 0 962 0 https://prairierivers.org/news/2009/11/gary-mechanic-river-steward/ Fri, 27 Nov 2009 15:10:05 +0000 http://prairierivers.org/?p=3043 [/caption] Gary Mechanic, PRN's 2009 River Steward, is the essence of a River Steward. For over twenty years, he has dedicated his time to increasing public awareness of the need to conserve Illinois' rivers. Currently serving as vice-president of the Illinois Paddling Council, Gary developed the organization's WaterKeepers program. WaterKeepers monitor the health of their selected stream, and advocate for its protection. Gary was a leader in developing the "Northeastern Illinois Regional Water Trails Plan" which stretches over 500 miles of rivers and streams. He is one of Illinois' strongest advocates for improving public access to rivers for the benefit of paddlers and others who enjoy their beauty.]]> 3043 0 960 0 https://prairierivers.org/articles/2009/11/congratulations-lucy-bannon-prns-volunteer-of-the-year/ Mon, 30 Nov 2009 13:00:07 +0000 http://prairierivers.org/?p=3048 [/caption] Lucy Bannon, PRN's 2009 Volunteer of the Year, started with PRN last year when she moved to Champaign to attend the University of Illinois. Lucy is majoring in environmental studies in the School of Earth, Society and Environment. Sharing outdoor experiences, such as canoeing with her family, sparked Lucy's early interest in the natural world and protecting the environment. She's been an enthusiastic addition to our office, always ready to take on assigned tasks, big or small. Thanks Lucy!]]> 3048 0 959 0 https://prairierivers.org/articles/2009/12/2009-accomplishments/ Tue, 01 Dec 2009 13:00:53 +0000 http://prairierivers.org/?p=3055 Raising Awareness of River Health Issues and Fostering River Stewardship In 2009, Prairie Rivers Network:

• Trained over 100 people from 60 organizations to be effective advocates for clean water and healthy rivers.
• Successfully collaborated with partner organizations to convince Governor Quinn and Illinois Legislators to pass the Green Infrastructure bill (S.B. 1489) and to increase funding for upgrading wastewater treatment and drinking water facilities to $160 million in 2010.
• Partnered with Illinois Public Media, U of I College of Media, the Department of Natural Resources, and others, to engage youth in the outdoors and to document their experiences in the media.
• Educated 250 people in NE Illinois, Bloomington and Champaign-Urbana areas on proper disposal of unused medications to keep these products out of rivers and streams where they harm fish and enter drinking water supplies.
• Trained partners in the Mississippi River Collaborative on how to monitor pollution from factory farms-- attendees came from as far away as Oregon and New York State.
• Worked with partners to hold the 4th Annual Boneyard Creek Community Day in Champaign and Urbana; 150 people participated in cleaning up this urbanized local stream.

Protecting Clean Water

In 2009, Prairie Rivers Network:

• Strengthened water pollution permits for 12 facilities requiring them to reduce pollution entering our rivers and streams.
• Negotiated design improvements for a large sewage treatment plant that will significantly reduce pollution released by the facility.
• Appealed water pollution permits for two coal mines that would pollute drinking water and harm river life.
• Pushed IEPA to provide better oversight of the dozens of coals waste disposal ponds across Illinois similar to one that collapsed in Tennessee in December 2008; worked with State Senator Michael Frerichs.
• Fought a variance for Springfield's City Water Light & Power that will allow them to dump more than 10x the legal limit of boron into the Sangamon and Illinois Rivers.
• Fought proposal for a new dam and reservoir in Springfield, IL. There are less environmentally-damaging and less expensive ways to meet the city's water needs.
• Collaborated with Carle Clinic Association in Urbana and Fox Fresh in Aurora to develop permanent drop boxes for unwanted medications. This alternative to flushing reduces pollution caused by medications, which typically are not removed by sewage treatment plants.
• Launched initiative aimed at reducing pollution from factory farms by pressing for better oversight and more transparency from state agencies, empowering local citizens to act in their communities, and by monitoring streams near several Clinton County facilities for pollution problems.

Protecting Healthy Stream Flow and River Habitat

In 2009, Prairie Rivers Network:

• Partnered with Department of Natural Resources and local stakeholders to plan for habitat restoration in the Vermilion River Conservation Opportunity Area as part of the Illinois Wildlife Action Plan.
• Convinced Corps of Engineers to consider water quality and habitat benefits when prioritizing restoration projects along the Mississippi.
• Watchdogged enormous hydrokinetic power project proposed for the Mississippi River involving 180,000 turbines in the river between St. Louis and Louisiana to ensure that this untested technology does not harm precious resources.
• With a broad coalition of partner organizations and local municipalities, defeated an irresponsible bill promoting tax subsidies for floodplain development; we expect to see the bill again in 2010 and will fight to keep development out of the floodplain.
• Contributed to discussion of regional water supply planning for the Mahomet aquifer in Central Illinois in several public forums.
• Helped improve and strengthen agriculture conservation practices promoted by the Illinois Natural Resources Conservation Service.

]]> 3055 0 958 0 https://prairierivers.org/articles/2009/11/pre-holiday-sale-blime/ Mon, 23 Nov 2009 19:27:28 +0000 http://prairierivers.org/?p=3078 Shop locally and consciously, and support a business that supports Illinois' rivers! From November 23 to November 25, mention PRN's enews and receive 15% off your entire purchase at B.Lime Green located at 12 E Washington St. in Champaign. *Sorry, rain barrels cannot be discounted, but you can get a rebate from Champaign County.]]> 3078 0 961 0 https://prairierivers.org/articles/2009/12/leaving-our-rivers-in-better-shape/ Fri, 04 Dec 2009 13:00:14 +0000 http://prairierivers.org/?p=3090 Prairie Rivers Network thanks you for caring about our rivers!

This is a great time to give because Bruce Semans has offered to match all new and increased donations through the end of 2009. Please help us double your support by making a membership donation to help fund our clean water agenda for the coming year:

Inspiring River Champions

We are partnering with the Illinois Natural History Survey to engage and educate communities in Central Illinois with a rivers-themed Traveling Science Center and River Discovery courses that will reach tens of thousands of schoolchildren and community members.

Fighting Pollution

We are launching a major initiative to decrease harmful effects of our reliance on coal in Illinois; we will work with partners to fight for less water pollution and habitat destruction from mining, processing, and burning coal in power plants and from disposal of toxic coal ash.

Saving Habitat and Water Supply

We are laying the groundwork for river restoration along the Vermilion River and the Mississippi River as well as other high-priority areas defined by the Illinois Wildlife Action Plan. We are also reviewing Illinois water law, to determine how it can be improved to provide protection for healthy stream flows and fair resolution of conflicts in the event of water shortages.

Be a part of the network - DONATE NOW by clicking the appropriate membership level:

Membership Levels

• $25 Student Membership
• $50 Basic Membership
• $100 River Sustainers
• $250 River Guardians
• $500 River Stewards
• $1000 River Protectors
• Other Amount

IMPORTANT NOTE: Your online contribution will be processed by taking you to the secure PayPal website where you will be asked to create a PayPal account or enter your name, address, and credit card information. PayPal is a widely used, secure system for sending money through the Internet. Your credit card information will be available only to PayPal, and will be kept secure in keeping with their privacy policies. Please be sure to enter your correct mailing address.

]]> 3090 0 956 0 https://prairierivers.org/articles/2009/12/3116-2/ Thu, 03 Dec 2009 16:03:52 +0000 http://prairierivers.org/?p=3116 press release about the public hearing to be held on December 7th and learn how you can get involved here.]]> 3116 0 957 0 https://prairierivers.org/articles/2009/12/epa-pledges-improved-enforcement-cwa/ Mon, 21 Dec 2009 13:00:28 +0000 http://prairierivers.org/?p=3250 Sees Central Role for Groups Like Prairie Rivers Network

by Kim Knowles, Water Resources Specialist

Lisa Jackson; Photo credit: EPA

The times they are a-changin’. At least in word, we’ve come a long way from the days when W’s EPA refused to recognize carbon dioxide as a pollutant and issued rules that made it easier to mine coal by blasting off mountain tops and filling streams and valleys with the refuse. In a breath of fresh air, US EPA Administrator Lisa Jackson publicly admitted last summer that the EPA is not doing enough to deliver clean and safe water to our communities. Administrator Jackson directed her staff to boost enforcement actions against serious violators and to provide more information on the EPA web site in a form that is easily understood and useable. With kudos to environmental groups like Prairie Rivers Network, she declared, “We have seen that when information is made public, it can be a powerful tool to help improve the environment directly. An informed public is our best ally in pressing for better compliance.” Is this a new world, or just lofty language? Has US EPA delivered? Well, so far so good. At Prairie Rivers we’ve already noticed an improvement in the information made available by US EPA on facilities that pollute our waterways and on the compliance records of those facilities. It is now easier to find the physical location where pollution enters our streams and lakes as well as information on the health of our waterways and, in some cases, on-line copies of the permits that govern pollutant discharges. We’ve been asking the Illinois EPA for better access to such information for years. It seems US EPA aims to deliver on its enforcement promise as well. According to our partners in Tennessee, EPA recently brought enforcement actions against two Clean Water Act violators demanding penalties of $68,000 and $335,000 respectively! This naturally begs the question, what about Illinois? Although Illinois’ enforcement program received a favorable review from US EPA in 2007 compared to other states, according to Ms. Jackson, US EPA “needs to raise the bar for clean water enforcement programs” because “we have a long way to go” to clean and safe water. With 56% of the miles of streams studied in Illinois still not meeting public health and environmental goals set nearly four decades ago, we think there’s room for improvement in the enforcement program. Illinois facilities are doing well in self-reporting (89% submitted the required monitoring reports in 2008) and the IEPA is resolving some of the problems informally, but the state appears loath to impose penalties. In 2008, Illinois levied $0.00 against CWA violators though 82% were in some form of non-compliance. In contrast, Louisiana imposed penalties of $401,000. Prairie Rivers Network has been steadily increasing the pressure on IEPA to hold violators accountable and requesting that penalties be imposed to send a clear message that the law must be observed! We are expanding our own enforcement work and will pursue legal action against repeat offenders. While admittedly there’s still “a long way to go” to clean and safe water, let’s take a moment or two to recognize and celebrate the progress at US EPA. Salud, Lisa Jackson.]]> 3250 0 950 0 https://prairierivers.org/articles/2009/12/usrc/ Mon, 28 Dec 2009 13:00:27 +0000 http://prairierivers.org/?p=3252 by Scott Hays, President of USRC

USRC member Bruce Colravy enjoys paddling the Sangamon

A new group has formed to preserve, maintain, monitor, and promote appropriate public use and awareness of the Sangamon River in Champaign County. The volunteers of the Upper Sangamon River Conservancy (USRC) care deeply about the Sangamon River. The organization engages in activities such as river clean-ups and monitoring and provides a local resource for anyone interested in finding out more about the Sangamon River. The USRC’s mission includes education, recreation, and stewardship. The educational mission involves informing the public that the upper Sangamon River is a true resource; a healthy, mostly pristine river that deserves attention and protection. With much of the land along the riparian corridor in thick deciduous vegetation, the river in this area flows under a rich and diverse canopy of Sycamore, White Oak, Silver Maple, Honey Locust, and several other species. As part of Illinois Riverwatch, first year invertebrate monitoring by USRC members indicated that the water in the river is in “very good” health. In addition, this area of the river has been identified as an area of “ecological significance” by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources. Anyone who spends an afternoon on this part of the Sangamon will easily see why. Part of the recreational mission is to promote the Sangamon River to local residents seeking a unique natural experience. Conveniently, a number of public lands along the river in Champaign County provide public access. These include the Sangamon River Forest Preserve near Fisher, Lake of the Woods Forest Preserve, Barber Park (a municipal park in Mahomet), the “Open Space Lands” just south of Mahomet at the SR47 bridge, and Riverbend Forest Preserve. While these access points make it relatively easy to put together shorter or longer Sangamon River trips, nearly all are in need of various types of improvements to make the river more easily and more safely accessible. The USRC will work with public officials to facilitate such improvements. The stewardship mission involves preserving and maintaining the health of this vital resource and includes keeping the river free of garbage and trash. While USRC members strive to leave the river cleaner than we found it with every outing, we also schedule specific trips with garbage pick-up as the goal. River monitoring and improving river access points are also major components of the stewardship mission. Finally, as part of the stewardship mission, the USRC has developed ten Sangamon River “Best Practices” for people who visit the Sangamon River. The USRC, still relatively new, has plenty of volunteer opportunities for new members. These opportunities include helping with clean-ups, river monitoring, staffing information booths, helping with the web site, and many more. Members can even act as volunteer photographers and submit river photography to the website. Mostly, however, the USRC simply hopes to make more local residents aware of the local treasure that is the Sangamon River in Champaign County. For more information, or if you want to get involved, visit www.sangamonriver.org.]]> 3252 0 949 0 https://prairierivers.org/articles/2009/12/50-years-of-atrazine/ Wed, 30 Dec 2009 13:00:12 +0000 http://prairierivers.org/?p=3255 by Sarah Scott, Support Staff

Photo credit: tpmartins' photostream on flickr.com

Atrazine, one of the family of triazine herbicides, has been widely used to control broadleaf and grassy weeds in agriculture and lawns. First approved for use in 1959, it is widely used in corn growing; over 75% of corn crops nationwide are treated with atrazine every year. Swiss-based Syngenta, one of the manufacturers of atrazine, touts that it is an economical form of weed control that prevents crop damage, and that it also has positive environmental effects because farmers can spray atrazine instead of tilling the soil to reduce weeds, thus preventing soil erosion and reducing carbon dioxide gas from tractors. However, the use of atrazine is not without controversy. In 2005, atrazine was banned in the European Union; this was part of a larger ban on chemicals that have a high tendency to leach into water. Atrazine does not degrade quickly in the environment - it persists for months in soil and can last for a year or more in water. As it degrades, it forms other toxic chemicals. There are concerns that atrazine contamination of drinking water may be linked to low birth weights, menstrual problems and cancers in people. High doses of herbicides including atrazine are linked to frog deformities and intersex frogs, specifically male frogs that develop female organs. Atrazine is a restricted-use pesticide in the U.S. (only certified people can apply it), and it is not labeled for use within fifty feet of a well or sinkhole, and within sixty-six feet of any point where any field surface water runs off into streams or rivers. Interestingly, there are no restrictions on other points along streams, and drainage ditches are sometimes excluded from these regulations. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has set a limit of 3 ppb (parts per billion) for atrazine in drinking water, but does not require timely notification of residents when this limit is exceeded. The EPA has limited monitoring resources; of thirty monitoring sites around the state, most are sampled only once every five years, consisting of one sample taken before atrazine application and two afterwards. The problem is that this monitoring may not occur when atrazine levels are likely to be highest, such as after a heavy rain that increases levels in streams through run-off. Since drinking water systems may only test for atrazine levels yearly, the EPA requires that the manufacturers of atrazine test more frequently. However, a recent study shows that utilities are not getting the information they need from these companies. Recently it was revealed that atrazine levels in Piqua, OH were measured by Syngenta at 59 ppb in April 2005, yet local authorities were not notified. The EPA commented that this level of exposure was safe and that Syngenta was not required to release this information. There are also concerns about long-term, low level exposure to the chemical, especially for pregnant women. Atrazine levels may be mostly “safe” but at certain developmentally-important times during pregnancy, fetuses may be at higher risk for birth defects. In a recent study by Purdue University, levels at 0.1 ppb were linked to low birth weights. Recently, Holiday Shores Sanitary District in Madison County, IL and forty-two other water districts, sued atrazine-makers Syngenta and Growmark to cover the costs of removing atrazine from drinking water. Water utilities commonly face the problem of atrazine removal—most water utilities do not have adequate filtering systems. EPA recommends a charcoal filter; most utilities are using sand filters as charcoal upgrades are cost-prohibitive. The lawsuit contains six counts:

1. trespass onto the property of the water district;
2. nuisance to the property of the water district;
3. negligence;
4. strict liability;
5. violation of the Illinois Environmental Protection Act; and
6. violation of the Illinois Water Pollutant Discharge Act.

The lawsuit will not affect whether atrazine continues to be manufactured and used—that decree would have to come from Congress. Prairie Rivers Network is watching this lawsuit with interest; given the burden atrazine causes for water treatment systems, we expect future regulations will further restrict the use of this harmful pesticide. To learn more about atrazine, you can read a recent New York Times article To see the specific details of the lawsuit, click here.]]> 3255 0 948 0 https://prairierivers.org/articles/2009/12/prn-annual-dinner-recap/ Fri, 11 Dec 2009 21:01:22 +0000 http://prairierivers.org/?p=3257

Members Libby Johnston and Bill and Glennie Hamel visit with PRN founder Bruce Hannon

We all hear what the river says, and what it says leads us to commit ourselves to protect its waters, fish, and plants, for now and for the future. Carolyn Raffensperger, Executive Director of the Science and Environmental Health Network, delivered this compelling message to over 200 guests during her keynote address at Prairie Rivers Network’s twelfth Annual Dinner on November 6th. Early in the evening, Executive Director Glynnis Collins presented a list of new PRN initiatives that will result in cleaner water, engaged river stewards and diverse stream ecosystems. PRN will be:

1. advocating for and ensuring stringent water protection from pollution caused by all phases of coal mining operations, including coal waste disposal;
2. developing, in partnership with the Illinois Natural History Survey, a traveling science exhibit and curricula for adult River Discovery courses that will engage thousands of students, parents and community members throughout Illinois; and
3. taking initial steps to achieve needed reforms to protect in-stream flows for fish and other river-dependent wildlife.

PRN raised over $40,000 at this year’s dinner. Thanks to all our guests for joining and supporting our efforts to keep Illinois waters clean and our rivers healthy. A big thank you goes to PRN member Bruce Semans; through his generosity increased donations from current PRN members or donations from new members at the dinner were matched dollar-for-dollar. If you were not able to attend the dinner, Bruce’s challenge match will continue and apply to all increased and new member donations PRN receives through December 31, 2009. Thank you Bruce! We also raised over $1,500 from our raffle; prize winners took home a kayak, painted rain barrel, rain garden consultation with our own Stacy James, and prairie planting consultation with prairie restoration expert Jamie Ellis. Thank you also to Robin Kearton and Tom Faux of the Flexible Flyers for their engaging music during our reception hour. You can view more pictures from the dinner here and view our community partners’ who sponsored the dinner here.

]]> 3257 0 954 0 https://prairierivers.org/articles/2009/12/prairie-river-notes-winter-2009-newsletter/ Mon, 14 Dec 2009 14:45:59 +0000 http://prairierivers.org/?p=3264 View PRN’s Prairie River Notes - Winter 2009 Newsletter (pdf) with the following articles:

• US EPA Pledges Improved Enforcement of Clean Water Laws
• Welcome Upper Sangamon River Conservation
• 50 Years of Atrazine
• 2009 Accomplishments and 2010 Goals
• Thank You Community Partners/Dinner Sponsors
• PRN Volunteer of the Year
• 2009 River Steward

]]> 3264 0 953 0 https://prairierivers.org/articles/2009/12/prn-and-friends-file-notice-to-sue-over-years-of-pollution/ Tue, 15 Dec 2009 01:30:23 +0000 http://prairierivers.org/?p=3343

Point Source Pollution (photo credit: www.flickr.com/photos/thoth-god/)

Prairie Rivers Network, in partnership with the Sierra Club and the Environmental Law and Policy Center, has filed a notice of intent to sue Freeman United Coal Mining Company, regarding repeated and excessive violations of the Clean Water Act. The Industry Mine, near Macomb, has over 300 documented exceedances of their NPDES permit since July, 2003. You can read the press release here and review the violations here. Press coverage of the lawsuit is listed below:  Canton Daily Ledger Peoria Journal Star Macomb Public Radio - a clip from their broadcast was on Peoria Public Radio Friday evening) Macomb Daily Journal - has comment from Industry Mine contact Greg Arnett (same person is promoter for N. Canton Mine Huffington Post -  front page of Chicago news by Jeff Biggers]]> 3343 0 952 0 https://prairierivers.org/articles/2009/12/coffeen-coal-hearing/ Tue, 15 Dec 2009 13:00:34 +0000 http://prairierivers.org/?p=3357

photo credit: www.jasonlindsey.com

A December 17th public hearing has been set for a new coal combustion waste (CCW) disposal site at the Coffeen Power Plant near Coffeen Lake. The new CCW landfill will include a dry landfill cell encompassing approximately 22 acres, with future expansions adding up to 2 additional cells covering 65 acres. The ash pond that has been closed and capped, yet is leaching, covers 57 acres. Leachate from the landfill, old ash pond and stormwater runoff from the site will contribute additional pollution to the already impaired Coffeen Lake, a popular recreational and subsistence fishing spot. Read the public notice and draft permit about the public hearing to be held on December 17th and PRN letter requesting the public hearing. Learn how you can get involved here.]]> 3357 0 951 0 https://prairierivers.org/articles/2010/01/act-fast-register-by-feb-4th-for-epa-training-course/ Fri, 08 Jan 2010 23:04:32 +0000 http://prairierivers.org/?p=3369 WHEN: Thursday, February 11, 2010 9:00 am – 4:00 pm

WHERE:

Lewis and Clark Community College, Godfrey Campus 5800 Godfrey Road Godfrey, IL 62035 Templin Nursing Building, Lab 101

WHAT:

This 1-day course will familiarize you with powerful - and free! - online watershed management tools designed by U.S. EPA.  You will gain experience navigating these tools while working at an individual computer station.  You will take home a course manual filled with screenshots and step-by-step instructions as you continue to learn and use the tools for watershed planning and management. 

WHO:

U.S. EPA is presenting this training course as part of their Watershed Academy.  Prairie Rivers Network and The National Great Rivers Research & Education Center are hosting this training as part of our continuing efforts to build capacity in Illinois watersheds.

YOU WILL LEARN ABOUT:

• Watershed Academy
• Watershed Central
• Watershed Plan Builder Tool
• Watershed Funding Resources
• Adopt Your Watershed
• Surf Your Watershed
• Water Quality Standards Database
• Enviromapper for Water
• Ask Waters
• STORET
• ECHO
• ATTAINS
• ....and more!

REGISTRATION AND CONTACT INFORMATION

Registration deadline is February 4th.  You must pre-register to reserve a computer seat. E-mail Alison Meanor at ameanor@prairierivers.org to register. You will receive a registration confirmation e-mail.

COST

The registration fee is $15.00. Please pay in advance to reserve your spot.  Mail your check, payable to Prairie Rivers Network, to: Prairie Rivers Network ATTN: Alison Meanor 1902 Fox Drive, Suite G Champaign, IL 61820 This workshop is a part of our continuing efforts to build capacity in Illinois watersheds. Funding for PRN's workshops is provided through an IEPA and U.S. EPA CWA 319 grant.

updated post 5/18/11 - edit to title

]]> 3369 0 945 0 https://prairierivers.org/articles/2010/01/asian-carp-invading-the-great-lakes/ Fri, 08 Jan 2010 22:12:20 +0000 http://prairierivers.org/?p=3419 [/caption] Invasive Asian Carp have been detected only six miles from Lake Michigan in the Chicago Sanitary and Ship Canal, past an electric barrier designed to keep them out of the Great Lakes. The Asian Carp Rapid Response Workgroup completed operations in late November 2009 involving intensive fishing and a major rotenone application to kill all fish in a six mile stretch of the Chicago Sanitary and Ship Canal in an effort locate and halt the spread of the carp invasion. This was a drastic measure, taken because much is at stake if Asian carp are able to reach and populate Lake Michigan and the Great Lakes. But we can’t let this drastic event become an ongoing management measure. Nor can we allow this manmade gateway between the Great Lakes and the Mississippi River Basin to remain open and available as a conduit for further invasion to both basins. While the current threat is from invasive Asian carp to Lake Michigan, we shouldn’t lose sight of the threat posed to Illinois rivers and streams from this connection; this was the pathway for invasion of the zebra mussels into much of the eastern half of the United States. We must call on the State of Illinois and the Army Corps of Engineers to act immediately to close all connections between the Chicago Sanitary and Ship Canal, adjacent waterways including the Des Plaines River and the I&M Cnanal, and Lake Michigan. Take action here! Learn more about the threat of Asian Carp to our rivers and Great Lakes and what must be done to ensure protection of our aquatic resources here.]]> 3419 0 946 0 https://prairierivers.org/articles/2010/01/action-alert-coal-waste-hazardous/ Wed, 13 Jan 2010 21:47:00 +0000 http://prairierivers.org/?p=3440 The US Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) is about to issue an important decision about how it will regulate a highly toxic biproduct of coal mining: coal ash. The USEPA is under extreme pressure from the coal industry to choose a weak classification for coal ash. Prairie Rivers Network and our allies want to see coal ash classified and regulated as a "hazardous" substance. We need your help to counteract the well-funded influence of the coal industry! If there was ever a time that our calls and emails could make a difference, the time is now. We specifically have to target Lisa Jackson, Administrator of the EPA. The hazardous classification would apply stricter standards to the regulation of coal ash impoundments and landfills. A "hazardous" substance designation would require safety features to protect human and environmental health. The coal industry wants to see a weaker classification that would allow dangerous loopholes and continuing pollution.

This is important. You can make a real difference and it only takes a few minutes. Please call or email and simply say: "I support classification of coal ash as a hazardous waste." (202) 564-4700 - Lisa Jackson's Office - jackson.lisap@epa.gov

The next 10 days are critical. Please CALL BEFORE JANUARY 22nd, 2010. If you have time, we would like to know that you called - you can let us know with a brief message to info@prairierivers.org. Thank you for your help.

]]> 3440 0 944 0 https://prairierivers.org/articles/2010/01/volunteer-coordinator-wanted/ Fri, 22 Jan 2010 19:03:34 +0000 http://prairierivers.org/?p=3452 Read more...]]> 3452 0 943 0 https://prairierivers.org/articles/2010/01/good-news-from-idnr/ Mon, 25 Jan 2010 13:00:05 +0000 http://prairierivers.org/?p=3455

Marc Miller, Director of IDNR (photo from http://dnr.state.il.us/)

Marc Miller, Director of the Illinois Department of Natural Resources, recently sent out some good news:

Dear DNR Constituent: The beginning of a new year is a good time for reflection and for to make plans for the next year. As I reflect on 2009, the outstanding thought is the large number of truly dedicated individuals, conservationists and outdoor enthusiasts, including those who work at DNR, who have helped make a difference at this agency. One of our highlights from the past year was the Conservation Congress that  was held in October. Over 150 stakeholders gathered to begin the nuts and bolts work of rebuilding this agency that weekend. Thanks to everyone for making this event such a great success. It has been a pleasure to work with you all. One of the reasons I accepted this role - and one of the reasons it was offered to me - was my desire and commitment to rebuild this agency. This commitment is not only about restoring DNR's position of conservation leadership, but also with an understanding that our priorities need to better reflect the challenges - societal and recreational changes - that we face. We need to ensure that the agency and its mission are relevant to constituents, taxpayers, legislators, and appropriators. Some of the changes we have made or are making to the agency will help us  adapt to these changes and address troubling trends: * Consolidating three offices (public services, special events and administration) into an Office of Strategic Services; Creating a Private Lands and Watersheds division within ORC - to focus on the opportunities for conservation on the 96% of Illinois in private hands; * Considering ways to deliver better public recreational access on private lands (there have been some great ideas from Conservation Congress staff and we are working on details); * In addition to hiring a youth program coordinator, we will be hiring outreach and education coordinators and creating an Office/Division of Community Outreach. (Still some details to be worked out here, but this will be a new effort to reach youth and engage constituencies.) We continue to focus on bringing qualified natural resource professionals to  DNR. The unprecedented appointment of John Rogner (DNR has never had TWO natural resources professionals running the agency in appointed slots), and bringing on highly qualified individuals like Dr. Jim Herkert (ORC), Travis Loyd (Strategic Services), and Mitch Cohen (General Counsel) to run their Offices give me great pride in our progress.  There is more to come. In the next several days and weeks we will be joined  by several more professionals - highly qualified, energetic and committed to the mission of DNR - and there will soon be job postings for positions that  we have deemed critical to our mission (Finally, biologists!). This budget climate has been and will continue to be a major challenge for  our State. Our agency has made progress on securing new revenue sources  with the legislative approval of our fee increases, and the promise of new  federal dollars for the Great Lakes programs, and we are working on other means of revenue. The passage of a fees bill in veto session was a tremendous victory and one that made many people take notice of our efforts. Thank you so much for your efforts in Conservation Congress and during veto session to help make this possible. Because of the passage of the fees bill, we are able to justify these new hires. There are many more critical hires needed throughout the agency, and we will continue to work hard and build a sustainable budget and rationale for these hires. It will take time and progress will not be as quick as we might like, but we will make progress. At this time last year I would never have guessed that a response to an invasive species such as asian carp would have demanded so much time and energy. Our rapid response effort in December was a shining leadership  moment for our agency, and a prime example of how a small group committed people can make a difference. DNR led an effort that included multiple international, federal, state, and  local partners to ensure that this invasive species would not enter the Great Lakes and threaten one of the world's great ecosystems. We poisoned 6  miles of the Ship and Sanitary Canal in support of the electric barrier's maintenance cycle. This kept any carp below the barrier from moving towards Lake Michigan. Although a difficult decision, it remains vitally important to protect the Great Lakes from this invasive species. As we learn more about how to use and interpret new detection techniques like environmental DNA, there will additional efforts in the canal to keep carp from moving north, and hopefully keep round gobies and other species from moving south. I am personally excited about the coming year. Clearly the budget, funding  sources, and projects like asian carp will continue to challenge us in the new year, but we also have some wonderful new programs and initiatives we are getting underway and planning to introduce. Thank you for all that you do and let's continue our great work together. Yours in Conservation, Marc PS - we've been making progress on outreach by using Facebook. You may want to join the IDNR FB page here.

]]> 3455 0 942 0 https://prairierivers.org/articles/2010/01/illinois-riverwatch-program-needs-your-participation/ Wed, 27 Jan 2010 16:54:59 +0000 http://prairierivers.org/?p=3465 Sign up today to reserve your spot at a RiverWatch training workshop

Fresh water is a scarce resource and it is our responsibility to protect it for ourselves and future generations. The Illinois RiverWatch program offers you the opportunity to become involved in the stewardship of the state’s streams. RiverWatch certified volunteers, or Citizen Scientists, play an important role in helping identify potentially degraded waters and areas that may need better protection. Citizen scientists examine indicators of water quality like stream habitat and the diversity of species such as dragonfly nymphs, beetle larva, midges and snails. This interactive workshop will give you the tools to test water quality like a professional. RiverWatch Training Workshop Schedule (updated for 2012) Workshops are from 9am–4pm. Workshops begin with the lecture session from 9am-noon, followed by the field training session (at a local stream) from 12:30-4pm. You will be responsible for your own lunch. You must register prior to attending a workshop. To register, contact Vera Bojic at 618-468-4870 or vbojic@lc.edu. The registration fee is $20 and can be paid in advance or at the workshop. Make check payable to Lewis and Clark Community College and send payment to Attn: Vera Bojic, Lewis and Clark Community College, 5800 Godfrey Road, Godfrey, IL 62035. No cash or credit cards. Training workshops are for volunteers who have received no training or partial training through the RiverWatch program. Please contact Vera if you have any questions. Additional information about RiverWatch is available at ngrrec.org

STAY CONNECTED - JOIN THE RIVERWATCH SOCIAL NETWORK!

http://greatrivers.pairserver.com/riverwatch http://www.facebook.com/home.php?#/pages/Illinois-RiverWatch-Network/156711085844]]> 3465 0 941 0 https://prairierivers.org/articles/2010/01/welcome-to-riverweb-prns-online-community/ Fri, 01 Jan 2010 13:00:14 +0000 http://prairierivers.org/?p=4480 Prairie Rivers Network is the only statewide river conservation organization working for clean water, healthy rivers, and healthy communities across Illinois.

Boneyard Creek Clean-Up in Champaign

Your membership and support are vitally important to our mission! As a member of Prairie Rivers Network, you can take an active role in protecting our waterways and be part of a dynamic network of like-minded river protectors. We use our member donations wisely. Members fund the work of scientists to reduce the amount of pollution in our rivers by ensuring that the Clean Water Act is fully implemented and enforced. Your membership also helps build a network of engaged citizens working toward long-term solutions on local problems. Become a member today or renew your membership and help us continue to be the leader in the on-going effort to promote clean water for future generations:

Donate Online with a Credit Card

You may make a contribution online through PayPal by clicking the appropriate membership level from the table below, which will take you to the secure PayPal website where you will be asked to create a PayPal account and enter your name, address, and credit card information:

Membership Levels

• $25 Student Membership
• $50 Basic Membership
• $100 River Sustainers
• $250 River Guardians
• $500 River Stewards
• $1000 River Protectors
• Other Amount

IMPORTANT NOTE: If you wish to receive our quarterly newsletter by mail, be sure to enter your correct shipping address, and do not select the option to hide your shipping address from us!

PayPal is a widely used, secure system for sending money through the Internet. Your credit card information will be available only to PayPal, and will be kept secure in keeping with their privacy policies.

Donate by Check

If you would like to donate to Prairie Rivers Network by check, you can download our PRN Membership Form (PDF document) and mail it to:

Prairie Rivers Network 1902 Fox Drive, Suite G Champaign, IL 61820

Prairie Rivers Network is a registered 501 (c) (3) and your contribution is tax deductible.

]]> 4480 0 947 0 https://prairierivers.org/articles/2010/01/coal-ash-day-of-action/ Wed, 27 Jan 2010 20:18:57 +0000 http://prairierivers.org/?p=3485 Action Alert! Calls and Letters Still Needed

Coal Ash is "HAZARDOUS"

Coal ash floating down river after a Tennessee coal ash slurry disaster, Dec 22, 2008. Photo Credit: Brian Stansberry from Wikimedia Commons.

The time has come for citizens throughout the country to make the Obama Administration hear our concerns on coal ash.  Let’s join together and send a strong, coordinated message to Washington that coal ash needs to be regulated immediately! We must convince the White House that the EPA must publish their recommended standards based on science, not industry lobby pressure.

You Can Help By:

• Participating in the Call-in Day of Action on January 28th. We must generate thousands of emails and phone calls to the White House, Office of Management and Budget (OMB), the US EPA and Congressional Offices telling them coal ash is hazardous and federal regulations are needed immediately. There is no more time for delay!
  • White House switchboard (202)456-1414
  • USEPA Administrator Lisa Jackson (202) 564-4700; jackson.lisap@epa.gov
• Writing Letters to the Editor (LTE’s) to generate a buzz about the coal ash issue and the Day of Action. The goal is to convince the White House that we, the public, want and deserve to comment on common sense minimum federal standards for disposal of Coal Ash to protect our surface and ground water. Keep reading for talking points and sample LTE’s. Click here for talking points and sample Letters to the Editor
• Let us know when you call, write or get an LTE in the paper (info@prairierivers.org). It is important for us to let elected officials know how many of their constituents want to see their communities protected with the proper management of coal ash.

5 Reasons Your Call Is Critical Right NOW

]]> 3485 0 937 0 https://prairierivers.org/articles/2010/01/why-is-coal-ash-hazardous/ Wed, 27 Jan 2010 17:58:08 +0000 http://prairierivers.org/?p=3493 3493 0 940 0 https://prairierivers.org/articles/2010/01/how-you-can-help-coal-ash/ Wed, 27 Jan 2010 18:02:42 +0000 http://prairierivers.org/?p=3496 5 Reasons Your Call Is Critical Right NOW

TVA Kingston Fossil Plant coal ash spill, appx. 1 mile from the retention pond. The pile of coal ash is 20-25 feet high, and stretches for two miles and then empties into the Emory River. Photo Credit: Brian Stansberry from Wikimedia Commons.

 

1. Coal-fired power producers, US Senators and Congressman, Governors, and federal and state agencies are pressuring the White House and OMB to derail the US EPA’s attempts to reportedly establish national disposal standards to protect water supplies and communities from toxic coal combustion wastes, or coal ash.
2. Polluters have already met with OMB and other White House officials at least 21 times in advance of the US EPA’s proposed coal ash rules! Polluters are trying to prevent the public from having a chance to see and comment on the proposed rules.
3. The time has come to tell the Obama administration the public should be allowed to see and comment on these rules! They need to know we want and support hazardous waste rules that protect our health and environment from coal ash.
4. We want President Obama to uphold his promise of allowing science to dictate policy: federal agencies must allow the US EPA to do its job to protect our water from the irresponsible dumping of coal ash – dumping that has been allowed by states for decades.
5. Whether it’s a public health threat, an environmental justice issue, a threat to species or public safety, coal ash is bad news for millions of Americans. Tell the White House and EPA how coal ash is a threat in your region and your neighborhood.

For more information, please contact Traci Barkley, Water Resources Scientist for Prairie Rivers Network at tbarkley@prairierivers.org or 217/344-2371.]]> 3496 0 939 0 https://prairierivers.org/articles/2010/01/coal-ash-action-talking-points-lte/ Wed, 27 Jan 2010 18:05:42 +0000 http://prairierivers.org/?p=3499 (Click here here for an Excel spreadsheet of local newspapers and LTE contact information.)

LTE TITLE: EPA Must Classify Coal Ash as “Hazardous” – High Hazard Sites

Sample Letter #1 - LOCAL

To the Editor, Burning coal for electricity generates nearly one hundred and thirty million tons of toxic ash each year. Coal ash is full of harmful toxins like arsenic, lead and mercury. People living near the coal ash sites have a staggering 1 in 50 risk of cancer. And yet there is little regulation of coal ash storage sites. This is scary news, considering there is a coal ash storage site here in TOWN. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency is preparing a new rule to ensure the safe disposal of coal ash. As expected, the coal industry is fighting to maintain the status quo on coal ash, backing a proposal that ensures coal ash is treated less responsibly than household trash. One thing is clear—coal must be cleaned up and the industry will not clean itself. We need strong regulations to hold coal accountable and speed the transition to a clean energy economy. And residents here in TOWN and across the U.S. want the coal industry to clean up and not expose them to health hazards like air pollution and coal ash. Sincerely, Your Name and Address

Sample Letter #2- GENERAL

To the Editor, The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency is preparing a new rule to ensure the safe disposal of coal ash – the byproduct of burning coal for power. As expected, the coal industry is fighting to maintain the status quo on coal ash, backing a proposal that limits opportunities for public input and ensures coal ash is treated less responsibly than household trash. The nearly 130 million tons of coal ash generated each year is full of harmful toxins like arsenic, lead and mercury. People living near the coal ash sites have a staggering 1 in 50 risk of cancer. Both the EPA and the National Academy of Sciences have years of research making it clear that coal ash is becoming increasingly toxic and confirming time and again that coal ash poses a threat to human health. EPA must treat coal waste as a hazardous substance and ensure that residents of communities impacted by coal ash disposal can provide input on how the coal ash should be handled. One thing is clear— we need strong regulations to hold coal accountable and speed the transition to a clean energy economy. Residents across the U.S. want the coal industry to clean up and not expose them to health hazards like air pollution and coal ash. Sincerely, Your Name and Address

 Sample Letter #3 -GENERAL

Dear Editor, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Administrator Lisa Jackson has promised that her agency would publish long overdue regulations for toxic coal ash disposal. For 30 years industry lobbying has delayed common sense minimum federal regulations with the promise that states would regulate coal ash. Now there are nearly 600 active coal ash sites across the country mostly with unprotected ponds and landfills. A recent study reveals that residents living near these landfill sites have as much as a 1 in 50 chance of contracting cancer. A recent study by several research scientists reveals an imminent threat to our commercial and recreational fishing industries. Dr. Dennis Lemly and associates conclude that coal ash “…is a deadly poison to fish and wildlife, and a threat to human health…” The fishing industry can ill-afford more stress on the impact of toxic pollution on aquatic life. Residents living near leaking coal ash ponds and landfills shouldn’t live in fear of a dam breaking or their water poisoned. After 30 years of broken promises, it is clear that states are not protecting us, our children and the environment from coal ash poisoning in our water. Regulating toxic coal ash with common sense minimum federal standards is badly needed. The EPA, the White House and Congress must do the right thing and quit bowing to industry pressure. Regulate coal ash as the hazardous waste we (and they) all know it is, and make public health a priority not a luxury. Sincerely, Your Name and Address

OTHER TALKING POINTS:

• CCW’s and CCB’s are the 2nd largest waste stream, behind household garbage, in the United States with 129 million tons produced each year. Amazingly, Illinois, like most states, have stronger regulations for household garbage than for toxic coal ash.
• Landmark scientific studies have exposed real and significant threats to the commercial and recreational fishing industries because of selenium poisoning from toxic coal ash. “Eye-popping" risks to aquatic ecosystems from EPA data predict boron concentrations up to 2,000 times the safe level, and selenium levels 10 times higher than considered safe to aquatic life.
• All outdoor enthusiasts owe it to themselves to review the studies by Dr. Dennis Lemly and his associates concerning the impact selenium has on aquatic life.
• Health threats from coal ash could linger for 100 years: EPA warns that peak pollution from ash ponds can occur long after the waste is placed and is likely to result in peak exposures 78 to 105 years after the ponds first begin operation.
• IL ranks 8th in the country for coal ash generation.
• Illinois has 2 ash ponds that the USEPA have determined to be “high hazard” meaning there is potential for a disaster similar to that of the TVA Kingston spill in December 2008.
• According to the U.S. EPA damage case assessment (July 9, 2007), potential damage cases in Illinois include:
  • Commonwealth Edison Powerton Plant – Mahoney Landfill, Tazewell County
  • Ameren Duck Creek Station, Fulton County
  • Dynegy Hennepin Power Station, Putnam County
  • Dynegy Havana Power Plant, Mason County
  • Dynegy Vermillion Power Station, Vermillion County
  • Ameren Hutsonville Power Station, Crawford County
  • Dynegy Wood River Power Station, Madison County
  • Ameren Coffeen/ White & Brewer Trucking Fly Ash Landfill, Montgomery County

]]> 3499 0 938 0 https://prairierivers.org/articles/2010/02/reckoning-at-eagle-creek/ Mon, 01 Feb 2010 21:24:50 +0000 http://prairierivers.org/?p=3534 Please check out the new book by award-winning journalist and cultural historian Jeff Biggers, Reckoning at Eagle Creek: The Secret Legacy of Coal in the Heartland (Nation/Basic Books). "A devastating critique of the myth of 'clean coal' " — Publishers Weekly "This is a world-shaking, belief-rattling, immensely important book. If you're an American, it is almost a patriotic duty to read it." — Elizabeth Gilbert, author of Eat, Pray, Love

Reckoning at Eagle Creek takes us on a journey into the secret history of coal mining in the American heartland. Set in the ruins of his family’s strip-mined homestead in the Shawnee National Forest in southern Illinois, Biggers delivers a deeply personal portrait of the largely overlooked human and environmental costs of our nation’s dirty energy policy over the past two centuries. Reckoning at Eagle Creek digs deep into the tangled roots of the coal industry beginning with the policies of Thomas Jefferson and Andrew Jackson. It chronicles the removal of Native Americans, and the hidden story of legally sanctioned black slavery in the land of Lincoln. It uncovers a century of regulatory negligence, vividly describing the epic mining wars for union recognition and workplace safety, and the devastating environmental consequences of industrial strip-mining.  At the heart of our national debate over climate change and the crucial transition toward clean energy, is the Obama administration’s controversial pursuit of “clean coal.” Biggers exposes the fallacy that lies at the heart of this policy and shatters the Big Coal marketing myth that Illinois represents the “Saudi Arabia of coal.” Reckoning at Eagle Creek is ultimately an exposé of “historicide,” one that traces coal’s harrowing legacy through the great American family saga of sacrifice and resiliency and the extraordinary process of recovering our nation’s memory. Coal will never be called clean or cheap again.

“Jeff Biggers exposes the truth about coal in America—how the myth of “clean coal” destroys even family histories. But Biggers is a long-time warrior in another fight—to stabilize climate and preserve a good life for young people. Let us hope his message about dirty coal is read far and wide.” — James Hansen, NASA Goddard Center, author of Storms of My Grandchildren “As this fine book makes clear, coal has always and ever been a curse, poisoning everything and everyone it touches—right up to the climate on which we depend for our daily bread. What a story!” — Bill McKibben, author of Eaarth: Making a Life on a Tough New Planet “[An] enriching history… An important look at the staggering human and environmental costs of mining.” — Kirkus Reviews "Nobody writes about Appalachia like Jeff Biggers. His voice is a swirl of history and memory, of fact and analysis, of hillbilly wisdom and journalistic outrage. Reckoning at Eagle Creek is bigger and brawnier than a memoir or cultural chronicle—it’s a passionate howl from the dark heart of American coal country."  — Jeff Goodell, author, Big Coal “Part historical narrative, part family memoir, part pastoral paean, and part jeremiad against the abuse of the land and of the men who gave and continue to give their lives to (and often for) the mines, [Reckoning at Eagle Creek] puts a human face on the industry that supplies nearly half of America’s energy…it offers a rare historical perspective on the vital yet little considered industry, along with a devastating critique of the myth of ‘clean coal.’ ”— Publishers Weekly Watch the book trailer here: www.jeffbiggers.com Facebook page is here: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Jeff-Biggers-Reckoning-at-Eagle-Creek/277990564288]]> 3534 0 936 0 https://prairierivers.org/articles/2010/02/asian-carp-in-illinois-problem-solution/ Tue, 09 Feb 2010 12:31:40 +0000 http://prairierivers.org/?p=3553

Click on image to view source.

A century ago the Chicago Sanitary and Ship Canal was hailed as an engineering masterpiece. Built a century ago to carry sewage and ships, the canal connects the Great Lakes basin to the Mississippi River Valley – two ecosystems that evolved separately for millennia. But today the canal has become a superhighway that allows plants and animals from one ecosystem to invade the other. Zebra mussels from Lake Michigan have spread through the Mississippi River and her tributaries, clogging water pipes and causing millions of dollars worth of damage to industrial facilities. There are many other examples. Today two species of Asian carp threaten to devastate the Great Lakes and inflict irreversible damage on sport fisheries, wildlife, regional economies and the people that rely upon them.

The Problem

Asian carp are voracious plankton feeders that can quickly dominate aquatic ecosystems by gobbling up the same food that sustains native fish populations. They are already dominating the Illinois River, where they grow so large they have no natural predators. They are rapidly approaching the Great Lakes, which have already been weakened by other invasive species. The threat is serious: plankton is the foundation of the Great Lakes food web.

Silver Carp. Source: Nerissa Michaels, Illinois River Biological Station, 2007.

Bighead carp grow to more than 4 feet long and weigh up to 100 pounds. Silver carp leap when disturbed and injure river users. Cuts, bruises, and broken bones have been reported from silver carp collisions along the Illinois River. If Asian carp invade the Great Lakes, they could also devastate the region's $7 billion fishing industry and permanently alter how recreational boaters, anglers and tourists use and enjoy the lakes and their many tributaries. They are already overtaking and out-competing native fish in the Mississippi and Illinois Rivers. Many US and Canadian rivers feeding the Great Lakes could also be at risk, as shown on the map for a few adjacent states.

Map of Great Lakes. Click on image to view source.

The Solution

Click on image to view source.

Connecting the Great Lakes to the Mississippi River system seemed like a good idea at the time. By the 1890’s Chicago’s sewage, dumping into the Chicago River and draining naturally into Lake Michigan, was beginning to pollute its drinking water supply. By digging the canal, the State of Illinois caused the Chicago River to reverse direction, allowing Lake Michigan to serve as a giant toilet tank flushing sewage into the Illinois River and on to the Mississippi River. Today, of course, we have options available to us that weren’t available a hundred years ago. Most other cities around Great Lakes employ modern sewage treatment technologies that allow them to dump treated sewage into the Great Lakes without poisoning their drinking water. And our extensive networks of railroads and highways provide viable alternatives to waterborne commerce within the Chicago metropolitan area. The obvious long term solution is to permanently close the connection between the Great Lakes and the Mississippi River basin to prevent invasions in either direction via the canals. Four possible locations for such a barrier have already been identified (see Alliance for the Great Lakes report here). Unfortunately, state and federal agencies have spent most of their time and effort on stopgap measures that have failed to stop the steady movement of Asian carp.]]> 3553 0 935 0 https://prairierivers.org/articles/2010/02/action-alert-call-reps-coal-waste/ Tue, 09 Feb 2010 19:47:35 +0000 http://prairierivers.org/?p=3593 URGENT! Your Help is Still Needed to Protect Our Water from Hazardous Coal Waste

1) Please Phone Your U.S. Representative’s Office ASAP!

Many elected officials are bowing to industry pressure. Read more here and here. Don’t let the coal industry be the only voices heard. More than ever, out elected officials need to hear from their citizens that you value clean water and want it to be protected for future generations from hazardous coal waste. Step 1: Find your district here. Step 2: Find your district congressional representative contact information here. Step 3: Call your representative, give your name and say…

I want coal ash regulated as hazardous waste, and I ask Representative __________ to do everything possible to see that coal ash waste gets strong environmental regulations that will protect our air and water for future generations. Coal ash impoundments are current and long-term threats for groundwater pollution and to the health and safety of our citizens. It is well documented that coal ash has toxic heavy metals, which are particularly of concern for children's health. Power plants that use coal must be required to meet strong regulations in putting coal ash in the ground and in impoundments. Currently, utility companies are using unlined landfills or impoundments that do not have any liners. They do not conduct enough water monitoring to ensure nearby streams and drinking water wells are safe from coal waste harm. I ask Representative __________________ to protect public health and safety and put his/her voters and citizens first, and not to bow to industry pressures.

 2) Ask the Office of Management and Budget to Protect Communities from Toxic Coal Ash!

Last week we told you how the coal industry is putting intense pressure on the White House to stop or weaken a proposed EPA rule that would protect communities from toxic coal ash. Thanks to people like you, we demonstrated that there is strong public support for the EPA's proposal by sending over 45,000 messages to the White House and Congress!  Now we need your help to make sure the White House Office of Management and Budget (OMB) hears our message -- send a personal letter to the OMB today. Take action here. You can read more about coal issues here.]]> 3593 0 934 0 https://prairierivers.org/articles/2010/02/march-of-the-asian-carp/ Sun, 21 Feb 2010 03:22:22 +0000 http://prairierivers.org/?p=3610 On the loose  [caption id="attachment_3662" align="alignright" width="300" caption="Asian carp (bighead and silver) jumping out of the Illinois River near Havana, IL."][/caption] Bighead and silver carp (collectively referred to as Asian carp) escaped from Arkansas fish farms into the Mississippi River and have marched steadily upstream in the Illinois River towards Lake Michigan. The invaders reached the Peoria area about a decade ago where their population has been doubling almost every year. In 2003 the Army Corps of Engineers built an electric fence in the Chicago Sanitary and Ship Canal  about 25 miles from Lake Michigan, but soon found it did not stop the Asian carp. So the Corps of Engineers built a second, higher-voltage, barrier that became operational in April 2009 at the same location. By this time Asian carp had been seen less than 10 miles away from the electric fences.  Approaching the Lakes Then in December 2009, during routine maintenance of the electric fence (only one lock away from the Lake) a dead bighead carp surfaced when the water was poisoned briefly to prevent fish passage while the power was off. Until this time officials had been skeptical of DNA evidence found at that site and at other locations within 6 miles of the Lake, far past the electric fences. Unfortunately the Corps still remained skeptical and continued to keep the locks open for barge traffic, prompting five Great Lakes states to ask the US Supreme Court to temporarily close the locks connecting Chicago canal system to Lake Michigan. The request for emergency action was denied in January but the case remains before the Court; briefs are due next month. Only a few hours after the Supreme Court decision was announced, Maj. Gen. John Peabody, commander of the Great Lakes and Ohio River district of the Army Corps of Engineers, revealed that carp DNA had also been found in Lake Michigan waters, beyond the last lock and dam separating the canal from the lake. Holding firm to the Corps’ skeptical position, Peabody was quoted "We don't know where the fish are… The DNA shows us where they may be."  The New York Times quoted the leader of the expert team that found the DNA: “I think there’s not another plausible explanation for the presence of DNA that we’ve found other than that there are live fish in the vicinity”. University of Notre Dame Professor David Lodge has been finding Asian carp DNA on the Illinois River side of the locks since August. Holes in the defense Biologists and environmental advocates have been frustrated with the reactive stance taken by Army Corps and Illinois officials, and their reluctance to take pro-active precautionary actions. For years it has been known that Asian carp could bypass the electric fence during floods, but only recently has the Corps developed plans to block those passages. Read Prairie Rivers' comments here. The Corps continues to operate the fence far below its design voltage, and has not funded experiments that are needed to prove its effectiveness on baby carp or even on large fish during periods when a steel barge passing over the fence distorts the electric field. While the Corps insists that the DNA test method is new and has not been scientifically validated, conservationists are questioning the wisdom of waiting for traditional sampling techniques to capture a live fish in areas near the Lake where DNA has been found. Electrofishing merely scares rather than immobilizing Asian carps; conventional netting is complicated by the debris-filled bottom of the straight-sided canal; and surface netting after poisoning is difficult because unlike other species, Asian carp sink quickly to bottom. Turning point In the face of all this discouraging news, Prairie Rivers Network has intensified efforts to force a major change in the federal policy, which until now has given the benefit of the scientific doubt to the barge industry, not the environment. On Feb. 12 Prairie Rivers board member Clark Bullard reminded a panel of Federal officials in Chicago that measures like electric fences, temporary lock closures and chemical poisons may be necessary in the short term, they are not 100% effective. Since we are unlikely to win a war of attrition against invaders that lay a million eggs at a pop, we must separate the basins as soon as possible. He emphasized that waterborne commerce could still thrive on both sides of the basin divide, with an intermodal freight transfer facility connecting to modern truck and rail networks. It’s time to replace Chicago’s antiquated 19th century transportation, sewage and stormwater systems with 21st century sustainable technology. This may be our last chance to get it right.]]> 3610 0 928 0 https://prairierivers.org/articles/2010/02/asian-carp-hearing/ Fri, 12 Feb 2010 18:45:24 +0000 http://prairierivers.org/?p=3613 Webcast Available 3-6 pm Federal agencies will hold a public hearing today (Friday, February 12) on Asian carp in Chicago, from 3-6pm. The Asian Carp Regional Coordinating Committee will discuss plans and get recommendations on Asian carp control efforts. The committee will answer questions and listen to comments from the public. Prairie Rivers Network staffer Traci Barkley and board member Clark Bullard will be there in person to urge the committee to act quickly to stop the spread of Asian carp and other invaders between the Great Lakes and Mississippi River systems. They will also be arguing against serious consideration of a proposal to stop the spread of carp by creating a toxic zone in the Chicago shipping canals with pollution from sewage treatment plants and industrial facilities. The meeting also will be available via live web stream at: http://www.epa.gov/greatlakes/live Those who cannot attend the meeting in person can submit questions on the website. Visit PRN's Asian carp posts for background information.]]> 3613 0 933 0 https://prairierivers.org/articles/2010/02/coal-dirty-past-hazy-future/ Mon, 15 Feb 2010 13:00:30 +0000 http://prairierivers.org/?p=3621 A Documentary by The Environment Report

An in-depth look at the future of coal in this country. The Environment Report explores the role that coal plays in our lives and in the lives of those who depend on coal mining for a living. Can coal truly be a viable option in the new green economy? http://www.environmentreport.org/coal_doc.php

Public Radio, WILL AM 580 will air this program today, February 15, at 1PM CST, if you are in their listening area.]]> 3621 0 932 0 https://prairierivers.org/articles/2010/02/enough-talk-its-time-for-action-on-asian-carp/ Tue, 16 Feb 2010 17:16:53 +0000 http://prairierivers.org/?p=3624 [/caption] Over three hundred people turned out for the federal Asian carp hearing in Chicago on February 12, including Prairie Rivers Network staffer Traci Barkley who was quoted in the Detroit Free Press. Traci, who conducted some of the early research on the electric fence prior to joining Prairie Rivers Network, reminded top federal officials that it was originally designed to stop the round goby from invading the Mississippi basin from the Great Lakes, but it was too late. After modifying the electric fence to stop Asian carp from heading north to the Great Lakes, DNA evidence indicates that this too may have been too late. She made a strong case for the only solution that makes sense: separating the Mississippi and Great Lakes basins. One thing is certain: Asian carp, round goby and the zebra mussel aren’t the first, nor will they be the last, invaders we must try to stop. Prairie Rivers Network and our partners have been successful in communicating the urgency of the problem, and things are starting to happen. Responding to grassroots pressure, the White House held a summit with Great Lakes governors on February 8 to announce the administration’s Asian carp strategy, and sent top officials from the White House Council on Environmental Quality and four other federal agencies to the Chicago stakeholder meeting. The House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure held a hearing on the carp problem on February 9. Permanent ecological separation of the Mississippi and Great Lakes basins is the only way to stop invasions of alien animals and plants in both directions. While most media coverage is focusing on near-term emergency actions, it is up to us – Prairie Rivers Network, our partners, and you – to take every opportunity to urge public officials to speed up efforts towards a permanent solution as soon as possible. It isn’t going to be easy. Major industries like coal-burning utilities and oil tank farms, and smaller business like marinas and water taxis, rely on the canal system. It is time to shift the debate from emergency lock closures to the question of finding the best location for separating the watersheds in a manner that minimizes the economic impacts. Until we start asking tough questions and moving toward a permanent solution, our nation’s greatest waters remain in peril. What you can do: Federal officials will hold another public hearing on Wednesday Feb. 17 at 2 to 5 pm CST in Ypsilanti Michigan. During the hearing you can watch the live webcast and submit questions and comments that will be read to the officials.]]> 3624 0 931 0 https://prairierivers.org/articles/2010/02/big-river/ Thu, 18 Feb 2010 13:00:50 +0000 http://prairierivers.org/?p=3632 Join Prairie Rivers Network, Sangamon Valley Sierra Club, Illinois Stewardship Alliance, and the film's producers for a free screening of the entertaining documentary "Big River." This 30-minute film by the makers of "King Corn" discusses how agricultural chemicals applied to Midwestern farms can pollute rivers and ultimately the Gulf of Mexico. Stacy James, Water Resources Scientist for Prairie Rivers Network, will give a short presentation on how nitrogen and phosphorus pollution affects Illinois' waterways. When: Tuesday, Feb 23 at 6:30pm Where: Lincoln Library, North Carnegie Room, 326 S. 7th Street, Springfield.]]> 3632 0 930 0 https://prairierivers.org/articles/2010/02/upcoming-workshop-write-319-grant/ Fri, 19 Feb 2010 13:00:24 +0000 http://prairierivers.org/?p=3640 REGISTER NOW!

Workshop attendees at The Morton Arboretum

WHAT: Learn helpful hints on how to write a fundable 319 grant from the U.S. EPA and Illinois EPA. Hear local governments, The Morton Arboretum, and lake associations share their perspectives on 319 grant writing. A tour of the Arboretum is planned, so be dressed for the outdoors! WHEN: Wednesday, March 3rd, 1:00-5:00 pm WHERE: The Morton Arboretum, Special Events Room at the Visitor's Center COST: Only $15.00! Registration is preferred, to guarantee a seat. Registration at The Morton Arboretum on the day of the event will also be accepted until seats are filled. TO REGISTER: Visit the Illinois Lake Management Association website and go to "Register for March 3-5th 25th Annual Conference". This workshop is being held in conjunction with ILMA's 25th Annual Conference. You do not need to attend the ILMA Conference to attend this workshop. All are welcome! SPEAKERS: Tom Davenport, USEPA Amy Walkenbach, IEPA Cyd Curtis, USEPA Kurt Dreisilker, Morton Arboretum Mike Prusila, Lake County Stormwater Management Commission Leslie Berns, Forest Preserve District of Lake County Randy Stowe, Wonder Lake MPOA ADDITIONAL DETAILS: Visit PRN's event calendar QUESTIONS?: Please contact Alison at ameanor@prairierivers.org Thank you for your interest in building capacity in Illinois watersheds! Prairie Rivers Network and the Illinois Lake Management Association partner to present workshops as part of our continuing efforts to build capacity in Illinois watersheds. This workshop is funded through an IEPA and U.S. EPA CWA 319 grant.

post updated 5/18/11 - edit to title

]]> 3640 0 929 0 https://prairierivers.org/news/2010/02/big-price-little-benefit-for-expanded-locks-on-the-mississippi-river/ Wed, 24 Feb 2010 18:21:41 +0000 http://prairierivers.org/?p=3673 Yesterday, Prairie Rivers Network and our partners in the Nicollet Island Coalition released a report condemning proposed expansion of 7 of the 29 locks that aid navigation along the Upper Mississippi and Illinois Rivers. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers got Congressional authorization in 2007 to double the size of the locks, at a potential cost to taxpayers of $2.2 billion. Our report shows that the modest benefits the project aims to achieve can be achieved much more cheaply through other means. View our press release here. Download the Big Price – Little Benefit report here. Tri-States Public Radio (Macomb, IL) covered the story. The toll on river health of the Corps-maintained navigation system on the Upper Mississippi River is tremendous – the 29 locks and dams have altered the free-flowing and dynamic river between Minneapolis and St. Louis into a static series of enormous, homogeneous reservoirs. Coupled with the massive levee works along the river, created in the mis-guided belief that the floodplain could be successfully reclaimed from the river and used for farming and development, the locks and dams have devastated the Mississippi River. River health has been severely degraded, as have the direct benefits the river produces for people: drinking water for 18 million people, floodwater storage, natural filtering of pollution, commercial and sports fisheries, a wide array of recreational activities. While the stakes for river health are high, the report focuses on perhaps the strongest argument against undertaking the project – the economics simply do not justify the expenditure. Given a long term trend of decreasing barge traffic on the Mississippi (more and more Midwest grain is moved out to the markets of the world via rail), the likely return on taxpayer investment in the lock expansion would be around 20 cents on the dollar – that is, the barge industry would accrue around 20 cents in savings for every dollar of taxpayer investment. The project is intended to increase the efficiency of barge transport of grain, but as the Big Price – Little Benefit report shows, there are less expensive fixes that can provide the same benefits. Implementing a fairly low-tech traffic control system at locks would decrease delays, and maintenance and rehabilitation of the existing locks will create jobs and keep the locks operating for another 50 years – the projected lifespan of the new locks. The cost of these fixes would be much lower than that for new locks, while addressing the needs of the navigation industry. We were fortunate to secure the services of Dr. Donald Sweeney, former lead economist for the Corps on the project, for much of the economic analysis supporting our conclusions. His report is here. What next? The fate of the project rests with the U.S. Congress. The lock expansion project was authorized by Congress in the Water Resources Development Act of 2007. Since that time, much more information about the true costs and benefits of the project have come to light, as we document in the Big Price – Little Benefit report. Perhaps that is the reason why both President Obama (and President Bush before him) has not appropriated money to build the new locks. It is likely that there will be a Water Resources Development Act of 2010 – this would be a perfect opportunity for Congress to de-authorize the project and instruct the Corps to carry out less costly improvements to the lock and dam system on the Upper Mississippi and Illinois Rivers. Prairie Rivers Network will let you know how you can help get word to your representatives when the time is right. The Nicollet Island Coalition is a group of conservation and environmental organizations formed in 1994 to address restoration issues on the Upper Mississippi River and provide coordinated advocacy work on Upper Mississippi River issues. Coalition partners include Prairie Rivers Network, the Izaak Walton League of America, the Institute for Agriculture and Trade Policy (www.iatp.org), National Wildlife Federation (www.nwf.org), and Sierra Club.]]> 3673 0 927 0 https://prairierivers.org/articles/2010/02/coal-mine-lawsuit-captures-the-attention-of-illinois-attorney-general/ Thu, 25 Feb 2010 13:00:09 +0000 http://prairierivers.org/?p=3688 Prairie Rivers Network is holding polluters accountable when the EPA fails to enforce the law. A coal mine near Industry, Illinois, has violated its permit by discharging pollution (such as iron, manganese, and sulfates) at levels several times higher than allowed. Prairie Rivers Network and partners launched a lawsuit against the two coal companies that have owned the mine. The case caught the attention of Attorney General Lisa Madigan, who is now taking the case against the mine to the Illinois Pollution Control Board. Read press coverege here from McDonough County The Voice. ]]> 3688 0 926 0 https://prairierivers.org/articles/2010/02/coal-ash-water-pollution-site-in-oakwood-il/ Fri, 26 Feb 2010 15:37:05 +0000 http://prairierivers.org/?p=3700 here. See our previous articles on toxic coal ash.]]> 3700 0 925 0 https://prairierivers.org/articles/2010/03/help-spread-the-word-about-big-price-little-benefit/ Thu, 04 Mar 2010 20:18:05 +0000 http://prairierivers.org/?p=3727 More press is covering the new Big Price – Little Benefit report released by Prairie Rivers Network and partners condemning proposed expansion locks along the Upper Mississippi and Illinois Rivers. Read press coverage from the Daily-Journal.com by seraching on "Prairie Rivers Network." You can help spread the word by sharing this post with a friend.]]> 3727 0 924 0 https://prairierivers.org/articles/2010/03/action-alert-abbott-power-plant/ Mon, 08 Mar 2010 20:19:48 +0000 http://prairierivers.org/?p=3767

Abbott Power Plant (source: Illinois State Geological Survey)

For our friends and supporters in the Champaign-Urbana area:

Come out on Wednesday, March 10th, and support a growing partnership among Illinois clean air and water advocates as they kickoff their campaign to promote the end of burning dirty coal at the University of Illinois’ Abbott Power Plant. Since Abbott was built in 1941, the fuel source for the plant’s boilers has changed several times as the university sought to operate the plant as economically as possible. Now, led by Students for Environmental Concerns, and joined by the Prairie Rivers Network and Sierra Club, the University is being asked to consider more than just the bottom line. Converting from coal to natural gas is an opportunity for the University of Illinois to commit on behalf Illinois citizens and taxpayers to reducing greenhouse gas emissions, disposal of toxic coal ash and harmful effects of coal mining.

Join us at the No More Coal Campaign Kickoff event!

Wednesday, March 10, 2010 10:30 am - Press conference: Outside Abbott Power Plant, Oak and Gregory 11:00 am - Rally starts after the press conference, meet at Abbott and walk over to Swanlund Administration Building to deliver our Freedom of Information Act request First 50 people get free T-shirts. RSVP at http://www.facebook.com/#!/event.php?eid=342880130797&ref=ts]]> 3767 0 923 0 https://prairierivers.org/articles/2010/03/take-action-to-stop-dangerous-floodplain-development/ Mon, 22 Mar 2010 12:41:16 +0000 http://prairierivers.org/?p=3871 We've been tracking a terrible bill in the Illinois Senate this spring that would allow irresponsible development in flood-prone areas. It may also make thousands of Illinois residents ineligible for federal flood insurance and disaster relief. You can help by calling bill sponsor Senator Haine (217.782-5247 or 618.465-4764) and ask him to withdraw Senate Bill 2556. You can also call or write your own state senator and representative and ask them not to vote for SB2556. Illinois Sierra Club Floodplain Chair, President of American Bottom Conservancy, and Prairie Rivers Network supporter Kathy Andria describes problems with the Bill in a Letter to the Editor that appeared in the 3/21/10 Madison & St. Clair Record. We reprint the text below:

In what can only be described as mind-boggling, a new bill in the Illinois State Legislature, SB 2556, redefines “100-year floodplain” – essentially saying there are none. There are currently state regulations on activities in the 100-year floodplain, such as a prohibition against new landfills and the storage of hazardous waste, controls on sewage treatment plants and livestock waste lagoons, and a requirement that “critical facilities,” such as nursing homes, be elevated or relocated outside the 100-year floodplain. Most communities in Illinois have adopted similar local floodplain regulations. Sen. Bill Haine, who introduced the Floodplain Definition bill, apparently disagrees that those protections are a good idea. He says that the “100-year-floodplain” designation is an “economic disaster” and proposes to change the definition. His bill removes restrictions in the Environmental Protection Act; the Rivers, Lakes and Streams Act; and the Livestock Management Act if the area is protected by a levee. It matters not if the levee is minimally insufficient or has been declared structurally unfit and has defects, as long as there is an intent to repair it. Some day. The change in the 100-year floodplain designation would even apply to permits that are pending . The bill is strongly supported by Waste Management, which has an application pending in the IEPA Bureau of Land for a permit to develop a new landfill—you guessed it—in the 100-year floodplain, adjacent to Horseshoe Lake in Madison County. The bill would gut Illinois Executive Order 2006-05 that requires State agencies which plan, promote, regulate, or permit activities in the State’s floodplain areas to ensure that all projects meet the standards of the State floodplain regulations or the National Flood Insurance Program, whichever is more stringent. The Executive Order is intended to ensure that state resources and funds are not being used for inappropriate and dangerous floodplain development. It is also required by FEMA in order for the State of Illinois to participate in the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) and guarantees the state’s eligibility for certain types of Federal disaster assistance. Failure to comply could cause communities in Illinois to be suspended from the National Flood Insurance Program and force local communities to bear the financial burden of NFIP floodway compliance which is now done for them by IDNR. Suspension from the NFIP could result in thousands of Illinois citizens losing their flood insurance, their eligibility for disaster assistance, and potentially their home loans if they are tied to flood insurance coverage. All this in a year the U.S. Weather Bureau indicates has the potential for heavy spring flooding. The bill is opposed by Governor Pat Quinn, the Illinois Department of Natural Resources, the Illinois Emergency Management Agency, the Illinois EPA, the Illinois Department of Agriculture, the Illinois Department of Insurance, as well as the Illinois Chapter and National Associations for Floodplain Management, the Illinois Environmental Council, Sierra Club, Prairie Rivers Network, The Nature Conservancy and other environmental groups. If you agree that landfills, hazardous waste, livestock waste lagoons and nursing homes (think Katrina) don’t belong in the 100-year floodplain, call Sen. Haine at 217.782-5247 or 618.465-4764 and ask him to please withdraw his bill. You could also call or write your own legislative representative and senator and ask them to please not vote for SB2556.

]]> 3871 0 921 0 https://prairierivers.org/articles/2010/03/its-time-to-register-for-boneyard-creek-community-day/ Mon, 29 Mar 2010 15:38:16 +0000 http://prairierivers.org/?p=3894 Celebrate Your Rivers by joining us for the Fifth Annual Boneyard Creek Community Day. When: Saturday, April 10, 2010 Where: Scott Park, Champaign at 9:00 am Volunteers will do creek cleanup, mark storm drains and help maintain natural areas throughout Champaign-Urbana. After a morning of hard work, enjoy a free lunch back at Scott Park, with music provided by Chad Dunn and Recycled Rhythms. You can register online at www.boneyardcreek.org. For more information, contact Cecily Smith, 344-2371, csmith@prairierivers.org. Event organizers: Champaign County Design & Conservation Foundation, Cities of Champaign and Urbana, Don Moyer Boys & Girls Club, Foth, Park Districts of Champaign and Urbana, Parkland College, Prairie Rivers Network, University of Illinois, Ward & Associates Realtors, Inc.

We hope to see you April 10th!

]]> 3894 0 920 0 https://prairierivers.org/articles/2010/04/kickapoo-event-tsc/ Wed, 14 Apr 2010 17:55:05 +0000 http://prairierivers.org/?p=3979 - Attributed to a Chinese Philosopher

Interior of the Traveling Science Center

Join us on May 15, 2010 at Kickapoo State Park for a tour of the new Traveling Science Center dedicated to river life...and a day spent on the bank of the Middle Fork of the Vermilion River (guilt free).

Prairie Rivers Network has teamed up with the Illinois Natural History Survey to create this mobile exhibit. The "Traveling Science Center" houses an interactive display of the great biodiversity within our waters. The Traveling Science Center will tour East-central Illinois in 2010, with plans to reach other communities in 2011.

On May 15, 2010, East-central Illinoisans can see the exhibit and attend a special aquatic insects workshop offered by Dr. Ed Dewalt of the Illinois Natural History Survey.

(Listings of TSC public events will be posted on our event calendar as they are scheduled.)

 

Dr. Christopher Taylor will be on hand, netting fish, and some of the INHS scientists will be trapping turtles. It will be a great day! What: Traveling Science Center + Aquatic Insects Workshop When: May 15, 2010, 10-4 (workshops offered at 11 am and 2 pm) How: Free and open to the public (sign up for workshop by emailing jmui@inhs.illinois.edu) For more information: 224-234-0199]]> 3979 0 914 0 https://prairierivers.org/articles/2010/04/momentum-on-medicines-hip-hip-hooray/ Mon, 19 Apr 2010 19:24:00 +0000 http://prairierivers.org/?p=4016 [/caption] For Earth Week 2010, we’re focusing on some positive developments related to clean and healthy rivers. Hip!  In August of 2009, Governor Quinn signed two bills into law that establish the first state-led requirements for the proper disposal of unused medicines. One law clarifies what it is to have "proper" disposal and outlines safe collection standards. The other law will take a major step toward incorporating good disposal practices into the healthcare industry. Under this law, home medical workers are required to dispose of unused medicines at collection points, rather than the former practice of flushing them down the toilets. Hip!  High School students in Illinois are learning about water pollution and the proper disposal of medicines through a service-learning curriculum. "The new curriculum collection gives educators an instructional tool to create an innovative service-learning experience for their students, while tackling an important environmental and human health concern," said IISG Associate Director for Education _Robin Goettel_ <http://www.iiseagrant.org/staff/goettel.html>, who, along with _Terri Hallesy_ <http://www.iiseagrant.org/staff/hallesy.html>, IISG education specialist, helped design this resource. "Through involvement in this project, students serve as agents for change, educating their communities about action steps they can take to reduce harm to aquatic ecosystems from improper disposal of unwanted medicines." Hooray! Central Illinois-based Carle Clinic pharmacies opened up permanent medicine collection drop boxes at two of their pharmacies in Champaign and Urbana. We hope to see more! Norms and laws about medicine disposal are changing. You can expect to see many more communities and businesses follow suit in the coming years. For more information, see our related web pages on this topic.]]> 4016 0 911 0 https://prairierivers.org/articles/2010/04/the-us-environmental-protection-agency-is-___________/ Tue, 20 Apr 2010 11:56:05 +0000 http://prairierivers.org/?p=4035 doing its job. More good news for the second day of Earth Week 2010. There is evidence that the US Environmental Protection Agency (US EPA) is, at long last, doing its job (rather than trying to undo its job). Three recent events give us hope that the US EPA is taking clean water seriously.  1. According to our partners in Tennessee, EPA recently brought enforcement actions against two Clean Water Act violators demanding penalties of $68,000 and $335,000 respectively! Read more here. 2. The US EPA issued rules that will seriously curtail the devastating mountain-top removal form of coal mining. According to the NY Times, "The goal of the new rules, Ms. Jackson said, is to prevent 'significant and irreversible damage' to Appalachian watersheds." 3. The US EPA has admited that drinking water regulations are outdated. According to the NY Times, "'There are a range of chemicals that have become more prevalent in our products, our water and our bodies in the last 50 years,' the E.P.A. administrator, Lisa P. Jackson, said in a speech on Monday. Regulations have not kept pace with scientific discoveries, and so the agency is issuing 'a new vision for providing clean, safe drinking water.'" The key to achieving strong laws that work for our collective well-being is for individual citizens to prove that we care as much about clean water as the polluters do about their ability to maintain business as usual. Sign up for RiverWeb emails (once or twice a month) and look for Action Alerts from Prairie Rivers Network that help bring citizen voices to the ears of the EPA.]]> 4035 0 910 0 https://prairierivers.org/articles/2010/04/prairie-river-notes-spring-2010-newsletter/ Mon, 26 Apr 2010 13:40:36 +0000 http://prairierivers.org/?p=4046 View PRN's Prairie River Notes - Spring 2010 Newsletter (pdf) with the following articles:

• Asian Carp Update
• Welcome Laura Kammin, Habitat Conservation Specialist
• PRN Ramps Up Pollution Enforcement
• New Factory Farm Watch Webpages
• National Coal Ash Regulations Update
• Bell Smith Springs
• Cheers to PRN Volunteers
• Welcome New Board Members
• Thank You Joe Petry

]]> 4046 0 906 0 https://prairierivers.org/articles/2010/04/2009-annual-report/ Tue, 27 Apr 2010 13:00:15 +0000 http://prairierivers.org/?p=4052 2009 Annual Report is now available. The report lists all of our members and supporters and our audited finanical statement. You can also view a brief list of our 2009 accomplishments here. Prairie Rivers Network is a registered not-for-profit organization in Illinois. Our Federal 990 tax exempt income tax formcan be found on GuideStar.org, the clearing house site providing transparency for donors and nonprofits.]]> 4052 0 905 0 https://prairierivers.org/articles/2010/04/we-have-friends-in-high-places-illinois-governor-pat-quinn-and-department-of-natural-resources-director-marc-miller/ Wed, 21 Apr 2010 16:41:30 +0000 http://prairierivers.org/?p=4057 [/caption] More good news for this 3rd day of Earth Week 2010. 1.  The Illinois Wildlife Action Plan (http://www.wildlifeactionplans.org/illinois.html) holds great promise for the restoration of rivers and riverside habitat that are home to many of Illinois’ endangered species. Some of our most pristine landscapes along the Mississippi, Illinois and Vermilion rivers stand to benefit from this plan to encourage landowners and managers to create corridors of healthy wildlife habitat. Governor Quinn and Director Miller stand behind this plan, as do many landowners! 2.  Director Miller has re-convened Illinois’ Conservation Congress (http://dnr.state.il.us/nrab/cc.htm). The Congress provides a forum for everyone interested in healthy natural areas to come together and discuss conservation priorities for the state, how the Department can do a better job, and develop plans for how stakeholders can do our part to support conservation. We support Director Miller’s top priorities for the Department: (1) finding a reliable source of funds to support public acquisition and maintenance of natural lands and open spaces; (2) exposing young people and families to the outdoors in order to promote a lifelong conservation ethic, and (3) promoting public access to private lands for outdoor recreation. 3.  Governor Quinn and Director Miller both have track records of being good conservationists and particularly strong river stewards. Quinn initiated both the Illinois River Coordinating Council (http://www.standingupforillinois.org/cleanwater/ircc.php) and the Mississippi River Coordinating Council (http://www.standingupforillinois.org/cleanwater/mrcc_home.php) when he was Lieutenant Governor. That is also when he started Its Our River Day, a statewide celebration of Illinois rivers, now it its fourth year. As we point out whenever we get the chance, Director Miller used to be an organizer for Prairie Rivers Network (http://prairierivers.org/articles/2009/02/marc-miller-idnr/)! Here is another example of Governor Quinn’s concern for water issues. On Monday, April 19, Governor Quinn opened the 17th annual Clean Water Celebration for 700 central Illinois students in Peoria. http://www.pjstar.com/news/x57957049/Quinn-opens-day-two-of-Clean-Water-Celebration]]> 4057 0 909 0 https://prairierivers.org/articles/2010/04/even-10-years-ago-atrazine-sounded-like-something-to-steer-away-from/ Thu, 22 Apr 2010 13:19:36 +0000 http://prairierivers.org/?p=4071 Smart man. This is a quote from Illinois farmer, Bill Heintz. According to an article published in the Chicago Tribune on April 18, 2010,  Mr. Heintz stopped using the herbicide atrazine on his 100-acre farm ten years ago. Atrazine has been linked to birth defects and male frogs that develop female organs, and scientists have been warning about the effects of drinking water pollution from atrazine for at least a decade. In Europe, where the chemical is manufactured, the spraying of atrazine has been banned since 2005 because of groundwater contamination. But here in the United States, the chemical is showing up in tests of drinking water at alarming levels. It is an expensive chemical to remove, and last year a group of 44 water supply systems filed a federal lawsuit against the manufacturer, Syngenta. The good news is that when the US EPA fails to act or is unduly influenced by industry (read here), or when Congress is too mired in gridlock over health care reform to be concerned with healthy drinking water, other forces are still pushing the issue to resolution: Bill Heintz made the move away from atrazine 10 years ago, and 44 water suppliers are working on a reckoning with Syngenta. Happy 40th Anniversary of Earth Day!]]> 4071 0 908 0 https://prairierivers.org/articles/2010/04/people-care-no-really-they-do/ Thu, 22 Apr 2010 13:20:35 +0000 http://prairierivers.org/?p=4085

PRN's Traci Barkley with Stream Team Volunteers

The good news for today: People care In a 2009 Gallup Environment survey, the number one environmental concern of Americans is polluted drinking water, and the second issue of concern is pollution of rivers, lakes and reservoirs. Our challenge is to turn this concern into action. Here are three categories of actions you can take.

1. Personal action

By taking personal actions to conserve water and prevent pollution, you make a difference in two ways: you do not contribute to the problem, and you add your actions to the new “normal.” For example, when you choose to use less or no chemicals on your lawn, you are preventing pollution downstream, and you are contributing to the new norm that “clean water is more important than thick, green grass in my yard.” Click here for more information on what you can do for clean water in your home and yard.

2. Social action

Be an opinion leader: tell others what you know by adding your name to those who care about clean water. Your membership supports collective social action!

3. Political action

The next step is to take your concern to the people who can make big change happen fast—your political leaders. Let your state and federal representatives know that clean water and healthy rivers are important to you. Here's one important issue where your voice can make a difference today: Ask for stronger regulations on toxic coal ash. Join Prairie Rivers Network  for ongoing opportunities to make a difference in Illinois!]]> 4085 0 907 0 https://prairierivers.org/articles/2010/05/cheers-to-our-excellent-volunteers/ Sat, 01 May 2010 13:00:51 +0000 http://prairierivers.org/?p=4110 Prairie Rivers Network would like to thank all of our volunteers for their hard work and dedication.  Lucy Bannon (Oak Park, IL) has been volunteering with PRN since 2008. She has helped track water pollution permits long enough to “see the process come full circle.” Lucy finds the interactions with the IEPA to be “exciting and encouraging.” She is pursuing a degree in environmental studies at UIUC and hopes to continue to work with non-profits in the Chicagoland area and beyond. Lucy was PRN’s Volunteer of the Year in 2009.  Lauren Eiten (Peru, IL) has been working on a variety of projects for PRN, from updating our media contacts to conducting research on legislation. She is currently a student at UIUC, minoring in the Environmental Fellows Program. After college she hopes to work for the federal government dealing with either foreign affairs or environmental affairs. She has been interested in the environment since high school, where she founded an environmental club. Lauren is also an avid hiker: she has hiked 17 of the 18 canyons at Starved Rock State Park. Joel McDonald (Seymour, IL) created a great set of activities for people to learn more about their rivers. Joel has a background particularly suited to his volunteer work with PRN: he has degrees in Natural Resources and Environmental Studies, a concentration in Water Resource Management, and a Master’s in Environmental Education. His hobbies include boating, hiking, photography, home remodeling, nature study, and playing with his 2-year old daughter, Rory. Manasi Mhasawade (Pune, India) is working on a coal mine waste water reclamation project. She has a Master’s degree in Environmental Science and has completed a thesis on using wetlands to treat wastewater. She is graduating from UIUC this May with another Master’s degree in Landscape Architecture and is looking for work on restoration projects. When she is not busy working on Master’s degrees, she loves reading biographies and enjoys cooking. Jennifer Nelson (Stone Mountain, GA) is researching mining regulation in Illinois. She is pursuing her Master’s degree in Natural Resources and Environmental Sciences at the University of Illinois. Jennifer’s research focuses on the intersection of water quality and quantity laws in the Tualatin River watershed in Oregon, particularly as these issues will be impacted by climate change. She intends to practice environmental law with a government agency or non-profit organization after graduate school. In her spare time, Jennifer enjoys hiking, cooking and yoga. Felipe Westhelle (São Leopoldo, Brazil) has helped PRN monitor water issues across the state and nation, among many other valuable contributions. This spring, Felipe is graduating with a degree in International Studies; his research focus is hydropolitics. Felipe says that working to protect Illinois’ waterways “is not easy…but it certainly is fulfilling.” When Felipe is not studying, he enjoys traveling the world funded by his sales of homemade granola and beer.]]> 4110 0 902 0 https://prairierivers.org/articles/2010/05/board-of-directors-welcome-maggie-and-chad-thank-you-joe/ Sun, 09 May 2010 13:00:26 +0000 http://prairierivers.org/?p=4125 Prairie Rivers Network welcomes Maggie Bruns and Chad McKenzie to the Board of Directors. And thanks Joe Petry for his time on the Board. Maggie Bruns is the Legal and Operations Associate at the League of Conservation Voters (LCV) in Washington, D.C. She currently manages operations, outreach and LCV’s President’s Office, while acting as the liaison for their Board of Directors. Maggie has been a long time supporter and volunteer of PRN. She began volunteering while attending the U of I. Shortly thereafter she began organizing various PRN events such as the Salt Fork River Clean Ups and our Annual Dinners. After graduation, Maggie worked for the Student Conservation Association in Northwest Montana and interned with World Wildlife Fund, before landing at the League. She brings a fresh (yet familiar) voice and her experience working with a national grassroots organization to help guide the future direction of Prairie Rivers Network. Chad McKenzieis the Executive VP and Creative Director at Royse-Wagner, Inc. In addition to expertise in marketing and design, Chad brings a genuine interest in and understanding of environmental issues to the board. Because of his personal commitment to promoting sound environmental practices, Chad has created beautiful and compelling campaigns and designs for environmentally focused clients such as the Salt Lake City Olympics Environmental Committee, the University of Illinois Environmental Council, National Great Rivers Research and Education Center (NGRREC), and of course, PRN. As a citizen and a dad to nine-year-old Hadley and six-year-old Haden, Chad’s vision is of a world where clean air and water, lush forests and healthy populations of indigenous wildlife are a reality for his children and future generations. Thank you Joe Petry. The staff and board of directors thank Joe for his guidance on Prairie Rivers Network’s board during the past three years. His work founding the Boneyard Creek Community Day and his dedication to preserving Illinois natural areas is an inspiration to us all. We wish him the best of luck as he continues to support healthy Illinois landscapes as a vice chair of the Illinois Association of Park Districts.]]> 4125 0 899 0 https://prairierivers.org/articles/2010/05/welcome-laura-kammin/ Mon, 17 May 2010 13:00:53 +0000 http://prairierivers.org/?p=4131 PRN would like to welcome the newest member of our professional staff, Laura Kammin. Laura will be serving as our Habitat Conservation Specialist. Her work will focus on Mississippi River restoration and statewide river habitat restoration and conservation. Previously, Laura worked for University of Illinois Extension as a wildlife specialist. Her past work has included studying wildlife use of riparian filter strips, radio telemetry studies of wildlife, and developing outreach materials to educate people about wildlife and their habitat requirements. Laura has a B.S. in Natural Resources and Environmental Sciences and an M.S. in Wildlife Ecology.]]> 4131 0 893 0 https://prairierivers.org/articles/2010/05/places-we-love-bell-smith-springs/ Tue, 04 May 2010 13:00:02 +0000 http://prairierivers.org/?p=4135 Guest Contribution by Sam Stearns, Friends of Bell Smith Springs [caption id="attachment_4136" align="alignright" width="288" caption="Devil's Backbone Bell Smith Springs"][/caption] I have been visiting Bell Smith Springs since before I was born. My mother used to tell me how she visited the shady canyon in the summer before my birth, wading the pools and soaking her feet in the cool water. My earliest memories are of watching tadpoles in the rock basins above a little waterfall there. Some of my most pleasant recent memories include lazing around those same pools, contemplating a new generation of tadpoles. Their lives and mine are inextricably intertwined and will continue to be so. I appreciate now the privilege I took for granted as a child. Bell Smith Springs is an essential destination for anyone interested in native ecology and local history. It is designated a National Natural Landmark by the US Park Service, a Natural Area by the Illinois Nature Preserves Commission, and a recreation area by the US Forest Service. This gorgeous canyon and its surrounding watershed have been studied by scientists and enjoyed by visitors for generations. Untold thousands of citizens have visited this piece of public property through the years to observe the rare phenomenon of interconnected, complete, functioning ecosystems. There are four creeks which come together in the canyon at Bell Smith Springs; and even when the creeks are parched there are a dozen ice-cold spring-fed pools that never go dry. The unique hydrology of the canyon contributes to its vegetative diversity: over 700 species of plants flourish at Bell Smith Springs. Native Americans utilized the canyon for its abundant water and huge shelter bluffs. Early settlers farmed the ridge tops, grazed livestock on the hillsides, and harnessed one stream to power a gristmill. Massive trees of the virgin forest were felled during this time. The cougar, wood bison, bear, elk, and many other species which once drank from the pools have long since been extirpated. But bobcat, turkey, deer, fox, a plethora of songbirds and other animals are still glimpsed at Bell Smith Springs. The rugged, isolated topography of parts of the canyon serve as a repository for species that have disappeared from many other places. The netted chain fern is found in upland areas of the watershed, its fruiting bodies rising above the foliage. Pale, greenish, spongy-looking tufts of sphagnum moss line the sides of some north-facing slopes. Rosy blooms of the flower-of-the-hour appear in arid patches, display their short-lived beauty, and then wither away within a couple of hours. The rare French’s shooting star occur in drip lines of the bluffs. Alder trees tap their roots deep in the cold soil adjacent to spring pools. There are lichen grasshoppers, endangered crayfish, and unusual minnows that inhabit the cliffs, rocks, and pristine water. During the decades that these hills and hollows have been protected as public land, natural regeneration has restored much of the area’s biological diversity. Pine plantations on the ridge tops now nurse a diverse understory of native oaks, hickory, and other hardwoods. Continued protection and respect for the land will insure its survival for future generations. My own daughter has a deeper appreciation of Bell Smith Springs than I do. I grew up thinking that the tadpoles I observed were part of a food chain that culminated with human beings at the top. My daughter realizes that those tadpoles are part of a complex web of life, the intricacies of which are sometimes too subtle for us to understand fully. Bell Smith Springs will continue to be a nurturing classroom as long as we are humble enough to listen to the lessons that it has to offer. Sam Stearns lives with his wife and daughter near Bell Smith Springs in the central part of the Shawnee Forest, and has been a strong voice for many years for the protection of the forest. He is the founder of Friends of Bell Smith Springs, an organization that promotes the protection and conservation of the area. Sam is a hiker and forest watcher who loves to share his “backyard” with folks who share his love and appreciation of the land. Photo Credit: Sam Stearns

Hike Bell Smith Springs

Join Prairie Rivers Network, Friends of Bell Smith Springs and Heartwood for a hike at Bell Smith Springs on Sunday, May 30 from 2:30 to 5:30. More information...]]> 4135 0 901 0 https://prairierivers.org/articles/2010/04/thank-you-community-partners-for-celebrating-earth-day-with-prn/ Tue, 27 Apr 2010 16:00:31 +0000 http://prairierivers.org/?p=4151

 

 

International Galleries

 

Prairie Rivers Network would also like to thank the following Champaing-Urbana businesses for collecting money from the public on Earth Day to help protect rivers and streams:

Aroma Café

B.Lime Green

Bentley's Pub

BKS Iyengar Yoga Institute of C-U

Black Dog Smoke & Ale House

Blind Pig Brewery

Champaign Cycle

Champaign Surplus

Common Ground Food Coop

Corkscrew

Courier Café

Cowboy Monkey

Fiesta Café

Heartland Gallery

Heel to Toe

Illini Apple Center

Illini FS

Indi Go Artist Co-Op

International Galleries

Jos. Kuhn and Co.

Klose Knit

Living Yoga

Mike and Molly's

Peking Garden

Rapid Refill

Ratio Architects

Rogards Office Plus

Silvercreek

Strawberry Fields

The Canopy Club

V. Picasso

Xinh Xinh Café

]]> 4151 0 904 0 https://prairierivers.org/articles/2010/04/bell-smith-springs-hike/ Wed, 28 Apr 2010 15:45:06 +0000 http://prairierivers.org/?p=4186 Join Prairie Rivers Network, Friends of Bell Smith Springs and Heartwood for a hike at Bell Smith Springs. When: Sunday, May 30 from 2:30 to 5:30 [caption id="attachment_4136" align="alignright" width="288" caption="Devil's Backbone Bell Smith Springs"][/caption] Where: Bell Smith Springs Recreation Area, Shawnee National Forest, Southern Illinois Click here for flyer with information, map, and driving directions. This is a great opportunity to explore Southern Illinois with interesting people and a guide who knows Bell Smith Springs like no other, Sam Stearns of Friends of Bell Smith Springs.

Register Online Today!

 What you need to know:

1. Please plan your own food and accommodations.
2. Bring water.
3. Plan to get your feet wet.
4. Camera and/or binoculars recommended. The place is amazingly beautiful!

For more information about Shawnee National Forest and Bell Smith Springs, see the US Forest Service website http://www.fs.fed.us/ Questions? Please call 217-344-2371 or email info@prairierivers.org

For your safety:

Be aware of poison ivy, ticks, and your need for sunblock. Drink water. There are cliffs, steep trails, and narrow stone steps. Not recommended for small children.

Ideas for accommodations:

• Camping at Redbud Campground or Teal Pond Campground
• Hotels in Marion, IL

Heartwood Forest Council Meeing

Check out the Heartwood Forest Council meeting being held at nearby Camp Ondessonk. If you attend the Council Meeting, you can stay in dorms or cabins. For more information: www.heartwood.org]]> 4186 0 903 0 https://prairierivers.org/articles/2010/05/epa-finally-releases-proposed-rules-for-coal-ash-waste/ Wed, 05 May 2010 20:01:18 +0000 http://prairierivers.org/?p=4212 Well, it’s here.  Rather they’re here.  We have been anxiously awaiting EPA’s proposed national regulations on coal ash and are surprised to have not one, but two proposals on the table.  EPA has proposed two options to regulate coal ash: a plan to classify coal ash as hazardous waste and another to regulate it as non-hazardous.  The difference between the two is stark and means the difference between business as usual (over 100 environmental contamination cases nationwide and still counting) or federally enforceable standards that will protect the public and environment from the hazards of coal ash.  Read more here. There will be a 90-day public comment period during which Prairie Rivers Network will be working hard with and on behalf of Illinois citizens to make the case for EPA to adopt the most protective safeguards.   Stay tuned for opportunities to get involved - we’ll need all the help we can get! To read the proposed rule, and to view a comparison of the key provisions of each approach, click here http://www.epa.gov/epawaste/nonhaz/industrial/special/fossil/ccr-rule/index.htm. For more on coal ash waste, see our previous posts. If you haven't already, take 8 minutes to see the YouTube video (a fact-sheet set to photos), created by the Environmental Integrity Project. Coal ash is the second largest industrial waste stream in America!

]]> 4212 0 900 0 https://prairierivers.org/articles/2010/05/government-actions-on-asian-carp-promising-but-focus-must-shift-to-a-permanent-solution/ Tue, 11 May 2010 11:56:18 +0000 http://prairierivers.org/?p=4229 map). Officials will close off the canal and use electrofishing gear and commercial fishing nets to locate any Asian carp in the channel. Starting May 21, more aggressive measures will be taken in the Calumet Sag Channel near the O’Brien Lock and Dam, where water samples also indicated Asian carp presence. There, a section of the canal will be treated with rotenone, a fish poison. Scientists will then use nets to capture and identify all of the killed fish; divers will also be deployed to look for Asian carp, which sink when they die, missed by the nets. Unfortunately, the Cal Sag effort in particular will involve extensive collateral damage – desirable native fish in the area will be killed along with any Asian carp. The Chicago Area Waterways have been slowly recovering from decades of industrial and sewage pollution. Native fish populations are beginning to move into the waterways again, and the waters are now clean enough to be attractive for paddling and other recreation. “The collateral damage issue is significant. People are finally able to enjoy these waters again, and can have a realistic expectation of healthy river systems in and around the City of Chicago. We don’t want to destroy the gains we’ve made with our management of the carp threat,” said Glynnis Collins, Executive Director of the statewide river conservation group Prairie Rivers Network. She continued, “we do appreciate that the Asian Carp Regional Coordinating Committee intends to get the most benefit out of the poisoning effort – not only killing off Asian carp near Lake Michigan, but also getting needed information about how many carp are there, and how healthy the native fish populations are. This is a big improvement over the poisoning event in late 2009.” “Poisoning within a mile of Lake Michigan, paired with the new eDNA test results, are clear signs that the Asian carp threat is escalating,” said Henry Henderson, Director of the Midwest Program for the Natural Resources Defense Council. “Netting and poisoning the river don't get us closer to a real solution to the invasive species problem. And while the carp are a growing threat, we cannot forget that an array of other invasive species loom near the Chicago Waterways. This really reinforces the case for a physical barrier separating the Great Lakes from the Mississippi River system, since many of these other species won't be caught up in the electric fish fence. So, what is really important now is transparency on how these short-term efforts move us towards a bigger invasive species solution.” Conservation groups have expressed support for the Asian Carp Regional Coordinating Committee’s quick response to the recent environmental DNA data that indicates Asian carp are close to Lake Michigan. “We are very encouraged to see the Obama Administration mobilizing like never before to try to protect our Great Lakes from the Asian Carp,” said Jack Darin, Director of the Sierra Club, Illiinois Chapter. “These immediate actions to find and kill Asian Carp near Lake Michigan appear to be necessary, and they underscore the need to start planning now for a permanent solution so we can put the poisonings behind us.” “The continuing sampling and rapid response, the temporary fencing to prevent migration into the Des Plaines River, and the progress on the third electric barrier -- these are all positive actions, but what we are still missing is the most important piece of this strategy – a clear intention to develop a permanent solution to the movement of Asian carp and other invasive aquatic species between the Great Lakes and the Mississippi River basins. We believe that solution is to restore, somewhere within the Chicago Area Waterway System, the natural basin divide that once provided a physical barrier to alien species migration. Without that piece, these stopgap efforts are doomed to fail eventually,” said Collins. #### See our previous articles about Asian carp here.]]> 4229 0 896 0 https://prairierivers.org/articles/2010/05/new-rules-on-coal-ash-will-leave-a-giant-loophole-for-dumping-waste-in-unprotected-mines/ Wed, 12 May 2010 13:00:50 +0000 http://prairierivers.org/?p=4236

Illinois will remain vulnerable to water contamination.

PRESS RELEASE May 10, 2010 CONTACTS: Traci Barkley, Prairie Rivers Network, 217/344-2371 Kathy Andria, American Bottom Conservancy, 618/213-6906 Champaign -- On Tuesday, May 4, 2010, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) released long-awaited proposed national regulations for the storage and disposal of coal combustion waste (often called coal ash), the byproduct of coal-fired power plants. The agency presented two options with vastly differing approaches to handling the 4.4 million tons of coal ash that is generated each year in Illinois. Recent USEPA reports indicate that coal waste leaches hazardous pollution in much greater quantities than had been recognized previously, contributing to over 100 documented contamination sites nationwide, several of which are in Illinois. But another big concern for Illinois is the giant loophole left in the rules that will allow the coal industry to dump toxic coal ash in under-regulated and unprotected mines. “Dumping of harmful coal ash at nearly two-thirds of the mines studied*, has resulted in severe, long-term water contamination problems that are much greater than the pollution that existed at these sites from mining alone,” said Traci Barkley, a water resources scientist with Prairie Rivers Network. “Even worse, once a problem is discovered, removal of coal ash from contaminated groundwater is nearly impossible.” (*Waste Deep: A 2010 Report by Earthjustice) Minefills, as these dumps are called, are the final destination of nearly twenty percent of all coal ash generated. EPA intends to address the management of coal ash in minefills in a separate regulatory action headed by the Office of Surface Mining, Reclamation and Enforcement (OSM). No timeframe has been mentioned for when that rule-making would be initiated. Until such action occurs, minefills will continue to be allowed, polluting more mines, both active and abandoned across the state. “Peabody plans to dump 60 million tons of coal combustion waste from its Prairie State coal-fired power plant near Marissa into two old coal mines,” said Kathy Andria, president of American Bottom Conservancy. “The coal ash piles would be piled over a total of 1,770 acres and could reach as high as 160 feet.” Dale Wojtkowski, who lives within two miles of the Prairie State power plant, is concerned about the proposed ash piles and what could happen to his family and community should a disaster occur. “I am also worried about the potential for contaminating both surface and groundwater,” he said. “There are people on wells and farmers who water their livestock from creeks that run alongside the proposed ash piles. If the waste was disposed of properly, the electricity created by burning coal would not be so cheap and alternative energies would be more competitive.” The coal ash generated from non-electric producing industries such as soybean processing facilities, cement manufacturers, paper or steel mills is not addressed by the proposed regulations, even though this waste is as toxic as that from electricity generation. This waste will remain under-regulated and held to much lower standards. Andria added: “We in the American Bottom floodplain of the Mississippi River have both power plant coal ash and coal ash from steel mills. Because our levees are structurally unsound, we live with the fear of what could happen if all that waste is mixed with floodwaters.” EPA proposed two options to regulate coal ash storage and disposal in landfills and ash ponds. One proposal would defer to the states, allowing coal ash to be handled according to performance standards set by EPA that are only enforceable through citizen lawsuits. The second option would require control and tracking of the 140 tons of arsenic, mercury, cadmium and lead-laden ash generated each year nationwide, and would require cleanup of existing polluting facilities.

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]]> 4236 0 895 0 https://prairierivers.org/articles/2010/05/support-our-environment-through-earthshare-illinois-workplace-giving/ Mon, 17 May 2010 16:00:40 +0000 http://prairierivers.org/?p=4246

The event will feature some of Chicago's most innovative designers and artists who recycle, reimagine and reinvent one-of-a-kind pieces made of recycled and vintage clothing, found objects and raw materials. In addition to the fashion show, art performances will be featured throughout the evening. Admission is $35.00 general admission ($45.00 at the door) and $75.00 VIP (VIP seating at the runway and admission to the VIP Green Lounge) which includes a hosted bar and light hors d'œuvres. For more information about EarthShare, please visit their website at: http://www.earthshare-illinois.org/. You can support Prairie Rivers Network through EarthShare Illinois workplace giving.]]> 4246 0 892 0 https://prairierivers.org/articles/2010/05/public-meeting-on-east-branch-dam-of-dupage-river/ Fri, 14 May 2010 13:00:33 +0000 http://prairierivers.org/?p=4255 For Prairie Rivers Network supporters in the Chicagoland area, we need you to attend the upcoming public meeting on the Proposed Dam - Modification Project on the East Branch of the DuPage River at Churchill Woods Forest Preserve and let your voice be heard.

Wednesday, May 19, 6 – 8 p.m.

Glen Ellyn Village Hall 535 Duane Street, Glen Ellyn, Illinois

Your participation is important!

View flyer here. Read background information here.

For additional information, call Sarah Ruthko at (630) 407-6800

]]> 4255 0 894 0 https://prairierivers.org/articles/2010/05/national-attention-on-illinois-coal-mining/ Mon, 17 May 2010 18:02:13 +0000 http://prairierivers.org/?p=4289 [/caption] Thanks to author Jeff Biggers for sharing “from the trenches” stories of Big Coal in Illinois with the readers of The Huffington Post. Our state is and will continue to be under drill and dump pressure from Big Coal because (1) victories by environmentalists in Appalachia make mining there more expensive, (2) improvements in clean air technology make it possible for US power plants to burn Illinois’ relatively dirty coal for the first time in decades, and (3) five “clean coal” facilities have proposed sites in Illinois, increasing demand for local coal. They’re even talking about it in Charleston, West Virginia. All the more reason for Prairie Rivers Network and partners to continue pressing on with an aggressive campaign to protect clean water from dirty coal. (See our previous posts on Illinois coal issues here.)]]> 4289 0 891 0 https://prairierivers.org/articles/2010/06/asian-carp-update-very-big-and-very-bad/ Tue, 01 Jun 2010 13:00:26 +0000 http://prairierivers.org/?p=4107 by Clark Bullard, Board of Directors Asian carp are voracious plankton feeders that can quickly dominate rivers and lakes by gobbling up the same food that sustains native fish populations. Accidentally introduced to the lower Mississippi River in the early 1990s, they now live in the Illinois River, where they grow so large they have no natural predators. They are rapidly approaching the Great Lakes, which have already been weakened by other invasive species. The carp are already overtaking and out-competing native fish in the Mississippi and Illinois Rivers. Boaters have been injured by carp weighing more than 25 lbs that jump high out of the water when frightened by the sound of a boat motor. Local residents fear that things could get far worse: e.g., the tragic death of a water skier, or the economic impact of diminishing populations of native fish that are prey for eagles. If Asian carp invade the Great Lakes, they could devastate the region’s $7 billion fishing industry and permanently alter how recreational boaters, anglers and tourists use and enjoy the lakes and their many tributaries. Michigan and several other Great Lakes states have been asking the US Supreme Court to order immediate temporary closure of the locks that separate Lake Michigan from the canals and rivers that run through Chicago. Their initial pleas for emergency action have been unsuccessful, and the Court has not yet set a date for hearing the case. Vociferous objections by barge and tour boat operators who use the locks on a daily basis have dominated the headlines. Prairie Rivers Network is working with regional and national groups to focus public attention on the long-term solution to these and other invaders -- restoring the natural divide between the Great Lakes and Mississippi River basins to prevent invasions in either direction via the Chicago waterways. Four possible locations for such a barrier have already been identified, about 25 miles inland from the locks that are currently drawing the attention of the public and the press. Waterborne commerce could thrive on both sides of the divide. A modern 21st century intermodal freight terminal could be built there, connecting barges to a new rail “beltway” that could relieve congestion currently caused by slow trains moving through the city. This solution could also require extensive re-plumbing of Chicago’s sewage treatment infrastructure, which was designed a century ago to use Lake Michigan as a giant toilet tank to flush partially treated sewage down the Illinois River. One option would require a pipeline to pump the sewage over the basin divide. The alternative would be to do what Prairie Rivers has been advocating for many years – strengthen water pollution regulations to force Chicago to do what other Great Lakes cities are required to do – fully treat its sewage so it can be safely discharged into Lake Michigan. Asian carp are not the first animals to threaten to cross from one basin to another through the Chicago area waterways; zebra mussels and the round goby have already invaded the Mississippi River system from the Great Lakes via this route. An underwater electric “fence” installed in the Chicago Sanitary and Ship Canal in 2002 was too late to stop the round goby invasion. In 2006 a stronger one was completed to stop Asian carp from heading north into the Great Lakes, and an improved twin-fence design became operational in the summer of 2009. Within a month, however, carp DNA was found upstream of the fences. Staff scientist Traci Barkley has been leading Prairie Rivers’ efforts to upgrade water quality standards in the Chicago area. Ironically, Traci conducted some of the early research on the electric fence prior to joining Prairie Rivers Network. At a recent public hearing in Chicago, she reminded top federal officials that the electric fence and lock closures are half-measures at best, and that we must act quickly to permanently close the connection between the basins. Prairie Rivers Network and our partners have been successful in communicating the urgency of the problem, and things are starting to happen. Responding to grassroots pressure, the White House held a summit with Great Lakes governors in February to announce the Administration’s Asian carp strategy, and sent top officials from the White House and four other federal agencies to the Chicago stakeholder meeting. The House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure held a hearing on the carp threat in February. At this point Illinois is seen by other states and by federal officials as the villain, as it seeks to protect Chicago boating interests from the economic impacts of lock closures. Prairie Rivers Network, meanwhile, is focusing on developing a permanent solution: a long overdue modernization of transportation and wastewater treatment infrastructure that will protect not only the Great Lakes but also the entire Mississippi River basin from northbound and southbound invaders alike. We want Illinois to be the biggest part of the solution.]]> 4107 0 882 0 https://prairierivers.org/articles/2010/05/holding-polluters-accountable/ Tue, 18 May 2010 13:00:57 +0000 http://prairierivers.org/?p=4143 by Kim Knowles, Water Resources Specialist In a signal to water polluters that continued illegal activity cannot be tolerated, Prairie Rivers Network has sent six notices to illegal polluters that it intends to sue them if they don’t clean up their acts. Those who stand accused of dumping impermissible levels of pollution into our waters include Freeman Coal United, Kent Feeds, Arclar Wildcat Hills coal mine, Illinois Fuels, Jader Fuels, and St. Mary’s cement plant. Following our notice of intent to sue, Prairie Rivers was pleased to see Attorney General Lisa Madigan step in and file suit against Freeman Coal United, sending a warning that the state is on board with seeking out violators and holding them accountable. Prairie Rivers Network will join the state in this suit and will pursue federal enforcement actions against the five others, if necessary, and against anyone else who flouts our water pollution prevention laws. With your help we can continue to root out wrong doers and clean up our waters.

]]> 4143 0 890 0 https://prairierivers.org/articles/2010/05/aquatown/ Wed, 26 May 2010 13:00:48 +0000 http://prairierivers.org/?p=4261 What do people do when drastic change demands action? Climate change, budget crisis, and time capsules spin a Midwest community through multiple possible futures in the quest for a relationship to water, energy, and food that can survive into future generations. None of them are easy. And all of them could happen.

Don’t miss the world premiere of AquaTown: a future hydrohistory

When: June 10-12, 2010 at 8:00 pm and June 13, 2010 at 7:00 pm Where: Independent Media Center (Post Office Building), 202 S. Broadway Urbana, IL Tickets: $12 adult, $6 youth under 19. $2 discount for seniors and arriving-not-by-car Thursday: free admission Call (217) 689-0111 for reservations.]]> 4261 0 883 0 https://prairierivers.org/articles/2010/05/bacteria-threaten-illinois-beaches/ Mon, 24 May 2010 13:00:26 +0000 http://prairierivers.org/?p=4265 [/caption] Prairie Rivers joins the Alliance for the Great Lakes in calling upon Illinois to address bacterial and nitrogen and phosphorus pollution in Illinois lakes and streams. The public has until June 1 to call on Illinois regulators to do more to protect beachgoers from E. coli bacteria by identifying and addressing pollution sources that cause Lake Michigan beach closings each year. Visit the Allinace for the Great Lakes for more information on how you can help.]]> 4265 0 884 0 https://prairierivers.org/articles/2010/05/epa-launches-new-web-tools-to-inform-the-public-about-clean-water-enforcement/ Wed, 19 May 2010 13:00:03 +0000 http://prairierivers.org/?p=4276 Interactive Web tool allows the public to check water violations in their communities The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is launching a new set of web tools, data, and interactive maps to inform the public about serious Clean Water Act violations in their communities. Improving water quality is one of EPA Administrator Lisa P. Jackson's priorities and in 2009, Administrator Jackson directed the agency to develop concrete steps to improve water quality to better enforce the Clean Water Act and to use 21st Century technology to transform the collection, use and availability of EPA data. The web tools announced are part of EPA's Clean Water Act Action Plan to work with states in ensuring that facilities comply with standards that keep our water clean. The new web page provides interactive information from EPA's 2008 Annual Noncompliance Report, which pertains to about 40,000 permitted Clean Water Act dischargers across the country. The report lists state-by-state summary data of violations and enforcement responses taken by the states for smaller facilities. The new web page also makes it easy to compare states by compliance rates and enforcement actions taken and provides access to updated State Review Framework reports. Interactive Map for Clean Water Act Annual Noncompliance Report State Review Framework Enforcement and Compliance History Online]]> 4276 0 889 0 https://prairierivers.org/articles/2010/05/upcoming-workshop-how-to-write-a-fundable-319-grant-downstate/ Wed, 19 May 2010 18:37:02 +0000 http://prairierivers.org/?p=4303 REGISTRATION DEADLINE is JUNE 16 WHAT:

• Learn helpful hints on 319 grant writing from Illinois EPA, U.S. EPA, and the Lake County Stormwater Management Commission.

• Hear success stories from Lake Sara and Kickapoo Creek as to how they received 319 funding and implemented their projects.

• A tour of the Kickapoo Creek Corridor Restoration Project is planned, so be dressed for the outdoors!

WHEN: Wednesday, June 23rd   1:00 - 5:00 pm WHERE: Parke Hotel & Conference Center, Bloomington, IL SPEAKERS: Tom Davenport - "319 Grants from a Federal Perspective" National Nonpoint Source Expert & Region 5 Agricultural Advisor, U.S. EPA Amy Walkenbach - "319 Grants from a State Perspective" Acting Manager of the Watershed Management Section, Illinois EPA Mike Prusila - "Accessing Section 319 Funding for Watershed Planning" Watershed Planner, Lake County Stormwater Management Commission Tom Ryan - Lake Sara Shoreline Stabilization Charter Member - Effingham Water Authority's volunteer Erosion Control Committee Founder and Trustee of the Lake Sara Forever Foundation Mary Lou Goodpaster - Kickapoo Creek Corridor Restoration Project Principal, Kaskaskia Engineering Group, LLC TOUR GUIDE: Don Roseboom - U.S. Geological Survey ILMA PARTNER: Trent Thomas - IL Department of Natural Resources; Illinois Lake Management Association COST: Only $15.00! Pre-registration is required, to guarantee a seat. TO REGISTER:

• Contact Alison at ameanor@prairierivers.org or (217) 344-2371.

• Please provide your name, organization, e-mail address, snail mail address, and phone number.

• Mail your $15.00 check, payable to "Prairie Rivers Network" to:

Prairie Rivers Network c/o Alison Meanor 1902 Fox Drive, Suite G Champaign, IL 61820 ADDITIONAL DETAILS: Visit PRN's event calendar QUESTIONS?: Please contact Alison at ameanor@prairierivers.org or (217) 344-2371.

Thank you for your interest in building capacity in Illinois watersheds!

Prairie Rivers Network and the Illinois Lake Management Association partner to present workshops as part of our continuing efforts to build capacity in Illinois watersheds. This workshop is funded through an IEPA and U.S. EPA CWA 319 grant.

updated post 6/3/10 - announced time and registration deadline updated post 6/17/10 - link to Parke driving directions updated post 5/18/11 - edit to title

]]> 4303 0 888 0 https://prairierivers.org/articles/2010/05/prairie-rivers-network-receives-illinois-american-water-grant-to-help-address-champaign-flooding/ Thu, 20 May 2010 13:00:41 +0000 http://prairierivers.org/?p=4356 [/caption] IMMEDIATE RELEASE: May 19, 2010 CHAMPAIGN, IL — Prairie Rivers Network has been awarded a 2010 Environmental Grant from Illinois American Water. The grant will help fund a new stormwater outreach campaign called “Reining in the Rain in Champaign,” which was launched this month. Prairie Rivers Network will be working on this campaign with the City of Champaign, the John Street Watershed Steering Committee, the Washington Street East Watershed Steering Committee, and the Washington Street West Watershed Steering Committee. “Prairie Rivers Network is excited to be working with Champaign residents and City staff to help address flooding problems and educate the public about alternative ways to manage the stormwater that causes flooding,” according to Stacy James, Water Resources Scientist for Prairie Rivers Network. Many local neighborhoods experience significant flooding problems that cause property damage and sewage overflows. In particular, the John Street and Washington Street neighborhoods in Champaign have recently seen significant increases in flooding and wet basements. Residents can help reduce the amount of water that floods streets and storm sewers by getting more rainwater and snowmelt to soak into the ground on their own properties. Two things that residents can do at home are to install rain gardens and rain barrels.  As part of Reining in the Rain, three rain gardens will be built in the John and Washington Street neighborhoods during 2010. The selection of the rain garden locations is currently underway. 50 rain barrels will also be given away at no cost to residents. Established in 2005, the Illinois American Water Environmental Grant Program offers funds for innovative, community-based environmental projects in our local communities. “The Environmental Grant Program has been very successful in helping local organizations carry out meaningful, sustainable initiatives that benefit our watersheds,” said Karla Olson Teasley, president of Illinois American Water. “Again this year, the grant recipients exemplify the type of environmental stewardship in which we are proud to partner to better protect our drinking water resources.” Prairie Rivers Network is Illinois’ statewide river conservation organization and the state affiliate of the National Wildlife Federation. Information about Prairie Rivers Network can be found online at www.prairierivers.org.]]> 4356 0 887 0 https://prairierivers.org/articles/2010/05/traveling-science-center-debut-a-success/ Fri, 21 May 2010 13:00:11 +0000 http://prairierivers.org/?p=4368 Time spent squishing your boots in mud is time well spent. That is the consensus of participants who attended last Saturday’s River Discovery Program at Kickapoo State Park. Presented by Prairie Rivers Network and the Illinois Natural History Survey, the day’s activities ranged from touring the new Traveling Science Center to sampling for and identifying aquatic insects along the edge of the Middle Fork River. For Saturday’s program, INHS scientists collected turtles, fish, mussels, and crayfish from the river and its tributaries. Displayed in fish tanks, participants got a close-up view of a variety of Middle Fork River residents: the varied shapes and sometimes vibrant colors of fish, including a Rainbow darter and state-endangered Bluebreast darter; mussels burrowed into the sand, filtering the water for food; crayfish scuttling along the edges of their tank, their large claws up as if preparing for battle. The 40-foot Traveling Science Center was a hit with kids and adults alike. Full of eye-catching information panels and a number of interactive games, the TSC provides basic, but critical, information on Illinois’ biodiversity, river ecosystems and negative impacts to these natural systems from pollution and other activities. Designated a National Scenic River in 1989, the Middle Fork River is the premier jewel among Illinois’ rivers. The Middle Fork’s clean waters and healthy river habitat support an incredibly diverse number of wildlife, including more than 57 types of fish and 190 different birds. For more information on the Middle Fork River visit http://dnr.state.il.us/lands/landmgt/parks/r3/Natlriv.htm. Future River Discovery Programs will be scheduled during the summer, additional information on these will be posted on our website.]]> 4368 0 886 0 https://prairierivers.org/articles/2010/05/the-middle-fork-of-the-vermilion-river-illinois-state-scenic-river/ Sat, 22 May 2010 13:00:59 +0000 http://prairierivers.org/?p=4384 The Middle Fork River The Middle Fork River is Illinois’ first State Scenic River, so designated in 1986 by Governor James R. Thompson. In 1989 the Middle Fork was also designated as a National Scenic River by U.S. Secretary of the Interior Manuel Lujan. The Middle Fork is the first river in Illinois to be included in the National Wild and Scenic Rivers System. It is protected by State and federal law because of its outstanding scenic, recreational, ecological, and historical characteristics.

What can you see in the Middle Fork river valley?

Nature abounds for you to enjoy along the Middle Fork River. There are miles of scenic river with high bluffs and sand bars, surrounded by trees harboring many animals. In the river, you may see mussels, turtles, ducks and other waterfowl, and sunfish, or bass. Along its banks you may see frogs, salamanders, or raccoons. In the trees you may see or hear chickadees, bluebirds, woodpeckers, hawks, and many other birds. The many types of trees include oak, dogwood, walnut, redbud, and ash. On the trails near the river you may see orchids, ferns, prairie grasses, or wildflowers such as Indian paint brush, or brown-eyed Susan. The Middle Fork River has eroded through deep glacial deposits, exposing steep valley slopes and high bluffs. This results in small springs on hillsides, and attracts swallows to nest in the bluffs. During a flood, the power of the river cuts new channels, moves boulders, and removes trees. Most of the area along the river is forested, and there are also several prairie sites. Three areas support plants and animals so rare that they are protected as State Nature Preserves. The Middle Fork river valley supports a great diversity of plants and animals including 57 types of fish, 45 different mammals, and 190 kinds of birds. Of this diverse wildlife, there are 24 species officially identified as State threatened or endangered species. Other special qualities of the Middle Fork River valley include unusual geologic formations, various historic sites, and over 8,400 acres of public parks.

What can you do along the Middle Fork River?

There are a variety of recreational activities to choose from. Canoeing is popular. There are five canoe access areas along 14 miles of the Middle Fork River. There are additional canoe access areas further upstream. The scenic Middle Fork River with its sand and gravel bottom, boulders, high bluffs and varied wildlife will capture your attention as you canoe by. The sand bars provide good resting or picnic spots. Of course, be sure to properly dispose of all trash in trash cans. Remember that camping is only allowed in campgrounds. Swimming is not authorized in the river. It is also a good idea to check the water conditions before canoeing, since the Middle Fork can have high flows with swift currents after rains.

You can also enjoy the many other outdoor activities available to you in three large public parks:

Kickapoo State Park This park, owned and operated by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources, contains over 2,800 acres, with several small lakes and ponds for fishing, boating, canoeing, and scuba diving. There are also two canoe access areas on the Middle Fork River. Boat and canoe rental and livery are available in the park. Only electric motors are allowed. For overnight visits, there are campgrounds for tents and trailers. A sanitary dump station and electrical hookups are available. In the winter, there is ice fishing, ice skating, and sledding. Middle Fork State Fish and Wildlife Area This 2,700 acre park, also owned and operated by the Department of Natural Resources, is used mostly for hunting and horseback riding. Hunting is permitted for deer, squirrel, pheasant, quail, woodcock, rabbit, raccoon, and opossum in season. There are 35 miles of equestrian trails that can also be used for hiking. There is also a non-electric campground for use by equestrians or other campers. In winter, trails are available for snowmobiling and cross-country skiing. The area includes two canoe access sites on the Middle Fork River. Footpaths also provide access to the river for fishing. Kinnekuk County Park This park contains about 3,500 acres, operated by the Vermilion County Conservation District. There is a swimming beach on Lake Mingo. The Lake and several other ponds are also used for boating and fishing. Rental boats are available. Picnic shelters and playgrounds are provided, as well as hiking trails. In winter the park offers ice skating, ice fishing, and sledding. There is also one canoe access area provided on the Middle Fork River. Two historic buildings, a country church and a one-room school, are also located in the park. For more information *For specific information about Kickapoo State Park or Middle Fork River water conditions, contact the park office at 217-442-4915. *For information on canoe or boat rentals for the Middle Fork River or area Lakes, contact Kickapoo Landing, 217-446-8399. *Information about Kennekuk County Park is available from the Vermilion County Conservation District, 22296-A Henning Road, Danville, IL 61834, or by phone at 217-442-1691. *For information about boat and canoe registrations in Illinois, call 217-557-0180 or 1-800-382-1696. Photo Credit: Flowing spring along the Middle Fork River - Olivia Dorothy; photo at top from IDNR. Source Material: Excerpted from IDNR’s website ]]> 4384 0 885 0 https://prairierivers.org/articles/2010/06/john-street-rain-garden-completed/ Fri, 18 Jun 2010 16:25:07 +0000 http://prairierivers.org/?p=4408 [/caption] On Saturday, June 5, a rain garden was created at a private residence in Champaign's John Street neighborhood.  A volunteer crew of 14 people assisted with the project, which was planned and supervised by Prairie Rivers Network staff.  Our thanks go out to this hearty crew and the homeowners, who labored through rain and in muddy conditions, and to Melia Smith for filming the event.  We also thank our project partners, the John Street Watershed Steering Committee and the City of Champaign.    The rain garden is part of Prairie Rivers' Reining in the Rain Campaign (funded by Illinois American Water).  The Campaign is creating demonstration sites for residents who want to learn more about rain gardens.   You can drive by and check it out; the rain garden is located at the southwest corner of Willis and John. [caption id="attachment_4418" align="alignleft" width="300" caption="Volunteers hard at work digging the rain garden"][/caption]

]]> 4408 0 881 0 https://prairierivers.org/articles/2010/06/conservation-and-watchdog-groups-oppose-barge-industrys-plan-to-shift-costs-to-taxpayers/ Fri, 25 Jun 2010 15:19:14 +0000 http://prairierivers.org/?p=4424 American Rivers * Institute for Agriculture and Trade Policy * Izaak Walton League of America * Missouri Coalition for the Environment * National Wildlife Federation * Prairie Rivers Network * River Alliance of Wisconsin * Sierra Club * Taxpayers for Common Sense

Groups call on Congress to reject the barge industry-promoted proposal that will increase the taxpayer burden for constructing barge transportation network NEWS RELEASE June 21, 2010 Conservation and watchdog groups sent a letter to members of the U.S. House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee late last week detailing problems in a proposal from the barge industry to eliminate existing industry financial responsibilities for the inland barge system. The industry proposal would re-write a long-standing policy established between the users of the system and the federal Treasury for sharing the cost of navigation construction. “We strongly oppose all changes that will shift responsibility for the marine transportation system’s problems onto taxpayers. The recommendations resolve the shortfall in industry contributions by simply moving cost share obligations from the users of the inland waterways to taxpayers; and thereby further removing any incentive to contain project costs,” said Brad Walker, the Upper Mississippi River Coordinator for the Izaak Walton League of America. The Inland Waterways Trust Fund—created as a fuel tax to pay for half of the new and rehabilitation construction on the barge navigation system—is depleted due to major increases in project spending, project cost overruns as high as double original estimates, and flat and declining navigation traffic levels yielding less revenue to the fund. There also has not been an increase in the fuel tax used to provide revenue to the fund for 15 years. The proposed changes are contained in the report, Inland Marine Transportation Systems (IMTS) Capital Projects Business Model, Final Report, Revision 1 dated April 13, 2010 - Final Recommendations. This report prepared for the Inland Waterways Users Board, which consists primarily of representatives of the nation’s barge companies, recommends shifting the Congressionally-mandated cost share requirements for construction and rehabilitation of locks and dams on the inland waterways system from the Inland Waterways Trust Fund to the U.S. Treasury. “This proposal represents a major retreat from long and strenuous negotiations for cost-sharing reforms dating to 1986 and would effectively off-load financial obligations for the waterways system from its local industry beneficiaries onto private citizens. And we urge Senators Durbin and Burris to oppose this misguided proposal,” said Laura Kammin of Prairie Rivers Network, an Illinois-based river conservation group. The Corps of Engineers budget functions in a competitive nature for directing funding to projects and priorities, and the letter’s authors note that increasing taxpayer funding for the Inland Waterway System would result in reduced funding available for projects targeting environmental restoration and flood and storm damage prevention. “It’s more than just the principle of corporate welfare that we oppose; the proposal would eat up limited resources that should go towards repairing some of the damage we’ve done to the river over the past 100 years,” said Glynnis Collins, Executive Director of Prairie Rivers Network. “The public money that has funded most of the navigation system has resulted in untold public costs in the form of flooding, pollution and decline of fish and waterfowl populations. Corps funds should be directed to efforts like floodplain restoration and wetland protection that will lead to a cleaner, healthier river.” Currently, the inland waterways system is publicly subsidized at approximately 90 percent, including 50 percent of the costs for new construction projects and rehabilitation projects, and 100 percent of all operation and maintenance expenses. This is the largest rate of subsidy among all freight shipping modes in the country. The industry provides about $80 million per year to the IWTF through a $0.20 per gallon fuel tax that has not increased since 1995. The remaining more than $720 million required to keep the system functioning is provided by taxpayers. The letter’s authors estimate the IMTS recommendations will further increase the public subsidy for inland waterway construction and rehabilitation by about $200 million annually, while adding major additional taxpayer obligations for operating and maintaining the inland waterway system. “We fully endorse federal transportation initiatives that support a thriving agricultural economy and strong rural communities, but increasing the taxpayer burden for navigation projects – while Mississippi River navigation traffic continues a long-term downward trend – is simply not sound public policy,” said Mark Muller, Program Director for the Institute for Agriculture and Trade Policy. The table below details the changes proposed by the inland waterways users to the long-standing cost share obligations that transfer current industry costs onto the U.S. Treasury.

Inland Waterways Trust Fund Cost Share Obligations
Project Type	Current Law	IMTS Recommendations
New Lock Construction	50% public – 50% IWTF	50% public – 50% IWTF
Lock Rehabilitation above $100 million	50% public – 50% IWTF	50% public – 50% IWTF
Lock Rehabilitation below $100 million	50% public – 50% IWTF	100% public
New Dam Construction	50% public – 50% IWTF	100% public
Dam Rehabilitation	50% public – 50% IWTF	100% public
Cost Overruns	50% public – 50% IWTF	100% public

  In their letter the groups urge that the IMTS report recommendations for increasing the public’s cost share obligations on the inland waterways system be rejected. Citing current fiscal conditions where the federal budget is in long-term deficit, the authors assert that seeking an increase in an already excessive subsidy is clearly unwarranted and irresponsible.]]> 4424 0 880 0 https://prairierivers.org/articles/2010/06/tell-your-congressional-representatives-that-you-oppose-new-taxpayer-subsidies-for-mississippi-river-barge-industry/ Fri, 25 Jun 2010 16:19:38 +0000 http://prairierivers.org/?p=4436 Prairie Rivers Network is calling on our Congressional Representatives to oppose a proposal what would shift at least $200 million/year in costs from the Mississippi River barge industry to taxpayers. Currently the expense of construction and rehabilitation of the navigation system along the Mississippi River is split evenly between industry and the federal government. The proposal would shift many industry costs onto taxpayers. Proponents of the plan argue that it is needed because industry can no longer afford to pay—the industry-funded Inland Waterways Trust Fund (funded by a fuel tax on shippers) is almost out of money. We believe that it is incumbent on industry to either produce additional revenue for the Fund (the fuel tax rate, 20 cents/gallon, has not increased since 1995) or to accept that this mode of transportation is no longer economically viable (rail is more efficient and flexible, unit grain trains get 640 ton-miles/gallon compared to 417 ton-miles/gallon for inland towing). Upper Mississippi River System [caption id="attachment_4439" align="alignright" width="213" caption="The 29 locks and dams of the Upper Mississippi River navigation system"][/caption] The Mississippi River has a long history as a main transportation route for our nation’s goods. But navigation substantially altered the river during the 1930s, when the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers constructed a series of locks and dams along the Upper Mississippi River in order to facilitate barge traffic and the export of agricultural commodities. These projects converted this portion of the mighty Mississippi into a series of reservoirs. There are currently a total of 29 lock and dam projects (see map at right) managed by the Army Corps on the Upper Mississippi River, and eight major lock and dam projects on the Illinois River. Public and private funding Taxpayers paid the entire bill for the original lock and dam system (now valued at $15 to $30 billion). Additionally, the public provides the funding for operations and maintenance of the system ($100 million plus/ year), half of the major rehabilitation work (approaching $1 billion dollars to date), and the entire cost of environmental damage to the Mississippi River ecosystem caused by the navigation system. To put into perspective the amount of ecological damage that has been caused by navigation, it is estimated that it would take $900 million per year for the next 50 years to restore the Mississippi River and its ecosystems. Despite the past and current economic benefits provided to them by taxpayers, the barge industry is now asking American taxpayers to provide them with ever larger subsidies. Congress established the Inland Waterways Trust Fund in 1978 to fund construction of major inland navigation-related projects. The barge industry contributes to the Trust Fund through a fuel tax on commercial users of the inland waterways system. Historically, the Fund has been used to pay for half the cost of new projects, such as construction of new locks and dams. However, as of 2009, the fund is essentially out of money, and is expected to remain that way at least through 2013. Additionally, the current backlog for obligated projects is approximately $17 billion. Prairie Rivers Network and our partners recently sounded the alarm about the excessive cost and potential impacts of major construction projects such as those proposed in the Army Corps’ Navigation and Ecosystem Sustainability Plan. The barge industry has failed to adequately resource the Trust Fund, and they have repeatedly attempted to reduce their contribution to projects. Now industry is proposing changes to the 2010 Water Resources Development Act that would cost taxpayers and degrade the Mississippi River ecosystem even more. Senate members are being asked to sign on to a proposal to the bill that would move billions in current Trust Fund obligated projects to the sole responsibility of taxpayers. It is estimated that the proposal would increase the public’s subsidy to the barge industry by at least $200 million a year (see below for proposed changes).

Inland Waterways Trust Fund Cost Share Obligations
Project Type	Current Law	IMTS Recommendations
New Lock Construction	50% public – 50% IWTF	50% public – 50% IWTF
Lock Rehabilitation above $100 million	50% public – 50% IWTF	50% public – 50% IWTF
Lock Rehabilitation below $100 million	50% public – 50% IWTF	100% public
New Dam Construction	50% public – 50% IWTF	100% public
Dam Rehabilitation	50% public – 50% IWTF	100% public
Cost Overruns	50% public – 50% IWTF	100% public

  What you can do If the barge industry’s current efforts are successful, taxpayers and the environment will bear the cost. Dam construction and rehabilitation projects are currently required to provide non-federal cost share. If the proposal is adopted and these projects become 100% federally funded, this would potentially set up an unfair bias over flood control and environmental restoration projects. Please contact Senators Durbin (202-224-2152) and Burris (202-224-2854) and your Representative (look up here) and tell them to reject the proposed changes to the 2010 Water Resources Development Act that would increase the taxpayer burden for inland waterways infrastructure projects and further degrade the Mississippi River.]]> 4436 0 879 0 https://prairierivers.org/articles/2010/06/carp-captured-invasive-bighead-carp-found-near-lake-michigan/ Fri, 25 Jun 2010 16:47:24 +0000 http://prairierivers.org/?p=4446 Fish finding affirms eDNA testing and points to need for aggressive action to stave off fish invaders PRESS RELEASE June 23,2010 [caption id="attachment_4447" align="alignright" width="300" caption="Asian carp captured in Lake Calumet on 6/22/10 (IDNR)"][/caption] The nightmare scenario of Asian carp entering the Great Lakes through Chicago waterways is closer to reality as the Asian Carp Regional Coordinating Committee announced today that they had captured an invasive bighead carp [a species of invasive Asian carp] in Lake Calumet, 6 miles away from Lake Michigan. The fish’s capture bolsters repeated environmental DNA tests which have shown that the carp have evaded an electrical barrier intended to prevent their movement out of canals artificially connecting the Great Lakes and Mississippi River system. Scientists and government regulators agree that the invasive fish pose a dire threat to the Lakes because of their size and voracious appetites. Environmental groups throughout the Great Lakes have been advocating for quick action to impede the carp’s headlong swim towards Lake Michigan, even as federal officials and business interests have questioned the validity of cutting edge science that pointed to the invasive species’ presence. Today’s news brings a renewed call for more agile efforts to prevent the carp’s movement. Many organizations have called for hydrologic separation of the two systems to ensure the movement of the carp and other invasive species is stopped. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers recently said that a study of this solution will take five to seven years. Following are statements from regional NGOs engaged on the carp issue: “Asian carp are like cockroaches, when you see one, you know its accompanied by many more you don't see,” said Henry Henderson, Director of the Natural Resources Defense Council’s Midwest Program (and a former Commissioner of the Environment for the City of Chicago). “Now we can stop arguing about whether the fish are in Chicago’s canals and start moving as quickly as possible toward permanently separating the Great Lakes and Mississippi River watersheds. We just cannot wait five to seven years for the Army Corps of Engineers to complete its own studies before deciding to solve this problem.” “This live Bighead carp was caught well beyond the electric fence that was supposed to stop them, only six miles from Lake Michigan. There are no other physical barriers before these monsters reach Lake Michigan,” said Andy Buchsbaum, Director of the Great Lakes Office of the National Wildlife Federation. “If the capture of this live fish doesn’t confirm the urgency of this problem, nothing will. We need to pull out all the stops; this is code red for the Great Lakes.” "A year of DNA testing has shown the Asian carp are in the Chicago waterways, and now we know they're a hop, skip and jump from Lake Michigan," said Joel Brammeier, president of the Alliance for the Great Lakes. "Invaders will stop at nothing short of bricks and mortar, and time is running short to get that protection in place." “This underscores the urgency of measures to stop the carp from entering the Lake, and of beginning as soon as possible with an analysis and plan for separating the Lake Michigan and Mississippi/ Illinois River watersheds,” said Jack Darin, Director of Sierra Club’s Illinois Chapter. “That's the only way to permanently stop the Asian Carp, and other alien invaders, from getting into our Great Lakes. The sooner we are able to break the artificial connection between these two waterways, the sooner we will be able to stop killing off fish in the Chicago River system.” “The question is not whether – but exactly where and how – to restore the natural divide between the Mississippi basin from the Great Lakes,” said Clark Bullard of Prairie River Network. “It’s time to think big and replace our obsolete 19th century infrastructure with a modern intermodal freight terminal and 21st century sewage and storm water treatment technologies.” "This is a great example of how as we talk about possible solutions the fish keep on swimming," said Jill Ryan, Executive Director of Freshwater Future. "Now is the time to move to hydrologically separate the Great Lakes watershed from the Mississippi watershed. To make this happen we need everyone to demand action." “This discovery underscores the urgent need to act quickly to solve the Asian carp crisis,” said Jeff Skelding, director of the Healing Our Waters-Great Lakes Coalition. “Great Lakes restoration and economic recovery hinge on preventing invasive species like the Asian carp from getting into the Lakes. We are urging the U.S. Congress to direct the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to study—and complete in short order—the most efficient and effective way to build a barrier between the Great Lakes and Mississippi River.” ------ Illinois Department of Natural Resources press release is available here.]]> 4446 0 878 0 https://prairierivers.org/articles/2010/06/action-alert-contact-house-and-senate-members-and-urge-them-to-sign-on-to-asian-carp-letter/ Fri, 25 Jun 2010 20:43:09 +0000 http://prairierivers.org/?p=4466 Action Deadline:  TUESDAY JUNE 29TH, 10 AM [caption id="attachment_4447" align="alignright" width="150" caption="Bighead carp captured in Lake Calumet on 6/22/10 (IDNR)"][/caption] Members of the House and Senate are circulating a letter among their colleagues asking them to sign on. The letter is to President Obama and urges him to immediately strengthen the barrier and implement all other measures necessary to stop Asian carp from migrating into the Great Lakes. It also asks that the Administration expedite its study to develop an aggressive strategy for permanent hydrologic separation of the Mississippi River and Great Lakes basins. These steps are necessary if we are to keep Asian carp out of Lake Michigan and prevent countless other invasions between the two basins. This issue is particularly urgent given the recent discovery of a live Asian carp near Lake Michigan. Please take a moment to contact Senators Durbin (202-224-2152) and Burris (202-224-2854) and your Representative (look up here) and urge them to sign onto this letter. The deadline to sign on is Tuesday, June 29 at noon. Congressional members can contact the following staff to sign on: Katie Murtha (Rep. Dingell), Ben Gielow (Rep. Ehlers), Alice Yates (Sen. Levin), or Lauri Hettinger (Sen. Voinovich). The following members have already signed on: Reps. Dingell (MI), Slaughter (NY), and Ehlers (MI), and Sens. Levin (MI) and Voinovich (OH).]]> 4466 0 877 0 https://prairierivers.org/articles/2010/06/friends-of-kickapoo-creek-create-fish-poster/ Tue, 29 Jun 2010 16:17:45 +0000 http://prairierivers.org/?p=4491

Friends of Kickapoo Creek (FOKC), based in McLean County, Illinois, has produced the first educational fish poster illustrating the 57 species of fishes in Kickapoo Creek, a tributary of the Salt Creek of the Sangamon River. This project is an outgrowth of recent efforts by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) and volunteers from FOKC to document the fish fauna of Kickapoo Creek. FOKC is distributing the fish poster at no charge to educational and allied institutions in the Kickapoo Creek watershed portion of McLean County.

For more information, contact Janice Holder, President, Friends of Kickapoo Creek (FOKC), friendsofkickapoocreek@gmail.com, 309.473.9285]]> 4491 0 876 0 https://prairierivers.org/articles/2010/07/view-presentations-on-how-to-write-a-fundable-319-grant/ Thu, 08 Jul 2010 22:12:51 +0000 http://prairierivers.org/?p=4500 Over 100 people attended a workshop on how to write fundable 319 grants, held in both Lisle and Bloomington.  Thanks to all of you who participated! Prairie Rivers Network and the Illinois Lake Management Association partnered to organize the workshops and welcomed a third partner, The Morton Arboretum, as our host in Lisle. PRN and ILMA thank all of our speakers for taking the time to be part of a successful workshop.  View PowerPoint presentations from the March 3, 2010 (Lisle) and June 23, 2010 (Bloomington) workshops (please note that these are large files and may take a few minutes to download): Tom Davenport, U.S. EPA (both Lisle and Bloomington) "319 Grants from a Federal Perspective" (no PowerPoint) Amy Walkenbach, Illinois EPA (both Lisle and Bloomington) "319 Grants from a State Perspective:  Writing a Proposal That Can Be Funded" (pdf - 2.66 mb) Mike Prusila, Lake County Stormwater Management Commission (both Lisle and Bloomington) "Accessing Section 319 Funding for Watershed Planning" (pdf - 2.38 mb) Cyd Curtis, U.S. EPA (Lisle) "Watershed Management - Data Analysis (some assembly required)" (pdf - 3.42 mb) Leslie Berns, Lake County Forest Preserve District (Lisle) "Implementing a Project with 319 Funds:  Spring Brook Meander Project (Forest Preserve District of DuPage County" (pdf - 3.26 mb) Randy Stowe, Wonder Lake Master Property Owners Association (Lisle) "Obtaining and Implementing 319 Grants for Watershed Restoration" (pdf - 1.96 mb) Tom Ryan, Lake Sara Forever Foundation (Bloomington) "Lake Sara Shoreline Bluff Stabilization: How a Small Volunteer Group Utilized 319 Grants" (pdf - 8.25 mb) Mary Lou Goodpaster and Bryan Cross, Kaskaskia Engineering Group, LLC (Bloomington) "Kickapoo Creek Restoration Project - Many Goals (and How 319 Helped Fund It)" (pdf - 2.36 mb) Don Roseboom, U.S. Geological Survey (Bloomington) "Pre-Tour Introduction to The Grove on Kickapoo Creek" (pdf - 1.27 mb) We were fortunate to have toured two impressive projects, funded in part by 319 grant money. In Lisle, we toured both the pervious parking lot and Meadow Lake at The Morton Arboretum (winter photographs). In Bloomington, we toured the Kickapoo Creek Corridor Restoration Project at The Grove (summer photographs).  This project includes a residential subdivision,  stream restoration, wetland and prairie complex, floodwater detention system, public park, and future community center. We thank our tour guides for the time they spent sharing their expertise with us: At the Morton Arboretum: Kris Bachtell, Vice President of Collections and Facilities Kurt Dreisilker, Manager of Natural Resources At The Grove on Kickapoo Creek: Don Roseboom, USGS Illinois Water Science Center and tour organizer Charles Bohall, USGS Illinois Water Science Center Bryan Cross, Kaskaskia Engineering Group, LLC Bill Doud, Doud Builders Neil Finlen, Farnsworth Group Inc. Marshall Kaisner, Kaisner Homes David Lamb, City of Bloomington - Parks, Recreation and Cultural Arts Department Brandon Lott, Farnsworth Group Inc. Robert Moews, City of Bloomington Tim Straub, USGS Illinois Water Science Center Trent Thomas, Illinois Department of Natural Resources - Division of Fisheries Last but not least, we thank our moderators for efficiently running the workshops: Holly Hudson, Chicago Metropolitan Agency for Planning (Lisle workshop) Trent Thomas, Illinois Department of Natural Resources (Bloomington workshop) This workshop, hosted by Prairie Rivers Network and the Illinois Lake Management Association, is part of a series of workshops designed to increase Illinois watershed groups’ capacity to protect and improve their local water resources. Capacity Building Workshops are funded through an IEPA and U.S. EPA CWA 319 grant.

updated post 7/14/10 - more tag updated post 5/18/11 - edit to title updated post 7/15/11 - pdfs uploaded

]]> 4500 0 874 0 https://prairierivers.org/articles/2010/07/press-release-asian-carp-spreading-threaten-to-trump-feds/ Mon, 05 Jul 2010 18:10:20 +0000 http://prairierivers.org/?p=4554 For Immediate Release 

Thursday, July 1, 2010

The discovery of spawning Asian carp in the Wabash River shows the crisis is advancing on multiple fronts and demands aggressive and immediate action to deal with the Asian carp crisis, says a coalition of national and Great Lakes groups.  The carp were found downstream of a floodplain that separates the Wabash from the Maumee River and Lake Erie, near the city of Fort Wayne, Ind., according to recent press and congressional statements. The discovery and acknowledgment of the finding by the Asian Carp Regional Coordinating Committee comes a week after the committee announced a live Asian carp was found just six miles from Lake Michigan in Chicago’s Lake Calumet. The 3-foot-long, 20-pound sexually mature male was the first Asian carp found beyond the last locks protecting the Great Lakes, and miles beyond the electric barrier meant to keep the devastating fish out of the lakes. The discovery of a spawning population of Asian carp in the Wabash River is of particular concern because of the possibility the Wabash could flood into the Maumee River in Indiana. The Maumee River flows to Lake Erie and is identified by carp specialists as an ideal habitat for Asian carp. “There is a lack of coordination and transparency in the current system and this current finding in the Wabash River highlights the breakdown in this system,” said Kristy Meyer, director of Agricultural & Clean Water Programs of the Ohio Environmental Council. “Lake Erie is well over a billion dollar fishing industry and in Ohio, a $10.75 billion destination stop. Now, more than ever, the state and federal agencies must stop the finger-pointing and get their act together before these natural wonders become desolate carp ponds.” The groups say the latest finding signals the immediate need for effective leadership on a crisis that has moved well beyond the control of the federal agencies tasked with handling it. “We’re being outmaneuvered by a fish and can’t afford to play catch up,” said Joel Brammeier, president and CEO of the Alliance for the Great Lakes. "We need leadership to anticipate, align and activate on where the carp are going to be -- not where they‘ve already been.”  “The battle to protect the Great Lakes from the Asian carp is now being fought on multiple fronts, and we need a strategy that reflects that,” said Andy Buchsbaum, regional executive director of the National Wildlife Federation’s Great Lakes office. “The clock is ticking, and we need to get this process back on track. We have solutions. It’s high time we used them.” The groups emphasized their support for legislation introduced Wednesday by U.S. Sens. Debbie Stabenow (D-Mich.) and Richard Durbin (D-Ill.), and U.S. Rep. Dave Camp (R-Mich.) The bill calls on the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to expedite and complete a study within 18 months on the feasibility of permanently severing the Mississippi River and Great Lakes basins.  The physical separation of the two major watersheds is seen as the only permanent solution to keeping Asian carp and other invasives from traveling between them.   "We applaud Sens. Stabenow, Durbin and Rep. Camp in calling for swift action to protect the Great Lakes from the threat of Asian carp,” said Max Muller, program director for Environment Illinois. “A physical barrier to prevent the spread of these invasive giants is imperative, and study on the best approach should begin immediately. We cannot afford any further delay if we are to avoid a nightmare scenario in the Great Lakes." Henry Henderson, Midwest director for the Natural Resources Defense Council, said: “This new discovery shows just how quickly invasive species problems can spiral out of control. We now see direct threats to two of the Great Lakes. We cannot afford foot-dragging and confusion about the problem or the solutions. It is time for focused, determined action, which requires direct and firm engagement from the White House.” Coalition members sent a letter to President Obama Tuesday calling on him to appoint a “federal incident commander” to oversee and coordinate the federal response to the carp crisis. The groups say the federal response has fallen far short of expectations and has had numerous costly missteps, among them:  * The corps’ delay in starting a congressionally ordered and funded separation study, originally authorized in 2007. * Failure to quickly and completely disclose environmental DNA evidence of Asian carp in Lake Michigan and the Chicago Waterway System, despite having collected data since summer 2009. * Suggesting that other invasive pathways, such as bait trade and intentional release, could be responsible for carp presence despite obvious evidence of wild populations. * Failure to develop a channel-by-channel plan for the Chicago Waterway System, where eDNA evidence has shown Asian carp to exist. * Questioning the science and veracity of eDNA evidence. * Failure to continue eDNA testing during June despite multiple positive hits in the Chicago Waterway System above the electric barrier in spring 2010. No eDNA monitoring is currently being conducted by the corps. "Agencies aren't finding the fires, let alone putting them out fast enough," said Jennifer Nalbone, director of Navigation and Invasive Species for Great Lakes United. "We need Asian carp prevention elevated to the president now." Jill Ryan, executive director of Freshwater Future, agrees. "With so much at stake and the fish moving toward us on multiple fronts, now is the time for clear leadership to coordinate the efforts to track and stop these fish from establishing in the Great Lakes," she said. "Our Great Lakes provide so much to our economies, our recreation and our way of life that we can't let a lack of leadership allow these fish to win the day." “Indiana must take no chances that the Wabash River could provide an escape route for Asian carp and appropriate steps must be taken soon,” John Goss, executive director of Indiana Wildlife Federation. “This new discovery ups the ante,” said Glynnis Collins, executive director of Prairie Rivers Network. “We need an aggressive, thorough short-term response, while moving with urgency and purpose toward the only permanent solution to this crisis: physical separation of the Great Lakes and Mississippi River system.” The coalition includes the Alliance for the Great Lakes, Environment Illinois, Freshwater Future, Great Lakes United, Healing Our Waters-Great Lakes Coalition, Indiana Wildlife Federation, National Wildlife Federation, Natural Resources Defense Council, Ohio Environmental Council, Prairie Rivers Network and Sierra Club.]]> 4554 0 875 0 https://prairierivers.org/articles/2010/07/action-alert-sign-petition-to-bring-coal-ash-hearings-to-illinois-residents/ Thu, 15 Jul 2010 14:36:42 +0000 http://prairierivers.org/?p=4675

Illlinois residents crowd in to share environmental concerns with EPA and other officials.

The people of Illinois need your help! Please take a minute to sign our VERY important petition by Friday, July 16th at noon to make sure the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) hears from the many Illinois residents whose waters are threatened by toxic coal ash waste.

If you are in northern Illinois, sign the petition to bring a hearing to Chicago.

If you are in southern Illinois, sign the petition to bring a hearing to Louisville, Kentucky.

Toxic ash left over from burning coal contaminates our rivers and drinking water with cancer causing carcinogens. Illinois has more contaminated sites from the improper disposal of coal ash than any other state. After decades of fighting to get this waste regulated as the hazardous material it is, we are now close to a resolution. The USEPA has issued two possible alternatives for dealing with this ash. One alternative will allow states to escape further regulation and continue with business as usual. The second alternative will require states to take coal ash waste seriously. Do not underestimate the power of hearings: the USEPA and other decision-makers must hear the real-life stories of people with contaminated water. Do not underestimate the power of petitions and letters to determine the hearing location!

If you ever feel like a disempowered voter who cannot affect change, Prairie Rivers Network would like to assure you that your action right now will make a difference. For more information about Prairie Rivers Network's work to prevent water contamination from the coal industry, please click here.

]]> 4675 0 872 0 https://prairierivers.org/articles/2010/07/vermilion-coal-meeting/ Fri, 16 Jul 2010 18:00:27 +0000 http://prairierivers.org/?p=4694 [/caption] Mr. Goodall said he organized the informational meeting after attending a Farm Bureau-sponsored review of the mineral leases used by Sunrise Coal, the Terre Haute company that intends to operate the mine. “It became increasingly clear that Sunrise Coal has been flying under the radar, trying to sign landowners one at a time while avoiding open public discussion of the many important issues raised by proposing to mine coal in an agricultural community based on highly productive, level, prime farmland,” said Mr. Goodall, “The public needs to know what Sunrise is actually planning.” Mr. Goodall brought in a panel of presenters that included coalfield landowners Larry Schraut of Montgomery and John Davis of Bond County; Traci Barkley, a water scientist from Prairie Rivers Network; Robert L. Johnson, P.E. Johnson Consulting; and two coal community organizers, Joyce Blumenshine of the Sierra Club and Catherine Edminston of Citizens Against Longwall Mining. The proposed coal mine spans a 39-section area of farmland bordered by five towns in Vermilion and Champaign Counties. According to information presented at the meeting, Sunrise Coal is currently working to sign leases with enough landowners needed to start the permitting process. The company is also doing exploratory drilling in the area. Panelists painted a stark picture of what one called the “reality of living with a coal mine.” Dust clouds, sinking land, drainage problems, large sludge basins and polluted water were among the many impacts expected on the surface. They noted that Illinois lacks policy that prohibits mining on and under prime farmland. “A mine of this size may use up to 2 million gallons of water per day to process the coal. There is no limit to how much they can pump, and there is no fee for using it. Any water that is left will be carried away to streams with pollution in it,” said Ms. Barkley. “When a mine starts work on a new site, they first develop the surface facilities and start re-grading the site for drainage. Because all water falling on site from rain will eventually drain to a stream, the mining company will build basins to help manage the flow. This is of concern because basins do not drain farmland, streams do.” Other panelists focused on their communities’ experiences working with coal companies. Royalties, tax revenues, jobs and land reclamation did not occur as promised. According to one panelist, the state of Illinois makes a lot of exceptions to the rules, such as letting coal companies avoid cleaning up the large sludge basins that are left after the coal has been extracted. “I am not against mining. What I care about is that the mine operates under the rules and regulations,” said Mr. Johnson. “If you are thinking in the back of your mind that there are regulators who are going to make sure that the mines are properly permitted, properly constructed and properly reclaimed, that is just simply not the case at this point.” Several presenters cautioned landowners who sign leases to work with a lawyer to ensure that Sunrise Coal is legally prevented from using a mining technique called longwall mining that removes 80 to 90% of the coal in panels and results in planned subsidence, or immediate sinking of the surface. Larry Schraut of Montgomery County, whose land will soon affected by an underground longwall coalmine, cautioned landowners against selling their mineral rights. He explained that on his land, the county owned and sold the mineral rights to the coal company. “My land will sink 5 to 6 feet, which will create a bathtub effect, and a new drainage system will have to be created on the surface,” said Mr. Schraut, “Go to a lawyer and make sure that if you sell your rights, they are not going to longwall mine. You people do have a choice if you have your mineral rights.” Ms. Barkley clarified that no one knows exactly what kind of mining method would be employed, but Sunrise Coal’s lease does not prevent longwall mining from being used. Mr. Goodall continued, “Either way, those who only wanted a little coal royalty may find that they have unintentionally put at risk both their farming operations and their community’s water supply.” During the question and answer period, Champaign County Board member Ralph Langenheim encouraged landowners and residents to learn as much as they can about coal mining methods.

###

]]> 4694 0 870 0 https://prairierivers.org/articles/2010/07/4885-2/ Sat, 10 Jul 2010 13:00:48 +0000 http://prairierivers.org/?p=4885 Laura Kammin, PRN's Habitat conservation Specialist, was interviewd on GLT as a result of our press release about how Prairie Rivers Network and other conservation groups reject the barge industry-promoted proposal that will increase the taxpayer burden for constructing barge transportation network.]]> 4885 0 873 0 https://prairierivers.org/articles/2010/07/annual-dinner-oct-29-2010/ Fri, 30 Jul 2010 13:00:10 +0000 http://prairierivers.org/?p=4559 Save the date!

Our Annual Dinner will again be at the I Hotel in Champaign on Friday, October 29, 2010.

The reception will begin at 6pm, and dinner will be served at 7pm.

The Rivers Corps of Discovery will bring the beauty of our rivers to life with their presentation:

Impressions, Discoveries and Adventures.

The River Corps of Discovery, developed by biologists Dr. Michael Jeffords, Susan Post, and Carolyn Nixon, at the Illinois Natural History Survey, is based on the original Lewis & Clark Expedition that started in Illinois and became one of the greatest exploratory endeavors undertaken on the North American continent. The members observe and record the beauty and changing nature of Illinois’ river systems with sketches, photographs, journals, and other artistic media. Read an article on the founding of the Corps of Discovery here(pdf). Read our post from last year's dinner here.]]> 4559 0 866 0 https://prairierivers.org/articles/2010/07/third-party-tmdl-workshop/ Tue, 27 Jul 2010 18:14:59 +0000 http://prairierivers.org/?p=4795 WHAT: Learn how local partners can develop state-approved plans to reduce pollution in rivers and lakes.  This workshop focuses on explaining the third-party TMDL program to watershed groups and water resource managers. A Total Maximum Daily Load (TMDL) is a calculation of the maximum amount of a pollutant that a waterbody can receive and still meet water quality standards, and an allocation of that amount to the pollutant’s sources. TMDLs set goals for pollution reduction that are necessary for the improvement of impaired waters. (View Illinois EPA’s TMDL website.) Join U.S. EPA Region 5 experts Dean Maraldo, Chief of the Watersheds Section, and Dave Werbach, TMDL Coordinator, to learn: • what a third-party TMDL is and isn’t • how a third-party TMDL can benefit your watershed • what the process is for TMDL development • what the EPA requirements are for an approvable TMDL • what the basics of watershed planning are related to TMDLs You will also hear from Illinois EPA about the TMDL program in Illinois, including data gathering, monitoring, and sampling necessary for TMDL creation. Other experts will share tips on how to select the best consultant to develop a TMDL for your river, lake, or stream and how to bring the appropriate watershed stakeholders together to provide input in the process and acceptance when the TMDL is complete. WHEN: Tuesday, November 16, 2010 from 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. WHERE: Holiday Inn Hotel & Suites, Bolingbrook, IL WORKSHOP AGENDA and PRESENTATIONS: "Watershed Management Planning and TMDLs:  What's the Difference?" and "TMDL Implementation:  The Benefits of Knowing Your Customer" Dean Maraldo, Chief of the Watersheds Section, U.S. EPA "Third-Party TMDLs - What Do They Want?  Part I" and "Third-Party TMDLs - What Do They Want?  Part II" Dave Werbach, Regional TMDL Coordinator, U.S. EPA "The TMDL Program in Illinois" Trevor Sample, TMDL Project Manager, Illinois EPA "Qualifications-Based Selection:  Why Value Outweighs Cost in the Selection of Architect, Engineering and Land Surveying Services" Kurt Schoen, Project Manager, AECOM "Stakeholder Management for TMDL Implementation" Stephen McCracken, Program Manager, DuPage River Salt Creek Workgroup WORKSHOP HANDOUT: "Guidelines for Reviewing TMDLs Under Existing Regulations Issued in 1992" COST: $20.00 registration fee (includes lunch) TO REGISTER: Pre-registration is required - click here to register online now; space is limited. REGISTRATION DEADLINE: November 5, 2010 QUESTIONS?:  Please contact Alison at ameanor@prairierivers.org or (217) 344-2371.

Thank you for your interest in building capacity in Illinois watersheds!

This workshop, hosted by Prairie Rivers Network and the Illinois Lake Management Association, is part of a series of workshops designed to increase Illinois watershed groups’ capacity to protect and improve their local water resources.  Capacity Building Workshops are funded through an IEPA and U.S. EPA CWA 319 grant.

10/12-13/2010: updated post for 11/16/2010 workshop Post updated 5/18/11 - pdfs added

]]> 4795 0 868 0 https://prairierivers.org/articles/2010/07/river-steward-award/ Wed, 28 Jul 2010 15:55:44 +0000 http://prairierivers.org/?p=4841 Do you know a volunteer who is working hard to protect the state’s rivers and streams? Help celebrate and elevate their important work by nominating them for our 6th annual River Steward Award. Deadline is September 17, 2010. It is time once again to celebrate and elevate the important work of an individual whose work to protect the state’s rivers and streams inspires us. There are many dedicated citizen volunteers around our state that spend countless hours working to protect Illinois’ rivers. They educate us; they do the legwork; they speak the unpopular truths; they go above and beyond. Too often, their outstanding efforts and successes are not known outside of their local community. The River Steward Award recognizes and celebrates the most exemplary nomination, and it will collect stories of work that we all need to hear. Prairie Rivers Network wants to recognize and celebrate the people who make these achievements possible, sharing their victories and inspiring other river advocates around the state. The sixth annual River Steward Award will be announced October 29, 2010 at Prairie Rivers Network’s Annual Dinner. The honoree and a guest, as well as the nominator, will be invited to attend the dinner for the awards ceremony. The award recipient will also be announced to the river conservation community around the state, announced to the media in a press release, and posted on our website.

Past Winners Include

Gary Mechanic, 2009

Joyce Blumenshine, 2008

Mary Pat Holtschlag, 2007

Fran Caffee, 2006

Jan Holder, 2005

Nomination Procedure

If you know a citizen volunteer you would like to nominate as the next River Steward, please e-mail the following information to Steph Adams at sadams@prairierivers.org or call her at 217/344-2371 for more information:

1. Nominee’s contact information
2. Your contact information
3. Nominee qualifications (500 words):

• Summary of their river conservation efforts
• General background information concerning the river/watershed of interest
• The specific work for which the nominee deserves recognition

Deadline: Nominations must be received by September 17, 2010.]]> 4841 0 867 0 https://prairierivers.org/articles/2010/08/coal-appeal/ Mon, 02 Aug 2010 16:00:00 +0000 http://prairierivers.org/?p=4860 So urgent is the coal ash pollution problem in Illinois that Prairie Rivers Network is taking the unusual step of issuing a special appeal to members and friends for financial donations to help us considerably increase our work on coal-ash issues and other coal-related problems. An anonymous donor has pledged up to $15,000 to help Prairie Rivers Network in this work. This challenge grant will match, dollar-for-dollar, new and increased contributions. We need these new contributions by August 31, 2010. IMPORTANT NOTE: Donations are processed through Network for Good, a secure online donation processing service for nonprofits. Anonymous donations are available.

For more information on our coal work, click here.

]]> 4860 0 865 0 https://prairierivers.org/articles/2010/08/press-release-oil-not-the-only-pollution-problem-in-gulf-of-mexico/ Tue, 03 Aug 2010 20:30:07 +0000 http://prairierivers.org/?p=4865 “Illinois’ rivers have been used as waste disposal sites for far too long. Private landowners need to realize the amount of pollution that leaves their properties and take steps to reduce that pollution,” said Stacy James, Water Resources Scientist for Prairie Rivers Network. While some of the pollution comes from Chicago sewage treatment plants, most of it comes from Illinois’ booming agricultural sector. Over 60% of Illinois’ surface area is devoted to agricultural production. Nitrogen and phosphorus are applied to fields to enhance crop growth, but crops do not absorb all the applied nutrients. Nitrogen and phosphorus leave fields via stormwater runoff and tile drainage. The conservative use of fertilizers and restoration of natural habitat are needed to reduce Illinois’ contribution to the Dead Zone. Some farmers are already doing their part by maintaining buffers along streams and limiting the fall application of fertilizers. Farmers living in certain counties even have the opportunity to enroll in a new U.S. Department of Agriculture program devoted to reducing the amount of agricultural chemicals that pollute the Gulf of Mexico. [caption id="attachment_4866" align="alignright" width="225" caption="Agricultural ditch with algae"][/caption] The Gulf of Mexico may be far from Illinois, but nitrogen and phosphorus pollution is also a problem here at home. Over 2,000 stream miles are considered impaired by the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency. Nuisance algae blooms are a visible sign that there are too many nutrients in the water. Occasionally animals and people get sick from ingesting toxins produced by the algae. “Keeping water clean does not always result in the best bottom line, right here, right now. But it is the best and most responsible thing to do for our communities and future generations,” according to James.]]> 4865 0 864 0 https://prairierivers.org/articles/2010/08/prairie-river-notes-summer-2010/ Thu, 05 Aug 2010 18:08:12 +0000 http://prairierivers.org/?p=4872 View PRN’s Prairie River Notes - Summer 2010 Newsletter (pdf) with the following articles:

• Big Wheels Keep on Rolling - Update on Traveling Science Center
• A Message from our Executive Director
• PRN Annual Dinner - October 29th
• River Steward Nominations
• Helping Champaign Homeowners Manage Stormwater Through Rain Gardens and Rain Barrels
• Illinois Contaminated by Coal Pollution
• How You Can Help Reduce Illinois' Coal Pollution Problem
• PRN Studying Public Waterway Rights
• Ready to Unveil! Webpages for Watershed Groups
• Thank You Interns and Volunteers

]]> 4872 0 863 0 https://prairierivers.org/articles/2010/08/prn-publishes-stormwater-guidebook/ Wed, 18 Aug 2010 13:00:36 +0000 http://prairierivers.org/?p=4893 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.]]> 4893 0 860 0 https://prairierivers.org/articles/2010/07/in-the-news-proposed-sunrise-coal-mine-raises-pollution-concerns/ Tue, 20 Jul 2010 13:00:08 +0000 http://prairierivers.org/?p=4900 Recent articles by the press report concerns and impacts to land and water of the proposed coal mine by the Indiana-based Sunrise Coal LLC continues. The new mine in East Central Illinois would require mineral rights leases with landowners in Champaign and Vermilion counties. The articles in The News-Gazette and C-N quote Prairie Rivers Networks' Water Resources Scientist, Traci Barkely, and Board of Director Charles Goodall, also a Vermilion county farmer.   ]]> 4900 0 869 0 https://prairierivers.org/articles/2010/08/earn-money-for-prn-while-you-shop-at-schnucks/ Tue, 10 Aug 2010 21:09:03 +0000 http://prairierivers.org/?p=4921 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.]]> 4921 0 861 0 https://prairierivers.org/articles/2010/08/read-new-report-on-bighead-carp-in-lake-calumet/ Thu, 19 Aug 2010 13:00:14 +0000 http://prairierivers.org/?p=4933 [/caption]]]> 4933 0 859 0 https://prairierivers.org/articles/2010/08/president-obamas-americas-great-outdoors-listening-session-in-chicago/ Mon, 23 Aug 2010 13:00:19 +0000 http://prairierivers.org/?p=4942 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)]]> 4942 0 858 0 https://prairierivers.org/articles/2010/08/attend-public-hearing-in-chicago-on-coal-ash-regulation/ Mon, 23 Aug 2010 17:30:28 +0000 http://prairierivers.org/?p=4948 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.

]]> 4948 0 857 0 https://prairierivers.org/articles/2010/08/new-study-coal-ash-water-contamination/ Fri, 27 Aug 2010 19:32:21 +0000 http://prairierivers.org/?p=4964 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

    

  ]]> 4964 0 856 0 https://prairierivers.org/articles/2010/09/join-prn-for-its-our-river-day-september-18th/ Fri, 03 Sep 2010 20:44:22 +0000 http://prairierivers.org/?p=5014 It's Our River Day with Prairie Rivers Network at Rock Springs Conservation Area in Decatur, IL Enjoy the quiet beauty of the Sangamon River as it flows through Rock Springs' densely shaded forest. Visit the Illinois Natural History's Traveling Science Center and become an expert on Illinois rivers. See how the Sangamon Corridor Corps of Discovery has documented the rich natural history of the Sangamon with sketches, writings and photographs.

In the morning and afternoon there will be hikes to the Sangamon River as well as opportunities to get your feet wet while looking for mussels and fish. Aquatic Insect Workshop: Look at aquatic insects through microscopes at Dr. Ed DeWalt's 12:00 p.m. workshop (registration required) and learn how insects reveal if a river is healthy. To register online for the workshop click here. When: September 18th, from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Where: Rock Springs Conservation Area For more information about the workshop or Sangamon River Discovery Day contact Cecily Smith at csmith@prairierivers.org or 217.344.2371.

We look forward to seeing you on September 18th!

]]> 5014 0 854 0 https://prairierivers.org/articles/2010/09/join-us-at-the-2010-illinois-water-conference/ Fri, 10 Sep 2010 13:35:53 +0000 http://prairierivers.org/?p=5021

The Illinois Water conference is just a month away.

Conference highlights include:

• Featured talk by Robert Glennon, author of "Water Follies" and "Unquenchable";
• Asian carp policy and management practices,
• The Green Infrastructure Act,
• Water supply;
• Student career panel; and much more.

The early registration deadline for Water 2010 was Tuesday, September 7, so register soon.

We hope to see you there.

When: October 5-7 Where: Hilton Garden Inn, Champaign, Illinois Conference website: http://www.isws.illinois.edu/hilites/confinfo/water2010/ More info: Lisa Merrifield, Conference Chair, at lmorrisn@illinois.edu or 217-333-0045.]]> 5021 0 852 0 https://prairierivers.org/articles/2010/09/press-release-massive-fish-kill-in-mclean-county-due-to-weak-laws/ Tue, 14 Sep 2010 13:44:40 +0000 http://prairierivers.org/?p=5033 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE September 13, 2010 The Department of Natural Resources is now confirming that approximately 40,000 fish were killed in sections of Lone Tree Creek and the Sangamon River as a result of pollution released into the waters over the Labor Day weekend. Also killed were endangered mudpuppies, mussels and crayfish. A full investigation is still underway. The Illinois Environmental Protection Agency reported water samples taken from the affected streams contained ammonia. While the agency has not yet revealed the source of the spill, the pollution likely drained off a field located on the Stone Ridge Dairy Farm in McLean County. Constructed in 2002, Stone Ridge is Illinois’ largest dairy farm, with 3,100 cows. "This total kill is an unfortunate example of why we need more protective, clear laws in Illinois regarding managing waste from large factory farms,” said Glynnis Collins, executive director of Prairie Rivers Network (PRN). “From a single spill, the people of Illinois have lost tens of thousands of fish and other aquatic animals. We will be communicating closely with state agencies as the investigation progresses to ensure they respond adequately to this disaster.” IEPA confirmed that Stone Ridge Dairy does not currently have a permit to discharge pollution, although the IEPA will likely require them to apply for one if they conclude the dairy was the source of the ammonia spill. “The Federal Clean Water Act requires factory farms that ‘discharge or propose to discharge’ to have National Pollutant Discharge Elimination (NPDES) permits. Although the Illinois EPA issued a new General NPDES Permit for factory farms in 2009, a vast majority of these types of facilities are operating without permit coverage. Had this facility been appropriately regulated under the NPDES permitting program, it is probable this catastrophic pollution event would not have occurred,” says Danielle Diamond, attorney and organizer for the Illinois Citizens for Clean Air & Water. Citizens and members of Prairie Rivers have been calling to report their concern over the spill. PRN members who live in the Foosland area, say local residents have been concerned about potential polluting discharges from the dairy even before the facility was built. Two weeks ago, before the spill, an anonymous local resident was out bicycling on a country road about a half mile south of the Foosland post office, when he stopped at a bridge that crosses Lone Tree Creek: “I was there at noon, and the high sun allowed me to see the glinting scales of hundreds of carp and smaller fishes as they fed on the plant life along the bottom of the creek. Fishes of all sizes were intermingling and rolling; their swishing tails were turning up silt from the creek bed. The water was clear enough to see a few crayfish moving about. A blue heron was fishing in the drainage. The creek I saw was thoroughly vibrant with life.” All that has changed. A single event has transformed thriving creeks and rivers to miles of floating, dead fish. If you are witness to a spill or other water pollution in your local stream, don’t wait to report it. You can call the Illinois Emergency Management Agency, 800-782-7860, 217-782-7860, anytime, seven days a week. Glynnis Collins, executive director, Prairie Rivers Network, 217-377-3797 Danielle Diamond, attorney and organizer, Illinois Citizens for Clean Air & Water, 815-403-0278 ### October 13, 2010  UPDATE The investigation of the Lone Tree Creek fish kill is still ongoing. The polluter is yet to be identified. We will update you when the investigation has been completed.]]> 5033 0 853 0 https://prairierivers.org/articles/2010/09/press-release-hundreds-of-concerned-citizens-demand-epa-protections-from-toxic-coal-ash/ Thu, 16 Sep 2010 20:47:18 +0000 http://prairierivers.org/?p=5042   FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE   September 16, 2010 Contacts: Rosemary Wehnes, Sierra Club, 414-828-1357 (cell) Traci Barkley, Prairie Rivers Network, 217/621-3013 (cell) Edyta Sitko, Greenpeace, 812.219.4644 (cell)

Hundreds of Concerned Citizens Demand EPA Protections from Toxic Coal Ash

Residents speak out for kids’ health at Environmental Protection Agency public hearing in Chicago

Chicago, IL – Hundreds of concerned citizens gathered in Chicago today urging the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to pass strong, federally-enforceable safeguards for coal ash, the toxic remains left over from coal-fired power plants. Citizens traveled to Chicago from across Illinois, Wisconsin, Minnesota, Michigan and Indiana to testify about the harmful effects of coal ash on their health, neighborhoods and communities. The hearing is one of seven the EPA is holding this month on its proposal to finally regulate toxic coal ash. During the hearing and mid-day press conference residents, doctors, faith leaders, water experts and scientists testified about the dangers of coal ash that are already being experienced and those that have yet to be identified. “In spite of the hazards, the disposal and reuse of toxic coal ash waste has received little to no oversight,” said Edyta Sitko of Greenpeace.   "Only recently have the number of contaminated sites escalated as a result of research by citizens, public interest groups and state agencies. It may be the proverbial tip of the iceberg.” After the hearing a huge crowd crossed the street to Grant Park where they performed a street theater rendition of the massive coal ash spill in Tennessee that drew the nation’s attention to the problem of coal ash. As dozens of people in coal ash t-shirts broke over the retaining wall of people in brown and flooded the small “town” below, onlookers got a powerful reminder of why new protections are needed. Coal ash is America’s second largest industrial waste stream, with enough coal ash generated each year – approximately 150 million tons – to fill over 340,000 jumbo 747 jets. Toxic chemicals in coal ash such as arsenic, lead, selenium and others, have been linked to health problems including cancer, organ disease, respiratory illness, neurological damage and reproductive and developmental problems.  Studies show that these coal ash toxins can, and have, leaked into drinking water across the country. “In most states - at ponds, landfills, and pits where coal ash gets dumped - a slow seepage of the ash's metals has poisoned water supplies, damaged ecosystems, and jeopardized citizens’ health, said Traci Barkley, of Prairie Rivers Network  “Unfortunately, the Illinois communities of Marion, Joliet, Venice, Oakwood, Havana, Alton, Powerton, Hennepin, Hutsonville, Canton, Wood River, and Coffeen now know this." EPA’s 2010 risk assessment found that the cancer risk from drinking water contaminated with arsenic from coal ash disposed in unlined ponds can be as high as 1 in 50 adults, 2,000 times the level the EPA deems “acceptable.” “Coal ash dumps that sit around the country are ticking time bombs,” said Doctor Jeffrey Patterson, President of Physicians for Social Responsibility. “We should learn lessons from past environmental disasters, like the poisoning of our children from exposure to lead paint. In addition to arsenic and lead, coal ash also contains mercury, cadmium, chromium, selenium and other deadly toxic metals that can cause cancer and neurological harm in humans.” There are 83 toxic coal ash ponds in Illinois and 17 are more than 30 years old, making it highly unlikely that they have basic protections like liners in place to keep this cancer-causing pollution out of waterways. A recently released investigative report documented the growing problem of toxic coal ash contamination across the United States.  At every one of the sites with ground water monitoring wells, onsite test results for heavy metals exceeded federal health standards for drinking water. “The cost of continuing to ignore the very real health and environmental risks of this toxic waste may well be higher than we can afford. The EPA needs to act quickly to finalize strong, federally enforceable protections from coal ash before more families are exposed,” said Bruce Nilles, Deputy Conservation Director of the Sierra Club. For more information: http://www.sierraclub.org/coalash

###

]]> 5042 0 851 0 https://prairierivers.org/articles/2010/09/champaign-urbana-eco-bike-tour/ Sat, 18 Sep 2010 19:09:20 +0000 http://prairierivers.org/?p=5049 Hop on your bike September 25th and see how CU is going green. Tour sites by bicycle that use proven practices which minimize their effect on the environment. Champaign Cycle is partnering with B. Lime - A Green Store, to introduce you to examples of sound environmental practices right here in Champaign-Urbana. There is a lot that each of us can do to help preserve our environment and save money. This tour will visit examples of those practices in our community, including rain gardens installed by PRN's own Water Resources Scientist Stacy James. The tour is free and you can start between 10 AM and Noon at B. Lime, 12 W. Washington in downtown Champaign. You will visit a number of sites following an in-town route of about 18 miles. You will be routed on low traffic streets and travel at your own pace. Pre-registered riders will receive a tour guide which will explain the sites you visit and include a list of source materials which you can access at the Urbana Free Library for further information.

• Geo-Thermal HVAC - W Washington, C
• Rain Garden under construction - W Hill, C
• Rain Garden mature - Alma Dr, C
• Solar Decathlon House - First and St. Mary's Rd, C
• Carle Park, U - Rain Permeable Sidewalk
• Straw Bale House - E Main, U
• Equinox House - Passive Solar - E Haydon, U
• Wind Generator/PV Panels - U

Then returning to the start at B. Lime crossing the north end of the new water detention area of the Boneyard Creek north of Springfield Ave. (or returning to your homes) Time: Saturday, September 25, 2010, Start 10 AM to Noon Start Location: B. Lime, 12 W Washington, C in downtown Champaign. Cost: Free. Pre-registered riders will receive a tour guide with explanations of the sites in addition to the map and locations of the sites. Day of the event riders will receive only the map and locations of the sites.

Presented by Champaign Cycle

To pre-register visit: Champaign Cycle, 506 S Country Fair Dr, Champaign or B. Lime, 12 W Washington, Champaign or Email EcoTour@champaigncycle.com subject "Registration" to enter. Please include first & last name and email of each person you are entering. This will allow us to have a tour guide for each pre-registered rider.

 

]]> 5049 0 850 0 https://prairierivers.org/articles/2010/09/salt-fork-river-art-festival-sept-25-and-26/ Mon, 20 Sep 2010 13:00:30 +0000 http://prairierivers.org/?p=5059 Benefiting Prairie Rivers Network You are invited to Sleepy Creek Vineyard’s third annual Salt Fork River Arts Festival, where over 40 artists will be displaying their work. This is a fun event with music, food, and wine tasting.

Sleepy Creek Vineyards will be donating 10% of their wine sales during the weekend to Prairie Rivers Network.

When: Sept 25 from 10am - 6pm and Sept 26 from 11am - 4pm Where: Sleepy Creek Vineyards – (three miles south of Oakwood just off I-74 between Danville and Champaign) ]]> 5059 0 849 0 https://prairierivers.org/articles/2010/10/annual-dinner/ Fri, 01 Oct 2010 13:00:47 +0000 http://prairierivers.org/?p=5071

Prairie Rivers Network Invites You to Our

Annual Dinner

A Celebration of Illinois Rivers and Streams

Where: I Hotel and Conference Center, 1900 S. First Street, Champaign, IL 61820

When: Friday, October 29, 2010

Traveling Science Center pre-reception exhibit -5:30 pm Reception - 6 pm Dinner - 7 pm

Price:  $50 per person

 

RSVP by: Wed, Oct 20th - Reservations are NOW CLOSED

• You may purchase seats online with a credit card by clicking on the button above; or
• Print out response card and mail in your check and dinner choices to 1902 Fox Drive, Suite G, Champaign, IL 61820; or
• Call 217 / 344-2371 with your dinner choices for payment at the door

Dinner Choices:

1. Seared Sustainable Mahi Mahi with a Tropical Fruit Salsa, Squash & Potato Mash and Seasonal Local Vegetable
2. Local all natural, free range Shallot Crusted Chicken Breast with Alto Vineyards Demi Glace, Orchard Apple Chutney, Squash & Potato Mash and Seasonal Local Vegetable
3. Housemade Ziti Pasta with Ratatouille Sauce and Zucchini Medallions (vegetarian)

Keynote Speaker: The Rivers Corps of Discovery will bring the beauty of our rivers to life with their presentation: Impressions, Discoveries and Adventures.

The River Corps of Discovery, developed by biologists Dr. Michael Jeffords, Susan Post, and Carolyn Nixon, at the Illinois Natural History Survey, is based on the original Lewis & Clark Expedition that started in Illinois and became one of the greatest exploratory endeavors undertaken on the North American continent. The members observe and record the beauty and changing nature of Illinois’ river systems with sketches, photographs, journals, and other artistic media. Read an article on the founding of the Corps of Discovery here(pdf).

]]> 5071 0 848 0 https://prairierivers.org/articles/2010/10/dairy-turns-stream-purple/ Wed, 06 Oct 2010 22:03:58 +0000 http://prairierivers.org/?p=5102 On October 1, a stream turned purple in rural Jo Daviess County. The stream, a tributary to the South Fork of the Apple River, originates just downhill of where a new mega-dairy is under construction. Local residents took pictures of the purple water and notified the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Staff from Illinois Environmental Protection Agency (IEPA) inspected the site later that day. The IEPA is awaiting the results of water samples, which will identify any pollutants in the water.  The purple water appears to have come from a pond at Tradition Dairy. Water in the pond had been applied to nearby fields by dairy workers before the stream turned purple. The IEPA is investigating how the purple water reached the stream. This discharge may be a violation of the federal Clean Water Act, so Prairie Rivers Network will be following the investigation closely.  Tradition Dairy has been trouble ever since it was first proposed in 2007. Prairie Rivers Network has been opposing the construction of what would be the state’s largest dairy because of its potential to pollute streams and groundwater. For example, the dairy wants to fill in 300 feet of the headwaters of a stream so that it can construct a 14-acre pond that will hold manure. Our streams and neighboring residents deserve better than this!  The construction of the dairy is currently being held up by a lawsuit and pending permits. Prairie Rivers Network and partners filed an amicus brief in support of the lawsuit, and opposed the issuance of a permit that would allow the headwaters of a stream to be filled.  Thanks to the members of Helping Others Maintain Environmental Standards (HOMES) for making us aware of this incident. The grassroots organization (www.stopthemegadairy.org) did the right thing by notifying the government and the press, which resulted in inspections and greater public awareness of this important issue. We hope this story inspires others to take action against pollution! If you observe a fish kill or see coffee-colored water that smells like manure, call the Illinois Emergency Management Agency hotline at 1-800-782-7860.   Unfortunately, you will be hearing more from us about discharges from factory farms into streams. Manure spills and fish kills are a regular occurrence in Illinois. The U.S. EPA recently told IEPA that the state’s factory farm program fails to comply with the Clean Water Act.  If substantial improvements are not made, U.S. EPA may take over the State’s program.  See news coverage of the story by WTVO and Chicago Tribune.]]> 5102 0 846 0 https://prairierivers.org/articles/2010/10/prairie-rivers-completes-2-more-rain-gardens/ Fri, 15 Oct 2010 15:40:50 +0000 http://prairierivers.org/?p=5110 [/caption] Prairie Rivers Network completed two more rain gardens in Champaign during September. These rain gardens are part of our Reining in the Rain Campaign, funded by Illinois American Water. Our hope is that these publicly visible rain gardens will inspire neighbors to do more to keep stormwater on their properties and out of streets and streams.  To learn more about rain gardens, see our webpage and brochure.   [caption id="attachment_5112" align="alignleft" width="225" caption="Washington Street East rain garden"][/caption] Thanks to all the volunteers who helped out, and homeowners Anna Barnes and Ramona Oswald. We also thank the following partners whose work and support made this project possible: University of Illinois (Gale Fulton), City of Champaign, West Washington Street Watershed Steering Committee, Washington Street East Watershed Steering Committee. And finally, hats off to Steve of Royal FX for making our lives easier by excavating and hauling.]]> 5110 0 845 0 https://prairierivers.org/articles/2010/10/join-prn-at-a-screening-of-living-downstream/ Tue, 12 Oct 2010 13:44:41 +0000 http://prairierivers.org/?p=5116 Saturday, Oct. 16, 7:00 p.m. The Art Theater,Champaign-Urbana Advance tickets available online and by phone from Brown Paper Tickets and in person from The Art Theater. Any remaining tickets available at the box office one hour before the screening.     More showings will be held in Bloomington-Normal, Springfield, Peoria, and Chicago. Click here for more information. ]]> 5116 0 844 0 https://prairierivers.org/articles/2010/10/join-prn-for-a-presentation-by-jeff-biggers/ Mon, 18 Oct 2010 13:00:56 +0000 http://prairierivers.org/?p=5125

]]> 5125 0 843 0 https://prairierivers.org/articles/2010/10/illegal-discharges-to-streams-referred-to-attorney-general/ Tue, 12 Oct 2010 23:29:19 +0000 http://prairierivers.org/?p=5136 The Illinois Environmental Protection Agency (IEPA) recently referred a water pollution matter to the Attorney General’s office. Prairie Rivers Network is pleased by the referral, which should result in the State taking significant enforcement action against the polluter.   

The matter concerns a purple discharge in Jo Daviess County (see our post on this incident). The discharge came from a silage leachate pond at Traditions South Dairy. Silage is made from corn plants and is fed to dairy cows. According to their press release, the IEPA is still investigating why the water was purple and is awaiting laboratory results. Thanks to IEPA and USEPA for investigating this spill the same day it was reported by the public! 

]]> 5136 0 847 0 https://prairierivers.org/articles/2010/10/prairie-rivers-network-publishes-antidegradation-guidebook/ Tue, 26 Oct 2010 13:20:52 +0000 http://prairierivers.org/?p=5172 Prairie Rivers Network and the Illinois Chapter of the Sierra Club present their new guidebook on Practicing Antidegradation in Illinois, a practical guide to implementing antidegradation at sewage treatment plants. Antidegradation is a law designed to limit the amount of new pollution released into our waterways. The guidebook presents a brief overview of the law and then describes various methods for controlling pollution. Case studies describe innovative ways four Illinois communities followed the law and protected their rivers and streams.]]> 5172 0 842 0 https://prairierivers.org/articles/2010/11/join-jeff-biggers-at-lincoln-library-in-springfield/ Wed, 03 Nov 2010 21:20:17 +0000 http://prairierivers.org/?p=5186

]]> 5186 0 841 0 https://prairierivers.org/articles/2010/11/atrazine-its-in-the-water/ Mon, 08 Nov 2010 16:35:37 +0000 http://prairierivers.org/?p=5196

]]> 5196 0 839 0 https://prairierivers.org/articles/2010/11/illinois-pledges-to-improve-factory-farm-regulatory-program/ Fri, 12 Nov 2010 18:04:08 +0000 http://prairierivers.org/?p=5202

Dairy cows inside a factory farm

Immediate Release: November 9, 2010 CHAMPAIGN, IL—In September 2010, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) issued a highly critical report highlighting a number of shortcomings in Illinois’ program to regulate factory farms. On November 1, Illinois EPA responded to the report by committing to a number of significant policy changes which, if implemented, have the potential to improve on a serious and longstanding failure of environmental protections in Illinois: insufficient regulation of factory farms that pollute. Officially known as concentrated animal feeding operations (CAFOs), factory farms confine livestock raised for meat, egg, and milk production. The Illinois Environmental Protection Agency (IEPA) is responsible for ensuring that factory farms are not polluting air and water and are in compliance with state and federal environmental regulations such as the Clean Water Act. "If the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency does everything they say they will, their regulatory program will be improved. But improved policies must be accompanied by aggressive State action and a stronger ethic to do everything possible to protect people and wildlife from pollution," according to Stacy James, Water Resources Scientist for Prairie Rivers Network. The commitments that IEPA made in their response to USEPA include:

• IEPA will seek to amend the Illinois Environmental Protection Act so that the Agency has greater authority to take enforcement action against factory farms. IEPA will also seek an amendment requiring all factory farms to apply for water pollution (NPDES) permits.
• IEPA is developing a statewide inventory of factory farms.
• IEPA staff will receive training and be required to follow new procedures, which should result in better inspections and records of factory farms.
• IEPA will, upon request, provide written responses to citizens who file complaints against factory farms.

To better protect air, water, and nearby residents from factory farm pollution, IEPA will need to make several improvements to regulations it has promulgated under the Illinois Environmental Protection Act.  Conservation organizations Prairie Rivers Network and Illinois Citizens for Clean Air and Water are part of the workgroup advising IEPA on how the regulations should be changed.  The public should have an opportunity to comment on proposed changes to the regulations in 2011. Illinois Citizens for Clean Air and Water filed the 2008 petition to U.S. EPA that precipitated the USEPA investigation and report. "We are pleased that the USEPA conducted a thorough investigation of the state in response to our petition and that the IEPA completed a timely response," according to petitioner Danielle Diamond. "We are optimistic that these developments will ultimately lead to proper enforcement of the Clean Water Act against factory farms in Illinois." "Throughout Illinois, people depend on having both clean water and bountiful farms. Both can and should be a part of our future, but to ensure they will be, it is critical to strengthen protections for clean air and water by reducing factory farm pollution through improved siting, regulation, and enforcement policies," said Max Muller, Program Director at Environment Illinois, a statewide environmental advocacy group. "Illinois EPA's response—to what can only be described as serious rebuke from U.S. EPA—shows promise. We need to work with the IEPA to ensure that we are interpreting its commitments correctly and, in the longer term, that the Agency follows through on them." Prairie Rivers Network, Illinois Citizens for Clean Air and Water, and Environment Illinois will be monitoring IEPA’s implementation of its commitments to USEPA over the coming months.]]> 5202 0 837 0 https://prairierivers.org/articles/2010/11/federal-law-removes-major-obstacles-to-safe-pharmaceutical-disposal/ Fri, 12 Nov 2010 17:43:02 +0000 http://prairierivers.org/?p=5203 President Obama’s recent signing of the Secure and Responsible Drug Disposal Act of 2010 signals long-awaited federal recognition of the need to remove roadblocks to creating and continuing effective pharmaceutical takeback programs. Regulations written under the new law may allow “appropriate entities” to accept unwanted and unused medications for proper disposal. In addition, long-term health care facilities may dispose of medications for their patients. Several years ago, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) revised the decades-old recommendation to flush unwanted and unused medications down toilets or sinks; the agency’s new recommendations advised disposal through safe methods, such as collection events and programs. Prescription and over-the-counter medications that are flushed down toilets and sinks enter our waterways, and cannot always be eliminated through wastewater treatment. Throwing medications into the trash provides an indirect path to contaminating water via leaking from landfills. Research studies have continued to document the negative affects of pharmaceutical chemicals (including reproductive abnormalities) on aquatic species. At the same time, there is growing concern among communities about potential theft and abuse of unused and unwanted medications tossed into the trash. Increased public awareness of the impacts of pharmaceuticals entering our waters created a sharply rising demand for pharmaceutical collection events and programs. Unfortunately, some programs have ended or have faced difficulties continuing because federal law does not allow medications defined as “controlled substances” to be collected unless law enforcement personnel are present. It is also illegal for anyone to be in possession of a controlled substance unless it is a prescription specifically written for them. Although collection events typically are a partnership effort with local police departments, there have been instances where law enforcement would not participate because of these legal restrictions. Also, not all businesses or other community organizations wanting to collect and/or provide a drop-box for disposal of unwanted medications are able to do so in a location that is continually supervised by police or other law enforcement personnel. For several years, Prairie Rivers Network and other organizations advocated for changes in federal law that would eliminate obstacles to community collection of unwanted and unused medications. While the Secure and Responsible Drug Disposal Act of 2010 is a much-needed change in federal law, the reality is that collection programs and events still cannot take place without adequate funding. For over a year, the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency (IEPA), partnering with communities throughout Illinois, initiated a number of collection events and programs; unfortunately funding for these efforts has been discontinued. Prairie Rivers Network urges USEPA and IEPA to renew funding assistance to communities so they can take action to reduce the amount of pharmaceuticals going into their local water supplies and landfills. Approximately thirty Illinois counties have locations that accept unwanted and unused medications; information and addresses for these can be found at: http://www.epa.state.il.us/medication-disposal/locations/index.html. If you would like information on organizing a pharmaceutical collection event, please contact Cecily Smith, csmith@prairierivers.org, 217.351.0927.]]> 5203 0 838 0 https://prairierivers.org/articles/2010/11/fish-kill-near-mahomet-tells-an-important-story/ Tue, 16 Nov 2010 13:49:16 +0000 http://prairierivers.org/?p=5220 Opinion Piece by Stacy James, Watershed Scientist

Published in the News-Gazette on November 14, 2010

If fish were people, we would still be mourning the mysterious death of tens of thousands of our fellow citizens. We wouldn’t just be talking about it in the break room. We would be making phone calls and demanding the perpetrator be caught. We would declare the incident an atrocity that should never happen again. But fish aren’t people. And the 40,000 fish that died north of Mahomet over Labor Day weekend seem to have lost our attention. Out of sight is out of mind. Few of us actually saw their pale bodies floating in the remote waters of Lone Tree Creek and the Sangamon River. Thus, we are neither haunted nor motivated by the memory of what we experienced directly. And we have not been reminded by the media, which has been quiet since the initial story broke. The fact that the government investigation continues may be a sign that the culprit will not be caught. Yet the fish still have a story to tell. Chapter One reminds us of the power of individuals to make a difference. It was a member of the public who made the call resulting in the official investigation. If the call had not been placed, if people had wondered without acting, the incident may have silently passed us by with no chance of justice being served. The importance of acting quickly cannot be underscored enough because good evidence only lasts so long. Unfortunately, not knowing what to do or fear of retribution prevents so many of us from taking action. Some informants face legitimate threats, but anonymity is better than silence. The Illinois Emergency Management Agency has a 24-hour hotline (1-800-782-7860) that can be called in the event of an environmental emergency. Chapter Two reminds us that we all live downstream. The fish formed a death streak some ten miles long. A trip upstream unveiled an agricultural drain tile discharging dark liquid. A trip even further upstream showed life again. The world beneath our feet contains millions of miles of buried pipe, and it is not all mapped. Often times, many pipes feed a main pipe, much like many capillaries feed a vein. Therefore, when pollution is discharged out of a pipe and into a river, we don’t necessarily know where it came from. Many pollutants are invisible or become diluted, so we cannot assume that a clear river is a safe river. The Illinois Environmental Protection Agency has determined that only about 19% of assessed streams get a “good” rating for being able to safely support water recreation activities such as swimming; the other 81% of streams are more polluted and therefore receive a “fair” or “poor” rating. Streams will probably always be conduits of pollution, but they should not be dumping grounds or treated like sewers. Unfortunately, fish kills happen regularly in Illinois, not only in rural streams but also in urban rivers and neighborhood lakes. If we want to be able to safely use these waterways for generations to come, we need to honor our water with the same sacredness that we honor the blood in our bodies. Chapter Three reminds us that the government agencies responsible for upholding state and federal environmental laws are sorely underfunded and understaffed. When a fish kill occurs, significant time and resources are put into the investigation and other important work is postponed. The Illinois Environmental Protection Agency and Department of Natural Resources are victims of budget cuts and swept funds, leaving them unable to adequately protect and monitor the environment. Conservation organizations like the one I work for, Prairie Rivers Network, find it difficult to achieve positive policy changes when public officials cite the lack of resources as preventing such changes. Human civilization depends on a healthy environment, so we must find a way to safeguard our life support system. Chapter Four reminds us of how lucky we are to have clean water. When we go to kitchens and restrooms, the water actually comes on and is drinkable. In other parts of the world, water is intermittent and may be so contaminated that people become sick. Fish and other wildlife cannot turn the water on and off. They cannot make the water cleaner. They live and die by what we give them. They depend on our compassion and ethics and how we treat our common, shared resources. They depend on our intelligence and ability to understand the repercussions of our actions. The final chapter is for us to write. Only a cruel author would end this story with the silent descent of flesh into the river’s bottom. From death, new life can begin. By taking better care of our fish and water, we will take better care of ourselves. Dr. Stacy James is a Water Resources Scientist with Prairie Rivers Network, Illinois’ statewide river conservation organization. Prairie Rivers Network is based in Champaign and can be found online at www.prairierivers.org.]]> 5220 0 836 0 https://prairierivers.org/articles/2010/11/in-the-news-illinois-pledges-to-improve-factory-farm-regulations/ Mon, 22 Nov 2010 15:37:12 +0000 http://prairierivers.org/?p=5232 press release that Illinois EPA has committed to a number of significant policy changes in regulating factory farms. If implemented, these changes have the potential to improve on a serious and longstanding failure of environmental protections in Illinois: insufficient regulation of factory farms that pollute. Read more from the press coverage of this important development:                      

Hog-Processing Plant in Beardstown Dumping Waste Into Illinois River

On a related topic, the press also recently covered a story where Stacy James discusses a hog-processing plant run by Cargill in Beardstown, where, according to the U.S. Toxics Release Inventory, dumps blood, feces and other waste into the Illinois River from the processing of 18,000 hogs a day.]]> 5232 0 835 0 https://prairierivers.org/articles/2010/11/annual-dinner-pictures/ Tue, 23 Nov 2010 13:00:32 +0000 http://prairierivers.org/?p=5258 flickr site and tag yourself or friends.

A big thank you to Prairie Rivers Network member Erin Knowles for volunteering her time and talent in taking all of the pictures.

   

   

]]> 5258 0 834 0 https://prairierivers.org/articles/2010/11/2010-award-winners/ Tue, 23 Nov 2010 13:30:38 +0000 http://prairierivers.org/?p=5271 Marci Dodds - Outstanding Public Servant Award Winner [caption id="attachment_5273" align="alignright" width="240" caption="Marci Dodds with Stacy James, Water Resources Scientist"][/caption] Our favorite public officials are those who tell us what they can do, instead of only what they cannot. They see the problems and become part of the solution. They don’t just stand on the shoreline; they get into the water. This year’s recipient of our Outstanding Public Servant Award has been in the water. Stormwater, in fact! Prairie Rivers Network congratulates our Outstanding Public Servant Award Winnter - Marci Dodds - from the Champaign City Council. We meet her while working on the John Street Watershed Steering Committee, a group of Champaign residents devoted to improving the neighborhood’s flooding problems. At Committee meetings, we were impressed because she wasn’t just there; she was there! She brought good ideas, questions, and energy. We were even more impressed when she came out on a Saturday and worked with the volunteer crew that put in a rain garden to help reduce stormwater flooding and pollution. Thank you Marci for helping to make our community a better place to live.

Kathy Andria - River Steward Award Winner

[caption id="attachment_5272" align="alignleft" width="240" caption="Water Resources Scientist Traci Barkley with Kathy Andria"][/caption] Every year, we recognize someone for their outstanding volunteer efforts on behalf of our rivers. Prairie Rivers Network congratulates our River Steward Award Winner - Kathy Andria.  From early on, Prairie Rivers Network staff learned, while working with parnters and groups throughout the state, that Kathy Andria was a concerned citizen who was highly informed of issues in her region, politically savvy and engaged, in touch with the people who are impacted by air and water pollution and very competent at standing strong in the face of opposition. In her approximately 15 years of protecting the Mississippi, Kaskaskia and other Illinois rivers and streams, Kathy has spoken out at innumerable public hearings, educated citizens on clean water and clean air threats, recruited professional help and legal assistance. Her advocacy for clean water and responsible handling of waste and industrial pollution and her leadership and inspiration for other volunteers make her truly a River Steward. Thank you Kathy for helping to protect our rivers and streams.]]> 5271 0 833 0 https://prairierivers.org/articles/2010/11/shop-amazon-com-and-earn-money-for-prn/ Tue, 23 Nov 2010 14:00:04 +0000 http://prairierivers.org/?p=5275 Getting Ready for Holiday Shopping?

If you plan on shopping at amazon.com this holiday season, click on the Amazon logo here and you will be taken to amazon.com where any purchase you make will result in a contribution from amazon.com to Prairie Rivers Network.

Bookmark this link and you can contribute to Prairie Rivers Network automatically any time you order from Amazon.com: What could be more convenient?

Help us spread the word - share this link with your family and friends.

]]> 5275 0 832 0 https://prairierivers.org/articles/2010/12/voices-from-the-coal-fields-an-excerpt-from-prairie-rivers-networks-official-letter-to-the-usepa-regarding-the-proposed-coal-ash-rule/ Fri, 10 Dec 2010 21:43:27 +0000 http://prairierivers.org/?p=5296 An excerpt from Prairie Rivers Network's official letter to the USEPA regarding the proposed coal ash rule On November 19th, 2010, Prairie Rivers Network submitted comments to the USEPA on their proposed regulation of coal ash.  Illinois leads the nation in the number of coal ash contamination sites due to improper disposal, and the new rules are a long-awaited step toward reigning in this underregulated toxic waste.   With a coalition of partners, Prairie Rivers Network sent the EPA a strong message that citizens want to be protected from coal ash waste. The message was clear: Regulate coal ash with strong federally enforceable safeguards for public and environmental health.   Read the full letter submitted here. Here are a few choice excerpts taken from interviews with local residents that were submitted with the letter: "A gentleman living in Douglas County near a site where fly ash is being used to 'reclaim' an abandoned mine impoundment has reported coal ash contamination of air and water to the Illinois EPA several times with no response.  He has witnessed coal ash clouds so thick cars have had to stop on the road.  A recent visit to the site for stream sampling revealed that there had been a recent mussel kill in the stream just ½ mile downstream of the dump; every fingernail clam seen was open and dead.  Fly ash coated the surface of the stream and banks.  The long-term “reclamation” plan is to fill the impoundment with 500,000 tons of ash and then cover with 2-4 feet of 'non-acid producing cover material.'  As of March 2010, the impoundment was 70% full.  Several households are downgradient of the UNLINED coal ash dump site and draw their water from wells finished in the sand and gravel lenses between ten to forty feet in depth.  Many of these residents are experiencing various health problems and are beginning to wonder if they might have polluted drinking water." "In the heart of coal mining country in Randolph County, at Peabody’s Gateway Coulterville Mine...  Leonard and Jeannette are farmers—they worry about the leaking gob and ash pile that’s seeping into one of their cattle pastures—they’ve had to move the cattle off the land. Mike is also a farmer—he’s concerned about how high the gob and ash pile has gotten and wants to know when it will be covered—he’s also concerned about his well water. An elderly couple had to move from their home because their water well was contaminated." "An elderly woman living near the Ameren Hutsonville Power Station in the southeastern part of Illinois signed away not only her groundwater rights, but also the future rights for anyone wanting to purchase her home and farm in years to come.  The price? ONE DOLLAR, because this woman didn’t know she had an option. This was due to the fact that Ameren became aware that one of their coal ash impoundments had been leaking for years and had contaminated groundwater under her property.  Their solution was to buy the groundwater rights to prevent future legal problems and then apply for a permit to pump the groundwater to keep it from moving further offsite (otherwise known as a groundwater management zone).  But the pumped groundwater needs to go somewhere too and so the next step of the plan is to pipe the pumped contaminated groundwater to the Wabash River for discharge.   The folks drinking water from the nearby Wabash River need to know EPA will call for closure requirements at these contaminated sites past what our Illinois EPA thinks is necessary for cleanup- pumping and dumping- from the ground to the river." These are only a few of the many stories told to us by coalfield residents. And as you can see, the coal ash issue is more than a clean water issue. It is an issue of justice. That is why Prairie Rivers Network and partners will continue to shine a light on these, frankly, despicable actions by the coal and power industries. That is why we will continue to push the EPA to address the problem that the state has ignored for too long. We will continue to keep you informed about the progress of these very important rules, and let you know how you can help. For more information on other actions Prairie Rivers Network has taken regarding the coal ash rules, please see our links to letters below.

• Prairie Rivers Network  and Illinois Partners Letter to USEPA Regarding Coal Ash Rules
• Attachments List of sites known to be contaminated by coal ash in Illinois and Pictures from Industry Mine, McDonough and Schuyler Counties on    8/27/2010 of the letter to the USEPA re: Coal Ash
• Public Interest Community Comments on Coal Ash Rule

]]> 5296 0 831 0 https://prairierivers.org/articles/2010/12/prairie-river-notes-winter-2010-newsletter/ Thu, 16 Dec 2010 13:00:48 +0000 http://prairierivers.org/?p=5318 View Prairie River Notes - Winter 2010 Newsletter (pdf) with the following articles:

• Fish Kill Tells An Important Story
• Annual Dinner Pictures and Recap
• Protecting Wildlife Habitat
• 2010 Accomplishments
• Citizens Protecting Streams From Coal Pollution
• Thank You Business Sponsors
• Earn Money for Prairie Rivers Network While You Shop

Prairie Rivers Network would also like to give a special THANK YOU to McKenzie Wagner, Inc. for donating their time and talent in redesigning our newsletter and website.]]> 5318 0 827 0 https://prairierivers.org/articles/2010/12/stop-asian-carp-what-you-can-do-today/ Mon, 13 Dec 2010 21:50:29 +0000 http://prairierivers.org/?p=5343 Great Lakes and Mississippi River Interbasin Study website.

The Congressional mandate says to study ways to "prevent" invasive species movement between the Great Lakes and Mississippi River. Sadly, page 1 of the project management plan calls for spending extra time and resources to study ways to "reduce the risk" This was not authorized by Congress nor is it a credible strategy that will protect the Great Lakes or the 28-state Mississippi River basin from future invasions. This is unacceptable. The study should focus only on options that will "prevent" invasive species movement. The study takes too long. The Chicago portion of the study is not predicted to be complete until mid-2015. Given the urgent need to implement a permanent solution, condense the timeline and produce final results for the Chicago waterways within 18 months rather than mid-2015.

]]> 5343 0 830 0 https://prairierivers.org/articles/2010/12/stop-asian-carp-what-you-can-do-today-2/ Mon, 13 Dec 2010 22:01:12 +0000 http://prairierivers.org/?p=5350 Attend the public hearing in Chicago - December 15th When: Anytime between 12:00pm—7:00pm Where: The Gleacher Center - 6th Floor, 450 N Cityfront Plaza Dr, Chicago IL, (312) 464-8787 Register/Details: Click here to register or for more information - You will be given preference for speaking if you register prior to the meeting.

You may use these detailed talking points prepared by Prairie Rivers Network and several national and regional conservation organizations:

1. The corps must “prevent” rather than “reduce the risk” of invasive species movement between the Great Lakes and Mississippi River. Risk reduction is not authorized by Congress, is not a credible strategy to achieve prevention and research here could divert resources from quickly determining how to achieve prevention.
2. The corps study takes too long. The Chicago portion of the study is not predicted to be complete until mid-2015, or nearly five years from now. The corps should acknowledge the urgency of finding a permanent solution, condense the timeline and produce final results for the Chicago portion of GLMRIS within 18 months rather than mid-2015.
3. Congress mandated that GLMRIS should only consider “options and technologies available to prevent the spread” of invasive species through the waterways. Physical separation would achieve this. It is not clear at this time that any other alternative would achieve prevention.
4. The GLMRIS study is a prevention study and its results should be used first to prevent Asian carp from invading the Great Lakes. The study timeline and strategy must be structured so a solution is delivered prior to the establishment of breeding populations of Asian carp in the Chicago Waterway System.
5. The corps should study and provide a solution for the Chicago Waterway System first regardless of the need to prioritize and act on other aquatic pathways.
6. Do not waste time and money repeating work that has already been done or is currently in process.
   • Risk Assessment: at least two comprehensive reports describing the likely impacts of Asian carp on the Great Lakes have already been written, one from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and one from Fisheries and Oceans Canada. In addition, Fisheries and Oceans Canada recently commenced a bi-national effort to create an updated risk assessment for Asian carp. There is copious literature describing the potential movement of other invasive species via the Chicago Waterway System and the impacts of the movement of zebra mussels into the Mississippi River basin via the CWS are well-documented. There is absolutely no justification for the corps to place higher priority on conducting its own risk assessment than on preventing the spread of Asian Carp through the CWS.
   • Wastewater and Transportation: The Great Lakes Commission and Great Lakes-St. Lawrence Cities Initiative (GLC/GLSLCI) are conducting a study on the water management and transportation alternatives available after a physical separation of the Great Lakes and Mississippi River. Other organizations, such as the Alliance for the Great Lakes and the Natural Resources Defense Council, have also described alternatives for achieving prevention through a physical separation. The corps should incorporate the findings of these projects to hasten its own analysis.
   • Economic Analysis: Likewise, the GLC/GLSLCI includes an economic impact analysis, will be conducted by an elite-tier private engineering and transportation team and should be completed by January 2012. The corps should use this economic analysis for identifying the best way to achieve physical separation on the Chicago Waterway System rather than writing its own.
7. The corps should create an opportunity for regular preferably at least twice annually - discussion forums during which the public can interact with technical staff for detailed Q&A on project progress. This should be separate and in addition to the requirements of the NEPA process.

]]> 5350 0 829 0 https://prairierivers.org/articles/2010/12/your-voice-is-needed-to-stop-asian-carp/ Mon, 13 Dec 2010 22:11:39 +0000 http://prairierivers.org/?p=5359 Help put a stop to the spread of invasive species by telling the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to take bold, definitive action now! There are 3 ways you can help prevent the spread of invasive species (like Asian carp and zebra mussels) by permanently separating these great river basins.

1. Send a brief comment today.
2. Attend the public hearing in Chicago on Wednesday Dec 15, anytime between noon-7pm.
3. Download the project management plan and comment on it before March 31, 2011

Brief Background

Finally, 3 years after Congress mandated that the U.S. Corps of Engineers find the best way to prevent the spread of Asian Carp and other invasive species between the Great Lakes and Mississippi River Basin, their Project Management Plan is ready for public comment. Unfortunately the Corps’ study designed to take too long, and the goal has been watered down to deal with risk reduction instead of focusing on prevention.

More Information

Background information on Asian carp Read all of our posts on Asian carp

]]> 5359 0 828 0 https://prairierivers.org/articles/2010/12/prairie-rivers-network-2010-accomplishments/ Sun, 26 Dec 2010 13:00:31 +0000 http://prairierivers.org/?p=5327

Click image to Download the 2010 accomplishments pdf

Preventing Water Pollution  

Challenge: Toxic ash is produced when coal is burned. Current regulations allow this toxic material to pollute streams and groundwater.

• Exposed Illinois EPA’s failure to protect clean water from the hazards of coal ash disposal.
• Helped national environmental powerhouses focus U.S. EPA on the extent of the coal ash problem in Illinois.
• Rallied citizens to support tougher regulations on coal ash pollution through petitions, letters, and testimony at EPA hearings.
• Developed water quality monitoring program for coal field communities to find and fix coal pollution.

Strengthening River Activism

Prairie Rivers Network gives people opportunities to experience nature and to then take steps on behalf of healthy rivers and clean water. Our goal is to turn citizens into active river advocates.

• Online petitions ensure that citizen voices are heard.
• Monthly electronic newsletters keep 1,000+ people informed about the latest issues.
• Frequent Facebook posts give 500+ friends the inside scoop as it happens. 
• Government agencies know that our members are active and involved and therefore listen to what we have to say.
• Media coverage of our work ensures that rivers remain relevant and visible.

Protecting River Health and River Habitat

Challenge: Our rivers are under assault. Dredging natural channels and clearcutting riverbank vegetation has profoundly damaged our rivers and the wildlife that depends on them. Choking the Illinois and Mississippi Rivers with dams to support barge traffic has destroyed America’s greatest freshwater fishery.

Mississippi River

• We have a long-term vision of a truly sustainable and healthy Mississippi River, one where navigation interests do not dominate.
• This year we began helping citizen activists and municipalities along the Mississippi River develop a conservation action plans to restore wildlife habitat.

Vermilion River

• We led development of conservation action plans for protecting threatened fish and wildlife habitat throughout the Vermilion River basin.

Engaging Citizens in Protecting Clean Water 

By providing information, sound science, and hands-on assistance, Prairie Rivers Network helps individuals and community groups become effective river conservation leaders.

Homeowners Reduce Flooding and Stormwater Pollution

• Led efforts by more than 50 residents in three neighborhoods to demonstrate ability of rain gardens and rain barrels to capture and treat polluted runoff.

Workshops Train Conservationists

• Trained more than 250 people from municipalities, government agencies, and water protection groups, plus interested citizens to join and lead local efforts to reduce water pollution and restore rivers and lakes.

Traveling Science Center and River Discovery Days

• 1700 school children, many of their parents and other adults learned the importance of protecting and preserving rivers.

Stopping Invasive Species 

Challenge: Invasive Asian carp threaten our waterways and native wildlife populations. Dramatic images of Asian carp leaping out of the water and injuring boaters, the intentional poisoning of thousands of fish in Chicago waterways to stop their spread to the Great Lakes – these events have captured the attention of the public, the press, and officials. This crisis presents us with a unique opportunity to re-engineer the Chicago canals that allow destructive invasive species like the zebra mussel to move between the Great Lakes and Mississippi River basins. We are working with state and national partners to demand that the half-measures that constitute current policy be replaced by a permanent solution to the problem: restoring the divide between the basins.

We Have Made Great Progress in the Past 12-18 Months

• The idea of separating the basins, until recently viewed as a political non-starter, has gained traction: Chicago’s Mayor Daley recently made headlines talking about it.
• The Obama Administration signaled its commitment by creating a new position on the White House staff to coordinate the federal response to the threat. 
• More then 150 scientists have signed on to our position statement supporting the need to restore the basin divide.

Enforcing Clean Water Laws

Our scientific and legal expertise and persistent watchdogging has resulted in stronger water pollution controls.

Factory Farms

• We found pollution near factory farms and brought in state inspectors to make sure problems were fixed.
• We are working with organizations across the state to win stricter rules on factory farm pollution.

Chronic Polluters

• If polluters don’t follow the law, we take action.
• We joined in a case with the Attorney General against a dirty coal mine, challenging weak permits.
• Our efforts have resulted in state action on several other chronically polluting facilities.

Sewage Treatment Plants

• We strengthened pollution controls in many communities by challenging EPA permits.
• Our Antidegradation Guidebook helps treatment plants understand the law and describes innovative methods for controlling pollution.

    Download Prairie Rivers Network's 2010 Accomplishments (pdf) here.]]> 5327 0 826 0 https://prairierivers.org/articles/2011/01/how-sewage-treatment-facilities-can-achieve-cleaner-water/ Wed, 05 Jan 2011 23:52:58 +0000 http://prairierivers.org/?p=5369 Prairie Rivers Network is Helping Sewage Treatment Facilities Achieve Cleaner Water with New Report 

Improved wastewater treatment using membrane filters

Antidegradation Alternatives for Municipal Sewage Treatment is a technical report that compiles operational, cost, design, and performance data for various sewage treatment technologies including both conventional and state-of-the-art methods. The report was designed to assist advocates in determining the pollutant reduction capabilities of the various treatment methods and the economic feasibility of implementing these methods. The report consists of three parts:

1. The first part is a more detailed narrative that describes the sewage treatment alternatives, typical applications and achievable effluent characteristics.
2. The second part is a matrix that provides: effluent characteristics for ammonia nitrogen; total nitrogen; nitrate; Biological Oxygen Demand (BOD); Total Suspended Solids (TSS) and phosphorus for each alternative. The matrix contains estimated capital and operation & maintenance costs, limitations and benefits, and locations where the treatment method has been utilized.
3. The third part is an effluent table that provides a quick glimpse of achievable effluent characteristics for each treatment technology.

Download entire report here.

This report was prepared for the Mississippi River Collaborative (funded by the McKnight Foundation) and prepared by Applied Ecological Services, Inc., with support from the Environmental Consulting & Technology, Inc., Natural Water Solutions, and Prairie Rivers Network.

]]> 5369 0 825 0 https://prairierivers.org/articles/2011/01/agricultural-conservation-workshop-a-success/ Sat, 15 Jan 2011 03:03:58 +0000 http://prairierivers.org/?p=5384 While the snow was falling January 11, 2011, some 30 people gathered in Rossville, IL for an agricultural conservation workshop. The workshop was sponsored by Lake Vermilion Water Quality Coalition, a group devoted to reducing water pollution in Lake Vermilion, Danville's drinking water supply. Prairie Rivers Network sits on the Board of the Coalition and helped organize the event.  Lake Vermilion is impaired by too many nutrients, which results in nuisance algae blooms during the summer. The lake also contains the herbicide atrazine, a possible carcinogen that must be removed by water supplier Aqua Illinois. Atrazine and much of the nutrient pollution comes from agricultural fields that drain into the North Fork of the Vermilion River, which feeds Lake Vermilion.    The workshop discussed conservation practices that farmers can adopt to reduce nutrient and atrazine pollution. There are a number of federal and state programs that provide financial and technical assistance to farmers willing to adopt these practices. Farmers interested in conservation can visit their county NRCS office to find out more information. Thanks to all our speakers and participants for making this a successful event!]]> 5384 0 824 0 https://prairierivers.org/articles/2011/02/job-openings/ Fri, 04 Feb 2011 14:54:23 +0000 http://prairierivers.org/?p=5395 Water Resources Specialist - Invasive Species

Water Resources Specialist - Habitat Conservation

Click here for more information.]]> 5395 0 821 0 https://prairierivers.org/articles/2011/02/action-alert-speak-out-now-to-stop-asian-carp/ Fri, 04 Feb 2011 22:07:34 +0000 http://prairierivers.org/?p=5411 Public Hearing in St. Louis Metro Area – Alton, IL

Tuesday, February 8, 2-8pm

Even though we are in the middle of the winter season, the Asian carp are swimming toward the Great Lakes and decision makers are deciding what, if anything, to do. At the same time, scientists continue to study the quagga mussel in Lake Michigan, one of dozens of animals poised to invade the Mississippi River from the Great Lakes. We need you to take time in your hectic schedule to speak out and let decision makers know we want real action and we want it now. The clock is ticking through March 31st 2011 for a public comment period around the Great Lakes and Mississippi River Basin Interbasin Feasibility Study (GLMRIS). Even though the name of the study isn’t, well, that captivating, it is an important study because its focus will determine if we implement permanent solutions to stop invaders like Asian carp and quagga mussels from spreading between the Great Lakes and Mississippi River basins. What GLMRIS is: A study authorized by Congress in 2007 mandating that the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (Corps) determine options available to prevent invasive species from moving through the Chicago waterways in both directions. Why GLMRIS is important: While there is little debate that fast action to prevent movement of Asian carp is the top priority, there will be no move toward building a permanent solution without successful completion of this federal study. What is happening now: On February 8th at the National Great Rivers Museum (#2 Locks & Dam Way Alton, IL) from 2 - 8 PM, the Corps will be hosting one of a series of ten public “scoping” meetings to present information and receive comments on the scope of the study.

Our top two reasons why YOU speaking out is so important:

The Corps was mandated to study ways to “prevent” invasive species movement between the Great Lakes and Mississippi River. Deplorably, the Corps has decided to spend precious time and resources to also study ways to “reduce the risk,” not just prevent. This was not authorized by Congress nor is it a credible strategy that will protect our great waters. We need you to tell them this is unacceptable and only options that will “prevent” invasive species movement should be studied. The Corps study takes too long. The Chicago portion of the study is not predicted to be complete until mid-2015, or nearly five years from now. The Corps must acknowledge the urgency of finding a permanent solution, condense the timeline and produce final results for the Chicago portion of GLMRIS within 18 months rather than mid-2015 and we need you to send that message.

More Talking Points:

• Congress mandated that GLMRIS should only consider “options and technologies available to prevent the spread” of invasive species through the waterways. Physical separation would achieve this. It is not clear at this time that any other alternative would achieve prevention.
• The GLMRIS study is a prevention study and its results should be used first to prevent Asian carp from invading the Great Lakes. The study timeline and strategy must be structured so a solution is delivered prior to the establishment of breeding populations of Asian carp in the Chicago Waterway System.
• The Corps should study and provide a solution for the Chicago Waterway System first regardless of the need to prioritize and act on other aquatic pathways.
• Do not waste time and money repeating work that has already been done or is currently in process.
  • Risk Assessment: at least two comprehensive reports describing the likely impacts of Asian carp on the Great Lakes have already been written, one from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and one from Fisheries and Oceans Canada: (www.fws.gov/contaminants/OtherDocuments/ACBSRAFinalReport2005.pdf, www.dfompo.gc.ca/csas/Csas/DocREC/2004/RES2004_103_E.pdf). In addition, Fisheries and Oceans Canada recently commenced a bi-national effort to create an updated risk assessment for Asian carp. There is copious literature describing the potential movement of other invasive species via the Chicago Waterway System and the impacts of the movement of zebra mussels into the Mississippi River basin via the CWS are well-documented. There is absolutely no justification for the Corps to place higher priority on conducting its own risk assessment than on preventing the spread of Asian Carp through the CWS.
  • Wastewater and Transportation: The Great Lakes Commission and Great Lakes-St. Lawrence Cities Initiative (GLC/GLSLCI) are conducting a study on the water management and transportation alternatives available after a physical separation of the Great Lakes and Mississippi River. Other organizations, such as the Alliance for the Great Lakes and the Natural Resources Defense Council, have also described alternatives for achieving prevention through a physical separation. The Corps should incorporate the findings of these projects to hasten its own analysis.
  • Economic analysis: Likewise, the GLC/GLSLCI includes an economic impact analysis, will be conducted by an elite-tier private engineering and transportation team and should be completed by January 2012. The Corps should use this economic analysis for identifying the best way to achieve physical separation on the Chicago Waterway System rather than writing its own.
• The Corps should create an opportunity for regular – preferably at least twice annually - discussion forums during which the public can interact with technical staff for detailed Q&A on project progress. This should be separate and in addition to the requirements of the NEPA process.

How you can speak out:

If you can, attend a public meeting and register to speak before the meeting so you will be given preference. See the full list of meetings and how to register here: http://glmris.anl.gov/involve/pubschedule/index.cfm If you can’t attend a meeting, submit written comments on-line here: http://glmris.anl.gov/involve/comments/index.cfm You can download the Corps’ Project Management Plan (PMP) for GLMRIS, the Federal Register notice of the preparation of an Environmental Impact Statement and other documents here: http://glmris.anl.gov/documents/index.cfm.]]> 5411 0 820 0 https://prairierivers.org/articles/2011/02/new-factsheet-on-illinois-factory-farms/ Tue, 15 Feb 2011 01:37:14 +0000 http://prairierivers.org/?p=5518 Prairie Rivers Network, Illinois Citizens for Clean Air & Water, and Environment Illinois have created a new IL Factory Farm Factsheet. Also known as CAFOs, factory farms can pose a number of risks to the streams and lakes of Illinois. Please see the factsheet for more information, including solutions that citizens can implement to make a difference.  Prairie Rivers Network will be passing out these factsheets at the following upcoming presentations on factory farms. These presentations are being hosted by local Sierra Club groups and are open to the public: March 22, 6:30pm, Lincoln Library Carnegie Room, Springfield March 23, 6:30pm, Fairview Heights Library March 28, 7:00pm, Robeson C, Champaign Public Library]]> 5518 0 818 0 https://prairierivers.org/articles/2011/02/stormwater-here-it-comes/ Fri, 25 Feb 2011 18:00:10 +0000 http://prairierivers.org/?p=5584 Urban areas are dominated by hard surfaces such as streets, roofs, and parking lots. These surfaces allow very little rain and snow to penetrate into the ground underneath, and are therefore called impervious surfaces. Whereas natural land cover absorbs about 90% of precipitation, suburban neighborhoods may only soak up about 70% and downtowns are even worse at 45%. What is not absorbed by the ground flows downhill and becomes stormwater runoff. Unfortunately, stormwater runoff is not only a nuisance but it can also be unsafe. When there is too much unabsorbed water, our buildings and streets flood to the detriment of our safety and pocketbooks. As water moves downhill, it picks up pollution that is in our streets and yards. Common stormwater pollutants include soil, oil and grease, pesticides, animal feces, and trash. Have you ever wondered what happens to stormwater that disappears down a street drain? In some communities, the drain goes to a sewage treatment plant where pollutants are removed. However, in many of Illinois' communities, the street drain goes directly to nearby streams and lakes without any filtration of the water. Subsequently, our waterways become filled with pollution and lose their economic and ecological value.

The Illinois Environmental Protection Agency considers urban stormwater runoff to be the 4th leading cause of water impairment in the state.

Fortunately, there are a number of ways that residents, businesses, and municipalities can protect our rivers and lakes by reducing stormwater pollution. For starters, we need to keep trash, leaves, and other debris out of our streets and stormwater drains. Construction sites should be closely monitored to ensure that bare soil stays on site. We can also make a difference by incorporating water-loving green infrastructure such as rain gardens, rain barrels, porous pavement, wetlands, and parking lot infiltration islands. Prairie Rivers Network is working with citizens, developers, and local governments to reduce urban stormwater pollution. Our projects include the publication of a Rain Garden Brochure, presentations on how to install rain gardens and monitor construction site runoff, and technical assistance for green development. The US Environmental Protection Agency recommends the following ten things you can do to prevent stormwater runoff pollution:

• Use fertilizers sparingly and sweep up driveways, sidewalks, and roads
• Never dump anything down storm drains
• Vegetate bare spots in your yard
• Compost your yard waste
• Avoid using pesticides
• Direct downspouts away from paved surfaces
• Take your car to the car wash instead of washing it in the driveway
• Check your car for leaks, and recycle motor oil
• Pick up after your pet
• Have your septic tank pumped and system inspected regularly

]]> 5584 0 817 0 https://prairierivers.org/articles/2011/02/fight-coal-pollution/ Sat, 26 Feb 2011 14:00:42 +0000 http://prairierivers.org/?p=5596 The Issue

Surface coal mine where coal ash will be buried in Wabash County.

The coal mining industry in Illinois pollutes water and damages our farmland, forests and natural watercourses. Impacts do not end with the land; our rural heritage is also being destroyed. Many families decide simply to locate elsewhere, causing the depopulation of rural communities. In addition, coal ash disposal sites leach toxic chemicals to groundwater, where pollution can spread and pollute drinking water supplies. They are also prone to collapse, as happened near Kingston, Tennessee in 2008. Even the "cleanest" coal-burning electricity generates waste that can pose a threat to our drinking water. The state’s regulatory agencies have not held the coal industry accountable to the same standards as they do other industrial polluters, and the byzantine regulatory process precludes meaningful involvement by affected citizens.

 

Prairie Rivers Network's Work

Coal mine seepage into stream from surface mining in McDonough County.

Prairie Rivers Network has worked on these issues for the past few years, gaining initial victories and laying the groundwork for significant progress. We have…

• negotiated tighter water pollution permits for several coal mines;
• appealed water pollution permits for two new longwall coal mines;
• provided technical assistance to two citizen groups engaged in administrative appeals of state mining permits;
• developed coalfield community organizer toolkit and a volunteer coalfield water quality monitoring program;
• hired Coal Country Organizer who has worked to develop capacity of three coalfield citizen action groups to conduct water quality monitoring and increase community awareness of coal mining impacts;
• worked with lawmakers to improve scrutiny of Illinois’ lax coal ash disposal program;
• maintained pressure on the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency to continue their investigation of coal ash disposal operations at power plant facilities;
• laid the foundation for two enforcement cases of newly discovered coal ash dumps;
• empowered citizens with knowledge and support in order to communicate concerns through comment letters and at public meetings and hearings before local, state and federal decision makers; worked closely with national groups (Environmental Integrity Project, Earthjustice and Sierra Club) to bring local stories and voices to their national campaign to improve USEPA’s coal ash disposal rules.

What Can You Do?

• Learn more about the coal mines and ash impoundments in your area.
• Volunteer to collect stories from the coalfields.
• Write letters of concern to our regulators.
• Attend a public hearing.
• Support this kind of work with your membership.

Resources for coalfield citizens:

(1) Toolkit for Developing and Managing Partnerships in Coal-Impacted Watersheds (2) Illinois Coal Country Teams Volunteer Handbook for Monitoring Mine-Impacted Streams

Maps:

(1) Coal mines in Illinois (pdf document) (2) Coal ash impoundment sites in Illinois (click image to enlarge)   

Links:

Factsheets:

• Coal Mining in Illinois Fact Sheet
• Coal Ash Factsheet (Coming Soon)
• Coal Slurry Factsheet (Coming Soon)

Health impacts of coal and coal ash: (1) Physicians for Social Responsibility report on Coal's Assault on Human Health (2) Physicians for Social Responsibility report on Report on Coal-Ash: The toxic threat to our health and environment

Staff Contacts:

• Traci Barkley, permit review, technical assistance, regional “beyond coal” organizing tbarkley @ prairierivers.org
• Brian Perbix, local group organizer bperbix @ prairierivers.org

Citizen Groups:

Canton Area Citizens for Environmental Issues

Citizens Against Longwall Mining

Stand Up To Coal

Heartland Coalfield Alliance

]]> 5596 0 816 0 https://prairierivers.org/articles/2011/02/more-rain-gardens-less-water-pollution/ Sun, 27 Feb 2011 14:00:25 +0000 http://prairierivers.org/?p=5607 What is a rain garden? A rain garden is a shallow, vegetated landscaping feature that captures excess rainwater and puts it to work. As the rain garden bed is slightly below the level of the yard, the garden acts as a shallow dish that holds the water for a short time so that it can instead soak into the garden soil. Well-designed rain gardens absorb 30% more water than turf lawns and will drain completely within a few days after an average storm.

What are the benefits of a rain garden?

Rain gardens have many benefits. First, it is an attractive addition to any yard. Both you and your neighbors will enjoy its beauty for years to come. In addition, rain gardens provide environmental benefits by improving water quality and promoting water conservation. Water that runs off hard surfaces, like your roof, and from your yard during rain events flows down the street collecting contaminants such as automobile fluids, yard fertilizers, and pet waste. This adds pollution to your local rivers because storm drain water is not treated before it enters your local rivers. For example, yard waste & fertilizers add excessive amounts of nutrients to rivers. This causes algae to grow and depletes oxygen in the water that fish and other aquatic life depend on. By collecting the excess runoff before it reaches the street, rain gardens reduce the amount of polluted water flowing into storm drains. Research has shown that the intensive installation of rain gardens in neighborhoods can greatly reduce storm water runoff and street flooding. The water retained in the garden soaks down into the soil, providing water for the garden plants as well as for the underlying water table. This minimizes the need for watering and helps conserve municipal water supplies. Finally, the native plants used in rain gardens provide habitat for birds, butterflies and other beneficial insects. Native plants also require less maintenance, particularly less watering, over time because they are adapted to the local soil and climate conditions.

What are the steps for creating a rain garden?

1. Decide where you want the rain garden located and where it would be most effective in collecting the runoff from your property (i.e. close to a downspout).
2. Design the garden. Determine the garden size and depth that will maximize the amount of runoff the garden receives. Garden shape is largely a matter of preference or available space.
3. Select your plants. Choose moisture-loving species for the garden bottom and drought-tolerant species for the sides and berm. Selecting plants that are diverse in color, height, texture, and blooming time results not only in a more interesting display, but one that attracts a greater variety of birds and butterflies.
4. Plant the garden. Planting time depends mostly on the size of your garden. For most gardens, a few people working together will be able to complete the project in a day. Ask your friends and neighbors for help; this is a great opportunity to spread the word about the benefits of rain gardens.

How much will it cost?

The cost of installing a rain garden depends on several factors such as garden size, your yard's soil type, and the plants selected. You can reduce the cost of plants by selecting younger plants, getting specimens from friends, or raising your own from seed. You can also plant in phases; completing one section of the garden this year, and then completing the planting in the following year.

Where can I get more information?

Come to one of our upcoming workshops and/or download our Rain Garden Brochure:

March 15 – Rain Gardens Workshop I: Why and How 

What: Rain Gardens Workshop I

When: 7:00 – 8:30 p.m.

Where:  Champaign Public Library, Robeson Pavilion Room B

Why: Does your basement or street flood? Do you have a wet area in your yard that you don’t know what to do with? If your answer is yes, you may want to consider creating a rain garden on your property. Rain gardens capture rain and quickly infiltrate it into the ground, while simultaneously providing aesthetic and environmental benefits. Prairie Rivers Network’s presentation on rain gardens is approximately 45 minutes long, with a question period afterward. The presentation describes what rain gardens are and how they can be constructed and maintained. Free handouts include a rain garden brochure and website links. Attendees will leave the presentation with enough knowledge and resources to construct their own rain gardens.

Presenter: Stacy James, Ph.D., Prairie Rivers Network

 Free and open to the public.

Click Here To Register: Space is limited.

**********

April 12 – Rain Garden Design Workshop II

What: In part two of Prairie Rivers Network’s two-part rain garden series, participants will design their own rain gardens with one-on-one help from experts. Participants are encouraged to bring in plans, photos, drawings and questions. Topics that will be addressed include site selection, rain garden dimensions, plant species selection, where to buy native plants and other supplies, and hardscaping options. Participants will leave with a sketch and to-do list for making their design a reality.  This workshop is aimed at participants who have either attended a rain garden presentation in the past or have at least already read literature on rain gardens.

When: 7:00 p.m to 9:00 p.m.

Where: Champaign Public Library, Robeson Pavilion Room B

Why: You want to build a rain garden. You have an idea of where it will go, but now you have questions! Is my site appropriate? What are the elements of an attractive design feature? Where can I find native plants and other supplies?

Presenters: Stacy James, Ph.D, Prairie Rivers Network; Doug Eppich, Waterflow Consultants; Paula Blakley, Illini Farmtown FS

Free and open to the public.

Click here to register. Space is limited.

]]> 5607 0 815 0 https://prairierivers.org/articles/2011/02/secret-army-corps-report-on-asian-carp-how-we-secured-its-release/ Mon, 28 Feb 2011 19:32:27 +0000 http://prairierivers.org/?p=5659 [/caption] If you have been following the efforts to keep Asian carp out of the Great Lakes, you have probably heard the barge industry and state and federal agencies express confidence that the fish are being held back by the electric fence in the Chicago Sanitary and Ship Canal.  Prairie Rivers Network has been looking for evidence to support those claims and has found it lacking. Worse yet, the Corps of engineers has been refusing to release results of experiments that would shed light on the matter. The electric fence is being operated at only half-power due to safety concerns about boaters and barges passing through the electric field. At half-strength the electric field has been shown to deter big fish, but not small ones. Last year the Army Corps of Engineers paid contractors to determine, under laboratory conditions, the voltage required to deter small fish. The contractor delivered its draft final report in September 2010, but the Army Corps announced they have no intention of finalizing it for public release until Fall 2011. By that time the results will be more than a year old! After attending meetings with Corps officials in Chicago last week we decided it was time to take legal action. At the same time, investigative reporter Dan Egan of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel informed the public about the Corps’ refusal. Teaming up with attorneys for the Natural Resources Defense Council, Prairie Rivers Network filed a formal appeal, giving us the right to sue if the report is not released within 20 business days. It took the Army Corps less than 48 hours to call our attorney with a promise to release the report within 20 business days. Under the Freedom of Information Act the Corps can legally delete contractors’ opinions and policy recommendations from a draft report, but must release factual information.  In December the Corps attorneys agreed to provide us with a redacted version, but reversed that decision in February in a letter to board member Clark Bullard. For details see NRDC attorney Thom Cmar’s blog. Asian carp DNA continues to be found beyond the electric fence, and a live 20-lb specimen was found in waters open to Lake Michigan in June 2010. Other Great Lakes States are asking the US Supreme Court to close the locks connecting the canal to Lake Michigan. The effectiveness of the electric fence is still uncertain. The common good is not served by suppressing results of experiments that could reduce that uncertainty.]]> 5659 0 814 0 https://prairierivers.org/articles/2011/03/press-release-serial-spillers-suit-announced-to-limit-mwrd-water-pollution/ Tue, 01 Mar 2011 17:49:06 +0000 http://prairierivers.org/?p=5669 Illegal sewage discharges mucking waterways from Chicago to Gulf of Mexico For immediate release: March 1, 2011 CHICAGO (March 1, 2011) – Water pollution illegally dumped from the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District’s (MWRD’s) three sewage treatment plants and combined sewer overflow pipes has created a plume of harmful impacts stretching from Chicago all the way to the Gulf of Mexico according to notice of a suit delivered to MWRD today. Wastewater discharged by MWRD exceeds federal water pollution limits and violates state-issued permits. The problem is so severe that it wipes out oxygen in the water after big rains, and causes harmful, stinking mats of algae to form downstream of the MWRD plants. “MWRD has flat-out admitted in its own reports that pollution from its sewer overflows harms the Chicago area waters it is supposed to be protecting,” said Ann Alexander, Senior Attorney with the Natural Resources Defense Council. “They have spent three decades and billions of dollars on a Tunnel and Reservoir Project that was supposed to fix the overflow problem – and all the flooding, discharges to Lake Michigan, odors, and ‘floatables’ that come with it. We’re not willing to wait decades more for the District to comply with the law and clean up our waters.” NRDC, Sierra Club and Prairie Rivers Network have given MWRD a legally-required 60-day notice of their intent to sue over the regional water regulator’s admitted pollution problem (notice, attachments). The notice points to discharges of pollution from treatment plants that regularly violate federal standards requiring that discharges not cause or contribute to unnatural sludge or growth of algae, which harms other forms of life in the water. Those standards further require that the water contain sufficient dissolved oxygen for fish to breathe. MWRD manages water infrastructure in the nearly 900 square mile region around Chicagoland. This includes the area’s sewer lines and sewage treatment plants, most notably the three plants that are the subject of the coming lawsuit – Calumet, North Side, and Stickney. These plants, the largest in Illinois, release over a billion gallons of wastewater every day to Chicago waters containing large amounts of phosphorus. Excess phosphorus acts as an unnatural fertilizer triggering growth of algae that blocks sunlight needed by other aquatic life, sucks the oxygen out of the water, and can potentially be toxic. It is also a major cause of the Dead Zone in the Gulf of Mexico, a huge area in the Gulf where fish and other forms of life cannot survive. Chicago waters, which consist primarily of effluent from the MWRD plants, have been shown to be the largest single contributor of phosphorus to the Dead Zone. As treatment plants around the region address phosphorous, MWRD falls behind results achieved by water systems in many Midwestern cities and towns, including Detroit, Milwaukee, and Minneapolis. MWRD’s water infrastructure also includes dozens of outfalls for discharge of untreated sewage combined with storm water during rain events that overwhelm the District’s treatment plants. The sewer system of Chicago, like many older cities, combines waste water with storm water, sending both through the same system of pipes to the sewage treatment plants that are spread around the Chicago area. Because the system is combined, stormwater floods the pipes beyond the capacity of sewage treatment plants, forcing raw sewage and rain water directly to Chicago waters through overflow pipes. The release of raw sewage from MWRD’s plants can kill fish, because it takes away the oxygen the fish need to breathe. The District’s own reports state that the waters receiving its combined sewer overflows violate dissolved oxygen standards more than 70 percent of the time in some parts of the Chicago River. "The MWRD over the years has taken many major steps to clean up the Chicago area waterways and the Upper Illinois River, but we still have raw sewage in the Chicago River after a heavy rain," said Jack Darin, Director of the Illinois Chapter of the Sierra Club. "MWRD has shown they are very good at solving pollution problems when they set their minds to it, and it’s past time for them to tackle the raw sewage overflow problem." “Instead of working to protect our waters, MWRD has spent our tax dollars trying to prove that the rivers are too trashed to bother with,” said Kim Knowles, Staff Attorney with Prairie Rivers Network, referring to the ongoing hearings before the Illinois Pollution Control Board concerning Illinois EPA’s proposal to improve water quality standards in Chicago area waterways. “But what they’ve inadvertently proven is that the degradation is their own fault.” MWRD’s discharges are subject to the Clean Water Act’s National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permit program. In Illinois, the IEPA manages this process on behalf of the USEPA, and last permitted MWRD’s facilities in 2002. New draft permits have been pending since 2009, and USEPA recently wrote a letter to Illinois EPA criticizing the drafts for their failure to address the problem of phosphorus discharges contributing to growth of algae, among other problems. The draft permits include a non-enforceable schedule specifying that the Tunnel and Reservoir Project, designed to address the sewer overflows, will be completed by 2024, and an MWRD presentation during permit hearings pushed that date back to 2029. The three plaintiffs in this lawsuit have also been battling MWRD in the Pollution Control Board hearings on the question of whether the District should be required to disinfect its sewage effluent, as is done in almost all other major cities across the nation. In a recent settlement with the USEPA and US Department of Justice, one of the central solutions to similar issues in Cleveland-area waterways is a significant embrace of large-scale green infrastructure projects that use natural systems and materials to hold and clean water in heavy storm events. This green infrastructure can be part of a comprehensive and cost-effective way for cities to address combined sewer overflow problems and improve water quality (more info). Other cities throughout the Midwest, including Milwaukee, Wisconsin; Aurora, Illinois; and Lenaxa, Kansas, are using green infrastructure to reduce the frequency and severity of combined sewer overflows, while improving neighborhoods and reducing infrastructure costs. Additionally, the work in Cleveland has been estimated to produce 30,000 jobs in northeast Ohio.]]> 5669 0 813 0 https://prairierivers.org/news/2011/03/march-28-workshop-how-to-write-a-fundable-319-grant-collinsville/ Wed, 02 Mar 2011 21:00:14 +0000 http://prairierivers.org/?p=5689 NOTE: This workshop has previously been held in Lisle, IL (3/3/10) and Bloomington, IL (6/23/10). WHAT: Our popular workshop on how to successfully write 319 grant proposals is being held in Collinsville.  Learn tips on how to secure CWA 319 funding to successfully implement your watershed projects. WHEN: Monday, March 28 from 1 pm - 5 pm (includes project site visit) WHERE: Collinsville Area Recreation District (CARD) Activity Center, 10 Gateway Drive, Collinsville, IL 62234 WORKSHOP AGENDA and PRESENTATIONS: "Watershed Planning and How to Write a Fundable 319 Grant" (pdf - 16.4 mb) by Jeff Boeckler, Principal, Northwater Consulting "Section 319 Grant Program - Writing a Proposal That Can Be Funded" (pdf - 2.66 mb) by Amy Walkenbach, Acting Manager of the Watershed Management Section, Illinois EPA - Bureau of Water "Thinking Outside The Pipe:  How to Bring 319 Funds to Your Backyard" (pdf - 4.53 mb) by Megan Riechmann, GIS Planner, and Ed Weilbacher, RC&D Coordinator, Southwestern Illinois Resource Conservation & Development WORKSHOP HANDOUTS: "EPA's 9 Minimum Elements for Watershed-Based Plans" "9 Minimum Elements 'Real Language' Chart (by TetraTech)" COST: Only $15.00! Registration is preferred, to guarantee a seat. REGISTER NOW! QUESTIONS?: Please contact Cecily Smith at csmith@prairierivers.org or 217-344-2371. Thank you for your interest in building capacity in Illinois watersheds! Prairie Rivers Network and the Illinois Lake Management Association partner to present workshops as part of our continuing efforts to build capacity in Illinois watersheds. This workshop is funded through an IEPA and U.S. EPA CWA 319 grant.

Post updated 5/18/11 - pdfs added

]]> 5689 0 812 0 https://prairierivers.org/articles/2011/02/news-coal-ash/ Tue, 01 Feb 2011 20:32:21 +0000 http://prairierivers.org/?p=5724 Traci Barkley, water resources scientist with Prairie Rivers Network, was recently quoted in an article on coal ash regulation on The Southern.com. She states that:

the issue of coal ash regulation has been flying under the radar for a number of years and it's time a uniform standard of regulations are set...

]]> 5724 0 822 0 https://prairierivers.org/articles/2011/01/in-the-news-canton-group-helping-community-test-their-water/ Sat, 29 Jan 2011 21:32:14 +0000 http://prairierivers.org/?p=5738 Congratulations to the Canton Area Citizens for Environmental Issues on helping community members learn how to test water quality on their land. The Peoria Journal Star highlighted this seminar, which was a response to the concern over a proposed strip coal mine northeast of the city. Conducting the seminar was Dr. Cindy Skrukrud, clean water advocate with the Sierra Club Illinois Chapter, and Traci Barkley and Brian Perbix of Prairie Rivers Network.]]> 5738 0 823 0 https://prairierivers.org/articles/2011/03/nyt-chicago-wastewater/ Mon, 07 Mar 2011 18:29:19 +0000 http://prairierivers.org/?p=5761 The New York Times is reporting on our recent notice of intent to sue the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago for violations of the Clean Water Act. Read the full NYT article here.]]> 5761 0 811 0 https://prairierivers.org/articles/2011/03/action-alert-factory-farm-bill-needs-your-voice-today/ Tue, 08 Mar 2011 14:26:00 +0000 http://prairierivers.org/?p=5778 We need your help today to pass a bill that will
strengthen oversight of factory farms in Illinois !

Dairy cows inside a factory farm

Prairie Rivers Network, Environment Illinois, and Illinois Citizens for Clean Air & Water are supporting a bill to establish a fee for water pollution permits issued to factory farms.

Factory farms are the only major industry not subject to permit fees, leaving the taxpayers, not the livestock industry, to foot the bill.

If passed, the fee will cover the cost for the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency to administer both their livestock permitting and inspection programs.

The Illinois Environmental Protection Agency supports our bill, and will use the fees to improve their inadequate livestock program so it meets the standards of the federal Clean Water Act.

Members of the House and Senate Environment Committees need to hear there is public support for House Bill 3504 and Senate Bill 2209. And they need to hear soon, before the bills come up for committee vote.

Please take any or all of the following steps today:

• Contact Representative Michael Tryon (815-459-6453, mike@miketryon.com) and Senator Ira Silverstein (773-743-5015, isilverstein@senatedem.ilga.gov) and thank them for sponsoring the NPDES permit fee bill for livestock operations.
• Contact members of the House Environment Committee and Senate Environment Committee and urge them to vote for HB3504 and SB2209, respectively.
• Contact your State Representative and Senator and ask them to support HB3504 and SB2209, respectively.

Thank you for your actions to make a difference! And please contact Stacy James * sjames @ prairierivers.org * at the Prairie Rivers Network office if you are interested in participating in Environmental Lobby Day on March 30.

]]> 5778 0 810 0 https://prairierivers.org/articles/2011/03/in-the-news-stand-up-to-coal/ Wed, 09 Mar 2011 21:08:16 +0000 http://prairierivers.org/?p=5809 Prairie Rivers Network provides technical support to local citizen groups who are working to protect clean water and land.  One of these groups, Stand Up to Coal, organized a busload of citizens to attend yesterday's Vermilion County Board meeting. They asked the board to adopt a resolution to oppose coal mining that would compromise the county's agricultural resource base. Vermilion County does not have any zoning regulations to prevent coal mining, but Traci Barkley, Water Resources Scientist with Prairie Rivers Network, pointed out that the board's existing authority under state statutes already empowers them to protect the county's land, water and community health. Read Stand Up to Coal's press release, and more about this meeting and the coal mining concerns in these articles: Danville Commercial-News on March 9, 2011 News-Gazette on March 8, 2011 Illinois Public Media on March 7, 2011 News-Gazette on March 5, 2011 Visit our coal pollution page and our coal news page to learn more about how Prairie Rivers Network is working to prevent coal pollution.]]> 5809 0 809 0 https://prairierivers.org/articles/2011/03/register-now-for-central-illinois-coal-tour-march-26/ Fri, 11 Mar 2011 18:59:33 +0000 http://prairierivers.org/?p=5852 [/caption] Interested in learning first-hand about the true cost of coal in Illinois? Join citizen activists and water quality professionals for a day-long tour of central Illinois’ coalfields.

Click here for details and registration.

Participants will meet in Springfield in the morning and depart as a group on a driving tour of historic and contemporary coal mining sites. The group will learn about the history of Illinois’ coal industry and organized labor, visiting the small towns where some of the nation’s deadliest labor battles were fought, as well as the only union coal mine left in Illinois today. From there, we will explore the impacts that the entire coal life cycle has on the lands, waters, health, and quality of life of central Illinois communities. Participants will see areas subsided from longwall mining, massive coal slurry and coal ash dumps, and get the chance to hear directly from local residents who are concerned about coal’s effects. This tour is intended for concerned Illinois residents who want to learn what they can do to promote a just transition from a coal economy to a sustainable economy in America’s heartland.

Co-Sponsors

• Heartland Coalfield Alliance
• Citizens Against Longwall Mining
• Illinois Sierra Club

 ]]> 5852 0 808 0 https://prairierivers.org/articles/2011/03/coming-up-april-16-boneyard-creek-clean-up/ Mon, 28 Mar 2011 18:28:10 +0000 http://prairierivers.org/?p=5959

REGISTER HERE

]]> 5959 0 807 0 https://prairierivers.org/articles/2011/04/prairie-rivers-network-daylights-factory-farm-pollution-during-environmental-lobby-day/ Tue, 05 Apr 2011 14:32:39 +0000 http://prairierivers.org/?p=5991

Stacy James speaks about factory farms at a press conference in the Blue Room of the Capitol Building. Joining her were University of Missouri professor emeritus John Ikerd, and Illinois Citizens for Clean Air & Water member Cindy Bonnet.

Prairie Rivers Network spent Environmental Lobby Day at the Capitol in Springfield. Working with Environment Illinois and members of Illinois Citizens for Clean Air & Water, we informed the press and legislators about the threats factory farms pose to Illinois streams and communities. We also urged legislators to vote for HB3504, which will end the free ride for factory farms with NPDES permits. This bill establishes a permit fee for confined animal feeding operations (CAFOs) that discharge pollution. You can do your part to keep this bill alive. Please contact your State Senator and Representative and ask them to vote for this bill!]]> 5991 0 806 0 https://prairierivers.org/articles/2011/04/prairie-rivers-network-to-sue-chicago-polluter/ Fri, 08 Apr 2011 17:24:27 +0000 http://prairierivers.org/?p=5977

MWRD of Greater Chicago is allowing untreated sewage to flow into the Chicago River.

As reported previously in our press release and covered by the New York Times: Prairie Rivers Network has joined with the Natural Resources Defense Council and the Sierra Club in notifying the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago (MWRD) that it intends to sue the District for illegally dumping pollution into Chicago area waters. Because the District is so big (its sewage treatment plants release billions of gallons of wastewater every day), the pollution is fouling waterways all the way from Chicago to the Gulf of Mexico. The notification of intent to sue is the first formal step toward a lawsuit in federal court. Prairie Rivers Network and its partners are threatening a lawsuit because MWRD has steadfastly refused to remove phosphorus to safe levels. Too much phosphorus can be deadly to fish because it triggers the unnatural growth of algae. Algae then suck the oxygen out of the water, depriving fish and other life of the ability to breathe. Phosphorus from MWRD is helping cause the Dead Zone, a huge area in the Gulf of Mexico where fish and other forms of life cannot survive, because there’s not enough oxygen. Prairie Rivers Network is demanding that MWRD remove phosphorus to make the waters safe. In addition to refusing to remove phosphorus, MWRD is allowing untreated sewage to flow into Chicago area waters. Untreated sewage also leads to low oxygen, because as microscopic bugs eat the raw sewage, they use up oxygen so it is not available for fish. The release of raw sewage is a serious problem in Chicago and other older cities, where sewer systems channel rainwater and sewage into the same pipes. These pipes lead to sewage treatment plants, and during heavy rains, the plants are overwhelmed. Overflow pipes divert the rain and untreated sewage away from the plant and into the Chicago River and Lake Michigan. Although MWRD believes that its Tunnel and Reservoir Plan (TARP) will resolve the sewage overflow problem, the decades-old project has cost taxpayers more than $3 billion dollars to date, and is mired in delay with no end in sight. In the lawsuit, Prairie Rivers Network will seek innovative solutions that complement TARP, such as large-scale green infrastructure projects that use natural systems and materials to hold and clean water in heavy storm events. Other cities throughout the Midwest, including Milwaukee, Wisconsin; Aurora, Illinois; and Lenaxa, Kansas, are using green infrastructure to reduce sewer overflows, improve neighborhoods and reduce sewage treatment costs. We think Chicago should do the same.]]> 5977 0 802 0 https://prairierivers.org/articles/2011/04/innovative-paths-to-cleaner-water/ Sun, 10 Apr 2011 17:36:03 +0000 http://prairierivers.org/?p=5981

Improved wastewater treatment using membrane filters

For nearly ten years, Prairie Rivers Network has been working on strengthening our state’s antidegradation law. This law was designed to prevent degradation of clean waters through the promotion of new and innovative water pollution reduction technologies. Prairie Rivers Network was involved in the passing of the law in 2002, and since that time has been helping Illinois communities develop creative solutions to keep pollution out of their waterways. One form of assistance we offer is education. Prairie Rivers Network has developed several tools for the lay person and the professional. Our guidebooks are accessible to all, with illustrations, examples, and simple explanations of technologies for reducing pollution from sewage treatment plants and polluted runoff from cities. For professionals, we developed a technical document that provides vital information on state-of-the-art sewage treatment methods. Prairie Rivers Network is also working hand-in-hand with communities that are building new or redesigned pollution treatment plants to achieve a variety of advances in clean water. For instance, we worked closely with the villages of Chatham and New Berlin on the site plans for a new drinking water treatment plant in the Sangamon River Valley. Because the Sangamon River is already polluted by too much sediment carried to the river by stormwater and erosion, we developed a plan to keep sediment on the site by using landscape features that allow stormwater to soak into the ground. The plan includes use of porous pavement, bioswales, a bioretention area, native plantings and no-mow areas, as recommended in our stormwater management guidebook. In another case, Prairie Rivers Network, the Village of Mokena and the Sierra Club developed a joint solution to the Village’s need to expand its sewage treatment plant due to population growth. The Village will use an innovative method to remove nitrogen and phosphorus pollution from its sewage, relying on microscopic bugs that essentially eat the pollution, rather than using chemicals that can be environmentally harmful. The Village has accepted a strict water pollution permit and has agreed to regularly monitor the health of the East Branch of Marley Creek where the treated wastewater is dumped. The Village has also agreed to reuse some of its wastewater for irrigation and will work on educating community members on proper disposal of unwanted medications and responsible fertilizer use. These are just two examples of progressive approaches to prevent degradation. There are many others. Prairie Rivers Network believes the antidegradation law is an essential tool for safeguarding clean water, and will continue to use it to guide others along the path of innovation to clean, healthy Illinois waters.]]> 5981 0 800 0 https://prairierivers.org/articles/2011/04/action-alert-public-hearing-for-industry-strip-mines-water-discharge-permit/ Wed, 06 Apr 2011 20:00:00 +0000 http://prairierivers.org/?p=6012

Click image to download flyer.

On Tuesday, April 12th the public will have an opportunity to speak out to protect clean water from coal pollution. The Illinois Environmental Protection Agency will hold a public hearing on the pending renewal of the Industry Mine's NPDES water discharge permit. Located near Industry in McDonough and Schuyler Counties, the strip mine is one of the most polluting coal mines in the state. The Industry Mine has violated its permit over 300 times by discharging pollution (such as iron, manganese, and sulfates) at levels several times higher than allowed. Prairie Rivers Network objects to the issuance of this permit renewal because the Illinois EPA has not enforced permit compliance. In December 2009 Prairie Rivers Network and partners launched a lawsuit against the two coal companies that have owned the mine, and in February 2010, Attorney General Lisa Madigan filed a complaint against the mine before the Illinois Pollution Control Board. Additionally, Prairie Rivers Network is concerned that continued and expanding coal mining and coal ash disposal at the Industry mine will negatively impact local water quality and wildlife. All are welcome to attend the hearing, and anyone may speak or submit written comments (see attached flyer for details). When: Tuesday, April 12th at 6:00pm* Where: Spoon River College Community Outreach Center, MidAmerica National Bank Conference Hall, 2500 E. Jackson St., Macomb, IL Notice of Public Hearing *Concerned citizens are invited to meet to discuss the issues over dinner before the hearing at 4:00pm at Guadalajara Mexican Restaurant, 1319 E. Jackson Street, Macomb.]]> 6012 0 803 0 https://prairierivers.org/articles/2011/04/secret-report-shows/ Tue, 05 Apr 2011 20:36:01 +0000 http://prairierivers.org/?p=6026 As long as the Great Lakes and Mississippi basins remain connected by Chicago’s canal system, invasive species like Asian Carp and zebra mussels will continue to spread between the watersheds. While Prairie Rivers Network continues to press for a permanent solution, Asian carp keep swimming closer to Lake Michigan and the electric fence in the Sanitary and Ship Canal remains the last line of defense. Unfortunately it seems like every time the Army Corps of Engineers makes hardware or operational upgrades, scientists discover new “holes” in the fence. Only after being threatened with a lawsuit by Prairie Rivers Network and the NRDC, the Army Corps of Engineers reluctantly released a 9-month old report that it intended to keep under wraps for at least 6 more months. The report by Smith-Root Inc. raises serious concerns about whether the electric fences are capable of preventing small Asian Carp from reaching Lake Michigan through Chicago’s Sanitary and Ship Canal. More troubling is the accompanying memorandum from the Corps, explaining its failure to act sooner on the results by increasing the operating voltage. These laboratory experiments were needed because it is known that big fish receive strong shocks from the electric field, while small fish receive weaker shocks. The report revealed that the Corps knew as early as April 2009 (while operating the electric fence at only 25% of full strength) that such a low operating voltage was inadequate to immobilize small silver carp under controlled conditions in the lab. Instead of making the results public and increasing the operating voltage immediately, they continued to operate at 25%. Months later when researchers from Notre Dame and the Nature Conservancy tested the waters for DNA, they found that the Asian Carp invasion front had advanced to the Brandon Road Pool, immediately downstream of the Lockport Pool where the electric fence is located. Only then did the Corps increase voltage from quarter to half-strength, the level shown to repel silver carp in the laboratory experiments. Additional experiments during fall 2009 showed that even higher voltages were needed to repel small bighead carp, the other species of Asian carp threatening to invade the Great Lakes via the canal. Again the Corps failed to release the results, and failed to increase the voltage. Subsequent experiments during spring 2010 uncovered even more causes for concern: schools of fish penetrated the electric field more aggressively and successfully than the individual fish tested earlier; water in the canal occasionally reverses direction, raising the possibility that a fish temporarily stunned while crossing the electric fence would float towards Lake Michigan instead of away from it; and road salt from city streets increased the conductivity of the canal water, requiring massive increases in electric power to maintain a strong electric field. The cover memorandum from the Corps did not address all the deficiencies identified in the contractor’s report. Instead it defended the decision to continue operating the fence at half-strength because it believes the nearest population of small Asian carp is at least 25 miles downstream, and not in a position to challenge the electric fence “at this time.” It explained how difficult it might be for small fish to swim so far upstream, but failed to mention how easy it might be to hitch a ride in the ruptured ballast tanks of barges and towboats travelling daily towards Chicago. The memo also cited safety concerns about increasing the voltage to levels shown to immobilize small bighead carp (sparking on barges carrying flammable or explosive cargo; electrical shocks to boaters). However it gave no reason for waiting more than a year (December 2009 to February 2011) before conducting higher-voltage safety tests at the electric fence. The Corps’ statement concludes by stating that it “intends to adjust the operating parameters if evidence indicates that very small silver or bighead carp migrate closer to the electric barrier, once a full understanding of safety and maintenance implications is achieved.” It is another race against time: The Corps needs to figure out how to increase the voltage safely before the carp arrive. Prairie Rivers Network is focused on the long-term solution of permanently separating the basins and replacing Chicago’s antiquated 19th century transportation, sewage and stormwater systems with 21st century sustainable technology. In the meantime, Congress needs to give the Corps the support it needs to keep plugging the the holes in its electric fence.

]]> 6026 0 805 0 https://prairierivers.org/articles/2011/04/heartland-coalfield-alliance-unites-groups-working-to-move-beyond-coal/ Wed, 06 Apr 2011 20:00:00 +0000 http://prairierivers.org/?p=6034 In December 2010, Prairie Rivers Network convened representatives from several citizen-led groups who are working to protect their land, water and communities from the ravages of coal mining, and invited legal and scientific experts to strategize as part of a two-day “coal summit.” On the first day, environmental advocates and citizens developed strategies to improve the effectiveness of a “beyond coal” movement through shared goals and collaboration. On the second day, lawyers and organizational advocates focused on legal strategies to improve how regulators carry out and enforce the Clean Water Act and the Surface Mining Control and Reclamation Act. As a result of the first Illinois coal summit, The Heartland Coalfield Alliance was born. The Alliance’s 22 (and growing!) members share a vision to “make a just transition from a coal economy to a clean energy and sustainable economy in America’s Heartland.” In support of the vision, the Alliance has stated goals to: (1) build the movement of “beyond coal” advocates; (2) support ongoing efforts to reduce coal impacts; and (3) develop a roadmap for a transition from a coal-based to a clean energy economy. In just a few short months, the Heartland Coalfield Alliance has launched a website www.heartlandcoalfieldalliance.org, built partnerships with other regional and national beyond coal advocates, organized two coal mining tours to educate activists about damage caused by coal, and started work with a state legislator to investigate the extent of state subsidies to the coal industry. The Alliance has defined the “heartland” as the Illinois coal basin, which includes most of Illinois, and parts of Indiana and Kentucky. The Illinois coal basin is ground zero in the nation’s challenge to move toward clean energy. Organizing the many communities and groups engaged on this issue is an essential component of our larger effort to use advocacy and legal tools to reduce the harmful impacts from the coal industry on drinking water, rivers and wetlands, and the natural wealth of Illinois.

What is “Beyond Coal”?

Beyond coal advocates are working to stop the growth of coal mining and coal-fired power sources, clean up existing coal pollution sites and move toward cleaner energy alternatives. Fact: Coal provides about half (47%) of Illinois’ electricity. Fact: Coal is responsible for 93% of the sulfur dioxide and 80% of the nitrogen oxide emissions that contribute to climate change. Fact: Coal waste from the mining, washing and burning of coal has been found to leak through unlined containment ponds to pollute the surrounding environment and groundwater with elements like lead, mercury and arsenic. Fact: There are nearly 100 coal ash waste dumps in Illinois- with more contamination sites identified in Illinois than any other state.

Prairie Rivers Network would like to thank those who are making this important work possible. We are grateful for all those who responded to last year’s special appeal. Your dollars made all of this possible.

Heartland Coalfield Alliance is: Prairie Rivers Network ▪ IL Chapter of the Sierra Club ▪ Sierra Student Coalition ▪ IN Chapter of the Sierra Club ▪ Hoosier Environmental Council ▪ Eco-Justice Collaborative Faith in Place ▪ Coal-Free Future Project/Jeff Biggers ▪ Citizens Coal Council ▪ Environmental Integrity Project ▪ Canton Area Citizens for Environmental Issues ▪ Citizens Against Longwall Mining ▪ Stand Up To Coal ▪ Climate Action St. Louis]]> 6034 0 804 0 https://prairierivers.org/articles/2011/04/grassroots-groups-fight-coal-pollution/ Sat, 09 Apr 2011 17:32:13 +0000 http://prairierivers.org/?p=6050

Larry Schraut, farmer, explaining his concerns about a new underground mine during our recent coal tour.

This winter’s frigid weather may have kept people indoors, but it didn’t stop citizen groups across Illinois fighting coal pollution from working hard to protect their water, land and communities.

Stand Up To Coal, Vermilion County

www.standuptocoal.org

On March 8th, 2011, farmers and rural residents from the voluntary association Stand Up To Coal took their effort to preserve clean water and prime farmland from a proposed coal mine to the Vermilion County Board. Supporters from the area where Sunrise Coal, LLC is buying up coal leases boarded a charter bus to attend the meeting. Speakers Kevin Block and Charles Goodall detailed existing damage in other Illinois communities caused by coal mining, toxic coal slurry and coal ash waste disposal, and called on the Board to take strong action to halt threats from new coal mining to the county’s economic and natural resources. Prairie Rivers Network helped Stand Up to Coal members “think outside the box” when approaching the Vermilion County Board, in order to counter Board member arguments that their hands are tied because Vermilion County has no zoning regulations. “Even without zoning regulations, the Vermilion County Board has opportunities to protect the resources of the county,” explains Water Resources Scientist Traci Barkley. “Illinois law authorizes county boards to support county water commissions, control and regulate refuse and waste, prevent water pollution and take groundwater protection measures to protect a public drinking water supply. Further, they can declare their intention to protect the county’s land, water and community health by adopting a resolution while barring subsidies to the coal industry.” Prairie Rivers Network also helped Stand Up To Coal members reach out to the press, ensuring that the Board meeting was covered by the local media, and shared information on possible negative impacts of coal mining on water and land. Unfortunately, the Board has failed to take any action so far, but Stand Up to Coal members are committed to continue working with them and with municipal governments to protect clean water and community health in Vermilion County.

Canton Area Citizens for Environmental Issues, Fulton County

www.savecantonlake.com

As they await word from the Illinois Department of Natural Resources’ Office of Mines and Minerals on their request for an administrative review of the North Canton Mine Permit, members of Canton Area Citizens for Environmental Issues (CACEI) have been busy building public understanding of and support for their group’s mission to protect Canton Lake from strip mining impacts. An administrative review hearing is the first step in a legal challenge to North Canton Mine’s permit to operate. The mine would discharge polluted waste water into Copperas Creek just over a mile upstream of Canton Lake, which is a drinking water source for 20,000 people. Meanwhile, CACEI is remaining active to keep the movement strong while they await the next major strategic move. In February, CACEI hosted a presentation from award-winning author Jeff Biggers (Reckoning at Eagle Creek, The United States of Appalachia). The event drew nearly 60 local residents and stimulated a lively discussion afterwards about the need to move beyond coal while ensuring that employment opportunities from clean energy alternatives like wind, solar and efficiency reach rural Illinois communities. This March, Prairie Rivers Network and Illinois Sierra Club’s Dr. Cindy Skrukrud trained CACEI’s team of volunteers to test the waters of Copperas Creek upstream and downstream of the proposed mine and Canton Lake itself. Volunteers completed a successful initial monitoring trip and reported abundant wildlife in Copperas Creek, including mink, mollusks, crayfish and schools of juvenile fish. Finally, Prairie Rivers Network is helping CACEI members keep a watchful eye on the upcoming water pollution permit hearing for the Industry Mine in neighboring McDonough County. On April 12, Illinois EPA held a hearing on that mine’s water pollution permit renewal – this is the same mine that has over 300 Clean Water Act violations stretching back to 2004. CACEI members are especially concerned because the proposed North Canton Mine was designed by the same engineer who designed the Industry Mine.

Citizens Against Longwall Mining, Montgomery County

www.citizensagainstlongwallmining.org

In central Illinois, Citizens Against Longwall Mining (CALM) was hard at work, along with Prairie Rivers Network and other Heartland Coalfield Alliance members, making preparations for their Central Illinois Coalfields Tour on March 26th. CALM members and concerned local residents were on hand to explain the history and impacts of existing coal mining in Macoupin and Montgomery Counties. Tour participants viewed Deer Run Mine’s massive coal processing plant and its coal storage piles from the new Hillsboro Area Hospital, located just 600 feet away. CALM members showed participants the area near Hillsboro slated to be undermined by the Deer Run longwall machine, including numerous places where houses have been torn down in anticipation of mine-induced subsidence. Attendees also saw miles of headwater streams and thousands of acres of farmland that CALM members believe will be irreparably damaged by mining operations. CALM is also making preparations to turn out citizens for Illinois EPA’s upcoming public hearing on April 27th for the Shay I Mine’s water pollution permit, a mine with a documented history of surface and groundwater pollution from decades of slurry disposal. Shay I has recently been purchased by a subsidiary of the Cline Group, an Appalachian mining company that is shifting its activities to Illinois. The mine operators are ramping up production, raising concerns about additional coal waste disposal. Prairie Rivers Network is helping CALM members prepare their messages for Illinois EPA at the hearing: existing coal pollution at the mine must be cleaned up and advanced treatment put in place to ensure that continued operations protect clean water.]]> 6050 0 801 0 https://prairierivers.org/articles/2011/04/prairie-river-notes-spring-2011-newsletter/ Mon, 11 Apr 2011 13:00:54 +0000 http://prairierivers.org/?p=6061 View Prairie River Notes - Spring 2011 Newsletter with the following articles.

• Innovative Paths to Cleaner Water: Prairie Rivers Network Uses Clean Water Law to Help Communities Reduce Pollution
• Greetings from Glynnis
• An Open Letter to Prairie Rivers Network Staff and Members: From Member Carol Wock
• Prairie Rivers Network Supports Bill to Make Factory Farms Pay for Their Permit to Pollute
• Heartland Coalfield Alliance Unites Groups Working to Move Beyond Coal
• Prairie Rivers Network to Sue Chicago Polluter
• Grassroots Groups Fight Coal Pollution
• 2010 Annual Report

]]> 6061 0 799 0 https://prairierivers.org/articles/2011/04/2010-annual-report/ Fri, 15 Apr 2011 13:00:37 +0000 http://prairierivers.org/?p=6066 It is a pleasure to share with you the 2010 Annual Report of Prairie Rivers Network. The year has been a good one for us, in terms of our accomplishments, growing membership, expanding programs, and financial health. We remain well-positioned, as 2011 unfolds, to pursue the ambitious goals set forth in our strategic plan. I am proud to be a part of this network, proud to work hand-in-hand with talented staff, dedicated board members, and enthusiastic members to promote clean water, healthy rivers, and vibrant communities throughout Illinois. – Glynnis Collins, Executive Director]]> 6066 0 797 0 https://prairierivers.org/articles/2011/04/register-now-for-southern-illinois-coalfield-tour-april-31st-may-1st/ Wed, 13 Apr 2011 22:00:55 +0000 http://prairierivers.org/?p=6080 [/caption] Join citizen activists, award-winning author Jeff Biggers, and water quality professionals from the Heartland Coalfield Alliance for a two-day tour of southern Illinois’ coalfields. CLICK HERE FOR DETAILS AND REGISTRATION Participants will explore the impacts that the entire coal life cycle has on the lands, waters, health, and quality of life of southern Illinois communities. We will depart from Carbondale Saturday, April 30th at 9:00 am as a group for a driving tour of the nation’s largest new coal-fired power plant and examples of contemporary surface and underground coal mines that feed such a plant. Sites visited will include a massive coal slurry and coal ash dump, a strip mine, areas subsided from longwall mining, and particpants will hear directly from local residents who are concerned about the effects mining has on the quality of life and health of citizens, communities and coal miners. We’ll conclude the first day of the tour at a beautiful retreat center high atop bluffs overlooking the Ohio River, with entertaining, topical storytelling and poetry reading. We’ll begin our Sunday tour taking in the magnificent views from the bluff top at the edge of the Garden of the Gods Wilderness Area. From there we will drive down into Eagle Creek Valley to witness the devastation that occurs to the land and communities when the land is cleared and stripped away. A spectacular drive over Eagle Mountain and along the northern side of Wildcat Hills will take us out into the Saline River valley where strip mining is occurring a rapid pace. This tour is intended for concerned citizens who want to learn what they can do to promote a just transition from a coal economy to a sustainable economy in America’s heartland.

Co-Sponsors

• Heartland Coalfield Alliance
• Eco-Justice Collaborative
• Illinois Sierra Club

]]> 6080 0 798 0 https://prairierivers.org/articles/2011/04/local-citizens-speak-out-against-coal-pollution/ Thu, 21 Apr 2011 18:42:39 +0000 http://prairierivers.org/?p=6101 [/caption] Attendance was high at the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency's public hearing April 12th on the proposed renewal of the Industry Mine's National Pollution Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) water discharge permit. With over 40 people in attendance and more than a dozen taking the stand to provide comments, the message to the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency (IEPA) was loud and clear: don't renew the Industry Mine's water discharge permit! The strip mine located southwest of the town of Industry in Schuyler and McDonough Counties has been in operation for over two decades, and has been in continuous violation of its current water permit dating back at least to 2004. With over 300 Clean Water Act Violations in the past six years, including discharges of pollution such as iron, manganese, and sulfates at levels several times higher than their permit allows, the Industry Mine's environmental compliance record is one of the worst for coal mines in Illinois. Prairie Rivers Network and the Illinois Chapter of the Sierra Club filed suit with our partners in 2009 to stop the pollution. The case caught the attention of Attorney General Lisa Madigan, who has now taken the case against the mine to the Illinois Pollution Control Board. Prairie Rivers Network and Sierra Club are now intervening to ensure sufficient penalties for unlawful pollution of Grindstone Creek and Willow Creek. In the 15 months since the Attorney General took on the case, the Industry Mine has continued to violate its water pollution permit. Furthermore, the new permit would allow the mine to continue its practice of dumping toxic coal ash into unlined pits at the mine - a practice that may be contributing to the groundwater pollution problems onsite that IEPA has acknowledged exist. Grindstone and Willow Creek both flow into the La Moine River, and at the hearing the La Moine River Ecosystem Partnership (LMREP) urged IEPA not to issue the permit. In their statement delivered by Schuyler County resident Tim Sullivan, LMREP stated that "The Illinois EPA, in association with local matching funds, has spent approximately $1 million over the past five years on projects in the La Moine River watershed under the Section 319 Grant Program. By consciously allowing this mine to operate outside the scope of its pollution discharge permit, the Illinois EPA is directly undermining its own efforts to improve water quality in the region." Echoing the sentiments of many who spoke at the hearing, Macomb resident Sara Wood said, "The coal company cannot be allowed to continue to flush the true cost of mining downstream." Prairie Rivers Network along with local citizens and our partners at the Illinois Chapter of the Sierra Club, and the La Moine River Ecosystem Partnership will continue to fight to put an end to pollution from this mine.

SEND IN YOUR COMMENTS:

Illinois EPA will accept public comments on the draft NPDES water discharge permit for Industry Mine until May 12th. Comments can be sent to Hearing Officer Dean Studer, RE: Industry Mine NPDES, IEPA, P O Box 19276, Springfield, IL 62794 or via e-mail to <EPA.Public HearingCom@Illinois.gov>. The subject line on the e-mail must read: Industry Mine NPDES. Tell Illinois Environmental Protection Agency to deny Industry Mine's permit!

News Coverage

Just before the hearing, Prairie Rivers Network's Traci Barkley sat down with Rich Egger of WIUM 91.3, Macomb, to discuss the problems at Industry Mine. Listen to the full interview here.

• Locals Speak Out Against Mine Permit Renewal, McDonough County Voice
• "Substantial Issues" Raised at Mine Permit Hearing, WIUM 91.3 FM Macomb
• Question of Coal Mine's Permit Renewal Stirs Controversy, WGEM Quincy

]]> 6101 0 796 0 https://prairierivers.org/articles/2011/04/press-release-federal-agencies-attempt-to-clear-up-clean-water-act-uncertainty/ Fri, 29 Apr 2011 20:39:26 +0000 http://prairierivers.org/?p=6126 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:  April 27, 2011

Implications for Illinois waterways not yet known

Yesterday the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the US Army Corps of Engineers (Corps) released draft guidance to provide clarification about which water bodies are subject to regulation under the Clean Water Act. The two agencies worked together to develop the new guidance on the regulatory program they both have a hand in implementing. The Act’s goal is to “restore and maintain the chemical, physical and biological integrity of the Nation’s waters” by limiting how much pollution can be dumped into waterways. The EPA has estimated that 1.6 million Illinois residents get their drinking water from waterways whose regulatory status was unclear. “This guidance is a welcome development. In Illinois, over half of our small streams and 150,000 acres of wetlands have been at risk for uncontrolled pollution and filling because of unclear rules. We’re not sure yet how the new guidance will change these numbers, but it looks to be a step in the right direction” said Glynnis Collins, Executive Director of Prairie Rivers Network, Illinois’ statewide river conservation organization. “We hope that the new guidance will lead to better protection of our drinking water and of the other essential services like flood protection and filtering pollution that our rivers, lakes, and wetlands provide Illinoisans.” Since 1972 EPA and the Corps have enforced the Clean Water Act on “waters of the United States” until Supreme Court decisions in 2001 and 2006 created widespread uncertainty on the part of regulators and the regulated community about when water pollution must be authorized by a Clean Water Act permit. The issue’s profile has risen in Washington DC during recent budget battles.  The House budget bill would have prevented federal agencies from taking the action announced yesterday, but the Senate refused to agree. The draft guidance is on notice for a 60-day public comment period. It can be viewed here.   According to Collins, “People should let their lawmakers know that they support protections for clean water – that we don’t want industry to have a pass to pollute what belongs to all of us, and is a vital foundation of our well being.” Collins adds, “We shouldn’t forget Springfield either. States have broader authority than the federal government, and Illinois could drastically improve the health and safety of our waters by adopting rules and standards that are tougher than federal requirements; those rules could apply to all waters of the state too.”  

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]]> 6126 0 795 0 https://prairierivers.org/articles/2011/05/danville-paper-guest-commentary-on-atrazine/ Tue, 03 May 2011 19:16:41 +0000 http://prairierivers.org/?p=6133 Danville’s drinking water supply, Lake Vermilion, has too much atrazine. Atrazine is an herbicide that is applied to corn fields in the spring. Some of that atrazine makes its way into ditches and streams that ultimately flow into the lake. Consequently, there are times following application when the water treatment plant owned by Aqua Illinois must remove atrazine from the water so that it meets federal drinking water standards. The Lake Vermilion Water Quality Coalition is a Danville-based, multi-stakeholder group working to make the lake cleaner. Prairie Rivers Network sits on the Coalition’s board and attends their monthly meetings. This guest commentary piece in the Commercial-News is one facet of the outreach efforts we are making to encourage more conservation practices on agricultural land.]]> 6133 0 794 0 https://prairierivers.org/articles/2011/05/press-release-groups-sue-to-stop-chicago-water-regulators-from-polluting-the-chicago-river/ Wed, 04 May 2011 18:33:25 +0000 http://prairierivers.org/?p=6165 Serial Spillers: Groups Sue to Stop Chicago Water Regulators from Polluting the Chicago River MWRD's illegal sewage discharges mucking waterways from Chicago to Gulf of Mexico CHICAGO (May 3, 2011) – A coalition of conservation groups have sued to stop the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District (MWRD) from dumping raw sewage mixed with stormwater, as well as algae-fueling pollution, into the Chicago River system. Effluent from MWRD’s sewage treatment plants and combined sewer overflow pipes regularly violate Clean Water Act standards in the River, impacting downstream waters from Chicago all the way to the Gulf of Mexico according to the suit. “Keeping raw sewage out of our waters is the District’s core responsibility,” said Ann Alexander, Senior Attorney with the Natural Resources Defense Council. “Yet the problem continues unabated, even after three decades and billions of taxpayer dollars. Chicagoland shouldn’t have to wait any longer for the District to do its job right.” NRDC, Sierra Club and Prairie Rivers Network filed a federal lawsuit today in the Northern District of Illinois over the regional water treater’s pollution problem. The suit points to discharges of pollution from treatment plants that regularly violate federal standards requiring that discharges not cause or contribute to low levels of oxygen, which fish need to breathe; and unnatural sludge or growth of algae, which harms other forms of life in the water. MWRD manages water infrastructure in the nearly 900 square mile region in Cook County. This includes the area’s sewer lines and sewage treatment plants, most notably the three plants that are the subject of the lawsuit – Calumet, North Side, and Stickney.  These plants, the largest in Illinois, are authorized to release over a billion gallons of wastewater every day to Chicago waters, and that wastewater contains large amounts of phosphorus. Excess phosphorus acts as an unnatural fertilizer triggering growth of algae, aquatic plants and bacteria that block sunlight needed by other aquatic life, sucks the oxygen out of the water, and can potentially be toxic. Phosphorus is also a major cause of the Dead Zone in the Gulf of Mexico, a huge area in the Gulf where fish and other forms of life cannot survive. Chicago waters, which consist primarily of effluent from the MWRD plants, have been shown to be the largest single contributor of phosphorus to the Dead Zone. As treatment plants around the region address phosphorus, MWRD has fallen behind results achieved by water systems in many Midwestern cities and towns, including Detroit, Milwaukee, and Minneapolis. MWRD’s water infrastructure also includes dozens of overflow points where untreated sewage combined with storm water pour into the river during rain events that overwhelm the District’s treatment plants.  The sewer system of Chicago, like many older cities, combines waste water with storm water, sending both through the same system of pipes to the sewage treatment plants that are spread around the Chicago area. Because the system is combined, stormwater floods the pipes beyond the capacity of sewage treatment plants, forcing raw sewage and rain water directly to Chicago waters through overflow pipes. The release of raw sewage from MWRD’s plants can kill fish, because it takes away the oxygen the fish need to breathe.  The District’s own reports state that the waters receiving its combined sewer overflows violate dissolved oxygen standards a substantial percentage of the time in parts of the Chicago River. Combined sewage and stormwater from the District can also flood basements and force opening of the locks to Lake Michigan. "We shouldn’t have raw sewage in the Chicago River every time we get a big rainstorm," said Jack Darin, Director of the Illinois Chapter of the Sierra Club. "Upgrading Chicago’s sewers to modern standards will not only give us a healthy river, it will create good jobs when Chicagoans need them the most." “The millions of dollars MWRD has spent to fight off a cleaner Chicago River could have moved us forward on dealing with the nutrient pollution that fouls waters downstate and in the Gulf of Mexico,” said Glynnis Collins, Executive Director of Prairie Rivers Network, referring to the ongoing hearings before the Illinois Pollution Control Board concerning Illinois EPA’s proposal to improve water quality standards in Chicago area waterways.  “The City, State, and Feds all want to get this rolling. We hope the suit can help force the issue along.” The three plaintiffs in this lawsuit have also been battling MWRD in the Pollution Control Board hearings on the question of whether the District should be required to disinfect its sewage effluent, as is done in almost all other major cities across the nation. In addition to today’s lawsuit by Chicago River advocates, there are indications that MWRD is in consent decree discussions with the US Department of Justice and USEPA over its outdated sewage infrastructure. This comes a week after USEPA released guidance that “encourages” cities to use green infrastructure to the “maximum extent possible” for stormwater and CSOs. In a recent settlement with the USEPA and US Department of Justice, one of the central solutions to similar issues in Cleveland-area waterways is a significant embrace of large-scale green infrastructure projects that use natural systems and materials to hold and clean water in heavy storm events. This green infrastructure can be part of a comprehensive and cost-effective way for cities to address combined sewer overflow problems and improve water quality.  Other cities throughout the Midwest, including Milwaukee, Wisconsin; Aurora, Illinois; and Lenaxa, Kansas, are using green infrastructure to reduce the frequency and severity of combined sewer overflows, while improving neighborhoods and reducing infrastructure costs. Additionally, the work in Cleveland has been estimated to produce 30,000 jobs in northeast Ohio. Additional Resources: Court filings on the suit USEPA’s “Recent Examples of Green Infrastructure in Permits and Enforcement Actions” NRDC's “Re-Envisioning the Chicago River” highlights potential positive impacts from the use of green technologies to relieve pressure on the stressed water infrastructure throughout Chicagoland NRDC's “Rooftops to Rivers” looks at current uses of green technologies]]> 6165 0 793 0 https://prairierivers.org/articles/2011/05/in-the-news-our-lawsuit-against-chicagos-metropolitan-water-reclamation-district-covered-in-chicago-tribune/ Mon, 16 May 2011 14:38:04 +0000 http://prairierivers.org/?p=6174

The Chicago Tribune and many other news outlets covered our recent lawsuit against the Chicago Metropolitan Water Reclamation District (MWRD) to stop the routine dumping of raw sewage and under-treated wastewater into the Chicago River and Lake Michigan. During heavy rains (anything more than 2/3 of an inch), the pipes that would normally send a combination of wastewater and stormwater to Chicago sewage treatment plants cannot cope with the sheer amount of water and sewage and instead overflow, releasing that bacteria-laden water directly into nearby waters. The regular discharge of water from these treatment plants contains too much phosphorus which causes excessive growth of algae, blocking sunlight and using up oxygen that fish and other aquatic animals need to survive. The release of raw sewage and excessive phosphorous are both in violation of the federal Clean Water Act. The MWRD has actually been under investigation by federal regulators for nearly a decade, but no action has been taken.

A draft agreement on April 21 calls for more specific deadlines to finish the Deep Tunnel project, a labyrinth of large tunnels and reservoirs underground that serve as a holding area for excess water. The MWRD would also pay $670,000 in fines and spend $325,000 on "green infrastructure" that allows rainwater to better absorb into the ground rather than running off into sewers. This pales in comparison to the city of Cleveland, OH, which recently agreed to spend $42 million on green infrastructure and pay fines of $1.2 million.

The lawsuit was brought by Prairie Rivers Network, the Sierra Club, and the Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC). Read the Chicago Tribune article here.

See these additional resources about reducing stormwater pollution:

Prairie Rivers Network's Stormwater Management Guidebook, a guide to green infrastructure with examples throughout Illinois.

Rooftops to Rivers and Re-Envisioning the Chicago River (published by the Natural Resources Defense Council).  The first is a guide to green strategies for controlling stormwater and combined sewer overflows, and the second includes the benefits of green infrastructure specifically for the Chicago region, with a summary of how everything relates to invasive species such as the Asian Carp.

The lawsuit was also covered in these news outlets:

Huffington Post

Milwaukee Journal Sentinel

The Pantagraph (Bloomington-Normal)

Park Forest ENews (Chicago area)

Mother Nature Network

Northwest Indiana Times

 

]]> 6174 0 790 0 https://prairierivers.org/articles/2011/05/making-room-for-rivers/ Mon, 09 May 2011 18:06:26 +0000 http://prairierivers.org/?p=6204 Some thoughts on blasting a levee to restore a floodplain On May 2, 2011, websites and newspapers across the nation featured the image of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers’ blasting a levee to activate the Mississippi River’s New Madrid Floodway, located between the borders of southern Illinois and Missouri. Against the night sky, the blast’s leaping flames and billowing smoke were a sobering symbol of a “grave decision” made in response to one of the area’s worst flooding events in history. In the end, the decision to blast the levee prevented the flooding of Cairo, Illinois, a town with 3,000 residents; the diverted waters have flooded approximately 130,000 of acres of agricultural land and 100 residences in Missouri. There is a fascinating backstory to this event, and George Sorvalis of the Water Protection Network has outlined it beautifully in a commentary called “Grave Decisions.” We are reposting it in its entirety here. Prairie Rivers Network, along with the Water Protection Network and other organizations concerned with protecting our rivers and water, believes that we must work to adopt growth and development policies that work with natural river dynamics. We must “make room” for our rivers, both for their protection and for our own. Grave Decisions By George Sorvalis Water Protection Network, Coordinator   The Corps of Engineers last night activated the Birds Point-New Madrid Floodway - a roughly 130,000 acre, 3 to 10 mile-wide, floodway inside a 56-mile-long ‘frontline’ levee along the Mississippi River and a 36-mile long setback levee.  There is a 1,500-foot gap where the 2 levees would come together down river, to allow the floodway to drain back into the Mississippi River.  This gap also allows the Mississippi River to back into its floodplain providing exceptional (and now unfortunately rare) wildlife habit.To activate the New Madrid Floodway, the Corps fills in pre-drilled holes with explosives and literally explodes the levee at Birds Point, just south of Cairo, IL.  The floodway is designed to divert 550,000cfs from the Mississippi River during a “project flood” (defined as the maximum flood with a reasonable chance of occurring) to relieve pressure on the entire flood control system, and reduce flood heights regionally in Cairo, Il and other nearby towns.   The New Madrid Floodway is one of four floodways that the Corps designed into the Mississippi Rivers and Tributaries Project (MR&T) – the entire flood control system that Congress authorized in 1928 following the Great Mississippi Flood of 1927.  The MR&T levee system extends along the Mississippi River all of the way from the bootheal of Missouri to the Gulf of Mexico affecting a 35,000 sq. mile project area.   Use of the New Madrid floodway has always been controversial and this time around is no exception if you’ve been watching the news coverage.  Yesterday was only the 2nd time in history the floodway has been used by the Corps.  The first time was in 1937, and at that time, a handful of the 3,000 residents that inhabited the floodway had to be forcibly removed by the National Guard to protect workers working to breach the levee to activate the floodway.   Today, there are roughly 200 inhabitants in the floodway engaged in agribusiness mostly producing soy beans.   The federal government has compensated floodway inhabitants by purchasing flowage easement to flood their land, and the government is required to compensate landowners within all of the MR&T project floodways who would be subjected “to additional destructive floodwaters that will pass by reason of diversion” from the Mississippi River.  However as we have seen, using the floodway is never an easy thing to do, whether you are talking about flooding 3,000 people in 1927 or flooding 200 people today.   In 1937 when the Corps last activated the floodway, Maj. Gen. Edward Markham, Chief of Engineers testified before the House Committee on Flood Control that, “I am now of the opinion that no plan is satisfactory which is based upon deliberately turning floodwaters upon the home and property of people, even though the right to do so may have been paid for in advance.”   Just yesterday in a Mississippi River Commission statement announcing the operation of the floodway, Maj. Gen. Michael J. Walsh, Commander of the Corps’ Mississippi Valley Division stated, “Making this decision is not easy or hard – it’s simply grave – because the decision leads to loss of property and livelihood – either in a floodway – or in an area that was not designed to flood.”    So the question is how do we avoid putting people, whether it be 3,000 in 1937 or 200 today, intentionally in harm’s way?    One way is to treat the Mississippi River and its floodplain better.  Continued manipulation of the River by navigation and agribusinesses throughout the Mississippi and Ohio basins to "get the water off the fields" as fast as possible has continued to increase flooding risks year-by-year, decade-by-decade, leading to this kind of situation.  The 1927 flood took months of sustained and unyielding rain to bring both Ohio and Mississippi Rivers to flood stage.  Today’s flood has already exceeded the 1927 flood at the Cairo gage, and it only took a matter of days.    Maintaining the Mississippi River floodways as unencumbered floodways is critical.  Will post disaster recovery funds be made available to the remaining inhabitants in the floodway to move out of the floodway?  Or maybe even a more urgent question is what federally-subsidized projects are being proposed that would exacerbate flooding risks in the floodway.   The St. John’s Bayou / New Madrid Floodway Project, a Corps proposal to close that 1,500 ft. gap at the bottom of the floodway in order to intensify agriculture production in the floodway, is a looming threat to wildlife habitat, public safety and a waste of tax dollars.  Any attempts to revive this project as part of the post-disaster response should be strongly resisted.   A better way forward may be to let the New Madrid Floodway remain open to the Mississippi River and become a floodplain again.  Doing so would reduce flood risks to upstream towns by allowing the Mississippi River to spread out again instead of being confined through the main levee channel, create recreational opportunities from new fish and wildlife habitat created by the new wetland, and it would capture pollutants like nitrogen which would benefit the health of the Gulf of Mexico.   As our nation faces increasing flooding threats from climate change, increasing land use, navigation structures, and other factors, we should start embracing a growth policy that allows "Room for Rivers" -- retreating from their floodplains rather than continuing to develop upon them.  To do so would avoid having to make the “simply grave” decisions to turn waters loose on our fellow citizens.   George Sorvalis the Coordinator of the Water Protection Network, a coalition of hundreds of organizations from around the country working to ensure water projects and policies and environmentally and economically sound.   ____________________________ George Sorvalis Water Protection Network, Coordinator www.waterprotectionnetwork.org]]> 6204 0 792 0 https://prairierivers.org/articles/2011/05/join-prairie-rivers-network-at-revamped-eco-fashion-show/ Fri, 13 May 2011 19:04:55 +0000 http://prairierivers.org/?p=6256

Join us at EarthShare of Illinois' Second Annual ReVamped Eco-Fashion Show When: Friday, May 20, from 7:00 - 11:00 pm, Where: Bridgeport Art Center in Chicago. EarthShare of Illinois is a nonprofit representing environmental groups in Illinois through its workplace-giving program. In supporting ReVamped you are supporting Prairie Rivers Network's efforts to ensure clean water and healthy rivers throughout Illinois.]]> 6256 0 791 0 https://prairierivers.org/articles/2011/05/usepa-backs-cleaner-chicago-river/ Tue, 17 May 2011 20:25:44 +0000 http://prairierivers.org/?p=6274 New pollution standards will mean Chicago sewage gets disinfected On May 11th, the USEPA told Illinois EPA that if they don’t insist on tougher pollution standards for the Chicago River, the Cal-Sag Channel and the Little Calumet River “promptly,” then USEPA will do it for them. This news was greeted with agreement from various environmental groups who have long argued for the river to be made cleaner, as was covered on Chicago's ABC- TV station, WLS. Read the letter from USEPA here. This is great news for the growing numbers of people who are using these waters for boating, fishing, and swimming.  Right now, the treated sewage that makes up a large amount of the water in the Chicago River, the Cal-Sag Channel and the Little Calumet River is not disinfected. This puts people at risk of contracting illnesses when they are in and on the water. Chicago is the only major city in America (and the industrialized world) that does not disinfect its sewage (yuck!). In fact, this daily discharge of 1.2 billion gallons of undisinfected sewage into the Chicago River system has earned the river a place on the annual list of America's Most Endangered Rivers. People are talking, as no city (especially with a new mayor!), would want to be in the headlines for such a designation. With new standards in place, the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District, which operates Cook County’s sewage treatment plants, will likely have to disinfect sewage at the massive Calumet and Northside Wastewater Treatment Plants that dump to the Chicago River, the Cal-Sag Channel and the Little Calumet River. The Chicago waterways were little more than an open sewer for nearly a hundred years. The 1972 Clean Water Act slowly resulted in cleaner water, so that we now have the opportunity for much more – for an asset and amenity running through the heart of the city to complement the gem that is Lake Michigan. USEPA’s action is yet another development, like the Asian carp crisis and our lawsuit against the Water District for illegal pollution, that point towards the need to re-think how we live with the waterways. Now is the time to re-invent the Chicago River and canals to provide upgraded wastewater and transportation infrastructure, world-class recreational and tourism opportunities, and healthy waters and people.

This post was updated on May 19, 2011 to reflect new press coverage.

]]> 6274 0 788 0 https://prairierivers.org/articles/2011/05/flooding-problems-best-solved-with-nature-protection/ Tue, 17 May 2011 16:55:53 +0000 http://prairierivers.org/?p=6278 6278 0 789 0 https://prairierivers.org/articles/2011/05/keep-mercury-pollution-out-of-our-water-public-hearing-in-chicago-on-may-24th/ Wed, 18 May 2011 13:35:42 +0000 http://prairierivers.org/?p=6318 Voice your support for stronger rules on air pollution from power plants After years of delays and court orders the EPA is making a strong stand for public health and wildlife, proposing new rules that would require large polluters to stop emitting mercury, arsenic, dioxins, and other air toxics from their smokestacks. Many of these pollutants, especially mercury, end up in rivers and lakes where they pollute water and build up in fish and other animals. In Illinois, the state advises people to not eat too much of several types of locally-caught fish because of harmful amounts of mercury in them. EPA's proposed rule will reduce releases of mercury to the air by 91%. Now, it is up to us to demonstrate powerful public demand over the next few months to keep the rule strong against industry attacks. EPA is accepting public comments now and will finalize their rule by November 2011. Next week, EPA will hold a hearing in Chicago for members of the public to give their input on the proposed rule. The hearing will be held on May 24, 2011 from 9 am-8pm at the Crowne Plaza Chicago Metro, 799 W. Madison St. If you would like to speak at the hearing, you can pre-register by May 19th (contact Ms. Pamela Garrett, telephone 919-541-7966 or email garrett.pamela@epa.gov), or sign up to speak when you get there. If you can't attend the hearing, you can submit written comments through July 5, 2011. Details about the proposed rule, the hearing, and how to submit written comments are all here.]]> 6318 0 787 0 https://prairierivers.org/articles/2011/05/chicago-and-mississippi-rivers-make-list-of-americas-most-endangered-rivers/ Fri, 20 May 2011 19:43:30 +0000 http://prairierivers.org/?p=6377 [/caption] American Rivers, a national river conservation organization, named both the Chicago and Mississippi Rivers in its 2011 “America’s Most Endangered Rivers” report issued earlier this week. The list “...is a call to action for rivers at a crossroads, whose fates will be determined in the coming year.” For the Chicago River, the report highlights the 1.2 billion gallons of sewage effluent released daily into the Chicago River that has not been disinfected. This polluted water creates threats to public health that could be alleviated if Chicago’s Metropolitan Water Reclamation District fully treated its sewage. In positive news, federal officials have stated that the current situation will not be allowed to continue. The Mississippi River’s current record water levels and resulting unprecedented flooding caused American Rivers to give it the unusual designation of a “Special Mention” in its report. The economic damage from the flooding, the displacement of people and wildlife, and the impacts on water quality from sewage, excess nutrients and other pollution in the  flood waters underscore the need to rethink, recreate and adapt our flood prevention strategies and restoration efforts to work with, not against, the river. Read more about this issue.]]> 6377 0 786 0 https://prairierivers.org/articles/2011/06/building-a-movement/ Wed, 01 Jun 2011 20:00:38 +0000 http://prairierivers.org/?p=6242

Signs of coal pollution running off of coal stockpile in Carbondale

This spring Prairie Rivers Network, along with our partners in the Heartland Coalfield Alliance, sponsored two tours of Illinois coalfields in order to explore the impacts that the entire coal life cycle has on the lands, water, health, and quality of life of communities in central and southern Illinois. Participants joined citizen advocates and water quality professionals for a first-hand look at coal waste sites, mining operations, and examples of the land and water impacts associated with coal-fired electricity. For a full description of these tours, including itineraries and maps, please read the Heartland Coalfield Alliance's coverage of these events.

Coulterville, IL resident and farmer Mike Fullerton points out coal slurry impoundments at Gateway Mine

]]> 6242 0 784 0 https://prairierivers.org/articles/2011/05/clean-water-funding-fairness-bill/ Thu, 26 May 2011 01:55:49 +0000 http://prairierivers.org/?p=6392 Protect Clean Water from Factory Farms!

Please contact your state Representative and state Senator immediately!

Ask them to support the Clean Water Funding Fairness Bill (S.B. 1682 - Rep. Tryon)

HOUSE VOTE MAY HAPPEN THURSDAY MAY 26, SENATE VOTE BY MAY 31!

[caption id="attachment_6406" align="alignright" width="300" caption="Water sample collected from an Illinois stream polluted by livestock waste, May 24, 2011"][/caption] We need your help because Illinois Farm Bureau and the livestock assocations have been lobbying against S.B. 1682. Delay tactics are being used to keep the bill from coming up for a floor vote. The bill passed out of the House Executive Committee on May 18, but still needs to pass the full House and Senate by May 31 when the session ends. This Bill will help protect clean water by requiring livestock operations that pollute to pay their fair share of Illinois' Clean Water Act program costs. Currently all pollution dischargers have to pay an annual permit fee, except livestock operations. The Illinois EPA uses these fees to fund its regulatory program. The bill ends this exemption by establishing a permit fee, to be set by Illinois EPA in rulemaking and not to exceed $1200. This bill is endorsed by the Illinois EPA and by numerous environmental groups including the Illinois Citizens for Clean Air & Water, Environment Illinois, and Prairie Rivers Network. For more information on this issue, see our Factory Farm pages.

To send an email that automatically goes to your elected representatives, use this link.

Or, call your Senator and Representative at their Springfield office and tell them that you support the Clean Water Funding Fairness Bill. See here to find your legislators' telephone numbers.

]]> 6392 0 785 0 https://prairierivers.org/articles/2011/06/illinois-stream-turns-brown-with-livestock-waste/ Fri, 03 Jun 2011 19:37:38 +0000 http://prairierivers.org/?p=6430 [/caption] On May 24, 2011, a biologist working for Prairie Rivers Network observed an unpermitted discharge of livestock waste into a small stream. The waste appeared to be coming from a cattle operation located near the stream, which is on Illinois EPA’s 303(d) list of impaired waters. Prairie Rivers Network staff immediately notified Illinois EPA and requested that an inspection be done as soon as possible to both catch and stop the discharge. Unfortunately, 48 hours after making this request, Illinois EPA had still not made it out to the site. With all the rain we have been having, speedy inspections are critical for documenting discharges before they wash away. The Illinois EPA is familiar with this facility and previously recommended it seek technical assistance from the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service. Based on a past inspection, the cattle operation has an outdated and inadequate manure management system. Unfortunately, this operation is not alone – many others around the state likewise discharge because of inadequate waste storage capacity. If you know of a livestock operation that pollutes nearby waterways, please report it to the Illinois EPA by calling 888-372-1996. Prairie Rivers Network will continue to follow this case and press for permanent changes that protect the stream.]]> 6430 0 783 0 https://prairierivers.org/articles/2011/06/action-alert-public-hearing-on-gateway-mines-water-pollution-permit/ Tue, 07 Jun 2011 13:57:20 +0000 http://prairierivers.org/?p=6434 Coulterville residents need your support! *****

• What: Illinois EPA Public Hearing on proposed NPDES Water Discharge Permit for Peabody Coulterville Mining, L.L.C.'s Gateway Mine
• Where: Sparta City Council Chambers, Sparta City Hall, 114 West Jackson Street, Sparta, Illinois 62286
• When: Wednesday, June 8, 2011 at 6:00 p.m.
• Background: Notice of Public Hearing, Draft NPDES Permit
• Contact: bperbix "at" prairierivers.org

***** [caption id="attachment_6440" align="alignright" width="307" caption="Peabody's Gateway Mine in Coulterville, IL"][/caption] Peabody's Gateway Mine in Coulterville is a large underground room-and-pillar mine that has been in operation since the 1980s, and a proposed expansion to the north could double coal production, with corresponding increases in coal refuse and slurry generated. Area residents are already concerned about the massive refuse disposal areas onsite - which also take on coal ash - and the negative impacts that air and water pollution from the site may have on local health and water quality. The proposed north portal, situated adjacent to a new county nursing home, will require filling in streams and wetlands and will cause pollution to run into a tributary of Coulterville’s community drinking water reservoir. Neighbors near the existing facility are already impacted by fugitive coal dust and potential groundwater contamination. Additionally there are a number of old gob piles - coal refuse - nearby that are leaking and adding to the pollution burden on local streams. We disagree with Illinois EPA's decision to issue this permit because (1) there are existing pollution problems onsite that must be addressed first, (2) the new permit does not take into account the proposed expansion, (3) the permit does not guarantee that coal ash disposal at the site won't cause air and water pollution and (4) the permit allows Gateway to pollute a freshwater lake onsite in order to dilute their waste. Illinois EPA needs to hear from citizens in favor of protecting clean water. The public hearing is your chance to bring information to Illinois EPA's attention and have your concerns heard. If you cannot attend the hearing you may still submit comments: Written comments must be postmarked or e-mailed by midnight, July 8, 2011, when the hearing record closes. E-mails must specify Gateway Mine NPDES in the subject line and must be sent to: epa.publichearingcom@illinois.gov. The hearing record is a file containing the hearing transcript and written comments. Comments need not be notarized and should be sent to: Hearing Officer Dean Studer Illinois Environmental Protection Agency 1021 North Grand Avenue East P. O. Box 19276 Springfield, IL 62794-9276 Phone 217-558-8280 ****** Specific concerns:

• This permit should not be issued as it does not address entire scope of anticipated mine operations and impacts. Peabody Coulterville Mining, LLC has filed an application with the Illinois Department of Natural Resources-Office of Mines and Minerals to nearly double their mining operation. Coal brought to the surface will be transferred to the Gateway Mine's Central Cleaning Plant for washing, leaving behind millions of gallons of slurry with discharges to area streams. This proposed water pollutioin permit does not acknowledge the expansion and only addresses a fraction of the overall anticipated impacts from Peabody's Gateway Mine.

• The Gateway Mine should not be allowed to expand its operations until it has corrected its ongoing permit noncompliance and addresses degradation of groundwater and fugitive coal ash dust.

• Peabody Coulterville Mining's Gateway Mine is not in compliance with their permit for discharges of total iron, settleable solids and total suspended solids to area streams. Groundwater quality standards are not being met at monitoring wells at the Gateway Mine site and fugitive dust from the coal ash and slurry ponds are contaminating adjacent land and water.

• Illinois EPA has not adequately assessed the impacts the mine will have on water quality and wildlife in Randolph County. The draft permit does not fully address pollution impacts from increased coal ash and lime sludge disposal, expanded mining or from the expansion of onsite slurry disposal. Further, the Illinois EPA has not fully assessed the conditions and existing uses of each of the streams that will be receiving pollution from the mine site.

• Peabody proposes to remove protections afforded under the Clean Water Act for an onsite lake. The draft permit instead proposes using the lake to dilute mining pollution before discharging to area streams.

]]> 6434 0 782 0 https://prairierivers.org/articles/2011/06/historic-leap-forward-for-chicago-river/ Wed, 08 Jun 2011 20:34:13 +0000 http://prairierivers.org/?p=6454 th, they will stand up and vote for a cleaner and safer river. We applaud the commissioners for reading the writing on the wall, though it would have been hard to miss given the array of powerful interests lining up in support of disinfection. US EPA, Senator Dick Durbin, Congressman Mike Quigley, Mayor-elect Rahm Emanuel, Illinois Attorney General Lisa Madigan, Chicago aldermen, even the Illinois Pollution Control Board, have recognized that it is time for Chicago to lose the unhappy distinction of being the only major U.S. city not disinfecting its wastewater. We also applaud you and our steadfast clean water allies in Chicago for joining with Prairie Rivers Network in the fight to make Chicago’s waters healthy and accessible to all. What will the June 16^th vote mean? If everything goes as planned, MWRD will be required to disinfect at its Calumet and North Side sewage treatment plants. These plants dump wastewater into the Chicago River and the Calumet Sag Channel. Disinfection will kill the pathogens, or germs, that can make people who swim, fish or boat in the water sick. But what will it cost us? It was surprising to learn that MWRD is one of the lowest cost providers of sewage treatment in the U.S. As such, Chicago’s sewer bills are now lower than many other cities. Even with disinfection, total annual sewer bills will remain lower than other cities in the region. US EPA has estimated a cost increase of $38.53/ year or $3.21/month for a home valued at $267,000, the average home value in Cook County. A growing number of river enthusiasts, Prairie Rivers Network members among them, are using Chicago’s waters for fishing, paddling, swimming and general rollicking. Now we can safely say, “Come join us.” This story was covered on June 15, 2011 in the Medill Reports of Northwestern University's Medill School of Journalism.]]> 6454 0 781 0 https://prairierivers.org/articles/2011/06/update-on-clean-water-funding-fairness-bill/ Thu, 09 Jun 2011 16:32:39 +0000 http://prairierivers.org/?p=6483 After months of intense activity, the Illinois General Assembly’s spring session came to a screeching halt May 31, 2011. Prairie Rivers Network and our colleagues worked until the end to pass S.B. 1682, a bill that would establish a permit fee for livestock operations that discharge pollution into a river or stream. Unfortunately, legislator absences prevented the bill from being called to a vote in the House. Earlier in May, the bill had easily passed out of the Executive Committee on a 9-2 vote. But opponents of the bill distracted legislators from the core issue at hand by calling into question the need for permits. The political sway and lobbying power of agribusiness was evident. We will continue working on this issue.  It is completely fair for livestock operations to pay fees for their permits just like all other polluters. This bill came into being because Prairie Rivers Network was appalled to find out that livestock operations have this unique exemption. Illinois EPA needs fee income to cover the cost of their Clean Water Act regulatory program for confined animal feeding operations (CAFOs or "factory farms"). A fee exemption is no longer appropriate now that over 28 operations have permits. As Illinois EPA discovers more livestock operations that discharge pollution, the associated regulatory burden is likely to grow in the coming years. Prairie Rivers Network would like to thank the following organizations for working with us on this bill: Environment Illinois, Illinois Citizens for Clean Air & Water, Illinois Environmental Council, and Environmental Law & Policy Center. Max Muller of Environment Illinois led the lobbying effort and spent countless hours talking with legislators and other organizations about the bill. In addition, the bill was supported by Illinois EPA, Illinois Association of Wastewater Agencies, Sierra Club, Food & Water Watch, Faith in Place, and Illinois Stewardship Alliance. One of our most important allies in this effort were the citizen members of Prairie Rivers Network and the above organizations who took the time to call their legislators. And finally, we want to thank the bill sponsor, Representative Michael Tryon of Crystal Lake, and co-sponsors (Cole, Gabel, Biss, Davis, May, Jakobsson, Cassidy, Currie).]]> 6483 0 780 0 https://prairierivers.org/articles/2011/06/action-alert-stop-the-war-on-clean-water/ Thu, 23 Jun 2011 19:48:35 +0000 http://prairierivers.org/?p=6507 Assault on Clean Water Act Under Way in Congress Forty years ago, the Clean Water Act was established to protect our nation’s waters and wetlands from pollution and destruction. Recently, two Supreme Court decisions have made it difficult for the Environmental Protection Agency and Army Corps of Engineers to fully safeguard our waters. Oil spills, mine waste, sewage, animal waste from factory farms, and polluted runoff foul Illinois waters. We all depend on these waters for drinking, for irrigation, and for recreation. They also provide essential habitat for fish and wildlife.

Keep reading to see how you can help...

New Clean Water Act Guidance - GOOD NEWS

The EPA and the Corps recently took an important and necessary step to restore essential protections in the Clean Water Act by creating draft guidance that defines which waters are protected by the Act. The guidance is the beginning of a process to restore vital safeguards for rivers, lakes, streams, and wetlands that are essential for sustaining healthy communities. Unfortunately, polluters are mustering opposition to the proposed guidance; the agencies and lawmakers need to hear from those of us who want to protect clean water.

Dirty Water Bills - BAD NEWS

We are alarmed and deeply saddened that members of the United States Congress are willing to sacrifice our health and well-being by taking away legal protections that safeguard our water. There are three dirty water bills that must be stopped:

• HR 2018 (Clean Water Cooperative Federalism Act of 2011) guts some of the most important protections in the Clean Water Act by severely weakening EPA’s authority.
• S 718 (Pesticide Clean Water Act Exemption) eliminates all Clean Water Act protections against pesticide pollution.
• Water & Energy Appropriations Spending bill 26-20, section 109 is a rider that kills the EPA and Army Corps of Engineers guidance designed to restore Clean Water Act protections.

ACTION ALERT

We can protect the Clean Water Act with your help.

1. First, stand up for clean water by thanking EPA and the Army Corps of Engineers for proposing guidance that protects our water (EPA and the Corps are seeking public comment by July 1st, 2011). Prairie Rivers Network encourages you to tell EPA that you support the guidance, and that the guidance should be followed by a formal rulemaking that creates binding law.
2. Second, call your Congressional representatives and tell them that you want them to support clean water:

Call your Representative and tell her or him (click here to find number):

I care about clean water.

I support EPA and Corps of Engineers guidance and regulations defining "waters of the US."

Votes in favor of HR 2018 and Water & Energy Appropriations Spending bill 26-20,  section 109 are votes for dirty water and completely unacceptable!

Call Senator Durbin  at (202) 224-2152 and Senator Kirk at (202) 224-2854 and tell them:

I care about clean water.

I support EPA and Corps of Engineers guidance and regulations defining "waters of the US."

A vote in favor of S718 is a vote for dirty water and completely unacceptable!

We cannot over-emphasize the very real danger presented by these bills.

Please make your calls today. Let us know how it goes.

 Your call matters.

Thank you for joining with us in this important battle for Clean Water! (Special Thanks to National Wildlife Federation for its  invaluable support on this issue.)]]> 6507 0 778 0 https://prairierivers.org/articles/2011/06/still-time-to-tell-congress-to-let-the-epa-do-their-job/ Wed, 29 Jun 2011 18:10:31 +0000 http://prairierivers.org/?p=6542 Please call your representative TODAY to ask them to vote against HR 1391, a bad bill that limits EPA’s authority to regulate coal ash! A fortunate delay by the House Energy and Commerce Committee (HECC) gives us another chance to tell our elected officials to back off and let EPA do their job in protecting clean water.  The HECC has delayed its full-committee vote on HR 1391, a bill introduced by David McKinley (WV-R) that would prevent EPA from regulating coal ash as a hazardous substance. The following members are on the House Energy and Commerce Committee, and these are the people who most need to hear from us. If any of these people are your Representative, PLEASE make a call.

Adam	Kinzinger – IL	202-225-3635
Bobby L.	Rush – IL	202-225-4372
Janice D.	Schakowsky IL	202-225-2111
John	Shimkus – IL	202-225-5271

Coal ash is a dangerous by-product of burning coal for energy. Given that nearly half of Illinois’ energy comes from our 22 coal-fired power plants, it is no surprise that our state hosts over 100 coal ash disposal sites. What may be surprising is that coal ash storage and disposal practices have fewer controls than household garbage and have put Illinois communities at risk. In fact, improper management of coal ash in Illinois has earned us the distinction of having more coal ash contamination sites that any other state. Given the real threats to Illinois citizens and their clean, safe drinking water supplies, we are disappointed with recent votes by several Illinois representatives to limit the ability of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to do their job in protecting clean water. It is important that we tell our elected officials that greater safeguards for public and environmental health are needed and EPA’s responsibilities to do so must be upheld and supported by our elected officials. The talking points are simple:

• Please vote AGAINST McKinley’s amended bill, HR 1391 and uphold EPA’s obligation to protect human health and the environment in its regulations.
• HR 1391 would derail EPA's coal ash rulemaking and prevent EPA from adopting science-based regulations to protect health and the environment from coal ash.
• HR 1391 would circumvent the public rulemaking process and throw out the unprecedented 450,000 comments EPA has received on the coal ash rule.
• HR 1391 would threaten EPA's ability to protect the health and environment of my community and those of other Americans who live around coal ash sites.
• Arguments that a hazardous waste regulation for coal ash would kill recycling are an outrageous smokescreen. Regulation of disposal as a hazardous waste would in fact greatly encourage legitimate recycling of coal ash as such regulation has done for other hazardous wastes.

]]> 6542 0 774 0 https://prairierivers.org/articles/2011/06/pressing-president-obama-for-stronger-water-resource-planning/ Tue, 28 Jun 2011 17:54:21 +0000 http://prairierivers.org/?p=6551 Prairie Rivers Network and Partners Press Obama Administration for Better Water Resource Planning

U.S. Army Engineers open the Morganza Spillway , Morganza, MS, to relieve pressure on the flood waters of the Mississippi River, on Saturday, May 15, 2011. Source: flickr/US Army Corp of Engineers Photo.

The 2011 floods and their aftermath will be a fact of life for many in the months and years to come. At this time, residents along the Missouri River are building additional levees or adding height to current levees in the hopes of avoiding floods from record high river levels. Floodgates of the Morganza and Bonne Carre spillways on the Mississippi River remain open almost a month after they were raised to lessen downstream flooding. In the last week, the Corps’ estimates of the cost to rebuild levees damaged by the Mississippi floods has increased from $1 to $2 billion dollars, and will certainly increase as more damage information becomes available. Clearly, it is past time for rethinking how we manage and live with the Big River. Rethinking needs to begin with the White House and the US Army Corps of Engineers. In a letter to President Obama, sent June 21, 2011, Prairie Rivers Network and 44 other organizations are urging the Administration to revise the current federal water resources planning principles and guidelines (P & G) to ensure federal funds used for water resource management and project planning “protect and restore the natural flood fighting defenses of the nation’s river and wetlands.” The planning and guidance rules establish principles for prioritizing how federal funds are spent. Prairie Rivers Network wants to ensure that spending decisions are based on giving full value to protections provided by rivers’ natural functions. We are specifically requesting the revised principles and guidelines require that:

1. federal water resources projects for the Mississippi and Missouri Rivers protect and restore floodplains and wetlands;
2. federal project and management planners avoid and minimize adverse environmental impacts and incorporate non-structural, restoration-based measures; and
3. federal investments in ecosystem restoration also work to protect and enhance ecosystem functions and processes.

First issued in 1973, the principles and guidelines have not been revised since 1983. The current revision process provides a significant opportunity for the Obama Administration to ensure future decisions impacting the fate of our water resources will be sensible, holistic, and forward-looking. Unfortunately, proposed revisions released in 2009 fell far short of providing guidance which would increase and maintain the health of rivers, wetlands and their related habitats. For example, while including modern water management concepts such as “adaptive management” and “ecosystem health,” these are not clearly defined or used consistently within the draft revisions. The Council of Environmental Quality’s review of the proposed revisions is available online. The Obama Administration cannot keep the current federal decision framework for managing the Mississippi and Misourri rivers in place. People who live in river communities need assurance that future decisions regarding flood protection measures are based on smart, environmentally sensitive planning. Prairie Rivers Network will continue to monitor federal-level response to this year’s flooding and press for sensible flood management policy that will keep people safe and protect the Mississippi River and its diverse ecosystems.]]> 6551 0 775 0 https://prairierivers.org/articles/2011/07/the-war-on-water-its-not-over/ Mon, 18 Jul 2011 15:29:01 +0000 http://prairierivers.org/?p=6870 Update Aug 2: Congress is now adjourning for their summer break until September 6. Many of the dirty water bills and riders that are listed below are now on hold. However, many representatives and senators go back to their districts/states to talk to their constituents, if you have the opportunity, tell them to oppose all the "dirty water" bills.

Thank you for all of your calls and actions. We will keep you updated as new developments arise.

We lost a battle, but we can still win the war.

The War on Water, as we've discussed here, is a coordinated group of attacks on our nation's water laws that would destroy the Clean Water Act, gut the Environmental Protection Agency and set our nation back 40 years in clean water protection. This "war" is being waged with an arsenal of bills and riders (attachments to bills) that force us to coordinate our response on several different fronts. That is why we are asking everyone to contact their U.S. Representative (and in some cases, U.S. Senator) at least once, or even better, every time one of these bills comes up for a vote. Please stay tuned to this website, follow us on Facebook, and/or the Clean Water Network's excellent website that monitors these bills. We, and clean water advocates throughout the nation, are sending a strong message that these kind of attacks are not going unnoticed!

Here's how to get started:

Call your Representative and say something like this to the staff person who answers the phone: "I oppose all the "dirty water" bills that would destroy our nation's water laws." It is important to name which bills you oppose (i.e.--House Appropriations Bill for the Interior and Environment) because they keep a record of comments per bill. See below for the list of dirty water bills. Be sure to tell your Representative that you will be watching to see how they vote!

Here is a summary and update on the "dirty water" bills:

(We don't want to overwhelm you, but do want you to know that we are not using the term "war" lightly.)

1. HR 2018 (Clean Water Cooperative Federalism Act of 2011)

HR 2018 guts some of the most important protections in the Clean Water Act by severely weakening EPA’s authority.  As a New York Times editorial put it: "This bill is not about protecting states' powers. It is about allowing industries, farmers and municipalities to pollute." UPDATE: HR 2018 passed the House on 7/14/11. See how your Representative voted. WHAT YOU CAN DO: Send an email of thanks or disappointment depending on how your Representative voted. Stay tuned to call your Senator when this bill goes to the Senate.

2. House Appropriations Bill for Interior & Environment

This spending measure significantly slashes Interior Department, Forest Service and EPA spending. It has several ugly riders that would:

• Block EPA from finalizing a guidance document that clarifies what waters are protected under the Clean Water Act;
• Delay EPA from issuing new rules on stormwater discharges, stream buffers, thermal discharges;
• Prevent EPA from developing and proposing standards for the use of cooling water at power plants;
• Remove EPA's authority to regulate pesticide discharges;
• Prevent rules to protect streams & block EPA oversight of mountaintop removal coal mining;
• Prevent the regulation of coal ash as a hazardous substance;
• Remove EPA's authority to make stormwater programs more effective; and
• Prevent the regulation of stormwater discharges from many forestry operations.

UPDATE (Aug 2): The full House was expected to take up the measure the week of July 25, 2011; we will post results here as soon as we know. WHAT YOU CAN DO: Thank you to all of our members who called their Representative and told them to oppose the House Appropriations Bill for Interior and Environment. This bill has several destructive riders that would set our nation back years in its progress toward clean water. (See list above.)

3. H.R. 1391 (Recycling Coal Combustion Residuals Accessibility Act of 2011)

H.R. 1391 is  a bill  that would prevent EPA from regulating coal ash as a hazardous substance. See our post for talking points. UPDATE: H.R. 1391 went through a mark-up and will go back to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce. WHAT YOU CAN DO: Call your Representative. Tell him/her that  you know Illinois has the second greatest number of coal ash contamination sites in the nation, and that you want our water protected from the toxic chemicals in coal ash. The EPA must be able to regulate coal ash by adopting science-based regulations to protect health and the environment.

4.  H.R. 2273 (Coal Residuals Reuse and Management Act)

H.R. 2273 is a misleading bill that would hinder the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency from establishing federally enforceable safeguards for the disposal of coal ash. This bill would leave hundreds of communities who live near these toxic sites vulnerable to coal ash pollution, specifically in their drinking water. UPDATE: This bill passed out of the Energy and Commerce Committee on a vote of 35-12 on 7/13/11 and was expected to go to the House floor the week of July 18, 2011; we will post results here as soon as we know. WHAT YOU CAN DO: Thank you to all of our members who called their Representative and told them there should be federally enforceable safeguards to protect our drinking water from the arsenic, chromium, lead, mercury and other chemicals in coal ash.

4. S 718 (Pesticide Clean Water Act Exemption)

S 718 eliminates Clean Water Act protections against pesticide pollution. UPDATE: The Senate Agriculture Committee approved H.R. 872 (the bill's House version) during a closed-door business meeting. The bill will goe to the Senate floor for a vote. WHAT YOU CAN DO: THIS ONE REQUIRES A CALL TO YOUR SENATOR. Tell him/her that reducing pesticide pollution is important to you and that you oppose this attempt to remove Clean Water Act protections.

5. H.R. 2401 (Transparency in Regulatory Analysis of Impacts on the Nation Act of 2012)

H.R. 2401 would delay by 18 months two significant rules to clean up coal-fired power plants' mercury and ozone pollution and has an amendment that would block two of the rules that have drawn concern from electric utilities: the Mercury/Air Toxics Standards and the Cross-State Air Pollution Rule. Power plant mercury emissions rapidly accumulate in fish and other aquatic wildlife, which has led every state to issue consumption advisories for fish based on high mercury levels. UPDATE: H.R. 2401 cleared a key congressional committee with support from both parties. WHAT YOU CAN DO: Stay tuned by email or Facebook and be prepared to make a call.

6. H.R.2354 Water & Energy Appropriations Spending bill 26-20, section 109

H.R. 2354 is a rider that kills the EPA and Army Corps of Engineers guidance designed to restore Clean Water Act protections. UPDATE: This bill passed the House on 7/15/11. It moves on to the Senate. WHAT YOU CAN DO: Please let your Senator know that you oppose this spending bill, which would eliminate the Obama Administration's ability to finalize the new clean water guidance and undertake a rule-making, both of which are top clean water priorities.

7. House Appropriations Committee USDA Conservation Funding

This bill would inflict serious cuts to programs that pay farmers to protect wetlands and waterways. It would cut $171 million from the Conservation Stewardship Program and $350 million from the Environmental Quality Incentives Program.  It would reduce eligible acreage for sign up to the Wetlands Reserve Program and Grasslands Reserve Program. UPDATE: This bill will go to the House floor for vote. WHAT YOU CAN DO: Call your Representative and let him/her know that you oppose the cuts to these important agricultural programs to protect wetlands and waterways, and you want the funding to be restored.]]> 6870 0 773 0 https://prairierivers.org/articles/2011/07/rural-residents-rally-against-proposed-giant-hog-farm/ Fri, 22 Jul 2011 19:41:11 +0000 http://prairierivers.org/?p=7001 [/caption] In early June 2011, Prairie Rivers Network was contacted by a McDonough County resident facing the prospect of soon becoming the unwilling neighbor of 18,000 hogs. He was calling for help because he feared the air, streams, and wells in his rural community would become polluted by a proposed hog farm called Shamrock Acres. He was not alone in his fears; dozens of others shared his concerns and had banded together to form Rural Residents for Responsible Agriculture. During June and July, we worked with Rural Residents, Illinois Citizens for Clean Air & Water, and Environment Illinois to strategize our opposition to the factory farm. Prairie Rivers Network was compelled to action because the applicant has a history of environmental violations: Illinois should not allow bad actors to construct more factory farms at the expense of public and environmental health. We had the opportunity to ask questions and make comments on July 12 at a public informational meeting held by the Illinois Department of Agriculture. Over 200 people filled a room to overflowing at Western Illinois University during the 4-hour meeting. Most people seemed opposed to the facility and many voiced concerns about the likelihood of devastating odors, air and water pollution, and detrimental impacts on public health and roadways. In contrast, members of the industry seemed only concerned about the industry and touted its great importance to our nutrition and economy. In the coming weeks, the McDonough County Board will make a non-binding recommendation to the Department of Agriculture. But only the Department decides whether the facility is built or not. The Department does not deny applications; they either approve them or wear the applicant down so the application goes away. Ultimately what this means is that approval is imminent if an applicant can meet the State’s standards, even if there is strong local opposition or the applicant has a violation history. Unfortunately, these standards have fallen short for many people and streams in Illinois.]]> 7001 0 772 0 https://prairierivers.org/articles/2011/08/calling-for-river-steward-award-nominations/ Tue, 02 Aug 2011 13:00:57 +0000 http://prairierivers.org/?p=7056 Do you know a volunteer who is working hard to protect the state’s rivers and streams?

Kathy Andria Accepting 2010 River Steward Award

Help celebrate and elevate their important work by nominating them for our 7th annual River Steward Award. Deadline is September 9, 2011. It is time once again to celebrate and elevate the important work of an individual whose work to protect the state’s rivers and streams inspires us. There are many dedicated citizen volunteers around our state that spend countless hours working to protect Illinois’ rivers. They educate us; they do the legwork; they speak the unpopular truths; they go above and beyond. Too often, their outstanding efforts and successes are not known outside of their local community. The River Steward Award recognizes and celebrates the most exemplary nomination, and it will collect stories of work that we all need to hear. Prairie Rivers Network wants to recognize and celebrate the people who make these achievements possible, sharing their victories and inspiring other river advocates around the state. The seventh annual River Steward Award will be announced October 14, 2011 at Prairie Rivers Network’s Annual Dinner. The honoree and a guest, as well as the nominator, will be invited to attend the dinner for the awards ceremony. The award recipient will also be announced to the river conservation community around the state, announced to the media in a press release, and posted on our website.

Past Winners Include

Kathy Andria, 2010

Gary Mechanic, 2009

Joyce Blumenshine, 2008

Mary Pat Holtschlag, 2007

Fran Caffee, 2006

Jan Holder, 2005

Nomination Procedure

If you know a citizen volunteer you would like to nominate as the next River Steward, please e-mail the following information to Steph Adams at sadams at prairierivers.org or call her at 217/344-2371 for more information:

• Nominee’s contact information
• Your contact information
• Nominee qualifications (500 words):
  • Summary of their river conservation efforts
  • General background information concerning the river/watershed of interest
  • The specific work for which the nominee deserves recognition

Deadline: Nominations must be received by September 9, 2011.]]> 7056 0 771 0 https://prairierivers.org/articles/2011/08/bag-it/ Wed, 10 Aug 2011 13:00:25 +0000 http://prairierivers.org/?p=7093 Prairie Rivers Network invites all of our members and friends to a special showing of Bag It.

Bag It started as a documentary about plastic bags and evolved into a wholesale investigation into plastics and their effect on our waterways, oceans, and even our bodies. Prairie Rivers Network would like to give a very special thanks to Champaign Surplus and Common Ground Food Co-Op for sponsoring this exciting event.

]]> 7093 0 769 0 https://prairierivers.org/articles/2011/08/rally-against-coal-ash-pollution-in-joliet-august-17/ Sat, 13 Aug 2011 23:10:21 +0000 http://prairierivers.org/?p=7189 ]]> 7189 0 768 0 https://prairierivers.org/articles/2011/08/illinois-at-risk-from-coal-ash-pollution/ Wed, 17 Aug 2011 15:00:13 +0000 http://prairierivers.org/?p=7209 [/caption]

New Report Released Today

Listen to audio of the press conference.

In a new report released today titled "Illinois at Risk: Lax Safeguards and No Enforcement Endanger the Water, Air & Lives of Residents Near State’s Numerous Coal Ash Dumps" Prairie Rivers Network and the Environmental Integrity Project document new groundwater data and profiles of 10 contamination sites across the state showing the Illinois EPA's failure to protect residents from coal ash pollution.

At the same time, Illinois Representatives have voted to take away U.S. EPA's ability to implement federally enforceable safeguards which would prevent coal ash contamination cases from happening in the future, and guarantee that existing contamination sites are closed in a safe manner.

From the Executive Summary:

Coal combustion waste (CCW) or “coal ash” is a toxic byproduct of electricity generation that is contaminating water supplies and harming communities across Illinois due to the lax regulation by the state in the absence of minimum federal standards. Illinois has the second highest number of contaminated coal ash dump sites in the United States. Data from groundwater sampling conducted by the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency (hereafter called “IEPA”) at coal ash disposal sites in 2010 is now available, and the results are grim. IEPA found exceedances of health standards for contaminants commonly found in coal ash  in groundwater at all 22 sites evaluated in the state. Yet, in spite of years of documentation demonstrating that coal ash is polluting groundwater in communities across the state, Illinois regulators have done little to prevent or correct these ongoing problems. As the 10 case studies compiled in this report from the Illinois communities of Joliet, Venice, Hutsonville, Coffeen, Industry, Murdock, Vermilion, Coulterville, and Farmersville demonstrate, state oversight of coal ash disposal has failed Illinois residents living near coal ash dumps. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (hereafter called “EPA”) is nearing completion on a national rulemaking that would set minimum common-sense safeguards for states to meet at coal ash dump sites.   In Illinois, hopes are high that federal safeguards will finally force IEPA to take stronger action to clean up contaminated coal ash sites and prevent more contamination from occurring at new ash disposal sites. Yet under the cover of the federal debt debate, many Illinois’ Members of Congress have just voted to take away EPA’s authority to stop this harm. As part of a broader move to roll back clean water protections, Representatives from Illinois’ delegation including Representatives Peter Roskam (R. 6^th), Joe Walsh (R. 8^th), Robert Dold (R. 10^th), Adam Kinzinger (R. 11^th), Jerry Costello (D. 12^th), Judy Biggert (R. 13^th), Randy Hultgren (R. 14^th), Donald Manzullo (R. 16^th), Robert Schilling (R. 17^th), Aaron Schock (R. 18^th), and John Shimkus (R. 19^th) have voted to strip EPA’s ability to finalize their ongoing rulemaking which would provide Illinois residents relief from toxic coal ash pollution. The following examination of coal ash dump sites and monitoring from IEPA reveals contamination of groundwater at many coal ash dump sites in Illinois, demonstrating why our federal legislators should step back and let EPA do its job to protect the drinking water and air of Americans living around coal ash sites in accordance with the federal Resource Conservation and Recovery Act, (RCRA). 

Read Full Report: Illinois at Risk

]]> 7209 0 767 0 https://prairierivers.org/articles/2011/08/press-release/ Wed, 17 Aug 2011 16:20:19 +0000 http://prairierivers.org/?p=7224 REPORT:  “DIRTY DOZEN” IN ILLINOIS CONGRESSIONAL DELEGATION BLOCKING PROTECTION OF PUBLIC HEALTH AGAINST “GRIM” TOXIC COAL ASH DUMP SITE POLLUTION ACROSS STATE EIP and PRN “Name Names” of 12 Illinois U.S. Representatives Siding With Coal Industry Over Constituents Impacted by 22 Coal Ash Pollution Sites – 2^nd Largest Concentration in the U.S. CHICAGO, IL.///August 17, 2011//Twelve members of Illinois’ Congressional delegation are working to block the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) from cleaning up toxic coal ash dump sites, even though Illinois has the second highest concentration in the U.S. of such pollution problems and in spite of the fact that state officials are doing nothing to clean up the problem, according to a  major new report released today by the Environmental Integrity Project (EIP) and Prairie Rivers Network (PRN). Titled “Illinois at Risk,” the EIP/PRN report concludes:  “Coal combustion waste or ‘coal ash’ is a toxic byproduct of electricity generation that is contaminating water supplies and harming communities across Illinois due to the lax regulation by the state in the absence of minimum federal standards.  Illinois has the second highest number of contaminated coal ash dump sites in the United States.   Data from groundwater sampling conducted by the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency (IEPA) at coal ash disposal sites in 2010 is now available, and the results are grim. IEPA found exceedances of health standards for contaminants commonly found in coal ash in groundwater at all 22 sites evaluated in the state. Yet, in spite of years of documentation demonstrating that coal ash is polluting groundwater in communities across the state, Illinois regulators have done little to prevent or correct these ongoing problems.” The report documents 22 total cases and highlights 10 case studies from the Illinois communities of Joliet, Venice, Hutsonville, Coffeen, Industry, Murdock, Vermilion, Coulterville, and Farmersville. The report finds that, as part of a broader move by some in Congress to roll back clean water protections, 12 members of Illinois’ Congressional delegation – Reps. Peter Roskam (R-6^th), Joe Walsh (R-8^th), Robert Dold (R-10^th), Adam Kinzinger (R-11^th), Jerry Costello (D-12^th), Judy Biggert (R-13^th), Randy Hultgren (R-14^th), Donald Manzullo (R-16^th), Robert Schilling (R-17^th), Aaron Schock (R-18^th), and John Shimkus (R-19^th) -- have voted to strip EPA’s ability to finalize ongoing rulemaking that would provide Illinois residents relief from toxic coal ash pollution. Commenting on the findings, Traci Barkley, water resources scientist, Prairie Rivers Network, Champaign, IL., said: “When lead was discovered to be hazardous, it was taken out of paint and gasoline.  When asbestos was discovered to be dangerous, we stopped using it in our building materials.  Now that the scientific evidence is in on coal ash, we know coal ash is toxic and needs to be disposed as such.  The elected officials who still think it can be handled with fewer protections than household garbage obviously do not have Illinois residents’ best interests in mind.” Jeff Stant, director, Coal Combustion Waste Initiative, Environmental Integrity Project, Indianapolis, IN., said, said:  “This is a clear case of elected officials siding with a dirty industry at the direct expense of the health of their own constituents.   In so doing, these Illinois Congressmen have given a whole new meaning to the phrase ‘Dirty Dozen.’  Even though major coal interests are mostly located outside of Illinois, the pain that would be felt by blocking the EPA from enforcing the Clean Water Act would be felt most acutely by resident of Illinois.   Illinois is a perfect example of why the federal EPA needs to be allowed to do its job when it comes to toxic coal ash pollution.” Matt Wasson, director of programs, Appalachian Voices, Boone, NC, said: "Many of these members of Illinois' congressional delegation aren't just trying to block EPA from cleaning up coal ash, but they're also supporting the greatest assault on the Clean Water Act in its 40 year history.” To read the full report, including a full run down on coal-related voting record of the the 12 highlighted Illinois members of Cognress, go to http://www.environmentalintegrity.org and http://www.prairierivers.org. How serious is the toxic coal ash dump site problem in Illinois? According to the report: “Groundwater was contaminated at all 22 (Illinois) sites evaluated with results showing exceedances of at least one and usually more health standards such as drinking water standards (Maximum Contaminant Levels or MCLs) or health advisories set under the federal Safe Drinking Water Act in the groundwater underneath all disposal sites.   Monitoring data obtained from IEPA by the Environmental Integrity Project showed that arsenic concentrations were 15 times over the MCL in groundwater under the Meredosia Station’s ash ponds, more than nine times over the MCL under the Dallman Station’s ash ponds, and around five times higher than the MCL in groundwater contaminated by ash ponds at the Pearl and Waukegan Stations.  Lead was exceeding the MCL in groundwater under ash ponds at the Joppa and Powerton Stations.  Antimony was at least twice the MCL in groundwater contaminated under ash ponds at the Waukegen and Joliet 29 Stations.” The EIP/PRN report notes that, if federally enforceable safeguards were applied to transport, storage and disposal of coal ash, the Illinois problem sites most likely would not have occurred as proper site assessments, tracking and monitoring and pollution controls such as covers, liners and cleanup standards would have been required. ABOUT THE GROUPS The Environmental Integrity Project (http://www.environmentalintegrity.org) is a nonpartisan, nonprofit organization established in March of 2002 by former EPA enforcement attorneys to advocate for effective enforcement of environmental laws.  EIP has three goals:  1) to provide objective analyses of how the failure to enforce or implement environmental laws increases pollution and affects public health; 2) to hold federal and state agencies, as well as individual corporations, accountable for failing to enforce or comply with environmental laws; and 3) to help local communities obtain the protection of environmental laws. Prairie Rivers Network (http://www.prairierivers.org) is Illinois’ statewide leader in river protection, conservation, and restoration. As a registered not-for-profit organization in Illinois, Prairie Rivers Network (PRN) is governed by a dedicated board of directors and funded with the support of passionate members throughout Illinois. Prairie Rivers Network works to protect Illinois’ rivers for people, fish, and wildlife.  Much of PRN’s work focuses on how policies such as the Clean Water Act and Safe Drinking Water Act are used in Illinois—laws intended to protect our waters, our environment, and, ultimately, our health.  PRN is the state affiliate of National Wildlife Federation and a member of Earth Share of Illinois. MEDIA CONTACTS: Leslie Anderson, for Environmental Integrity Project, at (703) 276-3256 or landerson@hastingsgroup.com; and Traci Barkley, for Prairie Rivers Network, at (217) 621-3013 or tbarkley@prairierivers.org. EDITOR’S NOTE: A streaming audio recording of the news event will be available on the Web as of 3 p.m. CDT/4 p.m. EDT on Wednesday, August 17, 2011 at http://www.environmentalintegrity.org and http://www.prairierivers.org.]]> 7224 0 766 0 https://prairierivers.org/articles/2011/08/spreading-the-word-on-toxic-coal-ash/ Fri, 19 Aug 2011 20:38:11 +0000 http://prairierivers.org/?p=7233 Illinois press covering our new report on coal ash pollution As Prairie Rivers Network and partners distribute press releases, publish reports, and rally concerned citizens regarding the dangers of coal ash to our drinking water supplies and rivers, the press is taking notice and helping to spread the word around the state.

Joliet residents demanding their Representatives protect their drinking water supplies from coal ash pollution

Updated 8/30/2011 with additional news coverage:

The Times Weekly.com article from 8/24/2011: Local Families Need to Have Clean Water (Joliet, IL) Illinois Times article from 8/25/2011: Arsenic, lots of it, found around CWLP's ash ponds (Springfield, IL)]]> 7233 0 765 0 https://prairierivers.org/articles/2011/08/prairie-river-notes-summer-2011-newsletter/ Mon, 22 Aug 2011 13:00:56 +0000 http://prairierivers.org/?p=7253 View Prairie River Notes – Summer 2011 Newsletter  with the following articles.

• A Troubled History of Mississippi River Management
• Greetings from Glynnis
• Prairie Rivers Network Annual Dinner - Oct 14th
• Flooding Problems Best Solved with Nature Protection
• Sangamon River Wetlands Saved
• You're Invited to Bag It Movie
• Preserving Wildlife Habitat for the Protection of Illinois Rivers
• River Steward Nominations
• Remember: You Live in a Watershed
• Upcoming Events

]]> 7253 0 764 0 https://prairierivers.org/articles/2011/08/scientists-say-threat-of-asian-carp-is-real-imminent-urge-separation/ Mon, 22 Aug 2011 17:19:17 +0000 http://prairierivers.org/?p=7260 A group of distinguished Great Lakes and Mississippi River scientists have published a peer-reviewed, consensus paper detailing the grave and imminent threat of Asian carp to the Great Lakes and calling for separation of the Great Lakes and Mississippi River basins. The paper, titled “Aquatic Invasive Species Risks to the Great Lakes and Mississippi River Basins,” takes aim at a systematic campaign by special interests to misrepresent scientific results.  The scientists conclude there is strong evidence that:

• Asian carp can thrive in the Great Lakes, finding adequate food and spawning habitat.

• The electric barrier is ineffective in preventing the movement of carp into the Great Lakes.

• Once established, Asian carp would seriously damage the Great Lakes ecosystem.

• Physical separation of the Great Lakes and the Mississippi River is the only permanent way to stop the movement of Asian carp and other invasive species between the two watersheds.

The Journal of Great Lakes Research has posted a link to the paper on its website in advance of publishing it in its upcoming issue.  The paper is also posted on Michigan State University’s website and is slated to be a chapter in a forthcoming book published by the university. The paper substantiates PRN's position that permanent, physical separation is the only viable, long-term solution to the threat posed by Asian carp and dozens of other high-risk invasive species.]]> 7260 0 763 0 https://prairierivers.org/articles/2011/08/prairie-rivers-network-goes-public-with-livestock-industry-frustrations/ Fri, 26 Aug 2011 18:47:03 +0000 http://prairierivers.org/?p=7290 In August 2011, Stacy James, Prairie Rivers Network's specialist on agricultural pollution, attended a public informational meeting on a proposed 18,000-head hog farm called Shamrock Acres. The meeting was hosted by the Illinois Department of Agriculture and presentations were made by the applicant, his engineer, and a representative from the Illinois Livestock Development Group. During this meeting, Stacy became so disgusted by some of the livestock industry members' dismissive attitudes toward the people who have to live around their operations, that she was compelled to write and submit a fairly scathing opinion piece on the topic. We thank the Springfield State Journal-Register for publishing this piece. And we continue to advocate for industry standards that respect local residents.]]> 7290 0 762 0 https://prairierivers.org/articles/2011/09/army-corps-strategy-puts-great-lakes-at-risk/ Tue, 06 Sep 2011 16:20:34 +0000 http://prairierivers.org/?p=7265 Detroit Free Press and the Cleveland Plain Dealer. Dr. Bullard characterizes the failure of the Army Corps of Engineers to deal with the threat of Asian carp as “playing biological Russian roulette with the Great Lakes.” From the Detroit Free Press, published July 21, 2011 Imagine living in the path of a rain-swollen river, an aging manmade levee the only thing standing between your community and a devastating flood. As the floodwaters move ever closer, government officials arrive to assure the community that there is no need to worry -- the levee was still strong enough to protect the town against most floods. Would you wait out the flood, knowing there was a chance the levee might not save the town? Or would you take preventive measures to protect your family, your property? Those are the kinds of questions being asked about an electric fish barrier in the Chicago Waterway System that is supposed to keep Asian carp in the Mississippi River system from invading the Great Lakes. The electric barrier, built and operated by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, isn't generating enough voltage to repel all sizes of Asian carp. A Corps-commissioned study found that smaller Asian carp, those less than 5.4 inches long, could breach the electric barrier. The Army Corps was informed in July 2010 that small Asian carp could breach the electric barrier, but the agency decided not to crank up the voltage to repel smaller fish. The Corps also sat on the study for nine months and refused to release it until the Prairie Rivers Network and Natural Resources Defense Council threatened to sue the agency. That study identified numerous possible holes in the electric barrier. Releasing the report in March, the Corps acknowledged that the barrier is not producing enough power to prevent smaller Asian carp from reaching Lake Michigan. But agency officials said there was no need to increase the voltage because no small Asian carp have yet been found within 25 miles of the barrier. The electric fish barrier, as currently operated, is the technological equivalent of an aging levee that has only an 86% chance of protecting a town from floods. Laboratory tests showed that as many as 14% of small fish could penetrate the barrier's electric field, even at the higher voltages recommended. The Corps is playing a form of biological Russian roulette with the Great Lakes. If allowed to invade, Asian carp -- which eat like pigs, breed like rabbits and rocket out of the water when disturbed by boat motors -- could devastate the lakes' $7-billion fishery and endanger boaters' lives. The Corps' questionable management of the electric barrier is symptomatic of a larger problem within the agency. Four years ago, Congress directed the Corps to prevent Asian carp in the Mississippi River system from invading the Great Lakes. Sadly, the Corps has failed to meet that mandate. Instead of focusing solely on prevention, the Corps is fixated on reducing the risk of Asian carp invading the Great Lakes. The emphasis on risk reduction also permeates the Corps' Great Lakes and Mississippi River Interbasin Study, known as GLMRIS. That $25-million study, which won't be completed until 2015 at the earliest, is examining the best way to keep Asian carp from invading the Great Lakes. Congress could speed up the GLMRIS study by passing the Stop Asian Carp Act of 2011. There is only one sure way to prevent Asian carp and other invasive species from moving between the Mississippi River and the Great Lakes: Separate the basins. Because it will take years, if not decades, to separate the basins, the Corps must do everything it can now to ensure that the electric fish barrier prevents Asian carp of all sizes from reaching the Great Lakes. Asian carp are a flood of biological mayhem bearing down on one of the world's largest and most valuable freshwater ecosystems. Reducing the risk of Asian carp invading the Great Lakes isn't good enough. The Corps must prevent this biological nightmare from becoming reality. ----- From The Cleveland Plain Dealer, published July 30, 2011 [caption id="attachment_7267" align="alignright" width="300" caption=" Photo credit: Chris Young"][/caption] Asian carp are poised to lay siege to the Great Lakes, where the menacing invaders -- which eat like pigs, breed like mosquitoes and rocket out of the water when disturbed by boat motors -- could decimate a $7 billion fishery and endanger boaters' lives. Despite the looming threat, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers remains in denial about the severity of the situation. This is particularly ominous because the corps is leading the federal effort to keep Asian carp out of the Great Lakes. Earlier this month, the agency announced that its researchers discovered more Asian carp DNA 30 miles beyond an electric barrier in the Chicago Waterway System. That barrier was supposed to keep the invasive fish from reaching Lake Michigan and spreading to the other Great Lakes. Incredibly, the corps continues to insist that the electric barrier is working, despite the fact that their own studies found the device doesn't stop all sizes of Asian carp. A corps-commissioned study concluded in 2009 that Asian carp less than 5.4 inches long could breach the electric barrier. (It takes more electricity to repel small fish because they provide smaller targets than big fish.) The corps was informed again in July 2010 that smaller Asian carp could breach the electric barrier, but the agency decided not to crank up the voltage to repel the smaller fish. Instead, the corps sat on the study for nine months, refusing to release it until Prairie Rivers Network and the Natural Resources Defense Council threatened to sue the agency. Released in March 2011, the report revealed fatal flaws in the barrier and acknowledged that it was not producing enough power to prevent smaller Asian carp from reaching Lake Michigan. Instead of acting on that information, the corps said there was no need to increase the voltage because no small Asian carp have yet been found within 25 miles. Four months later, the corps announced that it found more Asian carp DNA in waters open to Lake Michigan. Why was I not surprised by the news? Because the electric barrier is the technological equivalent of an aging levee that has only an 86 percent chance of protecting a town from all floods. I mention this because the corps' study found that as many as 14 percent of small fish could penetrate the barrier's electric field, even at the higher voltages recommended. As it stands, the corps is playing a form of biological Russian roulette with the Great Lakes. And its questionable management of the barrier is symptomatic of a larger problem within the agency. Congress in 2007 directed the corps to prevent the transfer of all invasive species, including Asian carp, through aquatic pathways connecting the Great Lakes and the Mississippi River ecosystems. The operative word in that directive was prevent. Instead of focusing its $25 million Great Lakes and Mississippi River Interbasin Study solely on preventing Asian carp from invading the Great Lakes, the corps is fixated on reducing the risk. This despite the fact that Asian carp DNA continues to be found throughout the Chicago canals; a live specimen also was found last year in waters open to Lake Michigan. The interbasin study is already years behind schedule and won't be completed until 2015 at the earliest. Congress could speed up the study by passing the Stop Asian Carp Act of 2011, which would require the corps to determine by 2012 the best way to separate the Great Lakes and Mississippi River basins. We already know that there is only one sure way to prevent Asian carp and other invasive species from moving between the Mississippi River and the Great Lakes: Separate the basins. Because it will take years to accomplish that, the corps must use every weapon at its disposal now to keep Asian carp from reaching Lake Michigan. Reducing the risk of Asian carp invading the Great Lakes isn't good enough; the corps must pull out all the stops to prevent this biological nightmare from becoming reality.]]> 7265 0 758 0 https://prairierivers.org/articles/2011/08/victory-for-chicago-river/ Mon, 29 Aug 2011 14:52:56 +0000 http://prairierivers.org/?p=7296 New state rules finally require water to be clean enough for safe boating, fishing, and swimming It’s been a long process, but the work and wait was worth it for the growing number of people who are using Chicago Area Waterways such as the Chicago River for boating, fishing and swimming. On August 18th, the Illinois Pollution Control Board approved the proposed recreational use standards that Prairie Rivers Network and a host of partners have been advocating for since October 2007. After a record number of hearings (the most on any pollution issue in Illinois) and calls for action from US EPA, our Illinois Senators Dick Durbin and Mark Kirk, Congressman Mike Quigley, and Attorney General Lisa Madigan and many others, the new river rules finally protect the people who use the river. That means our rules now recognize that thousands of people are in and on the river and that they have a right to be there. [caption id="attachment_6473" align="alignright" width="231" caption="Green areas will now be clean enough for safe boating, fishing, and swimming"][/caption] Currently, the treated sewage that makes up a large amount of the water in the Chicago River, the Cal-Sag Channel and the Little Calumet River is not disinfected. This puts swimmers, boaters, and people fishing at risk of contracting illnesses when they are in and on the water. Chicago is the only major city in America that does not disinfect its sewage. Still on the table is how the sewage treatment plants will meet the new recreational standard - the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District (MWRD) has until November 10 to develop their plan. New MWRD executive director, David St. Pierre, has promised disinfection technologies will be in place at the Northside and Calumet sewage treatment plants by 2015. Now we need a time table for the Stickney sewage treatment plant. Still outstanding is a ruling from the state on proposed new rules to protect healthy fish communities in these same waters. Prairie Rivers Network continues to be involved in pressing for these new protections. Increased recreational use of the Chicago Area Waterways, like the Asian carp crisis and our lawsuit against the Water District for illegal pollution, point towards the need to re-think how we care for our waterways. As we have said before, now is the time to re-invent the Chicago River and canals to provide upgraded wastewater and transportation infrastructure, world-class recreational and tourism opportunities, and healthy waters and people.]]> 7296 0 761 0 https://prairierivers.org/articles/2011/09/bag-it-plastics-in-the-environment/ Fri, 02 Sep 2011 13:43:55 +0000 http://prairierivers.org/?p=7346 Guest Blog Post by Dr. Walt Kelly, Groundwater Geochemist Read Walt's Blog: Water Quality, Focus on Illinois The award winning documentary Bag It will be shown at the Art Theater in downtown Champaign on Tuesday, September 20, 2011, at 7 PM. I have seen the film and highly recommend it. It starts out as a critical look at plastic bags, but ends up being a much broader examination of the effects of plastic on the environment and human society. Spoiler alert: the film has a point of view, and it’s that our overreliance on plastic products is bad for us and the environment. The negative effects of degraded plastic on marine life is especially distressing. One topic addressed by the movie is the leaching of organic compounds from plastics into water resources. The two compounds they focus on are bisphenol-A (BPA) and phthalates. These chemicals are part of a family of pollutants known as Endocrine Disrupting Chemicals (EDCs) (more info here and here), which can mess with human and animal hormonal processes. EDCs have been linked to the feminization of fish, amphibians, and other animals, and concerns have been raised that human exposure to these chemicals, especially for pregnant women and young children, could cause serious health and developmental problems (more info here, here, and here). EDCs can leach from all types of plastic containers, including those that are labeled as BPA-free. These chemicals are clearly getting into the environment; BPA was one of the most commonly detected organic contaminants in groundwater in a study by the U.S. Geological Survey. Concentrations tend to be very low, parts per billion or even less, but even at these low concentrations negative effects have been observed. After watching the movie, I’ve been very aware of how much plastic I use in my life, usually without any thought. I think the movie is pretty fair in making the point that plastics aren’t evil, in fact are essential to many aspects of modern culture. But it should be obvious that we need to limit the amount of plastic we use for any number of reasons: the potential health effects, the huge volume of undegradable plastic garbage we produce, the fact that plastics are made from petroleum. Of the 3 R’s, Reduce and Reuse are much more effective in protecting us and the environment than Recycling. One of the best things we can do is to not drink bottled water; buy a metal bottle and fill it with tap water. So go see the movie. All proceeds benefit Prairie Rivers Network. To see the trailer and get ideas about actions you can take, visit the movie’s website.

 

]]> 7346 0 759 0 https://prairierivers.org/articles/2011/08/a-needed-plan-to-protect-the-wabash-river/ Tue, 30 Aug 2011 16:59:09 +0000 http://prairierivers.org/?p=7374 Flowing for over 500 miles from its west-central Ohio headwaters to its confluence with the Ohio River in southern Illinois, the Wabash River is the largest un-dammed river east of the Rocky Mountains. For those living along the Wabash, planning to protect and enhance the river’s future has become a necessary priority.  Earlier this summer, the Office of Illinois Lt. Governor Sheila Simon conducted a survey of residents in the Wabash River watershed as an initial step in gathering public input that will help direct future watershed planning efforts. Almost 250 people responded from all 18 counties that lie within the watershed’s boundaries. Results from the survey indicate that clean, healthy rivers are a high priority for Wabash River watershed residents:

• 97.6 percent gave the highest rating of “very important” to drinking water as a use of water
• 57.3 percent think restoring wetlands is effective method for preventing flooding
• 48.4 percent consider watershed restoration and conservation projects to be of “high” importance (the top ranking)
• 48 percent place a “high” level of importance (the top ranking) on preserving natural resources along the Wabash River Watershed
• 42.7 percent think the state of Illinois should make easement programs like the Conservation Reserve Enhancement Program or Wetland Reserve Enhancement Program more available in the area.

An initial draft of the Wabash River Strategic Plan Draft 1 will be discussed at today’s meeting of the Wabash and Ohio Rivers Coordinating Council, from 1:30-3:30 pm, in the Student Center Building Auditorium, Lake Land Community College, Mattoon, Illinois. “Public input is an important component of this process.  The Wabash and Ohio Rivers Coordinating Council is a public body that strives to improve the economic and ecologic vitality of the basin through cooperative projects and initiatives.  The stakeholder process will be ineffective without broad public support and feedback,” says Olivia Dorothy, the Lt. Governor’s Senior Policy Advisor for the Environment.  “We invite everyone to review the document and send comments the Office of Lt. Governor, so that the Council can improve its strategic plan.” Public comments on the Strategic Plan will be accepted through December 6, 2011.]]> 7374 0 760 0 https://prairierivers.org/articles/2011/09/illinois-epa-denies-mega-dairys-request-to-pollute/ Fri, 09 Sep 2011 20:27:20 +0000 http://prairierivers.org/?p=7425 [/caption] Prairie Rivers Network opposed unnecessary pollution Prairie Rivers Network applauds the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency’s September 2, 2011 decision to protect clean water by denying Traditions Dairy’s request to fill in headwaters of a stream in rural Jo Daviess County in order to build a manure pond. Traditions Dairy, a proposed 5,500-head dairy, would be the largest in the state. Unfortunately, the dairy would be near (and on!) sensitive streams that are the headwaters of the Apple River – enjoyed by Jo Daviess County residents and visitors for fishing, canoeing, and other activities. The site is also underlain by karst – a rock formation that allows pollution from the ground surface to easily percolate belowground to contaminate drinking water supplies. The site is not an ideal location for safely managing large quantities of cow manure and liquid waste. Prairie Rivers Network and partners objected to Illinois EPA issuing a water quality certification (a type of water pollution permit) for the project. Our January 2010 letter pointed out that the applicant hadn’t fully evaluated the potential damage the project would cause streams and groundwater, and therefore had not adequately attempted to avoid and minimize potential impacts, as required by law. Illinois EPA issued a statement explaining the reasons for their permit denial – those reasons echo the issues raised in our letter. Illinois EPA may still approve Traditions Dairy’s permit, “provided deficiencies identified in the denial letter are resolved.” Traditions Dairy has been under construction since 2008 and is not yet operational because of permitting delays and a citizen lawsuit. The future of this site is unknown now that the water quality certification has been denied. There have been reports of a land sale and building dismantling. The dairy is already in hot water with the Attorney General’s office due to an illegal discharge that turned a stream purple, and with the U.S. Environmental Agency for not providing requested information about the facility and site conditions. Prairie Rivers Network will continue to work with The Illinois Council of Trout Unlimited, Illinois Citizens for Clean Air & Water, Illinois Chapter of the Sierra Club, and Helping Others Maintain Environmental Standards to determine whether future actions regarding this problematic dairy operation are needed. Read more about our efforts to eliminate water pollution from other livestock operations, including our fact sheet on factory farms. Updated 9/14/2011 with press coverage: Chicago Tribune on September 8, 2011]]> 7425 0 757 0 https://prairierivers.org/articles/2011/09/a-restorative-project-on-september-11/ Wed, 14 Sep 2011 20:28:00 +0000 http://prairierivers.org/?p=7447 On the 10th Anniversary of September 11, Prairie Rivers Network staff spent the day doing something positive and restorative with Champaign community partners. We worked side-by-side with McKinley Church and Foundation and more than a dozen University of Illinois students who live at McKinley’s Presby Hall. The task at hand was to turn a “swampy” patch of lawn into a rain garden that would do a better job of infiltrating stormwater and air conditioning condensation that comes off the dorm’s roof. McKinley has wanted to deal with their standing water problem for some time now, and approached Prairie Rivers Network for help earlier this year. We met with McKinley Foundation Board Member David Bechtel and crafted a plan for moving forward. After observing that drainage was likely poor because of compacted, clay soils, contractor Steve Royal excavated a bean-shaped area to about 6 inches deep, just above the local water table. With the help of enthusiastic students, we backfilled the hole with a mix of sand and compost, and then planted the area with native plants obtained from Illini FS Farmtown and Grand Prairie Friends. The plants will develop deeper root systems than the grass they are replacing, and over time the roots will make the soil more porous to water. After the hard work was done, everyone enjoyed a well-deserved meal in the McKinley courtyard. We couldn’t have spent the day in a better way!]]> 7447 0 756 0 https://prairierivers.org/articles/2011/09/annual-dinner-october-14-celebrating-our-rivers-and-streams/ Fri, 23 Sep 2011 20:12:52 +0000 http://prairierivers.org/?p=7461 You are Invited to Our 13th Annual Dinner Celebrating Our Rivers and Streams

Where: I Hotel and Conference Center, 1900 S. First Street, Champaign, IL 61820

When: Friday, October 14, 2011

By popular demand, our reception will be expanded to allow our guests more time to visit with staff, board, and fellow river friends.

Reception – 6:00 pm Dinner – 7:30 pm

Price: $50 per person or $400 for a table of 10

Keynote Speaker: Gene Karpinski, president of the League of Conservation Voters

With the historic political gridlock in Washington, D.C., this evening will focus on the implications of the federal government’s current work surrounding environment issues and public health. Gene will discuss the urgent need for mobilization around local and regional environmental policies to protect clean water, air and lands for future generations. Gene Karpinski became president of the League of Conservation Voters (LCV) and the LCV Education Fund in 2006 and is himself an indefatigable exemplar of the LCV’s mission to turn environmental values into national priorities. To secure the environmental future of our planet, LCV advocates for sound environmental policies, elects pro-environment candidates who will adopt and implement such policies, provides the state LCVs with the resources and tools to accomplish and sustain their mission. Before becoming LCV’s president, Gene spent 21 years as executive director of the U.S. Public Interest Research Group (US PIRG), during which time he served on LCV and LCV Education Fund boards. He has also served on the boards of Earth Share, the Partnership Project, the Beldon Fund, and the National Association for Public Interest Law.

RSVP: Reservations are required. Please reserve your seat by October 5, 2011.

We anticipate a good turnout for this event so please make your reservations early.

• You may make your reservations online with a credit card; or
• Print out the response cardand mail in your check and dinner choices to 1902 Fox Drive, Suite G, Champaign, IL 61820; or
• Call 217 / 344-2371 with your dinner choices for payment at the door

Dinner Choices:

1. Rushing WatersTrout with Roasted Forest Mushrooms, Crispy Herbed Risotto Cake & Sautéed Broccoli with Garlic Confit
2. Seared Free Range Stuffed Chicken Breast with Local Goat Cheese and Dried Cranberries, Crispy Herbed Risotto Cake & Sautéed Broccoli with Garlic
3. Stuffed Fall Acorn Squash with Wild & Brown Rice and Roasted Vegetables and a Maple Vinaigrette (vegetarian)

]]> 7461 0 755 0 https://prairierivers.org/articles/2011/10/sangamon-river-wetlands-saved/ Fri, 21 Oct 2011 19:19:58 +0000 http://prairierivers.org/?p=7480 Prairie Rivers Network Works with Water Commission to Preserve Wetlands As reported in our Spring 2011 newsletter, the villages of Chatham and New Berlin are building a drinking water plant in the Sangamon River Valley. Because we were concerned about the new plant causing increased sediment pollution in the Sangamon River, we asked the South Sangamon Water Commission to incorporate innovative green infrastructure features in the plant design to help prevent sediment and other pollution from running into the river. The Commission readily agreed. Shortly thereafter, we learned that the Commission was planning to construct well fields, water pipelines and access roads within a mature forested wetland in the Sangamon River floodplain in order to supply water to the new plant. As proposed, the construction would have damaged the wetlands. Forested wetlands like these are invaluable, because they perform a variety of vital environmental functions such as storing floodwaters, filtering pollution and providing habitat for fish and wildlife.  Once destroyed, they are difficult to replace, as it takes many years for a forest to mature.  Historically, wetland destruction has occurred at alarming rates. Illinois has lost more than 85% of its original wetland acreage. Prairie Rivers Network joined with the Illinois Chapter of the Sierra Club to prevent the destruction of these important wetlands. We wrote a letter of objection and also asked the South Sangamon Water Commission to build its well fields outside of the forested wetland.  In response to our objections, the Commission worked with its consultants to find a new location that avoided the wetlands entirely. We are grateful to the Commission for its willingness to be both innovative and adaptable in reducing water pollution and in preserving Illinois wetlands.]]> 7480 0 746 0 https://prairierivers.org/articles/2011/09/the-beehive-collective-art-meets-activism-at-the-imc-on-october-6/ Thu, 29 Sep 2011 19:56:08 +0000 http://prairierivers.org/?p=7519 A swarm is coming! The Beehive Design Collective will present a Graphic Workshop and Picture-Lecture at the Urbana Champaign Independent Media Center on October 6, 2011 at 7:00 p.m. to release their long-anticipated “True Cost of Coal” graphic campaign! This innovative graphic is a visual exploration of Mountaintop Removal coal mining and Resistance.

Two years in the making, “The True Cost of Coal” is an elaborate narrative illustration that explores the complex story of mountaintop removal coal mining and the broader impacts of coal. The image is the culmination of an intensive, collaborative research process.

To make the poster, the Beehive interviewed hundreds of community members throughout the Appalachian region. The Bees use a "cross pollination process" that includes a team of volunteer illustrators and educators who have collaborated with hundreds of grassroots groups and folks from around the world to create this visually stunning graphic multi-tool for activists and ordinary people seeking real solutions to energy extraction and climate change.

Event details

When: Thursday, October 6, 2011 @ 7:00 p.m.

Where: The Urbana-Champaign Independent Media Center

202 South Broadway #100

Urbana, IL 61801

Cost: Free

You really don't want to miss this!

]]> 7519 0 754 0 https://prairierivers.org/articles/2011/10/please-attend-a-public-comment-session-for-wabash-river-strategic-plan/ Mon, 03 Oct 2011 14:43:35 +0000 http://prairierivers.org/?p=7532 Your input is important! Who: Illinois Lieutenant Governor's Office and Prairie Rivers Network What: Public comment session for the Wabash River Strategic Plan When: Monday, October 17th, 2011, 5:30-7:30 PM Where: Danville Public Library, 319 N. Vermilion St. Danville, IL 61832 Earlier this year, the Office of the Lieutenant Governor partnered with the National Great Rivers Research and Education Center and the Illinois Institute for Rural Affairs to develop a Wabash River Strategic Plan, which outlines important economic and environmental issues facing the region. The plan provides recommendations to the Wabash and Ohio Rivers Coordinating Council and focuses on seven topics:

• Business, industry, and agriculture
• Habitat
• Human resources
• Hydrology
• Recreation
• Research and monitoring
• Water quality

During the meeting, we will discuss the goals, objectives, and actions that relate to each topic. Your comments and recommendations will improve our ability to develop a plan that serves people living in the region. Click here to see if you live within the Wabash and Ohio Rivers region. Please contact Elliot Brinkman of Prairie Rivers Network at (217) 344-2371 or ebrinkman@prairierivers.org if you plan on attending the public meeting, or if you would like additional information. If you are unable to attend the meeting, you may click here to provide comments online.]]> 7532 0 753 0 https://prairierivers.org/articles/2011/10/our-priorities-for-the-2012-farm-bill/ Fri, 07 Oct 2011 20:44:44 +0000 http://prairierivers.org/?p=7581 The Farm Bill is a massive piece of federal legislation that is reviewed and reauthorized approximately every 5 years. It includes government programs for nutrition, rural development, energy, agricultural production, and conservation. Prairie Rivers Network seeks to influence the Farm Bill because it contains agricultural conservation programs that improve water quality. These programs have produced significant environmental benefits by funding or requiring conservation practices on farms and cultivating an environmental ethic among farmers. Prairie Rivers Network has produced a factsheet on our conservation priorities for the 2012 Farm Bill. Our priorities include:

• Ensure the Mississippi River Basin Healthy Watersheds Initiative and other targeted initiatives remain a growing part of Farm Bill conservation programs
• Make federal crop insurance one of the Farm Bill benefit programs subject to Conservation Compliance
• Require farmers who receive government benefits to adopt additional conservation measures.

Our priorities are in line with major environmental organizations such as National Wildlife Federation, Izaak Walton League, and Environmental Working Group. We have shared this factsheet with the agricultural staffers of the Illinois delegation to Congress. Later this year, we will travel to D.C. to meet in person with our legislators.  The Farm Bill contains two vital conservation components. The first is Conservation Compliance, a quasi-regulatory provision that requires farmers who receive certain government subsidies to control soil erosion and preserve wetlands. Conservation Compliance has resulted in significant reductions in soil loss and saved thousands of wetlands from the plow. We see this conservation requirement as a fair exchange for the billions of dollars in subsidies that farmers receive from taxpayers. The second conservation component of the Farm Bill is the numerous voluntary cost-share and easement programs run by the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Programs such as the Conservation Reserve Program and Wetlands Reserve Program pay farmers to retire sensitive lands from production and restore them to nature. Other programs such as the Conservation Stewardship Program and Environmental Quality Incentives Program pay farmers to do conservation on land that is actively farmed. Together, these voluntary programs have greatly increased farmer adoption of conservation practices and reduced agricultural runoff and water pollution. The 2012 Farm Bill is already taking shape in Washington, D.C. The conservation community expects fewer dollars to be made available for conservation, so we will be fighting for the most important programs and against disproportionate cuts to conservation. In the face of a smaller voluntary conservation purse, now is the time to target limited resources to where they are needed most and expand Conservation Compliance to include more farmland. As a private citizen, you can help shape the Farm Bill! We encourage you to share your views with your U.S. Representative and Senator, whether in person or via email, letter, or phone. Some legislators are more swayed by constituents from their own districts than regional or national organizations. Please contact our office if you have any questions about the Farm Bill or how to contact your legislators.]]> 7581 0 750 0 https://prairierivers.org/articles/2011/10/making-friends-in-big-bureau-watershed/ Mon, 17 Oct 2011 16:48:13 +0000 http://prairierivers.org/?p=7588 Prairie Rivers Network is one of the Friends of Big Bureau Creek Watershed. This multi-stakeholder group is devoted to reducing sediment and nutrient pollution in Big Bureau Creek and its tributaries in north-central Illinois. The Friends consists of government agencies, non-profit organizations, and businesses working together to increase conservation on farmland in the highly agricultural watershed. The Friends came together in 2010 in response to a call for proposals from USDA’s Mississippi River Basin Healthy Watersheds Initiative. This new Initiative is an effort by USDA to reduce the size of the Gulf of Mexico Dead Zone by curbing nutrient pollution from states that border and drain into the Mississippi River. The Initiative is popular among conservationists because funding is targeted to specific areas to solve specific problems. The Friends’ proposal was funded by USDA in June 2011, with all of the government funding going toward farmers for conservation practice installation and water quality monitoring. The Friends are providing some of their own funding as match, to increase the resources available for conservation. Prairie Rivers Network contributes to the project by providing three outreach workers to work with landowners to enroll in USDA conservation programs. We also contracted with the U.S. Geological Survey to conduct some of the stream surveys and sampling. Conservation practices such as reduced tillage, cover crops, and grassed waterways not only help clean up local streams, but also improve farm productivity. These are farm-specific solutions that balance conservation with production. Provided that funding remains intact for the Initiative, the Big Bureau Creek Watershed project should continue through at least 2014. We hope that by the end of the project, some 5% of farmers will be enrolled in government conservation programs, compared to the less than 1% at present.]]> 7588 0 748 0 https://prairierivers.org/articles/2011/10/eating-asian-carp-is-a-great-idea-but-nothing-like-a-solution/ Fri, 07 Oct 2011 16:07:35 +0000 http://prairierivers.org/?p=7593 Robert Hirschfeld

Coalition Organizer - Invasive Species

Prairie Rivers Network

by Robert Hirschfeld,  Coalition Organizer - Invasive Species In the three weeks since the Illinois Department of Natural Resources announced its plan to fight hunger and Asian carp in one fell swoop, my Asian carp twitter feed has seen more action than in the previous two months combined. #AsianCarp is trending, largely due to the initial disgust* that greets a suggestion of eating river monsters. [caption id="attachment_7597" align="alignright" width="266" caption="Asian carp steaks with Cajun remolade at the Heaven City Restaurant in Mukwonago, WI. Photo courtesy of Gary Porter / Milwaukee Journal Sentinel."][/caption] (I’ve yet to collect the full set of relevant data on what percentage of those adamantly refusing to eat carp don't think twice about hot dogs. Didn’t your parents ever tell you, “Don’t knock it ‘til you try it”?) Chicago Tribune columnist Dennis Byrne gets it right when he describes lobsters as “the 19th century equivalent of bigheads.” It has also been said that lobsters are the cockroaches of the sea, and yet it’s a sign of refinement and taste to drop a few bills to rip open their exoskeletons and devour the tasty innards. The superior marketing wizards of the Northeast knew that demand is created from the top down, so you sell it as a delicacy, not some kind of “soylent marine” to be pushed on the masses. Of course, Mr. Byrne’s ultimate answer is to throw up his arms in disgust at the likely series of unintended consequences that would follow from creating a market for Asian carp. While I take issue with cynicism as the basis for (a lack of) public policy (even in Illinois!), Mr. Byrne is right to be thinking about the logical extension of marketing an invasive species as food. While humans have driven some species to extinction or endangerment, we have also propped up populations of others to artificially high levels—see chickens, pigs, and cows. Once a profitable industry is established, all the incentives are in place to continue the existence of that industry, even if it trades in a troublesome product. Even if the original purpose of the industry was to exterminate the product. Who will want to end a profitable business—especially in this economy? Personally, I don’t care if Asian carp are eaten or made into fertilizer for your garden. I’m happy to see them pulled out of the rivers they currently infest, and I’m thrilled to decrease the pressure on the experimental electric “barrier” which is currently serving as the last line of defense against a full-scale Asian carp invasion in the Great Lakes. Still, Illinois needs to think carefully about its approach on this issue. If the state can successfully sell Asian carp as a healthy, protein-rich, and delicious food, then it should do so. But it should not forget that this is a means to an end—removing the threat of Asian carp. Which brings me to the deeply buried lead. Asian carp represents only the most visible invasive species threatening our rivers and lakes.  The US Army Corps of Engineers has identified 39 (yes 39!) high-risk invasive species poised to use the Chicago Waterway System to infest the Great Lakes and Mississippi River basins. You can eat all the carp you want (and as they are delicious, I encourage you to do so), but that will not end the threat of invasive species. A real solution can only take the shape of a permanent, physical barrier separating the Great Lakes and Mississippi River watersheds. [caption id="attachment_7598" align="alignright" width="150" caption="Fish infected with VHS. Photo courtesy of WI DNR."][/caption] As for the dozens of other invasive species, they're unlikely to have a place at the table. I assure you, no one is going to want to eat Viral Hemorrhagic Septicemia. And unlike the initial aversion to carp, that is a very rational response. * The reaction to Asian carp appears to be based on association with the “trash fish” Common carp. Unlike Common carp, Asian carp feed on plankton from the middle of the water column, making them a cleaner-tasting fish and keeping them low in toxins like mercury that can bioaccumulate in fish like tuna.]]> 7593 0 751 0 https://prairierivers.org/articles/2011/10/coalfields-to-clean-energy-student-tour/ Wed, 05 Oct 2011 19:12:57 +0000 http://prairierivers.org/?p=7617 On Saturday October 1st, over 55 students from the University of Illinois Urbana Champaign, the University of Illinois Chicago, the University of Chicago, Depaul University, the School of the Art Institute of Chicago, Loyola University, and the University of Iowa all boarded a bus to hear directly from community members and organizations in central Illinois' coalfields who are part of the growing movement to push for a just transition beyond coal here in the Illinois basin. Today's students represent the future, and it will be up to their generation to carry on the struggle for clean, healthy and sustainable communities in the coalfields of the Midwest.

Student Coalfields to Clean Energy Tour

Map and Itinerary See press coverage from the Daily Illini and the Daily Iowan. Highlights include:

• The Agricultural Watershed Institute in Decatur where researchers are piloting a project to demonstrate how perennial grasses and native prairie plants can be grown for biomass electricity and heat generation. This alternative energy system would benefit regional water quality, create wildlife habitat, as well as benefit the local economy

• City Water Light & Power on Lake Springfield, currently the biggest in- state consumer of Illinois coal. Will Reynolds, Chair of the Illinois Sierra Club discussed the history of the Midwest Coal Campaign and the victory in cleaning up CWLP's air emissions, as well as ongoing water contamination and scarcity issues due to coal ash disposal in unlined ash ponds and landfill adjacent to Spring Creek.

• Crown mines near Farmersville. Crown III is the only United Mine Workers of America organized mine left in the state of Illinois. Due to widespread mechanization, the total number of mining jobs in the state has plummeted to fewer than 3,500, and due to union breaking in the 1980's few union mine jobs remain. At Crown II and Crown III, coal processing refuse and coal ash disposal in unlined and uncovered coal refuse disposal areas threaten surrounding communities' health from air and water pollution. Students also visited Gob Nob, where Auburn's Rural Electric Convenience Cooperative operates the southernmost utility scale wind turbine in the state, built on top of 14 acres of coal processing waste from the old Crown I mine.

• Shay I mine south of Carlinville, where adjacent landowners discussed the mine's history of groundwater contamination from their 6 unlined refuse disposal areas and the pending IEPA enforcement case against the Cline Coal subsidiary that is applying for permits to ramp up production at the site. Local residents also discussed the devastating effects of longwall mining on the surrounding rural farm community. Former mine owner ExxonMobil's longwall mining emptied homesteads for miles around, and damaged local farmland, roads and streams.

• Deer Run mine in Hillsboro where students met with Citizens Against Longwall Mining. Surface facilities for Cline Coal's massive new longwall mine are located within the city limits of Hillsboro, and will subside nearly 5,000 acres of farmland in its first phase. CALM members showed students the farmland, streams and homes that will be impacted by the mine.

Moving Illinois Forward Students are at the forefront of the movement to stop so called "clean coal" projects in the state. Project's like Tenaska's Taylorville Energy Center, a coal gasification plant that would lock Illinois' communities and economy into overpriced and unhealthy coal energy for decades to come. If the General Assembly continues to give away sweetheart deals to coal companies, it is today's youth who will have to foot the bill for overpriced energy and coal's devastating public health and environmental consequences. ************************************************************* Thanks to Students for Environmental Concerns, Prairie Rivers Network, Illinois Sierra Club, Sierra Student Coalition and Campuses Beyond Coal Campaign for support and organizing!]]> 7617 0 752 0 https://prairierivers.org/articles/2011/10/critical-vote-on-coal-ash-pollution/ Tue, 11 Oct 2011 16:18:26 +0000 http://prairierivers.org/?p=7649

***UPDATE 10/14/2011***

This afternoon H.R. 2273 passed the House of Representatives by a vote of 267-144. Illinois Representatives who voted to take away EPA's ability to implement commonsense safeguards to protect communities and their waters from coal ash pollution include:

• Rep. Peter Roskam (R. 6th)
• Rep. Joe Walsh (R. 8th)
• Rep. Robert Dold (R. 10th)
• Rep. Adam Kinzinger (R. 11th)
• Rep. Judy Biggert (R. 13th)
• Rep. Randy Hultgren (R. 14th)
• Rep. Tim Johnson (R. 15th)
• Rep. Donald Manzullo (R. 16th)
• Rep. Robert Schilling (R. 17th)
• Rep. Aaron Schock (R. 18th)
• Rep. John Shimkus (R. 19th)

This bill must now be stopped in the Senate - stay tuned for information on how to contact your Senators. ***

House prepares to block EPA

Your U.S. Representatives need to hear from you now as Congress tries to push the  Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) out of the way in favor of continuing to put the coal industry's bottom line ahead of protecting clean water. Over a year ago, EPA proposed improved rules for how to store and dispose of harmful coal ash in response to the more than 100 known coal ash contamination cases in the U.S.  Over 450,000 public comments were received - more than had ever been received for any other proposed regulation.  Despite the overwhelming public outcry for protection from mismanagement of coal ash at the state level, as part of the War on Water some Congressional Representatives have advanced a bill that would prevent EPA from finishing the process of proposing commonsense safeguards to limit coal ash pollution.  The bill, H.R. 2273, is expected to come up for a vote this week (Oct 14).  Please take a moment to call your U.S. Representative NOW and ask them to Vote No on H.R. 2273! Find your Representative here. Talking points include: 1)      VOTE NO on H.R. 2273! 2)      Let EPA use its expertise, public feedback and the best science to decide how to regulate coal ash – without interference by Congress or special interest groups that have donated millions to anti-EPA campaigns. 3)      Improper management of coal ash in Illinois has earned us the distinction of having the second highest number of documented coal-ash damage sites of any state in the U.S. 4)      The public is at risk. Despite its hazardous characteristics, coal ash is not subject to federal regulations, and state laws governing coal ash disposal in Illinois are weak. 5)      Coal ash is toxic. Coal ash, the by-product of burning coal, contains toxic heavy metals such as arsenic, cadmium, hexavalent chromium, lead and mercury. The public health and environmental hazards from unsafe coal ash dumping have been known for many years, including increased risk of cancer, learning disabilities, neurological disorders, birth defects, reproductive failure, asthma and other sicknesses. Read more on this upcoming vote.

No	IL-1	Rush, Bobby [D]
No	IL-2	Jackson, Jesse [D]
No	IL-3	Lipinski, Daniel [D]
No	IL-4	Gutierrez, Luis [D]
No	IL-5	Quigley, Mike [D]
Aye	IL-6	Roskam, Peter [R]
No	IL-7	Davis, Danny [D]
Aye	IL-8	Walsh, Joe [R]
No	IL-9	Schakowsky, Janice [D]
Aye	IL-10	Dold, Bob [R]
Aye	IL-11	Kinzinger, Adam [R]
NV	IL-12	Costello, Jerry [D]
Aye	IL-13	Biggert, Judy [R]
Aye	IL-14	Hultgren, Randy [R]
Aye	IL-15	Johnson, Timothy [R]
Aye	IL-16	Manzullo, Donald [R]
Aye	IL-17	Schilling, Robert [R]
Aye	IL-18	Schock, Aaron [R]
Aye	IL-19	Shimkus, John [R]

]]> 7649 0 749 0 https://prairierivers.org/articles/2011/10/appalachian-voices-a-first-hand-account-from-the-coalfields-at-uiucs-ymca-october-19/ Mon, 17 Oct 2011 18:48:26 +0000 http://prairierivers.org/?p=7666 [/caption] Mountain communities in the heart of Appalachia are engaged in a high stakes fight to save their land, water and way of life from mountaintop removal coal mining. Join us on Wednesday, October 19th at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign YMCA at 7:30pm when Appalachian Voices comes to Champaign. Appalachian Voices is an award-winning, environmental non-profit committed to protecting the land, air and water of the central and southern Appalachian region, focusing on reducing coal’s impact on the region and advancing our vision for a cleaner energy future. Their unique work brings the experience of residents living with some of the most destructive coal mines to audiences across the country. Prairie Rivers Network staff will also discuss what the implications of developments in Appalachia mean for coal mining in the Illinois Coal Basin.]]> 7666 0 747 0 https://prairierivers.org/articles/2011/10/house-continues-war-on-clean-air-and-water/ Tue, 25 Oct 2011 15:08:33 +0000 http://prairierivers.org/?p=7754 EPA Administrator Lisa Jackson Weighs In In an editorial published in last Friday's Los Angeles Times, the Environmental Protection Agency's Lisa Jackson called on U.S. Representatives to stop their unrelenting assault on our nation's landmark environmental laws, including "an unprecedented rollback of the Clean Air Act, the Clean Water Act and our nation's waste-disposal laws, all of which have successfully protected our families for decades." (Read this excellent article, "'Too Dirty to Fail'?" here). Jackson lambastes the myth that protecting the environment and public health hurts the economy, calling it "a choice that's been proved wrong for the four decades that the EPA has been in existence. No credible economist links our current economic crisis — or any economic crisis — to tough clean-air and clean-water standards." In today's anti-environment climate in Washington and here in Illinois, clean air and clean water have become more politicized than ever. That's why we need YOU to participate in the public process. In the next days and weeks you'll hear more from us about how to get in touch with agency officials and your legislators to let them know that you support strong protections for clean water, including:

• Ask Illinois EPA to deny permits that would allow a coal fired power plant to dump more mercury into the Illinois River,  and that would allow a strip mine to open upstream of  Canton Lake, a drinking water and recreational resource for over 20,000 residents of Fulton County.

• Urge your Senators to vote against legislation that would strip EPA of its ability to protect clean water from toxic coal ash. Less than a week after the U.S. House passed H.R. 2377, an identical bill was introduced in the Senate.  Like H.R. 2273, the Senate bill seeks to eliminate the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s ability to ensure that storage and disposal of coal ash waste protects the health of our rivers and communities. Not yet numbered, leading champions for the bill are U.S. Senators John Hoeven (R-N.D.), Kent Conrad (D-N.D.), Michael Enzi (R-Wyo.), Rob Portman (R-Ohio), Joe Manchin (D-W.Va.), Ben Nelson (D-Neb.), and John Boozman (R-Ark.). Like the House version, the Senate bill lacks common sense safeguards that would protect communities from irresponsible coal ash dumping, and leave regulations up to the states. As the bill moves through the Senate, we will need your help to block or defeat it, and will let you know how best to make your concerns loud and clear.

• Let your legislators know that you support their efforts to defend Farm Bill conservation programs, our nation's primary defense against agricultural pollution, which is not covered by the Clean Water Act. See Prairie Rivers Network Farm Bill priorities here.

]]> 7754 0 745 0 https://prairierivers.org/articles/2011/10/toss-those-unwanted-electronics-and-pharmaceuticals-safely/ Wed, 26 Oct 2011 19:41:22 +0000 http://prairierivers.org/?p=7786 Saturday, October 29, presents two opportunities to do some housecleaning that will keep polluting chemicals out of our rivers AND help you clean out your closets!

1. Recycle your electronics! (Champaign County residents only)

Champaign County is holding an electronics recycling event from 8:00 am to noon at the News-Gazette Distribution Center, 3202 Apollo Drive, Champaign. This collection event will take everything from TVs to phones, computers to microwaves. FOR FREE! Electronics can pollute our waters through the leaching of materials such as heavy metals when items are thrown in landfills. Limit of 10 items per person.

2. Dispose of unused and unwanted pharmaceuticals safely! (statewide locations)

The U. S. Drug Enforcement Agency is sponsoring a National Take Back Initiative for unwanted and unused pharmaceuticals this Saturday in many locations across Illinois. Harmful ingredients from pharmaceuticals are becoming more common in our rivers and streams. Studies on the presence and levels of pharmaceutical chemicals have been conducted for a number of years, with recent studies confirming the persistence of these compounds in rivers.

Read more on the issue of water pollution due to pharmaceuticals ... Pharmaceuticals continue to enter our streams and lakes, presenting threats to aquatic species and unknown risks to human health. The International Joint Commission  (IJC) of Canada and the United States recently released a report of their study assessing the relationship between municipal wastewater treatment plants in the Great Lakes basin and the presence of pharmaceuticals in the lakes’ waters.  Every day, 1,448 municipal plants discharge 18 billion gallons of treated wastewater into the Great Lakes Basin. The report notes the ability of these plants to remove even a portion of pharmaceutical chemicals varies widely with treatment methods used. Even facilities with more treatment stages could not remove carbamazepine (anti-seizure) and diclofenac (anti-inflammatory). While the IJC's study concludes there is a need for more research on ecological and human health impacts of pharmaceuticals in the Great Lakes, it notes the undeniable link of ecological impact research in helping assess risks to human health: “Human health and ecological health are interconnected. The health of ecological communities and populations may act as a sentinel for human health.” Prairie Rivers Network urges you to lessen the amount of unwanted pharmaceuticals entering our waters by participating in Saturday's National Takeback Initiative.

]]> 7786 0 744 0 https://prairierivers.org/articles/2011/11/another-preventable-coal-ash-disaster/ Thu, 03 Nov 2011 20:15:45 +0000 http://prairierivers.org/?p=7892 retaining bluff collapsed on Monday, October 31, at the We Energies Oak Creek Power Plant in Wisconsin, sending toxic coal ash spewing into Lake Michigan, a drinking water supply for over 10 million residents in Wisconsin, Illinois and Indiana. The standard line from opponents of strong EPA regulation of toxic coal ash is: "States can handle this."  But state environmental regulators gave We Energies a pass in 2008 – exempting it from certain rules so that construction work could be done atop coal ash landfills on a bluff on the Lake Michigan shoreline at the utility’s Oak Creek Power Plant, officials said Tuesday.  A recent review conducted by Earthjustice reveals that when measured against basic safeguards that the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) identified as essential to protect health and the environment, state regulatory programs fail miserably to guarantee safety from contamination and catastrophe.  Our recent report, “Illinois at Risk,” highlights numerous examples of how our state environment regulators are failing to protect residents from coal ash pollution in Illinois.

Our last hope for EPA to protect us from coal ash pollution lies in our U.S. Senators hands.

Tell your Senator to support the EPA's efforts to give us strong safeguards on coal ash!

]]> 7892 0 742 0 https://prairierivers.org/articles/2011/10/river-steward-award-winner/ Mon, 31 Oct 2011 21:30:17 +0000 http://prairierivers.org/?p=8328 Scott Hays accepting River Steward award from Stacy James[/caption] In October 2011, Prairie Rivers Network presented Scott Hays with the River Steward Award. As the founding president of the Upper Sangamon River Conservancy (USRC), Scott Hays has been a tireless advocate for the river, connecting the river and its supporters with partners across the area. He has, according to current USRC president, Bruce Colravy, “an unrelenting enthusiasm and deep passion for this valuable resource.” In 2008, Scott helped found the Mahomet-based USRC—now a group of 80 supporters who want to see the Sangamon River preserved, maintained, monitored and promoted for appropriate public use. Scott has inspired others to action by organizing activities that help people experience the river for themselves. Both service and recreation have been important to his leadership: He has led clean-up paddles and donated a converted truck bed to carry kayaks and canoes for the USRC. “Every group needs a catalyst, someone who is so motivated and enthusiastic that they inspire others to action, and Scott is just that kind of person,” said Tim Garrow, a member of the Upper Sangamon River Conservancy. The Upper Sangamon Rivers is a Biologically Significant Stream, home to 71 species of fish, 34 species of mussels, and 14 species of large crustaceans. Scott Hays is one of those people who sees the river as a home, both for wildlife and people. Illinois needs more people like Scott. He not only cares about his environment, he also takes action to make it better. Congratulations, Scott, and thank you!]]> 8328 0 743 0 https://prairierivers.org/articles/2011/11/sing-it-we-all-live-in-a-wa-ter-shed-a-wa-ter-shed-a-wa-ter-shed/ Mon, 07 Nov 2011 13:21:53 +0000 http://prairierivers.org/?p=7483 For Watershed Groups webpages. What is a watershed?  What is meant by watershed planning?  Browse through Watersheds 101 to find out. [caption id="attachment_462" align="alignright" width="236" caption="Watershed Diagram Courtesy of Arkansas Watershed Advisory Groups"][/caption] What do watershed groups do? Visit Illinois Watershed Groups for links to some of the most active groups in our state. Tools, Manuals, Websites, and Maps will get you well on your way to taking an active role in protecting your watershed. Do you know which watershed you live in?  Is there a watershed group in your area?  Find out through on-line databases. Are you already active in your watershed?  Download free tools and manuals that will assist you at all levels. Would you like to get involved? Visit Partners and Volunteer Networks for links to groups like Illinois RiverWatch Network and the Volunteer Lake Monitoring Program. View presentations from our Workshops on Watershed Capacity Building. Learn tips on grant writing to receive funding for your projects. Get advice on conducting outreach campaigns.  Follow step-by-step tutorials to find free on-line data. Read our Final Report to learn more about how Prairie Rivers Network has supported watershed groups. Remember: we all live in a watershed; we all have a direct impact on the health of our rivers; and there are tools available to help each of us make a difference!]]> 7483 0 741 0 https://prairierivers.org/articles/2011/11/public-hearing-close-dynegys-high-hazard-coal-ash-dumps-in-havana/ Mon, 07 Nov 2011 20:32:54 +0000 http://prairierivers.org/?p=7985 Ask Illinois EPA and Dynegy’s Havana Power Plant for responsible coal ash disposal and closure of high hazard ash ponds. The Illinois Environmental Protection Agency has tentatively decided to reissue a permit to Dynegy’s Havana Power Plant that would allow additional mercury and other harmful pollution found in coal ash to be discharged into the Illinois River. Dynegy wants to continue dumping its coal ash in a 96-acre wet impoundment that is upland of the town of Havana, instead of converting to a safer dry landfill as other Illinois power plants have done. The Havana coal ash pond is larger than the ash impoundment that failed in 2008 at the TVA's Kingston Fossil Plant sending over 1 billion gallons of coal ash slurry into the Clinch and Emory Rivers. If you are concerned about water pollution, healthy fish, and threats to public health and safety, please attend the Public Hearing:

Tuesday November 8, 2011 6 p.m.

Occasions Banquet Facility, 301 West Main Street, Havana, Illinois

Tell Illinois EPA and Dynegy:

• Thank you for new air pollution control equipment ‐ we don’t want to breathe dirty air!
• Now, take that pollution and dispose of it responsibly. No coal ash toxins in our river!
• We use and enjoy the river where water from the coal ash ponds is being dumped. We eat the fish, we draw our income from the river, we recreate on the river. Keep our Illinois River clean!
• Invest your earnings in pollution control. Build a safe, lined landfill.
• We live downhill from the ash pond storing nearly 1 billion gallons of hazardous coal ash.
• We are threatened by the coal ash pond ‐ inspect it, fix it, then close it down!

View flyer for more information. If you cannot attend the hearing, please email your comments urging the closure of the Havana ash pond to IEPA Hearing Officer Dean Studer at <Dean.Studer@illinois.gov> and specify Havana Power Station NPDES in subject line by midnight, December 8, 2011. Comments postmarked by December 8th, 2011 may be sent to: Hearing Officer Dean Studer Re: Havana Power Station NPDES Illinois Environmental Protection Agency 1021 North Grand Avenue East P. O. Box 19276 Springfield, IL 62794-9276]]> 7985 0 740 0 https://prairierivers.org/articles/2011/11/action-alert-national-coal-ash-call-in-day/ Wed, 09 Nov 2011 14:44:22 +0000 http://prairierivers.org/?p=7995 CALL TODAY - November 9, 2011

Our last hope for EPA to protect us from coal ash pollution lies in our U.S. Senators hands.

[caption id="attachment_8007" align="alignright" width="270" caption="Coal Ash Pond, Havana, IL"][/caption]

Coal ash is contaminating our groundwater because it is not disposed of safely. In fact, Illinois has more cases of contaminated groundwater from coal ash than any other state.

Call Senators Durbin and Kirk and tell them to vote NO on S. 1751!

Senator Richard J. Durbin 202/224-2152 Senator Mark Kirk 202/224-2854 Talking points include:

• S.1751 endangers the health and safety of thousands of communities: it will prevent the EPA from ever revisiting a federal coal ash rule even if it is found that coal ash dumps pose an even greater threat.
• S.1751 is a dangerous bill: it would allow the construction of coal ash dumps that don’t meet drinking water standards for arsenic, lead and other pollutants.
• S.1751 will cost American jobs: A recent study by a Tufts University senior economist found that strong coal ash regulations, such as the one proposed by the EPA in 2010, would generate 28,000 jobs annually.
• S.1751 will hurt recycling: once coal ash is dumped into water, which this bill would allow by permitting the construction of new coal ash ponds, it cannot be recycled.
• S.1751 fails to address the current threat: this bill will not phase out dangerous ash ponds or prevent another tragedy like the coal ash spill in Tennessee in 2008.
• Coal ash is hazardous to our health: the cancer risk from drinking water contaminated by arsenic near some coal ash ponds is 1 in 50, which is 2,000 times greater than the EPA’s acceptable risk level
• Coal ash is a national problem: it is the second largest industrial waste stream in the U.S.

You can find more information about S.1751 here You can read more about Prairie Rivers Network's work on coal ash here.

]]> 7995 0 739 0 https://prairierivers.org/articles/2011/11/stacy-james-wins-2011-champaign-star-award/ Fri, 18 Nov 2011 21:19:39 +0000 http://prairierivers.org/?p=8132 Champaign’s Service Together Achieves Results program was created to recognize and acknowledge unsung heroes who are working to make the community a better place to live. Stacy was recognized in the Neighborhood – Community Building category. This award recognizes excellence in community building within a neighborhood. Neighborhood-community building projects are activities that are initiated by any individual or group to improve the physical or social environment of a neighborhood. In 2010, Stacy worked with residents of Champaign’s John Street and Washington Street neighborhoods to install several rain gardens. Both of these neighborhoods suffer from flooding problems. By working together to build rain gardens at sites selected by neighborhood residents, people learned firsthand how to create rain gardens in their own yards – these will benefit individual homeowners and the neighborhood overall. Rain gardens are landscaping features that help capture rainwater and snowmelt, allowing it to soak into the ground rather than running off into storm sewers. This provides two big advantages to homeowners and local waterways: 1) Soil can absorb and break down water pollution such as lawn chemicals, pet waste, and motor oil and other chemicals that leak onto driveways from cars. The more water that percolates through soil before reaching groundwater and streams, the less water pollution there is. 2) Rainwater and snowmelt that run straight into storm drains go directly into local streams in a quick burst – this causes erosion and flooding problems downstream. Capturing and slowing down this water allows streams have more natural flows and less flooding and erosion For information about how to create a rain garden, see Prairie Rivers Network's rain garden brochure.]]> 8132 0 738 0 https://prairierivers.org/articles/2011/12/2011-accomplishments/ Mon, 26 Dec 2011 13:00:50 +0000 http://prairierivers.org/?p=8219 Making a Difference for Illinois Rivers in 2011:

1. “Traditions” mega-dairy denied permit to fill in stream to make manure storage pond.
2. Industry coal mine is being held accountable for over 300 Clean Water Act violations.

   

   Click image to download 2011 accomplishments.

3. Wasteful spending on unnecessary expansion of harmful Upper Mississippi River navigation structures blocked.
4. 30 million gallons of polluted water no longer destined for Coffeen Lake; new coal ash pond at Coffeen Power Station will use state-of-the-art pollution controls.
5. Deer Run and Sugar Camp coal mines required to reduce water pollution & demonstrate new pollution control measures that will set the bar higher for other mines.
6. Voters make a difference! After hearing from our members:
   • Reps. Dold and Biggert changed votes to support EPA efforts to protect air & water from mercury pollution; and
   • Rep. Johnson voted to support EPA’s role protecting clean water.
7. South Sangamon Water Commission’s new drinking water plant will reduce pollution to the Sangamon River and protect onsite wetlands.
8. New habitat conservation plan for Vermilion River will improve riverside habitat.
9. New rules will finally protect users of the Chicago River from bacteria and viruses in sewage.
10. Growing support for restoring the natural divide between the Great Lakes and Mississippi River basins to prevent the transfer of invasive Asian carp and other harmful plants and animals.
11. Village of Sycamore Sewage Treatment Plant will reduce nutrient pollution to Kishwaukee River.

]]> 8219 0 732 0 https://prairierivers.org/articles/2011/12/annual-dinner-2011/ Tue, 06 Dec 2011 13:00:19 +0000 http://prairierivers.org/?p=8241

Please visit our flickr site for more pictures of our staff, board of directors, members and friends celebrating our rivers at the Annual Dinner.]]> 8241 0 736 0 https://prairierivers.org/articles/2011/12/run-for-your-rivers/ Fri, 02 Dec 2011 20:34:29 +0000 http://prairierivers.org/?p=8245 If you've ever thought about participating in one of the Illinois Marathon races (5K, 10K, half or full marathon, or 5K walk), 2012 is your year! Prairie Rivers Network is fielding a charity running team. Just sign up through our website and raise money on behalf of Illinois' rivers and streams. Whatever your level, there is a race for you. Ask a friend to join you in your race and help protect clean water while having fun at the same time.

Benefits of Running for Prairie Rivers Network

• Supporting a cause you believe in - donations that you bring in from the friends, family, and co-workers that sponsor you will go directly to supporting our Clean Water Act enforcement work
• Guaranteed lowest race registration fee when you register here
• Team Tech T-shirt and Prairie Rivers Network hat
• Rain barrel awarded to biggest fundraiser

We need your help. Sign Up TODAY and run for your rivers!  

]]> 8245 0 737 0 https://prairierivers.org/articles/2011/12/proposed-new-strip-mine-threatens-drinking-water/ Tue, 06 Dec 2011 18:52:47 +0000 http://prairierivers.org/?p=8264 Illinois EPA Proposes to Allow Serial Polluter to Operate New Coal Strip Mine Upstream of Canton Lake

Help residents protect their drinking water and ask state regulators to do their jobs - sign the petition now!

Residents in Canton are worried about their drinking water. Unfortunately, they have good reason to be. Canton Lake, Copperas Creek, and the people who rely on them are under threat from a proposed 1,000-acre strip mine a mile upstream of Canton Lake. Over 20,000 people rely on Canton Lake for their drinking water and have taken great lengths to protect this precious resource over the years. For many residents and others who travel to the region, this is an area valued for hunting along and fishing in Copperas Creek, the source for Canton Lake. Any strip mine would be cause for concern; strip mining coal strips the land of trees and vegetation, regrades the land affecting drainage patterns, and creates water pollution. This would be bad for drinking water. But in this case, there is even more cause for concern. The operator of the mining company behind the proposal for the North Canton Mine (Capitol Resources Development Company) is the same operator for the company (Springfield Coal Company) that runs the Industry Mine. Springfield Coal Company is being sued by Illinois Attorney General Lisa Madigan because the Industry Mine’s environmental compliance record is one of the worst for coal mines in Illinois. The case was originally brought by Prairie Rivers Network and the Illinois Chapter of the Sierra Club in 2009 due to the mine’s continuous violations of its current water permit dating back at least to 2004 and with over 300 Clean Water Act Violations in the past six years. Despite these problems, the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency has issued a draft permit to allow them to dump water pollution from constructing and operating the mine into Copperas Creek upstream of Canton Lake. There are no special provisions of the permit that take into account the mine operator’s terrible track record. On Tuesday December 6th, community members will voice their concerns at public hearings in Canton, urging Illinois EPA to reject these permits (download flyer). Even if the Agency’s permit could assure protection of clean water, habitat and existing resources, local residents who care about Canton Lake and Copperas Creek face what is an even more depressing problem: lack of enforcement of coal mine water pollution permits.

Abysmal track record on polluter accountability

Dig deeper into public records on pollution from coal mines, as Prairie Rivers Network and Canton Area Citizens for Environmental Issueshave, and you’ll find that an Illinois EPA-issued permit to regulate water pollution doesn’t mean much if not enforced. According to the U.S. EPA’s Enforcement and Compliance History Online database, the track record for the 72 coal mines with active water pollution permits in Illinois is abysmal (full summary below): Here are a few highlights:

• In the last three years, 34 coal mines (47%) have been out of compliance with their permit for 6 months or more.
• In the last three years, 21 coal mines (29%) have been out of compliance with their permit for 12 months or more.
• The scope of the pollution violations can be enormous. 40% of coal mines with pollution violations in the past three years (14 of 35) were polluting at levels up to 200 times greater than the allowed amount for some pollutants.

This data is supplied to the Illinois EPA by the coal mine operators themselves. It is hard to say how many more problems might be found if our state regulators actually conducted on-the-ground inspections to ground-truth this self monitoring. Less than 17% have been inspected in the last five years. What happens when a coal mine does not comply with their pollution permit requirements? Nothing. No formal enforcement actions on behalf of the Illinois EPA have been undertaken at any of the sites and no penalties for noncompliance have been assessed.

Help Canton Lake, help residents in coal mining communities throughout Illinois

This gross negligence on behalf of the Illinois EPA is hitting home for the residents now facing a direct threat to their drinking water supply from a rogue operator that has yet to be stopped by the system. Some are calling this one of the most "downright stupid strip-mine proposals in the 150-year history of coal mining in Illinois" (be sure to read Jeff Biggers' great Huffington Post article ). Prairie Rivers Network is working with many partners to bring fairness and accountability to issuance and enforcement of coal mine water pollution permits. The industry has long flown under regulators’ radar; they have been allowed to operate without modern pollution controls or the expectation that they will be held accountable to the kind of expectations we have for other polluters. We need to take every opportunity to change business as usual. Canton Area Citizens for Environmental Issues needs your help. Please help us send a message to Illinois EPA and Governor Quinn by circulating and signing the petition, asking the state to deny permits for this strip mine, proposed in an unsuitable location by a rogue operator.

Additional Resources: Illinois Coal Mine Water Permit Compliance Analysis

In Illinois, coal mine compliance with water pollution permits is reported quarterly. Based on our analysis from the first quarter of 2008 to the first quarter of 2011, of the 72 coal mines with active NPDES water pollution discharge permits in Illinois: Over 35 have self-reported non compliance with their permits.

• In the last three years, 34 of these facilities (47%) have been out of compliance with their permit for 2 quarters (6 months) or more.
• In the last three years, 21 of these facilities (29%) have been out of compliance with their permit for 4 quarters (12 months) or more.
• In the last three years, 9 of these facilities (13%)have been out of compliance with their permit for 8 quarters (24 months) or more.
• In the last three years, 4 of these facilities (6%) have been out of compliance with their permit for 12 quarters – that means out of compliance for every month of the last three years.
• In the last three years, 12 of these facilities (17%) have had > 10 effluent exceedances.
• In the last three years, 3 of these facilities (4%) have had > 50 effluent exceedances.

At coal mines not in compliance, operators report discharges of pollution at levels that significantly exceed the limits placed by Illinois EPA's water permits:

• 17 of the 35 mines (49%) not in compliance had more than half of their effluent exceedances greater than 50% of the permitted limit (i.e. Permit limit for total suspended solids = 70 mg/L, effluent violation ≥ 105 mg/L)
• 15 of the 35 mines (43%) not in compliance had more than half of their effluent exceedances greater than 100% of the permitted limit (i.e. Permit limit for total suspended solids = 70 mg/L, effluent violation ≥ 140 mg/L)
• 15 of the 35 mines (43%) not in compliance had instances of permit violations greater than 1000% of their permitted limit (i.e. Permit limit for total suspended solids = 70 mg/L, effluent violation ≥ 700 mg/L)
• 14 of the 35 mines (40%) not in compliance had instances of permit violations greater than 19900% of their permitted limit (i.e. Permit limit for total suspended solids = 70 mg/L, effluent violation ≥ 13,930 mg/L)
• 8 of the 35 mines (23%) not in compliance had instances of permit violations greater than 29900% of their permitted limit (i.e. Permit limit for total suspended solids = 70 mg/L, effluent violation ≥ 20,930 mg/L)
• 6 of the 35 mines (17%) not in compliance had instances of permit violations greather than 39900% of their permitted limit (i.e. Permit limit for total suspended solids = 70 mg/L, effluent violation ≥ 27,930 mg/L)
• 2 of the 35 mines not in compliance had instances of permit violations greater than 59900% of their permitted limit (i.e. Permit limit for total suspended solids = 70 mg/L, effluent violation ≥ 41,930 mg/L)

Failure to report water discharge information to the Illinois EPA is pervasive, and full compliance with water pollution permits is rare:

• Another 25 have been in violation with their permit for not reporting whether their pollution discharges were in compliance with their permits. So, the Agency and the public do not know how these sites are operating.
• Only 12 have both submitted their reports AND shown they were in compliance with their pollution limits.

To date, Illinois EPA has taken little to no action to force coal mines to comply with the Clean Water Act:

• Informal enforcement actions have been issued at 12 of the mine sites. Example of this is a letter to the permittee called a “Notice of Violation”.
• No formal enforcement actions have been undertaken at any of the sites.
• No penalties for noncompliance have been assessed.
• Only 12 have had inspections conducted by the Illinois EPA in the last five years.
• Nineteen of these mines discharge pollution into streams that are already considered “impaired” by the Illinois EPA. That means that the streams are not clean enough to support their designated uses of either drinking water, support for aquatic life, or recreation. Of these, IEPA has evaluated that 17 of the coal mine operations may be a potential contributor to the cause of impairment.

]]> 8264 0 735 0 https://prairierivers.org/articles/2011/12/prairie-river-notes-fallwinter-newsletter/ Mon, 12 Dec 2011 13:00:53 +0000 http://prairierivers.org/?p=8315 View Prairie River Notes – Fall/Winter 2011 Newsletter with the following articles:

• Asian Carp's Watershed Moment
• Factory Farms: 2 Steps in the Right Direction
• Introducing the Bruce Hannon Friends of Illinois Rivers
• State Proposes to Allow Serial Polluter to Open a New Mine
• Annual Dinner Round-up and River Steward Award Winnter - Scott Hays
• Run for Your Rivers

Also take a look at our 2011 Accomplishments.]]> 8315 0 734 0 https://prairierivers.org/articles/2012/01/asian-carps-watershed-moment/ Thu, 12 Jan 2012 19:21:39 +0000 http://prairierivers.org/?p=8322 [/caption] BY ROBERT HIRSCHFELD At this moment, there are countless Asian carp steadily making their way northward, swimming upstream throughout the Mississippi River basin, and encroaching into new territory in South Dakota, Minnesota, and most infamously, into the manmade canals on the outskirts of Chicago. These canals connect the Mississippi River basin with a jewel of the Midwest, the Great Lakes. The Chicago Area Waterway System represents ground zero for the threat of a full-scale Asian carp invasion into the Great Lakes. Asian carp are well-known as an insidious and malignant invader, outcompeting native species and leaving millions more Asian carp in their wake of disruption. The fight against Asian carp has reached a critical juncture. The groundwork that is being laid now, by Prairie Rivers Network and our many partners, will help determine the course of an entire region, including its greatest water resources—the Great Lakes and the Mississippi River. At risk are not only the well-being of our waters and wildlife, but billions of dollars annually in the Great Lakes region’s fishing and recreation industries. This is a big problem in need of a big solution. A solution constructed from a grand vision that sees beyond a fish, a canal, and the 2 volts of electricity currently used to repel carp. Presently, the last line of defense between the carp and the Great Lakes is a small stretch of electrified water in the Chicago Sanitary and Ship Canal. The Army Corps of Engineers, tasked with operating this “barrier,” continues to offer assurances that the electric barrier is working, but their actions belie such assertions. Inquiries by Prairie Rivers Network revealed that the Corps knew for months that the barrier may not be effective against smaller carp. In response, the Corps decided to raise the voltage of the barrier. Within a week of raising the voltage, the Corps again lowered the voltage, citing safety concerns. Meanwhile, Asian carp DNA continues to be found past the electric barrier, raising concerns that some live carp have moved across the barrier and towards the Great Lakes. Further, the Corps has released a study indicating that Asian carp are among 39 high-risk invasive species poised to transfer between the Mississippi and the Great Lakes via the Chicago Area Waterway System. Many of these other species would not be deterred by electrified water. There are real solutions, however. The construction of a permanent, physical barrier in the Chicago Area Waterway System would effectively prevent the transfer of carp and all other invasive species by restoring the natural divide between the Great Lakes and the Mississippi River. Prairie Rivers Network is working towards this solution, and we are gaining momentum. We have been presented a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to re-imagine the future of our waters. Permanent separation would be a grand project, but one made of workable, achievable upgrades to the Chicago Waterway System, spreading broad benefits throughout the entire Chicago region. Those benefits are beginning to be identified. The Great Lakes Commission is set to release “Envisioning a Chicago Area Waterway System for the 21st Century,” the results of a year-long study on permanent separation. Prairie Rivers Network, serving on its Advisory Committee, has provided guidance on how the Commission report can live up to its name. Others have recognized the significance of this moment as well. Chicago mayor Rahm Emanuel has announced plans to turn the Chicago River into a major destination for tourists and residents, calling it “the next recreational frontier.” Some of the nation’s best and brightest, like Chicago architect and MacArthur grant winner Jeanne Gang, have been put to the task of planning and designing a bold new future for the river. Encouragingly, these diverse threads are converging as part of an ongoing and inevitable program to clean up the Chicago River and restore it to a place of prominence within urban life. Permanent separation, the only viable solution to the threat of Asian carp and other invasive species, will be a necessary piece of this river renaissance.]]> 8322 0 728 0 https://prairierivers.org/articles/2012/01/factory-farms-2-steps-in-the-right-direction/ Tue, 24 Jan 2012 22:29:00 +0000 http://prairierivers.org/?p=8324 [/caption] BY STACY JAMES Prairie Rivers Network works with partners across the state to reduce water pollution from factory farms. Livestock waste pollutes Illinois’ water with disease-causing bacteria, antibiotics, ammonia, nitrates and algae blooms. In the most egregious cases, streams turn brown with raw sewage that kills all wildlife inhabitants. Pollution happens when waste storage structures leak or spill, a far too common occurrence that often goes undetected until there is a fish kill. Another way that streams become polluted is when too much manure is applied to farm fields as fertilizer and rain or melting snow carries the waste into nearby streams. Factory farms are one of the least-regulated sources of pollution. Some regulations exist but they do not require adequately stringent manure management practices. State government is also underfunded to inspect factory farms and prevent problems from happening in the first place. Consequently, we are seeking changes at the state level that would make a significant impact on Illinois’ rivers. We are focused on strengthening the rules that govern factory farms, and increasing the revenue available to the Illinois EPA for inspections. Fortunately, these efforts are proving fruitful, and we have made new allies along the way. 2 Steps Toward Cleaner Water After two years of advocating for rule changes that would require more responsible livestock waste management, the Illinois EPA adopted several of our recommendations! The draft rules limit how much manure and liquid waste can be applied to farm fields. Applicators will be prohibited from applying waste close to ditches and other conduits that lead to streams. And the waste storage capacity requirements will be increased, so that overflows and untimely land application are less likely to occur. While the draft rules look good, they must be approved by the Illinois Pollution Control Board. The Board will hold public hearings and accept public comments, and it is likely there will be stiff opposition from industry. We have serious concerns that industry action will water down the rules, and that the Board will be sympathetic to claims that stringent regulations are too expensive for factory farms. Another key advancement we have been advocating for is pollution permit fees. This is a needed source of revenue to fund livestock permitting programs. All other water pollution permit applicants are required to pay a fee, and most of our neighboring states already charge permit fees to factory farms. The good news is that the IEPA committed to us that they will run a fee bill in the General Assembly in 2012. After much pressure and a nearly-successful run in 2011 by our coalition of groups, the IEPA will run a bill even if there is Farm Bureau opposition. Prairie Rivers Network saw the need for a permit fee bill a year ago and spent last spring working to get our bill passed. We had a number of supporters, but several legislators got cold feet because it was going to be a close vote and the Farm Bureau was lobbying hard against the bill. In 2012, we will work to pass the permit fee bill and defend IEPA’s proposed livestock rule from industry attempts to remove positive reforms. We will be spending a lot of time in Springfield talking with legislators and attending IL Pollution Control Board hearings about the proposed rule.  

How Can You Help?

 

There is much work yet to be done in order to achieve real and final improvements in Illinois’ livestock regulatory program. If you care about this issue and want to help us with lobbying or other activities, please contact Stacy at 217.344.2371 or sjames @ prairierivers.org.

]]> 8324 0 726 0 https://prairierivers.org/articles/2012/01/introducing-the-bruce-hannon-friends-of-illinois-rivers/ Thu, 05 Jan 2012 17:06:27 +0000 http://prairierivers.org/?p=8326 Since its beginning in 1967, Prairie Rivers Network has been sustained by conservation-minded people who believe in its work enough to have invested in it. With private donations in hand, staff members have reached out to foundations for further support, multiplying the individual gifts. The resulting record speaks for itself: Over the past decade, Prairie Rivers has enjoyed a growth rate of a full ten percent each year–and this in times of economic turmoil and cutbacks in foundation giving. This spring, Prairie Rivers Network has begun two efforts to recognize the vital contributions of its donors and to encourage continued engagement. The move is part of a larger effort by staff and the Board to expand programs and effectiveness. Donors giving annually are invited to become charter members in the Friends of Illinois Rivers, a group of supporters who commit to give at least $1,000 per year. The Board hopes to enroll, as an interim goal, 45 charter members by October 2012, just in time for the organization’s 45th anniversary. Goals thereafter are 60 Friends by 2016 and 100 Friends by 2021. As this newsletter goes to press, 40 members have enrolled as charter Friends, so the interim goal is very much in sight. For donors who have given at this level, joining the Friends group will be easy. For others–a growing number, we hope–donations at this level will represent an important increase in their involvement in the organization. Increased donations are vital if Prairie Rivers Network is to reach out to foundations beyond the state and region–to national-level foundations with household names that are beginning to take interest in the rivers, streams, and lakes of Illinois. If you are able to become a Friend, please say so! The easiest way to do this is through recurring giving, where you automatically make a contribution to Prairie Rivers Network each month. For many donors, a better way to support Prairie Rivers Network is through a bequest or other delayed gift. Deferred giving can take many forms, from a simple bequest in a will, to the designation of Prairie Rivers Network to receive life insurance proceeds, to a variety of more complex arrangements. Deferred gifts go directly to Prairie Rivers Network operations, for immediate use, and to help sustain our programs over time. To encourage deferred giving, the Board has created the River Legacy Society. Its ranks will include supporters who have made plans in their wills or otherwise to make gifts in the future. Friends and Legacy Society members will be recognized (if willing) and invited to occasional special gatherings. Please contact Glynnis at 217.344.2371 or gcollins @ prairierivers.org for more information.]]> 8326 0 730 0 https://prairierivers.org/articles/2011/12/illinois-hog-facility-fined-for-fish-kill/ Fri, 23 Dec 2011 16:40:53 +0000 http://prairierivers.org/?p=8413 Justice has finally been served in Iroquois County! In 2009, over 110,000 fish were killed after the R3E hog operation illegally discharged some 200,000 gallons of waste into a tributary of Spring Creek. The waste had been stored in holding ponds, but got into an underground pipe system that flows into the tributary. Earlier this week, the Illinois Attorney General's Office issued a press release stating that R3E will be paying over $80,000 to the State as a penalty for the discharge. $17,500 will go to the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency, which conducted inspections of the facility and stream. $63,782 will go to the Illinois Department of Natural Resources for the value of the aquatic life destroyed by the discharge. The Attorney General's Office continues to work with R3E on restoring the stream. This is welcome news because it costs the State (and taxpayers) a huge amount of money to investigate and prosecute illegal discharges. Now that R3E has discharged, they are considered a discharger and will be issued a NPDES wastewater permit by Illinois EPA. The permit prohibits the facility from discharging except during unusually heavy rains.]]> 8413 0 733 0 https://prairierivers.org/articles/2012/01/were-fishin-for-your-best-upper-mississippi-river-stories/ Tue, 03 Jan 2012 17:33:46 +0000 http://prairierivers.org/?p=8424 Whether you have visited the Upper Mississippi River once, or lived next to it all your life,

we invite you to enter an essay contest: “Our Upper Mississippi River: Connection, Inspiration, Transformation.”

Share your experiences with, and connection to, this natural wonder. How has the river inspired you? How has the Upper Mississippi River changed your life? How do you protect this river you love?

Essay contest entries must be submitted electronically between January 1, 2012 and March 16, 2012. The winning essay will be published in the newsletters for Prairie Rivers Network and the 1 Mississippi Campaign, an audience of over 5,000! For more information, essay contest rules and entry form go to:  http://prairierivers.org/umressay/

]]> 8424 0 731 0 https://prairierivers.org/articles/2012/01/action-alert-starved-rock-state-park-threatened-by-proposed-sand-mine/ Mon, 09 Jan 2012 21:43:54 +0000 http://prairierivers.org/?p=8530

Please contact LaSalle County Board members and tell them to protect Starved Rock by not permitting the sand mine.

If you have time for just one call, the board chair is Jerry Hicks, 815-795-2608. A proposed sand mine adjacent to Starved Rock State Park 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. Starved Rock State Park receives over 2 million visitors annually; many of whom come to view the abundant wildlife that occur in the area, such as the bald eagles that overwinter there and the white pelicans that migrate to the Illinois Valley in spring and fall. It’s not too late to let members of the LaSalle County Board know that you oppose locating this mine near Starved Rock. Please take the time to call board members and voice your concern. In December, the LaSalle County Zoning Board of Appeals voted unanimously in favor of the Permit. However, the proposal will go before the full LaSalle County Board on Thursday, January 12th, 2012 for a final vote. Please contact the County Board Members or attend the County Board Meeting in support of Starved Rock State Park. When: Thursday, January 12th, 2012 at 1 PM Where: Knights of Columbus Hall at 401 W. Main Street in Ottawa, Illinois]]> 8530 0 729 0 https://prairierivers.org/articles/2012/01/press-release-delayed-coal-ash-protections-put-public-health-at-risk/ Fri, 20 Jan 2012 21:00:19 +0000 http://prairierivers.org/?p=8618 Groups head to court to force issuance of important national safeguards Washington, D.C. – Environmental and public health groups announced their intent to sue the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency in federal court to force the release of long awaited public health safeguards against toxic coal ash. The EPA has delayed the first-ever federal protections for coal ash for nearly two years despite more evidence of leaking ponds, poisoned groundwater supplies and threats to public health. Earthjustice, on behalf of Appalachian Voices (NC), Chesapeake Climate Action Network (MD), Environmental Integrity Project, French Broad Riverkeeper (NC), Kentuckians For The Commonwealth (KY), Montana Environmental Information center (MT), Physicians for Social Responsibility, Prairie Rivers Network (IL), Sierra Club and Southern Alliance for Clean Energy (TN), sent the EPA a notice of intent to sue the agency under the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA). The law requires the EPA to ensure that safeguards are regularly updated to address threats posed by wastes. However, the EPA has never undertaken any action to ensure safeguards address the known threats posed by coal ash, a toxic mix of arsenic, lead, hexavalent chromium, mercury, selenium, cadmium and other dangerous pollutants that result from burning coal at coal-fired power plants. A copy of the Notice of Intent to Sue letter sent to the EPA is available at: http://earthjustice.org/sites/default/files/NOI_RCRA_1_18_12.pdf Following a spill of more than a billion gallons of coal ash at a disposal pond in Harriman, TN, in December 2008, EPA Administrator Lisa Jackson announced in 2009 plans to set federal coal ash regulations by year’s end. In May 2010, the EPA proposed a hybrid regulation to classify coal ash either as hazardous or non-hazardous waste. After eight public hearings across the country and more than 450,000 public comments, the agency decided to delay finalizing the rule amid intense pressure from the coal and power industries. Despite numerous studies showing the inadequacy of current federal coal ash safeguards to protect public health and the environment as well as documented evidence by the EPA and environmental groups showing coal ash poisoned aquifers and surface waters at 150 sites in 36 states, the EPA continues to fail to adopt federal safeguards. Today’s lawsuit would force the EPA to set deadlines for review and revision of relevant solid and hazardous waste regulations to address coal ash, as well as the much needed and overdue changes to the test that determines whether a waste is hazardous under RCRA. “Politics and pressure from corporate lobbyists are delaying much needed health protections from coal ash,” said Earthjustice attorney Lisa Evans. “The law states that the EPA should protect citizens who are exposed to cancer-causing chemicals in their drinking water from coal ash. As we clean up the smokestacks of power plants, we can’t just shift the pollution from air to water and think the problem is solved. The EPA must set strong, federally enforceable safeguards against this toxic menace.” “It’s well past time for the EPA to do something about this hazardous waste,” said Anne Hedges, Program Director of the Montana Environmental Information Center. “Our biggest coal ash ponds in Montana are leaking and have been leaking for decades.” “For far too long the Tennessee Valley Authority has been allowed to ignore the dangers of coal ash, resulting in the 2008 Kingston disaster, one of the worst environmental catastrophes of our time,” said Josh Galperin, policy analyst and research attorney for Southern Alliance for Clean Energy. “Despite the lessons of Kingston and an explicit congressional mandate, coal ash continues to be unregulated by the EPA. We are taking action today to drive EPA to follow-through on its legal duty to protect Americans from this toxic waste.” “Data on groundwater at coal ash disposal sites is now available, and the results in Illinois and many other states are grim,” said Traci Barkley, water resources scientist with Prairie Rivers Network. “State regulators found high levels of coal ash pollutants in groundwater at all 22 sites in our state. Seeing that our state’s rules have not protected our residents and our clean water, we need to know that the EPA will get the job done.” “Right now our organization is involved in several lawsuits against old, leaking coal ash landfills in Maryland,” said Diana Dascalu-Joffe, staff attorney with Chesapeake Climate Action Network. “Dangerous coal ash is leaching into waterways that hurt the Chesapeake Bay and could be threatening the health of Maryland citizens. The EPA has a responsibility to issue a uniform, strong rule to address coal ash so groups like ours don’t have to fight to clean them up, facility by facility, at the state level.” “With a state legislature bent on weakening the ability to protect public health, North Carolinians are calling on the EPA to demonstrate political leadership by providing strong and consistent federal guidelines for coal ash disposal and storage,” said Sandra Diaz, North Carolina Campaign Coordinator for Appalachian Voices. “With many coal ash dumps located in populated areas, the public depends on the EPA to do everything possible to protect our health and keep our communities safe,” said Mary Love, member of Kentuckians For The Commonwealth. “We need strong standards so we can not only clean up communities that have already been poisoned but make sure these toxic chemicals never again leak into our homes and communities.” “The EPA promised to set standards for coal ash disposal sites more than a decade ago,” said Eric Schaeffer, executive director at Environmental Integrity Project. “Are we going to have to wait for another disaster before EPA finally keeps that promise?” “The toxic threat that coal ash poses to human health is severe,” said Dr. Maureen McCue, MD, PhD, of Physicians for Social Responsibility. “Coal ash contains contaminants that can cause cancer and can damage the intestines, liver, kidney, lungs, heart, peripheral nervous system and brain. It’s unthinkable that the EPA allows this toxic stew to get into drinking water. It doesn’t get much dirtier than this.” “Two of the nation's 49 high hazard coal ash dams sit on the banks of the French Broad River. These ponds pose a looming threat to the health and safety of the surrounding community, as well as the French Broad River,” said Hartwell Carson, French Broad Riverkeeper. “The dams also hold back toxic coal ash that pollutes the groundwater and surface water every day. It is time for the EPA to act to protect the French Broad River and the hundreds of similarly impacted rivers and communities around the country.” “The EPA must act and they must act soon,” said Bruce Nilles, Senior Campaign Director for the Sierra Club's Beyond Coal Campaign. “Millions of tons of toxic waste from coal plants – coal ash containing arsenic, lead, mercury and other dangerous pollution - are dumped across the country each year, often without basic safety protections. Even though the EPA has identified more than four dozen highly dangerous coal ash sites around the country they have still failed to safeguard the health and well being of those living near the dumping grounds. We urge the EPA to take definitive action to protect American families and communities.”

###

]]> 8618 0 727 0 https://prairierivers.org/articles/2012/01/press-release-study-presents-options-for-restoring-chicago-river-protecting-lake-michigan/ Tue, 31 Jan 2012 15:52:20 +0000 http://prairierivers.org/?p=8814 River, Lake Advocates Praise New Path Toward Better Flood Control, Cleaner Water, and Keeping Asian Carp Out of Great Lakes A highly-anticipated report released today clearly demonstrates that it is possible to separate the artificial connection between the Great Lakes and the Mississippi River basins and prevent the transfer of invasive species through the Chicago river system. The study, Restoring the Natural Divide, offers real alternatives to simply closing the locks between the Chicago River and Lake Michigan. Authored by the Great Lakes Commission and Great Lakes-St. Lawrence Cities Initiative, representing governors and top officials from Great Lakes states, cities, and provinces, the report re-envisions the Chicago River as a system which not only prevents the transfer of aquatic invaders such as Asian carp, but also better serves its functions of moving people and goods and managing stormwater, while improving water quality. Restoring the Natural Divide offers detailed analysis on three possible separation scenarios and includes a wealth of data on the integration of each scenario with the region’s water infrastructure, as well as an outline and timetable for implementation. The study was prompted by the urgent need to find a solution to the the ongoing problem of invasive species, including Asian carp. Strong evidence suggests that the threat of Asian carp entering the Great Lakes is imminent and their potential to wreak ecological and economic havoc is real. While Asian carp have been the public face of invasive species, they are among 39 species deemed “high risk” by the Army Corps of Engineers based on a propensity to invade and to inflict significant damage to new habitat. Local and Federal Governments currently spend upwards of $200 million per year to control invasive species in the Great Lakes. Ending the continuing threat of transfer of these aquatic invaders through the Chicago River system will be essential to the region’s long-term economic well-being, and would complement plans for river restoration, increasing the value of Chicago’s second waterfront. “Chicago and Illinois have been under a spotlight as the carp close in on Lake Michigan,” says Joel Brammeier, President and CEO of the Alliance for the Great Lakes. “This report shines that light in a new direction: toward the transformation of the Chicago waterway into a resource of which everyone in the city, the state and the country can be proud.” Illinois conservation groups and NGOs thanked Governor Quinn and Mayor Emanuel for serving on the study’s Executive Committee and commended them for taking a leadership role in the process. “This study is part of a greater effort and vision for river restoration,” says Robert Hirschfeld, Invasive Species Coalition Organizer for Prairie Rivers Network. “It makes the case for separation at a time when Illinois leaders are actively reinvesting in Chicago’s river, affirming its place as a vital asset to the people of Illinois. Restoring the Natural Divide provides a detailed evaluation of a complex water system which serves many functions in the Chicago region. The study effectively demonstrates to the region’s leaders that separation can be accomplished while also satisfying public needs, and without severing Chicago’s vital connection to the lake. What makes the study so constructive,” said Margaret Frisbie, executive director of Friends of the Chicago River, “is that it presents plausible solutions for separation away from the lakefront while protecting the ecology and economic health of the whole river system. These kinds of explorations make it possible to imagine an outcome that stops invasive species, addresses transportation issues, controls flooding, and above all else ensures a clean, healthy river on both sides of the barrier. Done well, everybody wins. Friends is going to protect the river no matter which way it flows, and through this process we will work to ensure that the river and its users are protected, too.” Restoring the Natural Divide not only provides valuable information for stakeholders working to improve the Chicago River system, but could inform and expedite the Great Lakes Mississippi River Interbasin Study (GLMRIS), the Army Corps study of threats from invasive species. “At last someone has identified solutions to the Asian Carp threat that will protect the Great Lakes and improve the Chicago River,” said Jack Darin, director of the Sierra Club, Illinois Chapter. “In Illinois we love both Lake Michigan and our rivers, and these are smart ideas that can work to protect and improve both. We urge the Army Corps and other leaders to study these solutions in more detail quickly, so we can get to work improving these waters for everyone’s benefit.” Until separation is complete, strong interim measures will be needed to protect against an Asian carp invasion. The study has laid out a path for implementation that includes such measures and is compatible with the long-term vision for separation. “The study marks the beginning of a much-needed conversation about the future of Chicago’s waters, said Max Muller, Program Director for Environment Illinois. “As Illinois leadership begins to engage in the process of separation and restoration, a significant debt will be owed to the analysis and results of the study.” ****************************************************************** All contacts listed below would be happy to provide background information on the issues addressed by the study. Joel Brammeier, President and CEO, Alliance for the Great Lakes, 773-590-6494 Jack Darin, Director, Sierra Club, Illinois Chapter, 312-251-1680 x112 Margaret Frisbie, Executive Director, Friends of the Chicago River, 773-316-6473 Henry Henderson, Midwest Program Director, Natural Resources Defense Council, 312-651-7909 Robert Hirschfeld, Invasive Species Coalition Organizer, Prairie Rivers Network, 217-344-2371 Kristy Meyer, Ohio Environmental Council, Director of Agricultural & Clean Water Programs, 614-638-8948 Max Muller, Program Director, Environment Illinois, 312-869-2629 Marc Smith, Senior Policy Manager, National Wildlife Federation, 734-255-5413]]> 8814 0 724 0 https://prairierivers.org/articles/2012/02/prairie-rivers-network-celebrates-45-years-of-service/ Fri, 10 Feb 2012 21:40:10 +0000 http://prairierivers.org/?p=8891 To celebrate Prairie Rivers Network's 45th Anniversary we give you 45 ways to connect with, care for, and learn more about Illinois' rivers and streams.

JANUARY

• Hang up your calendar and check out ways to connect with, care for, and learn more about Illinois' rivers for the rest of the year!

FEBRUARY

• Join Prairie Rivers Network’s Illinois Marathon team and run (or walk!) for your rivers. • 14 - Show us your love. Sign up for RiverWeb, our news and Action Alert network, and be an active voice for rivers. • Cut down on your use of single-use plastics; use recyclable lunch and produce bags and bring your own grocery bags. Check out just some of the many options at http://www.chicobag.com/ or learn how to make your own • Visit the National Great Rivers Research and Education Center in Alton, IL.

MARCH

• Commit to not drinking bottled water. Tap water is better regulated than bottled & generates less waste! • 16 - Submit your essay for the Mississippi River Essay Contest. • Become a Certified Illinois RiverWatch “Citizen Scientist” by attending one of 11 training sessions throughout the state. "To become a volunteer, certified RiverWatch "Citizen Scientist," please register for one of the following Training Workshops. Workshops are conducted from 9 am - 4 pm. Registration is $50 and must be paid in advance. For more information, click here." • Visit the Cypress Creek National Wildlife Refuge in the Cache River watershed near Ullin, IL – a Ramsar Site Wetlands of International Importance.

APRIL

• Celebrate National Poetry Month by enjoying poems about rivers, or write your own! quiet river flows distinctly beautiful firm in its resolve -- Kim Knowles, Staff Attorney

 Water

Everything on the earth bristled, the bramble pricked and the green thread nibbled away, the petal fell, falling until the only flower was the falling itself. Water is another matter, has no direction but its own bright grace, runs through all imaginable colors, takes limpid lessons from stone, and in those functionings plays out the unrealized ambitions of the foam. -Pablo Neruda • 14 - Pitch in at the Boneyard Creek Cleanup and Community Day in Champaign. The event was cancelled, due to weather, in 2011 but is on for 2012! Check the website closer to the 27th or contact Cecily Smith at csmith@priairerivers.org for more information. • 22 - Celebrate Earth Day with renewed effort to REDUCE, RECYCLE, REUSE and REBUY. • Renew your membership with Prairie Rivers Network – our effectiveness depends on our strength in numbers!

MAY

• Show your support by “liking” our Facebook page! How? 1.Log onto facebook or create a free profile 2.Search for Prairie Rivers Network  3.Click on the Join Group button in the right-hand corner • 12 - Celebrate Chicago River Day • Plant a rain garden! • 20 - Participate in the 55th Annual Des Plaines River Canoe and Kayak Race.

JUNE

• Check out our River Recreation web pages for information on where to play in and around rivers in your part of the state. • Fish, float or camp at Illinois’ only National Scenic River: The Middle Fork of the Vermilion near Danville, IL • Watch The Story of Stuff online. Consider what you can do to REDUCE. • Hike Bell Smith Springs. You will understand why advocates have fought so hard to protect this beautiful place.  For a map click here.  

JULY

• 4 - Compost your leftovers! According to the EPA, 27% of U.S. municipal solid waste is from food. Here is a great resource for getting started with backyard composting.  • Visit the Upper Mississippi River Fish and Wildlife Refuge near Rock Island. • Test your tap water. Compare the results to water quality reports from your local water provider. • Learn how the Middle Fork of the Vermilion River was saved, leading to the birth of what would become Prairie Rivers Network.

AUGUST

• Photograph your favorite river spot and send it to Prairie Rivers Network, or post it on our Facebook page. • Visit, bike or hike the Great River Road National Scenic Byway along the Mississippi River in Illinois. • Foster your children’s appreciation for clean water: check out our list of 10 Ways to Connect with Water. • Take a tour at the Volo Bog Interpretive Trail/Center in Lake County.

SEPTEMBER

• Watch an environmental film or documentary, such as Bag It; King Corn; Tapped; Coal Country; The Meatrix; Living a Nightmare; Crude; No Impact Man; Thirst. • Bike the Fox River Bike Trail. • 17 - It’s Our River Day! Find a river cleanup event near you. • Explore the Project WET’s Discover Water website www.discoverwater.org with your children (or even by yourself!).

OCTOBER

• 5 - Attend Prairie Rivers Network’s 14th Annual Dinner and help celebrate our 45th anniversary. • Visit the Lewis and Clark State Historic Site and the Confluence Tower, both located in Hartford, IL. • 17 - Recognize the Clean Water Act’s 40th birthday by calling your Congressional Representatives and letting them know you want them to protect clean water. • Water and energy consumption are linked – using less energy reduces strain on our water supplies. Learn how you can save energy, save money, and reduce your impact. 

NOVEMBER

• Read one of the many fascinating books about the history of Illinois’ people and rivers – here are some of our favorites: 1. Wicked River: The Mississippi When It Last Ran Wild by Lee Sandlin 2. River-Horse: a Voyage Across America by William Least Heat-Moon – According to Cecily Smith, a sober, but stuff-you-should-know one like a modern day Silent Spring. 3. Living Downstream by Sandra Steingraber 4. The Big Thirst: The Secret Life and Turbulent Future of Water by Charles Fishman, a great one on water supply. • Visit the National Mississippi River Museum and Aquarium (Dubuque, IA) • 22 - Give thanks for clean water by renewing your support for your state advocate for clean water and healthy rivers : PRAIRIE RIVERS NETWORK! • Count the number of Illinois Rivers you have visited and send us your pictures!  

DECEMBER

• “It’s good to recycle your junk mail. It’s even better to stop getting it.” Visit: http://stopjunkmail.org • Visit a nature center in your area. Enjoy mosquito-free hiking in winter! • Spend cold days inside becoming a watershed expert. Visit the EPA’s Watershed Academy and get certified for FREE. •25 - Participate in the Audubon Society’s yearly bird count.]]> 8891 0 723 0 https://prairierivers.org/articles/2012/02/run-for-your-rivers-2/ Wed, 15 Feb 2012 21:34:23 +0000 http://prairierivers.org/?p=8926 As the days get longer and the weather starts to warm, runners will hit the roads in Illinois, training for racing season. Many runners have been out there all along, slogging through snow and mud (though it has been a pretty mild winter!). Whether you have been training hard or taking it easy, Prairie Rivers Network has a motivation for you to get active! We are fielding a charity running team for this year's Illinois Marathon races. As a charity team runner, you can sign up for any distance, ranging from the 5K, 10K, half-marathon, or full marathon (see www.illinoismarathon.com for details). Then, ask your friends and family to support your race by making a donation to Prairie Rivers Network! The running is the hard part, raising money is the easy part! For example, a marathon runner could ask 12 friends to donate $1 per mile for a total of $26.20 per friend, and a total of $314 to support clean water and healthy rivers in Illinois!  WOW! Our charity running team was recently profiled in the News Gazette.  Read the full article here (pdf). We have a goal of 30 charity runners, and, as of today, we have 12.  WE NEED YOU! Please visit prairierivers.org/run for more details.]]> 8926 0 722 0 https://prairierivers.org/articles/2012/01/factory-farm-episode-on-wtvps-at-issue/ Mon, 30 Jan 2012 16:49:31 +0000 http://prairierivers.org/?p=8970 Watch Dr. Stacy James discuss pollution from factory farms (a.k.a. Confined Animal Feeding Operations) with hog farmer, Chad Leman. Click on the image below to watch the episode on the WTVP 47 website. ]]> 8970 0 725 0 https://prairierivers.org/articles/2012/02/february-riverweb-monthly-update/ Wed, 22 Feb 2012 16:43:41 +0000 http://prairierivers.org/?p=8967 Sign up for RiverWeb to have monthly updates emailed to you.

1. Stacy James, Water Resources Scientist, discuses pigs and pollution

Prairie Rivers Network staff member Stacy James appeared on WTVP’s At Issue to discuss pigs and pollution. This was a great opportunity for Prairie Rivers Network to share some of our concerns about the state’s livestock regulations and the poor management on some factory farms. Also on the program was Chad Leman, a hog producer from Illinois who seems to have a well-run operation. Watch the program on WTVP

 2. Asian Carp Report

Great Lakes Commission Report: We can keep Asian carp out of the Great Lakes with smart investments in the Chicago River system! This is a once-in-a-generation opportunity: Stop Asian carp. Protect the Great Lakes. Improve the Chicago River. Win. Win. Win. Read the press release.

Make a donation to support this work!

3. Run for Your Rivers

If you are planning on running (or walking) with Prairie Rivers Network’s Illinois Marathon team, sign up now! We have a goal of 30 runners, and we have 12 so far. We need YOU!

 Run with us!

4. Have you submitted your Upper Mississippi River essay?

In addition to being published in the newsletters for Prairie Rivers Network and the 1 Mississippi Campaign (over 5,000 readers) the winning essay will also be published in Our Mississippi newsletter, reaching another 1,000 plus people! Find out more or submit your essay!

5. Celebrate our 45th Anniversary!

If you are not on our mailing list, you’ve probably not seen our list of 45 ways to connect with, care for, and learn more aboutIllinois’ rivers and streams. Check out our online version—it is full of our favorite opportunities for engaging in rivers issues. Thank you to our wonderful former volunteer and now part-time employee, Lucy Bannon, for all your hard work putting this together! 45 opportunities to celebrate our 45th anniversary!

6. If you love us, let us count the ways!

Please take our short, 6-question survey and tell us what you think about us. Take our survey.]]> 8967 0 721 0 https://prairierivers.org/articles/2012/02/tell-us-what-you-think/ Fri, 24 Feb 2012 15:59:36 +0000 http://prairierivers.org/?p=8994 Please take our quick 6-question survey to let us know what you are interested in and how we are doing.

We greatly value your input!

   ]]> 8994 0 720 0 https://prairierivers.org/articles/2012/03/earth-day-events/ Mon, 19 Mar 2012 13:00:51 +0000 http://prairierivers.org/?p=9123 Start Planning Now for Earth Day on April 22nd!

Earth Day is a great opportunity to make a difference, educate yourself, and renew your commitment to being a good steward!

We have put together a list of some of the many Earth Day activities taking place here in Illinois. If you see something missing, please let us know! We will add all Earth Day events and opportunities to our online calendar.

CHAMPAIGN URBANA

Boneyard Creek Community Day

Ages: all When: 9am-12pm Saturday April 14, 2012 Where: Check in is at Scott Park starting at 9 am Protect our local creeks and lakes to ensure a healthier community by picking-up litter, removing non-native plants, and installing stormdrain medallions. Register online and check out the website for information on what to bring and wear.

Sierra Club's Natural Yard Care Workshop in Champaign

Ages: Adults When: 9am-12pm Saturday April 21, 2012 Where: Champaign Public Library Details: Free. No registration required. Join us for tips on how to care for your yard without harming the environment. The hosts and topics include: Theresa Meers (Parkland Horticulture Department) - eco-conscious lawn care Cathy Bilow (Grieder's Nursery) - kid conscious lawn care Jamie Ellis (Grand Prairie Friends) and Stacy James (Sierra Club) - landscaping with native plants Earth Day Celebration  Urbana Champaign Ages: All ages When: 1 - 3 pm Saturday April 21, 2012 Where: Anita Purves Nature Center Cost: Free Earth Week at UIUC The University of Illinois Champaign–Urbana and  Students For Environmental Concerns (SECS) will be hosting events to celebrate Earth Week, April 16-20. Click here for a tentative schedule and event details.

WESTERN ILLINOIS

Sierra Club Volunteer Opportunities When: 10am-12pm Saturday April 21, 2012 Where: Great River Road from Godfrey to Grafton For more information: Call (618)462-6802 or e-mail Christine Favilla christine.favilla_at_sierraclub.org There are many events throughout the year but Saturday April 21, 2012 features the Great River Road clean-up. The clean-up will focus on the 11 miles from Godfrey to Grafton up the streets and riverside. Help drop supplies every mile, shuttle volunteers, clean up the road of trash and debris on both sides of the road!

NORTHERN ILLINOIS

3rd Annual Earth Day Celebration Paddle 2012 in Morris When: 11am Sunday, April 22, 2012 Where: William G. Stratton State Park  701 E. Illinois Ave, Morris, IL (map) Cost: FREE if you bring your own equipment, but $39-49 if you need to rent. Limited rentals are available, so rent yours today! It's about 7 miles and will take 3-4 hours depending on how awestruck we get by our great Earth along the way! Fox River Clean Sweeps Join Sierra Club and other local groups as we continue a 10 year tradition of clearing the Fox Riverbanks of winter’s debris. Check back for updates. Aurora Area When: 9am-12pm, April 21, 2012 Where: Meeting place: Orchard Ave. This small street is just east of IL RT. 31/Lake Street in Aurora near the intersection of Lake St. and IL Ave or just west of the IL Avenue Bridge. Watch for Green SC signs at entrance of parking lot. You can’t miss us if you cross the bridge from either direction. Elgin Area Check back for details. Earth Day 2012 in Geneva When: 11am-3 pm, Saturday April 21, 2012 Where: Peck Farm Park 4038 Kaneville Road, Geneva,IL60134 Cost: FREE Go green at Peck Farm on Earth Day. There will be rain barrels for sale, bicycle tune-ups, the Geneva Green Market, a Bicycle Rodeo, free paper shredding, green education, electronic recycling, local merchants and more! McHenry County Conservation District and the Environmental Defenders of McHenry County Event The event is held both indoors and out and will go on rain or shine! When: 11am–4pm Saturday, April 21, 2012. Where: Prairieview Education Center, Crystal Lake • Puppet shows • Join in a guided nature hike • Live music • Help out on a restoration service project. • Get your Earth Day 2012 Patch. Youth group members can do activities and earn the patch at a reduced cost. • Enjoy hands-on games, crafts and storytelling • Over 20 Environmental Exhibitors

CHICAGOLAND

23rd Annual Earth Day Parks and Preserves Clean Up Chicago When: 9am-12pm Saturday April 21,2012 Where: Multiple locations throughout Chicago With events hosted across Chicagoland, there are endless opportunities from litter pick up to graffiti removal and community gardening. Check out www.earthdaychicago.com for specific locations and to register for the event. Celebrate Earth Day in Humbolt Park Where: Humbolt Park When: 12-2 pm After the activities at various parks and locations throughout Chicago, stop by Humbolt park from 12-2 pm Run or walk in Chicago's 3rd Annual Earth Day 5k When: 8 am Saturday April 21, 2012 Where: 1400 North Sacramento Blvd. Chicago, Illinois Registration Closing Date: Wednesday, April 18, 2012   11:59 PMUS/Central Cost: $20 for those under 11-18, and $30 for adults. Presented by Merchants Banc, the Earth Day 5k is committed to hosting a green event and making it a goal this year to reduce the carbon footprint of the event itself.]]> 9123 0 715 0 https://prairierivers.org/articles/2012/02/national-invasive-species-awareness-week-feb-25-mar-3-2012/ Wed, 29 Feb 2012 21:56:35 +0000 http://prairierivers.org/?p=9146 It is National Invasive Species Awareness Week. For the past hundred years, man-made canals in the Chicago area have connected Lake Michigan to the Illinois River, creating a connection between the Great Lakes and the Mississippi  River basins. This connection has allowed unwanted aquatic plants and animals to quickly spread between North America's two greatest freshwater systems. The zebra mussel invaded the Mississippi River and the western US through this pathway, costing taxpayers hundreds of millions of dollars per year in control efforts. Right now Asian carp threaten to move from the Mississippi basin to the Great Lakes, putting a $7 billion/year recreational and fishing industry at risk. Our top priority right now is to restore the natural separation between the Mississippi River and Great Lakes basins. With quick decisive action we can halt the spread the Asian carp and other species poised to wreak havoc. More broadly, lawmakers need to get serious about a long-term, comprehensive, and proactive approach to protecting our natural resources from new invasive species. Hitchhiking on the ever-increasing flow of goods and people around the world, transplanted organisms often devastate natural communities where they end up. We need national and international efforts to slow the flood of invasive species that exacerbate already-stressed ecosytems around the world.]]> 9146 0 719 0 https://prairierivers.org/articles/2012/03/good-news-from-springfield-on-factory-farms/ Mon, 12 Mar 2012 18:25:31 +0000 http://prairierivers.org/?p=9230 [/caption] By Stacy James Our work to hold the livestock industry to higher environmental performance standards is paying off! This legislative session, a bill (HB5642) was re-introduced to end the industry’s unique exemption from paying fees for National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) pollution discharge permits. We initially introduced the bill in 2011 with our environmental partners after we discovered this exemption, but it was strongly opposed by the Farm Bureau and Illinois Pork Producers Association. This session’s bill represents an agreement between the Illinois EPA and livestock industry, reached after several months of discussions this winter. Eight environmental groups joined Prairie Rivers Network in support of the bill, which passed out of the House Environment & Energy Committee in February. Provided the industry groups do not change their minds, we expect the bill to become law by the end of session. Passage of this bill would end the livestock industry’s unfair exemption from paying NPDES permit fees and provide the IEPA with needed revenue to implement the federal Clean Water Act. It is important to not only support good bills, but to oppose bad bills. Representative Sacia from north western Illinois introduced a House bill (HB5143) that would make it illegal for people to photograph animal facilities, including livestock operations and irrespective of whether trespassing had occurred. We believe this is an effort to shield the livestock industry from lawsuits stemming from documented pollution or animal abuse problems. If passed, this bill would prevent Prairie Rivers Network from gathering necessary evidence for filing complaints or civil suits against illegally discharging factory farms. Fortunately, we and many other organizations and citizens rallied against the bill and Representative Sacia wound up tabling it in the face of great public pressure and negative press. These sorts of bills come up regularly, so we need to stay alert and connected to our partners should subsequent action be needed. In other news, the Illinois EPA finally submitted their draft livestock regulations to the Illinois Pollution Control Board (IPCB).  Prairie Rivers Network will be evaluating the regulations and making public comments at the upcoming IPCB hearings.  We were part of the stakeholder committee that advised IEPA on what the regulations should contain, so we are happy that this next stage of the process has begun. What You Can Do... Please thank the following legislators for supporting HB5642. Sponsor: Rep. Tryon (Crystal Lake) Co-sponsors: Rep. Currie (Chicago) Rep. Cassidy (Chicago) Rep. Bellock (Westmont) Rep. May (Highwood) Rep. Jakobsson (Urbana) Rep. Cole (Grayslake)]]> 9230 0 718 0 https://prairierivers.org/news/2012/03/press-release-mississippi-river-groups-hit-epa-with-dual-legal-actions-on-pollution-that-fuels-gulf-dead-zone/ Wed, 14 Mar 2012 19:16:18 +0000 http://prairierivers.org/?p=9291 Mississippi River Groups Hit EPA with Dual Legal Actions on Pollution that Fuels Gulf Dead Zone 

(New Orleans, LA)— Today environmental groups challenged the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) refusal to address a critical pollution problem it has acknowledged for decades. The two legal actions filed today seek action from the agency on nitrogen and phosphorus pollution, which stimulates excessive growth of algae, kick-starting a biological process that severely depletes oxygen levels in aquatic ecosystems and chokes marine life. An enormous example of this problem is the “Dead Zone” that forms in the Gulf of Mexico in the summer. In addition, toxic algae blooms result in fish kills, the death of livestock and pets, and damage to drinking water supplies. Addressing Dead Zone pollution is thus necessary to restore health to the Gulf of Mexico and upstream waters of the Mississippi River Basin. “The ecology and economy of the Gulf of Mexico have paid the price for EPA’s endless dithering about Dead Zone pollution,” said Matt Rota, Director of Science and Water Policy with the non-profit Gulf Restoration Network. “The most meaningful action the EPA can take is to set limits on the amount of these pollutants allowed in theMississippi River watershed so that the fish and the fisheries can recover.” Members of the Mississippi River Collaborative, represented by the Natural Resources Defense Council, are challenging EPA’s denial of a 2008 petition to the agency asking EPA to establish quantifiable standards and clean up plans for Dead Zone pollution. Separately, several conservation groups are seeking to compel EPA to finally respond to an even older petition – a 2007 request that EPA modernize its decades-old pollution standards for sewage treatment plants and include the Dead Zone pollutants nitrogen and phosphorus in those standards. “Decisive EPA action on Dead Zone pollutants is a decade overdue,” said Glynnis Collins, Executive Director of Illinois-based Prairie Rivers Network. “Illinois is the biggest contributor of pollution that creates this yearly crisis. With little action coming from the state, we clearly need an external push to be a more responsible neighbor." When scientists from the Louisiana Universities Marine Consortium completed their annual measurement of the 2011 Gulf Dead Zone, it measured 6,765 square miles - larger than the state of Connecticut—and it is growing, having doubled in size since 1985. In the Gulf, the pollution harms the $2.8 billion fishing industry. The unrelenting problem of excess nitrogen and phosphorous has also proven costly upstream. For example, seasonally the Raccoon and the Des Moines Rivers in Iowa carry excessive levels of nitrates, requiring special treatment before the water is safe enough for Des Moines-area residents to drink. The EPA called on states in 1998 to adopt specific limits on nitrogen and phosphorus pollution, and promised to enact its own limits if states had not complied by 2003. Every state along the Mississippi River ignored that deadline, and so far, only Wisconsin and Minnesota have taken effective action on their state’s contributions to the problem. EPA’s continued lack of leadership at a federal level is a serious problem because the Mississippi River flows through or forms the border of 10 states, no one of which can act independently to fully protect the River. Only meaningful federal action by the EPA can unify states behind solutions that match the size of the problem at hand. While residents up and down the river continue to wait for EPA to accept its leadership responsibility, inland water pollution problems have multiplied while the Dead Zone makes its annual appearance as a great blemish on America’s record of commitment to clean water.  

# # #

The Gulf Restoration Network (GRN) is a network of environmental, social justice, and citizens' groups and individuals committed to restoring theGulf of Mexicoto an ecologically and biologically sustainable condition. www.healthygulf.org Prairie Rivers Network,Illinois’ statewide leader in river protection, conservation, and restoration, works for clean water, healthy rivers, and an engaged public. www.prairierivers.org The Natural Resource Defense Council (NRDC) is an international nonprofit environmental organization with more than 1.3 million members and online activists. Since 1970, our lawyers, scientists, and other environmental specialists have worked to protect the world's natural resources, public health, and the environment. NRDC has offices in New York City,Washington, D.C., Los Angeles, San Francisco, Chicago, Livingston, Montana, and Beijing. www.nrdc.org The Mississippi River Collaborative is a partnership of environmental organizations and legal centers from states bordering the Mississippi River as well as regional and national groups working on issues affecting theMississippi Riverand its tributaries. The Collaborative harnesses the resources and expertise of its diverse organizations to comprehensively reduce pollution entering the Mississippi River as well as theGulf of Mexico. www.msrivercollab.org   More information: Go to the legal filings. More on the legal issues available on NRDC’s Switchboard blog: Jon Devine, “We're Going to Court to Cut Dead Zone Pollution” Thom Cmar, “NRDC Taking Legal Steps to Protect the Great Lakes from Toxic Algal Blooms” Ann Alexander, “Chicagoland the Gulf Dead Zone: NRDC Lawsuits Address Downstream Damage”    ]]> 9291 0 716 0 https://prairierivers.org/articles/2012/03/oakley-dam/ Wed, 28 Mar 2012 13:00:52 +0000 http://prairierivers.org/?p=9344 This is the first in a series of guest blog posts by Scott Hays, a founding member of the Upper Sangamon River Conservancy, and Prairie Rivers Network's River Steward of 2011. Visit Scott's river blog! [Quick link to the second post in the series Oakley Dam: A Rising Tide]   [caption id="attachment_9383" align="alignright" width="300" caption="The Sangamon River in a "real" winter"][/caption] Driving across the Sangamon River at Reas Bridge Road, my first thought was, “They were going to dam the Sangamon here?”  My second thought was, “Just where the heck is the Sangamon River anyway?” "Here" was on a bluff by an old cemetery just north of Reas Bridge Road over looking the Sangamon River, also known in these parts as Lake Decatur. As I looked out over the north end of Lake Decatur, it occurred to that sometimes the largest and proudest monument to a monumental effort is something you don’t even see. This is the story of this unseen monument to that monumental effort. Lake Decatur was constructed in 1922 as a water source for Decatur and to supply water for one of its largest companies at the time: A.E. Staley. Building a dam in the main channel of the Sangamon River (as opposed to a tributary) was something of a risk due to the possibility of heavy sedimentation. So Lake Decatur was also considered to be an experiment at the time to determine the feasibility for building dams in flat agricultural areas. The heavy sedimentation on the Sangamon River is a result of agricultural runoff. To reduce sedimentation, farmers were frequently urged to use soil conservation methods to keep topsoil from rushing off of their farmland and into the Sangamon River. Nonetheless, between 1922 and 1936, Lake Decatur lost 14 percent of its storage capacity to sedimentation. By 1946, a survey of sedimentation in Lake Decatur revealed that it was filling with silt at the alarming rate of 236 acre-feet per year. And by the mid 1960’s, another sedimentation survey of Lake Decatur revealed that it had lost 35 percent of its storage capacity due to siltation and had become laced with farm chemicals. At this point, you or I might quite logically conclude that the Lake Decatur dam experiment was a failure and that building dams in flat agricultural areas was probably not such a good idea after all. But to government officials, the solution to a failing dam seemed obvious: build another dam! For years, the Army Corps of Engineers had been planning “Oakley Dam” on the Sangamon River near the rural town of Oakley for flood control purposes. With Decatur joining in support, Oakley Dam was authorized by Congress in 1962. Along with the political powers in Decatur, the project was enthusiastically supported over the years by U.S. Senators Everett Dirksen, Charles Percy, Adlai Stevenson, and Paul Douglas.  Area Republican Congressmen William Springer and Edward Madigan were also supporters, along with a succession of Illinois governors: Otto Kerner, Richard Ogilvie, and Dan Walker. In 1966, to provide for new benefits of the project, including water supply for Decatur, recreation and tourism, and pollution control, the Corps more than doubled the scope of the project. The original reservoir was to have been 8 miles long; this new lake would be 24 miles long. However, it would also extend the reservoir to just south of Monticello, ending agricultural production on 35,000 acres of land and displacing 110 families. This expanded project would “reduce pollution” by allowing “low flow augmentation” to maintain a 2-foot depth of flow in the Sangamon River downstream from Lake Decatur. This would reduce pollution, not by actually reducing it, but by diluting the partially treated wastes from the Decatur Sanitary District just below the Decatur dam. Sometimes during those pesky dry periods, the flow of the Sangamon below the Lake consisted entirely of this partially treated effluent from this sewage treatment plant. This was “pollution control,” late 60’s style. And upstream of the dam, one consequence of this “low flow augmentation” would be the expansive mudflats which would be exposed when the low-flow water is released exposing the reservoir bottom. One report suggested these “malodorous mudflats” would “hamper recreation.”  As for me, it’s hard to imagine any fun recreational activities in malodorous mudflats, but no matter. A 1973 report by the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency stated that this expanded Oakley Reservoir was expected to be “shallow, silty, turbid, algae ridden and frequently in violation of public health standards.” I’m guessing these guys probably weren’t going to be hired to draft the tourist brochures. Finally, in backing up the river 24 miles, this expansion would also necessitate permanently flooding Allerton Park with 5 to 6 feet of water. The Corps sought special “flowage easements” on 1100 acres of Allerton, including all of the bottomland forest. For the record, Allerton Park is about 1500 acres. By this point, dear readers, you’re probably left wondering, well, why wouldn’t Decatur want a water supply that would frequently violate public health standards and create a nifty shallow, algae ridden reservoir that would inundate most of Allerton Park and would provide fun recreational activities in malodorous mudflats? It turns out that this was precisely what these several Senators, Congressmen, the Corps of Engineers, a parade of Illinois Governors, and Decatur public officials did want.  Plans were set to begin construction in 1969! But in threatening Allerton Park, the dam builders were about to find out that they had just messed with the wrong people. …to be continued… Appeared as "Notes from the River," Mahomet Citizen, February 21, 2012, by Scott P. Hays.]]> 9344 0 713 0 https://prairierivers.org/news/2012/03/prairie-rivers-network-garners-support-for-state-and-tribal-wildlife-grants/ Mon, 26 Mar 2012 13:00:15 +0000 http://prairierivers.org/?p=9364 [/caption] Earlier this month, Prairie Rivers Network Habitat Conservation Specialist, Elliot Brinkman, traveled to Washington, D.C. to help educate legislators about the State and Tribal Wildlife Grants program. This program provides federal grant funds for projects that benefit wildlife and their habitats and gives priority to species of greatest conservation concern. It is also the primary funding source for states to implement their Wildlife Action Plans. In Illinois, these funds have been used for a number of successful restoration and research projects, many of which assessed and improved the quality of habitats in and along streams and rivers. Despite the program’s popularity and bipartisan support, it has been cut by 32% since its highest funding level in 2010. This has had a major impact on how agencies and organizations implement the Wildlife Action Plan in Illinois. The Illinois Department of Natural Resources has since discontinued its competitive grants program, which allowed organizations to apply for Wildlife Grant funds for projects throughout the state. As the National Wildlife Federation affiliate in Illinois, Prairie Rivers Network met with House and Senate staffers to highlight the importance of this program, and to request to sign on to a “Dear Colleague” letter that urges the Interior Appropriations Committee to maintain funding levels for State Wildlife Grants. Last Friday was the deadline to sign on to the House version of the letter, and Illinois had a record number of Representatives that signed! We would like to send our sincere thanks to Representatives Judy Biggert, Jesse Jackson, Tim Johnson, Daniel Lipinski, Mike Quigley, Bobby Rush, and Jan Schakowski. Thank you for your commitment to this vital program. It’s not over yet, though. The Senate version of the “Dear Colleague” letter was just released. The deadline for signing is next Tuesday, March 27^th, so please contact the offices of Senator Durbin (202) 224-2152 and Senator Kirk (202) 224-2854 to ask them to sign onto the letter in support of State and Tribal Wildlife Grant funding.  ]]> 9364 0 714 0 https://prairierivers.org/articles/2012/03/new-dead-zone-video-from-our-collaborative-friends/ Sat, 31 Mar 2012 14:00:09 +0000 http://prairierivers.org/?p=9612 Mississippi River Collaborative since 2005. Our goal is to improve water quality in the Mississippi River Basin and reduce the size of the Gulf of Mexico “Dead Zone.” This new video from Gulf Restoration Network (our Louisiana colleagues) discusses some of the science and causality behind the Dead Zone. Fertilizer and livestock waste pollution coming from Midwestern farms are a big part of the problem. The video also mentions our legal actions against U.S. EPA for not requiring states to limit nutrient pollution. Check it out! ]]> 9612 0 712 0 https://prairierivers.org/articles/2012/04/dual-legal-actions-to-reduce-pollution-that-fouls-illinois-water-and-fuels-gulf-dead-zone/ Mon, 09 Apr 2012 13:00:32 +0000 http://prairierivers.org/?p=9626 Glynnis Collins & Kim Knowles This March, Prairie Rivers Network joined our Mississippi River Collaborative partners in launching two lawsuits against US EPA for their failure to regulate nutrient pollution. Too many nutrients - a problem Most people know that nitrogen and phosphorus are important nutrients for plants and animals. At high levels in water, however, the beneficial effects of these nutrients become problematic, and the nutrients are considered pollution. Nitrate, a form of nitrogen, is toxic to people and other animals at high levels. A decade ago, Georgetown, Illinois had to abandon its drinking water reservoir because of high nitrate levels. Water suppliers for Decatur, Danville, and Streator had to install expensive ion exchange systems costing millions of dollars to remove nitrate from polluted reservoir water. Ongoing operation and maintenance expenses cost ratepayers tens to hundreds of thousands of dollars per year. In rivers and lakes, nitrogen and phosphorus pollution stimulates excessive growth of algae, creating ugly mats or pea-soup scummy water. When the algae die, they rot. The bacteria that decompose them use up most or even all of the oxygen in the water, choking aquatic life. An enormous example of this problem is the “Dead Zone” that forms in the Gulf of Mexico every summer. Especially in lakes and reservoirs, nutrient pollution can stimulate the growth of blue-green algae. This “pond scum” is unsightly and smells like vomit when it rots - enough to keep people from enjoying boating and swimming. The algae also sometimes release toxic chemicals into the water. Each summer, local communities throughout Minnesota, Wisconsin, Iowa, and Illinois are forced to officially close beaches because of the potential presence of blue-green algae toxins. The toxins can sicken or even kill people, pets, and livestock. Watch a video on Dead Zone pollution. The sources - Illinois is top contributor of Dead Zone pollution Most nutrient pollution in Illinois waters and the Mississippi River comes from farmland (especially corn and soybean fields) and from sewage treatment plants. Illinois is the largest source of both the nitrogen and phosphorus pollution that causes the Dead Zone. Illinois earns its special status partly because of the vast extent of industrialized corn and soybean production across our landscape. We are also home to Chicago’s Metropolitan Water Reclamation District; its seven sewage treatment plants, including the largest sewage treatment plant in the world, send an average of 1.4 billion gallons of treated sewage down the Mississippi River every day. Little action from regulators The EPA called on states in 1998 to adopt specific limits on allowable levels of nutrient pollution, and promised to enact its own limits if states had not complied by 2003. Illinois, along with every state along the Mississippi River ignored that deadline. So far, only Wisconsin and Minnesota have taken significant action on their state’s contributions to the problem. EPA’s continued lack of leadership at a federal level is a serious problem because the Mississippi River flows through or forms the border of 10 states, no one of which can act independently to fully protect the river. Only meaningful federal action by the EPA can unify states behind solutions that match the scope of the problem. The lawsuits The lawsuits challenge EPA’s refusal to address a critical pollution problem it has acknowledged for decades. Prairie Rivers Network and our Mississippi River Collaborative partners, represented by the Natural Resources Defense Council, are challenging EPA’s denial of a 2008 petition to the agency asking them to establish in-stream standards and clean up plans for nutrient pollution. Separately, we are seeking to compel EPA to finally respond to an even older petition – a 2007 request that the agency modernize its decades-old pollution standards for sewage treatment plants and include nitrogen and phosphorus in those standards. How will the lawsuits affect pollution? Standards for allowable levels of nutrient pollution are the necessary starting point for reducing nutrient pollution. We can’t make progress without establishing a target to aim for. Standards will give us a direct avenue to reduce pollution from wastewater treatment plants. Phased in over time, new technologies are affordable and can significantly reduce nutrient pollution. Unfortunately, the standards will NOT provide a direct avenue for reducing nutrient pollution from farmland, because the agricultural industry is not held accountable for its pollution under current regulatory programs. Our national agricultural policy can and should address this shortcoming. Targets for pollution reduction, in the form of standards, are an essential first step. We are reducing nutrient pollution in Illinois despite agency inaction Although state and federal regulators have been derelict in their duties, we are working with partners like the Illinois Chapter of the Sierra Club to reduce nutrient pollution by working directly with communities. For instance, LaSalle, Plano, Itasca, Mokena, and Sycamore have each agreed to install new technologies that use bacteria to remove both nitrogen and phosphorus from sewage before it is discharged to Illinois streams. The Village of Mahomet agreed to remove phosphorus and nitrogen as well, helping to protect the Sangamon River, a drinking water source for many Illinois families.    ]]> 9626 0 708 0 https://prairierivers.org/articles/2012/04/standing-up-for-science-education/ Mon, 16 Apr 2012 16:50:50 +0000 http://prairierivers.org/?p=9641 BRIAN PERBIX Prairie Rivers Network was dismayed to learn last year that the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) is using taxpayer money to market a one-sided view of coal to students as the safe and clean fuel of the future. “From the Coal Mines to the Power Lines”  is a K-12 curriculum that offers teachers detailed lesson plans to incorporate coal into every subject area. Teachers are invited to learn how to use this program at the annual Coal Education Conference - a state sponsored, all expenses paid professional development retreat for teachers at Rend Lake Resort where agency staff and coal industry representatives sing the praises of coal. It may not surprise you that state sponsored coal education materials provide no information about how coal mining, burning, or waste disposal threaten our clean water. Sadly, the materials also coach teachers to question whether human use of fossil fuels is contributing to global climate change. Illinois is one of three states that uses taxpayer money to produce and distribute coal marketing materials under the guise of legitimate education. With our partners in the Heartland Coalfield Alliance, Prairie Rivers Network has asked the Governor’s office to immediately halt the distribution of the state sponsored coal curriculum and to cancel the annual Coal Education Retreat. So far we have received no indication that either the DCEO or Governor Quinn will put our children’s science education ahead of coal industry interests.//

Help Keep Propaganda Out of Our Kids’ Schools

Please sign our petition calling on Governor Quinn to stop selling coal to our kids!    ]]> 9641 0 704 0 https://prairierivers.org/articles/2012/04/help-protect-the-shawnee-national-forest-from-a-strip-mine/ Wed, 11 Apr 2012 19:25:12 +0000 http://prairierivers.org/?p=9648 proposed land swap with a subsidiary of Peabody along the Saline River in Gallatin County, IL that would turn Shawnee National Forest land into a strip mine. The 384 acres of Forest Service land Peabody wants to strip mine includes over 50 acres of wetlands, and has high quality mature forests that are home to federally endangered Indiana and Gray Bats. Furthermore, the Illinois Natural History Survey has for the first time discovered that the Saline River system is home to the endangered Fat Pocketbook mussel. Strip mining this unique natural area would destroy this crucial habitat and reduce water quality in the Saline River, posing a threat not just to wildlife, but also to the local residents who rely on clean and healthy rivers for hunting, fishing and recreation. Now that the initial comment period is over, the Forest Service will begin the preparation of an Environmental Impact Statement. How can you help? [column width="47%" margin_right="3%"]

SIGN OUR PETITION

1. Sign the petition and tell the U.S. Forest Service not to proceed with the land swap with Peabody Coal.
2. Check “Keep me informed” if you want to receive alerts and updates from Prairie Rivers Network.
3. Click “Submit”. Then share it with others!

This petition and associated signatures will be forwarded to the U.S. Forest Service as part of our campaign to protect Illinois' rivers and streams from coal pollution. By submitting this form, your name and address will be filed with a public agency and become public record. We will not share your personal information for any other purpose. [/column]

[column width="47%" margin_right="3%"] [emailpetition id="2"] [/column] [end_columns]]]> 9648 0 707 0 https://prairierivers.org/articles/2012/04/study-shines-light-on-how-to-stop-carp-improve-the-chicago-river/ Fri, 20 Apr 2012 13:00:53 +0000 http://prairierivers.org/?p=9650 By Robert Hirschfeld A highly-anticipated report clearly demonstrates that it is possible to separate the artificial connection between the Great Lakes and the Mississippi River basins and prevent the transfer of invasive species through the Chicago River system. Authored by the Great Lakes Commission and Great Lakes-St. Lawrence Cities Initiative, “Restoring the Natural Divide”  re-envisions the Chicago River as a system which not only prevents the transfer of aquatic invaders such as Asian carp, but also better serves its functions of moving people and goods and managing stormwater, while improving water quality. “Restoring the Natural Divide” offers detailed analysis on three possible separation scenarios and includes a wealth of data on the integration of each scenario with the region’s water infrastructure, as well as an outline and timetable for implementation. The study was prompted by the urgent need to find a solution to the ongoing problem of invasive species, including Asian carp. Strong evidence suggests that the threat of Asian carp entering the Great Lakes is imminent and that their potential to wreak ecological and economic havoc is real. Local and Federal Governments currently spend upwards of $200 million per year to control invasive species in the Great Lakes. Ending the continuing threat of transfer of these aquatic invaders through the Chicago River system will be essential to the region’s long-term economic well-being, and would complement a regional vision for river restoration, increasing the value of Chicago’s second waterfront. “Restoring the Natural Divide” makes the case for separation at a time when Illinois leaders are reinvesting in Chicago’s River, affirming its place as a vital asset to the people of Illinois. Watch more at: tinyurl.com/7kwj5e9  ]]> 9650 0 703 0 https://prairierivers.org/articles/2012/04/2011-annual-report/ Sun, 01 Apr 2012 17:23:08 +0000 http://prairierivers.org/?p=9657 I am pleased to present Prairie Rivers Network’s 2011 Annual Report. The report is a snapshot of an organization making real progress in protecting clean water, an organization with a growing membership, and one that is maintaining financial health in a difficult economy. I am confident that 2012 will bring more of the same. Our most important asset, the network of people passionate about protecting healthy river systems that are essential for a good quality of life, is stronger than ever. Through that network--of members, private foundations, board members, and our talented staff--we have the power to restore clean water and healthy rivers, supporting vibrant communities throughout Illinois.

Glynnis Collins, Executive Director

 

]]> 9657 0 711 0 https://prairierivers.org/articles/2012/04/prairie-river-notes-winterspring-2012-newsletter/ Wed, 04 Apr 2012 13:00:43 +0000 http://prairierivers.org/?p=9666 Read Prairie River Notes - Winter/Spring 2012 Newsletter featuring the following articles:

• Dual Legal Actions to Reduce Pollution that Fouls Illinois Water and Fuels Gulf Dead Zone
• Standing Up for Science Education
• It All Started with Crawdads and Turtles
• Help Protect the Shawnee National Forest from a Strip Mine
• Board of Directors Update
• Study Shines Light on How to Stop Carp, Improve the Chicago River

Also, see our 2011 Annual Report.]]> 9666 0 710 0 https://prairierivers.org/articles/2012/04/your-tax-dollars-and-the-army-corps-of-engineers/ Fri, 13 Apr 2012 19:17:52 +0000 http://prairierivers.org/?p=9700 [/caption]

With spring’s longer and warmer days, many of us are getting out to enjoy Illinois’ multitude of  diverse rivers and streams.  These winding  waterways are often the closest, perhaps the only, bit of natural landscape that many Illinois residents have for recreation and rejuvenation.

A few of us might still be stuck inside, scrambling to finish our tax returns. This year, whether you are writing a check to, or waiting for a check from, Uncle Sam, you may wonder how your tax dollars are being spent, and if they are being spent wisely, when it comes to protecting Illinois’ rivers.

Our federal tax dollars are appropriated among a myriad of agencies with water-related responsibilities ranging from administering farm conservation and safe drinking water programs to enforcing the Clean Water Act. Chief among these receiving agencies is the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (the Corps). The Corps’ responsibility to aid navigation began in the 1820s on the Mississippi and Ohio rivers. Expansive river modifications began in the early 1900s as locks and dams were constructed to accomodate the large barges that replaced steamboats and other smaller boats for cargo shipments. Today, with its navigation mission covering more than 12,000 miles of inland waterways, the Corps reigns supreme in having the power to impact river ecosystems and river-dependent economies for years to come.

Taxpayer dollars determine what Corps’ projects and programs continue, which are put on hold and which may be discontinued (due to lack of funding). In the midst of federal budget madness, what can taxpayers who love their rivers do? More than you think.  

As a part of Prairie Rivers Network’s efforts to watchdog the Corps' activities on the Upper Mississippi River System, we annually track federal tax dollars going to the agency. In this and future articles, we invite you to join Prairie Rivers Network as we reveal some of the Good, the Bad and the Ugly aspects of Corps budgeting.

Our tour begins with the President’s Annual Budget. This year’s budget, released in February, allocates almost $17.9 million to the Corps’ UMRS Ecosystem Management Program. Would this be money well-spent? The answer is: Yes, but it should get enough money to do the job right. A primary goal of this Corps program is to rehabilitate and enhance the habitat and ecosystem of the Upper Miss.  Continued funding for EMP is essential to keep it alive, but we must also press for full funding of the program.  The program should be funded up to $33.17 million, but since 2009, it has averaged less than two-thirds of that amount.

Here's why this program should be fully funded: Once a fully integrated and complex large river ecosystem, in less than 200 years the Upper Mississippi River's once thriving forests, wetlands and floodplain habitats have been submerged, eroded and otherwise extensively damaged by locks and dams. Inadequate appropriations mean fewer good projects, like Banner Marsh in Illinois,  and reduced capability to adequately conduct long-term monitoring of completed projects (the Long Term Resource Management Program, is the second component of the Corps' restoration program). Inadequate appropriations means the loss of opportunities to design and implement more effective restoration techniques for the Upper Miss, techniques that could also be applied to other large river systems in our country and others.

On an individual but no less important scale, inadequate appropriations means the continued loss and degradation of what used to be a favored fishing spot for generations of families living in any one of the river's communities, or a riverine wetlands enjoyed by out-of-state visitors.

As you mark another tax year passing, consider that as the Corps budget proceeds through Congress, the House and Senate can increase or decrease appropriations for the Environmental Management Program. But individuals you like have the power to press your elected officials for continued, adequate funding for this needed program. We’ll keep you informed on the status of the Corps' restoration funding and how you protect that funding throughout the FY13 budgeting process.

Next Stop: Slush funds and Corps projects that won't die

]]> 9700 0 705 0 https://prairierivers.org/articles/2012/04/community-groups-file-lawsuit-for-federal-coal-ash-protections/ Thu, 05 Apr 2012 14:57:13 +0000 http://prairierivers.org/?p=9753 [/caption] Today Prairie Rivers Network joined with national partners, Earthjustice, Environmental Integrity Project, Physicians for Social Responsibility and other state-based environmental protection organizations in filing a lawsuit to finalize national standards for coal ash disposal. This is critical for Illinois because while our state generates 4.4 million tons of coal ash every year, and imports coal ash for disposal from at least 6 states, this harmful waste product is handled according to outdated and ineffective state rules that were written over three decades ago. We are long overdue for an update, as evidenced by the fact that groundwater contamination from coal ash pollution has been found at every site investigated in Illinois - that’s 22 out of the 24 coal plants in the state. Below is a joint press release issued with our partners describing why now is the time for the Environmental Protection Agency to finalize its decision on coal ash. FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE April 5th, 2012

Community Groups File Lawsuit for Federal Coal Ash Protections

EPA has failed to complete rulemaking for important national safeguards

Washington, D.C. – Environmental and public health groups will file a lawsuit today in the U.S. District Court, District of Columbia, to force the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to complete its rulemaking process and finalize public health safeguards against toxic coal ash. Although the EPA has not updated its waste disposal and control standards for coal ash in over thirty years, it continues to delay these needed federal protections despite more evidence of leaking waste ponds, poisoned groundwater supplies and threats to public health. The groups’ lawsuit comes as EPA data show that an additional 29 power plants in 16 states have contaminated groundwater near coal ash dump sites. A copy of the lawsuit can be found here. Earthjustice is suing the agency under the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA) on behalf of Appalachian Voices (NC), Environmental Integrity Project, Chesapeake Climate Action Network (MD), French Broad Riverkeeper (NC), Kentuckians For The Commonwealth (KY), Moapa Band of Paiutes (NV), Montana Environmental Information Center (MT), Physicians for Social Responsibility, Prairie Rivers Network (IL), Sierra Club and Southern Alliance for Clean Energy (TN). RCRA requires the EPA to ensure that safeguards are regularly updated to address threats posed by wastes, but the EPA has never revised the safeguards to ensure that they address coal ash. Coal ash is the byproduct of coal-fired power plants, and includes a toxic mix of arsenic, lead, hexavalent chromium, mercury, selenium, cadmium and other dangerous pollutants. The EPA’s data about groundwater contamination at 29 additional sites came as a result of a 2010 questionnaire the agency sent to approximately 700 fossil- and nuclear-fueled power plants in an effort to collect data on water discharges. The questionnaire collected general plant information and also required a subset of coal-fired power plants to collect and analyze samples of leachate from coal ash dump sites and report exceedances of toxic chemicals in groundwater monitored by the plants. The Environmental Integrity Project filed a Freedom of Information Act request to obtain the data. After analysis by Earthjustice and the Environmental Integrity Project, according to the facilities’ own monitoring data, 29 sites had coal ash contaminants in groundwater, including arsenic, lead and other pollutants. Contamination was found at plants in 16 states, with multiple new cases in Texas (3), North Carolina (3), Colorado (2), South Carolina (2), Pennsylvania (2), Iowa (3), and West Virginia (5), among others. A full list of all 29 sites can be found here. Today’s lawsuit would force the EPA to set deadlines for review and revision of relevant solid and hazardous waste safeguards to address coal ash, as well as the much needed, and long overdue changes to the test that determines whether a waste is hazardous under RCRA. “The numbers of coal ash ponds and landfills that are contaminating water supplies continues to grow, yet nearby communities still do not have effective federal protection,” said Earthjustice attorney Lisa Evans. “It is well past time the EPA acts on promises made years ago to protect the nation from coal ash contamination and life-threatening coal ash ponds.” “It is a fact that all of Duke and Progress Energies' coal ash ponds are leaching toxic heavy metals into groundwater,” said Sandra Diaz of Appalachian Voices. “How long must the people of North Carolina wait for the EPA to do its job to protect us from the threat that coal ash poses to our health?” “Right now our organization is involved in several lawsuits against old, leaking coal ash landfills in Maryland,” said Diana Dascalu-Joffe, staff attorney with Chesapeake Climate Action Network. “Dangerous coal ash is leaching into waterways that hurt the Chesapeake Bay and could be threatening the health of Maryland citizens. The EPA has a responsibility to issue a strong rule to address coal ash so groups like ours don’t have to fight to clean them up, facility by facility, at the state level. That is why CCAN is involved in this federal RCRA deadline lawsuit—to force EPA’s hand on the coal ash rule. They have been delaying this essential rule that will protect public health and the environment for far too long.” “Three decades since EPA last reviewed the coal ash disposal standards and over three years since the TVA Kingston spill, citizens still lack basic protections from dumping of toxic ash,” said Eric Schaeffer, Executive Director of the Environmental Integrity Project.  “Meanwhile, toxic dumping continues to rise: in 2010 alone, power plants used unsafe and leak-prone coal ash ponds to dispose of wastes containing 113.6 million pounds of toxic metals, a nearly ten percent increase from 2009. Yet EPA’s proposed standards for safe disposal, including a plan to close down ash ponds within five years, have gone nowhere.” “One of the biggest threats to our clean water is coal ash pollution,” explains French Broad Riverkeeper, Hartwell Carson. “Monitoring at Progress Energy’s two coal ash ponds in Asheville, North Carolina, shows chronic groundwater pollution concerns and the community around the plant has repeatedly complained about fugitive coal ash dust coating their homes. We need the EPA to act to protect human health and the environment.” “Here in Louisville, Kentucky, we are having problems with dust discharges from one of our big coal-burning power plants,” said Mary Love of Kentuckians for the Commonwealth. “Our local Air Pollution Control District is doing what it can to force the power company to keep our air safe to breathe, but without federal standards on the hazards of coal ash, there is only so much they can do.” “Our air, our health and our culture is under attack by pollution from nearby coal wastewater ponds,” said William Anderson, chairman of the Moapa Band of Paiutes in southeastern Nevada. “We once hunted geese and ducks on our land, but no longer. These birds are being poisoned by the water in the coal ash ponds. We once harvested medicinal plants, but not any more. Soils are contaminated by the power plant’s coal ash dust, soot and other pollutants. We are being forced to bear the burden of dirty power for Nevada.” “In the West, water is a scarce commodity. It’s EPA’s job to protect it from contamination,” said Anne Hedges, Program Director of the Montana Environmental Information Center. “They are failing to do their job at Colstrip where ground and surface waters are already contaminated with coal ash waste. It’s time for EPA to step up and protect the lives and livelihoods of people who live near this enormous facility.” “Coal ash is severely and dangerously toxic. The heavy metals it contains are contaminating ground water supplies and drinking wells, as well as air and farmland. It's time that we bring this serious health hazard under control. As physicians and health professionals, we strongly endorse nationwide health-protective rules for coal ash disposal,” noted Barbara Gottlieb, director for Environment & Health, Physicians for Social Responsibility. “When lead was discovered to be hazardous, it was taken out of paint and gasoline. When asbestos was discovered to be dangerous, we stopped using it in our building materials. Now that the scientific evidence is in, we know coal ash is a harmful material and needs to be disposed of as such,” said Traci Barkley, water resources scientist with Prairie Rivers Network. “The EPA must not delay their responsibility to protect people and the environment – federal regulations on coal ash are needed now.” “Coal ash poses a very real health risk to families and communities around the country,” said Mary Anne Hitt, Director of the Sierra Club's Beyond Coal Campaign. “It's time the EPA put in place strong protections that address the threats communities affected by coal ash have been facing for decades. We've been waiting for these standards since the disastrous TVA coal ash spill in 2008, and it's time for action. The EPA needs to put these common-sense protections in place to keep this toxic pollution out of our rivers, lakes and streams.” “It has been over two years since EPA started the coal ash rulemaking process and over three years since the Kingston disaster and still we have no comprehensive safeguards” said Josh Galperin, policy analyst and research attorney with the Southern Alliance for Clean Energy. “If you ignore the growing problem of coal ash contamination and the people at risk for future disasters you could chalk this up to bureaucratic delay. Looking at the big picture, however, and despite federal laws requiring frequent review, it has been 30 years since EPA last addressed ash contamination. The people who drink, fish, swim, boat, play or live around water cannot wait any longer.” Contact: Sandra Diaz, Appalachian Voices, (828) 262-1500; sandra@appvoices.org Diana Dascalu-Joffe, Chesapeake Climate Action Network, (703) 772-2472; Diana@chesapeakeclimate.org Jennifer Peterson, Environmental Integrity Project (202) 263-4449; jpeterson@environmentalintegrity.org Raviya Ismail, Earthjustice, (202) 745-5221; rismail@earthjustice.org Hartwell Carson, French Broad Riverkeeper, (828) 258-8737; hartwell@wnca.org Mary Love, Kentuckians For The Commonwealth, (502) 541-7434; mbloveky@yahoo.com William Anderson, Moapa Band of Paiutes (702) 865-2787; wanderson@mvdsl.com Anne Hedges, Montana Environmental Information Center, (406) 443-2520; ahedges@meic.org Traci Barkley, Prairie Rivers Network, (217) 621-3013; tbarkley@prairierivers.org Sean Sarah, Sierra Club (330) 338-3740; Sean.sarah@sierraclub.org Jennifer Rennicks, Southern Alliance for Clean Energy, (865) 235-1448; jrennicks@cleanenergy.org

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]]> 9753 0 709 0 https://prairierivers.org/articles/2012/04/volunteer-water-station/ Thu, 12 Apr 2012 16:35:46 +0000 http://prairierivers.org/?p=9906 Join in the excitement of the Illinois Marathon! Prairie Rivers Network is hosting a water station at mile 23 of the Illinois marathon. We’re looking for volunteers to join staff and members of our board of directors in handing out water and cheering the marathoners on to the finish line. If you can commit to joining us from 8:15 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, April 28th, please sign up here. Select "Prairie Rivers Network" from the drop down list and enter the password "prn2012". You will receive our Run for Your Rivers tech running shirt. Our charity running/walking team has raised $5,150 for clean water and healthy rivers. Help cheer them on to the finish line.  ]]> 9906 0 706 0 https://prairierivers.org/articles/2012/04/april-riverweb-monthly-e-news/ Sat, 21 Apr 2012 03:37:48 +0000 http://prairierivers.org/?p=10124 Sign up for RiverWeb to have monthly updates emailed to you.

Earth Day is this Sunday, April 22, 2012

We've compiled a list of opportunities for you and your family to celebrate and respect the home we share with all other living things. Let us know how you honor Earth Day - share your story or photos with us on Facebook. Find an event in your area.  

TAKE ACTION: Help us stop the carp!

In a recent poll, 77% of Chicagoans supported an integrated approach to stop Asian carp by restoring the natural divide between the Mississippi River and Great Lakes basins, cleaning up the water, and improving transportation and recreation. The good news is - this can be done. Sign our petition and then help us spread the word to keep the momentum going!  

How do we keep coal ash rolling toward safer disposal in an election year?

Legal action, that's how! Earlier in April, Prairie Rivers Network and partners filed a lawsuit to force the Environmental Protection Agency to complete its rule-making process and finalize public health safeguards against toxic coal ash. Read the full press release here.  

Taxes were due yesterday (we hope you already knew that)!

Is our government spending our money wisely when it comes to large infrastructure and restoration projects on the Upper Mississippi River? The good news is "yes," and the bad news is "no." Find out why in our latest blog post: Your Tax Dollars and the Army Corps of Engineers!  

Thank you to our Boneyard Community Day co-sponsors and participants!

The Boneyard Creek cleanup in Champaign went very well on Saturday - we had over 100 participants, a fantastic turnout given the rain started 8:30 and ended after 10! Thank you to everyone who braved the rain to help pull plastic and other garbage out of the Boneyard Creek and its watershed. See if you were caught by the News Gazette's photographer! Say thank you to the Boneyard Creek Community Day sponsors!  

Water: It really is the most important part, right?

It is not too late to be part of the Illinois Marathon excitement! Volunteer at our mile 23 water station; hydrate and cheer on the marathon runners. Sign up here!  

Announcing our new speakers bureau!

Have you always wondered exactly how we protect drinking water and habitat? Do you want to know more about coal pollution, factory farms, sand mines, pharmaceuticals, or rain gardens? Or, would you like to know how your community can protect your local water and habitat resources? We have a talented staff with years of expertise who are willing to speak to your group. See our list of topics and contact us about setting up a speaking engagement!  

Donate, Join, or Renew Your Membership

In celebration of our 45th Anniversary, our board of directors will match dollar-for-dollar new and increased donations this year up to $10,000. Never donated before? Can you give just $5 a month to support clean water and healthy rivers? Click here to support our work.  ]]> 10124 0 702 0 https://prairierivers.org/articles/2012/03/march-riverweb-monthly-e-news/ Wed, 14 Mar 2012 15:40:46 +0000 http://prairierivers.org/?p=10768 Sign up for RiverWeb to have monthly updates emailed to you.

1. Mississippi River Groups hit EPA with dual legal actions on pollution that fuels dead zone.

Prairie Rivers Network and other Mississippi River Collaborative partners announced two lawsuits filed against USEPA on Tuesday:

• The first lawsuit challenges the EPA’s denial of a 2008 petition to the agency asking for quantifiable standards and clean up plans for Dead Zone pollution.
• The second lawsuit seeks to compel EPA to finally respond to an even older petition – a 2007 request that EPA modernize its decades-old pollution standards for sewage treatment plants and include the Dead Zone pollutants nitrogen and phosphorus in those standards. Current technology has evolved making it reasonable and feasible for sewage treatment plants to remove nitrogen and phosphorus.

Read more...

Help stop polluters - support our work! 

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2. Our once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to stop the carp and invest in infrastructure.

In a recent letter to the editor published in the Chicago Tribune, Prairie Rivers Network makes the case for uniting the region around a vision of a clean, vibrant, user-friendly Chicago River: a river that serves as a centerpiece of Chicago life; a river that meets the needs of the 21st century; a river that engenders pride in Illinios; and a river that is no longer a conduit for Asian carp and dozens of other invasive species to move through it.

Improve the river. Protect the lakes. Stop the carp.

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3. Electrical aggregation, green energy, and water.

On March 20th, 288 communities across Illinois will be voting on Municipal Electric Aggregation referenda. Why is your statewide river conservation group telling you about this? Electrical aggregation allows municipalities to buy bulk electricity for residents and small businesses and purchase cleaner, renewable energy. Using cleaner energy from solar or wind, for example, decreases the demand for the energy sources that use and pollute more water. Cleaner energy = cleaner water.

Do your water a favor and vote in favor of electrical aggregation if your city will use its purchasing power to buy cleaner energy.Here are some resources to find our more:

• Check to see if your community is holding a referendum
• The Illinois Commerce Commission’s website on Electric Choice
• A success story from the City of Oak Park

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4. The Upper Mississippi River Essay Contest is wrapping up tomorrow, March16. In addition to being published in the newsletters for Prairie Rivers Network and the 1 Mississippi Campaign (over 5,000 readers) the winning essay will also be published in Our Mississippi newsletter, reaching another 1,000 plus people! Find out more or submit your essay!

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5. Run/walk with us, or cheer on the Illinois Marathon runners at our water station. Join in the excitement of the Illinois Marathon! Prairie Rivers Network is hosting a water station at mile 23 of the marathon. We're looking for volunteers to join staff and members of our board of directors in handing out water and cheering the marathoners on to the finish line. If you can commit to joining us from 8:15 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, April 28th, please sign up here. The password is prn2012.

There is still time to join our running/walking team - Sign up now!

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6. What do you think are the most important issues facing clean water right now? Please take our short, 6-question survey and tell us what you think.

Take the survey.

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Thank you for your support! Forward this message to a friend]]> 10768 0 717 0 https://prairierivers.org/articles/2012/05/preserving-wildlife-habitat-for-the-protection-of-illinois-rivers/ Sat, 12 May 2012 15:01:10 +0000 http://prairierivers.org/?p=7478 Prairie Rivers Network works with local agencies and citizens to finalize action plan that will advance Vermilion River conservation Prairie Rivers Network, in partnership with the Illinois Department of Natural Resources, has completed a plan to protect wildlife in the Vermilion River Conservation Opportunity Area. These efforts have also resulted in the formation of a grassroots group—the Vermilion River Wildlife Conservation Partnership—dedicated to the protection of wildlife habitat. The finalization of the plan and the formation of the Partnership mean that wildlife conservation projects along the Vermilion River in East-Central Illinois should result in more funding for wildlife conservation projects. There will also be more coordination among nearby projects with shared regional goals, improving the effectiveness of wildlife protection and restoration efforts. The Vermilion River Conservation Opportunity Area has been identified by the Department of Natural Resources as an area that warrants special wildlife and habitat protection efforts because of the relatively healthy natural resources there, and due to the presence of people and groups with an interest in protecting those resources. It covers over 790,000 acres in Champaign, Vermilion, Ford, Iroquois, and Edgar counties, and encompasses the Middle Fork, North Fork, and Salt Fork of the Vermilion River. The Area is home to over 162 animals listed as “Species in Greatest Need of Conservation” in the Illinois Wildlife Action Plan. In 2010, Prairie Rivers Network and the Department of Natural Resources hosted three meetings that brought together partners to discuss how wildlife protection goals and objectives could be implemented along the Vermilion River. We used information from these meetings to develop a wildlife conservation plan for the Vermilion River Conservation Opportunity Area. The plan identifies four major goals to guide conservation efforts: • improving outreach to landowners, • improving the quality of aquatic habitat, • increasing the amount and improving the quality of terrestrial habitat, and • controlling invasive plant species. Finalizing the Vermilion River Conservation Opportunity Area Wildlife Action Plan marks a significant step in the protection of wildlife habitat along the river and its tributaries. The Plan supplements the more general goals of the statewide Wildlife Action Plan as it incorporates specific conservation priorities and actions agreed upon by local stakeholders. The Plan not only reflects the shared goals agreed upon by partners, but also serves as a practical tool for developing funding proposals for habitat conservation projects. To ensure the needs of individuals and organizations implementing conservation projects are continually being met, the Plan will be updated annually. While developing the Wildlife Action Plan for the Vermilion River Conservation Opportunity Area, local citizens decided to form the Vermilion River Wildlife Conservation Partnership. The Partnership will work to coordinate planning efforts and implement the strategies identified in the Plan by identifying and supporting critical wildlife conservation projects within the Conservation Opportunity Area. The Partnership will also work to promote a shared vision for wildlife conservation among agencies and citizen conservationists. Anyone interested in local wildlife conservation efforts is welcome to participate in the Vermilion River Wildlife Conservation Partnership; contact Elliot Brinkman (217/344-2371, ebrinkman at prairierivers.org). The Partnership offers a great opportunity get involved and meet others who are working to protect wildlife. Through this collaborative effort, we can enhance our ability to improve and preserve an invaluable resource, the Vermilion River. //]]> 7478 0 696 0 https://prairierivers.org/articles/2012/04/mississippi-memories-my-life-in-anoka-minnesota/ Mon, 23 Apr 2012 18:49:46 +0000 http://prairierivers.org/?p=10134 The winning essay from Prairie Rivers Network's "Our Upper Mississippi River: Connection, Inspiration, Transformation" essay contest! [caption id="attachment_10145" align="alignright" width="128" caption="Rebecca Gearhart"][/caption] By Rebecca Gearhart The gentle way that the Mississippi River flowed past my childhood home did not change much during the 1970s and 80s when I lived there, and its presence was a source of stability when everything else seemed to move too fast. The river figures prominently in my earliest memories, and “foofoo,” the name I called it, was one of the first words in the unique vocabulary that I spoke. Having the river in my life was a privilege that I can honestly say my younger sister and I were aware of while growing up. This is because our parents consciously positioned our activities indoors and outdoors so that we could not only see the river, but watch it. My mother’s favorite place in the house was the bay window in our living room, where she perched each morning while she sipped her coffee. My father’s morning spot was the hot tub he built on our deck over-looking the river, in which he read the daily paper—even in the winter. When the weather was nice, my family gathered on the patio or in our porch, where the river was the backdrop to all of our serious conversations about school, work, and the future. When it was a particularly beautiful evening, we all went for a boat ride, which meant a floating cocktail party for my parents, and a chance to get out on the water for my sister and I, albeit at trolling-speed. From our position on the river, my parents critiqued new landscaping and other exterior improvement, or dishevelment as the case may be, of our neighbors’ places. We always spoke in hushed voices during these excursions, since we knew from experience that water carries sound and the people sitting on their patios could hear us the way we heard the critics who passed by our house. At least once a summer, we joined another family or two and organized a float-trip, which entailed inflating large inner tubes and rafts, and driving 10 miles up the Rum River to a place near a bridge where we could leave our car parked for the day. We loaded a cooler of snacks, pop, and beer into one of the rafts, and stopped at a sandy stretch of beach for lunch about halfway down the route. The Rum flows much slower than the Mississippi does, and there were several places where we had to paddle to keep moving. Our flotilla picked up speed as we neared the confluence of the two rivers, the place that signifies “Anoka,” or “where two rivers meet” in the Lakota Indian language. As a teenager, the river played an even more significant role in my life, particularly in the summer. My girlfriends and I spent many Saturdays sun tanning in our boat, and flirting with the guys who regularly sped by to show off their talents on water skis and boogie boards. If I had to pick a favorite combination of sensations, it would be the feel of a cotton towel against a warm vinyl seat; the combined smell of baby oil, river water, and Fresca; the polyphony of Steve Perry and a distant Mercury engine; and the vision of sunlight dancing on the water. Though people say that youth is wasted on the young, we could not have fully tapped our romantic sense of adventure at any other time. We looked good in swim wear, our bodies were pliable enough to perform dazzling feats while hanging on to a ski rope, and our minds did not keep us from reckless stunts like barefoot skiing by moonlight. Though I now live in the middle of Illinois and quite far from a natural body of water, I recall those sensations whenever I need to. Even if “living in the present” is the mantra of my generation, I often take time to close my eyes and remember the happiest moments of my past. I do this weekly at the end of my workout, when I belt out the words to REM’s “nightswimming” and imagine the scene from my old bedroom window. I see the huge oak trees and the carpet of green grass, the pitched roof of the boat house, the patch of orange tiger lilies, the large rock along the bank, and the patterns of ripples on the water beyond. A group of ducks paddle by, I hear a fisherman cast a line just off shore. And now I’m running barefoot, through the yard and down the railway tie steps. I sit down on the edge of the dock and dip my feet in. The cool, brown water laps at my ankles, and the warmth of the sunshine washes over me. Whenever I return “home” for a visit, I try to sneak a peek at the stretch of Mississippi River that meanders by my old house and the houses where many of my friends once lived. To those of us who grew up there, the river holds some of our favorite stories, and runs through our memories like the blood through our veins. --- Rebecca Gearhart is Associate professor of anthropology and chair of the Sociology & Anthropology department at Illinois Wesleyan University. After growing up on the Mississippi River in Anoka, Minnesota, Rebecca attended Mount Holyoke College in Massachussetts, earning a BA in History and African Studies. She continued her studies at the University of Florida, Gainesville, completing a MA in African History and a PhD in Anthropology. Rebecca has lived in Bloomington, Illinois for the past twelve years with her husband Munib, who hails from Lamu Island, Kenya, where Rebecca has conducted research for over twenty years. Rebecca shares her love of nature through her "Native Americans and the Environment" course at IWU. "Young people are often deprived of a relationship with Mother Earth. In this course, much of what the students learn directly relates to nature, so we spend a significant time outdoors." An upcoming trip Rebecca has planned for the students is a visit to the Illinois River near Peoria, which will include paddling canoes on the river. "Once a river rat, always a river rat!" Rebecca proudly exclaims. After being coaxed by one of her colleagues in the IWU Environmental Studies program to submit an essay on growing up on the Mississippi to the contest, Rebecca did so and then sent it along to fellow Anoka "river rats," who after reading it were inspired to organize a reunion float down the river in August. "Growing up in such a special place has left a mark on each of us," Rebecca explains. "The river that brought us all together for so many good times, will do so again!" Thanks Rebecca, for taking us on this special journey to the Upper Mississippi River. Thanks also to our contest partner 1 Mississippi and to our wonderful panel of judges  for their time and commitment to this contest.]]> 10134 0 701 0 https://prairierivers.org/articles/2012/04/run-for-your-rivers-raises-9654/ Mon, 30 Apr 2012 15:07:04 +0000 http://prairierivers.org/?p=10189 Prairie Rivers Network Thanks our Charity Running/Walking Team, Volunteers, and Sponsors

Our 16 member team ran and walked a total of 252.7 miles in 45.32 hours at the Illinois Marathon, and raised $9,654 from 185 donors to help protect clean water and healthy rivers.

[caption id="attachment_10200" align="aligncenter" width="430" caption="Jean, Gen, Vickie, Michael, Brian, Elliot, Rob"][/caption]

A special thank you to our top three fundraisers: Jean, Rob, and Beverly

Lucy Bannon – half marathon - 2:08

Lisa Bayer – 10K - 1:08

Elliot Brinkman – marathon - 3:10

Eunsuk Chei – half marathon - 3:52

Jean Flemma – half marathon - 2:15

Beverly Hertle – half marathon - 4:01

Michael Kammin – 5K and marathon - 0:27 and 3:44

Rob Kanter – marathon - 4:06

Genevieve Long – half marathon - 1:57

Brian Nudelman – half marathon - 2:30

Vickie Nudelman – 10K - 1:17

Nancy Pagaduan – 5K - 0:38

John Popovics – marathon - 3:01

Janet Rasmussen – half marathon - 4:01

Cecily Smith – 5K and 10K - 0:51 and 2:02

Nathan Unsworth – 5K and marathon - 0:32 and 3:39

Thank You Volunteers

Thank you to all the volunteers who cheered and handed out water to the marathon runners at Prairie Rivers Network's water hydration station at mile 23.

Thank You Sponsors

Please support business that help protect our rivers and streams.

]]> 10189 0 700 0 https://prairierivers.org/articles/2012/05/experimental-asian-carp-barrier-fails-we-need-a-real-solution/ Sat, 05 May 2012 03:06:50 +0000 http://prairierivers.org/?p=10229 Today, the multi-million dollar electrical experiment built in the Chicago river system to prevent a full-scale invasion of Asian carp into the Great Lakes failed for thirteen minutes. You can read about it here. This is irrefutable evidence that the current regime will not work, and we need a real, permanent solution to stop the carp and protect the Great Lakes. Something we've said many times. Please sign our petition to Stop the Carp!]]> 10229 0 698 0 https://prairierivers.org/news/2012/05/press-release-illinois-taxpayers-foot-the-bill-for-biased-coal-curriculum-in-schools/ Thu, 03 May 2012 15:06:46 +0000 http://prairierivers.org/?p=10239 Heartland Coalfield Alliance, a statewide coalition of community and environmental organizations, held a rally outside the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) today, calling on the Department to stop what the group calls a waste of taxpayer funds and a publicly financed marketing campaign for the coal industry that targets children. The DCEO currently produces and distributes a school curriculum for elementary and high school students entitled “From the Coal Mines to the Power Lines,” with the expressed purpose of providing students with a “sound and meaningful understanding of coal in Illinois.” Opponents of the program point out that the curriculum makes little mention of coal’s liabilities, of the environmental damage caused by its mining, burning or waste disposal, nor of its documented effects on public health. “In hundreds of pages, DCEO’s curriculum fails to mention coal’s devastating impacts on clean water in Illinois, including massive habitat destruction from coal mines, harmful pollution in mine wastewater, and leaking coal ash dumps at power plants that is polluting rivers, streams and groundwater across the state ” said Brian Perbix, Grassroots Organizer with Prairie Rivers Network. “Illinois’ communities have borne the burden of coal pollution for far too long – our kids deserve to hear the truth.” "Climate change disasters represent a major threat to the future safety and livelihoods of today's young generation. Coal power plants are the number one source of man made pollutants that cause climate change. They emit pollutants linked to learning disabilities in newborns and asthma. Asthma is the number-one illness that causes kids to miss school,” said Will Reynolds, Springfield resident and Sierra Club Beyond Coal Organizer." "As both a science educator and a resident whose community's drinking water supply is threatened by coal mining, I was appalled to learn that with DCEO's help, the coal industry's bad science is working its way into our children's classrooms," explained Carla Murray, Biology Professor at Carl Sandburg Community College in Galesburg, and Secretary of Canton Area Citizens for Environmental Issues. Within the curriculum, children are encouraged to make ads for coal and taught that the evidence is not clear that the combustion of fossil fuels has led to warming climate. “If our young people are to be taught about coal, then let’s tell them the whole truth, not a one-sided, biased and self-serving story contrived for the benefit of the coal industry” said Lan Richart, Co-Director of the Eco-Justice Collaborative. Last year educational publisher Scholastic came under fire from parents and educators for distributing a similar curriculum funded by the American Coal Foundation. Scholastic later withdrew the curriculum after receiving 60,000 comments. A Freedom of Information Act request filed by the Heartland Coalfield Alliance revealed that since 2005 the DCEO has distributed nearly 700 copies of the curriculum to teachers, organizations and individuals interested in the coal education program. In that same time period, records show that the State has spent nearly $175,000 to fund an annual three-day teachers’ retreat to Rend Lake Resort in southern Illinois to provide instruction on the use of the curriculum. The DCEO curriculum is funded through the Electricity Excise Tax Law and is part of a much larger complement of subsidies to the coal industry. In 2011 the DCEO spent approximately $18 million on their Coal Education and Marketing Program. Following Thursday’s rally, representatives of the Heartland Coalfield Alliance delivered a letter signed by over 35 environmental and educational organizations asking the DCEO to stop distributing the curriculum, recall those that have been distributed and postpone the 2012 teachers retreat until the curriculum is revised to reflect an honest evaluation of coal as a fuel source. Prairie Rivers Network is a member of the Heartland Coalfield Alliance, which is a statewide coalition working to highlight coal’s devastating impacts in the Illinois Coal Basin and promote the adoption of clean, safe and renewable sources of energy. Sign the petition asking Governor Quinn to tell our kids the truth about coal. Updated on July 13, 2012 with press coverage of the May 3, 2012 rally in the Illinois Times (pdf).]]> 10239 0 699 0 https://prairierivers.org/articles/2012/05/proposed-coal-mine-raises-questions-about-drinking-water-and-salt-fork-river/ Thu, 10 May 2012 19:40:22 +0000 http://prairierivers.org/?p=10250  FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

5.10.2012

Stakeholders and Residents Invited to Public Meeting May 23rd, 7:00 pm at Homer Lake's Salt Fork Center to Discuss Concerns

Homer, IL – Representatives of Champaign and Vermilion county residents, including stakeholders along the Salt Fork of the Vermilion River, held a press conference today to highlight questions that have been raised in response to media reports that the Village of Homer is negotiating a deal with an out of state coal company to provide water for a proposed coal mine. Questions have been swirling since media reports surfaced last month suggesting that Sunrise Coal of Terre Haute, Indiana is seeking a deal to purchase water for use in coal processing from the Village of Homer – including water from its drinking water wells near Ogden, or  from the Salt Fork River. “The Salt Fork is a beautiful natural resource in the backyard of our community.  It is a rich and diverse sanctuary for wildlife,” explained Sue Smith, local farmer and Salt Fork resident. “Our family has grown up along this river system for generations, appreciating and enjoying its natural beauty.  We canoe, kayak, hunt, fish, and bird watch in and along its banks from the Saline Branch at Crystal Lake Park in Urbana to the Vermilion River in Danville.” Speakers also raised concerns about the mine’s proposal to discharge mine wastewater into Olive Branch, which is a tributary of the Salt Fork River.  This has the potential for adding sediments and pollutants such as heavy metals and salts into waters now used for drinking water supplies, fish and wildlife habitat, recreation and livestock watering. “In the last three years, one-third of Illinois coal mines have been out of compliance with their water discharge permit for over one year or more, so there is serious concern that if this coal mine is approved, the Olive Branch and Salt Fork will bear the burden of increased coal mine pollutants, including chlorides and sulfates as well as heavy metals such as arsenic, lead, mercury and selenium”, explained Traci Barkley, Water Resource Scientist with Prairie Rivers Network. Prairie Rivers Network is a statewide nonprofit that advocates for the protection of Illinois’ rivers and streams. “We must be able to protect our communities and our resource base.  We need transparency based on timely and accurate information from the officials we’ve chosen to serve us and from companies that want to do business here,” said Charles Goodall, a Vermilion County farmer and landowner. “We must put behind us the days when we are ambushed by mining companies.” To address these concerns, the speakers announced a that public informational meeting hosted by Prairie Rivers Network will be held on Wednesday, May 23^rd, 2012 at 7:00 pm at the Salt Fork Center at Homer Lake. “We urge the village leadership as well as all our local stakeholders and decision makers  to seek full disclosure of the risks, and seek guarantees to maintain and enhance the quality of our lives in our community,” said Peter Kuchinke, a Salt Fork landowner and resident. Local residents, farmers, landowners,  anglers, paddlers are invited to discuss concerns they have about the implications these proposals may have on drinking water availability, as well as the lasting ecological health of the Salt Fork River. The goal is to have an open and transparent discussion, voice shared concerns, and obtain answers to questions to protect the Salt Fork River, as well as a sustainable future for our rural Champaign and Vermilion County communities.  ]]> 10250 0 697 0 https://prairierivers.org/articles/2012/05/exploring-potters-marsh-by-canoe/ Wed, 16 May 2012 14:46:54 +0000 http://prairierivers.org/?p=10283 Potters Marsh is not just a place - it is a river restoration success story. Located within the Upper Mississippi River National Wildlife and Fish Refuge, the construction of Lock and Dam 13 downstream of the refuge area in the late 1930s drastically affected this unique backwater area. Sediments and silt accummulated behind the dam, filling in and seriously degrading wetlands, backwater lakes and marshes. Selected in the early 1990s to be restored under the Army Corps of Engineers' Environmental Management Program, Potters Marsh once again provides essential habitat for wintering fish, scores of migratory birds and other wildlife. Join Prairie Rivers Network and Upper Mississippi River refuge staff on Saturday, June 30 to explore Potters Marsh by canoe. There will be two programs, from 9:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m., and 1:00-4:00 p.m. Participants must be 12 years of age (accompanied by an adult) or older. Canoes and life vests will be provided or participants can bring their own equipment. This event is free, but space is limited. Preregistration is required. Canoes and life vests will be provided or participants can bring their own equipment. For additional information, contact Cecily Smith, csmith @ prairierivers.org, 217.351.0927.]]> 10283 0 693 0 https://prairierivers.org/articles/2012/05/illinois-epa-public-to-hold-public-availability-session-for-starved-rock-sand-mine-permitting/ Sat, 12 May 2012 17:02:49 +0000 http://prairierivers.org/?p=10286 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]]> 10286 0 695 0 https://prairierivers.org/articles/2012/05/illinois-livestock-industry-now-subject-to-permit-fees/ Tue, 22 May 2012 19:30:08 +0000 http://prairierivers.org/?p=10375 An end to unfair fee exemption for "CAFOs" (Concentrated Animal Feeding Operations) Today the Illinois Senate passed the Clean Water Funding Fairness Act (HB 5642), ending the livestock industry’s unique exemption from paying fees for their Clean Water Act permits. We are grateful to Representative Tryon (Crystal Lake) and Senator Frerichs (Champaign), who became the bill’s sponsors after being asked to do so by Illinois’ environmental community. In 2010, Prairie Rivers Network discovered that factory farms were exempt from paying fees for water pollution permits. All other industrial polluters must pay an annual fee for their National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permits. Those fees cover the costs of the state's regulatory program. In the absence of a fee, the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency was funding their factory farm regulatory program with fees from the other permittees. This funding shortfall may have been one of the reasons why the U.S. EPA determined in 2010 that Illinois’ regulatory program for factory farms is inadequate. This determination gave merit to claims made by Illinois Citizens for Clean Air & Water in their 2008 petition to U.S. EPA. The petition claimed Illinois EPA was failing to issue permits or adequately respond to complaints about factory farm pollution, and did not have a complete inventory of the state’s over 20,000 livestock operations. Prairie Rivers Network, Environment Illinois, and Illinois Citizens for Clean Air & Water drafted and supported a bill to create a permit fee for factory farms during the 2011 legislative session. After initial resistance from the Illinois Farm Bureau and Illinois Pork Producers Association, all interested parties agreed to this year's bill. Among those who lobbied in support of the bill were many rural residents who live near factory farms. These residents live with the air and water pollution that comes from large-scale livestock operations confining thousands of animals on small acreages. Residents who pay such a personal cost strongly agree that factory farms should be subject to greater accountability. “Permits are beneficial because they prevent pollution and create greater accountability. As a farmer and a Farm Bureau member, I was so glad to see agreement on this bill,” said Cindy Bonnet, who once raised livestock in Jo Daviess County and is a member of Illinois Citizens for Clean Air & Water.]]> 10375 0 692 0 https://prairierivers.org/articles/2012/05/residents-and-landowners-raise-concern-over-coal-mine/ Thu, 24 May 2012 20:21:06 +0000 http://prairierivers.org/?p=10409 It was Standing Room Only at Public Meeting on Proposed Underground Coal Mine Near Village of Homer in Vermilion County

by Traci Barkley, Water Resources Scientist

[caption id="attachment_10416" align="alignright" width="240" caption="Sunrise coal mine, Carlisle, Indiana"][/caption] On Wednesday evening, over 100 residents, farmers, landowners and Salt Fork River stakeholders turned out to an informational meeting and public forum at the Salt Fork Center at Homer Lake. I gave a presentation on the threats to clean and abundant water from a proposed underground coal mine east of the Village of Homer in Vermilion County, Illinois.

There is too much at stake with too little information disclosed.  Over 19,500 acres worth of mineral rights have already been signed over to Sunrise Coal yet we don't know whether this will be a room and pillar or longwall mine, where the water will come from, where the wastewater will be discharged to and where the toxic coal slurry pits will be built.  This has gotten too far with too little oversight.

[caption id="attachment_10459" align="alignright" width="300" caption="Residents filled the Salt Fork Center to voice their concerns"][/caption] Other panelists included:

• Cathy Edmiston and Mary Ellen DeClue, both landowners in Montgomery County who spoke of the tricks a coal      company played on their elected officials in securing water rights and land for an underground longwall mine within their city limits in Hillsboro;
• Jim Smith, a 5th generation Champaign County farmer who spoke of the importance of family farming and a long time commitment to the land, family and communities;
• Charles Goodall, a 6th generation Vermilion County farmer who highlighted the need for transparency on behalf of our elected officials and the need to have strong legal representation to protect community interests and resources, and;
• Mayor Dave Lucas of the Village of Homer, who explained the current state and future of water negotiations between the Village of Homer and Sunrise Coal.

“We must be able to protect our communities and our resource base. We need transparency based on timely and accurate information from the officials we’ve chosen to serve us and from companies that want to do business here,” said Charles Goodall, a Vermilion County farmer and landowner. “We must put behind us the days when we are ambushed by mining companies.” "Be watchful of mines and how it is done. Coal companies can go back on their word and often do. And remember, no special perks for the mine from county!" [caption id="attachment_10460" align="alignright" width="300" caption="Identifying water resources that need to be protected"][/caption] Attendees were encouraged to organize and work together to help keep farmland and clean water safe from the proposed coal mine. All were invited to a stakeholder meeting to continue the discussion about how we can protect our quality of life, land, water and communities.

Vermilion Mine Stakeholder Meeting 

June 13, 2012 at 7:00 pm

Homer United Methodist Church 301 South Main St, Homer, IL

Attendees were also encouraged to speak up to their elected officials about concerns and to ask questions.  Now is the time to let  elected officials know that we value our clean water, and support their efforts to protect our communities’ resources.

Upcoming County Board Meetings

• Champaign County Board: May 24^th and June 21^st 2012, 7:00 pm, Brookens Administrative Center, Urbana.
• Vermillion County Board: June 12^th 2012, 6:00 pm, Courthouse Annex Building in Danville.

Upcoming Village Board Meetings

• Village of Homer: June 11^th 2012, 7:00 pm, Village Hall Conference Room,  Homer
• Village of Broadlands: June 6^th, 7:00 pm
• Village of Sidney: June 13^th, 7:00 pm, Town Hall, Sidney
• Village of Ogden: June 7^th, 7:00 pm
• Village of St. Joseph: June 12^th, 7:30 pm
• Village of Oakwood: June 11th, 6:30 pm, Village Hall, 106 South Scott Street

UPDATED June 15th, 2012:

On May 23rd, 2012 Traci Barkley of Prairie Rivers Network, and Vermilion County farmers Charles Goodall and Sue Smith gave an extensive interview with WEFT 90.1 FM's Terry Donovan on the proposed coal mine: Listen here.]]> 10409 0 691 0 https://prairierivers.org/articles/2012/05/crop-insurance-subsidies-should-be-linked-to-land-stewardship/ Tue, 29 May 2012 18:38:27 +0000 http://prairierivers.org/?p=10447

Congress must demand a higher return for the environment in exchange for our more than $8 billion annual investment in agricultural subsidies. Maintaining the status quo is a risky over-reliance on largely voluntary measures that have and will fall short of keeping our waters clean."

Agricultural pollution is a top cause of degraded rivers and lakes, and the federal government currently invests  more than $8 billion annually in agricultural subsidies. Stacy James, Water Resources Scientist, wrote a letter to the editor in response to a Chicago Tribune editorial. Stacy's letter calls for crop insurance subsidies to be linked to land-stewardship standards, particularly those that reduce pollution and erosion. Many farmers are already doing their part, thanks to a provision in the 1985 Farm Bill that requires farmers to reduce erosion and preserve wetlands in order to receive certain subsidies. Now it's time to update the Farm Bill to link crop insurance to conservation compliance. Read Stacy's letter and the original editorial, "Congress should reign in crop insurance" to find out more. [caption id="attachment_10453" align="alignleft" width="150" caption="Click on image to access pdf of this story."][/caption]]]> 10447 0 690 0 https://prairierivers.org/articles/2012/05/prairie-rivers-happy-hour/ Thu, 31 May 2012 20:00:19 +0000 http://prairierivers.org/?p=10473 Please join staff, board, volunteers, and friends at Prairie Rivers Network's Happy Hour When: Friday, June 1, from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. Where: Beer garden at Mike 'N Molly's (105 N. Market St. in Downtown Champaign)

Everyone is welcome!

 ]]> 10473 0 687 0 https://prairierivers.org/articles/2012/05/action-alert-support-funding-for-idnr/ Wed, 30 May 2012 13:00:51 +0000 http://prairierivers.org/?p=10477 Support Stable Funding for the Illinois Department of Natural Resources Illinois needs a strong, stable Department of Natural Resources to manage our state parks, and to protect water, land and wildlife in Illinois. Budget cuts and sweeps in the past have left the Department in a precarious financial position without the resources it needs to carry out its mission. The Illinois Department of Natural Resources Sustainable Revenue Bill (SB 1566) contains a series of user, consulting and service fees to fund the Department. We anticipate broad support for the bill in a House vote today or tomorrow. The Bill will then be considered by the Senate, where its success is less certain. PLEASE call your State Senator’s Springfield office as soon as possible and ask them to support SB 1566. Remind him or her that this bill provides a sustainable revenue source for the Department, including No Sweeps language and a letter of commitment from the Governor that these funds will be used for their intended purpose.

The legislative session will end on Thursday, so please act today!

 ]]> 10477 0 689 0 https://prairierivers.org/articles/2012/06/more-rain-gardens-less-water-pollution-2/ Sat, 02 Jun 2012 13:00:35 +0000 http://prairierivers.org/?p=10480 by Stacy James, Water Resources Scientist

What is a rain garden?

A rain garden is a shallow, vegetated landscaping feature that captures excess rainwater and puts it to work. As the rain garden bed is slightly below the level of the yard, the garden acts as a shallow dish that holds the water for a short time so that it can instead soak into the garden soil. Well-designed rain gardens absorb 30% more water than turf lawns and will drain completely within a few days after an average storm. http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=rTeT0cNq4Fs

What are the benefits of a rain garden?

Rain gardens have many benefits. First, it is an attractive addition to any yard. Both you and your neighbors will enjoy its beauty for years to come. In addition, rain gardens provide environmental benefits by improving water quality and promoting water conservation. Water that runs off hard surfaces, like your roof, and from your yard during rain events flows down the street collecting contaminants such as automobile fluids, yard fertilizers, and pet waste. This adds pollution to your local rivers because storm drain water is not treated before it enters your local rivers. For example, yard waste & fertilizers add excessive amounts of nutrients to rivers. This causes algae to grow and depletes oxygen in the water that fish and other aquatic life depend on. By collecting the excess runoff before it reaches the street, rain gardens reduce the amount of polluted water flowing into storm drains. Research has shown that the intensive installation of rain gardens in neighborhoods can greatly reduce storm water runoff and street flooding. The water retained in the garden soaks down into the soil, providing water for the garden plants as well as for the underlying water table. This minimizes the need for watering and helps conserve municipal water supplies. Finally, the native plants used in rain gardens provide habitat for birds, butterflies and other beneficial insects. Native plants also require less maintenance, particularly less watering, over time because they are adapted to the local soil and climate conditions.

What are the steps for creating a rain garden?

1. Decide where you want the rain garden located and where it would be most effective in collecting the runoff from your property (i.e. close to a downspout).
2. Design the garden. Determine the garden size and depth that will maximize the amount of runoff the garden receives. Garden shape is largely a matter of preference or available space.
3. Select your plants. Choose moisture-loving species for the garden bottom and drought-tolerant species for the sides and berm. Selecting plants that are diverse in color, height, texture, and blooming time results not only in a more interesting display, but one that attracts a greater variety of birds and butterflies.
4. Plant the garden. Planting time depends mostly on the size of your garden. For most gardens, a few people working together will be able to complete the project in a day. Ask your friends and neighbors for help; this is a great opportunity to spread the word about the benefits of rain gardens.

Where can I get more information?

If you would like more information about rain gardens or would like PRN to give your group a presentation on why rain gardens are beneficial and the basic steps of design and installation, please contact us (217) 344-2371 or info@prairierivers.org. Download our Rain Garden Brochure]]> 10480 0 686 0 ]]> ]]> https://prairierivers.org/articles/2012/06/livestock-farms-to-pay-fees-for-epa-enforcement/ Tue, 05 Jun 2012 18:14:21 +0000 http://prairierivers.org/?p=10526 Illinois residents are hearing about the Clean Water Funding Fairness Act that passed the Illinois House and Senate on May 22. This bill makes factory farms, or CAFOs, pay an annual fee for their permits to discharge pollution; these permits are required by the federal Clean Water Act. Until now, factory farms were the only industrial polluters exempt from paying fees for their permits. These fees will provide the Illinois EPA with money needed for CAFO inspections and permitting, a big step towards accountability for the industry and decreasing water pollution in Illinois.

Stacy James, Water Resources Scientist, appeared on WGEM radio (Quincy, IL) to talk about the bill:

The Illinois Times (Springfield, IL) and WQAD (Henderson and Warren Counties) also covered this story. Read our posts on factory farm issues and learn more about factory farms and their potential to cause water pollution on our Factory Farm page.

Access pdf of this story here.	Access pdf of this story here.

 The News-Gazette also covered this story on May 23, 2012 (or pdf) and May 26, 2012  (pdf only).  See the Midwest Agricultural Law Guide (pdf) on June 19, 2012 for more coverage of this story. Updated on July 11, 2012 with additional news coverage.

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]]> 10526 0 683 0 https://prairierivers.org/articles/2012/06/stakeholder-meeting-announced-for-june-13th-in-homer/ Wed, 06 Jun 2012 17:35:55 +0000 http://prairierivers.org/?p=10551 Public meeting to discuss concerns with proposed Vermilion Mine and next steps FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 6.5. 2012 Homer, IL – Champaign and Vermilion county residents, landowners and farmers will hold a meeting to discuss the threats and next steps in addressing the proposed coal mine in Vermilion County. Public concern has been rising since April about the negative impacts a coal mine might have on clean water, farmland and health. Sunrise Coal, LLC, an out of state coal company, is reportedly seeking to purchase water from the Village of Homer and other local sources for coal washing at the mine. They are also seeking to discharge their polluted wastewater into the Olive Branch, a tributary of the Salt Fork River. On May 23rd over a hundred local residents turned out to an informational meeting and public forum on the proposed mine at the Salt Fork Center at Homer Lake. The stakeholder meeting on June 13th will provide an opportunity to continue this discussion, and explore how local people can protect the area’s quality of life, land, water and communities. The meeting will take place on June 13 at 7p at Homer United Methodist Church, 301 South Main Street, in Homer. Contact:

• Sue Smith, (217) 896-2698
• Joan Lane, (217) 493-2717

For More Information: saltforkfriends.blogspot.com standuptocoal.org prairierivers.org]]> 10551 0 682 0 https://prairierivers.org/articles/2012/06/starved-rock-state-park-at-center-of-illinois-frac-sand-fight/ Mon, 04 Jun 2012 20:28:05 +0000 http://prairierivers.org/?p=10594

 

Access pdf of this story here. The proposed mine would be located directly across the road from the park. The sand from the mine will be used for natural gas "fracking," a controversial process used to mine greater stores of natural gas.  Prairie Rivers Network and others are concerned that noise and dust from the mine will negatively impact the people and wildlife that use the park. Read this story, published June 4, 2012 in Midwest Energy News and our previous posts about the mine.    ]]> 10594 0 685 0 https://prairierivers.org/articles/2012/05/may-riverweb-monthly-e-news/ Wed, 16 May 2012 14:00:19 +0000 http://prairierivers.org/?p=10719 Sign up for RiverWeb to have monthly updates emailed to you.

Clinton Landfill and the Mahomet Aquifer Public Informational Meeting Prairie Rivers Network is co-sponsoring a public informational meeting on the Mahomet Aquifer and the threats posed by a proposed hazardous waste landfill in Clinton, IL. There will be presentations followed by a Q&A, and several public officials should be present.  Please come out to learn more about what's going on and opportunities to save this drinking water supply from pollution! Date and Time: Thursday, May 17, 7-8 PM Location: Beckman Institute Auditorium on the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign campus, located on University Avenue between Wright and Matthews in Champaign Parking: There is a parking garage to the east on Matthews. Recent news articles on the topic: News-Gazette 5-2-12: "Aquifer bill faces more amendments, moves to different committee" News-Gazette 5-4-12: "Senators oppose PCB permit for Clinton landfill"

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Your donations ensure that our expertise is available when people call for help protecting their local water resources. If you are not yet a member of Prairie Rivers Network, consider a yearly or monthly donation.

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Illinois EPA to hold public availability session for Starved Rock Sand Mine permitting 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: Wednesday, May 23rd, 6-9 PM Where: Illinois Valley Community College, 815 North Orlando Smith Street, Oglesby, IL If you go, and we hope you do, read our blog post first. You can provide comments online here.

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Don’t miss our recent blog post on the Asian Carp barrier “oops.” Experimental Asian carp barrier fails. We need a real solution. Follow Robert Hirchfeld’s coverage on Twitter @PRN_Carp.

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Daylighting the true costs of coal: Part 1 The state supports the coal industry completely and uncritically at the expense of impacted residents. The Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity currently produces and distributes a school curriculum for elementary and high school students entitled “From the Coal Mines to the Power Lines,” with the express purpose of providing students with a “sound and meaningful understanding of coal in Illinois.” Prairie Rivers Network and the Heartland Coalfield Alliance are asking Governor Quinn to stop spending taxpayer dollars on a biased curriculum intended to market the coal industry. Take action! Press release: Illinois Taxpayers Foot the Bill for Biased Coal Curriculum in Schools Read media coverage here.

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Daylighting the true costs of coal: Part 2 A proposed mine begins to "buy up" local water resources after securing land rights. Sunrise Coal of Terre Haute, Indiana is seeking a deal to purchase water for use in coal processing from the Village of Homer – including water from its drinking water wells near Ogden, or from the Salt Fork River. Press Release: Proposed Coal Mine Raises Questions About Drinking Water and Salt Fork River Media coverage:

• Illinoishomepage.com 
• News-Gazette
• WILL FM 580
• Vermilioncountyfirst.com

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Explore Potters Marsh by canoe with Prairie Rivers Network Join Prairie Rivers Network and Refuge staff on Saturday, June 30 to explore Potters Marsh by canoe. There will be two programs, from 9:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m., and 1:00-4:00 p.m. Check here for more information and registration.

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Announcing our Upper Mississippi River Essay Contest winner:  Rebecca Gearhart! Read the full essay here:  Mississippi Memories: My Life in Anoka, Minnesota “A beautiful and evocative essay. I found myself in deep empathy with its sentiments. Lovely.” –Richard Keeling, in a comment on www.prairierivers.org

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Run for Your Rivers raises $9,679 Prairie Rivers Network would like to thank our Charity Running/Walking Team and sponsors. Our 16-member team ran and walked a total of 252.7 miles in 45.32 hours at the Illinois Marathon, and raised $9,679 from 185 donors to help protect clean water and healthy rivers. Read more...

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In the news: our thoughts on the Farm Bill Stacy James, water resources scientist and agricultural pollution specialist at Prairie Rivers Network, has a Letter to the Editor in the Chicago Tribune on reducing farm pollution by tying crop insurance to compliance with conservation practices.

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EarthShare Illinois Prairie Rivers Network is one of 31 organizations in Illinois that receive donations via EarthShare’s workplace giving program. Donations through workplace giving allow us to spend less time fundraising and more time working toward a healthier environment. Does your workplace participate? EarthShare Illinois also holds great events! Check out this evening of cocktails, dinner, and a silent auction at Mrs. Murphy & Sons Irish Bistro in Chicago on June 15, 2012.

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Where is my Spring edition of Prairie River Notes? Here it is!  Find the full version here, along with our annual report.

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Don't forget...

We have a speakers bureau! To take our survey! Our wealth of information on river recreation opportunities across the state! To follow us on Facebook and/or Twitter for the most up-to-date information on the issues that matter to you.]]> 10719 0 694 0 https://prairierivers.org/articles/2012/05/lte-coal-companys-plan-threat-to-environment/ Wed, 30 May 2012 23:38:25 +0000 http://prairierivers.org/?p=11045 Letter to the Editor (PDF form) published in the News-Gazette on May 30, 2012.

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]]> 11045 0 688 0 https://prairierivers.org/articles/2012/06/press-release-controlling-access-to-the-press-sunrise-coals-latest-deception/ Tue, 05 Jun 2012 17:21:41 +0000 http://prairierivers.org/?p=11839 Sunrise Coal seeks to keep Village of Homer public officials from talking to reporters. Homer, IL - Citizens seeking to protect their water resources from being wasted by coal mining activities learned that Sunrise has tried to prevent our elected officials from talking to the local press, thereby limiting citizens’ access to public information. This attempt was revealed in documents provided in response to a Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request to the Village of Homer. Documents released by the Village of Homer on May 21 expose an email dated April 13, 2012 from Suzanne Jaworowski, Director of Communications for Sunrise Coal directed to Mayor David Lucas, Village of Homer. In that email Jaworowski states:

“If you receive any inquiry from the press please direct them to me. It’s important that we not discuss any aspect of the project in public before our permit is secure. I’m sure you understand the challenges it can bring up. I’ll call you later and we can discuss a plan for dealing with the press.”

Coal mining corporations often attempt to whitewash the impacts of mining and processing coal on human health, drinking water, clean air and communities – the most important resources cherished by residents. Mining and washing coal is a dirty business that releases harmful salts, and heavy metals such as arsenic, lead, selenium and mercury which ultimately foul local wells and village water supplies. Sunrise Coal, as it leased coal rights, systematically avoided informing landowners about the impacts from mining on the surface interests of residents. “It became clear in late 2009 when leasing began, that Sunrise Coal wanted to hide the reality of mining from residents. Feedback from leasing interviews documented the pattern. Transparency was missing,” states Charles Goodall, local farmer and member of Stand Up To Coal. During that period of leasing, Sunrise publicly issued a steady stream of reassurances apparently meant to pacify a relatively uniformed public. Important among these assertions is that 300 jobs will be created. “That is far different that saying that 300 local people will be hired. These assertions can best be characterized as deceptive,”continued Goodall, who also noted that none of Sunrise’s promises are legally enforceable. Now that a substantial acreage of coal has been leased and Sunrise states that it wants to open a mine, the reality of mining and processing coal is upon residents. Ironically the formerly silent Sunrise has turned aggressive as it begins to propose surface facilities and coal waste disposal pits that would degrade the quality of life in the area. “It is safe to assume that residents and farmers who leased coal rights did not intend to give their water away, did not intend to permit their water to be contaminated with coal slurry, did not realize that their communities would suffer, and did not want to subject their rich valuable farmland to subsidence. With full transparency they might not have leased.” said Sue Smith of rural Homer. “Now surface property values are in jeopardy and residents are essentially held hostage in their homeland. This should not happen in America in 2012,” observed Goodall.”]]> 11839 0 684 0 https://prairierivers.org/articles/2012/06/river-steward-award-2/ Mon, 11 Jun 2012 15:55:19 +0000 http://prairierivers.org/?p=10630 Do you know a volunteer who is working hard to protect the state's rivers and streams? [caption id="attachment_10631" align="alignright" width="300" caption="Scott Hays Accepting 2011 River Steward Award"][/caption]

Help celebrate and elevate their important work with a nomination for our 8th annual River Steward Award.

The deadline is August 20, 2012.

It is time once again to celebrate the important work of an individual whose on the ground efforts to protect the state’s rivers and streams inspires us. There are many dedicated citizen volunteers around our state who spend countless hours working to protect Illinois’ rivers. They educate us; they do the legwork; they speak the unpopular truths; they go above and beyond. Too often, their outstanding achievements are not known outside of their local community. The River Steward Award recognizes and celebrates the most exemplary river stewards; heroes with stories that we all need to hear. Prairie Rivers Network wants to recognize the people whose clean water victories inspire our staff and other river advocates around the state. The seventh annual River Steward Award will be announced October 5, 2012 at Prairie Rivers Network’s Annual Dinner. The honoree and a guest, as well as the nominator, will be invited to attend the dinner for the awards ceremony. The award recipient will also be announced to the river conservation community around the state, announced to the media in a press release, and posted on our website. Past Winners: Scott Hays, 2011; Kathy Andria, 2010; Gary Mechanic, 2009; Joyce Blumenshine, 2008; Mary Pat Holtschlag, 2007; Fran Caffee, 2006; Jan Holder, 2005. Nomination Procedure: If you know a citizen volunteer you would like to nominate as the next River Steward, please e-mail the following information to Steph Adams at sadams at prairierivers.org or call her at 217/344-2371 for more information. 1. Nominee’s contact information 2. Your contact information 3. Nominee's qualifications (500 words) a. General background information concerning the river/watershed of interest b. Summary of their river conservation efforts 4. The specific achievements for which the nominee deserves recognition Deadline: Nominations must be received by August 20, 2012.]]> 10630 0 681 0 https://prairierivers.org/articles/2012/06/10635-2/ Tue, 12 Jun 2012 14:18:43 +0000 http://prairierivers.org/?p=10635 [iframe http://www.grassroutes.us/campaigns/93/iframe 300px 700px] This week, our U.S.Senators are taking up the Farm Bill, a massive piece of legislation that is renewed approximately every 5 years.  The Farm Bill covers a broad array of food-related topics, from food stamps to farmer subsidies.  Within the Farm Bill is an important provision called Conservation Compliance, which requires farmers to limit soil erosion and preserve wetlands in order to receive certain subsidies from the federal government. But one massive subsidy not subject to Compliance is crop insurance.Therefore, requiring recipients of crop insurance subsidies to be subject to Compliance is Prairie Rivers Network's top priority for the 2012 Farm Bill. We need your help to convince Senators Kirk and Durbin that not only should they vote for the Cardin amendment (which links insurance to Compliance), but they should take a strong advocacy role to make sure the amendment passes. Please take time this week to send the suggested letter below and/or call the Senators offices in D.C. Here is a suggested letter (please tailor as you see fit). Dear Senator ___: As the Senate debates the Farm Bill this week, I urge you to support the Cardin Amendment on Conservation Compliance (SA-2219), which re-attaches important conservation requirements to crop insurance subsidies as was the case prior to 1996. Taxpayers have supported a safety net for farmers for nearly 30 years, in return for a guarantee that subsidized farmers will follow basic conservation practices in their fields. This Conservation Compliance compact has worked to ensure a secure food system while also ensuring that critical conservation practices are in place to limit soil erosion on highly erodible land and prevent destruction of wetlands. However, crop insurance is a highly subsidized and popular program that is not subject to Conservation Compliance. Conservation Compliance is not regulation, it is an eligibility requirement to receive taxpayer-funded support and does not threaten a farmer's ability to get crop insurance. Compliance requirements are not new -- most farmers are already meeting these requirements through the use of basic conservation practices such as no-till on highly erodible land in order to receive commodity and conservation subsidy payments. Farmers found to be out of compliance have a year to return to compliance before losing their subsidies, and farmers who suffer a weather-related disaster do not risk losing their insurance subsidy as long as they have been implementing their conservation plan and refraining from draining wetlands. Re-establishing the link between insurance premium subsidies and Conservation Compliance is especially important as Congress considers eliminating direct payments, the major subsidy program that is currently linked to Compliance, and moving some of the savings to support substantially increased subsidies for crop insurance, which lacks Compliance requirements. Unless you help reconnect crop insurance subsidies to Conservation Compliance, a significant part of a farmer's incentive to follow conservation plans will disappear this year. Connecting eligibility for crop insurance subsidies to Conservation Compliance will ultimately save taxpayers money, result in more productive farmland, and ensure federal subsidies align with the public's interest in basic conservation of our soil and water. Please not only vote for the Cardin Amendment, but encourage other Senators to do the same. Sincerely, [your name]]]> 10635 0 679 0 https://prairierivers.org/articles/2012/06/women-put-toxic-coal-plants-on-trial-in-joliet/ Mon, 11 Jun 2012 21:28:35 +0000 http://prairierivers.org/?p=10660 We don't get the power; we just get the pollution." This was the testimony heard at the International Women and Climate Justice Tribunal held at Sacred Heart Church (Joliet, IL).  Residents from Chicago's Pilsen area and Will County heard powerful testimonies from women dealing with the fallout of air pollution generated by Midwest Generation's coal plants in Joliet and Romeoville, and toxic coal ash dumped by Midwest Generation in the unlined Lincoln Stone Quarry. In 2010, the Clean Air Taskforce estimated 120 deaths, 2000 asthma attacks, and 180 heart attacks are attributed annually to pollution from the Will County and Joliet coal plants. "What we've heard today is that these coal plants are polluting the land, the air and our water--if Midwest Generation won't comply with the law, they need to be shut down," concluded Brian Perbix, Grassroots Organizer for Prairie Rivers Network. Read the full article including testimonies from three of the women on the Alternet website, or access a pdf of this story.    ]]> 10660 0 680 0 https://prairierivers.org/articles/2012/06/conservation-compliance-amendment-passes-senate-52-47/ Thu, 21 Jun 2012 14:00:28 +0000 http://prairierivers.org/?p=10685 10685 0 676 0 https://prairierivers.org/articles/2012/06/time-runs-out-on-shamrock-acres-hog-operation/ Mon, 25 Jun 2012 13:00:08 +0000 http://prairierivers.org/?p=10691 On June 10, 2012, the clock ran out on Shamrock Acres. This proposed 18,000 head hog operation was slated to be built in McDonough County south of Macomb. But most nearby residents did not want to live next to so many hogs, with its associated odors and potential for water pollution. And so they formed a group called Rural Residents for Responsible Agriculture and launched a successful campaign to oppose construction. Part of their campaign strategy was to contact Prairie Rivers Network and ask for assistance. We were concerned about Shamrock Acres because it was to be located in an area already well-populated with large hog operations. Shamrock Acres would have drained into Sugar Creek, which is on the state list of impaired waters due to fecal coliform pollution. We were also concerned that the applicant had recently received a violation notice from the IEPA for water pollution violations at his cattle operation. Prairie Rivers Network teamed up with Illinois Citizens for Clean Air & Water and the Washington University Environmental Law Clinic. We helped the citizens group by working with them to organize a press conference, filing a public comment letter opposing the construction, and meeting with the Department of Agriculture to discuss our concerns. Shamrock Acres had until June 10 to meet the requirements of the Livestock Management Facilities Act so that construction could begin. The applicant failed to respond to the Department of Agriculture’s last information request, and subsequently the construction application is now dead. Rural Residents for Responsible Agriculture did a great job standing up for and sharing their concerns with the public, the media, the Department of Agriculture, and their legislators. We think this is a great example of how activism can be successful, especially if the effort has strong and dedicated members willing to write letters and make phone calls and speeches. Shamrock Acres is a rare victory. Many other factory farms have been approved for construction despite local opposition. As Rural Residents member Loka Ashwood aptly stated, creating more stringent siting requirements is the much-needed next step. We are working on it!      ]]> 10691 0 675 0 https://prairierivers.org/articles/2012/06/june-riverweb-monthly-e-news/ Tue, 12 Jun 2012 16:35:50 +0000 http://prairierivers.org/?p=10696 Sign up for RiverWeb to have monthly updates emailed to you.

Victory! Factory Farms to Finally Pay Fees for EPA Enforcement On May 22, the Illinois General Assembly passed the Clean Water Funding Fairness Act (HB 5642), ending the livestock industry's unique exemption from paying fees for their water pollution permits.

Illinois’ 25,000 plus livestock operations produce over 10 million tons of waste annually. The waste is often stored improperly or in structures that leak, and nearly half of the inspected facilities have at least one violation of the state's environmental regulations. And yet the Illinois EPA has had fewer than 10 staff members to regulate this industry.

This new bill (which will be signed by Governor Quinn) requires factory farms, or CAFOs, to pay an annual fee to discharge pollution the same as all other industries under a permit issued by Illinois EPA. The permit allows discharges to occur only during heavy rainfall events. These fees will provide the Illinois EPA with money needed for factory farm inspections and permitting. This a big step towards industry accountability for and the protection of water in Illinois!

Congratulations to Stacy James of our staff and our partners at ICCAW and Environment Illinois for all their hard work over the past 18 months making this idea a reality.

And a very sincere thank you to all our members for making this victory possible!

You can read the story on our website.

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Take Action! Make a call for Conservation Compliance

Within the Farm Bill is an important provision called Conservation Compliance, which requires farmers to limit soil erosion and preserve wetlands in order to receive certain subsidies from the federal government. But one massive subsidy not subject to Compliance is crop insurance.

The Cardin amendment to the Farm Bill would ensure that crop insurance is linked to Conservation Compliance, which will result in less soil erosion and more wetlands preserved. See our blogpost for information on how to contact your Senators and Representative to ask them to VOTE YES for the Cardin amendment.

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Coal Mine Stakeholder Meeting - Tonight, June 13th in Homer Champaign and Vermilion county residents, landowners, and farmers will hold a meeting to discuss the threats from and next steps in addressing the proposed coal mine in Vermilion County. Date: June 13, 2012 Time: 7:00 p.m. Location: Homer United Methodist Church, 301 South Main Street, in Homer

Public concern has been rising about the negative impacts a coal mine might have on clean water, farmland, and health. For more information, please read the press release.

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Mine Near Starved Rock May be Beginning of Illinois Fracking Sand Boom Local residents, Starved Rock State Park fans, Prairie Rivers Network, and others have been engaged in the details of the proposed Starved Rock Sand Mine since November, 2011. The area has a particular type of sand that is in high demand for oil and gas fracking. Some are concerned that noise and dust from the mine will affect the people and wildlife that use the park. Prairie Rivers Network is concerned that the mine could drain a rare, brackish wetland, with high quality plant communities and specific habitat for threatened and endangered species. The larger fear is that this story is just the beginning of a fracking-sand mining boom here in Illinois. We will keep you informed when we know about mining threats to your water, but local residents and community groups need to be aware of the other possible threats to land use. Read this story, published June 4, 2012 in Midwest Energy News and our previous posts about the mine.

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Paddling Opportunity: Explore Potters Marsh by Canoe Please join Prairie Rivers Network and Upper Mississippi River Refuge staff on Saturday, June 30 to explore Potters Marsh by canoe. Potters Marsh is not just a place – it is a river restoration success story! There will be two paddling programs, from 9:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m., and 1:00-4:00 p.m. Participants must be 12 years of age (accompanied by an adult) or older. Canoes and life vests will be provided or participants can bring their own equipment. Do bring your binoculars! This event is free, but space is limited. Registration is required. For additional information, contact Cecily Smith, csmith @ prairierivers.org, 217.351.0927.

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Call for River Steward Nominations! Do you know a volunteer who is working hard to protect the state’s rivers and streams? Help celebrate and elevate their important work by nominating them for our 8th Annual River Steward Award. THE DEADLINE IS AUGUST 20, 2012. For more information on the nomination process, please read our webpost.

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Check out these resources: Our speakers bureau Take our survey! River recreation opportunities across the state Follow us on Facebook and/or Twitter for the most up-to-date information on the issues that matter to you.

]]> 10696 0 678 0 https://prairierivers.org/articles/2012/06/local-citizens-organize-to-protect-clean-water-and-natural-resources/ Wed, 20 Jun 2012 16:24:54 +0000 http://prairierivers.org/?p=10913 The Leader's story about the meeting. Access a pdf of the story. Learn about coal's impacts on water, farmland, and our communities at www.standuptocoal.org. Read some of our past posts on the proposed Sunrise Mine here and here.

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]]> 10913 0 677 0 https://prairierivers.org/articles/2012/06/congress-takes-action-on-asian-carp/ Fri, 29 Jun 2012 20:23:21 +0000 http://prairierivers.org/?p=10954 [/caption] Today we won a battle in the ongoing fight against the Asian carp invasion. The federal transportation bill, passed today, contains a provision requiring an expedited plan to block Asian carp—as well as dozens of other destructive invaders—from moving between the Great Lakes and Mississippi River. There are billions of dollars and invaluable natural resources at stake across dozens of states. We've worked hard to get this passed, but it's still a first step. Please sign our petition and show your support for a permanent solution that will not only stop the carp, but also clean up our water, prevent flooding, and improve recreational opportunities for millions. Can be done. Should be done.]]> 10954 0 674 0 https://prairierivers.org/articles/2012/07/video-release-questions-for-sunrise-coal/ Tue, 03 Jul 2012 21:51:28 +0000 http://prairierivers.org/?p=10968 Stand Up to Coal, Salt Fork Friends, and the Salt Fork River Runners released the video "Questions for Sunrise Coal." In the video, concerned rural residents, farmers, and villagers ask what will happen if Sunrise Coal moves forward with their proposal to open a coal mine in Vermilion County: What will coal mining mean for clean water? The health of local residents? The economic vitality of this area for future generations? Prairie Rivers Network is concerned that a new coal mine could threaten clean water in this water-scarce part of the state, where rivers run low during the summer, and residents rely on shallow groundwater for drinking, domestic and agricultural use. Mining and washing coal is extremely water intensive, which raises the question: will there be enough water to go around? And what impact will the discharge of mine wastewater have on the Salt Fork River - a local treasure that is struggling to survive?]]> 10968 0 673 0 https://prairierivers.org/articles/2012/07/asian-carp-dna-found-past-barrier-again/ Fri, 06 Jul 2012 21:15:00 +0000 http://prairierivers.org/?p=10981 [/caption] Breaking news from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers website: three consecutive monitoring tests have found Asian carp DNA past the electric "barrier." This automatically initiates a Level 1 response plan, which will include netting and electrofishing in Lake Calumet. According to the Army Corps, the deployment of new, specialized nets "will effectively isolate Lake Calumet and prevent fish movement in and out of the lake." So, while we've had some good news out of Congress, these DNA results highlight the urgency of the situation. If we want to keep the carp out of the Great Lakes, we will have to work quickly. Show your support for a real, permanent solution by signing our petition to stop the carp. Policymakers need to hear from you!]]> 10981 0 671 0 https://prairierivers.org/articles/2012/07/rock-river-times-covers-ongoing-fight-against-traditions-dairy/ Thu, 05 Jul 2012 03:07:44 +0000 http://prairierivers.org/?p=10989 Rock River Times, or access a pdf of this story.

"The construction site of this proposed megadairy consists of 130 acres, of which 42 would be allocated to stagnating manure ponds 20 feet deep, one-half mile from houses of residents. The stream flowing under manure ponds will transport waste directly into the Apple River. According to court testimony given by James Evans, senior agricultural engineer for Maurer Stutz, the firm that engineered this megadairy, 42 acres of manure ponds will leak 'a little less than 1,000 gallons per day per acre.'"

The megadairy is still in construction phase, but has already caused environmental problems. On October 1, 2010, we  posted about a purple stream in JoDaviess County. The purple color originated from a silage leachate pond on the site of this dairy, and this pond water had been applied to five acres of Bos' property the previous day, at an astounding rate of 64,000 gallons per acre. Usual application rates are less than 10,000 gallons per acre. Prairie Rivers Network has supported HOMES in their efforts to protect their wells and streams from being polluted by this dairy. For more detailed information about the situation, please visit the HOMES website at www.stopthemegadairy.org.

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]]> 10989 0 672 0 https://prairierivers.org/articles/2012/07/two-illinois-wetlands-receive-international-honors/ Fri, 20 Jul 2012 15:21:24 +0000 http://prairierivers.org/?p=11067 [/caption] Since Europeans first settled in Illinois, changes in land use and development destroyed 90 percent of the state’s wetlands. Protecting and restoring those that remain has been a high priority for all who cherish clean water and quality wildlife habitat. In June, two such efforts, the Dixon Waterfowl Refuge and the Emiquon Complex (which includes Emiquon Preserve and Emiquon National Wildlife Refuge), were honored by being designated “wetlands of international importance” by the Ramsar Convention. The Ramsar Convention is an intergovernmental treaty which commits member nations to conserve and wisely use wetlands and their resources. Criteria used to determine the international significance of a wetland include whether it supports 20,000 or more waterbirds, endangered species, and plants and animals important for ecological diversity. With the addition of Emiquon National Wildlife Refuge and Dixon Waterfowl Refuge to the list of recognized Ramsar wetlands, Illinois now ties Florida for second place in number of sites within a state (California is first with five). Dedication ceremonies at both Dixon Waterfowl Refuge and Emiquon will begin at 2:30 P.M. on August 8, 2012.  ]]> 11067 0 666 0 https://prairierivers.org/articles/2012/07/durbin-moved-to-block-dumping-lte-by-traci-barkley/ Mon, 16 Jul 2012 18:57:52 +0000 http://prairierivers.org/?p=11139 LTE (pdf form) that was published in the News-Gazette on July 16, 2012.

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]]> 11139 0 669 0 https://prairierivers.org/articles/2012/07/schuyler-county-residents-oppose-mine-proposed-by-bad-actors/ Wed, 18 Jul 2012 17:19:49 +0000 http://prairierivers.org/?p=11145 public hearing on Wednesday, July 11, 2012 local residents spoke out against a new mine planned for Schuyler County. The Littleton mine, if allowed, would impact more than 700 acres of farmland and forest, and ultimately rivers and streams in the Illinois River Watershed.  The mining company, Grindstone Management, is an affiliate of the company that now runs Industry Mine, a mine that is seriously out of compliance with the law. According to its own records, the Industry Mine has violated its water permit more than 600 times. It has one of the worst compliance records in the state and is currently being sued by the Illinois Attorney General, as well as Prairie Rivers Network, the Illinois Chapter of the Sierra Club, and the Environmental Law and Policy Center. The Illinois Department of Natural Resources, one of the state agencies responsible for overseeing and permitting new mines, needs to hear from people like you who care about protecting rivers and streams from coal companies such as this one that violate our clean water laws. Please write a comment on the pending application. You have until July 23, 2012. We’d be happy to help. Comments should be addressed to: Scott Fowler, Supervisor Land Reclamation Division Illinois Department of Natural Resources One Natural Resources Way, Springfield, IL 62702-1271 or via email to: Scott.Fowler@illinois.gov Read the McDonough County Voice story or access a pdf of the story!

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]]> 11145 0 668 0 https://prairierivers.org/articles/2012/07/insidescoop/ Tue, 31 Jul 2012 13:23:07 +0000 http://prairierivers.org/?p=11220 Get the Inside Scoop: August 25 Please join Prairie Rivers Network staff and board, and invited special guests – legislators and other experts – for an opportunity to discuss upcoming environmental legislation and developments affecting Illinois’ water resources. There will be no official panel or discussion; just come with your questions and get a personal answer!

RSVP here and suggest your favorite flavor!

Please let us know if you are coming so we can order enough ice cream.

 Everyone is welcome!

  Image source: © CulinaryGeek.net]]> 11220 0 661 0 https://prairierivers.org/articles/2012/07/prairie-river-notes-summer-2012-newsletter/ Fri, 20 Jul 2012 14:45:53 +0000 http://prairierivers.org/?p=11334 Summer Newsletter featuring the following articles:  

• 45 Years of River Protection

• Annual Dinner - Oct 5th

• River Steward Award

• Friends of Illinois Rivers

• Eagles at Home on Middle Fork

• Welcome Bruce Semans

• Winning Mississippi River Essay

]]> 11334 0 667 0 https://prairierivers.org/articles/2012/07/eagles-on-the-middle-fork/ Tue, 24 Jul 2012 21:19:00 +0000 http://prairierivers.org/?p=11371 June 11th, June 13th, June 27th, and July 3] July 15, 2012 [caption id="attachment_11750" align="alignright" width="300" caption=""Thinkin' about flyin'," David Hale"][/caption]

I visited the nest on Tuesday, July 10 and discovered that the oldest chick had returned to hang out near the nest. The other two were out of the nest and on the river bank below it. The bigger of the two was active, drinking water and flying short distances. The smallest seemed alert but wasn't moving around much. I didn't know if this was a normal transition from the nest or if they'd simply fallen for some reason. I returned early the next morning and saw that the smallest chick was weak and not moving. Not sure what to do, I drove to Kickapoo Park and talked to John Hott, the park superintendant, and we decided to try and save it. With the help of John's wife, we loaded the chick into a small animal crate and took it to the Wild Animal Clinic at the University of Illinois. Unfortunately, it died shortly after being dropped off. The clinic manager said it was malnourished and very dehydrated. It ain't easy growing up to be an eagle; they have a 50% mortality rate the first year. [caption id="attachment_11749" align="alignleft" width="300" caption=""The Watcher," David Hale"][/caption] 'The watcher' is a shot of the oldest chick sitting in a tree above me. 'Thinkin' about flying' shows the two chicks on the ground, the one with it's head down is the one that didn't make it. When John and I were across the river, we took a look under the nest to see what the eagles had been eating besides fish. We found the remains of a small raccoon, three or four small softshell turtle shells, several unknown mammal skulls, and the tail of a mink. [caption id="attachment_11752" align="alignright" width="300" caption=""Friday's photo," David Hale"][/caption]  

 I took 'Fridays photo' when I went back to check on the remaining chick on Friday.  The bird was on a sandbar with it's older brother and one of the adults was sitting in the nest tree. The older chick and the adult flew off and the younger one hurried back across the river to its spot under the nest. It seemed strong and it's flying farther so I think it's got a good shot at making it. 

July 3, 2012

Went to check on the eagle chicks this morning and discovered that the eldest has run off to join the circus or whatever it is that young eagles do when they leave home. I wasn't too surprised as that one seemed on the verge of flying last week. I was curious whether it would hang around the nest area since the other two are still there but after five hours I'd seen no sign of it. I guess it's probably out learning to fish. I suspect the remaining two will also be flying in a matter of days. One of the adults came winging in carrying a fish skeleton. I don't know if there was a little flesh left on the head that he was going to give to the chicks or if he just wanted a boney flag to fly for the Fourth. Either way, when he saw me he flew upriver and landed in a tree where he sat and sulked. I threw in some bonus shots of Middle Fork regulars: a heron, kingfisher, and water snake.     June 27, 2012 Spent yesterday morning at the eagles nest and thought I'd pass along my observations. They were feeding when I first arrived with one chick stooping over his meal while the other two watched. The biggest chick (in the background of the photos), had apparently eaten his fill and just watched as the others finished the leftovers. I'm not sure what they were eating but it must have been fairly large as it took the two of them 20 minutes to finish it off. Right after they'd finished the male came in carrying another fish, circled the nest, then promptly reached down and ate the fish himself. I don't know if he did that because he could see the chicks had plenty or if he did it because I was there. One of last year’s juveniles showed up in the distance again, but quickly left when the male started flying toward it. I'm planning on visiting the nest weekly in the hope I can catch them when they begin to figure out what those wings are for, so I'll keep you posted. Also, one of the gate guards at Vermilion reported seeing a bobcat with a half grown kitten on the road by the lake, so maybe there's more of them than we think in that area.   June 13, 2012 I spent the morning at the eagles nest and they're all doing fine. The pictures show one of the adults dropping a fish into the nest and then swinging out and around to perch above it. The fish wasn't very big and lasted about as long as a snowflake on a hot griddle. The biggest chick seemed to get the lion’s share, which is probably why it's the biggest chick! It's already strong enough to lift itself into the air, so it's only a matter of weeks before they leave the nest. No bobcat this time, but that's okay. I'm holding out for a mountain lion next.

  June 11, 2012

The eagle story began in March of 2010 when they built a nest in a large sycamore tree on the Middle Fork River near Kennekuk County Park. Being an amateur nature photographer, I was excited at the prospect of getting some eagle photos. Much to my amazement a pair of geese took over the nest and raised six goslings in it.  The next year, the eagles took back their nest and successfully fledged two chicks. This year they have three and all three seem to be doing fine. As far as I know this is the 2nd nesting pair of eagles in Vermilion County. The first pair is on the North Fork of the river. David was also lucky enough to get an action shot of a bobcat, running up the riverbank. An encounter with this elusive creature is extremely rare, but David had his camera ready and was quick to react. As for the bobcat, it was basically right place, right time. I was watching the eagles nest from the opposite bank of the river when I caught a flash of movement about fifty yards upstream. I turned and put the camera lens on it and managed to get two frames as it ran up a sandbank and then disappeared into the brush. I have heard all my life that there were bobcats in this area but this is the first time I have seen actual proof.

]]> 11371 0 663 0 https://prairierivers.org/articles/2012/07/upcoming-stakeholder-meeting-on-sunrise-bulldog-coal-mine/ Thu, 26 Jul 2012 19:15:40 +0000 http://prairierivers.org/?p=11495 Local stakeholders will hold their regular monthly meeting on July 28 to prepare for the Water Committee meeting in Homer. All who are concerned about the mine are invited to join in working to protect this area's quality of life, land, water and communities from the coal mine. Download a flyer about the meeting and distribute! Coal mining is very water intensive and generates large quantities of harmful waste.  Sunrise coal's proposal asks for 2,000-4,000 gallons per day of treated water, and 325,000 gallons minimum per day of untreated water at the beginning, to increase to 540,000 gallons per day with expansion. Additionally the mine proposes to send its wastewater into the Salt Fork River. Will there be enough clean water for everyone's needs? Prairie Rivers Network, Stand Up to Coal  and friends have long been concerned about the potential negative impacts this mine will have on water supply, air and water pollution, and rural quality of life for residents. See the video of our questions for Sunrise Coal. Can these questions be answered satisfactorily? Read our May 2012 press release detailing some of our concerns about the mine. Visit www.standuptocoal.org for more information. The News-Gazette published this story (PDF) on July 22, 2012 about the mine and upcoming meetings. Meeting info:

Stakeholder Meeting (all are welcome)

Saturday, July 28, 2012 at 7 p.m.

Homer United Methodist Church

301 S. Main St.

Homer, IL

 

Village of Homer Water Committee Meeting (open to the public)

Monday, July 30, 2012 at 7 p.m.

Homer Village Hall

500 E. Second St.

Homer, IL

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]]> 11495 0 662 0 https://prairierivers.org/articles/2012/08/coal-plant-lied-about-coal-ash-landfill-will-now-build-one-in-washington-county/ Thu, 02 Aug 2012 16:55:04 +0000 http://prairierivers.org/?p=11608 Concerned Washington County residents have speculated that the county board was bullied into signing the deal with Prairie State under threat of a lawsuit from the company, but nobody from either side will say what the grounds of the lawsuit might have been. Coal ash contains toxic materials such as heavy metals and arsenic, and dry landfills of this type have been known to contaminate neighboring lands and water.  People up to a mile away from coal ash landfills report coal dust problems and respiratory irritation. And even if coal ash landfills are lined, all liners fail eventually: "It's not a matter of if they'll fail. It's a matter of when," says Traci Barkley, Water Resources Scientist at Prairie Rivers Network. Prairie Rivers Network is working with the American Bottom Conservancy and the Illinois chapter of the Sierra Club to stop this landfill.  This story was covered in the Midwest Energy News (PDF), published on July 25, 2012.  You can also find out more about problems with coal mining and pollution on our coal page and coal posts.

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]]> 11608 0 660 0 https://prairierivers.org/articles/2012/07/july-riverweb-monthly-e-news/ Mon, 23 Jul 2012 16:38:51 +0000 http://prairierivers.org/?p=11959 Sign up for RiverWeb to have monthly updates emailed to you.

In this edition:      Nominate your river super hero     Two Illinois wetlands receive international recognition     August 25: Ice Cream Social (with a sprinkle of environmental legislation)     Prairie River Notes: Summer newsletter     Recent prairierivers.org web posts     PRN in the news Nominate Your River Superhero Celebrate and elevate the work of an inspiring river advocate by nominating them for our 8th annual River Steward Award Call for River Steward Nominations Nominations are due August 20, 2012.     Illinois wetlands gain international recognition The Convention on Wetlands of International Importance (known as the Ramsar Convention) named Illinois's Dixon Waterfowl Refuge and the Emiquon Complex “wetlands of international importance”! Read our post on this important recognition.Photo credit: Gary Sullivan, The Wetlands Initiative     Get the inside scoop (with real ice cream) on upcoming environmental legislation! Saturday, August 25, 2012 2-4 p.m. at the Prairie Rivers Network officeSpecial guests will be on hand to answer your questions! See our post for more information.  RSVP here and suggest your favorite flavor! Prairie River Notes summer newsletter Get yours before it hits the press! In this issue:  We did it! Water pollution permit fees for factory farms Eagles at Home on the Middle Fork 45 Years of River Protection   Recent webposts not to miss Schulyer county residents oppose mine Video Release: Questions for Sunrise Coal Asian Carp DNA found past barrier. Again. Time runs out on Shamrock Acres hog operation PRN in the news Midwest Energy News 6/5/2012: Scenic State Park at Center of Illinois Frac Sand Fight  Alternet.org 6/11/2012: Rio+ 20 Depositions: Women put toxic coal plants on trial in Joliet Midwest Agricultural Law Guide 6/19/2012: Illinois Taps CAFO's to Fund Regulation of CAFO's The Leader 6/20/2012: Coal Mine Opponents Seek Ways to Prevent Digging Rock River Times 7/4/2012: HOMES Continues Fight Against the Megadairy Don't forget these resources Bring our expertise to you! Check out our speakers bureau. Have you taken our survey. The top 3 priorties of respondents so far are drinking water, wildlife habitat, and wetlands. What are your water priorities? Looking for good river adventure in Illinois? Don't miss our list of river experiences! Want to hear from us more often? Look for us on Facebook and Twitter! .

Save the Date!Our Annual Dinner celebrating 45 years of service protecting Illinois' natural resources will be held October 5, 2012 at the I Hotel in Champaign, Illinois. Our keynote speaker will be Richard Lazarus, an Urbana native and University of Illinois graduate, who is now a Professor of Environmental Law at Harvard University. Find out more: prairierivers.org/dinner

]]> 11959 0 664 0 https://prairierivers.org/articles/2012/09/household-hazardous-waste-collection-event-in-champaign-urbana-2/ Mon, 03 Sep 2012 17:32:39 +0000 http://prairierivers.org/?p=11173 Oil-based paint (no latex paint, please) Household batteries Paint thinner Used motor oil Herbicides Drain cleaners Insecticides Lawn chemicals Pesticides Solvents Old gasoline Antifreeze Pool chemicals Hobby chemicals Cleaning products Aerosol paint Mercury-containing devices Fluorescent lamp bulbs Double-bagged & wetted asbestos Old medicines and pharmaceuticals Propane tanks* Lead acid batteries* * Propane tanks will be collected by Hicks Gas, Urbana, and lead acid batteries collected by Interstate Batteries, Champaign. Latex paint will not be accepted at this collection event.  Visit http://www.epa.state.il.us/land/hazardous-waste/household-haz-waste/used-paint-disposal-alternatives.html for tips on what to do with leftover latex paint. A large turnout is expected at this year's event!  Residents are encouraged to carpool, combine loads, use alternative transportation, and be prepared for wait times. Please enter the event at the intersection of North Market and Olympian Drive in Champaign. This Household Hazardous Waste Collection event is being sponsored by Illinois EPA and co-sponsored by City of Urbana, City of Champaign, Village of Savoy, Champaign County, Champaign County Probation and Court Services, Champaign County Regional Planning Commission, Prairie Rivers Network, Sierra Club Prairie Group and Champaign-Urbana MTD. The News-Gazette is hosting the event. Spread the word about this event by printing and distributing the flyer. For more information, visit www.ccrpc.org (includes information on the next electronics recycling day also). Thank you to everyone for making this event possible!    ]]> 11173 0 649 0 https://prairierivers.org/articles/2012/08/factory-farm-vs-property-owner-in-dispute-over-lamoine-river-water/ Fri, 10 Aug 2012 12:00:30 +0000 http://prairierivers.org/?p=11637 Schauble is concerned about the ability of the river to sustain the amount of water required to service the confinement facility, which he said requires thousands of gallons to replenish. Other property owners who have the right to draw water have refrained due to low water levels and lack of rain. Certain parts of the river are currently bone-dry due to the severe drought. "The river isn't flowing hardly at all," Schauble said. The McDonough County Voice covered this story (PDF) on July 27, 2012.

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]]> 11637 0 657 0 https://prairierivers.org/articles/2012/08/homer-water-committee-authorizes-further-study-of-water-sale-to-coal-mine/ Fri, 03 Aug 2012 12:00:50 +0000 http://prairierivers.org/?p=11645 Sunrise is trying to secure the land and resources it needs to open an underground coal mine in Vermilion County, which would include a mine portal, cleaning plant and waste disposal site southeast of Homer. The project has yet to receive approval from the necessary state and federal agencies. Most of the water that Sunrise is seeking from Homer would be used for coal washing, generating hundreds of millions of gallons of coal slurry that would require turning hundreds of acres of Vermilion County farmland into over 75-foot tall coal waste dumps. Coal slurry is high in chlorides, sulfates, and harmful metals such as arsenic, chromium, cadmium, mercury and selenium. Hundreds of local residents have already signed a petition opposing the proposed coal mine, which would send its wastewater into the treasured Salt Fork River system. While Prairie Rivers Network applauds the Village of Homer for proceeding cautiously and carefully in their evaluation of potential legal issues and threats to existing water uses, we encourage the Village leaders to consider whether coal mining is the best use of the area's limited water supply. The drought of 2012 has reminded many of the importance of clean and abundant water, particularly in places like Homer, where water is and will continue to be scarce. Wise management of local water resources is essential for the long term growth and prosperity of communities in southwest Vermilion County, as well as the health and continuing recovery of the Salt Fork River. The full Homer Village Board will consider the Water Committee's recommendations at their meeting on Monday, August 13th at the Homer Village Hall. Residents are encouraged to attend and express their support for protecting the residents, farmers and wildlife that rely on clean and abundant water to survive. Read more about the Water Committee's meeting in the News Gazette (PDF), published on July 30, 2012.  See our previous post about the proposed Sunrise "Bulldog" mine, and our coal page for more information about coal mining pollution in Illinois.

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]]> 11645 0 659 0 https://prairierivers.org/articles/2012/08/another-man-made-fish-kill-devastates-an-illinois-stream/ Mon, 06 Aug 2012 18:31:50 +0000 http://prairierivers.org/?p=11714 Update August 9, 2012: According to this Daily Journal story (pdf), "The Illinois EPA today asked Attorney General Lisa Madigan's office to take enforcement action against Hopkins Ridge Farms and others in connection with the fish kill in late July along 10 miles of Beaver Creek in northeastern Iroquois County." "Hopkins Ridge is a 2,500-hog confinement operation near the Indiana state line, four miles east of Beaverville. Acting IEPA chief John Kim asked that action be taken to halt further irrigation with livestock waste contaminated water -- 'the possible cause of the extensive fish kill.'" Access a pdf of the full article here. ---- Beaver Creek turned brown on July 25, 2012, and an estimated 63,000 fish died in approximately 10 stream miles. The creek is located in Iroquois County near the Indiana border, in an agricultural area. Local press have reported that the brown color is due to illegally dumped liquid hog waste, but there is still no official statement from the Illinois EPA identifying the culprit. According to one article, locals consider the event “sickening,” and the polluted, smelly water may be around for a while given the drought conditions. Wildlife that depend on the creek may be affected for weeks to come, and need to seek other sources of clean water. [caption id="attachment_11715" align="alignright" width="300" caption="The stream at the bottom of the picture is Hooper Branch, a tributary of Beaver Creek"][/caption] Prairie Rivers Network used Google Earth to survey upstream of the fish kill, and located a large factory farm (pictured at right). Animal waste appears to be stored in a large pond or lagoon on the property. Such waste is usually applied on nearby farmland. We are very concerned that the irrigation tracks on the neighboring field indicate the farm may be spraying waste very close to the creek. We therefore notified Illinois EPA, the Illinois Department of Agriculture, and the Illinois Attorney General’s office about our concerns. Even if this particular farm is not the guilty party in the fish kill, we felt it was important to point out that the farm may be land-applying waste too close to the creek. We will continue to follow this story, and report back to you when we know more.  ]]> 11714 0 658 0 https://prairierivers.org/articles/2012/09/factory-farms-breed-controversy/ Sun, 09 Sep 2012 18:01:02 +0000 http://prairierivers.org/?p=11743 LancasterFarming.com (PDF) and the News-Gazette (PDF).

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]]> 11743 0 648 0 https://prairierivers.org/articles/2012/08/ladies-lets-talk-conservation/ Wed, 22 Aug 2012 19:17:19 +0000 http://prairierivers.org/?p=11766 American Farmland Trust, and Friends of the Big Bureau Creek Watershed, are sponsoring a conservation workshop for women land owners in Bureau, Lee and LaSalle Counties. This event offers a peer-to-peer, informal discussion format which allows women landowners or managers to talk about their land stewardship and conservation goals. The afternoon will feature an optional tour of local conservation practices and water quality monitoring stations within subwatersheds of Big Bureau Creek. Space is limited for this workshop, so RSVP by 5 p.m. August 23 to Teresa Bullock, American Farmland Trust, by email at tbullock@niu.edu or by phone at 815-753-6365. More information can be found at the American Farmland Trust website. The Bureau County Republican ran this story (PDF) with details about the workshop on August 8, 2012.

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]]> 11766 0 651 0 https://prairierivers.org/articles/2012/08/make-ameren-stick-to-deal-lte-by-traci-barkley/ Mon, 20 Aug 2012 16:02:44 +0000 http://prairierivers.org/?p=11774 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 to take effect on January 1, 2015. Air pollution reductions improve the health of Illinois residents by reducing asthma attacks and respiratory disease. The LTE was in response to the article "Ameren, objectors duel over delay of pollution rules," which was posted on the State Journal Register website, SJ-R.com, on August 1, 2012. The LTE was published on August 13, 2012.]]> 11774 0 655 0 https://prairierivers.org/news/2012/08/press-release-river-advocates-say-action-is-needed-now-to-protect-mississippi-river/ Mon, 20 Aug 2012 17:55:34 +0000 http://prairierivers.org/?p=11796 For Immediate Release [caption id="attachment_11810" align="alignright" width="300" caption="The New Madrid Floodway"][/caption] August 17, 2012

River management issues presented at Corps public hearing in Alton

Alton, IL – Members of the Nicollet Island Coalition (NIC) today called on the Army Corps of Engineers to take decisive and prompt action to protect the Mississippi River from imminent, long-term damage due to poor river management decisions and stem the loss of benefits provided by the river’s floodplains and other natural functions. Today’s meeting was one of several being held along the Mississippi River as members of the Mississippi River Commission and Corps officials conduct their annual low-water inspection of the river. While this year’s drought has lowered water levels in the river, the certainty of floods in the future has drawn into question the adequacy of current flood control measures. The New Madrid Floodway was operated last year for the first time since 1937 to alleviate flooding at the Mississippi and Ohio Rivers’ confluence. It required the Bird’s Point Levee to be blasted open, unleashing a deluge of water that washed away crops and topsoil and left farm fields, homes, and roads under more than 20 feet of water in some areas. “The Corps needs to design and construct a more reliable and less damaging system for using the Floodway,” says Brad Walker, Wetlands and Floodplain Director for The Missouri Coalition for the Environment, “because undoubtedly there will be another flood requiring the Floodway to divert excess river flow.” Restoration of the river’s natural floodplains can also help alleviate the need to use the Floodway in the future. NIC also commented at the public hearing that any reforms related to the Inland Waterways Trust Fund should not only require the navigation industry to make adequate contributions to the Fund but also ensure that taxpayer dollar allocations for Fund activities are made fairly. Monies in the Inland Waterways Trust Fund pay for half the cost of construction and rehabilitation of locks and dams. Since 2008, expenses have exceeded revenue and the Fund is now bankrupt. Currently, taxpayers pay 50% of all lock and dam construction and rehabilitation costs while the navigation industry contributes the other 50%, which amounts to around $80 million annually. All other inland navigation infrastructure costs are paid by taxpayers. “The Nicollet Island Coalition opposes a recent proposal from the barge industry, H.R. 4342, which shifts more funding for infrastructure costs onto taxpayers,” said Olivia Dorothy, Regional Conservation Coordinator for the Izaak Walton League of America’s Upper Mississippi River Initiative. “Taxpayers already contribute around $800 million annually towards operations, maintenance, planning, construction, and rehabilitation of the inland waterway infrastructure, while industry only contributes around $80 million annually for lock and dam construction and rehabilitation. H.R. 4342 calls for taxpayers to take on the full cost of rehabilitation and dam construction, increasing taxpayer contributions to at least $1 billion annually while the navigation industry will only increase its contributions to $110 million annually.” Current principles and guidance for evaluating Corps water resource development projects dates back to 1983. The 2007 Water Resources Development Act directed that this document, commonly called the Principles and Guidelines, be revised to incorporate new knowledge and complexities of water resource projects and their impacts on river ecosystems and natural functions. “The Council on Environmental Quality’s 2009 draft Principles and Guidelines made some headway in recognizing the need to modernize the previous guidance,” said Cecily Smith, Water Resources Specialist with the Prairie Rivers Network. “However, it still lacks several key elements, such as clear and mandatory decision standards. For example, in selecting a flood control project plan, the Corps should be required to select one that incorporates nonstructural approaches unless they are able to clearly show that such an alternative is impracticable. Without such provisions, future water project planning will lack needed accountability and fail to comply with federal laws requiring the Corps and other federal agencies to protect the Mississippi River from environmental impacts.” The Nicollet Island Coalition is a group of conservation, taxpayer advocate, and environmental organizations formed in 1994 to address restoration issues on the Upper Mississippi River and provide coordinated advocacy work on Upper Mississippi River issues. Contact: Olivia Dorothy, Izaak Walton League of America, 217.390.3658, odorothy at iwla.org Brad Walker, Missouri Coalition for the Environment 563.209.0522, bwalker at moenviron.org Cecily Smith, Prairie Rivers Network 217.344.2371, csmith at prairierivers.org Denny Caneff, River Alliance of Wisconsin, 608.257.2424, dcaneff at wisconsinrivers.org Christine Favilla, Sierra Club, 618.462.6802, cfavilla10 at sbcglobal.net   *********************************************************************************** Founded in 1922, the Izaak Walton League of America protects America's outdoors through education, community-based conservation, and promoting outdoor recreation. The Missouri Coalition for the Environment is Missouri’s independent, citizens environmental organization for clean water, clean air, clean energy, and a healthy environment. The Prairie Rivers Network is Illinois' only statewide river protection nonprofit, dedicated to protecting Illinois’ rivers for people, fish and wildlife. The organization is also the Illinois state affiliate of the National Wildlife Federation. The River Alliance of Wisconsin is a nonprofit river conservation organization devoted to saving the rivers and flowing waters of Wisconsin. The Sierra Club is America's oldest and largest grassroots environmental organization. Inspired by nature, they work together to protect our communities and the planet.  ]]> 11796 0 653 0 https://prairierivers.org/articles/2012/08/concerns-over-mine-are-growing/ Sun, 26 Aug 2012 20:00:32 +0000 http://prairierivers.org/?p=11817 proposal asks for 2,000-4,000 gallons per day of treated water, and 325,000 gallons minimum per day of untreated water at the beginning, to increase to at least 540,000 gallons per day with expansion. These totals dwarf the amount used by entire villages; for example, the nearby village of Oakwood only uses 130,000 gallons per day. The mine proposes to buy water from the Village of Homer, which would draw the water from the nearby Salt Fork River or from groundwater. Will there be enough clean water for everyone's needs? Homer has authorized further study of selling the water to the mine. Also of concern is the company's promise of 300 jobs. There is no guarantee that the 300 jobs will go to local people; they might go to already-trained mine workers from other areas. In fact, in this April 4th article in The Leader, Sunrise already said that some of those jobs will be transfers from the company's Carlisle, Indiana mines. Finally, area residents are concerned that Sunrise coal has not been wholly truthful throughout the process of trying to open the mine. Prairie Rivers Network obtained this email from Sunrise representative Jaworowski to Homer Mayor David Lucas in April 2012, referring to the above April 4th article in The Leader. The email asks Mayor Lucas to not respond to any inquires from the press and to refer them all to her. Prairie Rivers Network detailed more deceptions by Sunrise Coal in a June 2012 press release (pdf) authored by Charles Goodall, local farmer in Vermilion County. Midwest Energy News and Grist recently ran articles on the problems with the proposed Bulldog coal mine. To find out more, see the video of our questions for Sunrise Coal. The video was made by Prairie Rivers Network, Stand Up to Coal, Salt Fork Friends, and Salt Fork River Runners. Sign the petition by Stand Up to Coal to voice your opposition to the proposed mine!

The News-Gazette ran a story (pdf) about one of the informational meetings about the mine, held in Urbana. This post was updated on August 28, 2012 with that press coverage. Visit www.standuptocoal.org for future meetings and ways you can get involved.

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   ]]> 11817 0 654 0 https://prairierivers.org/news/2012/08/rivers-are-not-private-dumping-grounds/ Tue, 28 Aug 2012 21:25:48 +0000 http://prairierivers.org/?p=11898 Prairie Rivers Network has joined a federal lawsuit filed by the Quad Cities Waterkeeper against Ballegeer Trucking and Excavating for outrageous and unlawful acts against the Green River. For years, Ballegeer has been dumping huge slabs of concrete on the banks of the Green River in Henry County close to where the Green joins the Rock River. Ballegeer has also been dumping concrete, rebar, and other building materials into the Green River, and has been unlawfully dredging sand from the river. Apparently, the Ballegeers believe the Green River is their private dumping ground and a free source of sand for their businesses. We think not. As you can see in the Waterkeeper’s YouTube video, the Green River is a beauty. It provides invaluable habitat for a diversity of fish, wildlife and migratory birds. It is also widely enjoyed for recreation.

We’ve asked the federal court to stop the Ballegeers from abusing the river in this way and to pay for their lawless acts. See the extent of dumping on the river banks and dredging of sand: See what it looks like underwater!    ]]> 11898 0 652 0 https://prairierivers.org/articles/2012/09/women-care-for-the-land-in-princeton/ Thu, 13 Sep 2012 20:27:57 +0000 http://prairierivers.org/?p=11948 Women Caring for the Land, was organized and facilitated by Prairie Rivers Network and American Farmland Trust. The workshop was limited to women because much of Illinois’ farmland is owned or co-owned by women. Also, some women tend to not speak up when in mixed-gender public meetings. While the farming is largely done by men, women can play a strong and informed role when making decisions about how their land is farmed. And if Illinois is to make any progress towards reducing water pollution from agriculture, farming decisions must be based not only on economics, but also environmental and health risks. Therefore, it is critical for women to be conservation-savvy.

[caption id="attachment_11949" align="aligncenter" width="300" caption="What better way to see conservation practices than on a hay wagon!"][/caption]

[caption id="attachment_11950" align="aligncenter" width="275" caption="We had a great discussion in the morning - thanks to NRCS for helping us out!"][/caption]

Women Caring for the Land provides a space for women to discuss their conservation concerns and questions in an open, supportive environment. Professional staff from conservation, agricultural, and government organizations attend the meetings to answer technical questions and share available resources. The workshop includes both a roundtable discussion and a farm tour of conservation practices. Prairie Rivers Network received funding and support for these workshops from the Iowa-based Women, Food & Agriculture Network. We will hold two more workshops in 2013; one will be in Princeton, and another will be held somewhere in Douglas or Coles County. Please call our office at 217.344.2371 if you are interested in attending one of these workshops!  ]]> 11948 0 646 0 https://prairierivers.org/articles/2012/08/august-riverweb-e-news/ Wed, 15 Aug 2012 17:06:03 +0000 http://prairierivers.org/?p=11969 Sign up for RiverWeb to have monthly updates emailed to you.

In this edition:  Eagles return to the Middle Fork Ice Cream Social, August 25 Sunrise Coal's Bulldog Mine Fish kill on Beaver Creek Last chance to nominate a River Hero Happy hour, blogposts, and news When habitat recovers, wildlife returns! Friend and photographer David Hale, who has lived along the Middle Fork of the Vermilion River since boyhood, has documented the return of bald eagles to recovering habitat, including 11,000 acres spanning 17 miles of the river. Be sure to read our newsletter article on this habitat success story, and our webposts with updates on how the eaglets are fairing. Get the inside scoop (with real ice cream) on upcoming environmental legislation!  Saturday, August 25, 2012 2-4 p.m. at the Prairie Rivers Network officeSpecial guests: State Representative Naomi Jakobsson Phil Bloomer, Communications Director for U.S. Representative Tim Johnson See our post for more information. RSVP here and suggest your favorite flavor!     Sunrise Coal's Bulldog mine in Champaign and Vermilion Counties Prairie Rivers Network continues to work closely with local group Stand Up to Coal, as well as a broad group of stakeholders who are concerned about the impacts of a proposed coal mine.We are helping residents and villages understand how the mine will affect local water supplies, including where the water will come from and how the waste water will be disposed.Find out more about the three informational meetings that will be held this month. Fish kill on Beaver Creak in Iroquois County 63,177 fish valued at $28,767.67 were killed on July 27, 2012. When these events occur, local residents call Prairie Rivers Network for help in making sure the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency investigates immediately. In this case, the suspected culprit -a large hog factory farm upstream- was referred to the Attorney General's office.Read our blog post and update from the Daily Journal. Last chance to nominate your River Superhero Celebrate and elevate the work of an inspiring river advocate by nominating them for our 8th annual River Steward Award Call for River Steward Nominations Nominations are due Monday, August 20, 2012. Prairie Rivers Network Happy Hour--Friday, September 14 Please join staff, board, volunteers, and friends at Prairie Rivers Network’s Happy Hour! Date: Friday, September 14, 2012 Location: Quality Bar, Champaign, 110 North Neil Street Champaign, IL Time: 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.                                                 Pizza will be ordered! Recent webposts not to miss Factory Farm vs. Property Owner in Dispute over Lamoine River Water Homer Water Committee Authorizes Further Study of Water Sale to Coal Mine Coal Plant Lied About Coal Ash Landfill, Will Now Build One in Washington County ​ PRN in the news Legal Newsline.com 7/20/12: Ten states will intervene in lawsuit against EPA News-Gazette 7/22/2012: Homer looking into coal mine’s water request Midwest Energy News 7/25/2012: Prairie State reverses course on Illinois coal News-Gazette 7/30/12: Homer to check legality, capacity before deciding on water for mine McDonough Voice 7/27/2012: CAFO scraps plan to draw water from Lamoine River Lancaster Farming.com 8/4/2012: Big livestock farms breed controversy in rural IL Don't forget these resources Bring our expertise to you! Check out our speakers bureau. Have you taken our survey? The top 3 priorties of respondents so far are drinking water, wildlife habitat, and wetlands. What are your water priorities? Looking for good river adventure in Illinois? Don't miss our list of river experiences! Want to hear from us more often? Look for us on Facebook and Twitter!

]]> 11969 0 656 0 https://prairierivers.org/articles/2012/09/september-riverweb-e-news/ Thu, 13 Sep 2012 19:26:29 +0000 http://prairierivers.org/?p=11973 Sign up for RiverWeb to have monthly updates emailed to you.

In this edition:  Illegal Dumping in the Green River Residents concerned about water demand from proposed coal mine Thank you EarthShare Illinois Happy Hour Friday, September 14 Illegal Dumping in the Green River Prairie Rivers Network has joined a federal lawsuit filed by the Quad Cities Waterkeeper against Ballegeer Trucking and Excavating for outrageous and unlawful acts against the Green River. Read more: Rivers are not private dumping grounds!  Watch the video made by Quad Cities Waterkeeper     Residents are concerned about proposed coal mine’s demand for water Water is among the top concerns for Vermilion and Champaign County residents facing the proposed Bulldog Coal Mine. The mining company is seeking up to 1/2 a million gallons of water per day during the initial phase of mining from the Village of Homer. That's over four times as much water as the entire Village uses in one day. Where will the water come from to wash the coal, and what will happen to the polluted water once it’s used by the mine? Read more: Concerns growing over Bulldog Mine  EarthShare Illinois Workplace Giving Thank you to all those who donate to Prairie Rivers Network through EarthShare Illinois' workplace giving program. You make a huge difference, and we are very grateful for your continued support. Thank you EarthShare Illinois for making it so easy for people to share their wealth! Happy Hour Friday, September 14 Join staff, board members, volunteers, partners, and friends for our quarterly Happy Hour at Quality Bar in Champaign from 6-8 p.m. Address: 110 North Neil Street, Champaign, Illinois 61820 We'll order pizza and toast to clean water and healthy rivers! Everyone is welcome!   Photo credit:  Jeremy Brooks flickr stream   Recent webposts not to miss Household Hazardous Waste Collection Event in Champaign-Urbana Ladies: Let’s talk conservation Press Release: River Advocates Say Action is Needed Now to Protect Mississippi River Make Ameren Stick to Deal: LTE by Traci Barkley PRN in the news State Journal Register 8/13/2012: LTE Make Ameren stick to deal Midwest Energy News 8/20/2012: Neighbors cite water concerns in opposition to Illinois coal mine  Grist 8/21/2012: One way to stop coal mining: Cut off the water News Gazette 8/24/2012: Informational meeting planned on proposed coal mine Governor's Office 8/26/2012: Governor Quinn vetoes "Plastic Bag" bill, calls it a roadblock to innovation Midwest Energy News 9/5/2012: Recovered coal mine land creates bargain rural retreats... The Telegraph 9/10/2012: Riverwatch teams with Upper Sangamon River Conservancy Volunteers needed! We have opportunities for volunteer and interns, including projects you can work on from home. Please contact Steph Adams sadams@prairierivers.org or fill out our online volunteer application.

October 5, 2012I Hotel & Conference Center Champaign, IL Reception 6:00 Dinner 7:30 RSVP today!

]]> 11973 0 647 0 https://prairierivers.org/articles/2012/09/dispose-of-medicines-personal-care-products-safely-on-september-29/ Tue, 18 Sep 2012 17:12:09 +0000 http://prairierivers.org/?p=11992 [/caption] Guest blog post from Laura Kammin of Illinois-Indiana Sea Grant. The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) will host another nationwide medicine take-back on Saturday, September 29. Expired and unused medications can be dropped off from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at one of 200 participating locations in Illinois. Check out the DEA's website to find an event in your community. The service is free and anonymous. Flushing medications down the toilet or throwing them in the trash can threaten the safety and health of humans, pets and the environment. Recent studies have found a wide-range of pharmaceutical chemicals in rivers, groundwater and drinking water throughout the United States. These chemicals can kill bacteria needed to break down waste in sewage plants and harm fish and other wildlife. Storing unneeded medicines in the home is also the cause of thousands of accidental poisonings in children and pets each year.Pharmaceutical stewardship is based on proper use, storage and disposal of medications. Single-day medicine take-back events like this one are a great way to prevent accidental poisonings, reduce drug abuse and diversion and limit negative impacts to wildlife and local waterways. So if you've been looking for a place to dispose of your expired or unused medications, be sure not to miss the take-back event on September 29th. Acceptable items include prescription and over-the-counter medicines, both human and veterinary medications. Sharps/needles, thermometers, and medical waste will not be accepted. Medications should be from residential sources only; no business waste will be accepted. All materials collected will be properly incinerated by the DEA. This will be the fifth collection event the DEA has sponsored since fall of 2010. More than 1.5 million pounds (774 tons) of medication were collected nationwide during previous events. In Central Illinois, Walgreens is hosting multiple take-back sites including: Bourbonnais (501 N. Convent) Champaign (841 Bloomington Road) Charleston (411 W. Lincoln Ave.) Danville (400 W. Fairchild) Effingham (1200 W. Fayette Ave.) Kankakee (1050 N. Kennedy Drive) Mahomet (104 N. Lomard) Mattoon (212 S. Logan) Monticello (108 N. Market St.) Pana (108 South Poplar St.) Rantoul (220 S. Century Blvd.) Taylorville (315 N. Webster St.) Urbana (302 E. University) If you don't see your community listed here or on the DEA's website, call your local police department to ask if they are participating. Not all of the communities that will be participating in the event are listed yet on the DEA website.  ]]> 11992 0 645 0 https://prairierivers.org/articles/2012/09/wildlife-habitat-in-illinois/ Fri, 28 Sep 2012 16:13:42 +0000 http://prairierivers.org/?p=12041 [/caption] Healthy land makes for healthier, cleaner water! Wetlands, forests, and prairies help control flooding, filter pollution, prevent sediment from being washed downstream, and provide critical habitat for our state's wildlife. Prairie Rivers Network's habitat specialist, Elliot Brinkman, works with private landowners, public land agencies, land trusts, and others to expand and connect the patchwork of natural lands and habitats across the state. The majority of Illinois' wildlands are located along rivers and streams. Prairie Rivers Network has actively worked with conservation partners to develop wildlife habitat management plans for portions of the Mississippi and Vermilion River watersheds. These plans reflect the shared goals and priorities of agencies and organizations in each area, and acts as a tool for reaching state conservation targets outlined in the Illinois Wildlife Action Plan. Through this work, we have recognized the need to promote conservation and responsible practices on private lands. Ninety percent of land in Illinois is privately owned, which means that private lands conservation is critically important for clean water and habitat preservation. Supported by a recent grant from the Grand Victoria Foundation, Prairie Rivers Network will draw on the best land conservation measures from across the country to craft policy-based solutions for Illinois.]]> 12041 0 644 0 https://prairierivers.org/articles/2012/10/toxic-coal-ash-pollution-groups-file-legal-action-against-midwest-generation-for-water-pollution-dumping-violations-at-four-power-stations/ Thu, 04 Oct 2012 15:55:08 +0000 http://prairierivers.org/?p=12059 [/caption] Illegal Pollution at Midwest Generation’s Joliet 29, Powerton, Waukegan, IL and Will County Power Plant Coal Ash Dumps CHICAGO, IL AND WASHINGTON, D.C. October 3, 2012    The Illinois Pollution Control Board was notified of a legal complaint filed today against Midwest Generation for violations of Illinois state solid waste and groundwater laws at four power-generating facilities in Illinois: the Joliet 29, Powerton, Waukegan and Will County Generating Stations. The Environmental Integrity Project (EIP) and Environmental Law & Policy Center (ELPC) filed the complaint on behalf of the ELPC and Prairie Rivers Network.   The Illinois-based Citizens Against Ruining the Environment (CARE) also joined the complaint.  Click here to see the legal filing. According to the complaint filed by the groups, leaking coal ash ponds at the Powerton Generating Station in Pekin, Illinois; the Waukegan Generating Station in Waukegan, Illinois, the Will County Generating Station in Romeoville, Illinois; and the Joliet 29 Generating Station in Joliet, Illinois are contaminating groundwater with toxic pollution in violation of state solid waste and water pollution control laws. During the process of burning coal, Midwest Generation’s coal-fired power plants generates coal ash pollution and other waste, which is dumped in large impoundments without adequate safeguards to prevent pollution from entering groundwater. “Midwest Generation’s own monitoring reports show that the coal ash dumps are leaking toxics such as arsenic, selenium, boron, and others into the groundwater at levels that exceed federal and state drinking water standards.  EIP’s investigation has documented hundreds of exceedances of federal and state drinking water standards.” said Environmental Integrity Project Attorney Abel Russ. “Improper management and disposal of coal ash has threatened clean water and healthy waterways now at four more sites in Illinois.  Our water is a precious resource that must be protected from ‘open dumping’ of waste, prohibited by state and federal law,” said PRN Water Resources Scientist Traci Barkley.  “Midwest Generation owes it to these communities to close and clean up their leaking ash ponds expeditiously.” “Many of the CARE members, like myself, live within a couple miles of Edison International’s Midwest Generation facilities.  Not only are we breathing toxic air pollutants emitted by Midwest Generation but when we get a glass of water or take a shower we worry that it may contain poisonous chemicals like arsenic.” said CARE Director Ellen Rendulich.  “Midwest Generation must take responsibility to remediate the precious groundwater that they have contaminated.” ABOUT THE GROUPS The Environmental Integrity Project is a nonpartisan, nonprofit organization established in March of 2002 by former EPA enforcement attorneys to advocate for effective enforcement of environmental laws.  EIP has three goals:  1) to provide objective analyses of how the failure to enforce or implement environmental laws increases pollution and affects public health; 2) to hold federal and state agencies, as well as individual corporations, accountable for failing to enforce or comply with environmental laws; and 3) to help local communities obtain the protection of environmental laws. The Environmental Law and Policy Center  is the Midwest’s leading public interest environmental legal advocacy and eco-business innovation organization. We lead strategic advocacy campaigns to protect natural resources and improve environmental quality. ELPC’s staff uses legal, economic analysis, public policy advocacy and communications tools to achieve successes that advance environmental progress and economic growth together. Prairie Rivers Network  is Illinois’ statewide leader in river protection, conservation, and restoration. Prairie Rivers Network works to protect Illinois’ rivers for people, fish, and wildlife. Much of PRN’s work focuses on how policies such as the Clean Water Act and Safe Drinking Water Act are used in Illinois—laws intended to protect our waters, our environment, and, ultimately, our health. PRN is the state affiliate of National Wildlife Federation. Citizens Against Ruining the Environment  is a Will County ALL volunteer grassroots 501(c)(3) organization established in 1995 to protect the health and environment through research & education. MEDIA CONTACTS:  Patrick Mitchell, for Environmental Integrity Project, at (703) 276-3266 or pmitchell@hastingsgroup.com; Traci Barkley, for Prairie Rivers Network, at (217) 344-2371 or tbarkley@prairierivers.org; Ellen Rendulich, for Citizens Against Ruining the Environment, at 815.834.1611 or emrrealty@comcast.net]]> 12059 0 643 0 https://prairierivers.org/articles/2012/10/illinois-attorney-general-files-enforcement-case-against-murdock-mine/ Wed, 10 Oct 2012 17:15:36 +0000 http://prairierivers.org/?p=12076 For the past two years, Prairie Rivers Network has worked with residents to document the pollution and foul conditions created by waste landfilling (under the guise of “reclamation”) at the Murdock Mine, in Douglas County, Illinois. We have conducted extensive water sampling and photo documentation, and have collected resident testimonials to help bring this community’s plight to the attention of the Illinois State Attorney General’s office. The AG’s enforcement case is a major step toward helping the people of Illinois to benefit from the laws that were created to prevent the ruin of their land, air, and water. Prairie Rivers Network will continue to seek justice for Douglas County residents by advocating that the Illinois Pollution Control Board apply appropriate penalties and cleanup to the site. [caption id="attachment_12082" align="alignright" width="300" caption="Downstream of Murdock mine"][/caption]

Complaint alleges air and water violations, seeks penalties and withdrawal of permits

Newman, Il., – Residents living near the Murdock Mine near Newman, IL in Douglas County were joined by Prairie Rivers Network for a press conference regarding years of pollution complaints at the Murdock Mine. On Thursday October 4^th, the Illinois Attorney General’s Office filed a complaint against Alpena Vision Resources before the Illinois Pollution Control Board, seeking fines and for the Board to withdraw the mine’s waste disposal permits (click here for the complaint). “The agencies and Alpena Vision Resources allowed for human sewage waste to be dumped in our neighborhood – causing odor, flies, and pollution of our water for years to come,” said farmer and nearby resident Zala Swigart. “It sickens me.” Alpena Vision Resources purchased the mine in 2004 from Old Ben Coal Company. Since then, Alpena has been slow to conduct the required reclamation activities, and air and water pollution have resulted from poor reclamation, as well as the mixing of various municipal and industrial wastes that Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) and Illinois Environmental Protection Agency (IEPA) have approved for disposal at the site. These include coal ash, water filtration sludge, grain processing waste, and municipal sewage solids. "Really what we have here is an old slurry impoundment at an un-reclaimed coal mine being used as a landfill, but without the pollution controls that legally operated landfills are required to adhere to,” explained Traci Barkley, Water Resources Scientist with Prairie Rivers Network. “As a result, the neighbors have been forced to deal with the coal ash dust, the sickening odors and pollution of their water.” Barkley added that the mine permitting groups within the respective agencies should not have authority to permit the use of non-mine waste products such as sewage solids and other industrial wastes at mine sites because mine sites, like the one at Murdock, are not designed to meet landfill performance standards. “It is frustrating that the waste being dumped here isn't from our community or even this county,” said Jeri Luth, who farms with her husband Michael Luth directly to the south of the mine. “After this waste is trucked from these other communities it is long forgotten.  But now we have to deal with the long-term consequences.” [caption id="attachment_12084" align="alignright" width="300" caption="Acid mine drainage in onsite ditch"][/caption] Over the years the dumping of coal ash, sewage sludge and other wastes has resulted in complaints of excessive dust, noxious odors, and sludge and algae choked waters downstream. Several of  the mine’s neighbors shared how they have asked for help from IDNR and IEPA for years, but that the agencies charged with inspecting the mine and enforcing the regulations have failed to take appropriate enforcement action. “Local residents have filed over a dozen complaints to the state agencies about pollution problems from this site in the last several years but neither IDNR nor IEPA referred this case to the Attorney General’s office for enforcement,” said Traci Barkley. “Attorney General Lisa Madigan is pursuing this case solely in response to citizen complaints, and we thank her office for stepping in to protect this community from pollution.” Several local residents echoed the sentiment of appreciation for the Attorney General’s office, and added that they never imagined the coal mine would be turned into a waste dump. “It is one thing to have an operating coal mine outside your window.  You kind of accept the problems that it causes,” added Jeri Luth. “But once the mine is closed and the land is being used in a manner in which it was not intended for, the fear of the unknown is overwhelming.  We wonder what is seeping into our soil and what long-term affects it will bring.”

###

Prairie Rivers Network is a not-for-profit clean water advocacy group that works to protect Illinois’ rivers and streams for people, fish and wildlife. www.prairierivers.org Contact:

• Traci Barkley, Prairie Rivers Network, tbarkley @ prairierivers.org, 217/344-2371, (click here for statement)

• Zala Swigart, farmer and downwind resident, 217/808-1142

• Jeri and Michael Luth, farming family and downstream resident, 217/837-2250

]]> 12076 0 642 0 https://prairierivers.org/articles/2012/10/celebrate-the-clean-water-acts-40th-birthday-october-18-2012/ Thu, 18 Oct 2012 01:15:06 +0000 http://prairierivers.org/?p=12103 We reflect on the importance of the Clean Water Act on its 40th anniversary. [caption id="attachment_12132" align="alignright" width="300" caption="Thanks to Paula Miller for the cake!"][/caption] This week, Prairie Rivers Network is celebrating the Clean Water Act, the law that provides the foundation for much of our work to protect Illinois' waters for people, fish, and wildlife. We will also pause to critically reflect on how the Act can be strengthened. The Clean Water Act is one of our most critical environmental laws. It provides the foundation for us to ensure that our rivers, streams and lakes are healthy enough to support fishing, swimming and drinking--uses other than just industrial ones. And, most importantly, the Act allows people to take their complaints to officials whose job it is to protect the people's water resources. In reality, not many ordinary people have the time and expertise to pursue cases against the pollution of their waters. It is not easy to see a complaint through to resolution. The problem itself must be proven. The sources of the problem must be clearly identified. The problem and source must be legally documented. Finally, one must have enough power and stamina to stand by a case against deeper-pocketed interests. That's where Prairie Rivers Network can help. Thanks to the support from our members across the state, we use our scientific, legal and community organizing expertise to prevent pollution. For over a decade, Prairie Rivers Network has used the Clean Water Act to strengthen countless water pollution permits, to bring enforcement cases against illegal polluters, and to challenge and change agency practices that allowed too much water pollution.

Your financial support enables us to apply the power of the Clean Water Act to help people protect their water. 

And while we will celebrate the true progress of the last 40 years, Prairie Rivers Network continues to support efforts to strengthen the Clean Water Act. Supreme Court rulings in 2001 and 2006 removed protections from wetlands and intermittent or seasonal streams because of inconsistent language in the Act. We have argued that Congress should fix these inconsistencies and return protection to the broad range of waters that was originally envisioned by Congress. What can you do to celebrate? Make a donation to Prairie Rivers Network. Watch and Share Minnesota Congressman Oberstar's fantastic Clean Water Act 40th Anniversary video. Find us on Facebook or Twitter and send your wishes: "Happy Birthday Clean Water Act!"    ]]> 12103 0 640 0 https://prairierivers.org/articles/2012/10/make-a-public-comment-about-factory-farms/ Fri, 19 Oct 2012 13:00:03 +0000 http://prairierivers.org/?p=12120 We have until January 16 to submit our final comments on the rule, and the Board will consider our comments before issuing a final rule hopefully sometime in 2013. Finally, we want to thank our two experts for testifying, and all the concerned residents who came to the hearings to share their stories with the Board. __ October 19th post: Help the State of Illinois revise their laws to keep our water safe from livestock waste. Tell your story or make a comment sharing your concerns. The State of Illinois is in the middle of revising the regulation of factory farms. In particular, the livestock regulations are being updated so that they are consistent with federal requirements associated with the Clean Water Act. The Illinois Pollution Control Board is now seeking public comment on the draft regulations at three upcoming hearings in Urbana, DeKalb, and Elizabeth. If you have been personally, negatively affected by a poorly managed livestock operation, your story is an important one that should be told during this public comment process. Even if you have not been directly affected, please consider making a public comment on any concerns you have about factory farms that relate to water pollution. Prairie Rivers Network will be participating in the hearings. The main improvements we are seeking in the regulations include:

1. Requirement for all large livestock operations to register with the Illinois EPA
2. Creation of a livestock operation siting setback from streams and lakes
3. A larger setback between pristine streams and agricultural fields where livestock waste is applied
4. More restrictions on land application of waste in winter.

If these four improvements are adopted, we would expect to see fewer incidences of fish kills from misapplied waste and downstream contamination from leaking manure ponds. The public hearings will be held at the following locations. The hearings should start with a public comment period, and the Board will likely be limiting each comment to 2-5 minutes. We recommend that you write your comment in advance and read it to the Board, so that you say everything you meant to in an organized fashion. Also, please call Stacy at the Prairie Rivers Network office (217.344.2371) if you plan to attend the hearings. We hope to hear from you! If you can't make the hearings but have a story to tell, please contact us via email, Facebook, or Twitter. 10AM Tuesday October 23 Brookens Administrative Center Lyle Shields Meeting Room 1776 E. Washington Urbana, IL 10AM Tuesday October 30 DeKalb Municipal Building City Council Chambers, Room 200 200 S. 4th Street DeKalb, IL 10AM Wednesday November 14 Highland Community College (West Campus) Conference Room 129 300 N. West Street Elizabeth, IL  ]]> 12120 0 639 0 https://prairierivers.org/articles/2012/10/october-riverweb-e-news/ Wed, 17 Oct 2012 22:09:49 +0000 http://prairierivers.org/?p=12471 Sign up for RiverWeb to have monthly updates emailed to you.

Happy 40th Anniversary to the Clean Water Act! On this day 40 years ago, the U.S. House and Senate overrode a presidential veto and passed the Clean Water Act. This momentous legislation gave our nation the ability to work toward cleaning up our rivers, streams, and lakes so that we can use them for something other than waste disposal. Millions of people have used this law to protect their water from pollution and to clean up already polluted waters.Celebrate the Clean Water Act—the foundation of our work—and continue working to strengthen it so that we can achieve the dream of fishable, swimmable, and drinkable waters. In fact, here is an opportunity for you to use the Clean Water Act today! Help revise Illinois's laws to keep our water safe from livestock waste. Tell your story or make a comment sharing your concerns at a public hearing. The State of Illinois is in the middle of revising the regulation of factory farms. In particular, the livestock regulations are being updated so that they are consistent with federal requirements associated with the Clean Water Act. Do not underestimate the power of your story! You can also share your story with us via email or social media Recent webposts not to miss Wildlife Habitat in Illinois Toxic Coal Ash Pollution: Groups File Legal Action Against Midwest Generation for Water Pollution, Dumping Violations at Four Power Stations Illinois Attorney General Files Enforcement Case Against Murdock Mine PRN in the news News-Gazette 9/28/12: Sunrise to pay for study of sale of water to proposed mine Washington Examiner 10/4/12: Environmental Groups File Complaint over Coal Ash Peoria Journal Star 10/8/12: Dilts Named River Steward  Illinois Public Media 10/10/12: Shuttered Mine in Douglas County Faces Pollution Complaints  News-Gazette 10/11/12: Murdock Mine Neighbors: It smells like something died The Bugle 10/17/12: Midwest Generation Faces Pollution Charges Thank you to everyone who attended the Annual Dinner! Enjoy the photos on Flickr!

This is what we need the Clean Water Act to Protect!

]]> 12471 0 641 0 https://prairierivers.org/articles/2012/12/5337-2/ Mon, 24 Dec 2012 13:00:39 +0000 http://prairierivers.org/?p=5337

A fresh snow coats the winter forest with Hammel Creek flowing quietly through Hammel Woods Forest Preserve in suburban Will County, Illinois. Source: Hank Erdmann

]]> 5337 0 619 0 https://prairierivers.org/articles/2012/10/highlights-from-our-annual-dinner/ Tue, 30 Oct 2012 17:55:56 +0000 http://prairierivers.org/?p=12116 [slideshow gallery_id="2"]

]]> 12116 0 637 0 https://prairierivers.org/articles/2012/10/take-action-protect-the-illinois-river-from-more-mercury-pollution/ Tue, 23 Oct 2012 19:04:23 +0000 http://prairierivers.org/?p=12151 Prairie Rivers Network and partners call on the Pollution Control Board to keep mercury out of the Illinois River. [caption id="attachment_12237" align="alignright" width="300"] Coal ash ponds at Dynegy's Havana power plant on Illinois River floodplain. Water from the ash pond drains directly to the river.[/caption]

On October 18th, Prairie Rivers Network joined with the Illinois Chapter of the Sierra Club and the Natural Resources Defense Council to appeal the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency's (IEPA) decision to allow Dynegy’s Havana Generating Station to add concentrated mercury pollution to existing coal ash ponds that discharge into the Illinois River. (Read our complaint).

Last year, dozens of local residents turned out in opposition to this decision citing public health and safety concerns. Mercury levels for certain fish in the Illinois River are already so high that vulnerable populations are advised to limit the number of fish they eat from the river. In spite of residents' concerns, the IEPA allowed Dynegy to add mercury captured by air pollution controls to existing coal ash ponds. Coal ash sludge is already full of heavy metals like mercury, arsenic, selenium, chromium and cadmium, and adding concentrated mercury to the toxic soup in the ponds threatens to send even more mercury pollution into the Illinois River. Removing mercury from power plant emissions is good news for people and fish, but only if power plants dispose of it responsibly to ensure it stays out of our rivers. [caption id="attachment_12165" align="alignleft" width="300"] Credit: Earthustice[/caption] Illinois already leads the nation with more documented cases of coal ash damage than any other state. Without strong nationwide safeguards on coal ash disposal, coal fired power plants will be able to continue irresponsible coal ash disposal practices  - like dumping mercury laden waste in a coal ash pond that discharges to a river used for both commercial and recreational fishing, as is the case in Havana.   Please take action today! Tell the Illinois Pollution Control Board to require Dynegy to dispose of its mercury responsibly!

[emailpetition id="4"]

]]> 12151 0 638 0 https://prairierivers.org/news/2013/01/2012-accomplishments/ Tue, 01 Jan 2013 13:00:25 +0000 http://prairierivers.org/?p=12265 Protecting Natural Areas Along our Rivers

Click to download pdf

Prairie Rivers Network is working with local residents and other organizations to fight a dirty and destructive sand mine right on the doorstep of Starved Rock State Park. Our efforts have raised the visibility of the issue and garnered the support of Lieutenant Governor Sheila Simon and the Illinois River Coordinating Council.

Next step: Explore legal options to achieve needed reforms in permitting process.

Our work keeps paying dividends long after the victories are won. One example is the return of bald eagles to the Middle Fork of the Vermilion River. Thirty years ago, activists (including Prairie Rivers Network founders) fought a plan to dam the river and later won protections that allowed 11,000 acres along 17 miles of the river to begin recovery from a legacy of coal strip mining. Today, a nesting pair of bald eagles has returned to the Middle Fork for the third year -- they have hatched five chicks so far!

Next step: Proper closure of Vermilion Power Plant ash ponds currently leaking into Middle Fork of Vermilion River.

Prairie Rivers Network and Friends of the Big Bureau Creek Watershed launched a successful farmer outreach campaign in the Big Bureau Creek Watershed in north-central Illinois. As a result of our efforts, many farmers have signed up for Farm Bill conservation programs that reduce erosion and nutrient runoff.

Next step: Develop and implement policies to increase the use of these practices across Illinois.

Bringing Voices of the People to Elected Officials

Prairie Rivers Network has launched a collaborative effort to separate the Great Lakes and Mississippi River basins. Separation will protect the Great Lakes from Asian carp, improve the Chicago River, and protect both basins from infestation by other invaders via Chicago’s canal system. People and organizations are signing on to the coalition’s principles, letting us show Governor Quinn and other elected officials the existing broad-based public support for definitive action on the carp crisis.

Next step: Expand the coalition and engage Chicago in planning for separation.

Our campaign in Vermilion County is empowering local residents to fight a new coal mine that threatens their water and their communities. With the legal and technical support of Prairie Rivers Network, local residents understand and influence the backroom deals and bureaucratic processes behind such projects.

Next step: Challenge water deal between coal mining company and local municipality that threatens water supplies.

Holding Polluters Accountable

A new Illinois law requires factory farm owners to pay a permit fee to the Illinois EPA for water pollution permits. All other polluting facilities have paid permit fees for years. Through the permit fees, factory farm owners, rather than the taxpayers, will finally support the state’s program to regulate their pollution. Prairie Rivers Network first proposed such a law last year, and has worked with concerned residents, lawmakers, and the Illinois EPA to get it passed.

Next step: Strengthen Illinois laws to further reduce factory farm pollution.

The coal industry is working hard to strip the EPA of its authority to protect groundwater from coal ash pollution, a by-product of burning coal. This Spring, industry supporters in Congress attached a rider to a transportation bill that would have forbidden EPA from passing new protective rules. Prairie Rivers Network mobilized our members, our partners and residents living with coal ash pollution to ask Senator Durbin for help in bolstering the wavering resolve of some colleagues who were facing intense industry pressure. In the final hours, the bad coal ash rider was removed from the transportation bill. We thank Senator Durbin for his pivotal work.

Next step: Continue to wage a multi-pronged state and national campaign for safer coal ash rules.

]]> 12265 0 618 0 https://prairierivers.org/articles/2012/10/illinois-coalition-formed-to-stop-asian-carp-protect-and-improve-states-waters/ Wed, 31 Oct 2012 18:46:38 +0000 http://prairierivers.org/?p=12272 Prairie Rivers Network helps found Healthy Water Solutions to address need for waterway improvements to stop invasives More than a dozen Illinois organizations have announced the formation of a new coalition committed to stopping the two-way transfer of invasive species -- including Asian carp -- between the Great Lakes and the Mississippi River basin. “Stopping Asian carp and other invasive species is an economic and ecological imperative,” said Robert Hirschfeld of Prairie Rivers Network, a founding member of the new Healthy Water Solutions coalition. “But it is also just one piece of a greater plan for improved water quality, flood control, recreation and transportation in Illinois.” HWS was formed in response to the need for Illinois residents and organizations to promote locally focused solutions, rather than wait for federal agencies and regionally contentious lawsuits. “HWS exists to complement the work of federal and state agencies, while recognizing the importance of local action to help move issues like invasive species forward when they are stalled by outside forces,” said Jared Teutsch of the Alliance for the Great Lakes, also a HWS coalition member. “We encourage the state of Illinois, the city of Chicago and other governmental groups to work with the rest of the region to fashion a modern solution to the growing problems of invasive species and decaying water infrastructure.” The new coalition will advocate for reinvestment in the Chicago River system, a critical piece of infrastructure that affects the waters of the entire state. “The Chicago River system can be so much more than a conduit for our wastewater,” said Jack Darin, director of the Sierra Club’s Illinois Chapter. “The threat posed by the Asian carp and other aquatic invaders is also an opportunity to restore the Chicago River and make it a clean, healthy resource that attracts wildlife, people and economic development.” Invasive species protection promises to provide benefits to Chicago and Lake Michigan, as well as businesses and communities around the state. “The city of Plano is the corporate home and birthplace of Plano Molding Co., the largest manufacturer of fishing tackle storage systems,” said Bob Hausler, who is that city’s mayor. “As the mayor of Plano and a professional fisherman, I feel it is imperative we protect our waterways from all invasive species.” Invasive species cost the economy hundreds of millions annually. The spread of Asian carp threatens the Great Lakes fishery -- calculated at $7 billion annually, with billions more generated through tourism and recreation. "At 95,000 square miles, the largest surface area of freshwater in the world is in peril,” said Mike Clifford of the Illinois Smallmouth Alliance. “Time is of the essence to make certain the critical environmental and economic resources of this region are provided the common-sense solutions the basin’s 35 million people are counting on." Though Asian carp are the public face of invasive species, they are among 39 species labeled by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers as “high-risk” to transfer between the Great Lakes and Mississippi River basins and inflict significant damage to new habitat. “We know the carp are just a symptom of the much larger problem of invasive species, some of which are relatively benign but, over time, do very serious damage by slowly eliminating natives,” said Tom Lindblade, president and safety chairman of the Illinois Paddling Council. “The Asian carp have brought needed attention to this problem.” HWS re-envisions the Chicago River as a system that not only prevents the transfer of all aquatic invaders, including Asian carp, but better serves its functions of moving people and goods and managing stormwater -- all while improving water quality. "Chicago and the rest of the region will not thrive until we address its failing water infrastructure," said Henry Henderson, director of the Natural Resources Defense Council's Midwest Program and a former commissioner of the environment for the city of Chicago. "Re-imagining Chicago's waterways is at the core of the vision that the HWS coalition will bring to help move us all toward a modern system that enhances our environment, economy and quality of life." “The Chicago River is the lifeblood of the city,” said Margaret Frisbie, executive director of Friends of the Chicago River. “And it flows through so many urban and suburban communities playing the role of natural and recreational resource and catalyst for community revitalization. Through HWS we are committed to improving and protecting the Chicago River at the same time we solve the aquatic invasive species problems we face.” HWS will work with the region’s leaders on a plan for separation that satisfies public needs without severing Chicago’s vital connection to the lake. Supporters can sign up as members on HWS’ website. Website: www.healthywatersolutions.org Twitter: @H2O_Solutions 
Facebook: www.facebook.com/healthywatersolutions
 Current members of Healthy Water Solutions: Alliance for the Great Lakes City of Plano, Illinois Dirk’s Fish Environment Illinois Faith in Place Friends of the Chicago River Illinois Paddling Council Illinois Smallmouth Alliance Izaak Walton League of America League of Women Voters of Illinois National Wildlife Federation Natural Resources Defense Council Prairie Rivers Network Sierra Club, Illinois Chapter Trout Unlimited, Illinois Council]]> 12272 0 635 0 https://prairierivers.org/articles/2012/11/industry-mine-operators-say-hundreds-of-violations-havent-harmed-the-environment-grindstone-creek/ Tue, 06 Nov 2012 23:06:53 +0000 http://prairierivers.org/?p=12292 Take a look at this video-- working with vocal residents such as Kim is essential to protect clean water, healthy river systems and quality of life.

]]> 12292 0 636 0 https://prairierivers.org/articles/2012/11/holiday-happy-hour-december-7/ Mon, 12 Nov 2012 02:46:11 +0000 http://prairierivers.org/?p=12299 [/caption]

Please join staff, board members, volunteers, partners, and friends for our quarterly Happy Hour. 

Where: Quality Bar in Champaign, 110 North Neil Street, Champaign, Illinois 61820

When: 6:00 - 8:00 p.m. We’ll order pizza and toast to clean water and healthy rivers!

 

 Everyone is welcome!

]]> 12299 0 634 0 https://prairierivers.org/articles/2012/11/otters-are-making-a-big-comeback-in-illinois/ Mon, 19 Nov 2012 13:00:42 +0000 http://prairierivers.org/?p=12371

Once common, the river otter all but disappeared due to pollution, habitat destruction, and uncontrolled hunting. Then as conditions started to improve across the state, the Illinois DNR imported 350 otters from Louisiana, and populations took off. River otters can now be found throughout Illinois.

In fact, the river otter population is doing so well that the DNR has agreed to issue limited trapping licenses. A recent article in the LA Times describes how some aren’t so thrilled with the competition for fish and are making an argument for keeping the population in check. “Sometimes our efforts have unanticipated consequences,” said Elliot Brinkman, Habitat Specialist, “but the recovery of the river otter should be viewed as an ecological success. The investments we make in the land and water now will continue to pay dividends for years to come."

Clean water. Healthy rivers. (Too) many otters. Make an investment in more river recovery stories with a donation to Prairie Rivers Network today!

  Photo credit: Dmitry Azovtsev, www.daphoto.info]]> 12371 0 633 0 https://prairierivers.org/articles/2012/11/pollution-control-board-decision-industry-mine-owners-will-not-get-away-with-polluting-our-waters/ Mon, 26 Nov 2012 16:52:04 +0000 http://prairierivers.org/?p=12403 The Illinois Pollution Control Board has agreed with Prairie Rivers Network, the Environmental Law and Policy Center, and The Sierra Club that Industry Mine violated its permit more than 600 times! [caption id="attachment_12447" align="alignright" width="300" caption="Industry Mine Photo credit: InIllinoisWater.org"][/caption] The Industry Coal Mine in McDonough and Schuyler Counties has been getting away with polluting local waterways for years. But on November 16, 2012, the Illinois Pollution Control Board determined that the irresponsible operation of this mine will not go unpunished. The Board's ruling is a great victory for the people living in the watersheds of Camp Creek, Willow Creek, and Grindstone Creek, as well as the Lamoine River Ecosystem Partnership, whose members have been fighting for years to stop the pollution from the mine. The Board agreed with Prairie Rivers Network and our partners that Industry Mine violated its permit 624 times over a period of 8 years. The violations included unlawful discharges of iron, manganese, sulfates, acid, and total suspended solids--enough pollution to pose serious threats to water quality. Until we took action, nothing had been done by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources or the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency to stop the pollution or to hold the mine owners accountable for their flagrant noncompliance. Springfield Coal Company, the current owner of Industry Mine, is seeking to open two new strip mines near Canton and Littleton. We believe the new coal mines will pose serious risks to Canton’s public drinking water supply and to the high quality woodlands and streams in these communities. Prairie Rivers Network has been working with Canton Area Citizens for Environmental Issues and other local residents to prevent Springfield Coal Company from setting up or expanding its coal operations in their communities. The Board will hold a hearing to determine the amount of penalties they will impose on the owners of Industry Mine. Please stay tuned for hearing details and information about how you can help us to make a strong case for the maximum penalties allowable under the law.  ]]> 12403 0 629 0 https://prairierivers.org/articles/2012/11/press-release-illinois-dnr-grants-permit-to-controversial-starved-rock-open-pit-mine/ Wed, 21 Nov 2012 19:16:09 +0000 http://prairierivers.org/?p=12418 Park Advocates Vow To Continue Fight to Protect “One of Illinois’ Most Special Places” [caption id="attachment_12423" align="alignright" width="300" caption="A Waterfall in Starved Rock State Park, Illinois"][/caption] The Illinois Department of Natural Resources Office of Mines and Minerals (IDNR - OMM) has given the go-ahead to a controversial open pit mine next to Starved Rock State Park in LaSalle County, despite objections from local residents and thousands of Illinois residents. “Starved Rock is one of Illinois’ most special places, and we are disappointed that IDNR is approving a project that puts it at risk,” said Jack Darin, Director of the Illinois Chapter of the Sierra Club. The 80-acre open pit sand mine will be located at the east entrance to Starved Rock State Park. There is great concern about its impact on the park, one of Illinois’ top tourist attractions. Noise from nonstop mining and sand processing operations, water pollution from the mine into the park, silica sand dust in the air, the potential loss of Native American artifacts due to mining and the increased truck traffic on the Illinois River Road National Scenic Byway running past the mine site and through the park are among the many issues cited by local residents and park advocates. An additional permit from the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency is still needed to allow the release of wastewater from sand processing. The Agency has not yet made a decision whether to allow the new discharge. Wastewater from the mine would be dumped in Horseshoe Creek, which runs from the mine site into Starved Rock State Park. “The proposed mining operation will be pumping millions of gallons of wastewater into Horseshoe Creek, which flows through the park before reaching the Illinois River,” said Elliot Brinkman, Habitat Conservation Specialist with Prairie Rivers Network. “We are concerned that these increased flows will contribute to higher levels of sediment and erosion in this small, vulnerable stream.” Impacts to the historic, aesthetic and ecological integrity of the Starved Rock area are another issue. A recent Archaeological Survey confirmed the presence of no less than four sites containing Native American artifacts located on the mine site. The project is also near Plum Island, where in 2004, then-Lt. Governor Pat Quinn led efforts to stop commercial development of the 55-acre island, home to nesting and roosting American bald eagles. The Illinois Audubon Society, with the help of the Illinois Clean Energy Community Foundation and the Trust for Public Land, was then able to purchase Plum Island and has been working with volunteers on clean-up activities and restoration projects. “Plum Island is returning to its natural state and the eagles are flourishing,” said Tom Clay, Executive Director of Illinois Audubon Society. “We’re concerned about proximity of the mine and the potential for negative effects on the eagles.” How this mine will affect local economies remains unknown, leaving many residents wondering. One Ottawa businesswoman is particularly concerned about the long-term impacts to her realty business. “The mine’s impact on tourism is generally overlooked. Tourism also brings business and jobs; people who visit a community and like what they see often move their home and business to that location,” said Katie Dumke Troccoli of Ottawa. “I believe that the negative impact will be seen in lost opportunities for future jobs in the community.” Ever since Mississippi Sand LLC first sought a special use permit from the LaSalle County Board in December 2011, local residents and conservationists across Illinois have banded together in opposition of the proposed mine. Citizens focused their pleas to IDNR-OMM, IEPA, and Governor Pat Quinn to protect Illinois’ premier state park. “Over the past year, Illinoisans have voiced their support for the park through thousands of comments to IDNR-OMM,” said Tracy Yang, Clean Water Organizer of the Illinois Sierra Club. “Conservationists and local residents will continue to stand up for it.” The Illinois Chapter of the Sierra Club, Openlands and Prairie Rivers Network are working with local residents in exploring their options to continue to protect Starved Rock State Park. Concerned citizens can help by visiting http://bit.ly/RQ7Lmi to send an email to Governor Pat Quinn to request a stop to this controversial mine.

 ###

]]> 12418 0 632 0 https://prairierivers.org/articles/2012/11/jo-daviess-megadairy-agrees-to-call-it-quits/ Fri, 23 Nov 2012 15:17:07 +0000 http://prairierivers.org/?p=12436 [/caption] The owner of the highly-controversial megadairy under construction in Jo Daviess County has agreed to abandon the project. Abandonment is part of the proposed settlement agreement between the dairy owner and the Illinois Attorney General's Office. Helping Others Maintain Environmental Standards (HOMES), the local grassroots organization that opposed the proposed dairy, is thrilled that their 5-year battle has finally come to an end. The Jo Daviess megadairy was approved for construction by the Illinois Department of Agriculture in 2008, and ever since then HOMES and the dairy have been engaged in a legal battle. HOMES was very concerned that the 5,000-plus head dairy would negatively impact their quality of life, including their groundwater drinking supplies and local streams. The dairy was to have two 14-acre waste holding ponds, which would sit atop a sensitive karst aquifer and at the headwaters of a stream. In 2008, HOMES filed a lawsuit to stop the construction of the dairy. Prairie Rivers Network worked with HOMES and other organizations to oppose the construction of the dairy and the issuance of state permits. The Attorney General's Office got involved in 2010, when the dairy over-applied livestock feed leachate on agricultural fields, resulting in an illegal discharge of contaminants into a nearby stream that turned purple. Now the proposed settlement agreement is in the hands of the Illinois Pollution Control Board. Meanwhile, the dairy construction site is in the process of being sold and the partially-constructed buildings have been dismantled. This welcome outcome is a testimony to the importance of citizen action when communities are faced with bad projects. It takes a network to protect Illinois' water, and we're glad we could be a part of this particular victory! Read more about our efforts to eliminate water pollution from other livestock operations, including our fact sheet on factory farms.    ]]> 12436 0 630 0 https://prairierivers.org/articles/2012/11/november-riverweb-e-news/ Wed, 21 Nov 2012 22:23:01 +0000 http://prairierivers.org/?p=12483 Sign up for RiverWeb to have monthly updates emailed to you.

In this edition:  Otters making a comeback Protect the Illinois River Healthy Water Solutions Recent webposts and press Holiday Happy Hour, December 7 Otters are making a big comeback in Illinois! River otters are back in Illinois thanks to successful conservation practices to reduce polluted runoff into streams and rivers! Once common, the river otter all but disappeared due to pollution, habitat destruction, and uncontrolled hunting. Then as conditions started to improve across the state, the Illinois DNR imported 350 otters from Louisiana, and populations took off. River otters can now be found throughout Illinois. Clean water. Healthy rivers. Help create more river recovery stories with a donation to Prairie Rivers Network today. Photo credit: Dmitry Azovtsev, www.daphoto.info   Take Action! Protect the Illinois River from more mercury pollution Prairie Rivers Network and partners call on the Pollution Control Board to keep mercury out of the Illinois river. The IEPA allowed Dynegy to add mercury captured by air pollution controls to existing coal ash ponds. Mercury levels for certain fish in the Illinois River are already so high that people are advised to limit the number of fish they eat from the river. Please take action today! Tell the Illinois Pollution Control Board to require Dynegy to dispose of its mercury responsibly! Image: Coal ash ponds at Dynegy's Havana power plant in Illinois River floodplain. Water from the ash pond drains directly to the river.   Prairie Rivers Network helps found Healthy Water Solutions to address need for waterway improvements to stop invasives Healthy Water Solutions was formed to promote locally focused solutions to the threat of Asian carp and other invasive species, rather than wait for federal agencies and regionally contentious lawsuits. The coalition re-envisions the Chicago River as a system that not only prevents the transfer of all aquatic invaders, including Asian carp, but better serves its functions of moving people and goods and managing stormwater — all while improving water quality. Supporters can sign up as members on the Healthy Water Solutions website. Recent webposts not to miss Illinois Revising Laws Governing Factory Farms - Public comments still needed! Watch the mother otter on the Middle Fork of the Vermilion River! Run for Your Rivers - Register for our Illinois Marathon Team Industry Mine Operators Say Hundreds of Violations Haven't Harmed the Environment, Grindstone Creek PRN in the news News-Gazette 10/18/12: On the Town: Prairie Rivers Network 45th Anniversary 2012   Ottawa Daily Times 10/26/12: Anti-mining rally at Starved Rock Sunday News-Gazette 11/10/12: Homer water sale to coal mine would be legal

Holiday Happy Hour Friday, December 7 Join staff, board members, volunteers, partners, and friends for our holiday Happy Hour at Quality Bar in Champaign from 6-8 p.m. Address: 110 North Neil Street, Champaign, Illinois 61820 We'll order pizza and toast to clean water and healthy rivers! Everyone is welcome!RSVP to our FACEBOOK event! Photo credit:  Jeremy Brooks flickr stream

]]> 12483 0 631 0 https://prairierivers.org/articles/2012/12/2012-river-steward-award/ Mon, 03 Dec 2012 20:25:19 +0000 http://prairierivers.org/?p=12504 Congratulations Brenda Dilts, Prairie Rivers Network's 2012 River Steward of the Year [caption id="attachment_12505" align="alignright" width="240" caption="Brian Perbix Awarding Brenda Dilts the River Steward of the Year Award"][/caption] Each year we recognize and celebrates outstanding river conservationists and their actions on behalf of Illinois’ rivers and streams. This year, Prairie Rivers Network honors Brenda Dilts as our 2012 River Steward. Brenda chairs the grassroots group Canton Area Citizens for Environmental Issues. In 2006, when Brenda and others learned that a coal company wanted to open a thousand acre strip mine just upstream of Canton Lake, they were appalled. Canton Lake provides drinking water for all of Canton’s residents and surrounding communities. Because of the area’s extensive history of strip mining, they knew the threat to their water supply this mine posed. But rather than resigning in the face of a dirty industry that always seems to get what it wants, Brenda helped local residents do something powerful: organize. Thanks to her leadership, Canton Area Citizens for Environmental Issues has built and sustained a successful grassroots campaign that has become a model for organizing efforts in Illinois communities faced with the threat of coal mining. This is the difficult work that has to be done to protect our water resources; we are grateful to those who to take it up. And so, although there is still a long road ahead in the fight to protect Canton Lake, we thank river advocates like Brenda and all the members of Canton Area Citizens for Environmental Issues, for your work on behalf of clean water in Illinois.]]> 12504 0 628 0 https://prairierivers.org/articles/2012/12/the-us-constitution-and-clean-water/ Tue, 04 Dec 2012 13:00:23 +0000 http://prairierivers.org/?p=12513 th Anniversary Annual Dinner, Dr. Lazarus applauded the environmental protections achieved in the last forty years, protections that were the result of revolutionary new federal laws that recognized how essential water, air, and land are to this country’s future prosperity. Still, the road from environmental legislation to a cleaner world may involve significant detours. And unexpected challenges can present themselves in the form of nine robed figures who have the final say on interpreting the laws of the land. Posing the question “what does affordable health care have to do with the environment?” Lazarus illuminated how Supreme Court decisions in “non-environmental” cases can impact the reach of federal environmental law protections. Congress has often relied on the Commerce Clause of the US Constitution for its authority to regulate clean air, land, and water. But Courts have long interpreted the Commerce Clause as granting Congress only “limited’ and “enumerated” powers.  A recent U.S. Supreme Court case (NFIB v. Sibelius) concerned the federal Affordable Care Act, also known as Obamacare. The issue in this case was not whether affordable health care is good or bad. The question for the Court was whether the Act’s provisions for expanding Medicare exceeded the federal government’s power over the states.  The Affordable Care Act provided additional Medicaid funding to states, but if a state refused to implement the Act’s provisions to expand Medicaid, that state would lose all of its Medicaid funding. The Supreme Court ruled that this specific condition was not an allowed “incentive” provided by the federal government, and would have to be re-written. The Supreme Court’s decision in NFIP v. Sibelius is relevant to protecting our environment because many federal environmental regulations provide “incentive” funding for states to implement federal regulations. For some environmental programs, if states fail to comply with federal pollution standards, they lose federal funding. Legal scholars such as Dr. Lazarus are evaluating the possibility that the Supreme Court may in the future apply its Commerce Clause reasoning in the Affordable Care Act case to invalidate funding provisions in federal environmental laws. This would in effect weaken federal laws that we have counted on for decades to protect individuals, communities and wildlife. In closing, Dr. Lazarus stressed that Prairie Rivers Network members play an essential role in protecting the rivers and streams we know and love. The protections we win through local and statewide efforts are less vulnerable to changes in the interpretive style of the Supreme Court. Supreme Court Justices come and go, but individual, local groups and other members of the river communities like ours instill, grow, and pass on the passion that will ensure clean water and healthy rivers for this and future generations.]]> 12513 0 627 0 https://prairierivers.org/articles/2012/12/annual-dinner-roundup/ Wed, 05 Dec 2012 13:00:34 +0000 http://prairierivers.org/?p=12519 Congratulations to our 2012 River Steward Brenda Dilts Each year we recognize and celebrates outstanding river conservationists and their actions on behalf of Illinois’ rivers and streams. This year, Prairie Rivers Network honors Brenda Dilts as our 2012 River Steward. Read more...

A Living Document: The US Constitution and Clean Water

Urbana native and University of Illinois alumnus Dr. Richard Lazarus is distinguished among environmental lawyers for the many environmental law cases he has argued before the U.S. Supreme Court. As Prairie Rivers Network’s honored guest speaker for our 45th Anniversary Annual Dinner, Dr. Lazarus applauded the environmental protections achieved in the last forty years, protections that were the result of revolutionary new federal laws that recognized how essential water, air, and land are to this country’s future prosperity. Read more...

Pictures from the Dinner

View more photos at our Flickr site...

Thank you Lisa Janes of Silver Lux Photography for your wonderful pictures of our members enjoying the dinner.

Thank You Sponsors

Please support our business members that value clean water and healthy rivers.

Platinum Sponsor $5,000+
Gold Sponsors $1,000+
Silver Sponsors $500+
Common Ground Food Co-op  •  First Mid-Illinois Bank and Trust
Health Alliance Medical Plans  •  Marco Technical Documentation, Inc.
National Wildlife Federation
Bronze Sponsors $250+
Anderson Farms  •  Blue Moon Farm  •  Sleepy Creek Vineyards
Russ Rybicki, AIF – Progressive Asset Management

 ]]> 12519 0 626 0 https://prairierivers.org/articles/2012/12/press-release-principles-to-shape-agricultural-pollution-plan/ Fri, 07 Dec 2012 16:18:28 +0000 http://prairierivers.org/?p=12601 Mississippi River Collaborative are keeping an eye on Minnesota's plan to develop an agricultural water quality certification program. The program details are still being decided, but it appears it will be a voluntary program that certifies farmers are meeting water quality standards for their pollution discharges. In order to become certified, farmers will likely have to achieve a minimum conservation score and/or install conservation practices that modelers predict will achieve acceptable pollution reductions. Clearly something needs to be done to reduce pollution from farms, but we are questioning yet another voluntary program. In our press release, we outline some of the downsides of such a program. The press release was issued after we sent the Minnesota Commissioner of Agriculture a letter outlining eleven principles for increasing the chance of the certification program being successful. [caption id="attachment_12607" align="aligncenter" width="300" caption="Gully erosion in a farm field"][/caption] Any state program focused on significantly reducing agricultural pollution needs to involve widespread adoption of conservation practices with proven water quality benefits. The voluntary, piecemeal approach has not kept the Cornbelt's rivers clean.]]> 12601 0 624 0 https://prairierivers.org/articles/2012/12/e-news-goodbye-megadairy-join-us-for-drinks/ Thu, 06 Dec 2012 13:00:11 +0000 http://prairierivers.org/?p=12613 In this December 2012 E-news (pdf) edition:

• Want to know what we have been up to or have a question?
• VICTORY - Jo Daviess Megadairy Agrees to Call it Quits
• Prairie River Notes Winter Newsletter
• Recent Blog Posts at PrairieRivers.Org
• Thank You Annual Dinner Sponsors

Not receiving E-news? Subscribe to RiverWeb to join our e-mail list today! You will receive no more than 1-2 e-mails per month. Receive action alerts on important river issues and our monthly electronic newsletter about clean water issues, river conservation news, and volunteer opportunities.]]> 12613 0 625 0 https://prairierivers.org/articles/2012/12/prairie-rivers-notes-fallwinter-2012-newsletter/ Fri, 14 Dec 2012 13:00:13 +0000 http://prairierivers.org/?p=12626 Fall-Winter Newsletter featuring the following articles:

• The Clean Water Act at 40: Under Attack but Alive and Still Kicking
• Greetings from Glynnis
• Run for Your Rivers and Walk for Your Streams at the IL Marathon
• Annual Dinner Recap w/ River Steward Award and A Living Document: The US Constitution and Clean Water
• 2012 Accomplishments
• Introducing Healthy Water Solutions

 ]]> 12626 0 622 0 https://prairierivers.org/articles/2012/12/press-release-conservation-groups-file-lawsuit-to-protect-starved-rock-state-park/ Wed, 12 Dec 2012 23:00:00 +0000 http://prairierivers.org/?p=12644 Suit Asserts Illinois Department of Natural Resources Office of Mines and Minerals

Failed to Comply with Legal Requirements in Permit Review Process

Springfield, IL - On December 12th, the Sierra Club, Prairie Rivers Network, and Openlands filed a complaint in Circuit Court in Springfield, Illinois demanding judicial review of a massive open pit silica sand mining permit granted to Mississippi Sand, LLC by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) Office of Mines and Minerals. The complaint alleges that IDNR failed to protect Starved Rock State Park—one of the most beautiful and popular state parks in Illinois—when it approved an 80-acre open pit mine to harvest and process silica sand for use in the hydraulic fracturing (or “fracking”) natural gas extraction process. The permit clears the way for Mississippi Sand, LLC to start blasting the sand, mining it to about 80 feet over the span of 10 years, leaving a large reclamation lake on the site.

About the Complaint

The 24-page complaint alleges that the Office of Mines and Minerals failed to follow state law—as well as its own guidelines—in reviewing the permit for Mississippi Sand, LLC’s permit. Mississippi Sand provided incomplete and inaccurate information in its mining permit application to the Office of Mines and Minerals. The Office of Mines and Minerals approved its reclamation plan and map, even though Mississippi Sand couldn’t follow certain parts of it within the approved mining area. The Office of Mines and Minerals didn’t fully consider 13 factors that address natural resource impacts, including the short and long term impact of the proposed mining on vegetation, wildlife, fish, land use, land values, local tax base, the economy of the region and the State, employment opportunities, air pollution, water pollution, soil contamination, noise pollution, and drainage, as required by the Surface Mined Land Conservation and Reclamation Act and its regulations. The Office of Realty and Environmental Planning didn’t perform a proper natural areas consultation under the Illinois Natural Areas Preservation Act. As a result the Office of Mines and Minerals made an arbitrary and capricious decision by issuing the permit. For this reason, Sierra Club, Prairie Rivers Network, and Openlands are asking the Sangamon County Court to void the mining permit.

[caption id="attachment_12645" align="alignright" width="300" caption="Concerned citizens protest the proposed mine earlier this year"][/caption]

About the Potential Effects of the Mine

The operation would erode the natural value of the park for both people and wildlife, as well as tarnish a major driver of the local economy. The mine will pump up to five million gallons a day of water from its operation and stormwater into Horseshoe Creek, which runs through Starved Rock State Park. Introducing that much water will likely cause damage to Horseshoe Creek and destroy its low-flow ecosystem.

Despite their concerns, local residents were not allowed an opportunity to speak formally with the Office of Mines and Minerals. In not considering the opinions and impacts to local citizens, the Office of Mines and Minerals neglected to consider the full, long-term impacts for this mine with respect to how it will impact adjacent landowners and local businesses that depend on the health and natural beauty of the area.

“The granting of this permit highlights the Illinois Department of Natural Resources' inherently conflicting roles of promoting conservation and permitting natural resource extraction,” said Elliot Brinkman, Habitat Conservation Specialist with Prairie Rivers Network. “Until these roles are reconciled, we can expect to see IDNR’s Office of Mines and Minerals continue to allow risky mining projects that jeopardize the special places and resources the Department holds in public trust.”

“If the permitting process followed by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources can fail at Starved Rock State Park, our premier state park, it can fail anywhere,” said Openlands president Jerry Adelmann. “IDNR has long been, and will continue to be, a valued partner of Openlands and many other conservation organizations in Illinois. However, in granting this permit, the Office of Mines and Minerals did not adhere to procedures required by state law, and this forced us to stand up for what we believe through this action.”

“Starved Rock is one of the crown jewels of Illinois’ state park system, and we count on IDNR to protect it for future generations,” said Jack Darin, Director of Sierra Club, Illinois Chapter. “It is not only a very special place to people from all over Illinois, but an important economic asset for Illinois River valley communities.”

The plaintiffs are represented by Mark Templeton and students of the Abrams Environmental Law Clinic of the University of Chicago Law School, Albert Ettinger (Chicago), and Eric Schwing (Springfield).

###

CONTACT: Cindy Skrukrud, Sierra Club Illinois Chapter: (312) 251-1680 x110, 815-353-5123 (cell) Elliot Brinkman, Prairie Rivers Network: (217) 344 - 2371 x 202 Jerry Adelmann, Openlands: (312) 863-6260 Press Coverage (updated on February 7, 2013) Read all about it in the Chicago Tribune here (PDF) and here (PDF), State Journal Register (Springfield) (PDF), Quad City Times (no link available), Bloomberg Businessweek (PDF), Rockford Register Star (PDF), WREX (Rockford, IL) (PDF), Illinois Valley News Tribune (no link available),  Peoria Journal Star (PDF), Fox 32 Chicago (no link available), Chicago City & Press (PDF), SaukValley.com (PDF), and The Pantagraph (Bloomington, IL) (PDF), The Republic (Columbus, IN) (PDF), and The Morris Daily Herald (Grundy County) (PDF).]]> 12644 0 623 0 https://prairierivers.org/articles/2012/12/prn-on-the-smile-politely-radio-podcast/ Tue, 18 Dec 2012 17:48:15 +0000 http://prairierivers.org/?p=12703 full podcast here.]]> 12703 0 620 0 https://prairierivers.org/articles/2013/01/run-for-your-rivers-walk-for-your-streams-in-2013/ Wed, 16 Jan 2013 22:47:56 +0000 http://prairierivers.org/?p=12730 2013 Illinois Marathon events. Last year, we surpassed our ambitious fundraising goal of $9,000 through the help of local runners, walkers, volunteers, and business sponsors. All of the funds went directly towards protecting clean water and healthy wildlife habitats throughout Illinois. Thank you to all who supported our efforts!

This year, we’ve increased our goal to $10,000. With the hard work and generosity of our team members, we’re confident we can reach it! Help us by signing up to walk or run this year’s 5k, 10k, half marathon, or marathon. Please visit prairierivers.org/run to get involved today.

Still have burning questions about fundraising or training? Feel free to contact Prairie Rivers staff member and team co-captain Elliot Brinkman at 217-344-2371, or ebrinkman@prairierivers.org.

]]> 12730 0 617 0 https://prairierivers.org/articles/2013/01/residents-ask-i-e-p-a-to-deny-water-permit-for-prairie-state-power-plant/ Wed, 23 Jan 2013 04:01:55 +0000 http://prairierivers.org/?p=12799 Coal ash landfill, water pollution, and nuisance dust top list of concerns [caption id="attachment_12800" align="alignright" width="300" caption="Kathy Andria, member of Illinois Sierra Club and Prairie Rivers Network"][/caption] Marissa, Il.  – At an Illinois Environmental Protection Agency public hearing in Marissa on Thursday, local residents and environmental advocates called on the Agency to deny the permit to discharge water pollution for the Prairie State coal fired power plant in Washington County. Nearly 50 local residents packed into the Marissa Township building to learn about the draft water permit, and voice their concerns. Several neighbors of the plant testified that pollution from the plant was already impacting them. “I disagree with Prairie State that the plant is having no effect on surrounding properties,” said Ramona Vonderhaar, who lives downstream of the power plant. “The release of additional water into area streams from the plant has already led to blockages and flooding on our property, and the dust and the noise have been serious issues as well.” Several commenters worried that reusing runoff from the adjacent Lively Grove mine in the cooling towers would worsen the mercury levels being sent downstream. Cindy Skrukrud, Clean Water Advocate with the Illinois Sierra Club questioned whether any increases in mercury runoff would appear in the monitoring reports. “With respect to mercury, the permit only requires monitoring two times a year, which seems awfully infrequent to me,” Skrukrud said. “How can you say there is not going to be pollution from coal ash dust blowing off the landfill?” Triefenbach asked the agency. “It’s only been in use for a few months and already a 5 mph wind can blow coal ash more than a quarter of a mile away. I’ve called the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency about this and no one calls me back.” “We’re already showing signs of spots on windshields of cars and trucks, and there have been complaints of changing colors of roofs,” said area resident and farmer Larry Wegner. “We’ve just started a couple of months, where’s it going to be a couple of years from now?” The Illinois Environmental Protection Agency staff emphasized that they believe the coal ash land fill currently under construction – which will eventually cover over 750 acres and reach approximately 290-ft. high – is exempt from water permitting requirements because it is not designed to discharge. However, several commenters challenged this, pointing out that Prairie State had not demonstrated that it would be able to continually reuse leachate from the coal ash landfill for the life of the plant without needing to discharge. “Considering Prairie State’s own estimates that the capped landfill will generate up to 71,000 gallons per day of coal ash leachate, it is difficult to understand how the Agency can accept that over the 30 year life of the ash landfill that it will never need to discharge any water,” said Traci Barkley, a watershed scientist with Prairie Rivers Network. Area resident Dennis Galle concurred, pointing out that the landfill’s location atop two miles of Mud Creek tributary streams and wetlands raised long term concerns about the landfill’s stability. “In 2011, the County Line Road was impassable for weeks due to flooding from the creek,” Galle said. “I don’t see how the landfill and the leachate pond will be able to hold all that water.”

***

The National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) sets limits on the amount of pollution a power plant can discharge in its wastewater. Discharges must be permitted, and these permits must be re-issued every 5 years, at which time the public can provide comments on any proposed changes in the permit.  The draft permit proposed by the Illinois EPA has been modified to include discharge of two new wastestreams to area streams. Neighbors of the power plant and clean water proponents are urging the Illinois EPA not to issue a modified version of the mine’s water pollution discharge permit due to concerns about new sources of pollution at the plant. These include:

• A new 750-acre, 290-f00t-tall coal ash landfill, which the Illinois EPA does not consider for additional water pollution in the draft permit. Coal ash contains elevated levels of harmful heavy metals and salts, and can be damaging to human health and the environment
• The transfer of polluted wastewater and runoff from the Lively Grove Mine to the power plant’s cooling towers where pollutants will be concentrated and ultimately discharged in adjacent streams

Additionally, the new coal ash landfill – which is currently under construction – would unnecessarily destroy nearly two miles of tributaries to Mud Creek and several acres of wetlands.  The close proximity of the coal ash landfill is also a major concern to area residents, who rely on shallow groundwater resources for domestic and agricultural uses. Written comments can be submitted electronically to the Illinois EPA by February 18^th, 2013 at epa.publichearingcom@illinois.gov, and should specify Prairie State Generating Company NPDES or IL0076996 in the subject line. Comments can also be sent to:

Hearing Officer Dean Studer Illinois Environmental Protection Agency 1021 North Grand Avenue East P.O. Box 19276 Springfield, IL 62794-9276

The notice of public hearing and draft NPDES permit are posted on the Illinois EPA’s website below:

• http://www.epa.state.il.us/public-notices/2012/prairie-state-generating/hearing-notice.pdf
• http://www.epa.state.il.us/public-notices/2012/prairie-state-generating/index.pdf

 ### For more coverage, see the January 18th, 2013 article in the Centralia Sentinel (pdf).]]> 12799 0 616 0 https://prairierivers.org/articles/2013/01/watch-asian-carp-spread-like-the-plague/ Thu, 31 Jan 2013 21:13:33 +0000 http://prairierivers.org/?p=12832 Asian carp were introduced to the southern U.S. in the 1970s in an effort to filter fish ponds. Unfortunately, they escaped into the wild, and as you can see from the map below, they've wasted no time spreading throughout the great river systems at the heart of the country.

[caption id="attachment_12833" align="aligncenter" width="480" caption="Map created by the United States Geological Survey and National Wildlife Federation"][/caption]

According to the latest science, the Great Lakes are ideal habitat for Asian carp, so those big blue lakes up north are in serious danger of turning red. And with the Chicago Area Waterway System as the most likely route for invasion, steps must be taken to protect the invaluable Great Lakes and their many precious tributaries.

This map makes one thing abundantly clear - Asian carp and invasive species are a national problem, and we are going to need a solution scaled to the level of that problem. We need leadership, vision, and coordination between all levels of government and the private sector.

]]> 12832 0 615 0 https://prairierivers.org/articles/2013/02/glass-shrimp-found-in-des-plaines-river/ Mon, 11 Feb 2013 16:00:36 +0000 http://prairierivers.org/?p=12865 [/caption] Prairie Rivers Network also gets a mention in the same article for our joint statement with the Sierra Club and Openlands criticizing the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency's decision to grant a wastewater discharge permit to Mississippi Sand, LLC. The permit would allow Mississippi Sand to discharge up to 5.1 million gallons a day of wastewater from its planned mining operation adjacent to Starved Rock State Park, into Horseshoe Creek, which flows through the park. Introducing that much water will likely cause damage to Horseshoe Creek and destroy its low-flow ecosystem. This decision enables the degradation of the irreplaceable natural and recreational value of Starved Rock. In particular, IEPA’s granting the permit without holding a public hearing to listen and to respond directly to numerous public concerns about the mining operation’s environmental and economic impacts is simply inadequate. Read our full statement here and see our previous article about this issue.

Read the full article in the Lake County Sun-Times. (pdf)                                                           Share this story!

]]> 12865 0 613 0 https://prairierivers.org/articles/2013/02/homer-village-board-rejects-contract-to-sell-water-to-coal-mine/ Tue, 12 Feb 2013 22:01:12 +0000 http://prairierivers.org/?p=12915 Vote is a stunning victory for local residents, farmers, and clean water advocates Homer, IL – After nearly one year of deliberation, resident organizing, and public meetings, the Homer Village Board voted to reject a contract to provide treated water and sewer services to Sunrise Coal LLC’s proposed Bulldog coal mine. Residents seeking to protect themselves and their homes from wasteful and polluting coal mining activities banded together and pressured their local government to defend the area’s most valuable resources, namely water and farmland. The board ultimately heard the concerns of their constituents and voted accordingly. Charles Goodall, seventh generation Vermilion County farmer from Sidell commended the result, saying, “Perhaps the events since 2010—information gathering, action by farmers to protect the land they love, the growing awareness by Homer residents that they must speak out to protect their village and quality of life, and finally the vote last night—constitute, in a rough but adequate way, the definition of democracy.” The vote is a significant defeat to the expansion of coal in Illinois, and is emblematic of a broader sea change in Midwestern communities—valuing water and the long-term health of land over dirty energy which pollutes and threatens human health at every stage of its production, including extraction, burning, and disposal. Sue Smith, longtime resident of rural Homer and an avid advocate of the Salt Fork of the Vermilion River, saw the vote as an indication of a cleaner, better future. “It is my hope that this effort, tied with others throughout the state, is a turning point in Illinois' relationship with coal,” said Smith. “By working together to inform ourselves, followed by dialogues with local citizens and government representatives about the broader issues surrounding coal, we have been able to get past the short-term enticements to see the destructive, long-term impacts of coal mining and see our communities with renewed appreciation and value.” Smith thanked and credited the village board for their commitment to the democratic process. “I am deeply grateful to the Homer village board for all their time and effort over the past months as they listened to the issues, educated themselves, and did their best to thoroughly review the pros and cons before they cast their vote on a contract to sell potable water and sewer to Sunrise Coal. Their ‘no’ vote is a step toward the community values we have and desire to protect including clean and plentiful water for our local residents, our community neighbors, and for the Salt Fork River,” said Smith, also a long-time member of Prairie Rivers Network, a non profit clean water organization which has worked to organize and inform residents for the protection of local water supplies. Jonathan Ashbrook, Homer resident and member of Stand Up to Coal, indicated that, while the process might be ongoing, residents would maintain a unified front against the coal mine. "Clearly, a majority of the Homer Village Board members understood that this vote was not just about selling water,” said Ashbrook. “This vote is a key step in preventing Sunrise Coal from bringing an unwanted coal mine to our community." Traci Barkley of Prairie Rivers Network noted that Sunrise Coal may look elsewhere for water to take and use in its mining operation. “Nevertheless, we can be sure that, wherever Sunrise might go, local residents will be ready to protect their resources and Prairie Rivers Network will be there to help.” Contact:

• Traci Barkley, Prairie Rivers Network, tbarkley@prairierivers.org, (217) 344-2371
• Sue Smith, farmer and resident, Salt Fork landowner, suzanne56smith@gmail.com, (217) 896-2698
• Charles Goodall, farmer and resident, charlesgoodall@gmail.com, (217) 474-9285
• Jonathan Ashbrook, Homer resident, Stand Up to Coal, jonashbrook@gmail.com

### Press Coverage

• The News Gazette (PDF)
• Illinois Public Media (WILL AM 580) (PDF)

]]> 12915 0 612 0 https://prairierivers.org/articles/2013/02/citizen-group-protects-canton-lake-and-nearby-streams-from-coal-mine/ Sat, 16 Feb 2013 20:06:25 +0000 http://prairierivers.org/?p=12940 [/caption] Canton Lake supplies clean drinking water for more than half of Fulton County's residents, and the North Canton strip mine put this invaluable resource at risk. Fortunately, clean water advocates successfully stopped the permitting of the strip mine. The leadership of Brenda Dilts, Prairie Rivers Network’s 2012 River Steward of the Year, is inspirational to residents across Illinois fighting to protect communities and clean water from coal pollution. Prairie Rivers Network has partnered with CACEI and the Illinois Sierra Club for the past two years to ensure that our state agencies do not allow this mine to move forward. The same group of companies proposing the North Canton Mine is also responsible for the Industry Mine, which has one of the worst water pollution records in the state—all the more reason permits for this mine should continue to be stopped. * * * * * * * * * * In the News: Tri-States Public Radio covered Illinois DNR's decision to revoke the North Canton Mine permit. (See this story as a PDF.) ]]> 12940 0 611 0 https://prairierivers.org/articles/2013/02/in-the-news-illinois-attorney-general-files-complaint-against-ameren/ Thu, 28 Feb 2013 00:00:53 +0000 http://prairierivers.org/?p=13020 We hope this will launch a full investigation by both Illinois EPA and Illinois DNR  into our current state infrastructure and capacity to coordinate the proper monitoring and management of coal wastes to ensure protection of our water supplies, resources and communities." Read the full story on the website of the Peoria Journal Star, or access a PDF.]]> 13020 0 610 0 https://prairierivers.org/articles/2013/03/starved-rock-update-public-hearing-tonight-on-sand-shipping-facility/ Mon, 04 Mar 2013 19:04:25 +0000 http://prairierivers.org/?p=13040 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. [caption id="attachment_13041" align="alignright" width="300" caption="Elliot Brinkman discusses sand mine with concerned citizens at a rally last fall"][/caption] 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 4^th, at 7:00 PM Where: Ottawa City Council Chambers, at 301 West Madison St., Ottawa, Illinois]]> 13040 0 609 0 https://prairierivers.org/articles/2013/03/the-vermilion-river-embracing-the-future/ Wed, 13 Mar 2013 15:56:26 +0000 http://prairierivers.org/?p=13081 Join us for six lightning talks and an open discussion on the future of the Vermilion River system:

1. Vermilion River at a Crossroads - Sue Smith, Salt Fork River Partners
2. Fish Diversity in the Vermilion River - Trent Thomas, Illinois Department of Natural Resources
3. Native Mussel Re-introduction - Jeremy Tiemann, Illinois Natural History Survey
4. Danville Dam Removal on the North Fork - Elliot Brinkman, Prairie Rivers Network
5. Coal Ash Clean-Up on the Middle Fork - Traci Barkley, Prairie Rivers Network
6. Return of Coal Mining on the Salt Fork? - Brian Perbix, Prairie Rivers Network

When: March 28th from 7-9 pm Where: Kickapoo Landing, 1 Clear Pond, Oakwood, IL 61858

From I-74 take Exit 206N. Take the first right and follow the brown signs to Kickapoo Landing on the left after the bridge.

Everyone welcome. Please bring a friend.

*Read a summary of this event in the News Gazette (pdf) on March 29, 2013.*

 ]]> 13081 0 608 0 https://prairierivers.org/articles/2013/03/homer-reverses-course-sells-water-to-coal-mine/ Thu, 14 Mar 2013 15:45:50 +0000 http://prairierivers.org/?p=13182 Defeat stings; especially when snatched from the jaws of victory. On March 11^th, 2013, Prairie Rivers Network and our friends at Stand Up To Coal were saddened that the Homer Village Board reversed its earlier decision, and voted to sell potable water and sewer services to Sunrise Coal - a subsidiary of Hallador Energy - for their  proposed mine in southwest Vermilion County. After more than a year of organizing, with hundreds of local farmers and residents turning out to meetings, going door-to-door, collecting petition signatures, and talking to their elected officials, we had hoped that our message of protecting clean water and healthy communities would prevail. It didn’t. But, ultimately, we still hope we will. Although the loss in Homer is a setback, it only marks the beginning of a larger process that will determine whether or not coal mining will return to the watershed of the Salt Fork of the Vermilion River. Access to potable water was the first hurdle Sunrise needed to clear, but by no means the biggest. Still needed to open a coal mine are:

• Raw water to wash coal – and lots of it. We still don’t think they can get enough, whether from the Salt Fork River, area groundwater, or other sources without triggering detrimental ecological consequences and threatening other water users.

• More coal – the current reserve is a patchwork, and holdout farmers and landowners are not willing to put their livelihoods at risk by signing a lease.

• More land – because township roads can’t support mine trucks, there is no way to get the coal to market without the mine acquiring more land to build a railroad spur.

• Permits from Illinois Department of Natural Resources, the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, and the Mines Safety and Health Administration. None of these have been issued, and all can be appealed.

Along with our partners, we will continue to work with community members to insist that local decision makers put clean water and healthy communities first. We extend our deepest thanks to all our members, volunteers and friends who have supported this work so far, and look forward to a successful future. Updated on March 18, 2013 with press coverage: News Gazette: Homer board reverses voted on water, sewer services for coal mine (March 11, 2013) (PDF) Illinois Public Media: Homer board reverses February vote for coal mine (March 12, 2013) (PDF) VermilionCountyFirst.com: Sunrise Coal wins a reversal on water (March 18, 2013) (PDF)]]> 13182 0 607 0 https://prairierivers.org/articles/2013/03/prairie-rivers-network-seeks-environmental-safeguards-at-proposed-hog-operation/ Tue, 19 Mar 2013 00:05:07 +0000 http://prairierivers.org/?p=13204 [/caption] We also requested that when the waste is land-applied as fertilizer, that it be injected and not merely applied to the surface where it could easily run off into nearby streams and ditches. As indicated by the picture to the right, the proposed construction site is in a hilly area. Before the public meeting, we provided concerned neighbors with information about environmental regulations and helped them prepare questions and comments. We worked with these neighbors and Illinois Citizens for Clean Air & Water to put on a press conference immediately before the meeting. The intent of the press conference was to make public our concerns about the environmental and community impacts of large-scale hog operations. Fortunately, several members of the press attended. Our press conference was also attended by members of the Illinois Livestock Development Group. They stood just a few feet from us as we read our statements, and one of the men unabashedly held out a tape recorder. These men regularly attend our press conferences on proposed livestock operations. The Illinois Department of Agriculture is currently evaluating whether the proposed operation meets the siting requirements of the Livestock Management Facilities Act. If construction is approved, some neighbors fear there will be bad odors, polluted runoff, and lower property values. Indeed, one of the neighbors lives less than a half mile from the proposed hog operation and is devastated by how his life might change.]]> 13204 0 605 0 https://prairierivers.org/articles/2013/04/prn-talks-farm-bill-with-congressman-davis/ Mon, 08 Apr 2013 16:23:14 +0000 http://prairierivers.org/?p=13344 [/caption] During the meeting, we requested that Congressman Davis support linking conservation compliance to federal crop insurance subsidies. Conservation compliance is an existing Farm Bill provision that requires farmers to reduce erosion and preserve wetlands. Farmers are subject to conservation compliance if they receive certain subsidies, but crop insurance is not one of them. The 2013 Farm Bill is our chance to fix this lost opportunity to improve the health of our rivers. American taxpayers spend over $7 billion each year on crop insurance subsidies. At the same time, agriculture is a leading cause of water pollution across the nation and in Illinois. Conservation compliance is a government success story proven to reduce water pollution and habitat destruction. Therefore, the public will benefit if conservation compliance is linked to federal crop insurance subsidies. Congressman Davis was attentive during our meeting, but it is unclear whether he will vote our way. Unfortunately, the agricultural and conservation groups are not all in agreement on this topic. For example, while the National Farmers Union has come out in support of linkage, the highly influential American Farm Bureau Federation has not. Congress should be taking up the Farm Bill later this spring. Prairie Rivers Network will continue to do outreach, but it’s important for legislators to hear from their constituents on this important opportunity. Please consider writing a Letter to the Editor or contacting your Representative and Senators Durbin and Kirk with the simple message: “I am a constituent and I am calling to ask the Senator/Congresswoman to support linking conservation compliance to federal crop insurance subsidies in the next Farm Bill.”   RELATED NEWS:  Congressman Davis has just signed on as a co-sponsor of the Protect Our Prairies Act! This is great news because the bill reduces incentives to convert prairies to row crops. Given that Illinois has lost over 99% of its original prairie habitat, we need to protect what's left. Thanks, Congressman Davis!  But we still want you to support linking conservation compliance to crop insurance subsidies!  ]]> 13344 0 602 0 https://prairierivers.org/articles/2013/04/lasalle-county-to-vote-on-temporary-sand-mining-moratorium/ Thu, 11 Apr 2013 00:45:47 +0000 http://prairierivers.org/?p=13368 Tomorrow afternoon, the LaSalle County Board will vote on a resolution to place a temporary moratorium on new silica sand mining operations. The county is currently working to update its Comprehensive Plan, a document they regularly rely upon to make land-use decisions. The moratorium will not only (temporarily) stop new mines from going in, but will also allow community members to weigh in on the plan revision and future zoning restrictions that protect unique and special places in the area. That’s the good news. Unfortunately, the resolution will not retroactively change past land-use decisions, particularly one that involves a 24-hour, 7-days-a-week, open-pit silica mine next to Illinois’ most-visited state park. Although the moratorium will not stop the mine adjacent to Starved Rock State Park, if passed, it could open a constructive dialogue about the implications of widespread silica mining on land use, public health, and the environment. If you live in LaSalle County, and you're concerned about the impacts of silica mining, tell your local elected officials to vote in favor of the moratorium. **Updated on April 12, 2013: Temporary moratorium passes! The Times: Environmentalists laud county sand mine moratorium (April 12, 2013)]]> 13368 0 601 0 https://prairierivers.org/articles/2013/04/take-action-support-dam-removal-on-the-vermilion-river/ Tue, 16 Apr 2013 19:35:07 +0000 http://prairierivers.org/?p=13408 planning study, and also discuss how removal will benefit fish populations. Following the presentations, representatives from the City and Department of Natural Resources will be available to answer questions and take comments. [column width="47%" margin_right="3%"] For nearly a decade, the City of Danville has sought to modify or remove the dams to improve public safety and avoid the costs associated with maintaining structures built around the turn of the century (last century, that is). The removals will not only improve public safety, but will also enhance stream quality. Dams of any size can negatively impact water quality and aquatic habitat by altering flow, water temperature, oxygen levels, and sediment transport. They can also act as a barrier to fish passage and the migration of other sensitive species, like freshwater mussels. The proposed removals will restore a significant portion of the river to a free-flowing condition, allowing fish and other aquatic organisms to access an additional 175 stream miles of high quality spawning habitat. We recognize the benefits to the local community and to the environment; however, the most limiting factor has been funding. As part of a $31 billion capital construction program, Governor Quinn recently announced the Illinois Dam Removal Initiative to improve the health and safety of Illinois waterways by removing defunct dams throughout the state. We have the dedicated resources, so the time is now! [/column][column width="47%" margin_right="3%"][emailpetition id="6"] [/column][end_columns]Before moving forward with the project, the Danville City Council must approve the plan to remove the dams. Please show your support for a more natural Vermilion River system by attending the meeting at the end of the month and by signing our petition today!  In the News:  City seeks comments at dams meeting, Danville Commercial News, April 26, 2013 (pdf) (Elliot Brinkman from Prairie Rivers Network quoted) Dam removal meeting gets heated, News-Gazette, April 30, 2013 (pdf)

City of Danville Dam Removal Open House

Date: Tuesday, April 30th

Time: 6:00-8:00 PM

Location: David S. Palmer Arena, 100 W. Main St., Danville, IL 61832

[caption id="attachment_13720" align="aligncenter" width="300"] Danville Dam (courtesy of Illinois Department of Natural Resources)[/caption]]]> 13408 0 597 0 https://prairierivers.org/articles/2013/04/study-shows-cost-savings-from-allowing-rivers-to-be-rivers-not-barge-highways/ Mon, 15 Apr 2013 12:35:27 +0000 http://prairierivers.org/?p=13420 Army Corps data has shown that commodity shipments through the Chicago Area Waterway System have declined precipitously in the preceding decades, with an approximately 45% drop in tonnage from 1994-2009. This is a timeframe that includes periods of significant growth for the national economy, and yet the trend is steadily downward. There is no reason to allow the barge industry to hold Illinois hostage to a dying economic model. Chicago is one of the world’s great cities, and yet its rivers have been neglected, marked by a lack of public access and a legacy of pollution, as barges continuously churn up toxic sediments accumulated in the bottom of canals. Illinois need not go down with the ship, however. The state would be wise to transition to a green economy that showcases water as a community asset — making it publicly accessible, cleaning it up, and dealing with the invasive species problem. Due to the national interest in preventing an economically and environmentally devastating Asian carp invasion into the Great Lakes, Illinois has been presented with a unique opportunity to fix the invasive species problem at the same time that it addresses other failings of the water infrastructure status quo. Many stakeholder groups are advocating for a restoration of the natural divide between the Great Lakes and Mississippi River. This would bring renewed investment to crumbling water infrastructure and stop invasive species transfer. Prairie Rivers Network has commissioned a new study (Chicago Area Waterway System Cost Analysis Report) of the probable future expenses for operation and maintenance of the Chicago Area Waterway System. The study indicates that the system will require at least $50 million in annual expenses to maintain the status quo. Under current economic conditions, there is no reason to spend taxpayer money to prop up a select few businesses that 1) cannot function without enormous public subsidies, 2) degrade thousands of miles of the nation’s rivers by turning them into superhighways for barges, and 3) are in direct opposition to the most protective solution to the invasive species problem — separation. A recent Forbes article states that barge operators pay about 10% of the total cost of maintaining the inland waterway system. Last year that was roughly $80 million paid by barges, with the rest of the $800 million price tag picked up by American taxpayers. The same article claims that, “Washington picks up more of the cost of riverborne shipping than any other type of logistics enterprise in the U.S. except, perhaps, resupplying the International Space Station.” Such a subsidy is not sustainable; it is time to make the barge operators pay their fair share. If they can’t stay afloat without enormous, unfair subsidies, they shouldn’t be on the river. ---- The Big River Moves Conference will take place April 15-16 at The Blackstone Hotel, 636 Michigan Avenue, Chicago, Illinois. Governor Quinn will be speaking at 9:00 AM on Monday, April 15. Below find a release drafted by stakeholder groups who are particularly concerned about the economics of the inland waterway system, providing details of how new legislation would shift even more of the monetary burden onto the American taxpayer. Barge Industry Floats a Bad Deal for Taxpayers]]> 13420 0 600 0 https://prairierivers.org/articles/2013/04/in-the-news-ameren-offers-plan-for-illinois-coal-ash-ponds/ Tue, 16 Apr 2013 19:01:18 +0000 http://prairierivers.org/?p=13802 Closure plans for these ponds must do more than just drain, cap and cover the ash pits,” Traci Barkley from Prairie Rivers Network said. Read about Ameren's plan for coal ash ponds in the St. Louis Post Dispatch (pdf). Prairie Rivers Network will participate in the public process before the Illinois Pollution Control Board and will push for rules that are protective of public health and the environment.]]> 13802 0 598 0 https://prairierivers.org/articles/2013/04/eighth-annual-boneyard-creek-community-day-a-big-success/ Sat, 06 Apr 2013 19:09:02 +0000 http://prairierivers.org/?p=13816 News-Gazette. 330 volunteers removed trash and invasive species at seven clean-up sites throughout Champaign-Urbana. They cleaned up 845 acres of land and 3.9 miles of water to leave these places better than they had found them. Stay tuned to the Boneyard Creek Community Day website for information about next year's clean-up!]]> 13816 0 603 0 https://prairierivers.org/articles/2013/04/april-2013-e-news/ Tue, 16 Apr 2013 12:00:50 +0000 http://prairierivers.org/?p=14214

In this April 2013 E-News edition (PDF):

• How does your rain garden grow?
• Heartland Coalfield Alliance retreat
• Take Action: Proposed dam removal- Danville
• Spring 2013 Newsletter and 2012 Annual Report
• Homer rejects selling non-potable water to mine
• Green Politics Night at Escobar's in Champaign

]]> 14214 0 599 0 https://prairierivers.org/articles/2013/03/march-2013-e-news/ Fri, 15 Mar 2013 12:00:53 +0000 http://prairierivers.org/?p=14243 In this March 2013 E-News edition (PDF):

• The Vermilion River: Embracing the Future
• Tiny Cause for Joy- Grass Shrimp found in Des Plaines River
• Prairie Rivers Goes to Washington
• Homer Coal Update
• Changing Course: Re-envisioning the Chicago River with Studio Gang Architects
• Heartland Coalfield Alliance Organizing Retreat - May 17-19
• Upcoming events!

]]> 14243 0 606 0 https://prairierivers.org/articles/2013/02/state-factory-farm-rulemaking-almost-at-the-finish-line/ Wed, 06 Feb 2013 16:44:20 +0000 http://prairierivers.org/?p=12850 [/caption] Prairie Rivers Network recently filed our final comments on the proposed state factory farm rule. This rule will regulate water pollution from large livestock operations. If the Illinois Pollution Control Board (IPCB) adopts our recommendations, the rule could significantly reduce the negative impacts of livestock operations on Illinois streams. Illinois has many streams that are impaired due to bad land application practices and sloppy management of waste storage structures. For example, some livestock operators spread waste on top of frozen or snow-covered ground, but the manure can move off a sloped field and into nearby ditches or streams when the weather warms. Improving the state’s regulations is one way we are trying to make Illinois streams safe for everyone. We don’t want you to ever have to worry about what’s in the water. We have been involved in this rulemaking since 2009, when we began participating as a stakeholder in meetings to discuss livestock waste management practices. The Illinois EPA convened this stakeholder workgroup, which consisted of environmental groups, livestock associations, and government agencies. The Illinois EPA considered the recommendations of the workgroup and submitted a proposed rule to the IPCB in March 2012. The proposed rule contained several recommendations we had made. For example, it required livestock operations to have at least 6 months worth of waste storage capacity. This is important because it means the operations can get through the winter without land-applying waste. Winter is one of the riskiest times to apply waste because it can run off into streams during snowmelt. The proposed rule also prohibited application of waste on steep slopes and on fields that already have enough phosphorus to grow a crop. However, the proposed rule fell short in a number of ways. Surprisingly, Illinois does not require livestock operations to be set back a minimum distance from streams. There also is not a requirement for all large operations to register with the state or get a Clean Water Act permit. And the proposed rule did little to address the problem of livestock waste leaving land application fields via tile drains and then discharging into streams. Prairie Rivers Network teamed up with Environmental Law & Policy Center and Illinois Citizens for Clean Air & Water to participate in public hearings on the proposed rule. These hearings lasted from August until November 2012 and took place in 5 cities across the state. We testified and presented expert witnesses at these hearings, and cross-examined other witnesses that appeared. We are excited about our rule recommendations because we think these changes could have meaningful impacts on water quality and public health. Whether the IPCB adopts any of our recommendations will be determined in the coming year. It is clear that science is on our side, but the IPCB must also consider economic practicality amidst a very political climate.  ]]> 17479 0 614 0 https://prairierivers.org/articles/2013/04/green-politics-night-at-escobars/ Wed, 24 Apr 2013 19:40:41 +0000 http://prairierivers.org/?p=13090 When: Thursday, April 25, 2013, 6-8pm Where: Escobar's, 6 East Columbia Ave., Champaign 61820 Hear updates on local environmental issues such as the Champaign bag ordinance, sole source aquifer petition, and climate action plans by local politicians and policymakers. Socialize with fellow environmentalists and enjoy the great food and atmosphere at Escobar's! Hosted by Prairie Group of the Sierra Club, Faith in Place, Champaign County Audubon Society, and Prairie Rivers Network.]]> 13090 0 587 0 https://prairierivers.org/articles/2013/04/celebrate-spring-with-rain-gardens/ Fri, 26 Apr 2013 15:30:24 +0000 http://prairierivers.org/?p=13258 Celebrate Spring with rain gardens and join us at one of our free upcoming workshops! Spring is here! And many of you are aching to be outside, digging around in the dirt!  We are here to help with free rain garden workshops.

What is a rain garden?

A rain garden is a unique, beautiful landscape feature designed to capture and use rain and snowmelt. You don't have to be a master gardener or engineer to make a rain garden, and the numerous economic and environmental benefits will last for years:

• provide habitat for wildlife such as birds and butterflies
• reduce flooding and water damage
• absorb more water than traditional lawns
• recharge ground water
• remove pollutants from storm water

Prairie Rivers Network's Stacy James will be talking about rain gardens in two upcoming workshops. Participants will leave the workshop with enough knowledge and resources to construct their own rain gardens.

Springfield Rain Garden Workshop

When: Monday, April 29, 2013, 6 pm

(workshop is approx. 45 minutes long with a Q & A period following)

Where: Springfield Lincoln Public Library

326 S. 7th St, Springfield, IL

 

Free. Registration required.

Register here!

Peoria Rain Garden Workshop

When: Saturday, May 4, 2013, 10 am

(workshop is approx. 45 minutes long with a Q & A period following)

Where: Peoria Public Library Main Branch

107 NE Monroe, Peoria, IL

 

Free. Registration required.

Register here! 

Past workshop as part of the Mahomet Spring Gardening Seminar:

Spring Gardening Seminar*

presented by the Enhance Mahomet Committee

When: April 6, 2013, 8am-1pm                       

Where: Lake of the Woods Pavillion                                                            

Champaign County Forest Preserve, Mahomet, IL                                                                                          

Space is limited. Register by March 29!      

 

*This half-day workshop presented by the Enhance Mahomet Committee features presentations on gardening with native plants, garden design for interest and continuous color, underutilized shrubs and trees for year-round color, and conserving water with rain gardens. Click for the full descriptions and schedule.  

]]> 13258 0 586 0 https://prairierivers.org/articles/2013/04/prairie-rivers-spring2013-newsletter/ Mon, 22 Apr 2013 14:51:37 +0000 http://prairierivers.org/?p=13436 Spring 2013 Newsletter, featuring articles on:

• Cover Crops: An Important Tool for Reducing Water Pollution
• Greetings from Glynnis
• Environmental Lobby Day on May 2nd
• Sunrise Coal Setback for Homer Residents  (see the latest News-Gazette article with a happy update on this story)
• Go Team! Run for your Rivers and Walk for your Streams at the IL Marathon
• Rain Garden Workshops in Springfield and Peoria
• Green Politics Night in Champaign
• Conservation Funding in a Changing Climate
• River Training Debunked
• Oil and Gas Fracking Regulations

You can also read our 2012 Annual Report.

       ]]> 13436 0 592 0 https://prairierivers.org/articles/2013/04/homer-rejects-selling-raw-water-to-coal-mine/ Thu, 18 Apr 2013 14:00:11 +0000 http://prairierivers.org/?p=13456 An update—and a good one—to our last post on Sunrise Coal's proposed mine: In a clear victory for the Salt Fork River, Homer village trustees voted 5-0 to decline selling huge volumes of raw water for washing coal to Sunrise Coal's proposed "Bulldog" mine. While Sunrise and its parent company Hallador Energy may continue to search for the water needed to open a mine, the vote in Homer shows the strong local support for conserving and protecting the Salt Fork and area water resources from coal mining. Read the full story here (pdf). Read our earlier posts here and here about the long battle against the Sunrise Coal's proposed Bulldog coal mine.]]> 13456 0 596 0 https://prairierivers.org/articles/2013/05/illinois-to-write-state-nutrient-reduction-strategy-but-will-it-be-tough-enough/ Mon, 06 May 2013 14:57:28 +0000 http://prairierivers.org/?p=13636 [/caption] The plan will address both point and non-point sources of nutrient pollution. It is essential that pollution reductions come from both sectors to achieve meaningful progress towards clean water. The federal Clean Water Act gives Illinois EPA the authority to regulate and reduce discharges from point sources such as sewage treatment plants. Illinois could be doing more with this existing authority, and should because point sources can have very detrimental impacts and are a significant part of the problem. Nutrient removal technologies are available but point sources are slow to adopt them because of the expense. However, progress is being made plant by plant. The majority of nutrient pollution comes from agriculture, which is exempt from the Clean Water Act (with the exception of certain livestock operations). As a society, we have relied for decades on voluntary measures to reduce pollution from agriculture. In other words, farmers have taken steps on their own, or society has financially incentivized farmers' adoption of practices that will reduce the loss of agricultural chemicals from farm fields. Unfortunately, the voluntary approach is both expensive to taxpayers and insufficient, as agriculture remains a leading source of water pollution. There may be certain land management practices that should be required or prohibited that would make significant improvements in the quality of Illinois’ rivers. We need to come up with solutions that are beneficial to both the health of farms and the environment. Conceptually, farmers and environmentalists should not be that far apart on this matter because nutrient pollution represents a loss of income to farmers. However, we disagree on the effectiveness of a strictly voluntary approach, and therefore Prairie Rivers Network is looking for new approaches that include more farmer accountability and faster progress. While attending the kickoff meeting, we asked whether the agricultural section of Illinois’ State Nutrient Reduction Strategy would include more than voluntary measures. Unfortunately, voluntary is the plan for now. Dissatisfied with this answer, Prairie Rivers Network wrote House Bill 2034, which would require Illinois EPA to assemble a diverse stakeholder taskforce to assess and recommend regulatory options to reduce pollution from agriculture. The bill was introduced late in the session and unfortunately it has stalled due to legislative deadlines. Regardless of what happens with the bill, we hope it will inspire thoughtful and serious discussions at the upcoming Nutrient Reduction Strategy policy meetings. We will be at those meetings, advocating for programs and practices with proven ability to make a difference.]]> 13636 0 582 0 https://prairierivers.org/articles/2013/04/in-the-news-canton-area-citizens-continue-to-try-to-keep-their-water-safe/ Mon, 29 Apr 2013 12:00:12 +0000 http://prairierivers.org/?p=13699 Industry Mine, which was recently found responsible for 624 Clean Water Act violations in eight years. Read more about the proposed North Canton strip mine on our website. The public hearing was covered by Tri-States Public Radio (pdf).  Also, read the story in the Canton Daily Ledger (pdf) about the Canton Area Citizens for Environmental Issues (CACEI) March 12th meeting with their city council members. We applaud the CACEI for their efforts! Read the press release calling on Governor Quinn to stop the renewal of this permit!]]> 13699 0 585 0 https://prairierivers.org/articles/2013/04/after-30-years-of-inaction-epa-finally-proposes-plans-for-power-plant-water-pollution/ Mon, 22 Apr 2013 17:09:26 +0000 http://prairierivers.org/?p=13713 [/caption] FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE April 22, 2013 After 30 Years of Inaction, EPA Finally Proposes Plans for Power Plant Water Pollution Includes options protecting waters from toxic pollution as well as weaker standards that maintain the status quo Washington, D.C. – The Environmental Protection Agency proposed a number of regulatory options late last Friday night, known as steam electric effluent limitation guidelines for power plants, two of which will finally clean up water pollution from hundreds of power plants. Power plant water discharges are filled with toxic pollution such as mercury, arsenic, lead, and selenium – heavy metals that can cause neurological and developmental damage, cause harm in utero, damage internal organs and cause cancer. Power plants are the biggest sources of water pollution in the country, yet the EPA has not reviewed regulations for this industry in more than 30 years. To address this unacceptable delay, environmental groups filed a lawsuit in 2010 to force the EPA to take action and regulate this dirty industry. The following statement is from Appalachian Voices, Clean Water Action, Environmental Integrity Project, Earthjustice, Prairie Rivers Network, Sierra Club, Southern Alliance for Clean Energy, and Waterkeeper Alliance on today’s proposal: “After 30 years of inaction, the EPA has finally offered a plan that utilizes affordable, available pollution controls to clean up toxic power plant waste water. We need strong protections that limit the amount of mercury, lead, arsenic, chromium, and other heavy metals that power plants are dumping into the rivers, lakes, and streams where we fish, boat, swim, and drink. The technology to clean up power plant water discharges exists, and in many cases is already being used. While the EPA has presented a menu of options, there are two options (Options 4 and 5) that address all of the contaminated wastewaters of concern across the industry. We are heartened to see that the EPA has identified these options as both achievable and affordable, and we urge the agency to settle on a final choice that will keep America’s waters safe and clean as the Clean Water Act requires. “In addition to the protective alternatives identified by the agency, the EPA also included many weaker options that would allow power plants to continue to dump poisons unabated from unlined pits. Some of these options also create sweeping exemptions. “Toxic water pollution from coal-fired power plants makes people sick. Those who live in the communities around these plants have had all kinds of concerns about the pollution – everything from reduced property values to extremely rare forms of cancer. We applaud the EPA for taking this next step to address the problem, and we will keep fighting to ensure the EPA chooses the strongest regulation to protect our health and our water.” Contact: Sandra Diaz, Appalachian Voices (828) 263-4393; sandra@appvoices.org Jennifer Peters, Clean Water Action (202) 895-0420, x105; jpeters@cleanwater.org Jennifer Duggan, Environmental Integrity Project (802) 225-6774; jduggan@environmentalintegrity.org Jared Saylor, Earthjustice (202) 745-5213; jsaylor@earthjustice.org Traci Barkley, Prairie Rivers Network (217) 344-2371; tbarkley@prairierivers.org Eitan Bencuya, Sierra Club (202) 495-3047; eitan.bencuya@sierraclub.org Jennifer Rennicks, Southern Alliance for Clean Energy (865) 235-1448; jrennicks@cleanenergy.org Brittany Kraft, Waterkeeper Alliance (678) 761-6584; bkraft@waterkeeper.org ##### IN THE NEWS: EPA regulations of power plant discharges one step closer to passage (Times Online) April 23, 2013 (PDF)]]> 13713 0 591 0 https://prairierivers.org/articles/2013/04/join-prairie-rivers-network-for-environmental-lobby-day/ Wed, 24 Apr 2013 13:00:54 +0000 http://prairierivers.org/?p=13728 YOUR VOICE IS NEEDED IN SPRINGFIELD ON MAY 2ND Prairie Rivers Network and our partners will be talking to legislators about important environmental initiatives during Environmental Lobby Day on May 2nd. Please join us! This is a great chance to meet the staff of Prairie Rivers Network, learn about lobbying, and network with other activists. Most importantly, our legislators need to know that clean water and healthy rivers are important and that you expect them to protect our environment. They need to hear from YOU! If you are interested in talking with legislators or visiting with fellow river advocates, please email Glynnis at gcollins@prairierivers.org.  ]]> 13728 0 588 0 https://prairierivers.org/articles/2013/04/ucsd-public-meeting-proposed-water-sale-to-fertilizer-plant-coal-mine/ Tue, 23 Apr 2013 20:01:30 +0000 http://prairierivers.org/?p=13753 Please join us at the public meeting on May 8^th at 6:30 pm at the UCSD Urbana plant, 1100 E. University Ave. The Urbana Champaign Sanitary District (UCSD) is considering selling large amounts of water from its Urbana and Savoy sewage treatment plants to Cronus Chemical, a company proposing a $1.2 billion fertilizer plant in Tuscola, IL. UCSD is also exploring a water sale to Hallador Energy's Sunrise Coal, the company that is trying to develop a new coal mine near Homer, IL. UCSD’s water discharges, commonly referred to as “effluent,” now flow from the Urbana sewage treatment plant to the Salt Fork of the Vermilion River, and from the Savoy plant to Copper Slough and eventually, the Kaskaskia River.  The water sales would change the flows in these streams significantly. Much is at stake in this contemplated water sale including the health of our streams, the sustainability of our community water supply, and the health of our local economies.  We do not believe the UCSD Board has considered the full ramifications of these sales. The District should not be rushing into contracts that promise our water to outside, water-intensive industries.  The District is holding a public meeting on May 8th at the Urbana treatment plant. Please join us for a full, open and informed discussion. Please spread the word to your friends and colleagues. For more information, contact Kim Knowles: kknowles [at] prairierivers [dot]org In the News: Treated-water sale to Tuscola plant on table (News-Gazette, April 4, 2013) (pdf)]]> 13753 0 590 0 https://prairierivers.org/articles/2013/04/press-release-canton-residents-call-on-governor-quinn-to-halt-renewal-of-strip-mine-permit/ Wed, 24 Apr 2013 09:00:52 +0000 http://prairierivers.org/?p=13788 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE April 24^th, 2013 Canton Residents Call on Governor Quinn to Halt Renewal of Strip Mine Permit that Threatens Drinking Water Supply Illinois Department of Natural Resources is Side-Stepping Public Participation and Ignoring Administrative Decision with Plan to Renew “Denied” Mine Permit Canton, IL – At a public hearing in Canton on Wednesday night, dozens of residents expressed outrage and frustration that the Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) is moving ahead with plans to process a renewal application for the North Canton strip mine. In February, Canton Area Citizens for Environmental Issues (CACEI) and the Illinois Sierra Club celebrated a decision in a state permit review hearing denying the permit for the North Canton mine. They were surprised to learn that instead of requiring the mine to submit a new permit application in light of the decision, IDNR instead would process the application and issue modifications at the time of renewal. “The Illinois Department of Natural Resources is silencing the people of Canton who have worked tirelessly for the past 6 years to protect Canton Lake from coal mine pollution,” said Brenda Dilts, chair of the Canton Area Citizens for Environmental Issues. She added, “Our community’s drinking water is at stake.” Other speakers raised concerns about new information that has come to light since the mining permit was originally issued. “Our understanding of the Canton Lake watershed has significantly improved since the mine received its original permit in 2008,” explained Dr. Cindy Skrukrud, Clean Water Advocate with the Illinois Chapter Sierra Club. She added, “The Illinois Environmental Protection Agency recently released a report which demonstrated that several of the streams that the mine would destroy are a key conduit for replenishing Canton Lake’s supply of drinking water.” The North Canton Mine would be located slightly more than a mile upstream of Canton Lake, which provides drinking water for over half of Fulton County’s’s residents. The strip mine proposes to dam feeder streams and destroy other surface waterways in the watershed above Canton Lake. Further, the owners of the mining company have been the target of legal action by the Illinois Attorney General’s Office on account of extensive water pollution violations at their mine near Industry, IL in Schuyler and McDonough counties. The Environmental Law and Policy Center, the Illinois Sierra Club, and Prairie Rivers Network are also parties to that suit. In November, the Illinois Pollution Control Board affirmed that the Industry Mine violated its permit 624 times over a period of 8 years. The violations included unlawful discharges of iron, manganese, sulfates, acid, and total suspended solids–enough pollution to pose serious threats to water quality. “Because of its close proximity to Canton Lake, this location was never appropriate for a strip coal mine,” said Brian Perbix, Grassroots Organizer with the Prairie Rivers Network. He added, “The Illinois Department of Natural Resources should not let a company with such an abysmal pollution record put Canton’s drinking water at risk.” Contact: Brenda Dilts, Canton Area Citizens for Environmental Issues, 309-649-1938 Cindy Skrukrud, Illinois Chapter of the Sierra Club, (312) 251-1680 x110 Brian Perbix, Prairie Rivers Network, (217) 344-2371 x208 ###]]> 13788 0 589 0 https://prairierivers.org/articles/2013/05/sustainable-water-use-policy-should-guide-water-sales/ Thu, 02 May 2013 19:36:24 +0000 http://prairierivers.org/?p=13845 UCSD considering water sale to fertilizer plant & coal mine The Urbana Champaign Sanitary District (UCSD) is considering selling large amounts of water from its Urbana and Champaign sewage treatment plants to Cronus Chemical, a company proposing a fertilizer plant near Tuscola in Douglas County, IL. UCSD has also received a request to sell water to Hallador Energy’s Sunrise Coal, the company that is trying to develop the "Bulldog" coal mine southeast of Homer in Vermilion County, IL. UCSD’s water discharges, commonly referred to as “effluent,” now flow from the Urbana sewage treatment plant to the Saline Branch and then the Salt Fork of the Vermilion River, and from the Champaign plant to Copper Slough and eventually, to the Kaskaskia River. The water sales could significantly change the flows in these streams and may commit the District to selling water that would one day be needed in Champaign County. Please join us at the UCSD public meeting on May 8^th @ 6:30 pm at the Urbana sewage treatment plant, 1100 East University Avenue, Urbana.  While the details remain unclear, we have been told that Cronus is seeking 6.4 million gallons per day (MGD) of our water.  We believe that Bulldog mine would use at least 1 million gallons per day during full operation.  On the driest days, the Urbana and Champaign plants together discharge 13 MGD. Thus, during the driest times the companies could be taking more than half of the total effluent discharged to our local streams. Both of these industries are water-intensive and consumptive, meaning they use a lot of water and the water is largely used up rather than discharged back into the streams. Prairie Rivers Network applauds UCSD for hosting a public meeting on May 8^th, but is concerned that UCSD is proceeding too quickly and without considering the long term implications of the water sales. Although UCSD has drafted a policy for effluent sales, the policy appears to have been hastily drawn up as a vehicle for expediting the sales. Water sales have important ramifications for the health of our streams, our water supply and our local economies. It is a decision worthy of careful consideration and substantial public input. Prairie Rivers Network supports wise water reuse, water conservation, groundwater and aquifer recharge and protection of aquatic life in our rivers and streams. Champaign County needs a sensible long term policy to govern water sales that considers the following: Current water use is not sustainable  The way we currently use our water is not sustainable. The water we use in Champaign County originates from the Mahomet Aquifer. We use water from the aquifer faster than the recharge rate, creating a net loss in water supply. Decisions about how we reuse our effluent should not be made without consideration of the current depletion of the aquifer. Reducing the rate of withdrawal from the Mahomet aquifer through conservation and/or recharge of the aquifer is a necessary element of a sensible water policy. The proposed sales to Cronus and Hallador perpetuate the pattern of overuse because the industries are water-intensive, consumptive and do not allow for aquifer recharge. The proposed sales do not promote water conservation and create a potential conflict for the District between promoting conservation and a contractual obligation to provide effluent, because reduced water use through conservation reduces the amount of effluent the District has available for sale. UCSD discharges protect local steams Effluent from the UCSD treatment plants is mitigating the unnaturally low stream flows caused by agricultural tile drains and stream channelization. Without the UCSD effluent, the Salt Fork, Copper Slough and the Kaskaskia would have lower flows during critical times, potentially harming aquatic life, riparian vegetation and the overall health and beauty of these rivers. UCSD effluent also dilutes the pollution that runs into the rivers from farmland and from urban areas.  Lower flows in the Salt Fork would concentrate pollutants such as nitrates in the stream and could also threaten the quality and supply of Oakwood’s drinking water.  Maintaining healthy flows in these streams must be a priority. Sustainable Water Use Policy is needed to protect stream health, water needs and economic growth Champaign County’s water supply is presently adequate but future shortages are a possibility without careful planning. With a changing climate and a projected increase in the frequency of droughts, we can expect increasing demands on local water supplies, particularly for irrigation. We may well need to reuse effluent to serve local needs and protect river ecosystems. Given the changing climate and uncertainty regarding precipitation, we should shun water intensive industries in favor of employers with better job-to-water-use ratios.  The average job-to-water ratio in Champaign County in 2005 was 2600 jobs for every one million gallons of water used/day. In contrast, Cronus proposes 23 jobs for every million gallons of water used/day. Most of these jobs will be outside of Champaign County. Champaign County needs a forward-thinking, long range, sustainable water use policy. The effluent from the UCSD plants is an important component of that policy. Let’s take the time now and get it right. Please join us at the UCSD public meeting on May 8^th @ 6:30 pm at the Urbana sewage treatment plant, 1100 East University Avenue, Urbana. 

IN THE NEWS: Environmental Almanac: Public invited to sound off on proposed sale of water (News-Gazette) May 5, 2013 (PDF)

]]> 13845 0 583 0 https://prairierivers.org/articles/2013/04/in-the-news-prairie-rivers-network-members-have-ltes-published/ Sat, 20 Apr 2013 22:45:23 +0000 http://prairierivers.org/?p=13863 Rudy Habben of Peoria Heights and Bruce Semans of Rochester both had Letters to the Editor published in their local papers recently. The letters encouraged everyone to conserve water, especially considering the droughts of last summer. In the yard, we can all do our part by planting native plants and maybe even a rain garden. Rain gardens help to catch rain water and infiltrate it into the ground, recharging groundwater and reducing water pollution. You can read Rudy's letter in the Peoria Journal Star (pdf) and Bruce's letter in the State Journal Register (Springfield) (pdf)  Congratulations to both!]]> 13863 0 594 0 https://prairierivers.org/articles/2013/05/thank-your-runners-and-walkers-for-raising-10000/ Wed, 01 May 2013 13:00:42 +0000 http://prairierivers.org/?p=13869

 ]]> 13869 0 584 0 https://prairierivers.org/articles/2013/05/may-2013-e-news/ Wed, 08 May 2013 19:18:27 +0000 http://prairierivers.org/?p=13903 In this May 2013 E-News edition (pdf):

• Heartland Coalfield Alliance Organizing Retreat
• Champaign-Urbana Proposed Water Sales Public Meeting
• Environmental Lobby Day a Success!
• Nutrient Pollution Reduction Strategy Announced
• PRN in the News
• Thank You Runners and Walkers!

]]> 13903 0 581 0 https://prairierivers.org/articles/2013/05/prn-urges-ucsd-to-adopt-policy-that-protects-water-supply-promotes-stream-health/ Tue, 14 May 2013 18:05:47 +0000 http://prairierivers.org/?p=13964 Below find a letter to the trustees of the Urbana Champaign Sanitary District outlining our position on water sales by the district. This letter was precipitated by UCSD's consideration of water sales to two different proposed facilities - the Cronus fertilizer plant near Tuscola, IL and Sunrise Coal's "Bulldog" coal mine in Vermilion County, IL. PRN believes that it is necessary for UCSD to adopt a formal policy to help guide considerations of water sales. For background information on the water sales currently being considered, go here. The UCSD draft policy statement, to which this letter is a response, can be found here. ----- Dear Trustees Lenik, Lyke and Putman: Thank you for presenting the District’s draft policy on effluent sales for public review and comment.  The sale of effluent by the District is a new and serious consideration with long term implications for the Champaign Urbana community. As I stated at the public meeting on May 8th, it appears that the contemplated sale to Cronus is being made without due consideration of the potential ramifications and long term consequences. Likewise, the policy reads as if it has been hastily drafted to facilitate the sale. We hope you will use the invitation from Cronus as an opportunity to develop a policy for the future, rather than feel compelled to act quickly, according to a timeline set by Cronus. We need a policy that helps protect our water supply and promotes the health of local, cherished streams. The comments we heard on May 8 demonstrated overwhelming interest in protecting these streams and in planning for the future. To that end, we offer the following comments on the draft policy. The numbered paragraphs correspond to those in the draft. Paragraph 1.     The meaning of “financially beneficial” is unknown, as is the meaning of “influences.” Although policy statements tend to be more general in nature, if the document is too vague or overbroad how is the public, or the board for that matter, to determine whether a contemplated sale is consistent with the policy?  Please provide some clarification as to the meaning of these terms. The policy should require the sale price to be commensurate with market value in a comparable market, and reflect the opportunity cost of foreclosing the option to meet unforeseen local needs. Paragraph 2.     Likewise, there is no indication what a “substantial contract” is. Is the potential Cronus contract substantial? What about the Bulldog Mine proposal?  We suggest that the policy clarify which proposals will be subject to public input and that the policy require the Board to seek public input and to strongly encourage and facilitate such input.  A public meeting and public comment period should be required elements of sale proposal considerations. Moreover, public comments should be sought after the public has been provided with a credible analysis of the impacts of the choices to be presented to the board for decision. Paragraph 5.     Maintaining flow (including flow variability) needed to support existing uses, including recreational uses such as fishing and paddling and aquatic life uses should be a requirement in any sale of effluent.   Stating that sustaining a minimum level of flow is highly desirable is simply not enough and it not consistent with the District’s mission of protecting the natural environment. Decisions regarding flow maintenance for the protection of uses should be made after expert consultation with both a hydrologist and an aquatic biologist. The impact of diversions on water quality must also be expertly determined. Paragraph 6.     We believe that consumptive uses should be minimized, not simply “discouraged.” Paragraph 7.     I cannot understand this paragraph as currently written and I doubt many others can either.  The Mahomet Aquifer, upon which we heavily rely for our water supply is currently being used at an unsustainable rate. We are using the water faster than it can be recharged by precipitation. Groundwater recharge should be a priority in assessing water sales.  Proposals that allow for recharge of the Mahomet Aquifer should be given priority.  The District should not assume that the proposal from Cronus is the only one it will receive. Paragraph 8.     This paragraph is so vague I cannot see how it provides any guidance. The policy should encourage water conservation, discourage consumptive uses, promote energy conservation and prioritize aquifer recharge wherever possible. In addition, the policy is too narrowly drawn and should be amended to reflect broader community interests. We recommend the following additions:

1. Local economic benefits of effluent sales should weigh far more heavily than economic benefit elsewhere.
2. Effluent sales should favor industries that employ “green” or sustainable practices.
3. Consideration must be given to potential future demands on the receiving streams. For instance, though the Board may say no to a deal with Sunrise Coal, the mine may still be developed and may use water withdrawals from the Salt Fork.  The need for a margin of safety regarding stream flows and potential future withdrawals should be evaluated.
4. Effluent sales should not interfere with existing or planned stream restoration efforts.
5. The implications of potential future regulatory requirements should be considered in any potential effluent sale.
6. Consideration must also be given to the impact on area streams when influent is significantly reduced such as during the summer months when the population decreases dramatically and at certain times of the day when water use is low, generating less influent.

Finally, it appears that the District has put the proverbial cart before the horse. Staff seems to be negotiating contract terms with Cronus before we even know what the environmental impact of reduced flows will be, and as stated earlier, before a final effluent sale policy is in place.  A sound water use policy should establish a formal procedure regarding how water sale proposals will be evaluated by staff and the Board and vetted to the public. Thank you for consideration of these comments. We look forward to working with you on this important issue. Sincerely, Kim Knowles Staff Attorney, Prairie Rivers Network]]> 13964 0 578 0 https://prairierivers.org/articles/2013/04/ameren-sued-in-federal-court-for-more-than-1000-violations-of-clean-air-act/ Fri, 19 Apr 2013 15:54:54 +0000 http://prairierivers.org/?p=14071 Central Illinois Healthy Community Alliance, which is comprised of Prairie Rivers Network, Peoria Families Against Toxic Waste, Central Illinois Global Warming Solutions, and the Sierra Club Beyond Coal campaign in Illinois. Read more in this Park Forest Enews story (PDF) (April 19, 2013).]]> 14071 0 595 0 https://prairierivers.org/articles/2013/05/central-illinois-rain-barrel-sale-and-rain-garden-talk/ Thu, 23 May 2013 21:43:44 +0000 http://prairierivers.org/?p=14082 [/caption] The Tazewell County Health Department is selling rain barrels to central Illinois residents. Rain barrels are a great way to recycle rain water and reduce water bills! If you would like to order a barrel, fill out and send this form along with your payment by June 14. Barrels must be picked up on Saturday June 22 between 9am-noon. You don't have to be a Tazewell County resident to take advantage of this great opportunity! Also on June 22, the Tazewell County Health Department will be hosting a rain garden talk given by Prairie Rivers Network. The talk starts at 9am at the Health Department office in Tremont (21306 IL State Route 9), the same location as the rain barrel pickup. We hope to see you there!]]> 14082 0 576 0 https://prairierivers.org/articles/2013/05/public-hearing-over-murdock-mine-renewal-on-monday/ Tue, 14 May 2013 13:00:57 +0000 http://prairierivers.org/?p=14100 have agreed to look into new complaints by Murdock area residents that a large amount of dust still blows on windy days from the former mining site, which is the target of pollution complaints filed last fall by the Illinois attorney general's office. Prairie Rivers Network has worked to bring the plight of the mine's neighbors to the attention of the Illinois State Attorney General’s office since 2010. The mine had stockpiled and stored materials such as biosolids and coal ash in ways that created a water pollution hazard, and also allowed the emission of dust and unpleasant odors through storage, handling, disposal and use of wastes.

IN THE NEWS: State to investigate new complaints over Murdock mine site (News Gazette) May 14, 2013 (PDF)

]]> 14100 0 579 0 https://prairierivers.org/articles/2013/05/celebrate-clean-water-and-good-beer/ Tue, 21 May 2013 18:52:46 +0000 http://prairierivers.org/?p=14144 Please join Prairie Rivers Network and friends for our Happy Hour on May 31st!

We'll raise a toast to clean water, healthy rivers, and good beer!

When: May 31st, 2013, 6-8pm Where: Mike n' Molly's, 105 N. Market St, Champaign, IL

Everyone is welcome!

 

]]> 14144 0 577 0 https://prairierivers.org/articles/2013/04/happy-earth-day/ Mon, 22 Apr 2013 11:00:46 +0000 http://prairierivers.org/?p=14208 ]]> 14208 0 593 0 https://prairierivers.org/articles/2013/06/in-the-news-letters-to-the-editor-pour-in/ Sat, 08 Jun 2013 16:18:29 +0000 http://prairierivers.org/?p=14131 proposed water sale of the Urbana Champaign Sanitary District to Cronus Chemical's proposed fertilizer plant and Sunrise Coal's proposed "Bulldog" mine. See Prairie Rivers Network's website for our response to the Sanitary District's draft plan for sales of effluent, biosolids or other byproducts. Kim Knowles, Staff Attorney for Prairie Rivers Network, wrote this letter, published in the News-Gazette on May 19, 2013 (PDF). Other letters:

• Bruce Hannon from Champaign (PDF) on May 5
• Jason Lindsey from Champaign (PDF) on May 10
• Chris Main from Champaign (PDF) on May16
• Tim Cunningham from Oakwood (PDF) on May 19
• Scott Dossett from Urbana (PDF) on May 19
• Bob Illyes from Champaign (PDF) on May 22
• Carolyn Casady Trimble and Ralph Trimble from Urbana (PDF) on May 23
• Crystal Allen from rural Homer (PDF) on May 31
• Jonathan Ashbrook from Homer (PDF) on June 8

To register your opinion about the proposed water sales, write your own letter, or contact the Sanitary District's Board of Trustees.]]> 14131 0 571 0 https://prairierivers.org/articles/2013/06/large-factory-farm-in-sensitive-karst-region-approved-by-idoa/ Tue, 11 Jun 2013 17:41:28 +0000 http://prairierivers.org/?p=14289 [/caption] Prairie Rivers Network knows several of these concerned neighbors because we have been working with them since February. We became aware of the proposed hog confinement when a neighbor contacted our office asking for assistance. We helped the neighbors by briefing them on the state’s livestock regulations and preparing them for the public hearing that occurred in early March. The Illinois Department of Agriculture approves the construction of dozens of new or expanding factory farms annually. Prairie Rivers Network will work with neighbors to oppose a project when we have serious concerns about the potential for water pollution. We got involved in D&B Farms because it is located in a karst region that is sensitive to groundwater pollution from livestock waste. Waste can contaminate groundwater by being spread on agricultural fields or by seeping out of underground waste storage pits. We argued that D&B Farm’s pit should be constructed to prevent seepage, and it appears that the Department is requiring that this higher standard be met. We were also concerned that streams bordering the land application fields would become polluted. Land application of waste on agricultural fields is standard practice because the waste is used as fertilizer. Streams can become polluted when rain occurs shortly after application, especially if the waste is applied on top of the soil instead of beneath the surface. Once we found out that D&B Farms was approved for construction, we informed the neighbors of the land application regulations. As informed neighbors, we hope they will notify the Department of Agriculture if they observe application methods that violate environmental safeguards. Now we want to share some of the key regulatory safeguards so that others may also be informed: • Waste may not be applied in waterways • Waste may not be applied within 200 feet of streams and ponds unless they are upgradient or diked • Waste may not be applied within 150 feet of a potable well • Waste applied within ¼ mile of a residence not part of the confinement must be injected or incorporated on the day of application • Waste can be applied on frozen or snow-covered land, but is limited to land with less than 5% slope or where erosion control practices exist • Waste may not be applied during rain or to a saturated soil • Conservative application rates must be used if there is a high water table or shallow, fractured bedrock. In the News:

• Large industrial swine farm approved in Adams County, The Rock River Times May 29-June 4 issue (PDF).
• Illinois Department of Agriculture approves permit for hog confinement near Lima, Quincy Herald Whig, May 29, 2013 (PDF)
• Illinois approves Adams County hog farm, Tri-States Public Radio, June 11, 2013 (PDF)

]]> 14289 0 569 0 https://prairierivers.org/articles/2013/05/murdock-mine-renewal-should-be-denied/ Sat, 25 May 2013 16:28:37 +0000 http://prairierivers.org/?p=14306 public hearing to request that IEPA deny the permit renewal for the Murdock mine, where the land is being reclaimed to a natural state. Alpena Vision Resources, the owner of the mine, says the mine needs the renewal to market the fine coal refuse on the site, which they have hopes of selling to a utility in southern Illinois this summer. Traci Barkley from Prairie Rivers Network says it's a money-making scheme.

If it were really about the reclamation, they would take the carbon on site and fill the impoundment with that. They're trying to squeeze the site for as much money as they can."

The reclamation has been ongoing for more than 20 years, with recent pollution complaints and questions about whether Alpena is in compliance with reclamation standards. Prairie Rivers Network is also concerned about potential ground and surface water pollution from the site. Read more about Prairie Rivers Network's request for denial in the News-Gazette (PDF) and the Chicago Sun-Times (PDF).]]> 14306 0 575 0 https://prairierivers.org/articles/2013/05/permanent-medicine-disposal-sites-in-champaign-urbana/ Fri, 31 May 2013 14:53:51 +0000 http://prairierivers.org/?p=14311 A new Champaign-Urbana area program has collection boxes available at the following locations to accept unwanted or expired medications 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. The C-U Area Medicine Take-back Program will accept medicines at these locations:

• Champaign Police Department, 82 E. University Ave, Champaign
• Urbana Police Department, 400 S. Vine St, Urbana
• University of Illinois Police Department, 1110 W. Springfield Ave, Urbana

It's important to dispose of unwanted and unused medicines properly, to prevent the accidental poisoning of children and pets, to prevent drug abuse, and to limit the impact of these medicines on the environment. Recent studies have found a wide-range of pharmaceutical chemicals in rivers, groundwater and drinking water throughout the United States. These chemicals can harm people, fish, and wildlife. For more information about the new program call Angela Adams at the City of Champaign: (217) 403-4780. This program was featured in the News-Gazette on May 22, 2013 (PDF).

The C-U Area Medicine Take-back Program is a partnership between the Illinois-Indiana Sea Grant, Champaign Police Department, Urbana Police Department, University of Illinois Police Department, Champaign County sheriff’s office, the National Prescription Pill and Drug Disposal Program, the cities of Champaign and Urbana, Illinois American Water, the University of Illinois Student Sustainability Committee, the Illinois Sustainable Technology Center, Champaign County Regional Planning Commission, Champaign-Urbana Public Health Department, WCIA and Prairie Rivers Network.

]]> 14311 0 574 0 https://prairierivers.org/articles/2013/06/groups-oppose-permit-for-mine-with-over-600-recorded-violations/ Tue, 04 Jun 2013 20:05:29 +0000 http://prairierivers.org/?p=14424 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Tuesday June 4, 2013 Local Groups Appeal Illinois Coal Mine’s Operating Permit After More than 600 Permit Violations on Record Citizens Lead Renewed Effort to Protect Freshwater Resources From Coal Mine Pollution Click here to view permit appeal CHICAGO – This week, Prairie Rivers Network, the Illinois Chapter of the Sierra Club and the Environmental Law and Policy Center (ELPC) appealed Springfield Coal Company’s wastewater discharge permit at the Industry Mine in central Illinois after more than 600 violations of the mine’s current permit. After nearly a decade-long fight to protect rivers and streams in McDonough and Schuyler counties, the groups are calling on the Illinois Pollution Control Board (IPCB) to send the Industry Coal Mine’s wastewater discharge permit back to the drawing board to ensure there are meaningful limits that will protect the public from manganese, sulfates and other harmful pollutants discharged by the strip mine. “This mine has one of the worst environmental track records in the entire country,” said Ramona Cook who lives near the Industry mine. “This case cries out for justice. Our water protection agency is handing out permits to proven bad actors. Business as usual should stop here.” “The outcome of this permit approval is beyond belief,” said Kim Sedgwick, a longtime advocate for wildlife in the LaMoine basin. “It is time that the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency follows regulations set by the agency itself for coal mining companies. Protections are there for a reason, and Illinois state agencies must follow through on regulations to protect our health and our wildlife.” The Springfield Coal Company runs strip mining operations at the Industry Mine in central Illinois. Strip mining bulldozes away earth and rocks to get to coal buried near the surface. This type of mining can lead to soil erosion and destruction of agricultural land. When rain washes the loosened top soil into streams, sediments pollute waterways. Sediment destroys habitat for fish and other stream life and smothers plant life downstream. There is also an increased risk of toxic heavy metal contamination of ground water when elements in upturned earth seep into the water table and streams. Strip mining destroys headwater streams, wetlands and entire drainage basins which can exacerbate flooding and drought conditions. The Industry Mine currently faces up to $64 million dollars in civil penalties for past violations, but the Illinois EPA granted the facility a new water discharge permit in April 2013. Without any evidence that the mine has updated its treatment systems or altered its operations to effectively manage and treat wastewater, Illinois EPA authorized the mine to continue to discharge pollution into tributaries of Grindstone Creek, which flows into the LaMoine River and eventually the Illinois River. “Since 2004, this mine has only been in compliance for one month,” said Traci Barkley, Water Resources Scientist with Prairie Rivers Network. “If our regulators do not demand the law is followed here and now, will they ever?” "It is unfathomable how our state agency can award this mine a new discharge permit when it is clear this coal company is a rogue operator because of its years of blatant permit violations,” said Joyce Blumenshine, Mining Issues Committee Chair, Illinois Chapter Sierra Club. “Allowing a coal company to poison our water without any regulations or recourse puts the health of central Illinois in jeopardy. Agency permits and enforcement failed to regulate this company for over a decade in the past, and even legal action did not even make the company improve their practices. The citizens of Illinois and our environment deserve much better efforts than this overly weak permit revision.” Along with the Illinois Attorney General’s office, Prairie Rivers Network, the Sierra Club and ELPC are preparing for a hearing before the IPCB on August 20 and 21 to determine the appropriate fines the Springfield Coal Company will face for its more than 600 current wastewater discharge permit violations. For high resolution images of the Industry Mine, please visit: http://www.inillinoiswater.org/downloads/Industry%20Coal%20Mine.zip Please credit Marianne Morgan/InIllinoisWater.org CONTACTS: David Jakubiak, Environmental Law & Policy Center, djakubiak@elpc.org, (312) 795-3713 Traci Barkley, Prairie Rivers Network, tbarkley@prairierivers.org, (217) 621-3013 Cindy Skrukrud, Sierra Club, cindy.skrukrud@sierraclub.org, (312) 251-1680  x110 ###

In the News:  (updated on July 8, 2013 with press coverage)

 

• State goes easy on coal mines (PDF), Illinois Times (June 13, 2013)
• Delayed Action: The Industry Mine (PDF), Tri-States Public Radio (June 5, 2013)
• Groups appeal new permit for Illinois mine (June 4, 2013) on WAND-TV (Champaign, IL); San Francisco Chronicle; State Journal-Register (Springfield, IL); The Republic  (Columbus, IN); WHBF-TV (Quad Cities, IL)

     ]]> 14424 0 573 0 https://prairierivers.org/articles/2013/06/governor-quinn-separation-is-the-ultimate-solution-to-asian-carp-problem/ Fri, 07 Jun 2013 18:29:53 +0000 http://prairierivers.org/?p=14454 This past weekend marked a significant development toward permanently protecting the Great Lakes from the dreaded Asian carp and revitalizing the Chicago River system.

During a panel discussion at the Council of Great Lakes Governors, Illinois Governor Pat Quinn publicly stated his support for the separation of the Great Lakes from the Mississippi River.

Speaking about the need to prevent Asian carp from entering the Great Lakes, Governor Quinn said, "Ultimately, I think we have to separate the basins. I really feel that is the ultimate solution."

That Governor Quinn’s comments were made at the Council of Great Lakes Governors is significant. The Asian carp issue has been a contentious one among the Great Lakes states, including a lawsuit filed against Illinois by other states. Yet there will be no solution without regional cooperation. That’s why it is heartening that Governor Quinn is rising above past conflict and taking a leadership role. Hopefully this marks the end of the era of Great Lakes states suing each other over Asian carp, and the beginning of new cooperation on a permanent solution that protects both basins and the Chicago River system from potential invaders.

As part of the Healthy Water Solutions coalition, we are greatly encouraged to hear Governor Quinn support separation, a project that would not only stop Asian carp, but would also help restore and improve Chicago area waterways. We thank and commend him for his leadership on this issue.  Quinn’s remarks build on years of work by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources to keep Asian Carp from invading Lake Michigan, and to plan for a permanent solution.  We look forward to continuing to work with Governor Quinn and his team to make that solution a reality.

After his statement drew applause from those in attendance, Quinn remarked, “I hope you're clapping when Congress comes to invest the money. It has to be a national project."

He is absolutely correct. Our waters cannot be looked at piecemeal, or none of our most pressing problems—carp, pollution, flooding—will be fixed. Congress must act. And we will need the other states in the region to support a new and improved Chicago waterway system.

That means we have a long way to go. The good news is that our leaders are waking up to the opportunity of the present.

]]> 14454 0 572 0 https://prairierivers.org/articles/2013/06/action-alert-tell-congress-to-put-conservation-compliance-in-the-farm-bill/ Mon, 17 Jun 2013 17:08:20 +0000 http://prairierivers.org/?p=14516 UPDATE: On Wednesday, June 19, Congressman Fortenberry introduced his amendment on the House floor, and then withdrew it. It is likely that he felt there was not enough support for passage. Unfortunately, this means the House farm bill will not link conservation compliance to crop insurance subsidies. However, the Senate farm bill does establish this linkage. Once the House passes a farm bill, a conference committee will come together to reconcile differences between the House and Senate bills. Therefore, the fight is not over, and if there is an Illinois legislator on the conference committee we might be calling you to action again! When that will happen is anyone's guess, but hopefully later this summer!  Calls are needed to the House of Representatives to support wetlands protection!  Please contact your representative (contact info found here) and ask him/her to support the Thompson-Fortenberry amendment #28 to the Farm Bill. This amendment requires farmers to preserve wetlands and reduce soil erosion in exchange for receiving subsidies for crop insurance. This is called conservation compliance, and it is a proven way to reduce water pollution and habitat destruction. This amendment will have a huge impact of protecting wetlands and preventing erosion in Illinois and throughout the country! Prairie Rivers Network has been active on this issue for a long time, but now it's really important that your representatives hear directly from YOU. Let's achieve a victory by calling today!  Find your representative's contact info by clicking here. Not only is this essential to protecting sensitive wetlands, it is supported by a majority of farmers - the very people who will put conservation compliance into practice. In the News: Read more about conservation compliance and hear the story on Tri-States Public Radio (June 18, 2013) (PDF)]]> 14516 0 567 0 https://prairierivers.org/articles/2013/06/take-action-comment-on-illiana-tollway-project-and-attend-public-meeting/ Sun, 16 Jun 2013 15:47:52 +0000 http://prairierivers.org/?p=14528 Environmental Impact Statement that was completed in 2012 revealed the project will likely result in the destruction of wetlands, impacts to drainage, pollution of several rivers and streams, disruption of wildlife migration corridors, and disturbances to high-quality public and private natural areas. Let your concerns for the region's invaluable land and water resources be heard by submitting comments here, or by directly contacting the Illinois Department of Transportation. [caption id="attachment_14529" align="aligncenter" width="300"] Map credit: Illinois Department of Transportation[/caption] You can also learn more about the proposed project, by attending an open house on Tuesday night. There you'll be able to speak one-on-one with representatives from the Department of Transportation. Let your concerns be heard! Here are the details: What: Informational open house to discuss the proposed Illiana Corridor Tollway project Who: Hosted by Illinois & Indiana Departments of Transportation When: Tuesday, June 18th,  5:00 - 8:00 p.m. Where: Peotone High School, 605 West North Street, Peotone, IL 60468]]> 14528 0 568 0 https://prairierivers.org/articles/2013/06/rantoul-hog-sludge-poses-pollution-problem/ Mon, 24 Jun 2013 16:37:02 +0000 http://prairierivers.org/?p=14567 [/caption] Thanks to WICD Channel 15 and The News-Gazette for running stories about the sludge dumping. Hopefully this will motivate Rantoul Foods and waste hauler John Clifford to be better neighbors. Rantoul Foods is actually allowed to apply sludge to agricultural fields, but it should be at agronomic rates to help crops grow. Dumping is not agronomic. Land application of sludge from animal operations and sewage treatment plants is a common practice. The slaughterhouse has a permit from Illinois EPA which sets guidelines for how the sludge is to be applied. The permit also allows the sludge to be stockpiled for up to two months, but runoff and leachate must be contained. [caption id="attachment_14573" align="alignright" width="225" caption="Stormwater runs off agricultural fields near the sludge dump site after the June 22, 2013 storm"][/caption] Sludge that is dumped in a field poses several risks to water quality. During heavy storm events, such as the 2-inch rain we just had, uncontained sludge can leave a field with runoff and enter ditches and streams. This can pose a serious health risk to downstream users who are unaware of what the water contains. The sludge can also seep into the groundwater if there is not a barrier between the sludge and the topsoil. We are particularly concerned that the tiles buried in the field will become a conduit for transporting seeped sludge into ditches. Rantoul Foods has only existed for two years and they have already received two violation notices from Illinois EPA. Their current method of sludge disposal is inappropriate and will only continue to cause problems. Rantoul Foods needs to come up with a long-term sludge storage system so that the sludge is properly contained during the growing season when crops do not need additional nutrient inputs. We appreciate the effort Illinois EPA has put into documenting the violations committed by Rantoul Foods. The Agency is deciding on next steps, and we certainly hope those steps will permanently address this problem.

In the News:

WICD coverage on June 20, 2013 

News-Gazette coverage on June 23, 2013 (PDF)

Rantoul Press coverage on June 25, 2013 (PDF)

]]> 14567 0 566 0 https://prairierivers.org/articles/2013/07/urbana-champaign-sanitary-district-approves-sale-of-water-to-cronus-chemical/ Mon, 01 Jul 2013 20:10:37 +0000 http://prairierivers.org/?p=14586 Prairie Rivers Network seeks right to enforce District’s promise to protect aquatic life By unanimous vote, the Board of Trustees for the Urbana Champaign Sanitary District approved the sale of more than 6 million gallons per day of water to Cronus Chemical at a special meeting held Thursday, June 20th. The District is now free to negotiate a contract with Cronus, should the company choose to build a fertilizer plant in Illinois. The Sanitary District plans to divert 3 million gallons per day of water from its northeast sewage treatment plant and 3.3 million gallons per day from the southwest plant to Tuscola, IL via pipeline. The northeast plant discharges to the Saline Branch and the southwest to Copper Slough. A primary concern of Prairie Rivers Network, and of numerous members of the community, is the impact of the water diversion on the health of the Saline Branch and the Copper Slough. Though highly altered, both of these streams have grown accustomed to the water that is discharged into them from the District’s plants. In response to our concerns, the District has promised to maintain a specified minimum flow of water into both streams. Prairie Rivers Network has asked the District to grant us the power to enforce this commitment. Though we respect and trust District staff and trustees to honor their promise, we seek the ability to hold future staff and trustees accountable as well. How much water these streams need to protect fish and other species is still an unanswered question. Prairie Rivers Network has asked the District to consult with local biologists for an expert opinion. We will continue to engage the District on these important issues. We encourage you to do so as well. Read Prairie Rivers Network's June 20th statement to the board.  Click here for the non-binding terms sheet between the District and Cronus Chemical. Read some of the Letters to the Editor from concerned citizens that were published in the News-Gazette.

In the News:

News-Gazette story on June 20, 2013 (PDF)

WCIA (Illinoishomepage.net) story on June 20, 2013 (PDF)

]]> 14586 0 564 0 https://prairierivers.org/articles/2013/06/coal-industry-drains-close-to-20-million-from-illinois-state-budget-annually/ Thu, 27 Jun 2013 16:59:37 +0000 http://prairierivers.org/?p=14617 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Thursday, June 27, 2013 REPORT: Coal Industry Drains Close to $20 Million from Illinois State Budget Annually View Report Here CHICAGO - A report released today by the Center for Tax and Budget Accountability and Downstream Strategies estimates that in the 2011 Fiscal Year, the coal industry drained nearly $20 million from the Illinois state budget in subsidies and expenditures related to supporting the coal industry. The report, The Impact of Coal on the Illinois State Budget, was commissioned by the Sierra Club, Prairie Rivers Network, Faith in Place, and Eco-Justice Collaborative. “Coal mining and support activities play a relatively insignificant role in the Illinois economy, representing only 0.2 percent of private industry economic activity in 2010,” said Amanda Kass from Center for Tax and Budget Accountability. “The level that state lawmakers subsidize the coal industry in Illinois does not pay off for the state budget or for state residents.” Illinois lawmakers have spent many sessions considering deep cuts in in the state’s budget in order to continue providing vital state services like Medicaid, state pensions and education. Despite having these essential services on the line, the state continues to subsidize the multi-billion dollar coal industry. “The coal industry threatens our public health, productive farmland, clean and abundant water, and intact communities. Our state has supported the coal industry through tax breaks, direct grants and foregone revenue opportunities.” said Traci Barkley, Water Resources Scientist at Prairie Rivers Network. “These are losing investments to an industry that does not pay their fair share. It is time for Illinois state lawmakers to redirect grants and tax breaks from the coal industry to sustainable energy development and job creation in the clean energy sector.” As the nation reduces its dependence on burning coal and coastal residents are coming out by the thousands to reject coal export terminals, a subsidized, environment in Illinois has opened the floodgates to coal mining companies to extract coal from the Illinois Basin with very little benefit at both the local and state level other than depleted natural wealth and damaged lands and waterways left behind. Coal companies, some with more than 600 mine permit violations on record, take advantage of these perks and breaks while using dangerous and damaging methods to mine high-sulfur coal and export it out of state. "Demand for Illinois coal is on the rise,” said Rory McIlmoil, former Energy Program Manager at Downstream Strategies. “As the companies expand Illinois operations, the cost to the state associated with supporting and regulating the industry will grow as well, and these costs are significant, amounting to more than $66 million in Fiscal Year 2011. Our report shows that the costs associated with the Illinois coal industry far exceed the revenues generated by coal-industry activity. This finding suggests that more should be done to maximize the revenues generated by the industry while at the same time reducing costs." Illinois coal exports are up five-fold since 2010, yet the state imposes no severance tax. This means that Illinois foots the bill for damaged farmland, at-risk water supply and dirty air left behind from mining and burning coal, but sees no local tax revenue from the exports. "This report is a wake-up call for Illinois -- coal costs us all. Coal exports from our state are on the rise yet little money comes into our state coffers," said Jack Darin Sierra Club Illinois Chapter Director. "Illinois subsidizes big polluters from the coal industry, while citizens pay the price for the impact of dirty coal on our health, the environment and accelerated climate change. Ending state subsidies and tax breaks for the Illinois coal industry will have a positive impact on the Illinois state budget as well as for the future of our families and environment." "This report offers a dose of reality to our elected leaders and all who believe that coal is a good investment,” said Lan Richart Co-Director at Eco-Justice Collaborative. “As our state faces a severe budget crisis, Illinois taxpayers must ask why they are giving millions of dollars in subsidies to an industry that provides so little in return." "The faith community in IL is fully aware of the negative impacts of coal mining to community health," said Brian Sauder, Policy Director at Faith in Place.  "We have an ethical obligation as a state for our tax dollars to support clean forms of energy.  This report shows that we need to redirect our spending away from supporting dirty energy towards supporting clean energy." To view the full report, please visit: http://www.downstreamstrategies.com/documents/reports_publication/downstream-strategies_illinois_impact_of_coal_6-27-13.pdf Contact: Emily Rosenwasser, Sierra Club, Emily.Rosenwasser@sierraclub.org, 312-251-1680 x119 Rory Mcllmoil, Energy Program Manager, Downstream Strategies, rorygep@gmail.com, 304-376-0045 Amanda Kass, Center for Tax and Budget Accountability, akass@ctbaonline.org, 312-332-1103 Traci Barkley, Prairie Rivers Network, tbarkley@prairierivers.org, 217-621-3013 Brian Sauder, Faith in Place, brian@faithinplace.org, 217-649-1898 Lan Richart, Eco-Justice Collaborative, lrichart@ecojusticecollaborative.org, 773-556-3417 ###

In the News:  (updated on July 8, 2013 with press coverage)

 

• Report cites coal industry drains millions from Illinois budget (PDF), Belleville News Democrat (June 27, 2013) 
• Report: The Coal Industry Drained Nearly $20 Million From 2011 Illinois Budget (PDF), Progress Illinois (June 28, 2013)
• Coal Expenses Surpass Profits in Illinois (PDF), Alton Daily News/WBGZ Radio (June 29, 2013)
• Report says Coal Costs IL Money Overall (PDF), Tri-States Public Radio (July 1, 2013)
• Coal demand draining Illinois Budget (PDF), Fierce Energy (July 2, 2013)
• Subsidizing coal costs Illinois budget $20 million (PDF), Illinois Times (July 3, 2013)

             ]]> 14617 0 565 0 https://prairierivers.org/articles/2013/07/in-memory-of-charles-goodall/ Wed, 10 Jul 2013 19:30:47 +0000 http://prairierivers.org/?p=14723

We mourn the passing of Charles Goodall, member of our Board of Directors since 2000. A friend to us all, a friend to our rivers, we miss him sorely. ----- SIDELL – Charles William Goodall, 68, of Sidell died July 4, 2013, at Northwestern Memorial Hospital in Chicago of complications from multiple myeloma. Charles was born July 28, 1944, in Danville, the son of the late Clarence Vernon Goodall and Rachel Elizabeth (Guthrie) Goodall. A fifth-generation farmer, he grew up on the family farm just outside of Sidell, with sisters Carol, Marjory, and twin Catherine, and was a member of the Jamaica High School Class of 1962. Charles attended the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, where he majored in agricultural economics. Immediately following college, Charles spent two years in Venezuela as a Peace Corps volunteer. His experiences there left a deep impression and a curiosity about other languages and cultures. He reminisced fondly about the people he met and his interactions with them. Charles married Nancy Tsai Chao on Aug. 17, 1969, in Urbana. After living in New York and St. Louis, where Charles graduated from Washington University School of Law, the couple returned to Sidell in 1974 to farm in partnership with his father. Clarence and Charles also began and operated Goodall Products to design, manufacture and market C-Thru® bin extensions and other harvest equipment accessories. Charles greatly valued community, historical preservation, the natural world and conservation, and he dedicated his time and effort to these causes. He was a longtime member of the Sidell Lions Club and Farm Bureau, served on the Hastings drainage district commission, Lake Vermilion Water Quality Coalition and the Sidell Tree Commission, was a board member of Prairie Rivers Network, and was a founder of Stand Up to Coal. Charles' sense of stewardship and his long-term view are reflected in projects such as planting a grove of trees last fall with the help of his sisters and friends. His curiosity led him to pursue knowledge over the last several years in areas such as organic farming, soil conservation practices and German, through classes, conferences and books. He enjoyed outdoor activities such as hiking, camping and canoeing, and through these activities, shared his love of the outdoors with family and friends. He will be remembered by those close to him for his optimism, his hard work, his easy laugh, and his love of problem solving. Over the years, he used his creative skills and metalworking shop to make furniture and other custom items for his family, a grill wagon for the Lions Club barbecue, and the occasional piece of wall art. Charles is survived by his wife Nancy; daughters Catherine (Uwe) Goodall-Heising and Andrea (Milyon) Trulove; granddaughter Norah; his sisters Carol Wock, Marjory (Paul) Queen and Catherine (Albert) Allen; and many other relatives and friends. The family will have a private burial. A memorial service will be held at 4 p.m. July 28 at the Sidell United Methodist Church, 202 Chicago St., Sidell. In lieu of other expressions of sympathy, memorial donations may be made to the International Myeloma Foundation, Prairie Rivers Network or the Sidell United Methodist Church. Joines-Appleby Funeral Home of Newman is in charge of arrangements.]]> 14723 0 561 0 https://prairierivers.org/articles/2013/07/nominate-your-river-hero/ Sun, 07 Jul 2013 19:46:27 +0000 http://prairierivers.org/?p=14743 Nominate your river heroes for Prairie Rivers Network's River Steward Award!  Nominations are due by August 26, 2013.  The award will be presented at the Annual Dinner on October 11, 2013. Please send the following:

• Nominee’s contact information
• Your contact information
• Summary of nominee's river conservation efforts, general background information concerning the river/watershed of interest, and the specific work for which the nominee deserves recognition

Please email the above information to Sarah Scott at sscott [at] prairierivers [dot] org or call 217-344-2371 x. 211 for more information.]]> 14743 0 562 0 https://prairierivers.org/articles/2013/07/citizens-to-epa-clean-up-our-water/ Mon, 15 Jul 2013 16:32:19 +0000 http://prairierivers.org/?p=14776 Citizens to EPA: Clean Up Our Water! Hundreds attend limited public hearing on power plant water pollution Washington, D.C. – On April 22, after more than 30 years of delay, the EPA proposed a new rule under the federal Clean Water Act that contains a variety of options for cleaning up toxic water pollution from coal-fired power plants. Power plants are some of the biggest sources of water pollution in the country, having already poisoned hundreds of lakes, rivers, bays, streams and aquifers. These are waters from which many nearby communities drink, swim and fish. On July 9, at its Washington, D.C. headquarters, the EPA held the first and only public hearing on the proposed rule. But the EPA limited the scope and length of the public hearing, much to the disappointment of the hundreds of citizens who want to tell their stories of poisoned waters. The following statement is from Alliance for the Great Lakes (IL), Appalachian Voices, Biscayne Bay Waterkeeper (FL), Chesapeake Climate Action Network (MD), Clean Water for North Carolina (NC), Comite Dialogo Ambiental (PR), Earthjustice, Environmental Integrity Project, French Broad Riverkeeper (NC), Greenpeace, Haw Riverkeeper (NC), Labadie Environmental Organization (MO), Little Blue Regional Action Group (PA), Milwaukee Riverkeeper (WI), National Hispanic Medical Association, National Latino Coalition on Climate Change, Patuxent Riverkeeper (MD), Potomac Riverkeeper (DC), Prairie Rivers Network (IL), Sierra Club, Watauga Riverkeeper (NC), Waterkeeper Alliance, and Western North Carolina Alliance (NC): “It is time for the EPA to end the power industries’ long history of destroying our lakes, rivers, and streams with toxic pollution. We are going to do all we can to ensure comprehensive rules are adopted that will require power plants to clean up all of their toxic wastewater pollution, not just some of it. “By far the best option proposed by the EPA is for power plants to install zero liquid discharge technology and convert to safer coal ash handling systems that will eliminate discharges of the most contaminated wastewaters entirely. We hope the EPA will adopt the strongest protections for our waters from this pollution. “The EPA has called this hearing only on part of the proposed rule, so-called ‘pretreatment’ standards for coal waste going to public water treatment facilities. The agency needs to listen more broadly. It is important that the EPA hear from the public on the rule as a whole, because so many of us are affected by toxic water pollution from power plants in our rivers, lakes and streams.” Contact: Lyman C. Welch, Alliance for the Great Lakes (312) 445-9739; lwelch@greatlakes.org Sandra Diaz, Appalachian Voices (828) 262-1500; Sandra@appvoices.org Diana Dascalu-Joffe, Chesapeake Climate Action Network (240) 396-1984; Diana@chesapeakeclimate.org Katie Hicks, Clean Water for North Carolina (828) 251-1291; katie@cwfnc.org Ruth Santiago, Comite Dialogo Ambiental, (787) 312-2223; rstgo2@gmail.com Raviya Ismail, Earthjustice (202) 745-5221; rismail@earthjustice.org Jennifer Duggan, Environmental Integrity Project, (802) 225-6774; jduggan@environmentalintegrity.org Robert Gardner, Greenpeace (540) 421-7558; rgardner@greenpeace.org Patricia Schuba, Labadie Environmental Organization (636) 402-8460; prsmail@gmail.com Elena Rios, National Hispanic Medical Association (202) 628-5895; erios@nhmamd.org Mark Magaña, National Latino Coalition on Climate Change (202) 230-2070; markmagana@gmail.com Fred Tutman, Patuxent Riverkeeper (240) 393-1547; fred@paxriverkeeper.org Traci Barkley, Prairie Rivers Network (217) 344-2371; tbarkley@prairierivers.org Eitan Bencuya, Sierra Club (202) 495-3047; eitan.bencuya@sierraclub.org Brittany Kraft, Waterkeeper Alliance (678) 761-6584; bkraft@waterkeeper.org Anna Jane Joyner, Western North Carolina Alliance (828) 258-8737; annajane@wnca.org]]> 14776 0 560 0 https://prairierivers.org/articles/2013/07/july-2013-e-news/ Tue, 23 Jul 2013 19:48:43 +0000 http://prairierivers.org/?p=14796 In this July 2013 E-News Edition (PDF):

• TAKE ACTION: Protect our water from power plant pollution!
• Pink Heelsplitter, Mapleleaf, Scaleshell--OH MY!
• Call for Nominations—2013 River Steward Award
• Gulf Dead Zone predicted to be largest ever (video)
• Rantoul Foods Sludge Update
• PRN in the News
• Upcoming River Events

]]> 14796 0 558 0 https://prairierivers.org/articles/2013/06/14815-2/ Fri, 14 Jun 2013 19:50:06 +0000 http://prairierivers.org/?p=14815 In this June 2013 E-News Edition (PDF):

• TAKE ACTION: Calls are needed to protect wetlands!
• Governor Quinn: Separation is the "Ultimate Solution" to Asian Carp Problem
• IEPA Reissues Industry Mine Permit Despite Egregious Violations
• BioBlitz! (video)
• Will there be Enough for the Saline and Copper Slough?  Urbana Champaign Sanitary District Determined to Sell Water
• Large Factory Farm in Sensitive Karst Region Approved by IDOA
• Upcoming River Events
• PRN In the News
• June is National Rivers Month!

 ]]> 14815 0 570 0 https://prairierivers.org/articles/2013/07/sangamon-watershed-celebration/ Thu, 25 Jul 2013 18:08:34 +0000 http://prairierivers.org/?p=14822 Join Prairie Rivers Network at the 9th annual Sangamon Watershed Celebration in Decatur. This is a fun event sponsored by our friends at the Agricultural Watershed Institute. Come out for music, food, and learning! This year's celebration focuses on creating a vision for agricultural landscapes. Prairie Rivers Network will be part of the professional panel on Saturday that discusses the future of agriculture. We hope to see you there!

When: August 9-10, 2013

Where: Richland Community College-National Sequestration Center, One College Park, Decatur, IL (under the wind turbine)

Website: www.agwatershed.org/

Cost: Friday reception and concert ($15 in advance, $20 at door), Saturday program (free)

For more information, click here.]]> 14822 0 559 0 https://prairierivers.org/articles/2013/07/2013-gulf-of-mexico-dead-zone-the-size-of-connecticut/ Mon, 29 Jul 2013 18:47:56 +0000 http://prairierivers.org/?p=14904 Mississippi River Collaborative issued news releases about the size of the 2013 Gulf of Mexico Dead Zone. Please see our news release below and contact Stacy James (217-344-2371) if you have any questions. Connecticut-Sized 2013 Gulf “Dead Zone” Signifies the Need for Cleaner Water in Illinois CHAMPAIGN, IL — Yesterday, scientists from the Louisiana Universities Marine Consortium completed their annual measurement of the Gulf of Mexico’s Dead Zone, which measured 5,800 square miles, larger than the state of Connecticut. The Dead Zone is an area of water at the mouth of the Mississippi River that is oxygen-deprived due to algal blooms fueled by nitrogen and phosphorus pollution. Relatively immobile species like crab and shrimp cannot survive the low oxygen conditions. Over 70% of the pollution comes from working farms and ranches and Illinois is one of the top contributing states. This year’s rainy spring saw above-average amounts of fertilizer draining out of the Midwest and down the Mississippi River. “Unfortunately, the Midwest is a very leaky system and we all pay the price,” according to Dr. Stacy James, Water Resources Scientist at Prairie Rivers Network.

 In addition to causing the Dead Zone in the Gulf, nitrogen and phosphorus pollution degrades thousands of rivers and lakes in the states that drain into the Mississippi River. Symptoms include nuisance algal blooms, which can ruin recreational areas and pose public health risks. “Too often we think of the Dead Zone as a problem in the Gulf, instead of thinking about how the same pollutants that are causing the Dead Zone there are leading to dangerous algal blooms and economic losses here in Illinois,” said Jessica Dexter, staff attorney with the Environmental Law & Policy Center, a member of the Mississippi River Collaborative. “This is a watershed-wide issue and communities throughout the watershed are being impacted.” Of particular concern are harmful algal blooms that produce toxins. If present at high enough concentrations, these toxins can harm people, dogs, and aquatic species. When present in lakes that supply drinking water, the blooms can give the water a musty taste and increase treatment costs. Among the producers of toxins are blue-green algae, which can form green, floating scums on the surface of still water. In 2012, four out of ten lakes monitored by the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency and U.S. Geological Survey had toxin concentrations that posed a high probability for adverse health effects (see report at http://www.epa.state.il.us/water/algal-bloom/monitoring.html). The current “corn rush” plays a major role in the Dead Zone and local algae problems. Illinois corn fields are fertilized with over 2 billion pounds of nitrogen and almost 1 billion pounds of phosphate, according to U.S. Department of Agriculture statistics. Leaky farm fields can shed more than 15% of the nitrogen applied. Researchers at the University of Illinois have found that tile drainage is an important conduit for this loss. In contrast, phosphorus losses are frequently associated with erosion. Unfortunately, the over fifteen-year effort to reduce the Dead Zone has been fairly anemic. Most states, including Illinois, have resisted adopting limits on the amount of nitrogen and phosphorus that is allowable in rivers. Farmers, who are exempt from the federal Clean Water Act, have been encouraged to voluntarily adopt practices that will reduce fertilizer pollution. But with high corn prices, it does not appear we can rely solely on a sense of shared responsibility to care for the natural world. The pending 2013 federal Farm Bill provides the most immediate opportunity to clean up the Dead Zone and state waters. Members of the House and Senate could close a significant loophole in farm law that exempts farmers who receive federal crop insurance subsidies from having to preserve land and water resources. It is essential for politicians to realize that conservation is compatible with a strong national economy that depends on clean water. If our national leaders do not act, the Dead Zone has little chance of growing smaller anytime soon. Data from the Louisiana Universities Marine Consortium Dead Zone cruise can be found at http://www.gulfhypoxia.net/Research/Shelfwide%20Cruises/2013/PressRelease2013.pdf. Prairie Rivers Network is Illinois’ statewide river conservation organization and the state affiliate of the National Wildlife Federation. Information about Prairie Rivers Network and Farm Bill posts can be found online at www.prairierivers.org.

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 ]]> 14904 0 557 0 https://prairierivers.org/uncategorized/2013/08/river-training-debunked/ Thu, 01 Aug 2013 11:00:40 +0000 http://prairierivers.org/?p=14920 River structures magnify flood risks and harm the environment [caption id="attachment_14925" align="alignleft" width="300"] Chevrons[/caption] For more than a century, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers has been wrestling with the Mighty Mississippi, determined to “train” it. The goal, per several acts of Congress, is to maintain a nine foot deep channel between Minneapolis and St. Louis. Barges need this depth to safely navigate the river. The Corps has taken this mandate very seriously, constructing thousands of river training structures in the Upper Mississippi River-Illinois Waterway navigation system. These training structures maintain a navigable channel by harnessing the forces of water and sediment in the river and directing them into the navigation channel where they scour the river bottom and deepen the channel. This allows barges to travel the river throughout the year, even when the river is low. But what’s good for navigation is not so great for the rest of us. More than two decades of research has demonstrated that river training structures threaten people, fish and wildlife. While river training structures may lower immediate dredging costs, the harms they cause are (literally) pushed onto others. The most commonly used river training structures are wing dikes, bendway weirs, and chevrons. Though darlings of the Army Corps, they cause great damage and increase flood risks. River training structures act as speed bumps in the river. Water stacks up behind them, raising flood heights by as much as six meters in some areas of Illinois. Data collected by the National Science Foundation suggest that the Army Corps’ training structures are the primary reason we are seeing bigger and more frequent floods in the Upper Mississippi. [caption id="attachment_14936" align="alignright" width="300"] Bendway Weirs[/caption] According to the US Geological Survey, the Corps’ management of the Upper Mississippi River System, including the wide use of river training structures, is destroying critical river habitat like backwaters, side channels and wetlands, and is causing nonnative species to proliferate. The Corps’ mismanagement has resulted in a substantial loss of habitat diversity. The loss of habitat has been particularly hard on endangered and threatened species. According to the US Fish and Wildlife Service, the Corps’ navigation system threatens the Higgins eye pearly mussel, the pallid sturgeon, the least tern, the winged mapleleaf mussel, the bald eagle, the Indiana bat, and the decurrent false aster. It is time for us to develop a healthier living and working relationship with the Mississippi River. For too long narrow business interests have determined how the River is managed. Those interests have accrued substantial benefits, while riverside property owners, the taxpayer, and the public at large have paid a very high price. We have lost untold dollars and resources as flooding becomes increasingly more severe, fish populations that once supported huge commercial fisheries have dwindled, and the river’s natural ability to moderate floods and absorb pollution have been lost. [caption id="attachment_14939" align="alignleft" width="300"] Wing Dikes[/caption] Prairie Rivers Network has joined with other river groups in calling for a National Academy of Sciences study on the impacts of river training structures and a moratorium on the building of new ones while the study is completed. We’re working to secure a new way of tending the river that makes it safe for all of us: people, fish and wildlife. (Updated 4/16/2018)]]> April 16, 2018 | Blog Post For more than a century, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers has been wrestling with the Mighty Mississippi, determined to “train” it. ]]> 14920 0 265 0 https://prairierivers.org/articles/2013/08/pbs-to-air-troubled-waters-tonight/ Mon, 05 Aug 2013 16:14:18 +0000 http://prairierivers.org/?p=14970 Troubled Waters: A Mississippi River Story. This one-hour program airs at 9pm on Monday, August 5. Troubled Waters tells the story of the unintended consequences of farming on the health of the Mississippi River. Fertilizers and pesticides leave farm fields during storms and make their way into our river systems. These Midwest rivers then drain into the Mississippi River, which finds its end at the Gulf of Mexico. Every year during the summer, a Dead Zone forms in the Gulf because of this pollution. Prairie Rivers Network works with other conservation organizations, watershed groups, agricultural organizations, and government agencies to reduce water pollution from farms. For example, on August 8 we are co-sponsoring a workshop on soil health in Sublette, Illinois; farmers and other attendees will learn about conservation practices that improve soil health and reduce erosion. If you are unable to watch Troubled Waters on PBS, you can watch it anytime online.]]> 14970 0 555 0 https://prairierivers.org/articles/2013/08/press-release-peoria-group-calls-for-protection-of-illinois-river-from-pollution/ Wed, 07 Aug 2013 17:53:18 +0000 http://prairierivers.org/?p=14977 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Wednesday, August 7, 2013 Contact: Joyce Blumenshine, Sierra Club Heart of Illinois Group, joblumen@yahoo.com, (309) 678-1011 Traci Barkley, Prairie Rivers Network, tbarkley@prairierivers.org, (217) 621-3013 Central Illinois Healthy Community Alliance Urges Illinois Environmental Protection Agency to Protect the Illinois River Public Hearing Held on Water Pollution Discharged by Ameren’s E.D. Edwards Coal Plant into the Illinois River PEORIA, Ill. – Today, Peoria metro area residents gathered on the waterfront in Peoria to call on Illinois Environmental Protection Agency (IEPA) to protect public health and local waterways from toxic water pollution discharged from the E.D. Edwards coal-fired power plant in Bartonville, Ill. The group came together prior to an Illinois Environmental Protection Agency (IEPA) hearing on a reissued water discharge permit for the plant held at the Pekin Public Library. Throughout its 52 years of operations, the E.D. Edwards plant has dumped large amounts of coal ash dangerously close to the Illinois River. The accumulated toxic coal ash currently sits in an 89-acre, 32-foot high pond near the plant and has left groundwater contamination problems on the site. Each day, more than 5 million gallons of water is polluted with toxic metals like arsenic, lead and mercury by coal and coal ash processing. To date, the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency has failed to place limits in its water discharge permit for the E.D. Edwards plant on the amount of dangerous heavy metal pollution that the plant can send from the plant’s ash ponds into the river. “The water discharge permit written by the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency does not limit toxic metals that Ameren can discharge from the Edwards coal plant,” said Traci Barkley, Water Resources Scientist with the Prairie Rivers Network. “In order to adequately protect our health and the quality of our drinking water, IEPA must strengthen its permit for the Edwards plant to prevent water contamination issues near Peoria.” The E.D. Edwards coal plant’s current water permit is expired, and the draft permit sets no limits on toxic metals discharged from the plant’s coal ash pond. The draft permit only requires twice yearly monitoring for pollutants including arsenic, boron, cadmium, lead, mercury and selenium. “From polluting our air to polluting our water, coal hurts our community’s health in so many ways, said Alyssa McMillian from ICC Students Advocating For the Environment (SAFE). “It’s time to work together as a community to revitalize our city by transitioning away from burning fossil fuels. As a young person, I’m determined to bring together many different voices here in Peoria to create a new legacy in our region.” The E.D. Edwards coal plant reports that it can discharge more than 4 million gallons per day of ash pond wastewater, containing a mixture of fly-ash and bottom ash contaminated waste. Ameren, the current operators of the Edwards coal plant, was required to monitor for mercury only on a monthly basis, and Ameren only had to do that 12 times before stopping indefinitely. “When pollutants like arsenic, boron and mercury come into contact with water, it can be disastrous for public health,” said Tessie Bucklar with Peoria Families Against Toxic Waste. “Doctors and scientists know that exposure to these dangerous metals can lead to birth defects, cancer, and even death. Think of how many are out on that water every summer? Their health is on the line, and it is more important than ever that the IEPA do its job and protect our water and our health from toxic metals in our waterways.” According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), more than half of all toxic water pollution in the country comes from coal-fired power plants, making coal plants the number one source of toxic water pollution in the country. Toxic metals from the coal ash waste pond at the E.D. Edwards coal plant discharge into the Illinois River, which serves as a water supply for many river towns and is popular for fishing and swimming. The Illinois River is already designated as an impaired waterway because of mercury contamination and active coal-fired power plants are among the largest sources of these toxic pollutants. “It is disheartening to know that polluters are given a free pass to discharge toxic metals into our waterways,” said Jacob Leibel, Peoria Resident and member of the Central Illinois Healthy Community Alliance. “The Illinois River, Pekin Lake and our other local fishing spots define summertime here in Peoria. We boat, we fish and we recreate in that water. Right now, the fish that comes from the Illinois River is too dangerous to eat. Our families and our rivers deserve better than toxic pollution.” ### The Central Illinois Healthy Community Alliance (CIHCA) is a coalition of individuals and organizations committed to creating a sustainable and healthy community for Central Illinois. CIHCA is concerned about the decades of air and water pollution created by the E.D. Edwards coal plant south of Bartonville. CIHCA is working to retire the E.D. Edwards plant and transition Central Illinois to a cleaner energy economy by reducing energy use, moving to renewables such as wind and solar and requiring a just transition for workers.]]> 14977 0 554 0 https://prairierivers.org/articles/2013/08/press-releasetax-dollars-subsidizing-destruction-of-upper-mississippi-river/ Wed, 14 Aug 2013 18:05:30 +0000 http://prairierivers.org/?p=14999 Time for Congress to Focus on River Health, Not Corporate Welfare Rock Island, IL – The locks and dams on the Upper Mississippi River have significantly damaged – and continue to degrade – the Mississippi River. This infrastructure is the most heavily subsidized of all the private transportation industries and it is one of the most environmentally damaging. Advocates for the river’s health are calling on Congress to use taxpayer dollars to restore the river and the economic benefits it provides to local economies and the country instead of subsidizing the destruction of critical ecosystems. A new report by experts from the Nicollet Island Coalition, a group of conservation and economic organizations working in the Upper Mississippi River basin, outlines how to accomplish this. “Restoring America’s River provides Congress with a roadmap for reversing the damage done to the Upper Mississippi River,” says Olivia Dorothy, Regional Conservation Coordinator for the Izaak Walton League of America and the report’s main author. “Our goals are to bring navigation subsidies in line with other U.S. transportation sectors, invest tax dollars in ecosystem restoration instead of destruction, and fix the Corps’ planning process.” Release of the report coincides with debate in Congress on the 2013 Water Resources Development Act. This legislation governs Army Corps of Engineers operations, including work on the Upper Mississippi River. The Senate passed their version of the bill in May 2013 and House leaders vowed to take up the measure after the August recess. “The Corps’ planning process is in dire need of a complete overhaul,” said Rachel Dawson, Legislative Representative at the National Wildlife Federation. “Congress should require the Corps to use the most up-to-date science and strategies for managing the Mississippi River. Unfortunately, the recent Senate water bill includes so-called ‘reforms’ that stifle public input and roll back protections for the environment. We urge the House to take a more forward-thinking view.” Ending Subsidies for Ecosystem Destruction In 2012, the shippers and barge companies contributed a paltry 10% toward the cost of the Inland Waterways Navigation System – just $80 million of the $800 million needed to keep the system running each year. Few other American businesses receive such a generous tax payer subsidy of their expenses. Other U.S. transportation sectors contribute much more toward infrastructure costs. For example, 70% of the cost to maintain roads and highways is paid through taxes on fuel and truck parts. The cost to maintain commercial freight lines is paid in full by railroad companies and receives no direct taxpayer support.  It is time to level the playing field and let markets function more efficiently. Yet the barge industry is working to push even more of their costs onto taxpayers. “The barge industries and its allies are looking to be bailed out of the financial responsibilities for improvements necessary for their businesses to operate,” says Josh Sewell, Senior Policy Analyst at Taxpayers for Common Sense. Congress must shift taxpayer dollars away from unnecessary infrastructure projects and focus instead on restoration investments. Restoring the Upper Mississippi River The 29 locks and dams built on the Upper Mississippi to facilitate barge traffic transformed a free-flowing river into a series of stagnant pools. This has led to degradation of ecosystems along the entire Upper Mississippi River and made it harder for the river to clean itself of pollutants and nurture fisheries. To restore the river, Congress authorized the Upper Mississippi River Restoration Program in 1986, which has been under-funded by about 33% every year.  “Restoration on the Upper Mississippi River is being nickeled and dimed while hundreds of millions of tax dollars are subsidizing ecologically destructive barge transportation,” said Glynnis Collins, Executive Director of Prairie Rivers Network, the Illinois affiliate of the National Wildlife Federation. “Decades of degradation must be reversed by investing in meaningful habitat improvements.” Calculating True Costs and Benefits Restoring the Upper Mississippi will take more than pulling the plug on barge subsidies. The Corps still uses a planning process developed in 1983, which does not account for the value of healthy ecosystem such as water purification, flood storage, or wildlife habitat when calculating costs and benefits. The economic models used by the Corps also do not reflect realistic budgets, as evidenced by cost overruns exceeding 200% for many projects. Corps decision-making must include the economic value of natural resources. Too many large, expensive construction projects with marginal or no economic benefit are being considered without consideration of the true costs of such projects. “Naturally functioning floodplains shouldn’t be thought of as economic losers,” said Denny Caneff, Executive Direct at River Alliance of Wisconsin. “Native perennial crops can accommodate flood pulses, and many restored areas can be used for recreation and eco-tourism.” Small-scale and non-structural measures can also provide flood protection, clean water and healthy ecosystems while protecting taxpayers’ wallets. The full list of recommendations in the Restoring America’s River report will help restore both the Upper Mississippi River and America’s economy. The report is available online at www.iwla.org/restore.

###

The Nicollet Island Coalition is a diverse group of conservation and taxpayer advocate organizations working to restore the ecological diversity of the Upper Mississippi River while maintaining navigation infrastructure through sound economic decisions.

Members of the Nicollet Island Coalition Izaak Walton League of America, Institute for Agriculture and Trade Policy, Missouri Coalition for the Environment, National Wildlife Federation, Prairie Rivers Network, River Alliance of Wisconsin, Sierra Club, and Taxpayers for Common Sense]]> 14999 0 553 0 https://prairierivers.org/articles/2013/08/restoring-americas-river/ Wed, 14 Aug 2013 18:06:32 +0000 http://prairierivers.org/?p=15004 Using the Water Resources Development Act To Mend the Upper Mississippi River When they return from summer recess, Congress will consider a new Water Resources Development Act to guide the Army Corps of Engineers’ management of the US Inland Waterways System and authorize funds for specific waterways programs and projects. In the past, the Act has served mostly as a list of earmarks. With Congress’s recent ban on earmarks, there is some uncertainty about what the renewal of this periodically-revised law will look like. We see this as a great opportunity to fix several fundamental problems with how the Mississippi River is managed. In fixing those problems, we can go a long way towards dealing with longstanding River health issues like:

• loss of wetlands and backwaters
• pollution
• loss of native fish and vulnerability to invaders like Asian carp and zebra mussels
• unnecessary loss of life and property damage during flood events.

The Nicollet Island Coalition report Restoring America's River highlights these opportunities. The main points of the report are that Congress needs to:

• End unfair and disproportionate subsidies for commercial navigation on the Mississippi. In an article earlier this year, Forbes magazine points out about these subsidies that “Washington picks up more of the cost of riverborne shipping than any other type of logistics enterprise in the U.S. except, perhaps, resupplying the International Space Station.”
• Make meaningful investments in River restoration. Restoration projects along the River are underway, and have been making localized improvements. If existing programs were funded at authorized levels, and if arbitrary limitations on the project scopes were removed, river health will improve.
• Reform Corps of Engineers’ project planning procedures. Corps culture tends to favor large-scale heavily-engineered approaches to projects where in many cases working with natural systems could provide similar benefits with less cost (both in dollars and river health). Current Corps planning guidelines favor short-term quantifiable economic benefits over long-tern benefits that accrue to broad populations.

Prairie Rivers Network and other Nicollet Island Coalition members will be using this report over the next few months to talk with voters and lawmakers about why a healthy Mississippi River matters to all of us and why Congress should act to restore the river’s health. [caption id="attachment_15018" align="aligncenter" width="300" caption="Credit: Chris Young"][/caption]]]> 15004 0 552 0 https://prairierivers.org/articles/2013/10/prairie-river-notes-summer-2013-newsletter/ Tue, 15 Oct 2013 21:41:21 +0000 http://prairierivers.org/?p=15039 Read Prairie Rivers Network's Summer 2013 Newsletter, featuring articles on:

• The Illinois River
• Greetings from Glynnis
• Coal Subsidies Drain Illinois' State Budget
• Thank You Runners, Walkers and Sponsors
• Singing the Farm Bill Blues
• Prairie Rivers Network Annual Dinner- October 11
• Charles Goodall: Tributes to a True River Advocate
• River Steward Award: Nominate your River Hero
• Upcoming Events

]]> 15039 0 537 0 https://prairierivers.org/articles/2013/08/press-release-asian-carp-spawning-population-moves-closer-to-lake-michigan/ Mon, 19 Aug 2013 16:38:36 +0000 http://prairierivers.org/?p=15049 For Immediate Release
Monday, Aug. 19, 2013

Asian Carp: Leaping Faster to Lake Michigan Than the Solutions to Stop Them

CHICAGO – The leading edge of the Asian carp invasion in Illinois has advanced dramatically, with spawning moving nearly 100 miles upstream this year to within 25 miles of an electric barrier that is the last line of defense guarding Lake Michigan and the Great Lakes beyond.

Data collected by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources in June shows that verified spawning of Asian carp -- a key indicator of a viable Asian carp population and its ability to out- compete native fish species -- has moved to within just 62 miles of the lake.

“The fish are beating a quick path to the Great Lakes and we need federal efforts to keep pace with the threat,” says Joel Brammeier, president of the Alliance for the Great Lakes. “Congress needs to take action now to support a permanent solution to the problem.”

Asian carp, a grouping that includes the notorious bighead and silver species, are invasive species with voracious appetites. The filter-feeders are capable of eating up to 20 percent of their body weight each day in algae and small microscopic organisms. Their rapid growth and intense feeding threaten the base of the food web in waters that they invade. Silver carp are well-known for leaping into the air at the sound of passing motorboats, a behavior that has injured boaters and other water enthusiasts in waterways they have infested throughout the United States.

[caption id="attachment_15056" align="aligncenter" width="472" caption="Spawning Silver carp observed just downstream of the electric barrier"][/caption]

"The fact that Asian carp are reproducing, and these reproducing populations are moving closer, makes it even more important that action is taken quickly, “ notes Cheryl Kallio, associate director for Freshwater Future. “Thousands of citizens in the region have been contacting their members of Congress, calling for fast action on a permanent solution to stop Asian carp. They've had an impact with the Stop Invasive Species Act. We’re one step closer, but it is critical for people to continue reaching out to their elected officials.”

“At every phase of the game, the Asian carp have been underestimated in their advance up the Mississippi and through Illinois on their way to the Great Lakes,” says Natural Resources Defense Council attorney Meleah Geertsma. “We have to get out in front of this invasion once and for all, which means putting in a physical separation to avoid unnecessary environmental and economic damage that comes with these detrimental devils.”

Earlier this year, the U.S. Geological Survey discovered Asian carp have an ability to spawn in waterways previously considered unsuitable, meaning their spawning can occur in shorter,slower-moving waterways and that there are more tributaries that could serve as carp pathways to the Great Lakes than previously thought. The trend of a now rapidly advancing spawning front in Illinois, as well as increased capacity for spawning, is further evidence the Asian carp threat to the Great Lakes is imminent.

"This is another urgent indication that the entire Great Lakes region needs to support a physical barrier in Chicago in order to protect our economy, our fishery and our way of life," says Marc Smith, senior policy manager with National Wildlife Federation.

“Evidence of Asian carp breeding much closer to Lake Michigan is an urgent reminder that the clock is ticking on our opportunity to put a permanent solution in place,” said Jack Darin, director of Sierra Club, Illinois Chapter. “Breeding Asian carp near the barrier raises the threat level to Great Lakes. The carp are on the move, and we all need to redouble our work toward a permanent solution before it’s too late.”

The increased threat of Asian carp illustrates the need for a prompt and permanent separation of the Great Lakes and Mississippi River to protect Chicago waterways and the Great Lakes. Lab testing has shown that Asian carp fry – or babies -- are far less affected than adults by the charge on the electric barrier that is meant to keep them out of Lake Michigan.

“Fish don’t care about congressional authorization or timetables,” says Robert Hirschfeld, water policy specialist at Prairie Rivers Network. “The half-measures currently in place have not stopped the advance of Asian carp. Congress needs to act now to separate the basins or it will bear responsibility for a devastating blow to the Great Lakes economy.”

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is scheduled to complete its long-awaited Great Lakes and Mississippi River Interbasin Study (GLMRIS) in December. Its goal is to find solutions that end the transfer of aquatic nuisance species between the Great Lakes and Mississippi River basins.

“Despite all the effort to understand the problem and stop the advance of bighead and silver carp, at present a fully implemented, permanent solution could still be years away,” said Margaret Frisbie, executive director, Friends of the Chicago River. “With Asian carp on the move and our rivers at risk from dozens of other aquatic invasives already present in the Great Lakes, we need to do better than that and ask Congress to act as soon as GLMRIS is released.”

Contact: Robert Hirschfeld, 217-344-2371 x205

]]> 15049 0 551 0 https://prairierivers.org/articles/2013/08/governor-quinn-signs-bill-to-improve-access-to-private-lands/ Fri, 23 Aug 2013 21:31:39 +0000 http://prairierivers.org/?p=15070 Openlands and The Nature Conservancy for their tireless work on this issue. Because of them, landowners can re-open their gates, and Illinois residents will be granted access to more of the special places we work so hard to protect. [caption id="attachment_15091" align="aligncenter" width="449" caption="Draper's Bluff: A premiere rock climbing destination in southern Illinois that closed in 2009 due to changes in liability law. Photo: Gary Bartlow"][/caption]   Further reading: Governor Quinn Signs Legislation to Increase Public Access to Open Spaces: New Law Limits Liability for Landowners Who Allow Public Access for Conservation and Outdoor Recreation]]> 15070 0 550 0 https://prairierivers.org/articles/2013/09/are-you-ready-to-ramble/ Tue, 03 Sep 2013 20:25:09 +0000 http://prairierivers.org/?p=15151 Rain garden rambling, that is. If you would like to see some real, live rain gardens, please join Prairie Rivers Network staff and members for a bike ride to four Champaign properties. We will meet with residential rain garden owners and talk with City of Champaign staff about the new stormwater utility fee and associated rain garden incentive program. The ramble is about 6 miles from 2-4pm Saturday, September 21, which happens to be It's Our River Day. We'll end our tour by refueling at Custard Cup (on you). Please register at http://tinyurl.com/rain-garden-ramble. And tell your friends!  ]]> 15151 0 548 0 https://prairierivers.org/articles/2013/08/august-2013-e-news/ Thu, 29 Aug 2013 19:58:38 +0000 http://prairierivers.org/?p=15166 In this August 2013 E-News Edition:

• Rain Garden Ramble
• Prairie Rivers Network Annual Dinner - October 11, 2013
• Call for Nominations: 2013 River Steward Award
• Troubled Waters: A Mississippi River Story
• Summer Newsletter: Prairie River Notes
• Mending the Upper Mississippi River
• Protect the Illinois River from toxic coal pollution
• Asian Carp: Leaping to Lake Michigan faster than our solutions
• Thank you Summer Interns & Staff
• PRN in the News
• Upcoming River Events

]]> 15166 0 549 0 https://prairierivers.org/articles/2013/09/stormwater-conference-to-emphasize-working-with-nature/ Thu, 05 Sep 2013 18:36:40 +0000 http://prairierivers.org/?p=15210 The agenda is as follows: 8:00am - registration 8:30am - opening remarks (city and university officials) 9:00am - detention pond maintenance (Scott Tess, Urbana) 9:20am - Fox Development Corporation projects (Juan Cruz, FDC) 9:45am - BREAK 10:00am - Weaver Park case study and roundtable (Urbana staff) 10:45am - regulatory update (Bob Newport, USEPA) 11:15am - green infrastructure and mosquitoes (Brian Allen and Andrew Mackay, UIUC) Noon - lunch with keynote speaker Marcus de la fleur 1:15pm - tour of green stormwater practices in Champaign-Urbana 3:30pm - adjourn The lunchtime speaker will be giving a talk called "One Drop at a Time," in which he will discuss his work on residential stormwater management. This talk may be of great interest to those of you looking to green up your home with water-smart stormwater practices like rain gardens and permeable pavement. Registration is required; visit http://go.illinois.edu/greenconference.]]> 15210 0 547 0 https://prairierivers.org/articles/2013/09/prairie-rivers-network-annual-dinner/ Wed, 11 Sep 2013 14:31:29 +0000 http://prairierivers.org/?p=15238 Join river enthusiasts and Prairie Rivers Network's staff and board members for good conversation, food, and fun at our Annual Dinner as we celebrate our rivers and streams. Where: I Hotel and Conference Center, 1900 S. First Street, Champaign, IL 61820 When: Friday, October 11, 2013 Reception – 6:00 pm (music by Tom Turino; kayak and rain barrel raffle) Dinner – 7:30 pm After-party at Houlihan's Price: $50 per person or $400 for a table of 10 Keynote Speaker: Robert McChesney With the cost of US elections growing cycle after cycle, many are concerned about how money influences politics. Will causes like clean water fall by the wayside without big donors and powerful lobbyists pushing them? Our keynote speaker will discuss his newest book, Dollarocracy: How the Money and Media Election Complex is Destroying America. In it, he and co-author John Nichols shine a light on the new class of consultants who wield millions of dollars to control elections while journalism, a core check and balance on the government, declines. It is important for us to understand these forces, and even more important to understand how we can face this challenge and strengthen our democracy. Dr. McChesney is a Professor of Communications at the University of Illinois, and a leading scholar charting changes in journalism, in print and on the internet. He will be familiar to many of our Champaign-Urbana members; he hosted the “Media Matters” weekly radio program on the local NPR station for 10 years. He has authored many books on the history and political economy of communication, emphasizing the role media play in democratic and capitalist societies. Not just a scholar, McChesney is also an activist in promoting the diverse and independent media needed for a strong democracy; he co-founded Free Press (www.freepress.net) in 2002 and still serves on the board of directors today. A Cleveland native, McChesney was a sports stringer for UPI before launching his academic career. And in 1979 he was the founding publisher of The Rocket, a Seattle-based rock magazine. In his spare time, McChesney writes about professional basketball for a number of websites. RSVP: Click here to register online for the dinner.  Reservations are required by October 2, 2013! You may also register for the dinner by mailing the Annual Dinner Response Card with your check to Prairie Rivers Network. Dinner Choices:

1. Potato Crusted Lake Erie Pickerel with truffled spaghetti squash and slow roasted tomato confit, caramelized brussels sprouts, citrus herb emulsion
2. Locally Raised Roulade of Chicken with local chevre, kale pesto, and preserved lemon, truffled spaghetti squash, slow roasted tomato confit, caramelized brussels sprouts, smoked portobello demi glace
3. Seared Cauliflower Puttanesca with fagioli (Italian) beans, truffled spaghetti squash, caramelized brussels sprouts and Parmigiano-Reggiano

Dress Requirement? No. There is no dress requirement, however, most attendees dress in business or evening informal.

Thank you sponsors

Prairie Rivers Network invites you to support clean water and healthy rivers by becoming a business member of Prairie Rivers Network. Business sponsors can be recognized at our Annual Dinner and Illinois Marathon - Run for Your Rivers - charity running team. For more information, please view our Business Sponsor Form, or contact Vickie Nudelman s at 217.344.2371 or vnudelman [at] prairierivers.org.]]> 15238 0 545 0 https://prairierivers.org/articles/2013/09/panel-discussion-on-champaign-county-water-resources/ Mon, 16 Sep 2013 17:28:22 +0000 http://prairierivers.org/?p=15260

The Sierra Club Prairie Group will sponsor a panel presentation and discussion titled Champaign County’s Water: Where It Comes From, Where It Goes To, and How We Can Protect It Along the Way to increase local awareness about federal, state and local policies that regulate Champaign County’s water use and quality. Panelists Robert Hirschfeld and Kim Knowles of Prairie Rivers Network, Dwain Berggren of the Illinois State Geological Survey, and Frank DiNovo, retired Director of Planning and Community Development with the Champaign County Regional Planning Commission, will provide information about Champaign County’s ground and surface water and the regulatory bodies and policies that impact them. A facilitated discussion will focus on how community members can support policies that protect local water resources. Program co-sponsors include: CCNet (Champaign County Sustainable Networking) Channing- Murray Foundation, Faith in Place, Grand Prairie Friends, Izaak Walton League, Prairie Rivers Network, U of I Students for Environmental Concerns, Unitarian Universalist Church of Urbana-Champaign’s Green UU’s and Social Action Committee, Upper Sangamon River Conservancy For further information contact: Carol Hays cec0127@gmail.com]]> 15260 0 544 0 https://prairierivers.org/articles/2013/09/court-ruling-forces-epa-action-on-mississippi-river-pollution/ Mon, 23 Sep 2013 21:56:59 +0000 http://prairierivers.org/?p=15280 Action would also fight harmful algae blooms in Illinois lakes and rivers The U.S. District Court in Eastern Louisiana ordered the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency on Friday to decide within 180 days whether it will require new limits on the nutrient pollution that is causing the growth of dangerous algae   in the waters of Illinois and the Mississippi River basin.  Attorneys at the Natural Resources Defense Council led the suit, filed on behalf of Prairie Rivers Network and other members of the Mississippi River Collaborative.  Too much nitrogen and phosphorus is causing the Gulf of Mexico Dead Zone, toxic algae blooms and is polluting drinking water. “For too long, EPA has stood on the sidelines while our nation’s waters slowly choke on algae,” said NRDC Senior Attorney Ann Alexander. “They have acknowledged the problem for years, but could not muster the gumption to address it. The court is telling the Agency that it is time to stop hiding from the issue and make a decision already.” Nitrogen and phosphorus from farms, sewage plants, and urban stormwater systems fuel the growth of algae in many waterways in Illinois and around the country.  Algae can rob water of the oxygen that fish and other aquatic animals need to live. One of the most devastating consequences of this pollution has been the dead zone in the Gulf of Mexico – an area the size of Connecticut where the oxygen is so low, nothing can live there. The lawsuit, filed a year and a half ago, challenged EPA’s denial of the Mississippi River Collaborative’s 2008 petition asking EPA to establish numeric limits on how much of this pollution can be dumped in our waters. The suit charged the EPA with failing to lawfully answer the question before it, that is, whether numeric pollution limits are needed to clean up these waters and to comply with the federal Clean Water Act The court found that EPA’s refusal to answer the “necessity” question was indeed unlawful. While the decision does not tell the EPA what its answer must be, EPA must declare, within 180 days, whether numeric nitrogen and phosphorus pollution limits are needed, or not. “After years of urging, negotiating, petitioning and finally suing, this victory should at last get US EPA to the table to begin the hard but necessary work of writing pollution limits for Illinois’ waters,” said Kim Knowles, Staff Attorney for Prairie Rivers Network. Plaintiffs in the suit included Gulf Restoration Network, Prairie Rivers Network, Waterkeeper Alliance, Environmental Law and Policy Center, Iowa Environmental Council, Missouri Coalition for the Environment, Kentucky Waterways Alliance, Tennessee Clean Water Network, Minnesota Center for Environmental Advocacy, Sierra Club, and NRDC. Following are comments from other groups involved in the suit: Susan Heathcote, Water Program Director of the Iowa Environmental Council in Des Moines, Iowa, said, “Lake recreation is a big business in Iowa—generating $1.2 billion in annual spending and supporting 14,000 jobs. Yet Iowa’s lakes have among the highest nitrogen and phosphorus levels in the world, and consequences of this problem, including algae blooms and poor water clarity, have already landed 79 of the state’s top recreational lakes on Iowa’s impaired waters list. In addition, harmful algae blooms led to two dozen advisories against swimming at Iowa’s state park beaches this summer due to high toxin levels that threaten the health of people and pets.” “It should be apparent that pollution limits are essential to controlling pollution” said Kelly Foster, Senior Attorney for Waterkeeper Alliance, “With this decision, we are hopeful that EPA will finally do what it has long known is necessary to address the Gulf Dead Zone and the staggering number of other fisheries, water supplies and recreational waters decimated by nitrogen and phosphorus pollution across the nation.” "EPA must address the nutrient issue, and we appreciate the court's ruling to that affect," said Judy Petersen, Executive Director at Kentucky Waterways Alliance. "The Army Corps of Engineers monitored Kentucky's recreational lakes for Harmful Algae Blooms for the first time this past summer and recorded excessive numbers throughout much of the summer at several lakes. Nutrient pollution is clearly just as much of a problem in Kentucky as it is in other Mississippi River Basin states and down in the Gulf, and EPA must address it." Kris Sigford, Water Quality Director at Minnesota Center for the Environment notes, "We are gratified that EPA cannot duck this important decision, and hope that EPA takes quick and decisive action to control widespread nitrogen and phosphorus pollution in the Mississippi River. In Minnesota, over one-quarter of our streams and rivers are polluted by nitrogen in excess of safe drinking water standards, and the trend is increasing rapidly." Bradley Klein, attorney for the Environmental Law & Policy Center added, “This isn't just about the Dead Zone in the Gulf of Mexico. Algae blooms threaten the Great Lakes--and smaller waterways across the nation are being impacted by this huge problem. Hopefully EPA will move in the right direction on this because until we deal with the sources, which are sometimes thousands of miles away, we cannot get to the problem." Additional Information:

• U.S. District Court decision
• NRDC’s Ann Alexander blogged on the ruling
• Prairie Rivers Network has photos of noxious algae blooms in Illinois waters
• More information on the Mississippi River Collaborative

]]> 15280 0 542 0 https://prairierivers.org/articles/2013/09/illinois-land-conversions-result-in-more-crop-acres/ Fri, 27 Sep 2013 22:44:44 +0000 http://prairierivers.org/?p=15331 new data that show a net national loss of non-cropland (e.g., prairie, forest) due to conversion to cropland. In a one year period from 2011-2012, Illinois netted a 10,000 acre gain in cropland. This means we are losing habitat for recreation, wildlife, stormwater management, and open space. The reasons for these conversions vary, but high crop prices and federally subsidized crop insurance are among the primary drivers. These incentives are resulting in farmers breaking out sensitive lands that are prone to flooding and erosion. Unfortunately, we can expect to see some negative impacts associated with increased cropland acres and development of sensitive lands. Farm fields can be very leaky, shedding fertilizers, herbicides, insecticides, and fungicides to the air and surrounding streams. Erosion can also be a problem, resulting in soil depositing in streams and ruining the habitat of certain mussel, fish, and insect species. The increase in cropland acres makes it all the more imperative that conservation practices be adopted much more intensively on Illinois farms. Among the most environmentally-beneficial practices are reduced soil tillage, winter cover crops, and permanently vegetated buffers along streams and ditches. Fortunately, many conservation practices can be incorporated into working farms without reducing yields or increasing costs. But even if conservation costs money, it should be considered money well spent as a cost of doing business.]]> 15331 0 541 0 https://prairierivers.org/articles/2013/10/court-ordered-coal-ash-protections-to-benefit-illinois-communities/ Thu, 03 Oct 2013 18:53:42 +0000 http://prairierivers.org/?p=15340 Court-Ordered Coal Ash Protections to Benefit Illinois Communities Federal Court Orders EPA to Move Forward on Coal Ash Rules Washington, D.C. – A federal judge agreed with environmental and public health groups that the Environmental Protection Agency needs to set federal regulations for the safe and proper disposal of toxic coal ash. A copy of the judge’s order can be found here: http://earthjustice.org/sites/default/files/files/RCRA_NOI_Order.pdf The groups filed the lawsuit in April 2012 challenging the EPA’s lack of federal regulations for America’s second largest industrial waste stream. This is critical for Illinois because while our state generates 4.4 million tons of coal ash every year, and imports coal ash for disposal from at least 6 states, this harmful waste product is handled according to outdated and ineffective state rules that were written over three decades ago. “In most states — at ponds, landfills, and mine pits where coal ash gets dumped — a slow seepage of the ash’s metals has poisoned water supplies, damaged ecosystems, and jeopardized citizens’ health. Unfortunately, the Illinois communities of Marion, Joliet, Venice, Oakwood, Havana, Alton, Powerton, Hennepin, Hutsonville, Canton, Wood River, and Coffeen now know this. We are long overdue for an update. It is well past time the EPA acts on promises made years ago to protect the nation from coal ash contamination and life-threatening coal ash ponds,” says Traci Barkley, Water Resource Scientist for Prairie Rivers Network. The order of the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia offered little details about the timing or substance of the EPA’s rulemaking but said it will issue a Memorandum Opinion within the next 30 days with more specifics. For now, the decision marks the first step towards federally enforceable safeguards, monitoring, and protections against coal ash. In its order, the court did deny one of the environmentalists claims regarding testing procedures for coal ash contamination, but more details are needed before the groups are fully able to understand the implications. Coal ash has already contaminated more than 200 rivers, lakes, streams and aquifers with toxic pollutants like arsenic, lead, selenium and mercury. In 2008, a spill at the TVA Kingston Fossil Plant in Harriman, Tennessee, dumped one billion gallons of coal ash over 300 acres, destroying homes and poisoning rivers. That spill led to the EPA proposing in May 2010 the first federal regulations for coal ash disposal. The agency never finalized that rulemaking, leaving open the opportunity for the power generating industry and some members of Congress to push for legislation that would prevent the EPA from ever setting federal regulations.  The following statement is from the groups that filed the lawsuit: Appalachian Voices (NC); Chesapeake Climate Action Network (MD); Environmental Integrity Project (DC); Earthjustice (DC); French Broad Riverkeeper (NC); Kentuckians for the Commonwealth (KY); Moapa Band of Paiutes (NV); Montana Environmental Information Center (MT); Prairie Rivers Network (IL); Sierra Club (DC); and Southern Alliance for Clean Energy (eight southeast states): “The impacts of coal ash pollution are being felt across the country. Our groups represent millions of Americans who want clean water, clean air and healthy living. We turned to the courts to force the EPA to set long overdue protections from this toxic menace. This decision marks the first step towards federally enforceable safeguards from coal ash. For decades, coal ash has been dumped into unlined and unmonitored pits, poisoning water supplies and the communities that rely on them. No one should have to live in fear of the coal ash dump in their backyard, and we hope the EPA will finally adopt regulations that protect all nearby communities.” For information about coal ash in North Carolina, Maryland, Kentucky, Montana, Nevada, Illinois, Tennessee or other southern states, as well as the implications this decision will have locally, please contact the following representatives:

• Traci Barkley, Prairie Rivers Network, (217) 621-3013; tbarkley@prairierivers.org (Illinois)
• Sandra Diaz, Appalachian Voices, (828) 262-1500; sandra@appvoices.org (North Carolina)
• Diana Dascalu-Joffe, Chesapeake Climate Action Network, (703) 772-2472; Diana@chesapeakeclimate.org (Maryland)
• Hartwell Carson, French Broad Riverkeeper, (828) 258-8737; hartwell@wnca.org (North Carolina)
• Mary Love, Kentuckians for the Commonwealth, (502) 541-7434; mbloveky@yahoo.com (Kentucky)
• William Anderson, Moapa Band of Paiutes (702) 865-2787; wanderson@mvdsl.com (Nevada)
• Anne Hedges, Montana Environmental Information Center, (406) 443-2520; ahedges@meic.org (Montana)
• Ulla Reeves, Southern Alliance for Clean Energy, (828) 713-7486; ulla@cleanenergy.org (Southeast)

For information about the lawsuit, federal legislation, or the status of the pending EPA regulation, please contact the following representatives:

• Jennifer Duggan, Environmental Integrity Project (802) 225-6774; jduggan@environmentalintegrity.org
• Jared Saylor, Earthjustice (202) 236-5855; jsaylor@earthjustice.org
• Sean Sarah, Sierra Club (202) 548-4589; sean.sarah@sierraclub.org

]]> 15340 0 539 0 https://prairierivers.org/articles/2013/10/prairie-rivers-network-to-honor-river-advocates-at-annual-dinner/ Mon, 07 Oct 2013 19:29:24 +0000 http://prairierivers.org/?p=15344 Media scholar Robert McChesney will be keynote speaker Prairie Rivers Network will honor Kevin Cummings and Suzanne Smith for their work in protecting and promoting the health of Illinois rivers and wildlife at its Annual Dinner on October 11. The event will be held at the I Hotel and Conference Center, 1900 S First Street in Champaign IL. ----- Kevin Cummings will receive the Outstanding Public Servant award for a distinguished career spent researching and fostering critically important freshwater mussels, often called "the livers of the rivers." As the Senior Research Scientist and Curator of Mollusks at the Center for Biodiversity, Illinois Natural History Survey, Cummings is a renowned expert on mussels, and their protection and conservation. For decades, he has monitored mussels throughout Illinois, the Midwest, and around the world. Recently, Cummings undertook an effort to reintroduce threatened and endangered mussels to the Middle Fork and Salt Fork rivers, a project that is seeing extraordinary results. Beyond his groundbreaking field work, Cummings has a special talent as an ambassador for these overlooked organisms, continuously engaging in public education regarding the value of mussels as sentinels and indicators of water quality and ecosystem health. ----- [caption id="" align="alignright" width="240" caption="Sue Smith, right, discusses the threat of Sunrise Coal to water"][/caption] For her many years of dedicated volunteer work, Suzanne Smith of rural Homer, IL will be presented the River Steward award. Smith has been a tireless champion for the Salt Fork and Middle Fork Rivers, organizing river clean ups, taking on drainage issues, and promoting restored wildlife habitat. Smith was a co-founder of Salt Fork River Partners, a group of area residents dedicated to conservation of the river. Most recently, Smith has been an outstanding leader in the Stand Up to Coal campaign—an effort to protect prime farmland, rural communities, and clean water from the damages of proposed coal mining. She continues to be a powerful spokeswoman for a beloved stretch of river in Illinois and has inspired many others to follow suit. ----- The evening’s keynote speaker will be media scholar Robert McChesney, who will discuss his new book, “Dollarocracy: How the Money and Media Election Complex is Destroying America.” Dr. McChesney was the longtime host of "Media Matters" on NPR and is a prolific and well-published writer on the topics of journalism and democracy. He will address the unhealthy influence of money on politics and offer insight on how to overcome this challenge, strengthen democracy, and advance good environmental policy. The reception begins at 6:00 pm with music by Tom Turino. Dinner follows at 7:30 pm. Price: $50 per person or $400 for a table of 10 You can RSVP for the Annual Dinner at www.prairierivers.org/dinner or by calling 217-344-2371 x. 200]]> 15344 0 538 0 https://prairierivers.org/articles/2013/10/troubled-waters-to-be-shown-in-champaign-urbana/ Mon, 21 Oct 2013 15:17:01 +0000 http://prairierivers.org/?p=15362 Troubled Waters does a nice job of describing the issue. Thanks to the Illinois Sustainable Technology Center for publicly screening this film on Tuesday, October 22! [caption id="attachment_15370" align="alignright" width="225" caption="The algae in this stream indicate there are too many nutrients in the water."][/caption] Troubled Waters: A Mississippi River Story tells the story of the unintended consequences of farming on the health of the Mississippi River. Fertilizers and pesticides leave farm fields during storms and make their way into our river systems. These Midwest rivers then drain into the Mississippi River, which finds its end at the Gulf of Mexico. Every year during the summer, a Dead Zone forms in the Gulf because of this pollution. The Illinois Sustainable Technology Center will be hosting a free showing of this Emmy Award-winning documentary. Where: Illinois Sustainable Technology Center, 1 E Hazelwood Drive, Champaign, IL When: Tuesday, October 22, 2013, 6 - 8:30 pm After the movie, Dr. George Czapar of the Illinois State Water Survey will give a brief presentation on nutrient pollution and water quality issues in Illinois. This event is free and open to the public. One dollar pizza and refreshments will be offered beginning at 6 pm. Please register if you would like pizza. Free parking is available.]]> 15362 0 536 0 https://prairierivers.org/articles/2013/10/annual-dinner-2013-roundup/ Tue, 22 Oct 2013 16:50:50 +0000 http://prairierivers.org/?p=15379 The Prairie Rivers Network staff and board of directors had a wonderful evening visiting with 300 members and friends at our Annual Dinner on October 11th.

Pictures from the Annual Dinner

        [fsg_gallery id="1"]   View more, full size photos at our Flickr site…

Congratulations to our 2013 River Steward and Outstanding Public Servant

Kevin Cummings received the Outstanding Public Servant award for a distinguished career spent researching and fostering critically important freshwater mussels, often called “the livers of the rivers.” And for her many years of dedicated volunteer work, Suzanne Smith of rural Homer, IL was presented the River Steward award. Smith has been a tireless champion for the Salt Fork and Middle Fork Rivers, organizing river clean ups, taking on drainage issues, and promoting restored wildlife habitat. Read more on our award winners...

Dollarocracy: How the Money and Media Election Complex is Destroying America

Our keynote speaker, Robert McChesney, discussed his new book, “Dollarocracy: How the Money and Media Election Complex is Destroying America.” McChesney was the longtime host of “Media Matters” on NPR and is a prolific and well-published writer on the topics of journalism and democracy. McChesney talked about how the challenges we face are daunting—the forces that concentrate wealth and power threaten our very democracy, the democracy that is our best hope of achieving a healthy environment and just society. Despite these challenges, McChesney encouraged us to take an active role in our democracy and grassroots organizations because history has shown that organizations like Prairie Rivers Network and passionate individuals working together can have profoundly positive impacts. The Annual Dinner was covered in the "On the Town" section of the News-Gazette.

Thank you sponsors

]]> 15379 0 535 0 https://prairierivers.org/articles/2013/10/federal-judge-gives-epa-60-days-to-set-deadline-for-coal-ash-regulations/ Tue, 29 Oct 2013 21:13:34 +0000 http://prairierivers.org/?p=15439 EPA proposed first-ever federal regulations in 2010, little movement since then October 29, 2013 Washington, D.C. – A federal judge issued a memorandum today in a lawsuit challenging the Environmental Protection Agency’s failure to finalize federal coal ash regulations. The Court gave the EPA 60 days to “file a written submission with this Court setting forth a proposed deadline for its compliance with [EPA’s] obligation to review and revise if necessary its Subtitle D regulations concerning coal ash, along with its legal justification for its proposed deadline.” Read the detailed memorandum the court issued on this lawsuit. The court agreed with the environmental and public health groups that the EPA has a mandatory duty to review and revise if necessary its waste regulations under the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act every three years, including its solid waste regulations as they relate to coal ash disposal. The EPA is now required to provide a schedule for finalizing pending federal coal ash regulations, which were proposed in 2010 and have since languished. Earthjustice represented Appalachian Voices (NC); Chesapeake Climate Action Network (MD); Environmental Integrity Project (DC, PA); Kentuckians for the Commonwealth (KY); Moapa Band of Paiutes (NV); Montana Environmental Information Center (MT); Physicians for Social Responsibility (DC); Prairie Rivers Network (IL); Sierra Club (DC); Southern Alliance for Clean Energy (eight southeast states); and Western North Carolina Alliance (NC) in the lawsuit. The groups issued the following statement: “Coal ash has contaminated more than 200 rivers, lakes, streams and aquifers across the country. Hundreds of additional unlined and unmonitored coal ash dumpsites exist, as well as hundreds of potentially dangerous coal ash dams. The decision by this federal court to put the EPA on a schedule for finalizing federal coal ash regulations is a victory for the communities and neighborhoods living next to these toxic sites. Federal protection is long overdue. This December marks the 5th anniversary of the tragic coal ash spill in Kingston, TN, where a billion gallons of coal ash sludge destroyed 300 acres and dozens of homes. Our communities have waited long enough for protection from coal ash and we don’t want to see another Kingston disaster happen before federal protections are in place. We’re pleased to see that within the next two months, the EPA must set a deadline for finalizing these critical public health safeguards.” For more information or site-specific questions, please contact: Cat McCue, Appalachian Voices, (434) 293-6373; Cat@appvoices.org Diana Dascalu-Joffe, Chesapeake Climate Action Network, (703) 772-2472; Diana@chesapeakeclimate.org (Maryland) Jared Saylor, Earthjustice, (202) 745-5213; jsaylor@earthjustice.org Jennifer Duggan, Environmental Integrity Project, (802) 225-6774; jduggan@environmentalintegrity.org (DC) Mary Love, Kentuckians for the Commonwealth, (502) 541-7434; mbloveky@yahoo.com (Kentucky) Vickie Simmons, Moapa Band of Paiutes (702) 865-2910 simmonsvickie@ymail.com (Nevada) Anne Hedges, Montana Environmental Information Center, (406) 443-2520; ahedges@meic.org (Montana) Barbara Gottlieb, Physicians for Social Responsibility (202) 587-5225; bgottlieb@psr.org Traci Barkley, Prairie Rivers Network, (217) 621-3013; tbarkley@prairierivers.org (Illinois) Sean Sarah, Sierra Club (202) 548-4589; sean.sarah@sierraclub.org (DC) Ulla Reeves, Southern Alliance for Clean Energy, (828) 713-7486; ulla@cleanenergy.org (Southeast) Donna Lisenby, Watauga Riverkeeper, Western North Carolina Alliance 704-277-6055, lisenby.donna@gmail.com

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 ]]> 15439 0 534 0 https://prairierivers.org/articles/2013/11/october-e-news/ Mon, 04 Nov 2013 23:20:30 +0000 http://prairierivers.org/?p=15456

 Read our October E-News (pdf) with articles on:

• TAKE ACTION to support CLEAN ENERGY in Illinois!
• Annual Dinner Roundup
• Fantastic Wood Sculptures to benefit Prairie Rivers Network
• Victory for Illinois' Children
•  Alligator! . . . no, I can't believe it's a fish!
• Court action on coal ash and nutrient pollution
•  Bioneers Chicago - Nov. 1 - 3, 2013
• Fewer natural areas, more cropland
• Mahomet Aquifer Protection Meeting
• Heartland Coalfield Alliance meeting and coal mine tour
• WRRDA passes in the House, removes protections
• Art @ the Y in collaboration with Prairie Rivers Network
• PRN in the News
• Upcoming Events

]]> 15456 0 533 0 https://prairierivers.org/articles/2013/09/september-e-news-2/ Wed, 18 Sep 2013 22:56:43 +0000 http://prairierivers.org/?p=15474 Read our September E-News with articles on:

• Prairie Rivers Network Annual Dinner — October 11, 2013
• Rain Garden Ramble!
• Champaign County's Water
• Troubled Waters: A Mississippi River Story
• Great Lakes Bioneers Chicago - Nov. 1 - 3, 2013
• Honorary Ralph Frese Way
• Seminar Series: Freshwater Availability
• Round-Up for Prairie Rivers Network at Common Ground Food Co-op!
• PRN in the News
• Upcoming Events

]]> 15474 0 543 0 https://prairierivers.org/articles/2013/11/national-wildlife-refuges-boost-local-economies/ Wed, 06 Nov 2013 18:51:39 +0000 http://prairierivers.org/?p=15492 U.S. National Wildlife Refuges protect our country's natural heritage, offer countless recreation opportunities, provide habitat for plants and animals, and improve quality of life for millions of Americans. In addition to these important benefits, refuges are also important economic drivers. According to a new peer-reviewed report released by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, refuges support over 35,000 jobs and contribute $2.4 billion to the economy, annually. Every year, refuges see over 46 million visitors, many of whom support local economies by eating at restaurants, staying in hotels, and shopping at local businesses. This is great news for Illinois, which is home to 7 refuges, including the Upper Mississippi River National Wildlife and Fish Refuge which stands above the rest in economic returns. The 240,000-acre Upper Mississippi River National Wildlife and Fish Refuge spans 261 river miles and four states: Illinois, Iowa, Wisconsin, and Minnesota. In 2011, recreational visitors to the refuge generated $226 million in economic effects on a budget of $4.9 million. That's right, the Upper Mississippi generated $46 for every $1 spent!  The refuge also supports 1,394 jobs. In a time of economic recovery, we can't afford not to invest in our refuges. Our investments will continue to pay high dividends in the form of enhanced recreation, natural habitats, quality of life, and of course, cold, hard cash.

Full press release: National Wildlife Refuges Support Over 35,000 Jobs, Pump $2.4 Billion into Local Communities: Banking on Nature Report Finds Refuges Continue to Be Powerful Economic Engines For more information on the Upper Mississippi River National Fish and Wildlife Refuge, click here.]]> 15492 0 532 0 https://prairierivers.org/articles/2013/11/art-shows-to-benefit-prairie-rivers-network/ Mon, 11 Nov 2013 16:25:45 +0000 http://prairierivers.org/?p=15523 Two exciting art shows and sales will benefit Prairie Rivers Network in November and December. As part of the Art @ the Y series, painter Kim Curtis will showcase works from her series Thirtyseven, which documents the fascinating wetland area along the San Francisco Bay area’s highway 37.  View these paintings and other works on her website. Please come to the opening reception to chat with the artist and meet Glynnis Collins, Prairie Rivers Network's director. Opening Reception: Thursday, November 14, 2013, 7-9 pm 7:30pm: Discussion between the artist and Glynnis Collins, Executive Director of Prairie Rivers Network Location: Murphy Gallery at the University YMCA, University of Illinois campus,1001 S. Wright St., Champaign, IL The show will run until January 19, 2014. Ten percent of all sales will go to Prairie Rivers Network. Read more about Kim Curtis and the Art @ the Y show here. In the News: Kim Curtis in collaboration with Prairie Rivers Network (pdf)(Smile Politely) 11/6/2013 Y exhibit a collaboration between artist, Prairie Rivers Network (pdf) (News Gazette) 11/10/2013

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Rick Larimore, Prairie Rivers Network member, will hold  a show and sale of his wood sculptures in December.  Rick has worked in painting and epoxy sculpture, but now focuses on wood sculpture.  See his beautiful sculptures at his website. Much of the wood he sculpts comes from the natural areas and woodlands he manages along the Salt Fork River.  Again, ten percent of all sales will benefit Prairie Rivers Network. Wood Sculpture Show and Sale: December 8-10, 2013 Location: Urbana Civic Center, 108 Water Street, Urbana, IL Opening Reception: Sunday, December 8, 2013, 3-8 pm Music by Celia and the Johnny Bolts. Catering by Piato.]]> 15523 0 530 0 https://prairierivers.org/articles/2013/11/illinois-residents-call-for-strong-carbon-pollution-limits-from-existing-power-plants/ Fri, 08 Nov 2013 20:09:25 +0000 http://prairierivers.org/?p=15557

Midwest Communities Rally for Climate Action at Chicago EPA Listening Session

Friday, November 8, 2013 Contact: Emily Rosenwasser, Emily.Rosenwasser@sierraclub.org, 312-251-1680 x119 CHICAGO - Today hundreds of residents from Illinois, Indiana, Michigan and Wisconsin testified at the regional Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) office in Chicago, calling on officials to enact the strongest possible limits on carbon pollution from coal- and gas-fired power plants. Hundreds of parents, community leaders, public health advocates and clean energy innovators spoke directly to EPA staff and at a rally on the harsh effects of climate disruption in their communities. [slideshow gallery_id="4"]   Carbon pollution is the main cause of climate disruption. The Midwest has been hard-hit by the impacts of climate disruption with damaging droughts, floods and Lake Michigan water levels at historic lows. “If the clean air protections are strong enough, then rich fossil fuel companies will no longer get a free pass to pollute,” said Kim Wasserman with Little Village Environmental Justice Organization in Chicago. “They won't be able to dump unlimited amounts of climate pollution into our air anymore.” Coal- and gas-fired power plants are the country's biggest carbon polluters, which means that in order to address climate disruption, the EPA must issue strong carbon standards on power plants. Power plants are also responsible for life-threatening air pollution like smog, which triggers asthma attacks and other respiratory issues. Locally, Chicago has taken on a leadership role as a large city addressing climate disruption, officially phasing out the Fisk and Crawford coal-fired power plants in Pilsen and Little Village in 2012. These coal-fired power plants were the last operating coal plants within the city limits. “Communities like Chicago have taken the lead on fighting climate disruption by demanding clean air, retiring coal plants and pushing for greater investments in local clean energy,” said Mary Anne Hitt, Director of the Sierra Club Beyond Coal campaign. “As parents, grandparents and neighbors, we know we have an obligation to our children to create a better future. That is why the EPA must set strong limits to cut carbon from power plants, which are our nation’s biggest polluters and our number one source of climate disrupting carbon pollution.” "I stand here with clean energy businesses, who are creating jobs in the technologies of the future, and who are ready to do so much more,” said Illinois State Senator Mike Frerichs (D-Gifford). “They are ready to invest more in our state, and hire more of our workers. I stand here with people across Illinois who want to breathe clean air, and move to energy sources that don’t threaten the health of their children, and the future of our planet." “Air pollution from power plants causes acute effects on public health and the long-lasting health impacts of climate disruption put our health at an even greater risk,” said Dr. Susan Buchanan, Director of Great Lakes Children’s Environmental Health Program at UIC School of Public Health. “As temperatures rise, the most vulnerable communities in Illinois will be exposed to conditions that can result in more illness and death due to asthma and respiratory illness, heat- and weather-related stress and disease carried by insects. This is why it is vital to take action now and place limits on dangerous carbon pollution.” Climate disruption also means big costs for Americans both economically and environmentally. According to the Natural Resources Defense Council, last year alone Americans spent over $140 billion as a result of devastating droughts, raging wildfires, tragic floods, record heat and powerful storms. That’s $1,110 per American.

According to the Union of Concerned Scientists, climate disruption negatively affects agriculture in the Midwest. Warmer temperatures in winter mean more pests and crop diseases can survive farther north. Wetter springs will increase erosion and can mean crops have to be planted later. Summers will likely be hotter and drier, causing stress on growing plants. Climate disruption could cost the agricultural sector in Illinois as much as $9.3 billion per year. “Farmers are seeing the impacts of climate change in our fields,” said Keith Bolin, farmer and wind energy developer from Bureau County, Illinois. “Wind energy is part of the solution to climate change, and wind boosts our farming communities as we face years of droughts, unpredictable crop yields and other uncertainty. The wind industry employs thousands of people here in Illinois, and counties like mine have made Illinois a national clean energy leader.” “We have the solutions and a moral obligation to address climate change for future generations,” said Brian Sauder, Policy Director at Faith in Place & the IL Interfaith Power & Light Campaign. “The EPA must follow through with those solutions and place strong limits on dangerous carbon pollution from power plants.” “Introducing strong carbon pollution standards gives us an opportunity to modernize our communities and create more clean energy jobs,” said Katie Mimnaugh, student leader at University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. “It is a win-win for our future here in Illinois.” “As we work to address carbon emissions from coal plants around the country we must also work to continue our transition to a clean energy economy,” said Brandon Leavitt, President of Solar Service. "In our country, a solar panel is installed every four minutes. If we focus our future on these cleaner resources we can create thousands of good paying, skilled, local jobs and build a safer future for our communities." "With 97% of Scientists telling us that Climate Change is a real, we commend the EPA for proposing the first ever limits on carbon pollution from power plants” said Organizing for Action Chicago Chapter Lead Bob Stephens. “It is time to act on climate change."

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The broad coalition organizing today's event in support of EPA's newly proposed carbon pollution standards for existing power plants included health advocates, business owners, faith leaders, clean energy supporters, and conservationists: Alliance for the Great Lakes, Blue Green Alliance, CNT Energy, Central Illinois Healthy Community Alliance, Chicago Youth Climate Coalition, Chicago Clean Power Coalition, Chicago Environmental Justice Alliance, Citizens Against Ruining the Environment (CARE), Clean Power Lake County Coalition, Delta Institute, Environmental Law & Policy Center, Environment Illinois, Faith in Place & the IL Interfaith Power & Light Campaign, Illinois Environmental Council, Illinois Solar Energy Association, Illinois Student Environmental Council, League of Women Voters, Little Village Environmental Justice Organization, Mom’s Clean Air Force, Moms Rising, Natural Resources Defense Council, National Wildlife Federation, Organizing for Action-Illinois, People for Community Recovery, Pilsen Environmental Rights and Reform Organization, Physicians for Social Responsibility, Prairie Rivers Network, Respiratory Health Association, The Sierra Club, Students for Environmental Concerns UIUC, Southeast Environmental Taskforce, Union of Concerned Scientists

]]> 15557 0 531 0 https://prairierivers.org/articles/2013/11/climate-change-threatens-big-game/ Fri, 15 Nov 2013 18:47:10 +0000 http://prairierivers.org/?p=15604 America's iconic big game species have been a cornerstone of habitat conservation for nearly a century. Hunters and wildlife viewers have invested billions of dollars to successfully restore game populations across the continent, but according to a report released this week by the National Wildlife Federation, even our most common and charismatic species are feeling the proverbial heat. Nowhere to Run: Big Game Wildlife in a Warming World outlines how climate-induced habitat losses, frequent extreme weather events like flood and drought, and increased disease transmission threaten animals like deer, elk, and black bear. While these creatures go hand-in-hand with images of the vast American West, this report demonstrates that wildlife in Illinois are also becoming increasingly vulnerable to things like habitat loss and disease. To restore and maintain the resilience of our lands and waters for all species, we must acknowledge that we're living in a time of unprecedented environmental change. Prairie Rivers Network continues to work with policy makers, agencies, and organizations to restore and protect the integrity of our natural landscape. Further Reading Nowhere to Run is the latest in a series about how global climate change is impacting animals and their habitats. To learn more, check out their other reports on freshwater fish, migratory birds, and other wildlife:              ]]> 15604 0 529 0 https://prairierivers.org/articles/2013/12/givingtuesday/ Tue, 03 Dec 2013 06:00:13 +0000 http://prairierivers.org/?p=15640 Click Here to Make Your Donation to Prairie Rivers Network for #GivingTuesday

]]> 15640 0 527 0 https://prairierivers.org/articles/2013/12/recreational-tillage-not-good-for-illinois-soil-or-water/ Thu, 05 Dec 2013 22:31:36 +0000 http://prairierivers.org/?p=15648 video. Let's Talk About Soil - English from IASS Vimeo Channel on Vimeo.]]> 15648 0 525 0 https://prairierivers.org/articles/2013/12/urbana-champaign-sanitary-district-to-decide-how-much-protection-to-give-local-streams/ Tue, 03 Dec 2013 19:17:11 +0000 http://prairierivers.org/?p=15656 Tell the Board to honor its promise to protect our local streams.

Board meeting this THURSDAY at 10 AM.

 Salt Fork and Copper Slough at risk in sale of water to Cronus

The Urbana Champaign Sanitary District (UCSD) is hoping to sell its water to Cronus Chemical for use in a fertilizer plant.  The equivalent of 6.3 million gallons of effluent per day would be piped to Tuscola, and no longer discharged to the Saline Branch or the Copper Slough. There are recent signs that the sale will occur, and we are concerned that the Board of Trustees may not honor its earlier promises to protect local streams. Although the District promised us it would maintain minimum discharges of 1.5 million gallons per day (MGD) to the Copper Slough and 4.5 MGD to the Saline Branch, because these streams are “the District’s first priorities," recent statements by the Board and staff call into question the District’s commitment. Full term sheet between the District and Cronus Chemical

Board meeting this Thursday, December 5^th at 10 am

Urbana Champaign Sanitary District 

1100 East University, Urbana, IL

 

Please attend this meeting and tell the Board to honor its promise to discharge a minimum of 1.5 MGD  to the Copper Slough and 4.5 MGD to the Saline Branch. The executive director of UCSD has drafted three resolutions that the Board will consider on Thursday. We think #1 (labeled “PRN” by the District) is the strongest, but should also include a requirement that the Board must report to the public if the District fails to meet the minimum discharges. Come to the meeting and ask the Board to adopt #1/PRN resolution plus a public reporting requirement. If you cannot attend the meeting on Thursday, please call the Trustees before Thursday and give them  your message:

Diana Lenik  217-356-7082

Jerry Lyke  217-493-2292

Jenny Putman 217-337-1148

 

Thank you for your help protecting  the Saline, the Salt Fork and the Copper Slough.]]> 15656 0 526 0 https://prairierivers.org/articles/2013/12/public-tells-urbana-champaign-sanitary-district-cronus-water-sale-is-bad-idea/ Mon, 09 Dec 2013 19:19:57 +0000 http://prairierivers.org/?p=15729 Board passes resolution promising minimum discharges to local streams Last Thursday, the normally sleepy UCSD monthly board meeting was standing room only. People turned out to tell the Board of Trustees they’re still worried about the proposed sale of water to Cronus Chemical. Comments were eloquent, heartfelt, and intelligent. We heard repeatedly that the deal favors Cronus and ignores changing climate and future water needs. On Thursday’s agenda were three versions of a resolution requiring the District to maintain discharges to the Saline Branch (tributary to the Salt Fork) and the Copper Slough should the sale to Cronus be finalized. While all three were weaker versions of a resolution drafted by Prairie Rivers Network, we are pleased that the Board passed a resolution that contained numeric minimum discharges rather than the weakest version. With this resolution, the District promises to discharge no less than 1.5 million gallons per day to the Copper Slough, and no less than 4.5 million gallons per day to the Saline Branch. We still think the water sale is short-sighted and ill-conceived. The resolution should provide some protection to local streams, but no one knows if it’s enough. We’re quite certain the number of aquatic species in the Copper Slough and the Saline Branch will decline when the District diverts millions of gallons per day to Cronus. Paddling and aquatic animals in the Salt Fork could also be harmed. Thank you for coming out and speaking your truth. The Board was noticeably moved. The resolution passed on Thursday requires the Board to account to the public should the minimums not be met. Let’s keep the light shining on the UCSD.]]> 15729 0 524 0 https://prairierivers.org/articles/2013/12/donate-today-and-help-make-a-difference/ Wed, 25 Dec 2013 13:00:09 +0000 http://prairierivers.org/?p=15732

]]> 15732 0 518 0 https://prairierivers.org/articles/2014/01/2013-accomplishments/ Wed, 01 Jan 2014 13:00:24 +0000 http://prairierivers.org/?p=15763 Happy New Year As we look forward to a new year of protecting Illinois' rivers and streams, we want to take time to thank our members for their support over the past year. Here are a few accomplishments from 2013 that were made possible because of our generous and committed members.

Improving Policies

US EPA must set federal regulations for the safe disposal of toxic coal ash.

Coal ash is the second largest industrial waste stream in Illinois. Until we get new rules, it will continue to be handled with little oversight, endangering water and public health. Prairie Rivers Network has been working as part of a national coalition to get these much-needed regulations. A federal court ruled in our favor, ordering the US EPA to develop new coal ash disposal rules.

The Illinois EPA has proposed new comprehensive rules for the closure of coal ash ponds at coal-fired power plants.

Our work over several years investigating and highlighting pollution from coal ash ponds in Illinois has led to this important development. Prairie Rivers Network has confirmed agreement between the Illinois EPA and the Illinois Attorney General on three concepts necessary for effective rules:

1. public participation;
2. financial assurance; and
3. long-term protection for groundwater.

We are preparing to defend the agency proposal against industry attacks during the rule-making process.

Our report on the impact of the coal industry on the Illinois state budget will help change state leaders’ underlying assumptions about coal’s role in Illinois.

The report documented state revenue related to the coal industry in Illinois, along with expenses and foregone revenue (through subsidies and tax breaks). The net impact for 2011 was a drain of $20 million on the state budget.

Support for re-engineering Chicago’s waterway system to keep Asian carp out of the Great Lakes continues to grow.

The man-made canal system in Chicago connects the Great Lakes with the Mississippi River basin, leaving both systems vulnerable to devastation from invasive fish, plants, and disease. Prairie Rivers Network has been working with a coalition of Illinois and Great Lakes organizations to promote major re-engineering of Chicago’s waterways to restore the natural separation between the Great Lakes and Mississippi River basins. In June, Governor Quinn publicly supported the idea, saying, “Ultimately, I think we have to separate the basins. I really feel that is the ultimate solution.” Plans for near-term structural improvements are underway. They will address the Asian carp threat while improving water quality and paving the way for full separation.

Ruling means more accountability for US EPA on nutrient pollution.

Nutrient pollution from sewage treatment plants, farms, and city streets is fouling Illinois waters, killing aquatic life and causing the dead zone in the Gulf of Mexico. The US EPA has waffled for over a decade on setting legal limits for this pollution. A federal court recently ruled in our favor, requiring the agency to make a decision on this important legal tool. This gives us leverage as we keep the pressure on EPA to use all the tools they have to reduce nutrient pollution.

Moratorium on new sand mines in LaSalle County provides time to improve mining operations affecting the Illinois River.

The Illinois River has seen a boom in sand mining because it is one of the few places in the US with sand that is the right texture for use in hydraulic fracturing (fracking) operations. Unfortunately, the moratorium came after the LaSalle County Board approved a controversial new mining operation adjacent to Starved Rock State Park; Prairie Rivers Network and our partners continue to fight that project. Now we are working with other groups, citizen activists, and government to craft improved planning for sand mining and the protection of natural corridors along the Illinois River.

Protecting Land and Water

Illinois and Mississippi Rivers

Chicago’s Stickney sewage treatment plant (the largest in the nation) will finally start removing phosphorus and nitrogen pollution from its wastewater thanks in part to years of pressure and a federal lawsuit. The Stickney plant is a major source of nutrient pollution to the Illinois and Mississippi Rivers, and ultimately to the Gulf of Mexico Dead Zone.

Saline Branch and Copper Slough

Public outcry created a space for Prairie Rivers Network to work with the Urbana Champaign Sanitary District to protect to the Copper Slough and Saline Branch of the Salt Fork by maintaining minimum discharges from its two sewage treatment plants if a water sale to Cronus Chemical happens.

Vermilion County and the Salt Fork River

The proposed Bulldog coal mine in East-Central Illinois would have taken water from the Salt Fork River to wash coal and then discharged polluted water back to the river. We worked with residents and advocates to slow the development of the coal mine: the Village of Homer will not sell water from the Salt Fork River, a proposed railroad spur needed for transporting coal was blocked, and leasing of mineral rights has slowed.

Big Bureau Creek Watershed

More farmers in the Big Bureau Creek watershed north of Peoria have incorporated cover crops and grassed waterways into their farms thanks to our outreach efforts. These practices decrease soil erosion and nutrient pollution.

Sangamon River and Saline Branch

Prairie Rivers Network worked with concerned citizens to get the Illinois EPA to force the Rantoul Foods hog slaughterhouse to clean up its act. We helped neighbors address problems with management of vast quantities of manure generated by the facility and thereby reduce pollution entering the Sangamon River and Saline Branch of the Salt Fork River.

Chicago and Calumet Rivers

This fall, Chicago’s Metropolitan Water Reclamation District broke ground on new sewage disinfection facilities at two of its plants that discharge to the Chicago and Calumet Rivers as a result of pressure by a large coalition that included Prairie Rivers Network. This will make the rivers much safer for recreation.

 Strengthening the Network of River Advocates

Heartland Coalfield Alliance

Founded by Prairie Rivers Network, the Heartland Coalfield Alliance continues to grow. The Alliance works to “make a just transition from a coal economy to a clean energy and sustainable economy in America’s Heartland.” In June, we welcomed over 75 people from eight states to a retreat in Southern Illinois. Leaders from across the nation worked with attendees to build the skills, networks, and campaigns we need to ensure that the true costs of coal are borne by the industry, as we work to create a cleaner energy future.

River Bend Wildland Trust

Over the past two years, Prairie Rivers Network convened habitat conservation groups working along the Mississippi River in Illinois to foster better coordination of activities and identification of needs. An early outcome of the work was the formation of a new land trust targeting important bottomland habitat in the Quad Cities area.

Sharing Compelling River Stories

In June, staff members Elliot Brinkman and Robert Hirschfeld paddled stretches of the Illinois River from Chicago to St. Louis as part of a new storytelling and media initiative. Carrying cameras and microphones, they met with members of our network throughout the state, capturing interviews, videos, and photos of those that work, live, and play along the river. We will develop and distribute these stories that address the challenges and opportunities facing the Illinois River and its communities.      ]]> 15763 0 516 0 https://prairierivers.org/articles/2013/12/citizen-group-tours-proposed-coal-mine-site-at-canton-lake/ Tue, 17 Dec 2013 22:37:26 +0000 http://prairierivers.org/?p=15785 th with a tour of both proposed and previous mine sites the day before. The tour highlighted areas that would be impacted if the proposed North Canton mine is built, including Canton Lake which is the water supply for more than half of Fulton County. The group also toured Wee-Ma-Tuk, a golf course subdivision built on the old Truex-Traer Coal Company land. Though the land has been formally "reclaimed" with millions of dollars invested, damage from subsidence, leaching pollutant and waste pile remains. During the Heartland Coalfield Alliance meeting, updates were provided on local campaigns from the Canton citizens group, Citizen’s Against Longwall Mining, Stand Up to Coal and on behalf of residents opposing the proposed Peabody Rocky Branch strip mine. Efforts to protect communities from irresponsible coal ash disposal and ways to raise awareness of the true cost of coal were discussed, as well as how to continue building the beyond-coal movement and foster inter-basin connections. The next Heartland Coalfield Alliance meeting will be  in early 2014 and is open to folks interested in transitioning Illinois Coal Basin communities (IL, IN, KY) away from a coal-based economy. The Heartland Coalfield Alliance, of which Prairie Rivers Network is a founding member, advocates for residents of the Illinois Coal Basin, whose communities bear the burden of our country’s reliance on coal for electricity. For more information, please visit: http://heartlandcoalfieldalliance.org/]]> 15785 0 523 0 https://prairierivers.org/articles/2013/12/santa-carp-is-comin-to-town/ Thu, 19 Dec 2013 16:34:41 +0000 http://prairierivers.org/?p=15796 Ok, let's hope not... Early January, 2014 will see the release of a long-awaited federal study about how to stop Asian carp. We will need to muster support for separation of the Great Lakes and Mississippi River watersheds - the best, most permanent solution to the transfer of all invasive species through the Chicago waterways. And stopping invasives isn't the only benefit, as this familiar jingle explains - On the first day of separation, the Army Corps gave to me, Lakes that are Asian carp free continued here]]> 15796 0 522 0 https://prairierivers.org/articles/2013/12/rocky-branch-residents-say-no-to-expanded-strip-mine/ Thu, 19 Dec 2013 22:21:55 +0000 http://prairierivers.org/?p=15800 [caption id="attachment_15831" align="aligncenter" width="590" caption="This beautiful area of Rocky Branch would be damaged by the expansion of a strip mine"][/caption]

Prairie Rivers Network is supporting "Justice for Rocky Branch," a strong group of residents fighting back against Peabody Energy’s plan to grow their strip mine in Saline County into the Rocky Branch community, near the Shawnee National Forest in southern Illinois. This mine would destroy over 1,000 more acres in an area already riddled with both strip and underground mines. Beautiful woodlands, productive farmland, and a rural residential community would be dug up in Peabody’s pursuit of profit at any cost to those who live there. Further, nearly eight miles of streams and several acres of wetlands would be mined through and permanently destroyed. This area is especially important as it hosts both multigenerational families as well as refugees from two other stripped areas, now being pushed out again.

[caption id="attachment_15815" align="alignright" width="300" caption="Residents waiting to speak out at the hearing."][/caption]

The hearing room was packed and over a dozen residents provided comments at the Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) public hearing on December 11. Only one person, a Peabody representative, spoke in favor of the mine. Residents passionately presented their many concerns including limited access to work, school, and emergency services due to road closures and increased flooding that would result from the proposed mining plan. One woman showed pictures of how close the flooding now comes to her home, kept away only by a nearby road, which Peabody hopes to close and mine through. A neighbor of the adjacent Peabody strip

[caption id="attachment_15819" align="alignleft" width="300" caption="Chris Shimp showing yellow and orange coal dust on his property."][/caption]

mine expressed anger at the dangerous amounts of coal dust and damage to his home’s foundation and walls from mine blasting. He shared his frustration and disappointment in state regulators’ inaction and inability to hold the mine company accountable. Residents expressed their fears that a strip mine would destroy their now healthy and intact community. They are also gravely concerned about Peabody's history of noncompliance at nearby mines and the state regulators' weak enforcement of rules and regulations meant to protect public safety, health and the environment. Following official comments, residents pressed IDNR for answers about how their land and water would be protected.

Final comments on the proposed mining permit are due on December 23rd. The water pollution permit is on public notice by Illinois EPA now through January 17. For more information on how to get involved, contact Carrie Otto at cotto@prairierivers.org. Read more in the Harrisburg Daily Register article (PDF) on December 12, 2013.  ]]> 15800 0 521 0 https://prairierivers.org/articles/2013/12/properly-dispose-of-household-hazardous-waste/ Tue, 24 Dec 2013 22:06:47 +0000 http://prairierivers.org/?p=15836 Properly Dispose of Household Hazardous Waste Ever wonder what to do with your old paint cans and pesticides? You're not alone! First off, here's how NOT to dispose of your household hazardous waste:

• Don't dump it down the sink (the sewage treatment plant is not equipped to properly treat household hazardous waste)
• Don't dump it down the storm sewer (in many communities, the storm sewer drains to the nearest creek or lake)
• Don't bury it in your backyard (leakage of buried waste can contaminate groundwater).

Unfortunately, not many vendors accept unwanted household hazardous waste. But there are a few that take very specific types of waste, such as light bulbs, batteries, medication, and motor oil. If you live in east-central Illinois, visit regional household hazardous waste for more information on what different vendors will accept. The Illinois EPA coordinates one-day household hazardous waste collections each year in the spring and fall. If none of the above options rid you of all your household hazardous waste, store it in a cool, dry place until there is a local or regional household hazardous waste collection event. Household hazardous waste includes:

• paint and paint removers
• batteries
• light bulbs
• mercury thermometers
• medications
• pesticides
• fertilizers
• pool chemicals
• motor oil
• antifreeze
• lubricants
• drain cleaners
• household cleaners.

]]> 15836 0 519 0 https://prairierivers.org/articles/2013/12/the-salt-fork-wrapping-up-2013-looking-toward-2014/ Tue, 31 Dec 2013 21:33:42 +0000 http://prairierivers.org/?p=15852 15852 0 517 0 https://prairierivers.org/articles/2014/01/prairie-rivers-network-to-offer-environmental-lobby-training-workshop-january-25/ Wed, 08 Jan 2014 16:16:07 +0000 http://prairierivers.org/?p=15858 Prairie Rivers Network invites members to attend our Environmental Lobby Training workshop and join our River Action Team. We are developing the River Action Team because there are times when we need our members to convey important policy messages to decision makers. In order to fortify our Team and make our members comfortable with responding to our action alerts, this workshop will show how to effectively communicate environmental policy messages to decision makers.

Team members will be placed on our River Action Team communications list and receive action alerts several times a year. If you elect to be on the Team, we ask that you make a commitment to doing your best to respond to these calls-to-action. Rest assured, we do not want to wear you out. We will be reserving these action alerts for our most critical issues where public input can make a difference. If you are interested in learning more, we invite you to our first training session, Saturday, January 25. We hope to see you there! When: Saturday, January 25, 10am-noon, with free lunch provided at noon Where: Champaign Public Library, Robeson C Workshop Agenda:

1. Welcome and training goals
2. State legislation – State Representative Naomi Jakobsson
3. Local government – Champaign City Councilwoman Deborah Feinen
4. Closing message
5. Lunch

Click here to register (RSVP required and open to the first 35 people).]]> 15858 0 514 0 https://prairierivers.org/articles/2014/01/study-physical-barrier-most-effective-way-to-stop-invasive-species-from-ravaging-great-lakes-mississippi-river/ Tue, 07 Jan 2014 21:30:31 +0000 http://prairierivers.org/?p=15866 For Immediate Release: January 7, 2014 Study: Physical Barrier Most Effective Way to Stop Invasive Species from Ravaging Great Lakes, Mississippi River CHICAGO - The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers has identified physically separating the Mississippi River and Great Lakes watersheds as the most effective way to prevent aquatic invasive species like Asian carp from moving between the two iconic waters. Conservation groups today responded to a congressionally mandated study released Monday that outlines eight ways to prevent the transfer of invasive organisms between the two water bodies via Chicago-area canals built more than 100 years ago to connect the two systems. Of all the options studied, the groups agreed that only one – physical separation –is effective at stopping the transfer of the various invasive fish, parasites, grasses, algae and other organisms. "The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers study leaves no doubt that the most effective way to stop invasive species from wreaking environmental and economic harm on the Great Lakes and Mississippi River communities is through the construction of a physical barrier," said Joel Brammeier, president and CEO of the Alliance for the Great Lakes. "This paves the way for Congress and our region to move from study to action on a permanent solution that will protect the environment, jobs and way of life for millions of people." The report comes soon after the Army Corps admitted in a report that a series of electrical barriers designed to repel the advancing Asian carp can be breached in a variety of ways, leaving Lake Michigan and the other Great Lakes vulnerable to the destructive non-native fish. “All evidence points to one conclusion: Physical separation is the only defensible solution to the epidemic of invasive species which pose a threat to people, wildlife and our economy,” said Robert Hirschfeld, water policy specialist, Prairie Rivers Network. “It’s time to get away from Band-Aid approaches and toward a long-term, comprehensive, and permanent solution. This report can help us do that.” The Army Corps findings mesh with overwhelming public support for physically separating the two systems. The public has clamored for a long-term solution to the Asian carp crisis ever since environmental DNA of the fish was discovered past the electric fence in 2009. “More than 25,000 people, many organizations, and nearly 90 communities in the Great Lakes region concerned about an Asian carp invasion have communicated to decision makers how we want the Great Lakes separated from the Mississippi River,” states Cheryl Kallio, associate director for Freshwater Future. “We are pleased to learn the Army Corps' report identifies how this can be done and confirms that separation is the most protective option." The Army Corps study pegs the cost of separating the Great Lakes and Mississippi River systems in the billions—a cost that is in-line with large-scale city infrastructure projects in cities across the region. Building a physical barrier would also mean restoring and revitalizing part of the Chicago River and the area’s drinking water and wastewater systems. It would also help address flooding. “This is not a Chicago problem, an Illinois problem, or a regional problem. It is a national issue, that will require appropriate resources for a solution,” said Henry Henderson, NRDC Midwest director. “But the scale of the response creates a tremendous opportunity to revitalize Chicago’s failing waterways while taking essential action to protect the Great Lakes. Those don’t come often, as evidenced by the sorry state of both the river systems and the lake. This is a chance to do better.” With the release of the study, the region’s focus now turns to putting words into action – while there’s still time to act. “The report provides a roadmap for elected officials to move forward to protect the Great Lakes and Mississippi River communities,” said Marc Smith, senior policy manager with the National Wildlife Federation. “We look forward to working with Congress to take the next steps to implement the permanent long-term solution. The cost of inaction will be devastating to our environment, economy and quality of life. Ordered by Congress in 2007, the Great Lakes-Mississippi River Interbasin Study comes two years after an independent analysis by the Great Lakes Commission and Great Lakes and St. Lawrence Cities Initiative found separating the two iconic waters was both feasible and affordable. "We are pleased the corps has concluded that restoring the historic divide between Lake Michigan and the Illinois-Mississippi River is the most effective option for halting aquatic invaders," said Jack Darin, director of the Sierra Club, Illinois Chapter.  "We know this can't be done overnight, but now Illinois leaders can begin designing separation solutions that pay huge dividends for the Chicago region – modernized freight transportation, a much cleaner Chicago River, and new solutions to flooding problems that have plagued neighborhoods for decades.   This will not only keep Asian Carp and other aquatic invaders out of Lake Michigan, but also protect the Illinois and Mississippi Rivers from other alien species that can currently enter them from the Great Lakes." Scientists agree that the entry of the bighead and silver carp into the Great Lakes could upend the lakes’ ecology and the region’s $7 billion fishing industry. The Chicago Waterways System, which feeds into Lake Michigan, has been identified as the most likely route for the carp to enter the Great Lakes. “Federal investments to restore and protect the Great Lakes are producing results, but those investments are at risk,” said Todd Ambs, campaign director for the Healing Our Waters-Great Lakes Coalition. “Allowing the Asian carp to enter the Great Lakes will undermine restoration efforts. This report confirms that we have an effective solution to protect the Great Lakes from these invaders. It’s now time to act. Delay will only make the problem more complicated and expensive to solve.” Contact: Joel Brammeier, Alliance for the Great Lakes, 773-590-6494, jbrammeier@greatlakes.org Marc Smith, National Wildlife Federation, 734-255-5413, msmith@nwf.org Josh Mogerman, NRDC, 312-651-7909, jmogerman@NRDC.org Cheryl Kallio, Freshwater Future, 231-571-5001, cheryl@freshwaterfuture.org Robert Hirschfeld, Prairie Rivers Network, 217-344-2371 x205, rhirschfeld@prairieirvers.org Darrell Gerber, Clean Water Action – Minnesota, 612-627-1530, dgerber@cleanwater.org Cheryl Nenn, Milwaukee Riverkeeper, 414.287.0207 ext 2. cheryl_nenn@milwaukeeriverkeeper.org Kristy Meyer, Ohio Environmental Council, (614) 638-8948, KMeyer@theOEC.org Jack Darin, Sierra Club, (312) 251-1680 ext. 112, jack.darin@sierraclub.org Lee Willbanks, Upper St. Lawrence Riverkeeper / Save The River, 315-686-2010, lee@savetheriver.org  Jordan Lubetkin, Healing Our Waters-Great Lakes Coalition, 734-904-1589, Lubetkin@nwf.org]]> 15866 0 515 0 https://prairierivers.org/articles/2014/01/city-of-danville-to-restore-habitat-and-safety-through-dam-removals/ Tue, 14 Jan 2014 22:13:21 +0000 http://prairierivers.org/?p=15873 cities throughout Illinois that have removed or modified defunct dams to improve safety and enhance aquatic habitat. Funding for this removal comes from Governor Quinn's Dam Removal Initiative, which was part of a 2009 capital construction bill. The Des Plaines River in Riverside, IL and the Fox River in Yorkville, IL have already benefited from successful dam removal and modification, and thanks to decision-makers in Danville, the Vermilion River will be the next to benefit. [caption id="attachment_15938" align="alignright" width="270" caption="Students from North Ridge Middle School who researched and advocated for dam removal. "][/caption] The removals in Danville have been debated for nearly a decade, and the benefits to fish habitat and safety are well-documented. (This link is the full report from the Illinois Department of Natural Resources on these dams, and takes a few minutes to load.) Despite these benefits, many have expressed concerns about how the removals might change the character of the river, sometimes resulting in heated exchanges. But not all were opposed to the removals, including a brave group of students from North Ridge Middle School who argued that the removals will make the river a much safer place for future generations to enjoy. After being presented with facts and testimony, the Danville City Council chose a brighter future for their river and their residents. This is a significant victory for one of our state's most prized river systems. We look forward to seeing this stretch of the Vermilion River transformed and returned to a more naturally flowing condition. We will be sure to keep you updated on the progress. Click here to read News-Gazette coverage of the vote]]> 15873 0 513 0 https://prairierivers.org/articles/2014/01/emergency-action-saves-illinois-land-from-dangerous-logging-for-peabody-coal-mine/ Wed, 15 Jan 2014 19:22:58 +0000 http://prairierivers.org/?p=15933 Local Residents’ Appeal Stops Peabody Energy From Destroying Woods, Polluting Water For Immediate Release Wednesday January 15, 2014 HARRISBURG, Ill. – The Sierra Club, Prairie Rivers Network and local citizens’ group Justice for Rocky Branch are applauding an emergency action by the U.S. Office of Surface Mining (OSM) to halt illegal logging and land clearing at Peabody Energy’s proposed Rocky Branch coal mine in Saline County. The action to protect the forest came after local residents and the Sierra Club notified federal officials that the coal mining company was logging and clearing at the proposed Rocky Branch mine without a permit to conduct those activities. Illinois Department of Natural Resources’ notice of violation and cessation order can be found here: sc.org/K2mXPw “We are grateful for local citizens who were watching out for these woods, and to the Office of Surface Mining for stepping in to stop this illegal logging,” said Terri Treacy, a representative of the Sierra Club’s Illinois chapter. “Big Coal is taking aim at Illinois’ forests, farms and streams in the rush to dig up this dirty fuel and make a quick buck by destroying our natural heritage. We need Governor Quinn and the Illinois Department of Natural Resources to step up and protect Illinois’ land and water from major coal companies and polluters.” At Rocky Branch, nearby residents became alarmed when logging equipment began appearing at the site in late December, even though no mining permit had been issued. After logging began, the Sierra Club and its allies brought this illegal activity to the attention of OSM and demanded immediate action to save the forest and protect nearby residents from water pollution from the coal mine. In a 2013 letter, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service urged that more work be done to assess the wildlife of the forest and protect it. Instead, Peabody began to cut the forest down. After conducting its own investigation, on Monday OSM required IDNR to put an immediate stop to logging at Rocky Branch and forced the companies to implement sediment controls to protect nearby properties. “I'm glad to see the state finally do the right thing here,” said Justice for Rocky Branch member Donald Karns. “I’m trying to make sure all the necessary steps are taken to protect our land before any more damage is done from dangerous mining tactics. It is my priority to save my farm, our local water and the wildlife habitat for bald eagles and other species we regularly see in these woods. We need IDNR to enforce the law against companies that would damage our countryside and pollute our water."  Strip mines throughout the Illinois Basin are logged and cleared before mining companies can access the coal seams beneath the ground, but state and federal mining laws require companies to obtain a mining permit before logging can begin. This is supposed to ensure adequate protections are in place to prevent runoff from damaging nearby homes and polluting creeks, rivers and streams. The permit also requires that adequate studies be conducted to ensure that no threatened or endangered species will be impacted. Those steps were not taken in this case. “These protections are put in place to give citizens a voice in the process,” said Traci Barkley, a water resources scientist with Prairie Rivers Network.  “Today, that voice was heard. While we’re disappointed the state didn’t take our concerns seriously, we’re very pleased with OSM’s quick work to protect the farms and creeks in Saline County.” Peabody Energy’s proposed Rocky Branch mine would destroy productive farmland and leave a 1,000-acre pit, and destroy nearly 8 miles of streams and roughly 200 acres of forests that provide suitable habitat for the at-risk Indiana bat, wild turkeys, and other wildlife. Nearby residents and environmental groups have already raised numerous concerns about the proposed mine, including impacts to rivers and streams, disturbances and damage from blasting, traffic and safety impacts from road closures, airborne dust and the destruction of farmland and wildlife habitat. In addition, the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service previously recommended that IDNR delay the permit to allow for a survey of the forest for the federally endangered Indiana bat. For the time being, today’s decision ensures that the forests—and the wildlife habitat and clean water protection they provide—will remain standing. Justice for Rocky Branch is hosting a public meeting for all residents concerned about this proposed strip mine this coming Saturday morning, January 18, 9 AM at Dad’s BBQ Restaurant, 1238 US Highway 45 N in Eldorado.  All are welcome.  There is also a public hearing on the two proposed water permits for the mine on February 18 in Harrisburg, Ill.  More information can be found here: http://www.epa.state.il.us/public-notices/2013/peabody-arclar-mining/hearing-notice.pdf.

###

]]> 15933 0 512 0 https://prairierivers.org/articles/2013/12/prairie-river-notes-fallwinter-2013-newsletter/ Fri, 20 Dec 2013 01:19:57 +0000 http://prairierivers.org/?p=16649 Read Prairie Rivers Network's Fall/Winter 2013 Newsletter, featuring:

• A letter from Jon McNussen, Prairie Rivers Network Board President
• The Energy Water Nexus
• Greetings from Glynnis
• Annual Dinner Round Up
  • Outstanding Public Servant & River Steward Award Winners
  • Dollarocracy: Keynote Speaker Robert McChesney
• 2013 Accomplishments
• The Great Ethanol Swindle
• Upcoming Events

You can read our 2013 Accomplishments separately.]]> 16649 0 520 0 https://prairierivers.org/articles/2014/01/concerned-about-proposed-bulldog-mine-area-residents-pack-the-room-to-learn-more/ Tue, 21 Jan 2014 17:22:59 +0000 http://prairierivers.org/?p=15910

Over two dozen concerned residents from Allerton, Broadlands, Catlin, Champaign/Urbana, Homer, Longview, Ogden, Sidell and St. Joseph met on January 8th in Homer to discuss Sunrise Coal’s proposed coal mine in Vermilion County. Folks that have opposed this project since the beginning, including members of Stand Up to Coal (SUTC), joined with new faces to learn more about the status of this proposed project, what is at stake if this proposed mine moves forward, and what opportunities still exist to keep the community’s resources intact.

Using a detailed map that will soon be available on the Stand Up to Coal website, Sue Smith of rural Homer acquainted attendees with the boundaries of the proposed mine site and the water resources and tiled farmland that could be affected. Rural residences and nearby schools will be vulnerable to coal dust pollution, and the mine will have a large impact on local communities, given that water will need to be piped from Georgetown and a railroad spur built to transport the coal. Keith Rohl, longtime community resident and farmer, explained the holes in the mining company’s acquisitions to date and the importance of holding on to mineral and surface rights to protect the area. Residents also learned that many landowners who leased mineral rights also leased their coal bed methane rights, but without a contract for compensation. Traci Barkley from Prairie Rivers Network shared that many pieces are still needed for the mine company to proceed, including additional mineral and surface rights, easements to pipe the water supply from Georgetown, a railroad spur, and at least two permits from regulatory agencies. To date, Sunrise Coal has only applied for one permit and that application is not yet complete. This application must be completed before state regulators can start the formal review process.  Jonathan Ashbrook, who facilitated the meeting on behalf of Stand Up to Coal, closed by noting that SUTC welcomes new members who would like to get involved in protecting the community’s land, water and the health of residents from the devastating impacts of the potential coal mine. To become involved or learn more about the impacts of coal mining, please visit www.standuptocoal.org.  ]]> 15910 0 510 0 https://prairierivers.org/articles/2014/01/run-for-your-rivers-at-the-illinois-marathon-april-25-26/ Fri, 17 Jan 2014 18:39:04 +0000 http://prairierivers.org/?p=15958

Prairie Rivers Network is raising money through the Illinois Marathon, and we need your help.

RUN (or walk) FOR YOUR RIVERS

Take a beautiful, scenic tour of revitalized Champaign-Urbana downtown streets, tree-lined residential neighborhoods and awesome, paved park trails while thousands of friendly, fun fans and volunteers cheer you on. Race options include 5K or 10K walk/run; and half, relay, full marathon

How do you raise money?

You ask your family, friends, and co-workers to make a donation to your charity run for clean water and healthy rivers.

We know that asking for money may seem icky, but if you don't speak up for the environment, then who will?

How do you sign up?

1. Sign up to join our team here: http://www.crowdrise.com/runforyourrivers2014/
2. We will send you a discount code to use to register for your race at the Illinois Marathon.

That's it. It's easy. It's fun. And you will feel great knowing that you are making a difference.

Can a group sign up?

Absolutely! This is a really fun option. Grab a couple of co-workers, book club friends, church members, or neighbors and sign up as a group.

Want to learn more?

Visit http://prairierivers.org/run/ or email vnudelman [at] prairieriers.org

]]> 15958 0 511 0 https://prairierivers.org/articles/2014/01/our-beef-with-the-livestock-industry-an-evening-to-inspire-change/ Thu, 23 Jan 2014 15:30:15 +0000 http://prairierivers.org/?p=15997 Cost: Free! Appetizers and one drink ticket will be provided When: Tuesday, February 11, 6-7:30pm

Where: Sopraffina Marketcaffe, 10 N Dearborn, Chicago, IL

Registration is required and space is limited. Sponsored by: Prairie Rivers Network, Environment Illinois, Food & Water Watch, and Illinois Environmental Council

Contact Stacy James (217.344.2371 x 203 or sjames [at] prairierivers.org) with questions.

]]> 15997 0 509 0 https://prairierivers.org/articles/2014/01/salt-fork-and-copper-slough-at-risk-in-sale-of-water-to-cronus-prairie-rivers-network-calls-on-ucsd-to-answer-key-questions-about-water-sale-contract/ Tue, 28 Jan 2014 20:04:19 +0000 http://prairierivers.org/?p=16009 th at the Urbana Champaign Sanitary District, 1100 East University, Urbana, IL. Prairie Rivers Network is encouraging residents to attend, voice their concerns and ask pointed questions about whether this deal protects them and their local streams. Contact: Kim Knowles, Prairie Rivers Network 217/344-2371/ext. 209, kknowles@prairierivers.org]]> 16009 0 508 0 https://prairierivers.org/articles/2014/01/press-release-10-times-too-much-pollution-is-way-too-much/ Tue, 28 Jan 2014 20:31:35 +0000 http://prairierivers.org/?p=16013 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Jan. 28, 2014 10 TIMES TOO MUCH POLLUTION IS WAY TOO MUCH Clean Water Advocates Appeal Weak Permits for Chicagoland Treatment Plants CHICAGO (January 28, 2014) – Clean water advocates are challenging weak pollution permits awarded to the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago (MWRD) that allow three sewage treatment plants to dump phosphorous at 10 times the level USEPA studies say should be allowed into area waterways. The permit doesn’t do enough to limit fertilizing chemicals that contribute to aquatic plant and algae choking waterways from Evanston to the Gulf of Mexico. The petition filed today with the Illinois Pollution Control Board calls for a review of permits that allow the Calumet, O’Brien and Stickney sewage treatment plants to discharge massive amounts of harmful pollution into local waterways. Prairie Rivers Network, Sierra Club, Environmental Law & Policy Center (ELPC), Friends of the Chicago River, Gulf Restoration Network and NRDC filed the appeal with the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency (IEPA) and MWRD to force the agencies to bring treatment in line with levels met in Milwaukee, Cleveland and other Midwestern cities for decades. “The national problem of dangerous, algae-choked rivers and streams will continue to plague this country until regulators at every level of government show some spine and address the problem,” said Ann Alexander, senior attorney for the Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC). “The permits IEPA issued are, sadly, yet another in a string of head-in-the-sand responses we’ve been seeing to one of the most serious problems facing our waterways, in Chicago and nationwide:  the choking mats of algae being fueled by phosphorus and nitrogen dumped into the water by sewage treatment plants and other sources.” MWRD manages water infrastructure in the nearly 900 square mile region in Cook County. This includes the area’s sewer lines and sewage treatment plants, most notably the three plants that are the subject of the appeal – Calumet, O’Brien, and Stickney.  The new permits authorize these plants, the largest in Illinois, to release two billion gallons of wastewater every day to Chicago waters, and that wastewater will contain excessive amounts of phosphorus. Phosphorus acts as an unnatural fertilizer triggering growth of algae, aquatic plants and bacteria that block sunlight needed by other aquatic life, suck the oxygen out of the water, and can potentially be toxic. As treatment plants around the region address phosphorus, MWRD has fallen behind results achieved by water systems in many Midwestern cities, including Detroit, Milwaukee and Minneapolis. "These permits bring MWRD up to where Milwaukee was in the 80s and do nothing about nitrogen,” said ELPC Staff Attorney Jessica Dexter. “The permits require MWRD to get phosphorus discharges from the plants down to 1.0 mg/L over the next ten years, but USEPA standards and studies in Wisconsin and elsewhere indicate that may be 10 times more phosphorus than should be allowed to go into the Chicago Area Waterways, the Lower Des Plaines and the Illinois River.” “There is some uncertainty as to what the level of phosphorus has to get down to in order to avoid the algal blooms that harm recreation and aquatic life,” said Kim Knowles of Prairie Rivers Network. “But IEPA did not even require studies to determine what levels of phosphorus will protect the Chicago area waters or Lake Peoria. The record is clear that IEPA did not even think about what a proper level would be but just set the permit limit at the level that MWRD wanted.” "The Chicago River system is overwhelmed by nutrient pollution every summer and that needs to stop," said John Quail, director of watershed planning Friends of the Chicago River. "The river system is full of aquatic life and their numbers are growing every year. These permits need to protect them." Please see Ann Alexander’s blog for more information on this issue: http://switchboard.nrdc.org/blogs/aalexander/mwrd_water_permits_illinois_ep.html  Contact: Manny Gonzales, (312) 795-3730, Mgonzales@elpc.org]]> 16013 0 507 0 https://prairierivers.org/articles/2014/02/watch-out-world-our-river-action-team-is-ready-for-action/ Tue, 04 Feb 2014 15:43:10 +0000 http://prairierivers.org/?p=16025 [/caption] On Saturday, January 25, Prairie Rivers Network held the first training session for our new River Action Team. Twenty-nine of our members and supporters attended the training on how to lobby local and state officials on environmental issues. We were thrilled by the enthusiasm expressed by the team members, who will be on our action alerts listserv and serve as a special citizen arm of Prairie Rivers Network. We were also excited that we were able to get such great speakers for this training. Tips and procedural information were provided by Deborah Frank Feinen (Champaign City Councilwoman), Laurie Bonnett (Chief of Staff for Senator Frerichs), and Naomi Jakobsson (State Representative). Prairie Rivers Network decided to create a River Action Team to increase our lobbying power and effectiveness. Team members will do their best to respond to our action alerts, which will better ensure that our action alerts go answered. If you weren't able to attend our first training but have an interest in joining the team, please contact Stacy at our office (217.344.2371 ext 203). Go, river RATs!]]> 16025 0 505 0 https://prairierivers.org/articles/2014/01/press-release-epa-agrees-to-deadline-for-first-ever-us-coal-ash-regulations/ Thu, 30 Jan 2014 17:13:11 +0000 http://prairierivers.org/?p=16034 Editor's Note: Better late than never but too bad that it took a lawsuit and judge’s ruling to get us to where leadership at EPA should have had us years ago. Residents in Illinois communities such as Marion, Joliet, Venice, Oakwood, Havana, Alton , Powerton, Hennepin, Hutsonville, Canton, Wood River and Coffeen, have seen what too little oversight of coal ash disposal over time results in. A slow seepage of the ash’s metals has poisoned water supplies, damaged ecosystems, and jeopardized citizens’ health. In fact, coal ash pollutants have been found in the groundwater at EVERY power plant site investigated in Illinois.  With over 4.4 million tons of coal ash produced each year, Illinois cannot afford to wait any longer for rules that will protect our waters. For an excellent overview of how this settlement came about and what it means for the protection of our communities, water, and natural places, check out Lisa Evans' post over at the Earthjustice Blog. You'll also find an interactive map of all the known cases of coal ash contamination and spills. You'll notice quite a few in Illinois. The image below is just a screenshot, so be sure to visit the link above to make full use of the map. FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE January 30, 2014

EPA Agrees to Deadline for First-Ever US Coal Ash Regulations

Environmental litigation prevails, local coal ash communities to gain some protection Washington, D.C. – Late yesterday, the Environmental Protection Agency announced plans to finalize first-ever federal regulations for the disposal of coal ash by December 19, 2014, according to a settlement in a lawsuit brought by environmental and public health groups and a Native American tribe. The settlement does not dictate the content of the final regulation, but it confirms that the agency will finalize a rule by a date certain after years of delay. A copy of the settlement can be found here: http://earthjustice.org/documents/legal-document/pdf/coal-ash-consent-decree The settlement is in response to a lawsuit brought in 2012 by Earthjustice on behalf of Appalachian Voices (NC); Chesapeake Climate Action Network (MD); Environmental Integrity Project (DC, PA); Kentuckians For The Commonwealth (KY); Moapa Band of Paiutes (NV); Montana Environmental Information Center (MT); Physicians for Social Responsibility (DC); Prairie Rivers Network (IL); Sierra Club (CA); Southern Alliance for Clean Energy (eight southeast states); and Western North Carolina Alliance (NC). In October, the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia ruled that the EPA has a mandatory duty to review and revise its waste regulations under the Resource and Conservation Recovery Act. The EPA has never finalized any federal regulations for the disposal of coal ash—the nation’s second largest industrial waste stream. Taking overdue action to safeguard communities from coal ash was the first promise the Obama Administration made to the American public. Former EPA Administrator Lisa Jackson vowed to finalize coal ash regulations following a spill in Kingston, TN, where over a billion gallons of coal ash burst through a dam and damaged or destroyed two dozen homes and 300 acres of riverfront property. In the aftermath of that disaster, the EPA proposed various regulatory options in May 2010 and held seven public hearings in August and September of that year. Environmental and public health groups, community organizations, Native American tribes and others generated more than 450,000 public comments on EPA’s proposed regulation, calling for the strongest protections under the law. But since then, despite coal ash contamination at more than 200 sites nationwide, the EPA has failed to finalize the protections under pressure from industry, the White House and some members of Congress. A timeline of coal ash events from the TVA spill to today’s settlement can be found here: http://earthjustice.org/coalash/timeline The following statement is made on behalf of the organizations involved in this lawsuit: “Now we have certainty that EPA is going to take some action to protect us and all of the hundreds of communities across the country that are being poisoned by coal ash dumps. Since the disaster in Kingston, we have seen more tragic spills, and the list of sites where coal ash is contaminating our water keeps growing.  Today, we are celebrating because the rule we need is finally in sight. “But this deadline alone is not enough.  EPA needs to finalize a federally enforceable rule that will clean up the air and water pollution that threatens people in hundreds of communities across the country. Coal ash has already poisoned too many lakes, rivers, streams and groundwater aquifers. It is time to close dangerous unlined ash impoundments like the one that burst at Kingston. “Utility companies need to stop dumping ash into unlined pits and start safely disposing of ash in properly designed landfills. Groundwater testing is needed at these ash dumps, data needs to be shared with the public, and power companies must act promptly to clean up their mess. A rule that requires anything less than these common-sense safeguards will leave thousands of people who live near ash dumps in harm’s way.” An online version of this press release can be found here: http://earthjustice.org/news/press/2014/epa-agrees-to-deadline-for-first-ever-u-s-coal-ash-regulations For information about coal ash in North Carolina, Maryland, Kentucky, Montana, Nevada, Illinois, Tennessee or other southern states, as well as the implications this decision will have locally, please contact the following representatives: Amy Adams, Appalachian Voices, (828) 262-1500; amy@appvoices.org (North Carolina) Diana Dascalu-Joffe, Chesapeake Climate Action Network, (703) 772-2472; Diana@chesapeakeclimate.org (Maryland) Hartwell Carson, French Broad Riverkeeper at the Western North Carolina Alliance, (828) 258-8737; hartwell@wnca.org (North Carolina) Mary Love, Kentuckians For The Commonwealth, (502) 541-7434; mbloveky@yahoo.com (Kentucky) Vickie Simmons, Moapa Band of Paiutes (702) 865-2910; simmonsvickie@ymail.com (Nevada) Anne Hedges, Montana Environmental Information Center, (406) 443-2520; ahedges@meic.org (Montana) Alan H. Lockwood MD, Physicians for Social Responsibility, (716) 836-0674, ahl@buffalo.edu (New York/Pennsylvania) Traci Barkley, Prairie Rivers Network, (217) 621-3013; tbarkley@prairierivers.org (Illinois) Ulla Reeves, Southern Alliance for Clean Energy, (828) 713-7486; ulla@cleanenergy.org (Southeast) For information about the lawsuit, federal legislation, or the status of the pending EPA regulation, please contact the following representatives: Jared Saylor, Earthjustice, (202) 745-5213; jsaylor@earthjustice.org Lisa Widawsky-Hallowell, Environmental Integrity Project, (202) 294-3282; lhallowell@environmentalintegrity.org Kim Teplitzky, Sierra Club (267) 307-4707; kim.teplitzky@sierraclub.org #######  ]]> 16034 0 506 0 https://prairierivers.org/articles/2014/02/environmental-catastrophe-warns-of-coal-ash-hazards-in-illinois/ Mon, 10 Feb 2014 17:05:00 +0000 http://prairierivers.org/?p=16046 For Immediate Release Feb. 10, 2014 Environmental Catastrophe Warns of Coal Ash Hazards in Illinois CHICAGO — Last week a Duke Energy coal ash pit in North Carolina breached and released up to 27 million gallons of polluted water and over 82,000 tons of ash, resulting in the third largest coal ash spill in U.S. history. These environmental catastrophes are nothing new, and people in Illinois who live near coal ash pits are paying close attention. That’s why concerned residents are aligning with environmental groups like the Environmental Law & Policy Center, Prairie Rivers Network and Sierra Club to call on the Illinois Pollution Control Board (PCB) to strengthen coal ash rules proposed by the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency in order to prevent the same occurrences here. The Illinois PCB will hold hearings on the proposed rules in Springfield on February 26 and 27 and in Chicago on May 14 and 15.  For more information, see: http://bit.ly/CoalAshComments http://www.ipcb.state.il.us/COOL/External/CaseView.aspx?case=14705 “These spills are tragic reminders of the hazards of coal ash and the burden these power plants leave on communities,” said Phil Marcy, Havana, Ill., a resident who has joined the coalition. “Living next door to a power plant weighs heavily on me, especially being downhill from a high hazard dam holding 90 acres of coal ash.  I want to know for sure that everything has been done to ensure the stability of that site and the safety of my family.” “We like to believe that events like the one in North Carolina could never happen here, but in truth they absolutely can,” said Andrew Armstrong, a staff attorney with the Environmental Law and Policy Center (ELPC). “We have a chance to prevent a coal ash catastrophe in Illinois now and create rules that protect our residents and the safety of our water supply.” "This North Carolina spill highlights the need to assess the stability of coal ash pits in our own state. Illinois has nearly 90 aging coal ash pits, many of which were built in places they never should have been – over mine voids and in floodplains of rivers,” said Traci Barkley of Prairie Rivers Network. “We need to get ahead of the curve before disaster strikes in our own state." “We hope that the Duke Energy spill and the pleas by local residents throughout the state will be a wake-up call that these rules are needed- and they need to be done right.” said Cindy Skrukrud of the Illinois Chapter of the Sierra Club.  “The people of Illinois and our precious water resources deserve the best protection from the hazards of coal ash.” Currently, Illinois EPA’s proposed coal rules would allow a coal ash pit to remain open indefinitely, even if it is found to be contaminating groundwater.  Neither do the rules require the removal of coal ash waste pits that have been closed.  The environmental groups will ask the Board to require the removal of coal ash pits to high and dry landfills, allow for the assessment and prevention of damage to rivers and lakes, before it occurs and provide more opportunity for public input. Power companies should also be required to provide financial assurances so that taxpayers aren’t left paying the bill for clean-up. Coal ash is full of heavy metals, which can cause cancer and brain damage in humans and are harmful to fish and wildlife.  Water contaminated by coal ash increases your chances of cancer to 1 in 50.* At the Duke Energy power plant, a broken storm-water pipe underneath a 27-acre coal ash pit spilled hazardous pollutants into the Dan River.  Testing results released Thursday show that waters downstream had heavy toxic metals such as arsenic, chromium, iron, lead among others.  Arsenic was found to be nearly 35 times higher than the level EPA considers acceptable for drinking water. Recent investigations into coal ash pits in Illinois have found contaminated groundwater at five Midwest Generation power plant sites, six Dynegy facilities and Prairie Power’s Pearl Station. Pollutants exceeding groundwater quality standards at these sites include antimony, arsenic, boron, chloride, iron, lead, manganese, mercury, nitrate, pH, selenium, sulfate, thallium, zinc and total dissolved solids. The North Carolina coal ash pit is less than 30 acres in size with a storage volume of 155 million gallons. For comparison, the coal ash pit at Dynegy's plant on the Ohio River in Joppa, Illinois holds over one billion gallons, and Dynegy’s Baldwin plant on the Kaskaskia River has a five billion gallon pit.  Along the Illinois River at Dynegy Havana Station a “high hazard dam” contains a 90-acre pit.  The retired Dynegy Vermillion power plant hosts a 2,400-acre impoundment, built in the floodplain of the Middle Fork River, our state’s only National Scenic River. If a spill occurred at one of these plants, millions of tons of coal ash could be released— far more than what is currently causing environmental and public health concerns in North Carolina. Contact Traci Barkley (PRN):  217-621-3013 ### *U.S. EPA, Human and Ecological Risk Assessment of Coal Combustion Wastes, RIN 2050-AE81 April 2010, page 4-7.]]> 16046 0 504 0 https://prairierivers.org/articles/2014/02/take-action-tell-the-corps-to-stop-causing-floods-on-the-mississippi-river/ Wed, 12 Feb 2014 22:04:02 +0000 http://prairierivers.org/?p=16054 [caption id="attachment_16056" align="alignright" width="180"] River training structures on the Mississippi River[/caption] The Army Corps of Engineers has been wrestling with the Mississippi River for over a century in an attempt to train and constrain the river to support commercial navigation. This practice is readily apparent along the Middle Mississippi River, a 190 mile stretch between the Missouri and Ohio River that is littered with structures to tame and deepen the river for navigation. Numerous scientists have found these “river training structures” can increase Mississippi River flood heights by 10 to 15 feet! We've known for quite some time that river training structures magnify the impacts of flooding and harm to the environment. Despite these risks, the Corps continues to build these dubious structures. Since 1980 the Corps has filled this 190 mile stretch of river with at least 380 new structures. That’s two every mile! Finally, the Government Accountability Office is demanding that the St. Louis Corps start protecting the environment and river communities. The Army Corps of Engineers is now accepting comments on its Middle Mississippi River activities and needs to hear from you! Tell the Corps they need to: 1. Stop building new river training structures. 2. Evaluate all of their activities on the Upper Mississippi River and Illinois Waterway. 3. Invite the National Academy of Sciences to evaluate impacts of river training structures on floods. Take action today by submitting online comments here. To compose and submit your own comments, more information is provided in this document. Comments are due on February 15th, 2014. Thanks for taking the time to protect your rivers!]]> 16054 0 503 0 https://prairierivers.org/articles/2014/02/farm-bill-passes-with-important-conservation-requirement/ Thu, 13 Feb 2014 15:47:41 +0000 http://prairierivers.org/?p=16088 [/caption] The relinkage of conservation compliance to crop insurance means that more farms will be developing and implementing conservation plans. These plans require farmers to preserve wetlands and reduce erosion, which in turn benefit water quality and wildlife habitat. The Farm Bill also includes the conservation easement and cost-share programs administered by the U.S. Department of Agriculture. These programs provide technical and financial assistance to farmers who voluntarily adopt conservation practices such as cover crops and buffer strips. Since 2011, Prairie Rivers Network has been working to educate the public and legislators on the importance of enabling and requiring agricultural stewardship in the Farm Bill. We held workshops, wrote letters to the editor, had meetings with legislators, and took other actions to achieve our conservation goals. Thanks to our members who responded to our action alerts and reached out to their representatives on this issue. Of course, much more work remains to be done to increase the prevalence of agricultural stewardship to the scale needed to clean up Illinois rivers and lakes. The Farm Bill is certainly not the answer to all of Illinois' agriculture-related water quality problems, but it is an important tool in the toolbox. Achieving environmental victories in the Farm Bill gives us the credibility and precedent to achieve victories elsewhere.]]> 16088 0 502 0 https://prairierivers.org/articles/2014/02/action-alert-help-prevent-pollution-from-factory-farms/ Wed, 26 Feb 2014 18:23:21 +0000 http://prairierivers.org/?p=16107 [/caption] Prairie Rivers Network and our partners have introduced a bill that will improve the siting and management of factory farms in Illinois.

YOUR HELP IS NEEDED - Please contact your state representative and ask him or her to support House Bill 5637.

Overview of  HB 5637: This bill will amend the Livestock Management Facilities Act, which regulates the siting and management of new factory farms. Representative Naomi Jakobsson is the sponsor of the bill. We need our members and supporters to contact their state representatives and ask them to support this bill. If Jakobsson is your representative, you do not need to take action (though please thank her if you have the chance). How to contact your state representative: We suggest you call their district office and leave a message with the person who answers the phone. If you would rather not call, then please email your message and include “Support HB 5637” in the subject line. You can find your state representative and their phone and email by going here: www.elections.il.gov/districtlocator/addressfinder.aspx Sample message to your representative: My name is X and I am a constituent. I am asking Representative X to support HB 5637. This bill will better protect neighbors and the environment from the negative impacts of large livestock farms. I hope this is something Representative X can support. Summary of the bill:

• Creates a facility siting setback from surface waters
• Increases the existing siting setback from homes and towns
• Requires more factory farms to submit their waste management plans to the Department of Agriculture
• Requires waste management plans to include a spill control and prevention plan, and more stringent land application criteria to prevent water pollution
• Gives neighbors more rights, including the right to appeal siting decisions
• Gives county boards more authority to decide whether new factory farms can be sited
• Requires expanding factory farms to meet similar requirements to new factory farms.

Timeline: Please call as soon as possible. If you can’t act today, please take action by March 7.

Thank you so much for taking action. Numbers matter, so your action is very important!

You can read more about factory farms on our website.]]> 16107 0 501 0 https://prairierivers.org/articles/2014/02/press-release-illinois-residents-speak-out-to-state-officials-on-coal-ash-rule/ Thu, 27 Feb 2014 16:41:19 +0000 http://prairierivers.org/?p=16143 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Wednesday, February 26, 2014

Illinois Residents Speak Out to State Officials on Coal Ash Rule

Coal Ash Disasters Across the Country Spark Fears for Illinois Residents About Toxic Coal Ash Disposal SPRINGFIELD, Ill. - Illinois residents threatened and impacted by coal ash waste and local environmental leaders spoke out today at an Illinois Environmental Protection Agency (IEPA) hearing on vital rules regarding how and when utilities close and clean up dangerous coal ash pits in the state of Illinois. “Illinois has nearly 90 aging coal ash pits, many of which were built in places they never should have been – over mine voids and in floodplains of rivers,” said Traci Barkley, Water Resources Scientist with Prairie Rivers Network. “Our state can’t afford to take on the liability and expense for more groundwater contamination from ash pits or clean up after one of these toxic dinosaurs collapses into one of our rivers.  Governor Quinn and our state regulators have the opportunity right now to enact rules that will prevent disaster and ensure the utilities are taking responsibility. The hearing is the first opportunity many Illinois residents had to speak out on protecting water from coal ash dumping by polluters since this month’s coal ash disaster in North Carolina, which left local drinking water at risk from nearly 82,000 tons of toxic coal ash dumped into the Dan River. “This rule-making can give Illinois residents an opportunity to have their say and protect their homes and families in order to prevent catastrophes like the recent coal ash spill in North Carolina,” said Andrew Armstrong, a staff attorney with the Environmental Law and Policy Center (ELPC). Coal ash is full of heavy metals, like mercury, lead and arsenic, which can cause cancer and brain damage in humans and are harmful to fish and wildlife. State-required groundwater monitoring has revealed that coal ash contaminants have been found at every single coal-fired power plant’s ash pits in Illinois. “The safety and protection or our water should be a top priority in Illinois, but right now we’re letting power plant operators dump toxic waste near our water sources unchecked,” said Jack Darin, Chapter Director of the Illinois Sierra Club. “The Illinois Environmental Protection Agency must enact a commonsense rule on coal ash waste, because we cannot wait for an environmental disaster to take action.” At today’s hearing, the environmental groups asked Illinois Pollution Control Board (IPCB) to require the removal of coal ash from failing pits to high and dry landfills, allow for the assessment and prevention of damage to rivers and lakes and provide more opportunity for public input. The groups will also ask that power companies be required to provide financial assurances so that taxpayers aren’t left paying the bill for coal ash disaster clean-up. “Dynegy’s Vermillion coal plant near my home has burned its last lump of coal, but the toxic legacy of the plant lives on through its dangerous coal ash pits, which continue to harm our local water,” said Eileen Borgia of Urbana, Ill. “It is time to put the burden of pollution back on the polluters, not on communities like mine.” Contact: Carrie Otto, Prairie Rivers Network, cotto@prairierivers.org, 309-648-2179 Emily Rosenwasser, The Sierra Club, Emily.Rosenwasser@sierraclub.org, 312-251-1680 x119 Manny Gonzales, Environmental Law & Policy Center, MGonzales@elpc.org, 312-795-3706]]> 16143 0 500 0 https://prairierivers.org/articles/2014/02/hunter-dam-tell-the-springfield-city-council-we-dont-need-it/ Fri, 28 Feb 2014 22:27:38 +0000 http://prairierivers.org/?p=16151 UPDATE on 3/5/2014: Great news! The Hunter Dam resolution failed to pass the Springfield City Council. Thank you to all who spoke up to stop this wasteful, destructive project. The dam building era is over! *********** Please attend the City Council meeting this Tuesday! Tell the City Council we do not need this expensive and destructive project! Tuesday, March 4 at 5pm Springfield Municipal Building – West 7th and Monroe Streets (Southeast corner) The Springfield City Council will debate a proposed ordinance to resurrect the expensive, destructive Hunter Dam project.  Sponsored by Aldermen Edwards, Theilen, and Simpson, it authorizes Springfield City Water Light & Power (CWLP) to re-apply for the EPA and Corps of Engineers permits that were rejected in 2010. Your help and presence at this meeting is needed to let the Aldermen know that opposition is still out there.  Please sign up to speak at this City Council meeting. Even if all you say is "I am here because I oppose Hunter Dam," that's a help. You need to fill out and send in a simple form to address the Council. Here is the form: www.springfieldcityclerk.com/citycouncil/forms/AddressingCityCouncil.pdf Talking Points: The pipe dream of a second reservoir has been around for 60 years.

• It’s way too expensive to construct, maintain water quality, and perpetually dredge

Dam building is a thing of the past; the nation has moved on.

• Dams degrade water quality, destroy beautiful valleys, and don’t last forever
• People are actively taking out dams across the country at great expense

CWLP has been dishonest or misleading in their evaluation of alternatives.

• That’s why permits were rejected
• The ordinance claims a 2013 consultant report "ruled out" use of the gravel lakes, but in fact it found that they could meet three-fourths of Springfield's "need" for more water.

There are plenty of smarter and cheaper ways to get the water Springfield needs.

• Water efficiency measures
• Gravel lakes
• Fix already-existing broken infrastructure (CWLP has been a poor steward of existing public infrastructure)
• Repair water pipes, mains – 15% of treated water is “unaccounted for”
• Maintain Lake Springfield – needs to be dredged

It's time to stop wasting money pursuing this destructive project!]]> 16151 0 499 0 https://prairierivers.org/articles/2014/03/water-sale-contract-heavily-favors-cronus-chemical-leaves-district-with-few-protections/ Wed, 05 Mar 2014 23:12:18 +0000 http://prairierivers.org/?p=16204 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

March 5, 2014

Sanitary District set to approve contract this Thursday morning

CHAMPAIGN, Ill. - The Urbana Champaign Sanitary District (UCSD) will vote this Thursday, March 6th on a contract for the sale of treated wastewater (“effluent”) to Cronus Chemical for use by Cronus in a fertilizer plant it may build in Tuscola, IL. Prairie Rivers Network has reviewed the contract and found it seriously lacking in protections for the District, ratepayers and local streams. The UCSD Board of Trustees is scheduled to vote at its next monthly Board meeting at 10:00 am at 1100 East University Avenue, Urbana, and all signs indicate that the Board will approve the contract as written, despite its many flaws, including provisions that allow Cronus to control how much (or little) it buys, and what price it pays. In an open letter to the District Trustees, Prairie Rivers Network has identified the major flaws in the contract and suggested much-needed improvements. Read our letter to the District (PDF of our letter). “There are so many problems with this contract, we can’t help but believe Cronus is pulling a fast one on us,” says Kim Knowles of Prairie Rivers Network. “And the District needs to step up and honor its promise to protect local streams by making that promise legally enforceable.” Contact: Kim Knowles, Prairie Rivers Network, kknowles@prairierivers.org, 217/344-2371 x. 209

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 ]]> 16204 0 498 0 https://prairierivers.org/articles/2014/03/middle-fork-river-advocates-call-on-state-officials-to-address-failing-toxic-ash-pits/ Thu, 06 Mar 2014 23:00:46 +0000 http://prairierivers.org/?p=16218 For Immediate Release Thursday, March 6, 2014

MIDDLE FORK RIVER ADVOCATES CALL ON STATE OFFICIALS TO ADDRESS FAILING TOXIC ASH PITS

[caption id="attachment_16235" align="aligncenter" width="559" caption="Traci from Prairie Rivers Network speaking about toxic coal ash pits"][/caption] OAKWOOD, Ill. – Illinois residents and river advocates spoke out at a press conference today to highlight ongoing deterioration at Dynegy Vermilion’s coal ash storage pits. Two of the three ash ponds at the facility are now failing, releasing harmful pollutants into the Middle Fork of the Vermilion River – the only National Scenic River in Illinois. “With every rainfall and flood event, these ponds are leaking into adjacent groundwater and threatening a potential breach,” said Traci Barkley, Water Resources Scientist with Prairie Rivers Network. “These ash dumps should have never been built next to the river and over mine voids in the first place. They were not built to withstand the test of time.” A report recently submitted to the Illinois EPA in support of a closure plan leaving the coal ash in place next to the river has greatly underestimated flood risks, asserts Prairie Rivers Network. The high watermark used in Dynegy’s most recent stability risk analysis was exceeded just two weeks ago, notwithstanding the seasonal high points to come this spring. Erosion of the coal ash embankment opens pathways for additional leaching and potential total release of coal ash pollutants, including arsenic, mercury, lead, and over a dozen other heavy metals, which can cause cancer and brain damage in humans and are harmful to fish and wildlife. "We know the water quality in the Middle Fork is good right now because of the wide variety of aquatic life in it,” said Kickapoo Landing operator Tod Satterthwaite, whose business puts approximately 9,000-10,000 people on the Middle Fork River in canoes, kayaks and tubes in one year. “The good water quality is one of the attractions that brings paddlers and other visitors to Kickapoo State Park and the Middle Fork Fish and Wildlife Area. If the coal ash toxins would ever get into the Middle Fork it would be the end of recreational boating on it for a long time." [caption id="attachment_16251" align="aligncenter" width="491" caption="The Middle Fork of the Vermilion River is the only National Scenic River in Illinois."][/caption] Statements from local stakeholders reflect the ongoing effort of the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency (IEPA) to develop rules for the closure and clean-up of dangerous coal ash pits in the state of Illinois. Illinois has over 90 aging coal ash pits with coal ash pollutants found in the groundwater near every one. Closure rules proposed by the state address groundwater threats, but fall silent on surface water quality and issues of stability. “This is a time when we need our state agencies to be aggressive and proactive,” said Barkley. “Regulators need to ensure that stability risks are informing the site’s closure plan. We cannot afford to wait for disasters like those in North Carolina to inspire efforts for clean-up,” referring to the recent spill of 82,000 tons of coal ash into the Dan River at Duke Energy’s North Carolina power plant. “Dynegy has not been a good neighbor to this river,” said Eileen Borgia of Urbana, Illinois. “Either they live up to their responsibility and clean up this mess now or we’ll be paying with degraded wildlife and increasing cancer rates later. We need Dynegy to be held accountable.” [caption id="attachment_16249" align="aligncenter" width="491" caption="Sandy Bales and Irene Bullard - Their families have been protecting the Middle Fork for decades."][/caption] Other residents have expressed similar concern for the river, including Sandy Bales, a Middle Fork advocate and Champaign-Urbana resident. “This river has brought so much joy to so many people,” said Bales. “This is a chance for Dynegy to do the right thing so that our grandchildren and future generations can share in these experiences as well. It is easy to take clean water for granted, but in light of recent disasters out east, it’s likely not a question of ‘if’ these ponds will breach, but ‘when’.” Contact: Traci Barkley, tbarkley@prairierivers.org, 217/621-3013.

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UPDATED on March 7 and March 13, 2014 with press coverage:

News-Gazette "Middle Fork advocates: Dynegy should move coal ash ponds" on March 6, 2014 (PDF)

WAND-TV "People concerned about coal ash pits" on March 6, 2014 (have to scroll at the bottom to find the video)

WICD "Vermilion River pollution concerns" on March 6, 2014 (video)

WCIA (Illinoishomepage.net) "Group warns of pollution in river" on March 6, 2014 (video)

News-Gazette "Environmental Almanac: Ticking time bomb sits next to the Middle Fork" on March 9, 2014 (PDF)

]]> 16218 0 497 0 https://prairierivers.org/articles/2014/03/press-release-amendments-to-il-livestock-law-seek-to-curb-irresponsible-growth-of-factory-farms/ Thu, 27 Mar 2014 17:55:42 +0000 http://prairierivers.org/?p=16386 Amendments to IL Livestock Law Seek to Curb Irresponsible Growth of Factory Farms

Public health, pollution and rural lifestyle protection drive change to current pro-agribusiness regulations

SPRINGFIELD, IL––MARCH 27, 2014––A coalition of community advocates and environmental groups have proposed a bill in the Illinois legislature -- House Bill 5637 -- to amend the Illinois Livestock Management Facilities Act (LMFA), a controversial pro-agribusiness law criticized as leaving the floodgates open for irresponsible factory farm development in Illinois since the late 1990s. In response to a citizen’s petition, Illinois has been targeted by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency as having an inadequate system for regulating factory farm pollution. The state has thousands of confinement operations -- over a hundred of which have had environmental violations -- that force surrounding neighbors to live with polluted water, nauseating odors and reduced property values. The Illinois Citizens for Clean Air & Water, Prairie Rivers Network, Socially Responsible Agricultural Project and Illinois Environmental Council are among the coalition of groups pushing for passage of the bill sponsored by Representative Naomi Jakobsson (D) of the 103rd District, Representative Laura Fine (D) of the 17th District and Representative Kelly M. Cassidy (D) of the 14th District. “Fundamental changes to the Illinois Livestock Law are necessary and long overdue,” says Danielle Diamond, attorney for the Illinois Citizens for Clean Air & Water and executive director of the Socially Responsible Agricultural Project. “The environment and the quality of life and health of hundreds of family farmers and rural residents from across the state have been sacrificed by an unfit law favoring polluting factory farms and agribusiness interests for too long.” The LMFA was designed with all decision-making authority for siting new factory farms resting with the Illinois Department of Agriculture (IDOA), a state agency that promotes agribusiness. A search of state records shows that IDOA has never denied a construction permit for a factory farm in Illinois, despite opposition from many neighbors and communities over the course of almost two decades. House Bill 5637 would change the LMFA so that county boards have the authority to refuse new factory farm proposals and neighboring residents have the right to call for public hearings on new applications. Local citizens would also have the right to challenge IDOA siting decisions if a factory farm proposal does not meet the requirements of the law. The bill would also increase siting setbacks from towns, neighboring residences and waterways since factory farm pollution rarely remains within the confines of the property on which these facilities are located. “The current law has given government agencies and big corporations all the power and local communities no rights at all,” says Ramona Cook, a McDonough County resident whose Illinois family farming roots go back to the 1830s. “We‘re faced with serious health threats, declining property values, damage to our businesses and the lost use of our own land. The new law will give a voice back to the local communities and property owners to determine their own futures, and that’s exactly where it should be.” On average, livestock produce three times as much waste as humans. A single factory farm confining thousands of animals generates as much waste as a small city. The health and lifestyle effects of the endless output of animal waste on surrounding properties, populations and communities can be dangerous and debilitating. “Since the D & B hog factory started operating in November last year, I literally have to check the air direction every morning before going outside,” said Adams County organic hobby farmer Kevin Tushaus. “Without a doubt, the cloud of foul odors coming out of that place has caused headaches, nausea, gagging, spontaneous vomiting and shortness of breath – not to mention depression that comes with living in a constant state of anxiety. When the wind is out of the north or north-northwest, my day is done before it starts.” The proposed amendments to the LMFA will require more businesses and individuals proposing the siting of a factory farm to submit a waste management plan as part of the permitting process, as well as impose more stringent requirements to prevent water pollution. “Fish kills are frequently caused by failures of land application equipment that release thousands of gallons of livestock waste into nearby waterways,” said Stacy James of Prairie Rivers Network. “House Bill 5637 would prohibit equipment from being left unattended and would require factory farms to develop a spill control and prevention plan.” To view a copy of HB5637, please go to Illinois House Bill 5637 Media Contact: Stacy James, Ph.D. Prairie Rivers Network p: 217.344.2371 ext 203 |e: sjames@prairierivers.org

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About Illinois Citizens for Clean Air & Water (ICCAW) Illinois Citizens for Clean Air and Water, a state-wide coalition of family farmers and community groups advocating for sound policies and practices that protect the environment, human health, and rural quality of life from the impacts of large-scale, industrialized livestock production facilities in Illinois. For more information about ICCAW, please go to www.iccaw.org. About Prairie Rivers Network (PRN) Prairie Rivers Network is Illinois advocate for clean water and healthy rivers, championing clean, healthy rivers and lakes and safe drinking water to benefit the people and wildlife of Illinois. Drawing upon science and working cooperatively with others, PRN advocates for public policies and cultural values that sustain the ecological health and biological diversity of water resources and aquatic ecosystems. PRN is the independent, state affiliate of the National Wildlife Federation. For more about PRN, please go to http://prairierivers.org About Socially Responsible Agricultural Project (SRAP) Socially Responsible Agricultural Project provides free, professional assistance to communities working to protect themselves from factory farms and their impact on local communities and populations, and to those who are trying to reclaim agriculture by producing and marketing sustainable agricultural goods.  More information can be found at www.sraproject.org.]]> 16386 0 495 0 https://prairierivers.org/articles/2014/04/press-release-permanent-solution-to-invasive-species-crisis-needs-to-remain-priority-for-army-corps-states-and-congress/ Tue, 01 Apr 2014 21:35:33 +0000 http://prairierivers.org/?p=16401 Only viable solution is to physically separate Great Lakes, Mississippi River basins Chicago – Conservation groups are urging the Obama Administration and U.S. Congress to maintain their focus on a permanent, long-term solution to an invasive species crisis that is putting communities, businesses, and industry at risk. The groups submitted comments yesterday to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers in response to the agency’s congressionally mandated study outlining ways to prevent the transfer of invasive organisms between the Great Lakes and Mississippi River basins. Waterways in Chicago, built more than 100 years ago, artificially connect the two water bodies, opening both to destruction from aquatic invasive species like Asian carp. The Army Corps study—known as the Great Lakes and Mississippi River Interbasin Study—clearly identifies physically separating the two iconic waters as the most effective way to prevent the spread of various invasive fish, parasites, grasses, and other organisms. And in their comments submitted today, conservation advocates are urging public officials to take immediate risk reduction steps and swiftly identify a permanent solution to achieve physical separation. Groups made the following main points in their comments to the Army Corps:

1. The Army Corps study clearly identifies physical separation as the most effective, permanent long-term solution. The Army Corps, public officials and other stakeholders need to quickly identify—and start moving forward on—a permanent solution that separates the water bodies. At the same time, short-term actions need to focus on strategic, efficient and effective ways to reduce the risk of invasive species spreading to new waterways. 
2. The Army Corps study lacks an effective near-term strategy for keeping out unwanted aquatic invaders. It is essential that state, regional and national partners analyze and put in place as quickly as possible an effective near-term strategy to reduce the risk of new invasions, while the nation moves toward the long-term goal of physically separating the two water bodies.
3. The Army Corps study only tallies the cost of separation and fails to assess the immense benefits to the region. If done right, hydrologic separation will leverage viable, well- planned investments to establish upgraded treatment of wastewater and storm water, as well as potentially new, globally-competitive transportation infrastructure. The result can be a revitalized waterway system that not only closes the highway for aquatic nuisance species, but also creates local and regional jobs, introduces economic efficiencies across the region, and improves water quality, tourism, and recreation.
4. By coupling the invasive species threat with elaborate water quality and flooding technologies, the Army Corps plan creates an untenable timeline and cost. Water quality and flood management issues are important and are being addressed. Numerous projects are underway and far more are needed to shore up Chicago’s crumbling water infrastructure system, which is tied to the waterways used by invasive species to move between the Great Lakes and Mississippi River system. Addressing these threats in combination will bring needed resources and deeper thinking to both. But the Army Corps’ report brings dubious assumptions and an all-or-nothing mindset with no interim steps or solutions, making actual progress on these vexing issues more difficult.
5. The Army Corps study, despite its shortcomings, provides a clear direction to establish a national strategy and implementation plan to move quickly toward separating the Great Lakes and Mississippi River basins. However, preventing further movement of invasive species between the basins is a shared responsibility. Separation, as well as interim risk reduction measures, must be the product of a robust partnership of local, state and federal agencies across the region.  

Read the full comments of conservation groups at: http://bit.ly/1koVLGM Commenting on the Army Corps study, conservation leaders said: “With the conclusion of the Corps’ study process, regional political leaders must seize on the opportunity to implement immediate risk reduction measures that move us toward permanent separation of the Great Lakes and Mississippi River basins,” said Jared Teutsch, Alliance for the Great Lakes Water Policy Advocate. “Or, we risk losing vital momentum in the effort to rectify, once and for all, the problems created by this un-natural connection.” “Though Asian carp have captured headlines, there are 10 other species threatening to transfer from the Great Lakes into the Mississippi River basin,” said Robert Hirschfeld water policy specialist, Prairie Rivers Network. “Any real solution must prevent all aquatic nuisance species from moving in both directions. The good news is we can do this while providing communities with cleaner water and healthier, restored rivers. “Charter fisherman, groups, businesses and a chamber of commerce from both sides of the boarder united to submit comments urging the Corps to move forward with the strongest option identified in their report,” said Cheryl Kallio, associate director for Freshwater Future. “Our entire Great Lakes watershed will be impacted by what does or doesn't happen here.” “The Great Lakes and St. Lawrence River are internationally indispensable,” said Lee Willbanks, Upper St. Lawrence Riverkeeper. “Those of us who live, work, and play on the St. Lawrence River believe it must be protected by returning the Great Lakes and the Mississippi River to their natural and separated state.” “Ohio is investing considerable resources to permanently separate connections between Lake Erie and the Ohio River basin,” said Kristy Meyer, managing director of agricultural, health & clean water programs at the Ohio Environmental Council. “We cannot afford to close the back door in Ohio, while allowing these destructive invaders to swim right through the front door in Chicago. Congress needs to quickly direct the Corps to separate the Mississippi River and Great Lakes watersheds. We simply cannot afford to wait any longer.” “The Army Corps report underscores that the most effective solution to the invasive species crisis is by physically separating the Great Lakes and Mississippi River basins,” said Marc Smith, policy director for the National Wildlife Federation. “The nation needs to act now to implement an effective near-term strategy to prevent future invasions, while keeping our eyes on the prize of separating these two iconic waters to protect our wildlife, economy, and quality of life.” “We hope that these comments will engage regional stakeholders and call on leaders to begin discussing separation solutions that pay huge dividends for the Chicago region,” said Jack Darin, director of the Sierra Club, Illinois Chapter. “We need to move forward on interim and long-term solutions that improve upon the options presented in the report and envision a cleaner Chicago River, flood mitigation, all while providing prevention of aquatic invasive transfer.” “The Corps’ report makes it clear that separation is not just do-able, but the only option,” said Henry Henderson, Midwest director for the Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC). “Now it will be incumbent for us in the Great Lakes region to find a workable, reality-based system that keeps invasive species like Asian carp at bay in coordination with efforts to shore up the failing infrastructure they threaten to pass through. This is a real opportunity for the entire region in terms of resources and an opportunity to rethink a snarled system that pollutes the Great Lakes, floods Chicago basements and limits the movement of goods.” “Preventing future invasions is essential to protect and restore the Great Lakes,” said Todd Ambs, campaign director of the Healing Our Waters-Great Lakes Coalition. “The Army Corps study makes it abundantly clear that the most effective way to prevent future invasions is to build a physical barrier. The onus is now on public officials to advance solutions as quickly as possible that help us achieve that goal. The cost of inaction will be devastating to the Lakes and the millions of people who depend on them.” Contact: Robert Hirschfeld, Prairie Rivers Network, 217-344-2371 x205, rhirschfeld@prairieirvers.org Alliance for the Great Lakes ∙ American Rivers ∙ Clean Water Action – Minnesota ∙ Clean Wisconsin ∙ Committee on the Middle Fork Vermilion River ∙ FLOW ∙ Freshwater Future ∙ Healing Our Waters – Great Lakes Coalition ∙ Holy Spirit Missionary Sisters ∙ Hoosier Environmental Council ∙ Izaak Walton League of America – Great Lakes Committee ∙ Izaak Walton League of America - Dwight Lydell Chapter ∙ Kalamazoo River Cleanup Coalition ∙ Lake Erie Waterkeeper ∙ Milwaukee River Keeper ∙ National Wildlife Federation ∙ Natural Resources Defense Council ∙ Nature Abounds ∙ Ohio Environmental Council ∙ Prairie Rivers Network ∙ Religious Coalition for the Great Lakes ∙ River Alliance of Wisconsin ∙ Save The River ∙ Sierra Club – Great Lakes Program ∙ Sierra Club – Illinois Chapter ∙ Sierra Club – John Muir Chapter ∙ Sierra Club – Missouri Chapter ∙ Sierra Club – Ohio Chapter ∙ St. Louis River Alliance ]]> 16401 0 493 0 https://prairierivers.org/articles/2014/04/citizens-call-on-quinn-administration-to-reform-coal-mining-regulation/ Wed, 02 Apr 2014 21:47:15 +0000 http://prairierivers.org/?p=16405 Time To Protect the Prairie State From Big Coal FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE April 2, 2014 SPRINGFIELD, IL— Illinois coalfield community residents joined environmental advocates today in calling on Governor Quinn and the Illinois Department of Natural Resources for a plan to reform the regulation of coal mining to better protect communities from water pollution, farmland loss, and to step up enforcement efforts against mining companies who repeatedly violate environmental laws. [caption id="attachment_16408" align="aligncenter" width="600" caption="Sue Smith of Stand Up to Coal and Jack Darin of Sierra Club, Illinois Chapter"][/caption] “Our livelihoods, our drinking water, and our communities are at risk from coal companies who want to make a quick buck digging up our countryside and then leave unusable land and pollution behind,” said Donald Karns, lifelong resident of Saline County where a proposed Peabody strip mine would destroy the Rocky Branch community. “We need Illinois DNR to do a better job protecting us and our environment.  We’re fighting for our future in downstate Illinois, and we need the State of Illinois to have our back.” A recent surge in coal mining activity has heightened concern that lax enforcement of coal mining regulations by the State of Illinois is threatening the rural agricultural economy, drinking water sources, and natural heritage. Since 2010, Illinois coal output has risen 42 percent. “The Illinois Coal Basin is the only U.S. coal-producing area where extraction rates are on the rise,” said Traci Barkley, watershed scientist with Prairie Rivers Network.  “Illinois needs to take a look at the long game and consider all that is damaged and lost when the one-time extraction of coal is rushed through the permitting process, especially for the sake of export.  Our water, our land and our communities are not commodities for industry profit.” Citizens cited numerous recent examples of mine permits granted despite mining companies’ dangerous histories, mining’s devastating impacts, and at-risk natural resources and water supplies. The threat posed by coal mining to prime farmland and habitat is a widespread concern across the state.  Sue Smith of Stand Up to Coal, brought to light her concerns about the proposed Bulldog Mine, which will undermine nearly 400 acres in Vermillion and Champaign Counties.  “If given a green light, Sunrise Coal will use prime Illinois farmland for surface coal facilities.   The mine will put local water supplies in question along with our rural community and natural heritage,” Smith said. “The state needs to serve the people and protect the land that has served our community’s way of life for generations.” Citizens are also alarmed at weak enforcement action when mining companies violate the law.  In particular, a pattern of over 600 violations of water quality standards at Springfield Coal Company’s Industry Mine has sparked outrage among local citizens.  “The mine continues to pollute while the IDNR renewed permits and put area streams at risk,” noted Ramona Cook, who lives near where Springfield Coal wants to dig more coal—at the proposed Littleton mine. “Illinois should be throwing the book at violators who cut corners and jeopardize our water supply, not giving them permission to pollute again. A common complaint among residents near mine sites has been an often hostile relationship with regulators in the IDNR Office of Mines and Minerals that can make it difficult for citizens to learn about the full impacts of mine projects and to make their voices heard.  In Hillsboro, for example, residents have been fighting the Deer Run Mine and contending with state permitting processes for years.  “The lack of information about proposed mines and major changes that are made after the public comment period make it hard for the public to know what will happen to their community.  Often we feel that those who are there to protect us are fighting against us,” said Mary Ellen DeClue, of Litchfield and member of Citizens Against Longwall Mining (CALM).   “With the Deer Run Mine, we were first told coal slurry would be stored in-ground, only to later find an 80-foot tall high-hazard impoundment will be built in our city limits.” The advocates welcomed news this week of a new agreement between the IDNR and the Office of the Attorney General to significantly improve the state’s oversight of coal mining.  The agreement comes as a settlement in a case regarding a proposed strip mine between two state conservation areas in the Illinois River floodplain near Banner. As Lieutenant Governor, Gov. Quinn stood with community residents in opposition to the proposed mine.  Last week a court order proposed major commitments to make reforms in the Office of Mines and Minerals, including measures to enhance public participation, increase the responsibility of mining companies to answer citizens’ concerns, and conserve Illinois’ natural and cultural resources. Environmental advocates applauded the reforms contained in the agreement, calling them “big first steps.” “We applaud IDNR and the Attorney General’s office for these new commitments to reform Illinois mining regulation,” said Dr. Cynthia Skrukrud, Clean Water Advocate for the Sierra Club, Illinois Chapter.   “They will not solve all of the problems overnight, but these are big first steps toward an Office of Mines and Minerals that gives more consideration to people and our environment— in line with existing mining laws.” “It’s time to turn the page at the Office of Mines and Minerals, and protect the Prairie State from coal companies that have rural Illinois in their sights,” said Jack Darin, Director of the Sierra Club, Illinois Chapter.  “We have seen Governor Quinn and Director Miller do this before, when they stood with the citizens of Banner to save a conservation area from a strip mine.  Now we need that leadership more than ever, and we need major changes to protect local communities and our resources from damage and pollution.” Contact: Traci Barkley (Prairie Rivers Network):  217-621-3013]]> 16405 0 492 0 https://prairierivers.org/articles/2014/04/victory-illinois-dnr-will-provide-greater-oversight-of-coal-ash-pits/ Tue, 08 Apr 2014 21:06:45 +0000 http://prairierivers.org/?p=16414 massive spill in North Carolina, the Illinois Department of Natural Resources has answered our call for greater oversight of coal ash pits. IDNR will now be inspecting every coal ash impoundment for structural integrity. In addition to these changes, IDNR has announced the following policy improvements: • Increased inspections of all coal ash impoundments: In the wake of recent failures of coal ash impoundments in North Carolina and West Virginia resulting in contamination, IDNR’s Office of Water Resources will visually inspect all coal ash impoundments in Illinois for structural integrity, to protect our natural resources. • Strengthen internal oversight of permit applications: The IDNR has added a position of General Counsel to the Office of Mines and Minerals to specifically focus on matters related to the Illinois statutes and regulations related to coal and aggregate mining, blasting and explosives, mine safety, and abandoned mined lands reclamation.  All permits will be reviewed against legal standards by the Office of Mines and Minerals General Counsel before submission to the Director of the Office of Mines and Minerals. • Additional public oversight added to State Mining and Oil and Gas Boards: The IDNR proposes that two additional appointed members be added to the State Mining Board, and that two additional members be added to the State Oil and Gas Board. Each board would add two representatives of the general public who have no financial interest in mining and/or oil or gas operations in the State of Illinois. • Improved information collection: The IDNR has redesigned and updated Oil and Gas Permit Application which will improve the information exchange process and allow the agency to better collect and review information from applicants. • Conflict of interest policy update: The IDNR is strengthening its agency-wide policy on conflicts of interest to provide more specific guidance to employees with respect to prohibited acts, and areas of potential or apparent conflict.]]> 16414 0 491 0 https://prairierivers.org/articles/2014/04/prairie-river-notes-spring-2014-newsletter/ Fri, 11 Apr 2014 01:03:59 +0000 http://prairierivers.org/?p=16636 Read Prairie Rivers Network’s Spring 2014 Newsletter, featuring articles on:

• Farm Bill Passes with Important Conservation Requirement but Still Leaves Us Feeling Empty
• Greetings from Glynnis
• 2013 Annual Report
• Speak Up for Strong Coal Ash Rules
• Upcoming Events

You can also read our 2013 Annual Report separately.  ]]> 16636 0 490 0 https://prairierivers.org/articles/2014/04/neighbors-consider-proposed-hog-farm-a-threat-to-beloved-local-creek/ Fri, 18 Apr 2014 22:22:26 +0000 http://prairierivers.org/?p=16421 Neighbors prepare to ask questions and make statements at the public informational meeting.[/caption] At the public meeting, it was disclosed that the proposed hog farm (Sandy Creek Lane, LLC) would produce approximately 10 million gallons of waste annually. This waste will be applied on 1200 acres of nearby farmland. It was unclear whether this acreage is adequate for all of the waste that needs to be applied, or if additional acreage will be needed to avoid over-application. Like the neighbors, we have concerns about Sandy Creek becoming polluted. Before the public meeting, we held a press conference with the residents who object to the construction of the hog farm. They expressed their concerns about not only water pollution, but also odors, air pollution, lower property values, and decreased quality of life. These legitimate concerns are the very reason we introduced a state bill this spring to amend the Illinois Livestock Management Facilities Act. Passage of the bill will be a multi-year battle because we face opposition by the livestock industry. But meeting people like the neighbors of Sandy Creek remind us the battle is worth fighting. ]]> 16421 0 489 0 https://prairierivers.org/articles/2014/04/community-wants-full-cleanup-of-coal-ash-dumps-along-middle-fork-river/ Mon, 28 Apr 2014 17:46:18 +0000 http://prairierivers.org/?p=16456 this petition to show your support for comprehensive clean up and closure of the Vermilion coal ash pits. Read more about efforts to protect the Middle Fork from coal ash.]]> 16456 0 487 0 https://prairierivers.org/articles/2014/04/run-for-your-rivers-at-the-illinois-marathon-a-big-success/ Sun, 27 Apr 2014 13:00:00 +0000 http://prairierivers.org/?p=16490

Congratulations to Our Team!

Our team members ran and/or walked for a total of 45 hours and 244 miles to raise $7,885!

First Presbyterian Church of Urbana
David Bullock		0:54:34	10K
Henry Goldsmith		0:20:55	5K
Don Greeley			10K
Elizabeth Greeley		0:51:17	5K
Dixie Jackson		0:44:10	5K
GaryJ ackson		0:45:48	5K
David Kay			5K
Marilyn Kay		1:04:41	5K
Alex Nelson			5K
David Sherwood		2:14:24	1/2 marathon
William Smith			5K
Case Sprenkle		1:43:52	10K
Don Wendel			10K
Lady River Walkers
Ellyn Bullock		1:51:52	10K
Jane Freyfogle		1:51:55	10K
Anne Phillips		1:51:55	10K
UIUC Hydro-Team
Allison Goodwell		3:42:55	marathon relay
Paul Noel		3:42:55	marathon relay
Andrew Rehn		3:42:55	marathon relay
Sean Britt		3:42:55	marathon relay
Tatiana Garcia		0:39:46	5K
Lauren Logan		0:47:33	5K
Fernanda Maciel		0:57:55	10K
Patrick MacKay		0:54:36	5K
Viviana Morales		3:46:52	marathon
Individual Team Members
MagdalenaCasper-Shipp		0:26:01	5K
MagdalenaCasper-Shipp		5:04:19	marathon
DavidDelaney		1:50:41	1/2 marathon
RobKanter		4:15:31	marathon
GenevieveLong		2:18:18	1/2 marathon
VickieNudelman		0:42:40	5K
VickieNudelman		1:21:22	10K
BethSatterthwaite		1:58:57	1/2 marathon
KeithSchinkoeth		1:50:07	1/2 marathon

Thank you to our 2014 Business Sponsors

Please support business that help protect our rivers and streams.

 2013 Run for Your Rivers

2012 Run for Your Rivers

]]> 16490 0 488 0 https://prairierivers.org/articles/2014/05/help-protect-the-mahomet-aquifer-and-central-illinois-drinking-water/ Fri, 02 May 2014 22:01:56 +0000 http://prairierivers.org/?p=16498 Mahomet Aquifer Sole Source Hearings, May 13-14 The U.S. EPA is considering designating the Mahomet Aquifer a “sole source aquifer.” If so designated, the aquifer will be better protected against pollution. The U.S. EPA would review federally-funded construction projects located above the aquifer to ensure the projects do not endanger our drinking water supply. We need you to attend U.S. EPA’s May 13 Champaign hearing and May 14 hearing in Morton to voice your support for the sole source designation. Click here for some suggested talking points. WHY WE WANT YOU TO TAKE ACTION This designation is important for protecting the long-term integrity of our water supply, and we will need your voice to counter likely opposition from agriculture and construction interests. MORE INFORMATION ABOUT THE SOLE-SOURCE DESIGNATION www.epa.gov/Region5/water/gwdw/mahomet/index.htm HEARING LOGISTICS

Tuesday, May 13, 2014

Hilton Garden Inn

1501 S. Neil, Champaign

 

Wednesday, May 14, 2014

Best Western Ashland House Hotel

201 E Ashland St., Morton

 

At each hearing: Informational session 6:30-7:15pm (this is your chance to learn about the petition process) Public hearing 7:30-9:00pm (public comments likely will be limited to 2-3 minutes, which is less than 1.5 typed pages) PRN Staff member Stacy James will be present at the Champaign hearing. Contact her with any questions (sjames@prairierivers.org or 217-344-2371 ext 203). You may also submit written comments by June 12, 2014 to: William Spaulding email: spaulding.william@epa.gov U.S. EPA Region 5 (WG-15J) 77 W. Jackson Blvd. Chicago, IL 60604

]]> 16498 0 486 0 https://prairierivers.org/articles/2014/05/prairie-rivers-network-honored-as-national-wildlife-federation-affiliate-of-year/ Thu, 08 May 2014 16:02:17 +0000 http://prairierivers.org/?p=16514 Prairie Rivers Network Honored as National Wildlife Federation Affiliate of Year

Reston, Va. (May 8, 2014) – Prairie Rivers Network, based in Champaign, Ill., was recently named the National Wildlife Federation’s Affiliate of the Year for its successful conservation efforts that led to new protections from toxic coal ash, better oversight of factory farms, and the advancement of solutions to stop Asian carp and other aquatic invasive species from wreaking havoc on U.S. waters. “Prairie Rivers Network has been a powerful voice for conservation,” said Deborah Spalding, Chair of the National Wildlife Federation Board of Directors. “Their common-sense, science-based advocacy continues to produce results that benefit fish, wildlife, and people. Prairie Rivers Network is an exemplary steward, advocate, and partner. The National Wildlife Federation looks forward to collaborating with them for years to come.” The Affiliate of the Year Award recognizes one NWF affiliate organization out of its network of 49 state affiliates for conservation accomplishments and contributions to collaborative efforts with NWF and its supporters. The National Wildlife Federation presented the award to Prairie Rivers Network at its annual meeting on Saturday in Baltimore. “We’re thrilled that our work at Prairie Rivers Network is being honored,” said Glynnis Collins, executive director of Prairie Rivers Network. “Prairie Rivers Network will continue to stand up to protect the health and beauty of Illinois streams and waters so that they may be enjoyed by people, fish, and wildlife now and for generations to come.” [slideshow gallery_id="6"] Prairie Rivers Network was recognized for its successful work to:

Stop the influx of aquatic invasive species. Prairie Rivers Network, with a coalition of conservation partners, helped advance the effort to physically separate the Great Lakes and Mississippi River basins to prevent the transfer of aquatic invasive species like Asian carp through Chicago area canals. Reduce sewage pollution into Illinois waters through a combination of direct negotiations with municipalities and legal challenges to inadequate agency oversight. Prairie Rivers Network also won new rules to protect users of the Chicago River from bacteria and viruses in sewage – culminating a decade of precedent-setting permit challenges at smaller facilities throughout the state. Protect and restore natural places. Prairie Rivers Network helped create an Illinois Wildlife Action Plan along the Illinois section of the Mississippi River that—for the first time—sets the stage for state and federal land managers and local land trusts to coordinate habitat restoration and protection. Protect waters from coal ash pollution. Because of Prairie Rivers Network’s leadership on highlighting the dangers of toxic coal ash pollution, Illinois state agencies have finally started to address the threat with proposed new rules, stepped up monitoring requirements, and structural integrity inspections. The group also helped thwart attempts to strip the U.S. EPA of its authority to protect clean water from toxic coal ash pollution. Bringing the voices of Illinoisans to polluters, regulators and lawmakers. Prairie Rivers Network has a strong tradition of working closely with people harmed by water pollution and degradation to ensure pollution rules are enforced and to push for change when those laws don’t protect people and their water. The group has shared its scientific and legal expertise to help countless citizens be heard in the fight to protect clean water and healthy rivers.

Prairie Rivers Network has been a leading voice for conservation in Illinois since 1967 and the National Wildlife Federation’s affiliate since 2001. Since their founding, Prairie Rivers Network has successfully defeated proposals to build dams, reservoirs, and other environmentally costly water projects that would have permanently altered the habitats of the Mississippi and Illinois Rivers. They have championed clean water across the state, leading efforts to improve clean water standards, review pollution permits, protect wetlands, reduce polluted runoff from farms and streets, and restore natural areas along rivers and streams. For more National Wildlife Federation news visit www.nwf.org/news For more information on Prairie Rivers Network, visit www.prairierivers.org The National Wildlife Federation is America's largest conservation organization inspiring Americans to protect wildlife for our children's future. Prairie Rivers Network is Illinois’ advocate for clean water and healthy rivers and is the Illinois affiliate of the National Wildlife Federation. Contact: Glynnis Collins 217-344-2371 x201 gcollins@prairierivers.org]]> 16514 0 484 0 https://prairierivers.org/articles/2014/05/marshall-county-board-votes-against-massive-hog-factory-farm/ Mon, 12 May 2014 15:33:36 +0000 http://prairierivers.org/?p=16525 An example of what a large hog factory farm looks like.[/caption] The county board members astutely acknowledged that the facility owner and engineer did not provide them with enough information to evaluate the potential negative impacts on the surrounding community and environment. While the county board vote is a step in the right direction, unfortunately their decision is considered a non-binding recommendation under the Livestock Management Facilities Act. Siting decisions are ultimately made by the Illinois Department of Agriculture. Earlier this year, Prairie Rivers Network and partners introduced a bill (HB 5637) that gives county boards more authority. The bill is opposed by livestock groups but will be introduced again in 2015.]]> 16525 0 483 0 https://prairierivers.org/articles/2014/05/coal-ash-waste-hearings-in-chicago-will-address-presing-statewide-illinois-water-contamination-issues/ Tue, 13 May 2014 19:33:11 +0000 http://prairierivers.org/?p=16534 Recent Disasters Across the Country Spur Communities Impacted by Coal Ash Contamination to Call for Stronger Protections

CHICAGO - Today, community members from across the state of Illinois whose lives have been negatively impacted by coal ash waste contamination joined the Sierra Club, Environmental Law & Policy Center, and Prairie Rivers Network to outline why the state must strengthen proposed rules to protect communities from coal ash disasters and ongoing threats to public health. Adjacent to Illinois’ 22 coal-fired power plants are 91 coal ash ponds, and no matter the plant owner, outdated and cost-cutting disposal methods have led to the state’s discovery of contamination at each site it has tested. Coal ash is the waste material left after coal is burned and it is full of heavy metals, like mercury, lead and arsenic, which can cause cancer and brain damage in humans and are toxic to fish and wildlife. “Illinois’ aging coal ash pits, many of which were built in places they never should have been – over mine voids and in floodplains of rivers – put our state at extremely high risk for a coal ash catastrophe,” said Traci Barkley, Water Resources Scientist with Prairie Rivers Network. “Strong rules on coal ash waste from Governor Quinn and state agencies will help protect communities from the undue liability of having to clean up messes from polluters. The Illinois Pollution Control Board (IPCB) is holding hearings in Chicago on Wednesday and Thursday to discuss how and when power plants will be required to close and clean up dangerous coal ash pits in the state of Illinois. Hearings in Springfield in February yielded strong turnout from community members who fear their own drinking water may be contaminated from neighboring coal ash pits. The groups are speaking out to IPCB to require the removal of coal ash from failing pits to high and dry landfills, allow for the assessment and prevention of damage to rivers and lakes and provide more opportunity for public input. The groups will also ask that power companies be required to provide financial assurances so that taxpayers aren’t left paying the bill for coal ash disaster clean up. “Water is one of Illinois’ greatest resources, and it is time to stand up for Lake Michigan, the Illinois River, the Middle Fork River and the many other waterways that have been fouled by coal ash contamination for decades,” said Jack Darin, Director of the Sierra Club Illinois Chapter. “Clean water is a right, and strong state and federal coal ash rules will help protect our water quality, safety and public health.”

“Our lives in Lake County center around Lake Michigan. It is where we get our drinking water, it is where our children play in the summer and it is even where families in the Waukegan community fish for sustenance,” Maryfran Troha, Resident from Lake County who lives close to NRG Energy’s Waukegan coal plant. “In Waukegan we have coal ash pits, with a history of contamination, sitting right next to Lake Michigan and our community and our lake deserve stronger protections.” “Strengthening coal ash rules here in Illinois will protect communities from dangerous drinking water and major clean up costs in the event of a disaster,” said Andrew Armstrong, a staff attorney with Environmental Law & Policy Center (ELPC). The hearings come in the aftermath of the this winter’s coal ash disaster in North Carolina, where toxic coal ash flowed through a broken pipe into the Dan River, contaminating as far as 70 miles downstream. The disaster, which could cost up to $1 billion to clean up, could have been avoided if the alarm raised by community groups and citizens for years had been heeded. As they are written now, the state’s proposed rules fall severely short of protecting Illinois communities from the serious harm that coal ash pits pose, and the state’s rules fall short of U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) considerations of a federal coal ash rule that would protect communities. The groups also highlighted a new report on from the Sierra Club, which explored coal ash pits that could potentially be the site of the country’s next coal ash catastrophe and focused on the coal ash pits at Dynegy’s E.D. Edwards coal plant in Peoria, Ill. “Dynegy - a Texas-based energy company - just took the reins of the E.D. Edwards coal plant. With the toxic legacy that already exists from the coal ash pits near Pekin Lake and the Illinois River, we want certainty that the burden of clean up won’t fall to the Peoria community,” said Tracy Fox, resident of Peoria County who lives close to Dynegy’s E.D. Edwards coal plant. “Dynegy’s Vermillion coal plant no longer burns coal here in Vermillion, but the toxic legacy of its ash pits remain,” said Kristin Camp, resident of Pilot Township in Vermillion County who lives close to Dynegy’s retired Vermillion coal plant. “We receive water from a well on our property which is located in the vicinity of the leaking ash ponds. I am seriously concerned about how a breach in the ash pond containment system would affect our local water supply and quality of life.” "Our quality of our air and water is under assault from toxic pollution from three coal plants in Will County,” said Tracy Panetino, Resident from Will County who lives close to NRG Energy’s Will County, Joliet 9, and Joliet 29 coal plants. “Water quality standards for arsenic, cyanide, and other hazardous pollutants have been far exceeded in our community. That is unacceptable.” The hearings will take place at the Thompson Center, 100 W. Randolph, in Chicago on Wednesday, May 14 at 10 a.m. and continue as needed on Thursday May 15 at 9 a.m.

To view the low resolution version of the Sierra Club report on coal ash in Illinois, click here: http://sc.org/1gk8EoK

To view the high resolution version of the Sierra Club report on coal ash in Illinois, click here: http://sc.org/1joJeAv

Contact:

Carrie Otto, Prairie Rivers Network, cotto@prairierivers.org, 217-344-2371 x208

]]> 16534 0 482 0 https://prairierivers.org/articles/2014/05/corps-discounts-thousands-of-citizen-comments-on-asian-carp-solution/ Tue, 20 May 2014 13:30:10 +0000 http://prairierivers.org/?p=16551 Real Accounting Shows That 89% of Public Supports Physical Separation of Great Lakes & Mississippi River

Corps to Public: You Don't Count

The Army Corps of Engineers recently released the results of the public comments on the Great Lakes Mississippi River Interbasin Study (GLMRIS). As authorized by Congress, GLMRIS set out to “evaluate a range of options and technologies to prevent the spread of aquatic nuisance species between the Great Lakes and Mississippi River by aquatic pathways.” The Corps claims they received about 1,600 public comments, with 40% of those supporting physical separation as a solution, and 35% wanting navigation to continue.* The Corps has used these numbers to justify its position that there is no consensus solution. But the Corps discounted around 7,300 individual pro-separation comments coordinated by Sierra Club Chapters in Wisconsin, Illinois, and Ohio, as well as Clean Wisconsin. If these citizen comments are counted, then approximately 89% of the comments were in support of separation and only 6% supported maintaining the status quo. This reality of the numbers undermines the Corps' assertion that there is no consensus and, therefore, they should not act. Over 7,000 citizens deserve to have their voices considered. The people have spoken in favor of physically separating the Great Lakes and Mississippi River watersheds. * It should be noted that these positions are presented as opposites, but many separation advocates are calling for increased investment into transportation infrastructure to counter years of decline and disintegration of Chicago’s transportation network.

Original Map Released by Army Corps Indicating Support for Separation (Yellow) vs Status Quo (Green)

Updated Map, to Scale, Showing Pro-Separation Comments That Were Not Included by the Corps

 

 

 ]]> 16551 0 481 0 https://prairierivers.org/articles/2014/05/local-government-leaders-speak-up-for-statewide-coal-ash-rules-to-protect-public-and-environmental-health/ Tue, 20 May 2014 20:11:45 +0000 http://prairierivers.org/?p=16570

The public comment period on the proposed coal ash rules will remain open for several months. Please send an email to the Illinois Pollution Control Board and urge them to include the following in their final rules: protection of surface and groundwater, consideration of safety and stability of ash pits, financial assurances from the industry responsible and public input throughout the closure process. There will be another set of Pollution Control Board hearings on June 18 and 19 if you are interested in attending. Sign our petition and tell the Illinois Pollution Control Board to protect our water from coal ash!]]> 16570 0 480 0 https://prairierivers.org/articles/2014/05/mahomet-aquifer-rally-and-hearing-a-big-success/ Thu, 22 May 2014 01:17:53 +0000 http://prairierivers.org/?p=16581 The Mahomet Aquifer proved to have many friends on May 13, when U.S. EPA held a public hearing on a proposal to designate the Mahomet as a sole source aquifer. Thanks to our members who showed up at the hearing as well as the pre-hearing rally in Champaign. Over 400 people attended. It was wonderful to see the community come together in support of an environmental proposal that represents a win-win for public health and economic prosperity. We express our gratitude to the environmental community, the many politicians who support the designation, and the intergovernmental coalition that filed the petition for designation. Not a single person spoke against the designation, which would provide the aquifer with increased protection from future, federally-funded construction projects that have the potential to pollute groundwater. The overwhelming sentiment was concern for the quality of our drinking water and the risks posed by projects like storing PCBs in Clinton Landfill. For more information on the Clinton Landfill saga, please see this great timeline story by the News-Gazette. We are hopeful the designation will be approved, though designation will not fully protect the aquifer. Next we need East-Central Illinois' state legislators to work on legislation that protects aquifers from privately funded projects. You can still submit comments in support of the sole-source designation by June 12, 2014 to:

William Spaulding

email: spaulding.william@epa.gov

U.S. EPA Region 5 (WG-15J)

77 W. Jackson Blvd.

Chicago, IL 60604

  Click here for some suggested talking points.]]> 16581 0 479 0 https://prairierivers.org/articles/2014/05/creative-re-use-of-sump-pump-water-a-home-tour/ Sun, 04 May 2014 01:19:00 +0000 http://prairierivers.org/?p=16591 Learn to re-use your sump pump water! When: Sat, June 7, 2pm – 3pm Where: 103 Clover, Savoy, IL (meet at the back of the house) Join other water geeks for a tour of the home of Jeff Fullilove in Savoy, IL. He has an active sump pump and directs the water to storage barrels. He then uses the water on his garden and lawn. He has even figured out how to direct the low pressure water to a sprinkler hose system. His setup allows him to reuse thousands of gallons of water, saving him from having to pay for potable tap water for his landscape watering needs. This free event is being organized by the Prairie Group of the Sierra Club. Please RSVP by June 6 to Rachel Vellenga at rlvellenga@yahoo.com.]]> 16591 0 485 0 https://prairierivers.org/articles/2014/05/prairie-rivers-network-sues-army-corps-of-engineers/ Fri, 23 May 2014 16:07:33 +0000 http://prairierivers.org/?p=16614 Lawsuit seeks to halt destructive practices in Upper Mississippi River Prairie Rivers Network has joined with National Wildlife Federation and other state river groups to put an end to decades of mismanagement of the Upper Mississippi River by the United States Army Corps of Engineers.

Since the 1930s, the Corps has managed the Upper Mississippi River primarily for navigation. Prioritizing navigation over other uses has come at great expense to the health of the river and to the safety of riverside communities.

Through the use of river training structures and other engineering devices, the Corps has fundamentally altered the river’s flow and its ecosystems. A solid body of science shows that Corps management has destroyed critical habitat such as wetlands, backwaters, and side channels, allowed invasive species to proliferate, further threatened endangered species, and decreased biodiversity. It also shows that river training structures substantially increase flood heights. Despite these harms, the Corps is pressing on with business as usual:  building more training structures, using outdated practices, and ignoring the science. The Corps is poised to build major new complexes of river training structures in the Middle Mississippi River in areas particularly vulnerable to flooding. Our lawsuit seeks to stop them. A federal law known as the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) requires federal agencies that conduct major projects to carefully review the environmental impacts of those projects and conduct them in a way that minimizes environmental harm. NEPA also requires environmental impact reviews be updated when the project or its impacts change over time. But the Corps hasn’t updated its environmental review of the Upper Miss since the 1970s. And things have changed substantially since then. We’ve asked the federal court for an injunction prohibiting the Corps from building new river training structures until it conducts an updated and comprehensive review of the environmental impacts (including flooding) of its management of the Upper Mississppi. We know there are feasible management alternatives that would cause less damage to the environment, including managing flows to mimic the system’s natural flows and reconnecting portions of the river to its floodplain and backwaters. The river is suffering and people are at risk. The Corps needs to look at new and safer ways to manage navigation while protecting the river and the people that live by it. UPDATED 5/29/2014 with press coverage: Groups sue Corps over construction on Mississippi River, The Southern Illinoisan, May 23, 2014 (PDF) Army Corps Sued Over River-Management Approaches, AP story by Jim Suhr, published on the Greenfield Daily Reporter (Greenfield, IN); WREX TV (Rockford, IL); DailyReporter.com (shortened version); ABC News; the Columbia Tribune (Columbia, MO); and the Bellingham Herald (Bellingham, WA) all on May 22-23, 2014 (PDF) Editorial: The Army Corps of Engineers' deaf ear by Olivia Dorothy and Nicholas Pinter, St. Louis Post Dispatch, May 23, 2014 (PDF)  ]]> 16614 0 478 0 https://prairierivers.org/articles/2014/06/new-co2-emissions-standards-will-protect-water-and-public-health/ Wed, 04 Jun 2014 20:18:05 +0000 http://prairierivers.org/?p=16655 proposed rule to cut carbon dioxide emissions from the nation’s power plants by 30 percent below 2005 levels by 2030. The proposal will be the first of its kind to target existing coal and gas-fired power plants, building upon last year’s proposal that imposed stringent standards on the construction of new facilities. Under the proposed rule, the EPA will set emissions targets for each state, taking into account the state’s current energy profile. According to federal statistics, approximately 49 percent of Illinois’ electricity last year came from nuclear sources, 41 percent from coal-fired power plants, and the remainder from natural gas and renewable sources (primarily wind and solar). Relative to 2012 levels, Illinois was given the target of a 33 percent reduction in pounds of carbon dioxide per MWh of electricity. If the rule is implemented, the state will have until 2016 to submit a plan for reduction. This could include closing or retrofitting existing coal plants; using low-emitting power sources like natural gas; expanding renewable generation; and improving efficiency to reduce electricity consumption. The rule is expected to have a substantial impact on the nation’s existing fleet of coal-fired power plants. Since 2011, about one-quarter of U.S. coal plants have been retired or are set to be retired. With the new rule, the EPA projects the use of coal to “decrease by roughly 30 to 32 percent in 2030," primarily because improvements to some plants will not be worth the cost. [caption id="attachment_16670" align="aligncenter" width="553"] The Dynegy Vermilion coal ash pits are dangerously close to the Middle Fork of the Vermilion River.[/caption]   The transition beyond coal not only gives room for innovative energy-sector technologies, but stands to improve communities that host – or would host – a stage in the lifecycle of coal. Mining coal dramatically alters landscapes and results in the contamination of surface waters and groundwater. The preparation of coal produces toxic coal slurry. The combustion of coal in power plants produces greenhouse gases that contribute to climate change as well as noxious pollution that triggers asthma attacks and contributes to heart damage. Coal ash produced in this process is often improperly stored near rivers and over groundwater aquifers, not only threatening water systems with slow but inevitable seepage, but at times, complete collapse. If the proposed rule is implemented next June, it will be not only be a step in the right direction for protecting public health (PDF of Chicago Tribune story), potentially resulting in up to “6,600 fewer early deaths and 150,000 fewer asthma attacks among children nationwide,” but also for ensuring the integrity of community land and water resources.  ]]> 16655 0 475 0 https://prairierivers.org/articles/2014/06/shop-amazonsmile-for-fathers-day-and-you-give-a-gift-to-prairie-rivers-network-also/ Wed, 11 Jun 2014 15:56:48 +0000 http://prairierivers.org/?p=16690

Prairie Rivers Network

  If you shop online using Amazon.com, you can shop instead at Smile.Amazon.com and .5% will be donated to Prairie Rivers Network. Smile.Amazon.com is just like shopping at Amazon.com.]]> 16690 0 476 0 https://prairierivers.org/articles/2014/06/prairie-rivers-network-releases-documentary-and-petition-on-illinois-factory-farms/ Mon, 16 Jun 2014 14:39:03 +0000 http://prairierivers.org/?p=16701 "From the very beginning of the hog facility, we started experiencing, there is no other word to describe it but gut-wrenching odors that could just wake you up out of a dead sleep."   This line kicks off our new documentary on the harmful impacts that Illinois factory farms can have on rural communities. The people we interviewed wanted to share their stories with you because they have had enough. Their quality of life has suffered due to industrial-scale livestock production. We produced the documentary because we want the general public to understand that factory farms can impose great costs upon neighbors. But we don't want to just inform you of this injustice, we also want you to take action. WE NEED YOUR HELP to change the law so neighbors and the environment are better protected from factory farms. As consumers of meat, eggs, and/or dairy products, we all have skin in this game. Most of the animal-based products we buy at grocery stores and restaurants come from factory farms. But we can demand a better food production system. SIGN OUR PETITION to state legislators and Governor Quinn! Please watch our documentary and then click on the link to our petition.  Thank you. ]]> 16701 0 472 0 https://prairierivers.org/articles/2014/06/report-interior-must-address-bird-deaths-caused-by-canadas-tar-sands/ Thu, 12 Jun 2014 19:19:23 +0000 http://prairierivers.org/?p=16721 Interior Department Must Declare Canada is Undermining International Wildlife Protections Destructive mining and drilling practices in the heart of Canada’s forest bird nurseries have already killed thousands of birds and are putting millions more at risk, including the critically endangered whooping crane. That’s according to an issue brief released yesterday by the National Wildlife Federation, and four NWF state affiliates – Illinois’ Prairie Rivers Network, Natural Resources Council of Maine, New Hampshire Audubon, and Vermont Natural Resources Council. [caption id="attachment_16723" align="alignright" width="270"] Tar sands expansion harms wildlife habitat[/caption] The Department of Interior is under a legal obligation – known as the “Pelly Amendment”– to determine whether tar sands development in Canada is undermining a century-old international treaty to protect our continent’s shared songbirds and waterfowl. Tar sands is one of the most carbon intensive fuel sources. Its development and use is driving climate change that is threatening many bird species and their habitat. “Unchecked tar sands development is turning a productive breeding ground into a toxic wasteland,” said National Wildlife Federation Senior Counsel Jim Murphy. “Many of the birds Americans watch, enjoy and hunt fly to and rely on this area. The Canadian Government has vowed to protect these birds, but it is turning a blind eye.” The Canadian tar sands industry’s plans to increase use of the Great Lakes region as a hub for transporting toxic tar sands threatens to enable the industry to expand its destructive mining and drilling efforts at a breakneck pace. If this expansion goes unchecked, an area the size of Florida will be destroyed by huge open-pit mines, toxic waste tailings ponds that can be seen from space, extraction wells, noisy compressor stations, refineries, and networks of new roads, drilling pads, seismic lines, and pipelines. Oil-laden tailings ponds have already resulted in the deaths of countless waterfowl. In 2008, 1,600 ducks died in Syncrude tailings ponds. An October 2010 storm resulted in hundreds of ducks landing on a Suncor tailings pond near Fort McMurray; at least 550 birds were too oiled to save. As of 2010, 43 species of internationally protected birds had suffered fatalities from exposure to tar sands tailings ponds. Unabated tar sands development could result in the reduction of 70 million hatchlings over a forty year period. Oil giant Enbridge has plans to double the amount of tar sands it brings into the Great Lakes and recently announced plans to build 76 miles of new pipeline across six counties in Illinois and Indiana for use by mid-2015. "Illinois and America need to make a just transition to a cleaner, smarter energy future," said Prairie Rivers Network's Elliot Brinkman. "Tar sands are a move in the wrong direction. We call on President Obama and Secretary Jewell to say no to the tar sands industry that wants to reap benefits at unacceptable cost to America's and Canada's shared wildlife heritage." Of the 130 internationally protected American migratory and songbird species listed in the report as threatened by tar sands development, many are familiar names to bird watchers, hunters and wildlife enthusiasts in the United States, including: Snow Goose, American Goldfinch, Evening Grosbeak, Great Blue Heron, Common Loon, Northern Pintail, Wood Duck, Siskin, Trumpeter Swan, Cedar Waxwing, and the Pileated Woodpecker. Click here to read the full report]]> 16721 0 474 0 https://prairierivers.org/articles/2014/06/illinois-dnr-rejects-coal-mine-proposal-after-scofflaw-company-defaults-on-bond-obligation/ Thu, 12 Jun 2014 21:06:39 +0000 http://prairierivers.org/?p=16732 “We are pleased to see the Department continuing to strengthen its regulation of dangerous mines in our state,” said ELPC staff attorney Jessica Dexter.  “This is one step of many that are needed to rein in bad actors and protect our water and citizens.” The move follows an agreement in April by IDNR Office of Mines & Minerals to initiate a number of reforms in its coal mining permit program; a commitment welcomed by rural Illinois citizens who have long called for stronger enforcement of laws to protect their communities and water supplies. “Business as usual is over for the Industry Mine but reforms need to continue,” said nearby resident Kim Sedgwick who has battled the devastating impacts of this mine for over a decade. “The Industry Mine site still needs to be reclaimed and IDNR needs to implement the measures it promised in April.  Residents and environmental organizations have repeatedly called on IDNR to better protect the state’s natural resources from the impacts of coal mining— public water supplies should be off limits to coal mines and bad actors should be denied mining permits.  IDNR needs to listen to our concerns and start protecting our communities.”

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Contacts Traci Barkley (PRN):  217-621-3013 Cindy Skrukrud (Sierra Club): 312-251-1680 x110 Manny Gonzales (ELPC): 303-880-5954

]]> 16732 0 473 0 https://prairierivers.org/articles/2014/06/show-your-support-for-clean-water/ Thu, 19 Jun 2014 19:46:10 +0000 http://prairierivers.org/?p=16764 Tell U.S. EPA you support the Waters of the U.S. Rule There’s a new rule that’s good for clean water and it’s under attack. US EPA and the Army Corps of Engineers want to do the right thing and clarify Clean Water Act protections for some of our smallest yet most important streams and wetlands. These waters are at risk of pollution and destruction and in need of legal protection. Streams and wetlands filter pollutants, reduce flooding, provide drinking water for millions of people, and habitat for fish and wildlife. There is strong opposition from those who want to continue using our waters as dumping grounds. Regretfully many polluters have the ears of Congress and are working hard to defeat the rule. Let’s stop them. CLICK HERE to tell U.S. EPA you support the Waters of the U.S. Rule. Thank you!]]> 16764 0 471 0 https://prairierivers.org/articles/2014/06/local-communities-between-a-rock-and-a-hard-place/ Wed, 25 Jun 2014 15:29:16 +0000 http://prairierivers.org/?p=16810 Starved Rock State Park and local communities threatened by Illinois sand rush The rush for sand to fuel fracking is on, and Illinois has a lot of it. In the fracking process, silica sand is mixed with chemicals and injected underground to break apart rocks and unleash trapped oil and gas. Mississippi Sand, LLC wants to mine vast quantities of sand just outside Starved Rock State Park in LaSalle County. A sand mine may sound harmless, but sand mining can pollute local streams, destroy wetlands, damage air quality, create horrible dust problems, and be extremely noisy. [caption id="attachment_16784" align="alignright" width="300"] LaSalle County Sand Mine[/caption] Since we learned of Mississippi Sand’s proposal, Prairie Rivers Network and our partners have been working with residents to protect the park and adjacent lands from the harms of sand mining. Despite repeat efforts to work with the Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) and the Environmental Protection Agency to better protect the park, both agencies granted Mississippi Sand, LLC permits that threaten the health of nearby streams and wetlands as well as clean air and tranquility in the park and surrounding communities. Prairie Rivers Network, Sierra Club, and Openlands sued IDNR over the mining permit, but our case was dismissed when the Sangamon County judge ruled our groups did not have a legal right to challenge IDNR’s bad decision. We have appealed the judge’s dismissal to a higher court. While opposing the permits, we urged the county to take action to protect its lands. A LaSalle County moratorium on new sand mines was a welcome victory, but mining companies are scrambling to annex their land into local villages in order to avoid the moratorium. This leaves county residents with no say over what happens on adjoining lands and in the unlucky position of choosing between selling their lands to mining interests, or being surrounded by massive sand mines. See this Chicago Tribune article about how frac sand mining is driving farmers off their land (PDF). We have also been working with LaSalle County to improve the county’s Comprehensive Plan (link takes a minute to load) in order to protect ecologically significant land and water from unfettered mining and development. While the County has been very receptive to our suggestions, directly incorporating many of them into the update, progress will be bittersweet. Should the county board vote to update the plan next month, the moratorium on new mining will be lifted. We know the economies of many Illinois communities could use a boost. Yet LaSalle County’s economy has for many years, been fueled by tourism. Sand mining near Starved Rock State Park threatens this economic driver. We needn’t destroy our most treasured places for short term gains. If we’re going to mine sand, let's not do it in our most ecologically sensitive places.]]> 16810 0 469 0 https://prairierivers.org/articles/2014/07/vermilion-county-passes-resolutions-on-coal-ash/ Thu, 17 Jul 2014 16:14:26 +0000 http://prairierivers.org/?p=16830 As the Illinois Pollution Control Board considers statewide rules to regulate coal ash, Vermilion County groups have stepped up to encourage stronger rules at the state level and additional consideration for closure of ash pits at the Dynegy Vermilion facility. The Dynegy Vermilion power station currently stores coal ash – the toxic byproduct of coal combustion – in three pits located along the Middle Fork of the Vermilion River. All three pits are located in the floodplain; two of the pits are unlined and actively leaching into underlying groundwater.

Structural controls to protect the river from ash pits have failed. 

Rules before the Illinois Pollution Control Board, as currently proposed, do not provide sufficient protection of water resources threatened by coal ash disposal. They are lacking in their protection of surface waters from contamination, provisions for public participation, and their designation of financial responsibility. Resolutions passed by the Vermilion County Board, Soil & Water Conservation District, Vermilion County Conservation District, and Vermilion County Conservation Foundation have not only called on the Illinois Pollution Control Board to address these shortcomings, but have called on the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency to address these issues as they apply to the Dynegy Vermilion closure plan. Dynegy Midwest Generation, L.L.C. has proposed leaving the coal ash in place and simply capping the pits. This is a risky proposal. Groundwater contamination, seepage to the river, and direct discharges of coal ash decant and leachate will continue in perpetuity to the river system if the ash is not removed from the floodplain and placed in an engineered lined dry waste management unit. Although local government groups do not have the power to determine coal ash rules, Vermilion County has shown how representatives can meaningfully engage in the rulemaking and regulatory processes occurring at the state level – speaking up on behalf of the communities and local resources that stand to be damaged by a coal ash breach. In addition to the resolutions, over 500 petition signatures have been collected in support of complete removal of the coal ash. Add your name and signify your support for protecting surface and groundwater, as well as urging elected leaders to take action to prevent a tragedy like the coal ash spill in North Carolina from happening in Vermilion County. 

***

Update: an additional resolution was passed by the Lake Vermilion Water Quality Coalition in August

]]> 16830 0 468 0 https://prairierivers.org/articles/2014/07/thank-you-for-protecting-the-mahomet-aquifer/ Thu, 24 Jul 2014 16:20:48 +0000 http://prairierivers.org/?p=16873 Mahomet Aquifer boundary map, courtesy of the Mahomet Aquifer Consortium[/caption] Peoria AREA Disposal, owner of the Clinton Landfill, already has a permit to accept MGP (manufactured gas plant) waste, and has applied for a permit to accept PCBs (polychlorinated biphenyls). Clinton Landfill is located above the Mahomet Aquifer, so these toxic wastes could contaminate the main drinking water source of Central Illinois. For a good overview of the Clinton Landfill saga, please see this timeline and story by the News-Gazette (PDF). Governor Quinn has heard your voice. He recently urged the Illinois EPA to deny the PCB permit for Peoria AREA Disposal. Other groups are also taking action to protect Central Illinois' most important source of drinking water. On July 12, the City of Champaign held a Mahomet Aquifer Summit. In May, U.S. EPA held public hearings and a comment period considering the designation of the Mahomet Aquifer as a sole-source aquifer. Sole-source designation will provide more protection from federally-funded projects that could contaminate the aquifer, but will not affect the PCB or MGP projects of the Clinton Landfill as these are not federally-funded. Champaign County Health Care Consumers is calling for a boycott of AREA Disposal. You can also take action with the Mahomet Aquifer Protection Alliance and the Mahomet Aquifer Consortium. Thank you for your concern for Central Illinois' water! ]]> 16873 0 466 0 https://prairierivers.org/articles/2014/07/new-report-risks-and-costs-of-dynegys-coal-fired-power-plants-on-illinois-communities/ Wed, 23 Jul 2014 20:00:28 +0000 http://prairierivers.org/?p=16895 Central Illinois Healthy Community Alliance, Sierra Club, Prairie Rivers Network Highlight Path for Communities to Transition Away from Risky Coal

View Full Report Here

PEORIA - Today, the Central Illinois Healthy Community Alliance (CIHCA), Prairie Rivers Network and the Sierra Club released a report highlighting the risk posed by Dynegy's coal-fired power plants on communities across Illinois.

The report is the first comprehensive collection of Dynegy’s environmental and public health impacts state-wide.  The report chronicles Dynegy's history of risky behavior, the health costs associated with pollution from Dynegy’s aging coal plants, cleanup risks and costs that towns could face if a coal ash disaster occurs at a Dynegy coal ash pit, and Dynegy’s troubled history with labor and town relations. The report goes on to outline the importance of building responsible transition plans for Illinois communities that have been saddled with decades of coal pollution and are ready to build local clean energy economies.

“This report clearly demonstrates that Dynegy has shifted the burden of its heavily polluting business to the communities surrounding its plants, placing the health costs of pollution, and the potentially devastating costs of coal ash disaster squarely on those living nearby.” said Kady McFadden, Organizing Representative with the Sierra Club Beyond Coal campaign in Illinois. “Illinois has no time to waste demanding a transition away from coal, and requiring a smart transition plan in communities that have been calling for clean energy and cleaner air for years.”

The report implicates Dynegy in devastating past, present, and future pollution impacts.  The company is responsible for the continuing coal ash damage at the Vermilion plant along the Vermilion River.  The company’s ED Edwards plant is implicated in causing federally designated unsafe air quality in Peoria, and several additional plants across the state threaten local air quality. Many plants also dump coal ash directly into the Illinois River, putting arsenic, mercury, and lead directly into one of Illinois’ most important drinking water and recreational sources. The report contains maps demonstrating the extent of Dyengy’s air and water pollution state-wide.

“I want to make my community a safe place for my children to grow up and thrive, and dangerous pollution from Dynegy’s coal plant takes that power away from me as a parent,” said Robin Garlish, a mother from Pekin who lives near Dynegy’s E.D. Edwards coal plant and member of the CIHCA. “This report portrays the terrifying percentage of our state that is blanketed by pollution from Dynegy’s coal plants. It is time to build a plan to move away from dangerous coal pollution in Illinois, and we’re going to push Dynegy to build that plan with all community stakeholders present.”

The report also reveals the long-known and pervasive coal ash problems at Dynegy’s coal plants.  The Illinois River is hit hard by Dynegy’s Duck Creek, E.D. Edwards, Havana, and Hennepin plants, which all discharge polluted water to the river at a rate of more than 1,043 million gallons daily. Dynegy’s history with coal ash contamination at its retired Vermillion coal plant in central Illinois raises a red flag for other communities where Dynegy is dumping coal ash into aging coal ash pits.

“So many of Dynegy’s coal ash pits are already leaking and are disaster areas waiting to happen,” said Carrie Otto, Organizer with Prairie Rivers Network. “Protecting clean water is vital, and transitioning away from coal is the simplest way we can avoid producing the dangerous waste that Dynegy dumps near our rivers.”

Beyond highlighting risks, the report outlines a three step checklist for local decision makers to protect their communities from Dynegy’s dangerous track record: advocate for public health and a healthy environment, support clean energy, and protect the community workforce.

View Full Report Here

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 ]]> 16895 0 467 0 https://prairierivers.org/articles/2014/08/get-your-i-%e2%99%a5-clean-water-t-shirt/ Mon, 04 Aug 2014 17:47:40 +0000 http://prairierivers.org/?p=16928 We all ♥ Clean Water! Proclaim your love for clean water and LOOK GOOD by wearing the new Prairie Rivers Network t-shirt! Shirt choices: Men's or unisex - black or dark grey heather shirt with crew neck Women's - chocolate or dark grey heather shirt with v-neck (fitted, runs slightly small) Sizes - S  M  L  XL  XXL Make a donation of $20 or more to Prairie Rivers Network to protect clean water and we'll send you a free shirt. Just tell us what kind (men's/unisex or women's) and the size and color.   We're so happy and proud of the shirt design which was donated by Joy Schmoll from Just Say Joy.]]> 16928 0 465 0 https://prairierivers.org/articles/2014/08/illinois-groups-call-on-rep-john-shimkus-to-address-failing-coal-ash-pits/ Tue, 05 Aug 2014 16:09:58 +0000 http://prairierivers.org/?p=16933 Coal Ash Pits on the Middle Fork[/caption] While many of these coal ash pits present threats of slow but inevitable discharge into water systems, several hold the potential for catastrophic failure. For example, the retired Dynegy Vermilion Power Station – in Rep. Shimkus’ district – hosts three waste dumps in the floodplain of the Middle Fork of the Vermilion River. Two of the pits were built without liners and have begun to contaminate adjacent groundwater. The banks of the impoundment are also vulnerable to flooding and erosion of the river, threatening to unleash 3 million cubic yards of coal ash downstream. The Dynegy Vermilion site is described in a recent report on the company’s pollution sites across the state. The letter, sent by environmental organizations and community groups across Illinois, urges Rep. Shimkus to hold a hearing within the Subcommittee on Environment and the Economy to ensure that the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency is doing everything possible to effectively address the threat of coal ash to American communities nationwide. “We believe it is your responsibility to ensure that your constituents and the nation are safe from preventable coal ash disasters,” the groups wrote in the letter, and to hear “from affected communities how these dangerous ponds harm their health, environment and the economic well-being.” Read a copy of the letter here.]]> 16933 0 464 0 https://prairierivers.org/articles/2014/08/prairie-river-notes-summer-2014-newslette/ Wed, 06 Aug 2014 13:00:13 +0000 http://prairierivers.org/?p=16937 Read Prairie Rivers Network's Summer 2014 newsletter, featuring articles on:

• Support Clean Water - Tell U.S. EPA you support the "Waters of the U.S. Rule"
• Sunrise Coal - Not Buying It
• Run for Your Rivers Raises $8,000
• A Rural Paradise Lost
• Prairie Rivers Network Annual Dinner - October 10th
• Nominate Your River Superhero
• Crossword Puzzle

]]> 16937 0 463 0 https://prairierivers.org/articles/2014/08/from-toledo-to-the-gulf-inaction-leaves-water-polluted/ Fri, 08 Aug 2014 20:00:14 +0000 http://prairierivers.org/?p=16961 Photo: Ohio Wetlands Association[/caption] Just days after half a million Toledo residents were advised their water was too toxic to drink or bathe in (New York Times story), scientists released the annual measurement of the Gulf of Mexico Dead Zone, and the findings are grim (CNN Dead Zone story). This year’s Dead Zone is estimated at 5,000 square miles—an area as big as the state of Connecticut, and three times larger than the 2015 goal established by a task force created to shrink the Dead Zone. The crisis affecting water in Toledo, the Gulf of Mexico, and across the nation is the same: nitrogen and phosphorus pollution from big farms and sewage treatment plants. [caption id="attachment_16964" align="alignright" width="240"] Fox River. Photo: Northern Illinois Paddlers[/caption] In lakes and rivers, nitrogen and phosphorus pollution fuels the growth of stinking mats of algae that foul our waterways and beaches, and deprive the water of oxygen needed to support life. Algae can also contain toxins like the microcystin that poisoned Toledo’s drinking water and other toxins that have killed fish, livestock and pets. Voluntary initiatives to tackle this national problem have failed. The failure of states and the feds to regulate this pollution has left all of us at risk. Prairie Rivers Network and our partners in the Mississippi River Collaborative petitioned US EPA for pollution limits in 2008, and then sued the agency in 2012 when it failed to address the problem. But even an EPA fix would not be enough. [caption id="attachment_16963" align="alignleft" width="240"] Photo: American Canoe Association[/caption] Much of the increase in nitrogen and phosphorus pollution in recent years is coming from big farms that, thus far, have escaped regulation. The Farm Bureau and other agricultural organizations have used money and lobbying power to ensure that the pollution from agriculture is exempt from many of the laws that protect our water. Yet Illinois could act to hold polluting farms accountable.  It’s time to stop asking politely for polluters to do the right thing. We need rules that require everyone to keep pollution out of our water.]]> 16961 0 462 0 https://prairierivers.org/articles/2014/08/video-potential-coal-ash-spill-on-illinois-only-national-scenic-river/ Mon, 25 Aug 2014 19:36:33 +0000 http://prairierivers.org/?p=16993 state and federal agencies weigh new rules and regulations for the closure of coal ash ponds, Vermilion County residents and local experts raise their concerns about the possibility of a disaster similar to those that occurred in Tennessee and North Carolina, where coal ash pits burst, sending tons of toxic sludge downstream. Watch the new video from Eco-Justice Collaborative:

Waiting for Disaster - Coal Ash on the Middle Fork of the Vermilion River from Eco-Justice Collaborative on Vimeo.   Sign this petition to urge local, state and regional decision makers to support complete closure and cleanup of these ash pits to preserve the health of the Middle Fork River and the communities that depend on it for future generations.]]> 16993 0 461 0 https://prairierivers.org/articles/2014/09/comment-now-on-bulldog-mine-permit/ Wed, 10 Sep 2014 23:06:23 +0000 http://prairierivers.org/?p=17039 A “complete” permit does not mean that the permit has been issued; rather, IDNR has determined that the permit contains “information addressing each application requirement” and “all information necessary to initiate processing and public review.” The boxes have been checked and the blanks have been filled in – but as we all know, just because a student answers all the questions on a test does not mean the student receives an “A.”

More than 40 Champaign and Vermilion County residents, farmers, and business-owners gathered with Stand Up to Coal in Homer, IL last week to discuss what a “complete” permit means and how they can get involved in the public process. Until Friday September 19^th, those with an interest which may be adversely affected by the mine have an opportunity to comment on the permit and to request an “informal conference” – a public meeting where comments and objections to the permit can be discussed with IDNR. An interest which may be adversely affected could include:

• The use of prime farmland, which could be taken out of production forever. The coal mining process damages tile drains and eventually causes subsidence (sinking of the land) lowering productivity of the rich soil in this region.
• Air free of coal dust, which would blow off the coal piles southeast of Homer at the processing facility and off trucks and railcars during transit, threatening public health. Coal dust is known to cause respiratory problems and contains heavy metals like mercury, arsenic, selenium, and chromium.
• Access to clean drinking water supplies, which would be threatened by coal slurry containing heavy metals and chemicals used during the washing process. Slurry in pits up to one square mile and 100 feet high could seep into ground water and potentially breach retaining walls.
• Use of local roadways, which would be damaged by transportation of heavy mining equipment as well as the constant use of coal trucks. This not only disturbs the homes of those nearby, but places the burden of repair on local taxpayers.
• Aesthetic and recreational interests in the proposed mine area and the watershed of the Olive Branch and Salt Fork River, where wastewater will be discharged. Pollution could interfere with integrity of these treasured places.

To submit a comment , visit the Stand Up to Coal website here and use the uploaded sample letter. The permit application has also been uploaded onto the Stand Up to Coal website here. It is a large document, but we would encourage anyone with an interest in protecting the land and water of Champaign and Vermilion Counties to take a look. Everyone brings their own local knowledge and a different perspective. If you have any questions about the permit process or would like to get more involved, contact Tyler Rotche at 217.344.2371x206 or trotche@prairierivers.org ### In the News: 30 Days To Stop A Coal Mine, WICD-15 (September 3, 2014) Many attend mine meeting, WCIA-3 (September 3, 2014) Coal mine opponents at Homer hope to stop permit, State Journal-Register (September 4, 2014) Opponents of coal mine gather tonight in Homer, News-Gazette (September 3, 2014)  ]]> 17039 0 459 0 https://prairierivers.org/articles/2014/09/prairie-rivers-network-annual-dinner-2/ Mon, 22 Sep 2014 20:08:59 +0000 http://prairierivers.org/?p=17109

Join river enthusiasts and Prairie Rivers Network's staff and board members for good conversation, food, and fun at our Annual Dinner as we celebrate our rivers and streams. Where: I Hotel and Conference Center, 1900 S. First Street, Champaign, IL 61820 When: Friday, October 10, 2014 Reception – 6:00 pm (music by Don't Ask; silent auction) Dinner – 7:30 pm After-party at Houlihan's Price: $50 per person or $400 for a table of 10 Silent Auction: Back by popular demand, we will have great prizes to bid on... Bike from Neutral Cycle • Patagonia fleece vests and hats • Patagonia backpacks • Prairie Fruits Farm Dinner • Canoe • Stop the Dam poster from John Marlin • Framed photography by Chris Main • Wood sculpture by Rick Larimore • Pottery by Bev Rauchfuss • Pampered Chef goodies from Nancy Pagaduan • Columbia Street Roastery coffee  • Aveda  • Destihl • Pizza M • Glider Ride by Illini Glider Club • Windy City Wild book  from Jason Lindsey • Champaign Surplus merchandise Keynote Speaker: Mary Christina Wood Our keynote speaker will be Dr. Mary Christina Wood, a frequent and highly sought speaker on our environmental challenges and how we might deal with them. She has received national and international attention in recent years for her pointed criticisms of business-as-usual permit-granting by environmental protection agencies. She is best known today for working with conservation interests across the country spearheading litigation—brought on behalf of children and teens, representing future generations—challenging the failures of public bodies to take responsible action under the Public Trust Doctrine. It has long been accepted in the United States and other countries that government holds waterways, beaches, and wildlife in trust for present and future generations. By bringing young people into the arena, Wood and her colleagues have helped shift attention to the future and brought real, compelling human faces to the issues. More than 50 lawsuits have been initiated across the nation, highlighting specifically the threats from climate change, drawing vast publicity and putting pressure on slow-moving governments and other actors. RSVP by October 1st: Registration required. Click here to register now! You may also download our Annual Dinner Response Card and mail it with your payment to Prairie Rivers Network, 1902 Fox Drive, Suite G, Champaign, IL 61820. Dinner Choices:

1. Sustainable Wild Alaskan Herb Crusted Coho Salmon with a sage cream sauce
2. Locally Raised Chicken Chasseur with tarragon, mushrooms, tomato, garlic & white wine
3. Eggplant Involtini with vegetable couscous and light tomato sauce

Dress Requirement? No. There is no dress requirement, however, most attendees dress in business or evening informal.

Thank you business sponsors

PLATINUM $5,000+
GOLD $1,000+
Silver $500
BRONZE $250

  Prairie Rivers Network invites you to support clean water and healthy rivers by becoming a business member of Prairie Rivers Network. Business sponsors can be recognized at our Annual Dinner and Illinois Marathon - Run for Your Rivers - charity running team. For more information, please view our Business Sponsor Form, or contact Vickie Nudelman s at 217.344.2371 or vnudelman [at] prairierivers.org.]]> 17109 0 457 0 https://prairierivers.org/articles/2014/09/lte-water-rules-not-a-threat-to-farming/ Sat, 20 Sep 2014 14:30:45 +0000 http://prairierivers.org/?p=17118 Published in the News-Gazette on September 19, 2014:

There seems to be much confusion regarding the Environmental Protection Agency and the Army Corps of Engineers proposed rules regarding the Clean Water Act. These rules generally referenced as Waters of the United States have been described as "the largest land grab in history" on rural radio and something akin to regulating every drop in the ditch out here in corn country.

Nothing could be further from the truth.

In fact, the number of exemptions to agricultural industries and farmers has been extended, and the rules just don't burden property rights.

While our Rep. Rodney Davis, R-Taylorville, speculates on the Illinois Farm Bureau website: "There's a trust gap between EPA and the agricultural community," in truth EPA and the Corps are doing a successful science-based job at protecting the waters our children and grandchildren drink.

I suggest the trust gap is between Davis and the public. By playing election-year politics with the most precious commodity in the biosphere, he's attempting to coddle the Big Ag support he needs to win re-election.

SCOTT DOSSETT (Prairie Rivers Network member)

Urbana

PDF version of the News-Gazette LTE.

 

]]> 17118 0 458 0 https://prairierivers.org/articles/2014/10/prairie-rivers-network-to-honor-river-advocates-at-annual-dinner-2/ Tue, 07 Oct 2014 18:07:32 +0000 http://prairierivers.org/?p=17143 Prairie Rivers Network will honor Kevin Green, Pete Leki, and Joy Schmoll for their work in protecting and promoting the health of Illinois rivers and wildlife at its Annual Dinner on October 10. The event will be held at the I Hotel and Conference Center, 1900 S First Street in Champaign IL. [caption id="attachment_17159" align="alignleft" width="132"] Kevin Green[/caption] Vermilion County Board member Kevin Green will receive the Outstanding Public Servant award for his work protecting the Middle Fork of the Vermilion River. Mr. Green is a farmer from rural Oakwood that serves on the Vermilion County Board as well as the boards for the Vermilion County Conservation District Foundation and the Vermilion County Soil and Water Conservation District. Green supported the call for responsible closure of Dynegy’s leaking coal ash dumps along the Middle Fork of the Vermilion River by bringing the issue before a variety of local leaders. Each of these boards unanimously passed resolutions pushing the Illinois EPA and political representatives to take action on these deteriorating pits along the state’s only National Scenic River. [caption id="attachment_17157" align="alignright" width="216"] Pete Leki[/caption] Pete Leki of Chicago, IL will be presented the River Steward award. Leki has been a tireless champion for the oft neglected and abused Chicago River. Leki is the ecology teacher at Waters School in Chicago, co-steward of Sauganash nature restoration site along the Chicago River, and lead organizer of the Riverbank Neighbors Community group. Prairie Rivers Network is honoring Mr. Leki for his many years of work and inspiration, resulting in generations of Waters School students and families knowing and loving the Chicago River, as well as his leadership in transforming both the North Branch of the Chicago River, as well as the community that thrives along its banks. [caption id="attachment_17158" align="alignleft" width="270"] Design by Joy Schmoll[/caption] Artist and graphic designer Joy Schmoll of Evanston, IL will receive Prairie Rivers Network’s Volunteer of the Year award for the donation of her time and work, including designs of logos, flyers, and t-shirts. For more information on the Annual Dinner, go to prairierivers.org/dinner]]> 17143 0 456 0 https://prairierivers.org/articles/2014/10/annual-dinner-round-up-2014/ Mon, 27 Oct 2014 15:24:17 +0000 http://prairierivers.org/?p=17175

The Prairie Rivers Network staff and board of directors had a wonderful evening visiting with 300 members and friends at our Annual Dinner on October 10th.

Pictures from the Annual Dinner

[fsg_gallery id="3"] View more, full size photos at our Flickr site…

Congratulations to our 2014 Award Winners

Vermilion County Board member Kevin Green received the Outstanding Public Servant award for his work protecting the Middle Fork of the Vermilion River. Green supported the call for responsible closure of Dynegy’s leaking coal ash dumps along the Middle Fork of the Vermilion River by bringing the issue before a variety of local leaders. Multiple Vermilion County boards unanimously passed resolutions pushing the Illinois EPA and political representatives to take action on these deteriorating pits along the state’s only National Scenic River. Pete Leki of Chicago, IL was presented the River Steward award. Leki has been a tireless champion for the oft neglected and abused Chicago River and is the ecology teacher at Waters School in Chicago, co-steward of Sauganash nature restoration site along the Chicago River, and lead organizer of the Riverbank Neighbors Community group. Prairie Rivers Network is honoring Mr. Leki for his many years of work and inspiration and his leadership in transforming both the North Branch of the Chicago River, as well as the community that thrives along its banks. Artist and graphic designer Joy Schmoll of Evanston, IL received Prairie Rivers Network’s Volunteer of the Year award for her donation of time and work, including designs of logos, flyers, and t-shirts. Read more on our award winners...

Nature's Trust: Environmental Law for a New Ecological Age

Our keynote speaker, Mary Christina Wood offered her take on why the environmental laws of the 20th century are no longer addressing our most pressing problems, including pollution, habitat loss, and climate change. Professor Wood described how regulatory agencies, captured by the industries they are meant to regulate, are now in the business of permitting the pollution they were created to prevent.

She argued passionately for a new legal paradigm based on the public trust doctrine, an ancient legal principle that asserts public property rights to essential resources. The public trust doctrine, propelled by moral imperative to leave the world a better place for our children, compels government, as trustee, to protect natural inheritance such as air and water for all humanity.

Professor Wood concluded her remarks with a story that illustrated beautifully the scope of her work. She described how new development threatened the only surviving salmon of a particular species that spawned near her family's home in the Pacific Northwest. In response, the community rose up and claimed, as a matter of right, that the salmon must endure, that the river must remain, and that this should be done in the name of future generations, both of fish and humans.

Thank you business sponsors

PLATINUM $5,000+
GOLD $1,000+
SILVER $500
BRONZE $250

]]> 17175 0 455 0 https://prairierivers.org/articles/2014/10/stories-abound-of-waterways-rescued-by-the-clean-water-act/ Wed, 29 Oct 2014 18:13:13 +0000 http://prairierivers.org/?p=17213 report by our friends at Environment America gets up close and personal, with story after story describing how particular waterways have been rescued by the Clean Water Act. We helped with their case study about how the Clean Water Act was instrumental in protecting Illinois' Apple River from a dairy operation's pollution. [caption id="attachment_17219" align="aligncenter" width="614"] from Environment America's "Waterways Restored" report[/caption] This report comes at a pivotal time. The public comment period is almost over for a federal proposal to protect intermittent and ephemeral streams that do not hold water year-round. We support the proposal because approximately 55% of Illinois' streams are at risk of decreased protection under the Clean Water Act if the proposal is not adopted. Prairie Rivers Network will be filing comments in support of the proposal and it is important for others to do the same. We've made it easy for you - click here to take action!]]> 17213 0 454 0 https://prairierivers.org/articles/2014/11/a-rural-paradise-lost/ Thu, 06 Nov 2014 18:00:18 +0000 http://prairierivers.org/?p=17275 In rural Illinois it is easy to find stories similar to David’s. Stories of people who lived to be outdoors now retreating inside, shut off from the world of fresh air and open spaces that once defined and drove them. Stories of a farming paradise swept under by an unrelenting tide of factory farm stench and pollution. Stories of lives lived in confinement. Like David, Nancy Spratt treasured her summers outdoors on her family farm, with children splashing in the pool and ducks swimming in the pond. But also like David, Nancy’s world has been remade by the presence of a nearby hog confinement and the shifting winds that now determine whether she can open her windows or even walk outside without retching.

How is such a horrible smell created? How many hogs have to die to create this?

  “It’s been horrible in recent weeks. If it’s not at our house, it’s in town. It’s an everyday smell now. Twenty-four years ago, I could walk outside, breathe my fresh country air. And I think I have a right to do that. Since the hog facility came, we can’t open up our house. Should we have to live like that? We shouldn’t.” Nancy is quick to point out that she is under no illusion of what it is to live on and around farms. “We are farmers,” declares Nancy. “We have cattle, chickens and ducks. We take pride in our farm. We love our livestock, but I’m not an animal rights person. We raise cattle and we raise them to be butchered.” Nancy is emphatic that these factory farms are, in fact, heavy industry, and nothing like farms at all.

Nancy Spratt

“How is such a horrible smell created? How many hogs have to die to create this? It makes me question whether they are running it properly, and it makes me wonder what the long-term health effects are of breathing this in everyday.” “And you have to wonder about the runoff. Salt Creek runs right behind us. What is it doing to the soil? What are they pumping into the soil?” Sometimes the stench will even invade Nancy’s home. “I wish the owners had to smell that. I would like to bottle that for them. But you can’t bottle and replay a smell, a smell that’s in your home, in your house. I just don’t understand how they can get away with this.”

They had never denied a single factory farm in the state.

Factory farms get away with it because Illinois’ laws are inadequate for preventing and addressing the multiple, critical threats posed by these facilities. And factory farms have faced few hurdles in establishing their dominance over the Illinois livestock industry. David Leifheit began experiencing similar horrors immediately after the nearby hog confinement was built. Some days it was so bad it would burn his eyes and lungs, forcing him inside, walled off from the joy his farm once gave him.

David Leifheit

In response, thirteen neighbors sued the owners of the factory farm, a husband and wife team, who then set about systematically eliminating plaintiffs via legal maneuvering and threats. The wife was the county clerk and neighbors were fearful of reprisals from a politically and economically powerful couple. After six years of stalled litigation more than half of the plaintiffs had given up. Feeling the cards were stacked against them at every level, and after expending significant money and time, the suit was dropped. At an Illinois Department of Agriculture (IDOA) hearing for a proposed dairy in a different part of the state, David asked the IDOA representative how many factory farms the Department had denied. “He told me zero. They had never denied a single factory farm in the state. They are just there to help the CAFO corporations build.” Nancy’s brother-in-law is a judge and organized hundreds of thousands of dollars to fight a hog factory farm in Western Illinois. He was easily defeated. When the factory farm near Nancy was proposed, a neighbor looked into what recourse the community might have. According to Nancy, he determined, “It’s useless. Nothing can be done.” It is a tragedy that the state would turn its back on rural residents and throw away what makes life in the country so special. That is not lost on Prairie Rivers Network and we have been working for some time to strengthen the laws that govern factory farms. So, while neighbors currently have little recourse, we are fighting to change that, to protect the people living near factory farms, and to protect Illinois’ streams and rivers. We have proposed a bill that would do just that, limiting the harms caused by factory farms and giving more control to local communities.

This bill would go a long way to prevent what happened to David and Nancy from happening to people like Mark Durham, who, along with the community group “Save Our Sandy,” has been fighting to prevent a new mega hog farm from locating in Marshall County along Sandy Creek. Mark describes Sandy Creek as a bass angler’s paradise - rocky in parts, sandy in others, well-shaded and cool because of the dense, native timber it flows through. “I hate the thought of this thing getting destroyed. I have a 6 year old grandchild that loves to fish. I’m teaching him to fly fish this year. I want him to be able to do the same thing with his children.” As do we. You can meet David and Nancy in our short documentary “Living in Confinement” we produced about factory farms in Illinois.

Help protect the people living next to factory farms!  

Sign our petition to change the law.

]]> 17275 0 453 0 https://prairierivers.org/articles/2014/11/idoa-approves-factory-farm-over-local-objections/ Wed, 19 Nov 2014 21:09:31 +0000 http://prairierivers.org/?p=17320 Save Our Sandy continues to fight this mega-hog operation. [caption id="attachment_17290" align="aligncenter" width="486"] Photo credit: Gary L. Smith/Journal Star[/caption] Despite local objections, another large hog operation has been approved for construction by the Illinois Department of Agriculture. Local Marshall County residents fear their new neighbor will pollute nearby beautiful Sandy Creek and foul the air with unbearable odors. For months Prairie Rivers Network has been providing assistance to these concerned citizens, known as Save Our Sandy. Even with this latest setback, Save Our Sandy is not giving up!  Visit their Facebook page to help. [caption id="attachment_17337" align="aligncenter" width="506"] Beautiful Sandy Creek. This is what Save Our Sandy is fighting to protect.
Photo credit: Save Our Sandy[/caption] For a full story on the Department of Agriculture's approval of the controversial Sandy Creek Lane, LLC hog operation, see this Peoria Journal Star article (PDF). Long-term reform means changing the law. Prairie Rivers Network has been working to improve the livestock operation siting law so that neighbors have more rights and protection from pollution. We are currently trying to find a rural legislator willing to sponsor a bill that will address the law's shortcomings. How can you help?  One way is to sign our petition.

Help protect the people living next to factory farms!

Sign our petition to change the law.

]]> 17320 0 452 0 https://prairierivers.org/articles/2014/11/state-strategy-falls-flat-as-overload-of-nutrients-harms-illinois-waters/ Wed, 26 Nov 2014 18:24:27 +0000 http://prairierivers.org/?p=17360 Too many of Illinois' recreational lakes have algae problems (pictured: Lake Dawson at Moraine View State Park)[/caption] CHAMPAIGN, IL — Yesterday’s release of the Nutrient Loss Reduction Strategy by the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency and Department of Agriculture importantly recognizes one of the state’s most serious water pollution problems: Nitrogen and phosphorus pollution from farms and sewage treatment plants harming Illinois waters and contributing to the dead zone in the Gulf of Mexico. However, environmental organizations say the proposed strategy falls short of laying out needed targets and programs to resolve this critical water quality issue. The Mississippi River/Gulf of Mexico Watershed Nutrient Task Force (led by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and including the Illinois Department of Agriculture) asked Illinois and other Mississippi River Basin states to tackle the problem by developing strategies to reduce the amount of phosphorus and nitrogen flowing out of rivers from each state. The science suggests that at least a 45% reduction is needed to address Illinois’ contribution to the nutrient pollution of the Gulf of Mexico, and much deeper reductions are needed to resolve nutrient problems in many rivers and lakes within Illinois. If the nutrient reduction strategies are to work, they must contain effective limits on the amount of nitrogen and phosphorus that can be discharged into lakes and streams. While the Illinois strategy describes many good principles and options for reducing nutrient pollution, it primarily relies on voluntary actions with no enforceable benchmarks. “The Illinois government needs to insist that those causing the problem take action in a timely manner so that this decades-old problem can finally be resolved,” said Stacy James, a water resources scientist at Prairie Rivers Network, which along with the Environmental Law & Policy Center (ELPC) and the Sierra Club is calling for stricter policies.  Illinois’ lakes and streams are filled with nuisance algae that thrive off of nitrogen and phosphorus and algal blooms ruin swimming beaches and boating areas as well as the natural beauty of open water. Some algal blooms produce toxins that can make people and animals sick. Nutrient-caused overgrowth of algae and aquatic plants suck oxygen out of the water, harming fish and other aquatic life and sometimes causing fish kills. Nitrogen and phosphorus pollution from Illinois and other Mississippi River Basin states also causes the Gulf of Mexico Dead Zone, an area as large as the state of Massachusetts where oxygen levels are depleted. “Nutrient pollution is Illinois’ most widespread water quality problem, and the release of this draft Strategy is an important step toward solutions that will protect our drinking water and wildlife,” said Dr. Cindy Skrukrud, Clean Water Advocate for the Sierra Club, Illinois Chapter. “We are pleased that everyone agrees that overloading our waters with nutrients is a major problem. We will be reviewing this draft Strategy and offering suggestions for strong, specific actions we can take to protect our waters and the health of Illinois families and wildlife.” In early August, Toledo, Ohio went without drinking water for several days because it was contaminated by toxins produced by algae in Lake Erie. The incident was attributed to farm runoff containing high amounts of phosphorus. Farm runoff is also a problem in Illinois, and has been linked to water pollution problems in the lakes that provide drinking water to Springfield, Decatur, Bloomington and Danville, among others. Almost half the phosphorus pollution is discharged from wastewater treatment facilities while an equal amount comes from runoff from agricultural land. In contrast, 80% of the nitrogen pollution is from agricultural runoff, and the remaining 20% is from wastewater discharges and urban runoff. The proposed state strategy will not be effective because it does not outline specific steps to be taken that will achieve a stated agricultural pollution reduction goal. Instead, the strategy is too reliant on voluntary actions, outreach, and existing, underfunded programs. This approach will only maintain the status quo which led to the pollution problem to begin with. There are clear steps the state could take to reduce water pollution. For example, the state could limit the method or timing of fertilizer application at farms. Studies have demonstrated that more than 15% of fall-applied fertilizer can be lost before a crop is planted in the spring. “The Illinois strategy does not lay out a real plan for definitive action,” ELPC Staff Attorney Jessica Dexter said. “If Illinois does not get serious about nutrient pollution, the state’s existing problem will go on and Illinois may wind up like Ohio where drinking water supplies and key recreational lakes have been ruined by harmful algal blooms.”  ]]> 17360 0 451 0 https://prairierivers.org/articles/2014/12/earn-money-for-prn-while-you-shop-this-holiday-season/ Wed, 03 Dec 2014 13:00:18 +0000 http://prairierivers.org/?p=17366 If you shop online using Amazon.com, you can shop at Smile.Amazon.com and .5% will be donated to Prairie Rivers Network. Smile.Amazon.com is just like shopping at Amazon.com. If you already have an Amazon account, just go to smile.amazon.com and sign in with your account information and enter Prairie Rivers Network as your charitable organization. If you don’t already have an Amazon account, you can create one when you go to smile.amazon.com.    ]]> 17366 0 448 0 https://prairierivers.org/articles/2014/12/givingtuesday-2/ Tue, 02 Dec 2014 13:00:45 +0000 http://prairierivers.org/?p=17371

]]> 17371 0 449 0 https://prairierivers.org/articles/2014/12/pollinator-panel/ Thu, 18 Dec 2014 20:33:56 +0000 http://prairierivers.org/?p=17442 CLICK TO ENLARGE[/caption]

There’s been a lot of concern lately about our pollinator friends amidst reports of declining populations of bees and other beneficial insects.  The loss of pollinators is of great concern because many agricultural crops would be less productive and of lower quality without certain insects.  Insect pollinators provide us with essential services valued in the billions of dollars.

Pollinators face multiple threats, including habitat destruction, disease, parasites, and insecticides.  By understanding these threats and seeking to minimize them, we can better protect the health of pollinators and ourselves. The future of our food supply is not the only thing at risk here.  Insects also pollinate plants that are not crops, and make the world as we know it possible. Prairie Rivers Network invites you to attend a Pollinator Panel, which we are co-sponsoring with Champaign County Soil and Water Conservation District and University of Illinois Extension.  Four panelists will discuss threats to pollinators and what homeowners and farmers can do to help.  We have organized this panel because efforts that protect pollinators will ultimately benefit our lakes and streams.  For example, flowering prairie plantings established along streams to attract pollinators will simultaneously buffer the streams from any upgradient, polluted stormwater runoff. Thursday, January 22, 2015 4:00-5:30pm University of Illinois Extension Building Auditorium 801 N. Country Fair Drive, Champaign Seating is limited. Speakers: May Berenbaum – University of Illinois Emil Blobaum – Beekeeper Jason Bleich – Pheasants Forever Sandy Mason – UIUC Extension]]> 17442 0 447 0 https://prairierivers.org/articles/2014/12/prairie-river-notes-winter-2014-newsletter/ Mon, 01 Dec 2014 17:30:22 +0000 http://prairierivers.org/?p=18056 Read Prairie Rivers Network's Winter 2014 Newsletter, featuring articles on:

• Businesses Show Love
• #4CleanWater Campaign
• Factory Farm Regulation
• Annual Dinner Round up
• 2014 Accomplishments
• Poem: Running for Rivers
• Beeline to Pollinator Panel

With a special message from Prairie Fruits Farm and Creamery farmer and PRN member, Wes Jarrell]]> 18056 0 450 0 https://prairierivers.org/articles/2015/01/2014-accomplishments/ Thu, 01 Jan 2015 11:00:01 +0000 http://prairierivers.org/?p=17378 Happy New Year As we look forward to a new year of protecting Illinois’ rivers and streams, we want to take time to thank our members for their support over the past year. Here are a few accomplishments from 2014 that were made possible because of our generous and committed members.

Helping people protect clean water and healthy rivers.

TAKING ACTION

Our new River Action Team (affectionately known as the RATs) is ready to take action with phone calls, visits to policy makers and letters to the editor when those voices can really make a difference. This year they cut their teeth calling for protection of the Mahomet Aquifer. They are currently mobilizing to support U.S. EPA’s clean water rule.

TELLING STORIES

With new video production capabilities, we are bringing important clean water issues to more people than ever. We created a mini-documentary on factory farms and a series of videos in support of U.S. EPA’s clean water rule. Visit our YouTube channel to watch the stories of real people affected by and fighting against pollution: youtube.com/PrairieRivers

GATHERING SUPPORT

With support from Prairie Rivers Network, an unprecedented variety of Vermilion County leaders have joined the call of residents for a responsible closure plan for the coal ash dumps at the retired Dynegy Vermilion power plant. These dumps threaten both groundwater and the Middle Fork River.

Protecting special places, for today and the future.

ILLINOIS RIVER

We initiated the Middle Illinois River Conservation Partnership to restore and connect habitat along the River,  pursuing a vision for a healthy Illinois River system that supports people and wildlife. We continue our efforts to protect Starved Rock State Park from a frac sand mine that would welcome the park’s 2 million annual visitors with dust and blasting noise. We also worked with LaSalle County to improve its Comprehensive Land Use Plan to protect valuable habitat and water resources along the Illinois River near the park from the frac sand rush now underway there.

VERMILION RIVER

The City of Danville voted to remove two obsolete dams on the Vermilion River, one of which has been responsible for several deaths. Over the years, Prairie Rivers Network has assisted with the effort to deal with these dams, sharing resources on the benefits of dam removal, and helping to secure the state funds that will pay for the removal.

FOX RIVER

We negotiated stricter limits on phosphorus pollution for several sewage treatment plants in northeast Illinois. This is the same pollution that shut down Toledo’s water supply for several days this summer. Stricter pollution limits will mean a cleaner, healthier Fox River.

CHICAGO RIVER

As part of an advisory group to Congress on Asian carp and other invasive species moving between the Great Lakes and Mississippi River, we are advocating for solutions that will help revitalize the Chicago River – reducing pollution and improving flood control, habitat, and recreational access.

Improving policies to promote lasting change.

BETTER COAL ASH RULES

Our work over several years demanding accountability for coal ash pollution emboldened the Illinois EPA to propose new rules for closure of coal ash dumps at power plants. During the rulemaking process, we provided testimony in support of stronger provisions in the rule, while acknowledging what an important step the Agency’s action was. We expect to see the rule finalized early next year.

IMPROVING COAL OVERSIGHT

The Illinois Department of Natural Resources answered our call for greater oversight of coal ash dumps and improved transparency and public participation in the permitting process for coal mines. The Department commenced inspections of all coal ash dumps in the state for stability hazards.

REDUCING LIVESTOCK POLLUTION

Illinois adopted a new rule requiring factory farm operators to manage waste more responsibly than ever. By presenting evidence of water pollution problems this waste has caused, and countering industry claims, Prairie Rivers Network staff were integral to getting this new rule.

FIGHTING BAD RIVER MANAGEMENT

Prairie Rivers Network joined a lawsuit against the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, challenging a costly and destructive approach to management of the Upper Mississippi River. If successful, this challenge will have far-reaching implications for the Mississippi and other rivers.

Partners

Much of our work is carried out in partnership with other groups and organizations. Through our effective working relationships, we punch above our weight in protecting clean water and healthy rivers in Illinois. We owe special thanks to all of our partners.

[caption id="attachment_17389" align="aligncenter" width="300"] Stacy James working with the Save our Sandy grassroots organization to fight a factory farm that could pollute their local stream.[/caption]

Awards

We are very proud and honored to be named the National Wildlife Federation’s Affiliate of the Year for 2014. Each year, the award recognizes one of NWF’s 49 state affiliates for conservation accomplishments. [caption id="attachment_17390" align="aligncenter" width="300"] Robert Hirschfeld, Glynnis Collins, and board member Clark Bullard receiving our NWF Affiliate of the Year Award.[/caption]

 

]]> 17378 0 443 0 https://prairierivers.org/articles/2014/12/make-a-donation-today-because-your-support-matters/ Sat, 27 Dec 2014 13:00:09 +0000 http://prairierivers.org/?p=17415

           ]]> 17415 0 444 0 https://prairierivers.org/articles/2014/12/happy-holidays-from-prairie-rivers-network/ Wed, 24 Dec 2014 17:18:26 +0000 http://prairierivers.org/?p=17480 photo credit: Sue Smith[/caption]]]> 17480 0 445 0 https://prairierivers.org/articles/2015/01/prn-helps-residents-fight-another-factory-farm/ Thu, 15 Jan 2015 19:30:18 +0000 http://prairierivers.org/?p=17502 Prairie Rivers Network is helping yet another group of residents who have joined together to oppose the construction of a hog factory farm in their community. The residents live in Menard County, home to Lincoln's New Salem State Historic Site. The proposed 9,300-hog facility would be located about 5 miles west of the historic site and the town of Petersburg.  This puts the town and historic site downwind of the proposed facility,  and residents are worried that the factory farm will ruin tourism, historical sites, quality of life, and nearby streams. Other factory farms have ruined the lives of their neighbors with foul stenches and gross pollution. You can hear their stories in our short documentary, "Living in Confinement."

This new Petersburg group recently learned they will have more time to voice their concerns about the hog farm because the Department of Agriculture failed to notify the public about the planned construction. Prairie Rivers Network sent the group the legal citation for this requirement, and a few phone calls later, the Department of Agriculture acknowledged the misstep and announced the process will have to begin again. We will keep you updated as this fight against the factory farm continues. Read more about the proposed factory farm and the concerns of neighbors and Petersburg residents in this January 8 news article from the Illinois Times.]]> 17502 0 442 0 https://prairierivers.org/articles/2015/01/businesses-show-love-4cleanwater/ Thu, 15 Jan 2015 20:24:07 +0000 http://prairierivers.org/?p=17505 And hopefully you will too!

CLICK HERE for instructions on how to participate

CLICK HERE for instructions on how to participate

]]> 17505 0 441 0 https://prairierivers.org/articles/2015/01/join-4cleanwater-campaign/ Wed, 21 Jan 2015 18:45:50 +0000 http://prairierivers.org/?p=17554 #4cleanwater is a social media campaign that gives voice to those who love clean water and know we need laws to protect it. Over the next several months, supporters of EPA’s clean water rule will use the hashtag #4cleanwater to tell decision makers that clean water is essential to our lives and to our economy. The campaign is designed to stop Congress from interfering with the passage of a new EPA rule that ensures small streams are legally protected under the Clean Water Act. Small streams feed larger river systems and are essential for healthy rivers. Show your support for clean water by using Twitter, Facebook, Instagram or your favorite social media platform. Tell your representatives in US Congress why you are #4cleanwater and ask them to stand up for the clean water protection rule.

Click HERE for instructions on joining the campaign.

Print out a #4cleanwater sign HERE.

Tell Congress to support the rule HERE.

Click HERE for instructions on joining the campaign.

 ]]> 17554 0 440 0 https://prairierivers.org/articles/2015/01/victory-grassroots-group-halts-coal-mine/ Wed, 21 Jan 2015 21:24:11 +0000 http://prairierivers.org/?p=17591 Canton-area residents celebrated yesterday after winning an eight-year battle to halt the proposed North Canton coal strip mine – successfully protecting Fulton County communities and their right to clean water. On January 16^th Capital Resources Development Company, LLC asked the Illinois Department of Natural Resources (Illinois DNR) to withdraw its permit application for the mine, which has been challenged by the local community since 2007. The strip mine, authorized twice by the Illinois DNR, would have polluted Canton Lake, endangering the drinking water supply for more than 20,000 local residents. Residents also cited a long list of other threats to local resources and quality of life posed by the mine that were inadequately addressed through the agency’s review process. The hard-fought victory by the committed members and supporters of Canton Area Citizens for Environmental Issues is a testament to the power communities have when they stand together to assert their basic rights. The successful effort to block the strip mine will undoubtedly serve as an inspiration to those facing similar threats across the state. Polluting a Public Water Supply The North Canton Strip Mine would have been the first strip mine in the state allowed to discharge pollution into a public water supply. While many would expect community resources like Canton Lake to be a top priority for water protection, the state-issued permit authorized the strip mine just over a mile upstream, compromising the drinking water for over half of Fulton County’s residents and placing an undue burden on the Canton water treatment plant and local tax payers. An Irresponsible Operator The mining company is an affiliate of Springfield Coal Company LLC, a notorious rogue operator that has racked up hundreds of violations at other sites for illegal and dangerous water pollution. Over the course of just 8 years at the Industry Mine in Schuyler and McDonough counties, the owners of the mining company violated their water pollution permit over 600 times. A Lengthy Legal Battle – Funded by Bake Sales Permit No. 385 was originally issued in 2008. The appeal to this decision launched by local residents went through five years of review before an agency official finally handed down an order in 2013 denying the permit, stating that it failed to correctly identify and protect a branch of the Copperas Creek, a tributary to Canton Lake dismissed as “Ravine 6” by Capital Resources,  as an “intermittent stream.” With the permit ostensibly “denied,” the community was surprised to learn soon after that Illinois DNR’s permitting staff interpreted the ruling as only denying the permit in part – asserting that the rest of the permit had been approved, but needed some revisions. Illinois DNR went on to issue a revised mining permit in July 2013, in spite of flagrant violations at the company’s other mine sites – prompting another legal challenge by the community and Heart of Illinois Sierra Club group. On the eve of a court hearing on this second permit challenge, and in the face of continued staunch local opposition, Capital Resources finally asked the agency to withdraw the permit application – ending the life of permit No. 385. The operator never had the chance to mine the site, in part because they never received a water pollution permit from the Illinois EPA. Prairie Rivers Network partnered with the Illinois Chapter of the Sierra Club to challenge this permit, drawing on our experience with pollution violations at the parent company’s Industry Mine. Because Canton area residents were unable to rely on state regulators to do their jobs, they were forced to hire expert witnesses and legal counsel, funded through bake sales and garage sales, to see that state mining laws were implemented properly. Mine Permit System Concerns - Fixing the Problems The fact that the Illinois DNR authorized a strip mine a mile upstream of a public water supply to a company with extensive ongoing pollution violations raises grave concerns about the cozy relationship between state regulators and the coal industry. Moving forward, Prairie Rivers Network will continue to work alongside our partners in the call for transparency and accountability for the coal mining industry and state mining regulators. With clearer definitions for streams and wetlands that agency staff adhere to, communities facing the impacts of coal extraction can expect higher protections for their watersheds. Years of violations at Springfield Coal Company mines also highlight the need for stronger enforcement practices. Permit applications from repeated bad actors (or close corporate “affiliates”) should not be granted or renewed – doing so presents a clear danger to the surrounding community’s health and miners’ safety. Agencies granting permits also have the opportunity to go to greater lengths to consider the impacts of mining on the local land and hydrology – North Canton presenting a clear example with the risks to a public water supply. Finally, the engaged citizens of Fulton County illustrate the need for a permitting process that is accessible to local residents. Making documents searchable and available allows residents with local knowledge to protect their land and water (in this case, identifying a branch of the Copperas Creek as more than a “ravine”). Canton Lake Protected There is no doubt that the North Canton permit should have received more scrutiny from the very beginning. Instead, Canton residents had to wage an eight-year battle to prove to the state that coal mines don’t belong next to drinking water supplies. Thanks to the tireless efforts of Canton Area Citizens for Environmental Issues, an important piece of Fulton County has been successfully protected for fishing, hiking, boating, and the provision of safe drinking water for years to come.]]> 17591 0 439 0 https://prairierivers.org/articles/2015/01/a-big-buzz-for-pollinators/ Fri, 30 Jan 2015 23:52:42 +0000 http://prairierivers.org/?p=17626 Over 150 people attended our public panel on pollinators, held January 22 in Champaign! We were thrilled by the turnout and the resounding public interest in helping our pollinator friends. Special thanks to our partners at the Champaign County Soil and Water Conservation District and University of Illinois Extension for helping make this event possible. We would also like to thank our guest panelists, who did an outstanding job describing the current status of pollinators and what the public can do to help them. The most important take-home message from the panel is that pollinators need safe habitats and food to be healthy. In Illinois, pollinators are faced with a largely unfriendly, unpalatable environment dominated by corn, soybeans, turfgrass, and asphalt. Pollinators need flowering forbs, shrubs, and trees. Different pollinators have different needs, and just like people, pollinators benefit from a diverse diet. Therefore, plant diversity is key to creating good pollinator habitat. Any landowner can help pollinators by adding flowering plants to their properties. Even a small flower bed can be a significant contribution. The more people who do something, the greater our collective impact! For ideas about what to plant, visit Extension's website on pollinator pockets. Rain gardens can also be designed to attract pollinators; visit our rain garden page for more information! Finally, if you missed the panel, you can watch it below - thanks, UPTV, for making this possible! ]]> 17626 0 438 0 https://prairierivers.org/articles/2015/03/mahomet-aquifer-bills-in-progress/ Wed, 04 Mar 2015 15:58:51 +0000 http://prairierivers.org/?p=17662 Representative Ammons and Senator Bennett introduce bills to protect Mahomet Aquifer [caption id="attachment_16880" align="aligncenter" width="600"] Mahomet Aquifer Map, courtesy of the Mahomet Aquifer Consortium[/caption] We are excited that freshmen lawmakers Representative Carol Ammons and Senator Scott Bennett have introduced bills to protect the Mahomet Aquifer from pollution. Specifically, materials containing high levels of PCBs and manufactured gas plant waste would be prohibited in landfills located above the aquifer. The legislation is aimed at preventing Clinton Landfill from moving forward on its plans to accept these two toxic chemicals. The Mahomet Aquifer is an irreplaceable resource, providing drinking water to over 500,000 residents in 14 counties in east-central Illinois. TAKE ACTION – check out the list of sponsors for House Bill 1326 and Senate Bill 1698.  If your legislators are not already sponsors, ask them to be by calling their district offices! In related news, USEPA is still evaluating the petition to designate the Mahomet Aquifer as a sole source water supply. We are unclear why it is taking so long, but it appears the agency is going through the petition with a fine-tooth comb. Because of this delay, Rep. Ammons has also introduced a resolution that urges the USEPA to issue the designation; the Illinois legislature has not voted on the resolution yet.]]> 17662 0 437 0 https://prairierivers.org/articles/2015/03/round-up-for-clean-water-at-common-ground-food-co-op-in-urbana/ Mon, 16 Mar 2015 14:09:10 +0000 http://prairierivers.org/?p=17680 If you shop at Common Ground Food Co-op in Urbana, please "round up" your purchases this month - the extra change will go a long way towards protecting our rivers and clean water! When: The whole month of MARCH Where: Common Ground Food Co-op, Lincoln Square, 300 Broadway, Suite 166, Urbana, IL A big thank you to Common Ground for supporting local non-profits with their round up donation program!  ]]> 17680 0 435 0 https://prairierivers.org/articles/2015/03/epa-gives-mahomet-aquifer-sole-source-designation/ Thu, 12 Mar 2015 14:13:16 +0000 http://prairierivers.org/?p=17687 Mahomet Aquifer sole-source designation. Well done to all leaders and citizens who helped achieve this. [caption id="attachment_17688" align="aligncenter" width="300"] Lee News Service Map of Mahomet Aquifer and Clinton Landfill[/caption]]]> 17687 0 436 0 https://prairierivers.org/articles/2015/04/meet-prairie-rivers-networks-new-executive-director/ Wed, 01 Apr 2015 19:01:19 +0000 http://prairierivers.org/?p=17706

We are delighted to announce that Carol Hays will join Prairie Rivers Network as its new Executive Director on May 1, 2015. Carol will replace outgoing Director Glynnis Collins who is moving on to other adventures in Nebraska. Carol has a passion for clean water and strong experience in community action and organizational effectiveness. She comes to Prairie Rivers Network after more than a decade running her own consulting practice where she supported non-profits and community leaders in strategic planning, leadership and policy change. With her husband, Scott and other river enthusiasts in the Mahomet area, she co-founded the Upper Sangamon River Conservancy.  She has been involved in a variety of community advocacy campaigns, particularly in the arena of indoor air quality. Carol holds a PhD in Political Science from Southern Illinois University.]]> 17706 0 434 0 https://prairierivers.org/articles/2015/04/spring-2015-legislative-update/ Thu, 09 Apr 2015 19:25:03 +0000 http://prairierivers.org/?p=17744 Environmental Lobby Day. Even if you can't attend this year, you can always help by contacting your representatives via phone, email, or social media in support of these efforts.

-----

IL Clean Jobs Bill HB2607. Sponsors: Reps. Elaine Nekritz, Robyn Gabel, Michael Fortner, and Christian Mitchell SB1485. Sponsors: Sens. Don Harmon, David Koehler, and Jacqueline Collins. Raises the utility energy efficiency standard to 20%, meaning electric utilities should achieve a 20% reduction in electricity demand by 2025. The utility energy efficiency standard spurred an industry that employs tens of thousands in design technology, weatherizing, and insulation. Raises the renewable portfolio standard (RPS) from 25% by the year 2025, to 35% by 2030. The RPS obligates electricity suppliers to produce 35% of their electricity from renewable sources. The higher percentage and longer time period help attract renewable energy investors to the state. Empowers the Illinois EPA to develop a market-based strategy for reducing carbon emissions by capping power plant carbon emissions and auctioning carbon credits.  65% of auction proceeds would go to fund energy efficiency and renewable energy, 5% to assist low income customers with energy bills, 10% to help communities polluted by power plants and an additional 5% for job transition assistance for workers affected by power plant closures. Passage of this bill could translate into 32,000 new jobs per year in Illinois!   Protect the Mahomet Aquifer HB1326. Sponsors: Rep. Carol Ammons SB1698.Sponsors: Sen. Scott Bennett Prohibits the disposal of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), in any landfill where leachate could contaminate the Mahomet Aquifer, the primary source of drinking water for hundreds of thousands of people in 14 Illinois counties. Once in the environment, PCBs do not readily break down and may remain for long periods of time cycling between air, water, and soil. PCBs have been demonstrated to cause cancer, as well as a variety of other adverse health effects on the immune system, reproductive system, nervous system, and endocrine system.   Ban on Coal Tar Sealants HB2401. Sponsor: Rep. Laura Fine Bans the sale and use of coal tar sealants in Illinois. Coal tar sealants, commonly used to seal driveways and parking lots, contain hazardous chemicals known as polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), which elevate cancer risks in humans and are toxic to mammals, birds, fish and frogs. The sealants gradually wear off and break down into particles that are washed off by rain into streams and tracked into homes on the soles of shoes.   Support Food Cooperatives HB3830. Sponsor: Rep. Will Guzzardi Encourages growth of food cooperatives by modernizing Illinois Cooperative Act of 1915. HB3830 is the product of a coalition of existing co-ops, prospective co-ops, and co-op law experts working together to develop a new modern law for co-ops in Illinois. HB3830 will make it easier for co-ops to raise capital and permit the formation of worker owned co-ops and provide better governance structure and options for co-ops. It was modeled in part after Ohio’s co-op law which is considered one of, if not the best in the U.S.

  Defending Our Great Lakes Act S.589.  Sponsor: Senator Debbie Stabenow [D, MI] H.R. 1135.  Sponsor: Rep Candice Miller [R, MI] Federal bill that authorizes near-term actions at the Brandon Road Lock and Dam in Joliet, Illinois to prevent the spread of Asian carp into the Great Lakes. Requires the Army Corps of Engineers to lead construction of an engineered channel with control technologies like carbon dioxide bubble screens, underwater sound and hydro-cannons, and pheromones at a critical point near the western end of the Chicago Area Waterway System. Requires these near-term, one-way measures fit within a long-term strategy to prevent invasive species moving downstream as well.]]> 17744 0 432 0 https://prairierivers.org/articles/2015/04/congress-moving-to-scrap-community-protections-giving-polluters-free-pass-on-coal-ash-dumping/ Thu, 09 Apr 2015 19:56:19 +0000 http://prairierivers.org/?p=17758 guts the new EPA rule and protects the polluters who finance his campaigns.

The bill will permanently give polluters a free pass to dump coal ash (the second largest industrial waste stream in the nation) without any accountability to the communities they are impacting.

Coal ash is a dangerous waste product of burning coal at power plants, containing arsenic, chromium, lead, mercury, and a range of harmful heavy metals and hazardous pollutants. When these pollutants enter drinking water, rivers, and streams, they harm human health, aquatic life, and the communities that depend on these water systems.

Illinois is home to 91 coal ash disposal ponds, many built in places that are unsuitable and dangerous for the disposal of toxic waste. Fifty-six ash ponds were built over groundwater recharge areas, 62 over shallow aquifers, and 9 were constructed over wetlands. The majority of these pits are unlined.

Community groups, representing hundreds of citizens in Illinois, have continued to urge Congress to address failing ash pits in the state. Five government entities in Vermilion County, including the County Board, have even passed resolutions calling for protective standards.

Nevertheless, the House Energy and Commerce Committee, Chaired by Illinois’ own Rep. Shimkus, will vote on the new bill on April 15, and a full House vote is expected by the end of April.

The proposed “Improving Coal Combustion Residuals Regulation Act of 2015” stands to remove several critical health and environmental protections.

The bad bill proposal will:

• DELAY new health and safety protections - potentially for more than 10 years;

• WEAKEN the rule’s mandate to close inactive (contaminated and abandoned) ponds;

• ELIMINATE the rule’s guarantee of public access to information and public participation;

• ELIMINATE the rule’s ban on storing and dumping coal ash in drinking water;

• REMOVE the rule’s national standard for drinking water protection and cleanup of coal ash-contaminated sites;

• REMOVE the rule’s national minimum standard for protection of health and the environment, allowing state programs to eliminate critical safety requirements;

• PROHIBIT effective federal oversight of state programs; and

• PROHIBIT EPA enforcement of state program requirements unless invited by a state

 

What can you do? Contact your representative and ask them to “VOTE NO on the McKinley coal ash bill”

 ]]> 17758 0 430 0 https://prairierivers.org/articles/2015/04/run-for-your-rivers-raises-over-5700-for-clean-water/ Mon, 27 Apr 2015 15:59:43 +0000 http://prairierivers.org/?p=17774

Thank you to our 2015 Run for Your Rivers and Walk for Your Streams Team

Our team raised over $5,700 and ran/walked in the rain 167.8 miles in 33 hours, 8 minutes, and 6 seconds:

Zachary Barnaal	10K	1:04:34
David Bullock	10K	0:58:26
Bob Burger	5K	0:29:33
Som Dutta	10K	1:10:54
Don Greeley	1/2 marathon	2:30:58
Don Greeley	5K	0:56:00
Liz Greeley	5K	0:56:01
Dixie Jackson	5K	0:44:35
Gary Jackson	5K	0:45:37
Rob Kanter	marathon	4:28:24
David Kay	5K	1:07:05
Marilyn Kay	5K	1:06:59
Lauren Logan	10K	1:11:49
Genevieve Long	1/2 marathon	2:00:12
Paul Noel	10K	0:49:13
Brian Nudelman	10K	1:30:10
Brian Nudelman	5K	0:44:27
Quinn Nudelman	5K	0:44:27
Simon Nudelman	5K	0:44:27
Vickie Nudelman	10K	1:30:10
Vickie Nudelman	5K	0:44:27
Marjet Oosterkamp	5K	0:50:09
Andrew Rehn	10K	0:56:58
Keith Schinkoeth	1/2 marathon	1:54:02
Keith Schinkoeth	5K	0:23:07
David Sherwood	10K	0:58:56
Case Sprenkle	10K	1:46:36

 

 ]]> 17774 0 431 0 https://prairierivers.org/articles/2015/05/sidney-train-leak-incident-part-of-a-growing-and-concerning-national-problem/ Fri, 08 May 2015 21:09:26 +0000 http://prairierivers.org/?p=17790 Fuel has passed the last boom (in background) on the creek that flows through Sidney before emptying into the Salt Fork.[/caption] Cleanup is reportedly expected to take several weeks and may be complicated by the fact that the fuel spilled onto soil before reaching water. In addition, initial efforts by Environmental Restoration, LLC to contain the spill using booms placed in the creek resulted in inadequate containment, as the picture to the right shows. Residents are frustrated the cleanup didn’t happen more quickly and effectively. They continue to smell an odor and are unable to use and enjoy the creek. Fortunately there have been no reports of dead fish, but impacts on aquatic life may yet appear. Prairie Rivers Network is concerned about the number of recent pollution events involving trains passing through Illinois. In March 2015, a BNSF oil train derailed near the Galena and Mississippi rivers in the northwest corner of the state. A barrier was constructed to keep rising river water away from oil-contaminated wetlands.  In 2009, a Canadian National train carrying ethanol derailed and was blamed for a subsequent fish kill in the Rock River. In the case of Sidney, it appears the fuel came from the locomotive itself. But around the country, the media is reporting a concerning rise in train incidents involving fuel transport. A Washington Post article claimed that U.S. officials say train incidents involving oil tankers are becoming more common. The article also stated that there are shortcomings in local preparedness for handling such incidents. The rise in incidents may be linked to the use of outdated tankers and an increase in the amount of petroleum products being pumped and transported by rail in the United States and Canada. In April, the U.S. Department of Transportation issued a press release announcing that agencies are working to improve the safety of energy product transportation. The agencies will incorporate lessons learned from the recent incidents in an effort to protect public safety. It is less clear to us what the rail companies are doing to fix the problem besides upgrading tank cars. Our team at Prairie Rivers Network will continue to watch this issue carefully and consider how we may be able to help protect Illinois communities from further incidents. As a growing concern and threat to our rivers, fuel transportation may represent the next frontier in the protection of Illinois' waters.

Update on May 21, 2015

The Illinois EPA has referred this spill to the Illinois Attorney General for enforcement action. Read the latest update on the spill in this May 19 article from the Champaign-Urbana News-Gazette.]]> 17790 0 429 0 https://prairierivers.org/articles/2015/05/prairie-rivers-led-conservation-partnership-yields-success/ Tue, 26 May 2015 21:21:48 +0000 http://prairierivers.org/?p=17815 The Sue and Wes Dixon Waterfowl Refuge[/caption] When people come together, good things happen. Over the past year, with support from Illinois Clean Energy and Community Foundation, Prairie Rivers Network has convened several organizations who seek to restore and protect the rare and special habitats of the Illinois River system. While we continue to help identify conservation opportunities and priorities, our efforts have already led to success. Our partners at The Wetlands Initiative recently acquired over 280 acres to expand the 3,000-acre Sue and Wes Dixon Wildlife Refuge. The acquisition will add to the internationally-recognized Refuge by protecting oak woodlands and restoring over 170 acres of agricultural land. We know that the quality of our water is closely tied to the health of the land, and this project represents a great example of diverse habitats from river to bluff. Restoration at the site will start this fall, and we look forward to documenting the transformation that occurs on the land. We hope that this is the first of many impactful projects that result from improved coordination among conservation groups working along the Illinois River.]]> 17815 0 427 0 https://prairierivers.org/articles/2015/05/clinton-landfill-now-eyeing-coal-combustion-waste/ Wed, 20 May 2015 16:34:57 +0000 http://prairierivers.org/?p=17825 article in the Champaign-Urbana News-Gazette quoted the landfill’s attorney as saying that the landfill is looking to get into the business of accepting coal combustion waste from power plants. Coal waste can include chemicals we don’t want in our water supply, such as heavy metals like mercury, arsenic, selenium, chromium and cadmium which can cause cancer and brain damage in humans and have proven to be harmful to fish and wildlife. Unfortunately, the settlement agreement between DeWitt County and the landfill allows the landfill to accept “coal combustion residuals.” The landfill can also accept manufactured gas plant waste that does not exceed regulatory levels; this “MGP” waste is a product of a coal-to-gas conversion process. DeWitt County will allow a railroad spur to reach the landfill, allowing trainloads of waste to be brought in. Prairie Rivers Network is further investigating the proposed location for coal ash disposal at the landfill, examining the design and monitoring requirements in place for containing the waste and protecting public drinking water.

While there have been some important victories. . . existing regulations are such that the landfill can still store toxic substances above a drinking water supply."

[caption id="attachment_17827" align="aligncenter" width="614"] Clinton Landfill
photo credit: Terry Hoffman[/caption]   The settlement agreement also contains a provision that says the Clinton Sanitary District may start accepting and treating the leachate from the landfill. If that indeed occurs, we will be monitoring to make sure the sanitary district is equipped to handle the leachate in addition to the municipal sewage it normally treats. The sanitary district discharges to a local creek, so it is essential that treatment be effective at all times. What all this means is that everyone needs to be paying attention to what’s going on at Clinton Landfill. While there have been some important victories with the PCBs and the Sole Source Aquifer designation, existing regulations are such that the landfill can still store toxic substances above a drinking water supply.]]> 17825 0 428 0 https://prairierivers.org/articles/2015/05/water-advocates-illinois-businesses-applaud-release-of-epas-clean-water-rule/ Wed, 27 May 2015 17:15:32 +0000 http://prairierivers.org/?p=17915 For Immediate Release May 27, 2015 Water advocates, Illinois businesses applaud release of EPA’s Clean Water Rule ILLINOIS - Today, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and U.S. Army Corps of Engineers finalized the Clean Water Rule, providing Clean Water Act protections for many streams, wetlands, and other bodies of water that are critical to our health, our economy and our natural world. The rule can be viewed here - http://www2.epa.gov/cleanwaterrule The rule restores Clean Water Act safeguards for waterbodies that were historically protected under the Act. The streams and wetlands at issue - two million stream miles and 20 million wetland acres - provide critical wildlife habitat, flood control, and drinking water to 117 million Americans. Streams and wetlands are economic drivers. They play an important role in fishing, hunting, agriculture, recreation, energy, and manufacturing. They also provide drinking water for 1 in 3 people. The Clean Water Rule will help ensure businesses have reliable access to clean water.  Environmental advocacy groups and Illinois businesses praised the rule. “A federal regulatory framework provides a level playing field to those businesses that operate responsibly, incorporating protection of this most precious resource into their business models. Allowing unregulated pollution of small streams and wetlands on the other hand, would incite a race to the bottom, with the costs borne by our rivers and streams, our communities, and our businesses,” said Kim Knowles, staff attorney, Prairie Rivers Network. Leaving streams and wetlands unprotected would be devastating for American business. Business depends on clean water; it is critical for manufacturing, food production, and recreation. “One of the most crucial things that we need as a society is rules to protect our most essential resources,” said Ken Myszka, owner and chef of Epiphany Farms in Bloomington, IL. “That’s why Epiphany Farms supports EPA’s Clean Water Rule.” A 2014 poll conducted by the American Sustainable Business Council found that 80 percent of small business owners support federal rules protecting small streams, with 71 percent saying that clean water is crucial to support economic growth. “We need the protection of the EPA and the Clean Water Act to ensure that the river where our customers recreate is clean and unpolluted,” said Tod Satterthwaite of Kickapoo Landing, an outdoor outfitter in Oakwood, IL. “At Big Grove Tavern, we want to support our community’s economic health as well its literal health,” said Rebecca Kane of Big Grove Tavern, in Champaign, Illinois. “Clean lakes and streams ensure healthier food, which trickles down to healthier customers.” The Clean Water Rule is supported by the latest peer-reviewed science, including more than 1200 pieces of scientific literature. “Nobody has the right to pollute,” said Wes Jarrell, farmer and owner of Prairie Fruits Farm and Creamery in Urbana, Illinois. “If something leaves my property and goes downstream from me, that’s my responsibility. I’m supposed to stop that. Clean water is absolutely essential to the success of our business.” For more on why American businesses support the Clean Water Rule, watch our video: Contact: Kim Knowles, Prairie Rivers Network, kknowles@prairierivers.org, 217-344-2371 ext. 209]]> 17915 0 426 0 https://prairierivers.org/articles/2015/04/prairie-river-notes-spring-2015-newsletter/ Wed, 01 Apr 2015 17:37:48 +0000 http://prairierivers.org/?p=18062 Spring 2015 newsletter, featuring articles on:

• How to Stop a Coal Mine
• Farewell from Glynnis
• Welcome Carol
• 2014 Annual Report
• Goodbye to Traci

You can also read our 2014 Annual Report separately.    ]]> 18062 0 433 0 https://prairierivers.org/articles/2015/07/senator-kirks-great-lakes-water-protection-act-wolf-in-sheeps-clothing/ Thu, 16 Jul 2015 17:11:31 +0000 http://prairierivers.org/?p=17953 Protection Act outlaws the dumping of untreated sewage to the Great Lakes by 2035. The Act would also increase the penalties for those caught dumping sewage and direct those penalties to a trust fund to be used for improving sewage treatment, habitat protection, and wetland restoration in the Great Lakes region. Sounds great, right? Well, two problems.  First, as we said, the Clean Water Act already prohibits the dumping of untreated sewage.  So why didn’t Senator Kirk’s bill simply increase the penalties, create the trust fund,  and let the  Clean Water Act do its job? Second, and far more troubling, Senator Kirk attached his Great Lakes Protection Act to an Interior appropriations bill crammed with poisonous provisions that among other offenses kill EPA’s Clean Water Rule and its budget by cutting $1billion of the agency’s funding.  The appropriations bill also cuts State Revolving Funds (SRF), which is federal money used to help finance sewage treatment upgrades. Nonsensical!  Kirk naturally voted for the appropriations bill and his Great Lakes Protection Act. EPA’s new Clean Water Rule (and the SRF) provides essential protection to water quality in the Great Lakes. Without the new rule, 90% of the wetlands in the Great Lakes and many of the streams that are tributary to the Great Lakes remain at risk of pollution and destruction. So, what is Kirk doing?   It appears he’s using his Great Lakes Water Protection Act to cloak the very dirty pro-polluter agenda of destroying the EPA. Kirk thinks he can vote to kill fundamental environmental protections AND be a champion of the Great Lakes. Well, you can’t fool us, Senator Kirk. Stop undermining the Clean Water Act while pretending to protect the Great Lakes.]]> 17953 0 425 0 https://prairierivers.org/articles/2015/07/say-no-more-to-mercury-pollution-in-the-ohio-river/ Thu, 16 Jul 2015 19:40:58 +0000 http://prairierivers.org/?p=17958

Clean water can’t wait! It’s time to stop discharging toxic levels of mercury into the Ohio River!

The Ohio River is the public water supply for 5 million homes from Pittsburgh, PA to Cairo, IL, and is home to over 150 species of fish. It shouldn’t be a private waste dump for big business. But for ten years now, dozens of coal fired power plants and factories up and down the Ohio River have fought a requirement to cut the amount of mercury they dump into the river. Mercury — it’s so toxic that it’s not even safe to put an old glass mercury thermometer in our kids’ mouths. Right now public officials with the Ohio River Valley Water Sanitation Commission (ORSANCO), which sets pollution control standards for the Ohio River, are considering backtracking on previous limits to continue to allow “hot spots” in the Ohio River, where dangerously high levels of mercury are pumped into the river. According to the EPA, toxic pollutants like mercury can build up in the food chain to levels harmful to human and ecosystem health. They are associated with a range of adverse human health effects including cancer. Prairie Rivers Network is working with Kentucky Waterways Alliance and other groups in states along the Ohio River to stop these increases in mercury dumping into the river.  Together we are petitioning ORSANCO to keep current rules in place.

Sign our petition to protect the Ohio River.

“We, the undersigned, do not want toxic amounts of mercury dumped into the Ohio River.  We want state and federally-appointed officials charged with improving water quality in the Ohio River to uphold the ban on toxic chemical hotspots, or mixing zones.  We want government officials to put public health before corporate profits.  We want the Ohio River to be free of mercury, from Pittsburgh to Paducah.” Illinois shares 122 miles of the Ohio River before it joins the Mississippi River at Cairo, IL. This stretch of the Ohio is home to historic Cave-in-Rock, Metropolis and its famous Superman statue, the beautiful Shawnee National Forest, and the Ohio River Scenic Byway that meanders through beautiful river towns, with scenic glimpses of the river.  Please help us protect the river that these communities rely on. Please stand with us to protect the health of Ohio River communities in Illinois, and wildlife from toxic mercury, by adding your name to the petition to ORSANCO.

When signing, please indicate that you heard about this issue from Prairie Rivers Network. Learn more about this issue at Kentucky Waterways Alliance. This article from WDRB in Louisville, KY (PDF of article) details how mercury pollution is threatening people, communities, and wildlife along the Ohio River.]]> 17958 0 424 0 https://prairierivers.org/articles/2015/07/press-release-new-poll-hunters-and-anglers-nationwide-support-the-epas-clean-water-rule/ Wed, 22 Jul 2015 19:48:03 +0000 http://prairierivers.org/?p=17986 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE  July 22, 2015

New Poll: Hunters and Anglers Nationwide Support the EPA’s Clean Water Rule

Sportsmen and women across the political spectrum support protecting smaller streams and wetlands

Washington—A new nationwide, bipartisan survey found broad support among hunters and anglers for applying Clean Water Act protections to smaller streams and wetlands.

"As every hunter or angler knows, ducks need healthy wetlands and fish need clean water—it’s that simple,” said Collin O’Mara, president and CEO of the National Wildlife Federation, which commissioned the poll. “Everyone on Capitol Hill should take note: clean water has the bipartisan support of millions of sportsmen and women across our nation—and these men and women vote.”

Download the poll memo.

One of the poll’s key findings is that more than 8 in 10 of the hunters and anglers (83 percent) surveyed thought that the Environmental Protection Agency should apply the rules and standards of the Clean Water Act to smaller, headwater streams and wetlands. Support for this policy was strong across the political spectrum with 77 percent of Republicans, 79 percent of Independents and 97 percent of Democrats in favor. “The results of this poll are unambiguous: America’s hunters and anglers care very deeply about water quality,” said Al Quinlan, the president of Democratic polling firm Greenberg Quinlan Rosner Research. “It is unusual to see such intense levels of public support for any issue.” “I am the fourth generation of my family that has loved to fish the Wabash River. My sons are the fifth, said Illinois based artist and avid fisherman, Tony Treadway. “I have always lived or worked near Illinois waterways. I have seen the change from when I started fishing in the 1960’s and how much cleaner and better the rivers are now as a result of the environmental protection acts, like the Clean Water Act. I hope that the rivers continue to improve in their health so that they will be there for my grandchildren and great grandchildren to enjoy as I have in my lifetime.” The issue of protecting smaller streams and wetlands adjacent to those streams has been politically contentious in recent years. The Clean Water Act protected all of the nation’s streams and wetlands from its passage in 1972 until two split Supreme Court decisions in 2001 and 2006 left it unclear exactly which streams and wetlands could be covered by the law. The bipartisan research team of Public Opinion Strategies (R) and Greenberg Quinlan Rosner Research (D) partnered on the survey of 1000 registered voters who also hunt or fish. The sample leaned conservative—38 percent of those polled were Republicans, while just 28 percent were Democrats. Almost half of those surveyed (49 percent) said they considered themselves a supporter of the Tea Party. “It would be hard to find a more conservative group than the hunters and anglers we polled,” said Lori Weigel, a partner at the Republican polling firm Public Opinion Strategies. “And yet their support of this policy is broad‐based and wide‐spread, cutting across partisan and ideological divisions. And it endures after hearing the arguments against it.” In May, the Environmental Protection Agency and the Army Corps of Engineers finalized a rule clarifying that the Clean Water Act applies to more than half of the nation’s streams and millions of acres of wetlands—bodies of water that had been in a legal limbo for more than a decade. However, Congress is considering legislation that would undermine or nullify this rule. Additional results from the poll:

• Fully 89 percent say that the Clean Water Act has been “more of a good thing” for the country, with majorities of every single demographic sub‐group echoing this sentiment.
• More than 8 in 10 sportsmen (82 percent) agree with the statement: “We can protect our water quality and have a strong economy with good jobs for Americans at the same time, without having to choose one over the other.”
• Three-quarters (75 percent) of hunters and anglers see applying the Clean Water Act to smaller streams and wetlands is more of a safeguard, rather than a burdensome regulation.
• Almost half of those surveyed (47 percent) say that water quality and fish and wildlife habitat issues are of primary importance to their voting decisions. Nearly all sportsmen say these issues are at least somewhat significant in their voting decisions (92 percent).
• Two-thirds (67 percent) say they would have a more favorable opinion if their Senator upheld this application of the Clean Water Act. Only one-in-ten would feel less favorably (11 percent).

“Hunters and anglers were the original conservationists and their support for this policy comes as no surprise,” said Jim Martin, conservation director at the Berkley Conservation Institute, a branch of Pure Fishing, one of the largest tackle manufacturers in the sportfishing industry. “Restoring Clean Water Act protections to smaller streams and wetlands will help the economy, protect our drinking water and allow us to pass the great sport of fishing down to future generations. Congress should allow this common-sense rule to take effect without delay.” “I cannot fathom the thought of my kids not being able to hunt or fish in the streams here in Illinois, says Dan Sidwell, President of the Oyate Sports Club in Pocahontas, IL, who is supportive of the Clean Water Act. “Outdoor recreation and sports are a tradition in downstate Illinois. As an avid hunter, fisherman and outdoorsman, I believe it’s our responsibility to take care of our streams, rivers and lakes. If we don’t what will we leave for our children?” About the methodology From June 23–July 4, 2015, Public Opinion Strategies and Greenberg Quinlan Rosner Research completed 1000 interviews with registered voters who also identify as hunters, anglers or both. Half of the interviews were conducted on landline and cell phones, with the other half conducted via internet panels. Respondents are from throughout the United States and the sample was compared to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service surveys of adults who hunt or fish for demographic representation. The National Wildlife Federation is America's largest conservation organization inspiring Americans to protect wildlife for our children's future. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. Prairie Rivers Network is National Wildlife Federation’s Illinois Affiliate and Illinois’ advocate for clean water and healthy rivers.  Contacts:  Lacey McCormick, (512) 610-7765, mccormick@nwf.org National Wildlife Federation Carol Hays, (217) 344-2371, chays@prairierivers.org Prairie Rivers Network, Illinois Affiliate of the National Wildlife Federation

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]]> 17986 0 423 0 https://prairierivers.org/news/2015/07/new-madrid-levee-project-is-harmful-boondoggle-that-must-be-stopped/ Wed, 29 Jul 2015 13:00:16 +0000 http://prairierivers.org/?p=18000 Prairie Rivers Network & partners seek EPA veto Down in the Missouri boot heel lies a huge expanse of wetlands where migratory birds seek rest and food, and where fish spawn and rear their young. By storing massive amounts of water during storms, the wetlands also protect the Illinois towns of Cairo and Olive Branch from destructive flooding. These precious wetlands get their water from the Mississippi River through the last remaining gap in the complex of levees that divide the river from its floodplain. Without the gap, the wetlands would die, along with many of the fish and birds that rely on them. It is this natural flooding through the gap in the levee that has created the most important backwater fisheries habitat in the Middle Mississippi River. The gap in the levee remains because the area is a federally-designated floodway. As such, it is intended to be flooded during big storms. Landowners in the floodway, despite having been compensated for use of the land in this way, are not happy about the periodic flooding. They want the gap closed, and the Army Corps of Engineers is determined to give them what they want, no matter the cost. The Corps’ New Madrid Levee project would close the 1500 foot gap in the Mississippi River levee with a 60 foot high wall and drain the area with massive pumps. The price tag is high, $165 million taxpayer dollars, especially when you consider who gains; and who loses. The winners are few. A small group of powerful agricultural landowners in the floodway want more certainty over crop production. With the gap closed, these landowners will be freer to plant still more crops and otherwise further develop the floodway. Senators McCaskill and Blunt stand to gain the farmer vote through support of the project. The losers are many. Too many. The Town of Olive Branch, Illinois lost 50 homes in a 2011 flood, because Missouri landowners in the floodway brought last minute legal action to try to stop the Corps from using the floodway. The delay cost Olive Branch millions of dollars in damage. Cairo, IL; Paducah, KY; and Hickman, MO are at similar risk of flooding should the levee be built. Once the gap is closed it is fully expected that development within the floodway will intensify. More development means more opposition to operation of the floodway when it is needed. Putting these small struggling river towns at greater risk of flooding also makes it more difficult for them to attract businesses and residents, intensifying economic insecurity. And then there are the many fish, bird, and other wild species that depend on this area for their survival. We’ve walled off so much of the Mississippi River from its natural floodplain that few backwater habitats persist. It is in these backwater areas that critical spawning, rearing, and nesting occur, and allow species to recover, reproduce, and even thrive. There are fewer and fewer of these places, and we must protect them. The New Madrid levee has had many heads since its first birth in 1954. In 2007, opponents thought they’d finally seen the end of it when a federal district court ordered the Army Corps to “tear down that wall” (or something like that) and dismantle the parts the Corps had built. But being forced to tear down the project proved no deterrent. The Corps is poised to release its final plan recommending once again that the project be built, and with taxpayer funding. So how can we finally kill this thing? There is a way. Under the Clean Water Act, the EPA has the authority to veto the project. An EPA veto would ring the final death knell for the New Madrid levee. And that’s what we’re working to achieve. With the help of our partners, Prairie Rivers Network has been co-leading a campaign to convince EPA that it must veto this project. You can help. Join our social media team and keep a look out for action alerts over the coming months. Email kknowles [at] prairierivers.org to join the campaign.

Let’s #stopthelevee once & for all.

 ]]> 18000 0 422 0 https://prairierivers.org/articles/2015/08/wildlife-shirt/ Mon, 17 Aug 2015 14:07:28 +0000 http://prairierivers.org/?p=18045 We all ♥ Wildlife! Shirt choices: Men's or unisex - steel blue with crew neck Women's - leaf green with v-neck (fitted, runs slightly small) Sizes - S  M  L  XL  XXL Make a donation of $20 or more to Prairie Rivers Network to protect clean water and we'll send you a complimentary shirt. Just tell us what kind (men's/unisex or women's) and the size. We're so happy and proud of the shirt design which was donated by Joy Schmoll from Just Say Joy.]]> 18045 0 421 0 https://prairierivers.org/articles/2015/08/prairie-river-notes-summer-2015-newsletter/ Thu, 20 Aug 2015 17:53:10 +0000 http://prairierivers.org/?p=18067 Read Prairie Rivers Network's Summer 2015 Newsletter, featuring articles on:

• On Flood and Fire
• New Madrid Levee Boondoggle
• Annual Dinner
• Redesigning Ag in Nature's Image
• River Steward Award Nominations
• Board of Directors Update
• Vying for Fed Funds for Flooding
• New I ♥ Wildlife t-shirt

 ]]> 18067 0 420 0 https://prairierivers.org/articles/2015/08/press-release-a-landmark-for-clean-water/ Mon, 31 Aug 2015 15:56:39 +0000 http://prairierivers.org/?p=18088 American Rivers * Clean Water Action * Environment America * Natural Resources Defense Council * League of Conservation Voters * Prairie Rivers Network * River Network * Sierra Club

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: Michael Kelly, 202.393.5449, mkelly@cleanwater.org Washington (August 28, 2015) – A coalition of conservation groups today said they are mobilizing their millions of members and activists in support of the Clean Water Rule and to oppose efforts in Congress to block it. Their call comes as the long-awaited rule, issued by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Army Corps of Engineers (the Corps), took effect across most of the nation on Friday, August 28. Unfortunately, due to a temporary injunction issued by the District of North Dakota, EPA and the Corps cannot implement the rule in 13 states involved in litigation. In a group statement, American Rivers, Clean Water Action, Environment America, the Natural Resources Defense Council, League of Conservation Voters, Prairie Rivers Network, River Network, and Sierra Club said:

 “Today is a landmark in the history of clean water protection. Though we are disappointed by the temporary injunction in North Dakota, which leaves the water families and communities rely on in 13 states at risk of pollution and destruction, we are confident that commonsense, science-based protections for our water will prevail in the courts. The Clean Water Act authorizes EPA and the Corps to safeguard the bodies of water that have a significant impact on downstream waters and that is what the Clean Water Rule does. Public support for the Clean Water Rule has never wavered and Americans will not tolerate efforts, in Congress or the courts, to turn back the clock now. Recent polls show that majorities of Americans across the political spectrum want their elected officials to get out of the way and let the Clean Water Rule go forward. However, the assault on clean water protections continues.  Defying common sense, science, and their constituents, a number of states filed suit to stop the Rule; and Republican leaders in both the House and Senate attached riders to must-pass spending bills that would roll back the Clean Water Rule, even though the Obama administration has rightly threatened to veto these measures. These actions raise the specter of another government shutdown this fall.  In addition, the Senate is very likely to debate S. 1140, a bill to stop the Clean Water Rule and force the Environmental Protection Agency and the Army Corps to start over. Americans are tired of polluters and their political defenders politicizing clean water. Our millions of members and supporters understand what’s at stake, and we will make sure their voices are heard by members of Congress to ensure the Clean Water Rule is implemented without delay.”

The Clean Water Rule eliminates  loopholes that for more than a decade left roughly 60% of the nation’s small streams and millions of acres of wetlands vulnerable to pollution and destruction. The Clean Water Rule restores clear protections to the drinking water supplies for nearly a third of all Americans. Small business owners, local governments, public health professionals, religious leaders, rural interests and the general public support the Clean Water Rule.  Despite this broad public support, polluters—led by lobbyists for corporate agribusiness, oil and gas, and big developers—are exerting heavy pressure on Congress to undermine the Clean Water Rule. For more information, please visit ProtectCleanWater.org.

See how the Clean Water Rule will protect Illinois waters

[embeddoc url="http://prairierivers.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/Illinois-Fact-Sheet-Clea...e-ProtectCleanWater.pdf" viewer="google"]]]> 18088 0 419 0 https://prairierivers.org/articles/2015/09/senator-kirk-joins-the-dark-side/ Mon, 14 Sep 2015 21:31:35 +0000 http://prairierivers.org/?p=18114

Well, Senator Mark Kirk is clearly no Jedi warrior. Last week he co-sponsored Senator John Barrasso’s dirty water bill, a bill that would kill EPA’s new Clean Water Rule. We love the Clean Water Rule, because it protects our smallest, yet most important streams and wetlands. These waters are currently providing drinking water for 1 in 10 Illinoisans. In fact, without the Clean Water Rule, 90% of the wetlands in the Great Lakes and many of the streams that feed the Lakes would be at risk of pollution and destruction. By co-sponsoring the bill, Senator Kirk put the interests of polluting industries ahead of clean drinking water and healthy rivers. Senator Barrasso’s bill is a sham of a bill based on fear and greed and a lust for power-all expressions of the Dark Side of the Force. We are dismayed that Senator Kirk joined the Dark Side, but it’s not too late, Senator. There’s still time to choose the light, to choose clean water and to protect the life force that sustains us all. Be a Jedi. Be #4cleanwater. Vote No on Barrasso’s #dirtywaterbill.]]> 18114 0 417 0 https://prairierivers.org/articles/2015/09/livestock-waste-spill-into-stony-creek-results-in-fish-kill/ Thu, 17 Sep 2015 18:24:32 +0000 http://prairierivers.org/?p=18120 Video of dead fish recorded Sept. 16, 2015, five days after manure spill.  Fish found near Muncie, Illinois, approx. 1 mile downstream from the livestock facility

This section of the river is also home to one of the relocation sites for the federally endangered Northern Riffleshell and Clubshell mussels. Impact on the mussel population has not yet been determined as the pollution has obscured visibility in the river.

The Illinois Environmental Protection Agency (IEPA) has referred an enforcement action to the Illinois Attorney General’s office against the operator. This is exactly why livestock facilities and factory farms should be located far enough away from streams and rivers so that accidents or spills do not pollute water bodies, causing fish kills and endangering public water supplies. We also question why this report was made public nearly a week after the incident. That stretch of the Salt Fork is a favorite for recreation, and during a beautiful late summer weekend, how many anglers and paddlers found themselves up the proverbial . . . “manure creek?” Read more here and here. [caption id="attachment_18123" align="aligncenter" width="614"] Stony Creek, tributary to the Salt Fork of the Vermilion River[/caption] [caption id="attachment_18124" align="aligncenter" width="614"] More than 98,000 fish were estimated to have been killed.[/caption]  ]]> 18120 0 416 0 https://prairierivers.org/articles/2015/10/floodplain-managers-urge-epa-to-stop-the-new-madrid-levee/ Wed, 14 Oct 2015 19:26:44 +0000 http://prairierivers.org/?p=18167 post. UPDATED on 1/11/2016 with link to earlier webpost. [embeddoc url="http://prairierivers.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/ASFPM-St-Johns-New-Madrid-Floodway-Project-404c-Veto-Request_Oct15-1.pdf" viewer="google"]]]> 18167 0 415 0 https://prairierivers.org/articles/2015/10/il-farm-bureau-commits-money-to-reduce-nutrient-pollution/ Wed, 21 Oct 2015 20:56:49 +0000 http://prairierivers.org/?p=18173 Nutrient runoff can create toxic algal blooms, which are harmful for wildlife and humans.[/caption] Prairie Rivers Network is an active stakeholder in the Illinois Nutrient Loss Reduction Strategy’s Policy Work Group, which is charged with implementing the state’s policy to reduce the flow of nutrient pollution into Illinois’ rivers, which ultimately flow into the Mississippi River and the Gulf of Mexico.  In Illinois agricultural runoff accounts for 80 percent of the nitrogen and 48 percent of the phosphorous that flows into Illinois rivers each year and is contributing directly to often toxic algal blooms in drinking water sources as well as the growing dead zone in the Gulf of Mexico. The success of the Strategy relies on farmers to voluntarily change fertilizer application practices and adopt other nutrient management practices to reduce the amount of fertilizer chemicals, manure and topsoil that are lost with snow melt and rain runoff. The Illinois Farm Bureau grant program encourages county Farm Bureaus to collaborate with local watershed groups, Soil and Water Conservation Districts and other partners to assess what is needed in their county to promote land and water quality stewardship and nutrient management best practices by farmers. At Prairie Rivers Network, we are encouraged to see the commitment of the Illinois Farm Bureau and engagement by county Farm Bureaus to water quality stewardship, but we also recognize the projected cost of achieving the state’s targeted reduction of nutrients by 45% far exceeds this investment. The Illinois EPA projects that it will cost up to $850 million per year over the next 20 years to achieve the targeted reductions in nitrogen and phosphorous from coming from all sources across the state. While changes in some nutrient stewardship practices will actually save farmers and communities money, serious commitment to reducing nutrient pollution will require major changes by most farmers. Removing these pollutants is costly but critical if we are going to protect the safety and health of our waters and of those in the Gulf of Mexico.]]> 18173 0 414 0 https://prairierivers.org/articles/2015/10/new-coal-ash-safeguards-effective-nationwide/ Mon, 26 Oct 2015 15:58:24 +0000 http://prairierivers.org/?p=18178 Kingston, Tennessee spill in 2008), protect groundwater beneath coal ash disposal sites, and establish basic requirements for maintaining these massive waste storage pits. From now on, any new coal ash landfill, impoundment, or lateral expansion, will need a composite liner, a leachate collection system, groundwater monitoring, separation from groundwater, and other requirements for inspection and maintenance. For existing coal ash pits, power plant operators need to begin inspection and monitoring requirements to meet deadlines on a rolling timeline. Beginning immediately, utilities must:

1. Establish a publicly accessible Internet site to post studies and reports
2. Create public plans for handling coal ash that becomes airborne as "fugitive dust"
3. Demonstrate safety for projects attempting to use "beneficial use" loopholes (e.g., dumping large amounts of coal ash to "fill" ravines or level out land, claiming the practice is "beneficial," not "disposal")
4. Meet requirements for safe location and strong construction for new coal ash pits

Unlike many regulations for waste disposal, the U.S. EPA’s coal ash rule is "self-implementing," meaning that there will be no federal enforcement. Instead, citizens and states must bring citizen lawsuits in federal court to enforce the rule. Bottom line: it’s on us. Utilities in Illinois have started creating websites where this information can be monitored by citizens (which we have linked below if you would like to keep up to date with a local power plant’s compliance). Over the next two years, more stringent standards of the rule will come into effect – and utilities will need to meet tighter standards and protect groundwater. These companies are also considering the impact of the new Effluent Limitation Guidelines – requiring that power plants use affordable and effective modern technology to reduce pollution, or to eliminate the pollution altogether. The Effluent Limitation Guidelines (ELG) require that power plants to shift to dry handling and disposal of their coal ash, ending the practice of dangerous unlined impoundments.

What’s Next?

Looking forward, we’ll be keeping up with compliance requirements – monitoring utilities’ actions for the U.S. EPA coal ash rule. With both the Coal Ash rule and the Effluent Limitation Guidelines, however, legacy impoundments – the old, polluting pits storing tons of coal ash next to our rivers, lakes, and streams – are left largely unregulated. Illinois is home to 91 coal ash pits, many of which are located at now-shuttered power generating facilities. These legacy pits need Illinois-specific rules to protect the surrounding communities and waterways. These rules are in motion, but at risk from industry attacks (i.e., power plant operators who could easily leave the damages for communities to pay).*

Join the effort by asking your local representatives and decision-makers to support safeguards for Illinois communities . Local leaders can file letters and resolutions with the Illinois Pollution Control Board push the rules forward .

Stay up to date with information on coal ash in Illinois 

Contact Tyler Rotche for more information trotche@prairierivers.org 217.344.2371 x.206

[caption id="attachment_17467" align="alignright" width="300"] Deteriorating wall of the Dynegy Vermilion coal ash pit... exempt from the U.S. EPA rule requirements[/caption] Dynegy Inc.  Baldwin Energy Complex (Baldwin, IL) Coffeen Power Station (Coffeen, IL) Duck Creek Power Plant (Canton, IL) E.D. Edwards Power Plant (Bartonville, IL) Havana Power Station (Havana, IL) Hennepin Power Station (Hennepin, IL) Joppa Power Plant (Joppa, IL) Kincaid Generation Station (Kincaid, IL) Newton Power Station (Newton, IL) Wood River Power Station (Alton, IL) NRG Energy  Joliet 29 Generating Station (Joliet, IL) Lincoln Stone Quarry (Joliet, IL) Powerton Generating Station (Pekin, IL) Waukegan Generating Station (Waukegan, IL) Will County Generating Station (Romeoville, IL) City Water, Light and Power Dallman & Lakeside Power Station (Springfield, IL) Prairie State Generating Company Prairie State Energy Campus (Marissa, IL) Southern Illinois Power Cooperative Marion Generating Station (Marion, IL) Exempt Units Crawford Generating Station, Midwest Generation (Chicago, IL) Grand Tower Power Station, Ameren (Grand Tower, IL) Hutsonville Power Station, Ameren (Hutsonville, IL) Meredosia Power Station, Ameren (Meredosia, IL) Prairie Power Pearl Station, Prairie Power (Pearl, IL) Venice Generating Station, Ameren (Venice, IL) Vermilion Power Station, Dynegy (Oakwood, IL)  

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*Illinois Coal Ash Rules: These state-specific rules are now before the Illinois Pollution Control Board. While the Illinois EPA and power plant operators throughout the state pushed for an indefinite stay (or hold) on the rulemaking, the Illinois Pollution Control Board (in agreement with Prairie Rivers Network, partner organizations, and over 800 citizens) denied this motion. The IPCB has limited the stay to a 120 period to evaluate proposed rules. ...stay tuned for updates around March 4th, 2016.  ]]> 18178 0 412 0 https://prairierivers.org/articles/2015/10/clean-water-rule-put-on-temporary-hold-by-u-s-court-of-appeals/ Mon, 26 Oct 2015 03:40:56 +0000 http://prairierivers.org/?p=18191 UPDATE: November 18, 2015

Congressional Attempts to Kill Clean Water Rule Beaten Back

Prairie Rivers Network & friends urging Illinois Attorney General to intervene on behalf of Clean Water Rule.

Since we last posted on the Clean Water Rule, Senate Republicans have made two attempts to kill the Rule. One attempt was with a bill introduced by Senator John Barrasso of Wyoming; what many have called the Dirty Water Bill. The second attempt was made using the Congressional Review Act, which is a law that gives Congress the power to invalidate an agency regulation through passage of a joint resolution. We’re happy to report that Senator Barrasso’s Dirty Water Bill was defeated and that we fully expect the Congressional Review Act challenge to be vetoed by President Obama. But victory is not quite here yet. There remains a very real threat that opponents in Congress will destroy the rule through the appropriations process, which controls expenditures by the federal government. We expect opponents to, among other things introduce measures that would prevent the EPA and the Army Corps from spending any money to implement the rule, rendering it meaningless. Prairie Rivers Network and other national allies will work to defeat these attempts. Meanwhile, Prairie Rivers Network has been organizing farmers and business owners in Illinois to write to Illinois’ Attorney General Lisa Madigan and urge her to intervene in the Court of Appeals lawsuit (discussed below) on behalf of the people of Illinois and in support of the Clean Water Rule. Several states have already done so, and we think Illinois should join them.

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Original Post: October 25, 2015

Clean Water Rule Put on Temporary Hold by U.S. Court of Appeals

Prairie Rivers Network continues to work hard to see rule is upheld

Over the past year, we’ve blogged, tweeted, created video, posted on Facebook, organized, and just generally talked a lot about the Clean Water Rule.  The rule was finalized by the U.S. EPA this summer and was scheduled to take effect on August 28^th, 2015. As is the custom with new regulations these days, the rule was challenged in court by industries intent on ensuring anti-pollution regulations do not apply to them. Unfortunately, many states, apparently beholden to these industries, joined the anti-Clean Water Rule lawsuits. Most recently, on October 5, 2015, a federal appellate court granted a temporary stay on the rule, meaning U.S. EPA and the Army Corps of Engineers cannot implement the rule until the court proceedings are settled. It’s important to note that the very court issuing the temporary stay noted the long overdue need for the clarifications the new rule strives to achieve and the reliable nature of the science used to formulate the rule. Because the rule is so necessary, because it was extensively vetted by qualified scientists, and because a great majority of Americans polled support the Clean Water Rule, we are confident  the courts will uphold the rule, and that we will finally get down to the business of protecting our smallest, most vulnerable streams and wetlands.  In the meantime, Prairie Rivers Network will continue to work with our allies across the nation to realize the benefits of this important rule.]]> 18191 0 413 0 https://prairierivers.org/articles/2015/12/holiday-shopping-made-easy-with-amazon-smile-and-prn/ Wed, 02 Dec 2015 11:00:42 +0000 http://prairierivers.org/?p=18240

Smile.Amazon.com is just like shopping at Amazon.com. If you already have an Amazon account, just go to smile.amazon.com and sign in with your account information and enter Prairie Rivers Network as your charitable organization. If you don’t already have an Amazon account, you can create one when you go to smile.amazon.com.    ]]> 18240 0 408 0 https://prairierivers.org/articles/2015/12/givingtuesday-3/ Tue, 01 Dec 2015 10:00:51 +0000 http://prairierivers.org/?p=18248

Donate $20 or more to Prairie Rivers Network on #GivingTuesday, and we will give you one of our very popular t-shirts:

I ♥ Clean Water t-shirt

Shirt choices:

Men's or unisex - black or dark grey heather shirt with crew neck Women's - chocolate brown or dark grey heather shirt with v-neck (fitted) Sizes - S  M  L  XL  XXL

Make your "I ♥ Clean Water" Gift Today!

Wildlife ♥ t-shirt

Shirt choices:

Men's or unisex - steel blue with crew neck Women's - leaf green with v-neck (fitted) Sizes - S  M  L  XL  XXL

Make your Wildlife ♥ Gift Today!

]]> 18248 0 409 0 https://prairierivers.org/articles/2015/11/annual-dinner-2015/ Thu, 19 Nov 2015 18:15:17 +0000 http://prairierivers.org/?p=18266

The Prairie Rivers Network staff and board of directors had a wonderful evening visiting with 330 members and friends at our Annual Dinner on November 6th.

Pictures from the Annual Dinner

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View photos from past dinners at our Flickr site…

River Steward Award

Carla Murray of Canton, Illinois received our River Steward award for her many years of dedication to the cause of clean and healthy Illinois waters. Most recently, Carla was a leader with the Canton Area Citizens for Environmental Issues (CACEI), a group that successfully fought to prevent a coal strip mine from being built near Canton Lake, a drinking water supply for over 20,000 citizens of Canton and Fulton County. Carla has participated in the Illinois EPA Volunteer Lake Monitoring Program and is a trained RiverWatch Citizen Scientist. She has also been a valuable volunteer on numerous restoration projects around Illinois, including at Emiquon National Wildlife Refuge. Throughout a long teaching career, including as a Professor of Biology at Carl Sandburg College in Galesburg, Illinois, Carla has taught innumerable students the value of healthy water ecosystems and shared her enthusiasm for protecting the environment.

 Volunteer of the Year Award

The Volunteer of the Year award was presented to Wes Jarrell of Urbana, Illinois, who is the co-owner, along with his partner and fellow PRN-member Leslie Cooperband, of Prairie Fruits Farm & Creamery, LLC. Wes is a long-time member and supporter of Prairie Rivers Network. Over the last year, Wes has been an important partner and advocate in Prairie Rivers Network’s campaign to support the Clean Water Rule. With his background and experience, Wes has been a critical ally, using his voice as a farmer and businessperson to call for stewardship for our land and water. In support of the Clean Water Rule, Wes wrote op-eds, lent his image to an ad that ran in major D.C. publications, and participated in PRN’s #4CleanWater social media campaign, including appearing in a short film to discuss the benefits of clean water for farmers and businesses. He has been a powerful and much-needed spokesperson for environmental responsibility.

 Keynote Presentation: Restoration Agriculture

Our dinner keynote speaker, Mark Shepard, discussed how he used restoration agriculture to create a profitable, sustainable perennial food crop by creating a farm that mimics the oak savanna natural landscape. By intentionally designing and planting perennial ecosystems, we can provide habitat for wildlife, produce food, reduce water pollution and runoff, and begin the creation of ecologically sustainable human habitats. Mark Shepard is the CEO of Forest Agriculture Enterprises, LLC and founder of Restoration Agriculture Development, Inc. and Restoration Agriculture International, Inc. There are many sustainable farming practices that farmers can implement that will keep soil healthy and protect water. Perennial and winter cover crops prevent erosion and fertilizer loss, improve soil health, provide habitat for wildlife, and produce food. Strips of vegetation along ditches and streams provide a buffer that reduces sediment and nutrient runoff that harms water quality. Advancing sustainable farming practices in Illinois means financial opportunities for farm families, while ensuring we have healthy soil and clean water, nutritious food and healthier communities.

Thank you business sponsors

PLATINUM $5,000+
GOLD $1,000+
Silver $500
BRONZE $250

  Prairie Rivers Network invites you to support clean water and healthy rivers by becoming a business member of Prairie Rivers Network. Business sponsors can be recognized at our Annual Dinner and Illinois Marathon - Run for Your Rivers - charity running team. For more information, please view our Business Sponsor Form, or contact Vickie Nudelman at 217.344.2371 or vnudelman [at] prairierivers.org.]]> 18266 0 411 0 https://prairierivers.org/articles/2015/11/land-and-water-conservation-fund-needs-our-support/ Mon, 23 Nov 2015 20:08:04 +0000 http://prairierivers.org/?p=18341 #SaveLWCF

UPDATE 12/17/2015: We learned yesterday that the federal budget agreement will extend the Land & Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) for another 3 years. Since Congress let LWCF expire in Sept., that IS good news. BUT - we're going to keep working for permanent reauthorization to this critical program. Stay tuned in the new year for ways you can help. . .

11/23/2015 The Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF), America’s signature conservation and outdoor recreation program, has been a celebrated bipartisan success story for 50 years, growing and protecting America's most precious places - everything from Yellowstone to your local neighborhood park. And because LWCF is funded through public oil and gas leases, not a single dollar is taken from American taxpayers.

In a sign of just how bad things have gotten in Washington D.C.,  Congress allowed the LWCF to expire this year. So, in the coming months, it will be critical to let your U.S. Congressperson or Senator know that you want the LWCF permanently re-authorized. The LWCF has been used in almost every county and in every state.  LWCF has invested more than $213 million in our state over the past five decades, protecting unique Illinois treasures such as the Emiquon National Wildlife Refuge, the Lincoln Home National Historic Site, and Cypress Creek National Wildlife refuge. These places provide some of the best public land for hunting, fishing, and wildlife viewing in Illinois. And these lands generate jobs and boost the economy of Illinois. Outdoor recreation in Illinois supports 204,000 jobs which generate $6.7 billion in wages and salaries, and produces nearly $1.6 billion annually in state and local tax revenue. On this map, you can see how much LWCF has invested in your state for local parks, land conservation, and recreation. Read more about the LWCF and the efforts to save it on the LWCF Coalition page. The Land and Water Conservation Fund is aptly defended in this opinion piece in the New York Times. Stay tuned for more ways you can help the LWCF.  ]]> 18341 0 410 0 https://prairierivers.org/articles/2015/12/happy-hanukkah/ Sun, 06 Dec 2015 23:00:06 +0000 http://prairierivers.org/?p=18450 ]]> 18450 0 407 0 https://prairierivers.org/articles/2015/12/prairie-river-notes-winter-2015-newsletter/ Mon, 14 Dec 2015 14:10:12 +0000 http://prairierivers.org/?p=18564 Read Prairie Rivers Network’s PRN 2015 Winter Newsletter, featuring articles on:

• Prairie Rivers Network Endowment
• The Charles Goodall Fund
• Miles for Monarchs at the Illinois Marathon
• 2015 Accomplishments
• Annual Dinner Round Up
• A Just Transition: Building a Future for Former Coal Communities
• Thank you Business Sponsors

And an important message from our Coal Program Coordinator and Water Policy Specialist:

Dear Friends, When I started working at Prairie Rivers Network in 2013, we had already been fighting the proposed Bulldog coal mine in East-Central Illinois for over a year. We know that this coal mine would threaten the health, quality of life, and economic vitality of our communities, as well as our area’s rich farmland. We share your concerns that the mine may damage clean drinking water and the health of the Salt Fork River. The mine was originally slated to begin mining in January 2014. For the past five years, Prairie Rivers Network has been successfully working with residents, farmers, and land owners to keep the Bulldog coal mine from beginning operations. We have been highlighting discrepancies and flaws in the mine’s permit applications, which prompted serious review and extensive questioning of the permits. As it stands today, the Bulldog mine has not secured either of the permits it needs to begin mining. Through countless petitions, public meetings, agency hearings, and public pressure, we continue to thwart the Bulldog mine. As the recent Paris climate talks have demonstrated, we need to keep more coal in the ground, not harm our farmland and vital water resources with more coal mines. We know grassroots activism can permanently stop coal mines, because it has! Earlier this year, Canton-area residents celebrated after winning an eight-year battle to halt the proposed North Canton coal strip mine – successfully protecting Fulton County communities and their right to clean water. The coal company never had the chance to mine the site, in part because they never received a water pollution permit from the Illinois EPA. Prairie Rivers Network and our partners successfully challenged this permit. Thanks to the financial support of members like you and concerned citizens speaking up, we won—and clean water was protected! But the fight to stop the Bulldog coal mine is not over. While we have been successful in delaying and fighting this coal mine, Sunrise Coal continues to seek the necessary permits for the mine. That is why I am asking you for your financial support. We do not currently have any grants to fund our coal mine program. We rely on the generosity of our members to fund this important work.

Please support Prairie Rivers Network by becoming a first-time member, renewing your membership, or making an extra year-end donation today.

We could not achieve these successes without the support of our members. The money we raise now will allow us to operate at full strength next year. Thank you for your support and for caring about clean water and healthy rivers. Sincerely, Tyler Rotche Water Policy Specialist

 ]]> 18564 0 406 0 https://prairierivers.org/articles/2015/12/ding-dong-the-witch-is-dead/ Wed, 16 Dec 2015 23:33:16 +0000 http://prairierivers.org/?p=18615 Clean Water Rule saved from wicked attacks in Congress. Today marks a very important victory in our battle to save EPA’s Clean Water Rule from a phalanx in Congress intent on destroying the rule by any legislative-means necessary. Opponents in Congress failed three times to stop a rule that will provide critical protection to our nation’s most vulnerable streams and wetlands that in turn give life to our larger rivers. [caption id="attachment_18637" align="alignright" width="250"] Clean Water kills the Wicked Witch.[/caption] The attacks on the rule were relentless and you may say wicked, favoring polluters over the 1 in 3 Americans who get their drinking water from the streams protected by the Clean Water Rule. To develop this rule, EPA held over 400 meetings, reviewed more than 1200 peer-reviewed scientific studies and amended the proposed rule to address the many concerns of big agriculture. The agency received over one million comments on the rule, which it considered before issuing a final rule in May, 2015. None of this was enough for certain congressional delegates. First, a bill introduced by Senator John Barrasso would have blocked the Clean Water Rule AND narrowed the historical protections of the Clean Water Act itself. Immediately following the defeat of the Barrasso bill, both chambers of Congress introduced a Congressional Review Act (CRA) challenge. The CRA is an extreme, rarely used tool for blocking federal rules, and is generally used by incoming presidents to overturn rules of the outgoing administration. Although the CRA challenge passed both houses of Congress, proponents did not gain enough votes to override a presidential veto. Shamelessly, congressional opponents tried again with an anti-Clean Water Rule rider to the omnibus appropriations bills. And we defeated them again! We learned today that Congress agreed upon a spending bill that did not contain any riders attacking the Clean Water Rule. Hooray! Yet the war to protect America’s rivers and wetlands is far from over. As we wrote previously, the rule faces legal challenges in federal courts across the country, including the Sixth Circuit Court of Appeals, which is expected to rule shortly on whether it has jurisdiction to hear the case. But for now, let us take a moment to celebrate. We’ve worked tirelessly to defeat the many challenges thrown at us, and it is a true victory to have defeated them. THANK YOU!   The Congressional Witch is “really most sincerely dead!”  Sing it high, sing it low. ]]> 18615 0 405 0 https://prairierivers.org/articles/2015/12/2015-accomplishments/ Thu, 31 Dec 2015 13:00:49 +0000 http://prairierivers.org/?p=18290 Happy New Year As we look forward to a new year of protecting Illinois’ rivers and streams, we want to take time to thank our members for their support over the past year. Here are a few accomplishments from 2015 that were made possible because of our generous and committed members.

Defending the clean water act

The U.S. EPA finalized the long-awaited Clean Water Rule, which protects the nation’s smallest, most vulnerable streams and wetlands that give life to our larger river systems. We worked with many groups across the country to support EPA’s efforts to clarify clean water protections. We helped garner and amplify important voices like small businesses and farmers in support of the Clean Water Rule through our widely popular social media campaign: #4cleanwater. Our “Clean Water is Good for Business” video was featured on the U.S. EPA’s website, and we received national recognition for our campaign leadership and creative video and social media work. Because a federal court has placed a temporary hold on the rule, we continue to work hard to see that the rule is upheld.

Reducing Nitrogen & Phosphorus Pollution

Illinois finalized its plan for reducing the nitrogen and phosphorous pollution that clogs our waters with noxious algae, depletes oxygen, and contributes to the Gulf of Mexico dead zone. Prairie Rivers Network sits on the state’s policy committee to address nutrients and will work for aggressive reduction of this harmful pollution.

Saving Wetlands

Prairie Rivers Network is co-leading a campaign to stop a highly destructive Army Corps project that would devastate fish and wildlife on the Middle Mississippi River and put Illinois river towns at great risk of flooding. The New Madrid levee would destroy more than 50,000 acres of wetlands that provide vital spawning and breeding habitat for fish and wildlife. The campaign has gained support of key leaders like Senator Dick Durbin, and state floodplain experts.

Reducing THE THREAT OF Invasive Species

As part of an advisory group to Congress on Asian carp and other invasive species moving between the Great Lakes and Mississippi River, we are advocating for revitalization of the Chicago River as a necessary component of any invasive species solutions. We developed consensus recommendations for Congress to fund robust and aggressive programs to protect against Asian carp now, while we work on long-term solutions for dozens of other invasive species.

Protecting Wildlife Habitat

We successfully coordinated the Middle Illinois River Conservation Collaborative — bringing together conservation entities to acquire, restore, and protect floodplain habitats along the Illinois River. This effort led to the addition of 283 acres to The Wetlands Initiative’s Dixon Waterfowl Refuge, an acquisition that will restore upland habitats, protect a rare seep, and reduce agricultural pollution on the site.

FIGHTING bad river Management

Navigation practices and outdated infrastructure continue to degrade the health of our largest rivers. With a coalition of regional and national partners, we are advocating for small-scale, non-structural alternatives for navigation as preferable to new locks and dams. We object to costly and destructive navigation projects while promoting the importance of wetlands and green infrastructure for environmental protection and flood risk reduction.

 ACHIEVING STRONGER FEDERAL REGULATION OF COAL ASH

This April, the U.S. EPA finalized the first-ever regulations for the storage and disposal of toxic coal ash. Years of advocacy—including testifying, organizing, commenting, and, ultimately, bringing a lawsuit—finally forced the U.S. EPA to regulate coal ash dumping and closure requirements for these dumps.

WORKING FOR STRONGER ILLINOIS REGULATIONS OF COAL ASH

We are working to achieve strong state rules regarding the closure of coal ash dumps in Illinois. Strong state rules are needed to close several gaps left by the federal coal ash rules, and ensure that responsible clean-up and monitoring is required at all of the state’s polluting coal ash dumps.

Expanding Citizen Participation

Responding to calls for fairness and transparency, Illinois DNR is advancing proposed rules that will improve the ability of citizens to participate in coal mining permitting. Expect improved public access to important permit documents, earlier notice of mining plans, and an end to IDNR’s adversarial positions during permit hearings.

thwarting the Bulldog Mine

The proposed Bulldog coal mine in east-central Illinois originally planned to begin mining in January 2014. We worked with residents and advocates to highlight discrepancies and flaws in the mine’s permit applications, which prompted serious review and extensive questioning of the permits. As it stands, the Bulldog mine has not secured either of the permits it needs to begin mining.  ]]> 18290 0 402 0 https://prairierivers.org/articles/2015/12/18307-2/ Sat, 26 Dec 2015 11:00:17 +0000 http://prairierivers.org/?p=18307

DONATE NOW because the impact of clean water and healthy rivers is real and the importance of your gift is real too!    ]]> 18307 0 403 0 https://prairierivers.org/articles/2015/12/merry-christmas/ Thu, 24 Dec 2015 11:00:46 +0000 http://prairierivers.org/?p=18460 ]]> 18460 0 404 0 https://prairierivers.org/articles/2016/01/we-have-only-ourselves-the-army-corps-of-engineers-to-blame/ Thu, 07 Jan 2016 19:57:02 +0000 http://prairierivers.org/?p=18686 Poor river policies wreak havoc on river towns and fragile ecosystems by Kim Knowles Governor Bruce Rauner has declared 23 Illinois counties disaster areas due to flood damages. Widespread flooding has shut down businesses, closed roads, forced evacuations, and taken lives as intense winter precipitation caused the Missouri and Mississippi Rivers to flood towns in Missouri, Illinois, and other Mississippi River states. While winter flooding of this intensity is unusual, it is not surprising to experts studying trends in the Midwest. Recent studies have shown that the frequency of flooding in the Midwest has increased and is expected to further intensify (PDF) by mid-century. This is in part due to climate change and the predicted long-term changes in Midwestern weather patterns that show an increase in frequency and intensity of extreme precipitation. More storms are expected, and when they come, they are expected to dump more rain. [caption id="attachment_18688" align="aligncenter" width="614"] Photo credit: Washington Post[/caption] But the intensification of flooding is also due, in large part, to bad river management. First, according to Robert Criss, PhD of Washington University, who has studied major rivers for decades, both the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the Army Corps of Engineers (the Corps) are underestimating the risk of flooding by using outdated methods for assessing risk, and outdated flood maps. These agencies may be underestimating flood levels by as much as five feet. An increase in flood levels of this magnitude could cause catastrophic failure of flood protection systems. Second, much of the Mississippi River and its major tributaries are walled off from their natural floodplains. For instance, between Le Claire, Iowa and Alton, Illinois, 50% (nearly 300 river miles) of the Mississippi’s floodplain is behind federal levees. In the lower Illinois, at least 60% (160 miles) of the river’s floodplain is leveed. With so many levees, we’ve lost the myriad benefits provided by floodplains, including an immense capacity for absorbing flood waters, natural filtration of pollutants, aquifer recharge, and biologically rich habitat for fish, migrating birds, and countless other wild species. Although levees can provide local flood protection, the water has to go somewhere, and we’re often just pushing the problem downstream. Third, in addition to cutting off rivers from  floodplains, the Army Corps of Engineers has loaded the Mississippi River with thousands of river training structures, things like weirs, dikes, and chevrons that constrict the river so that it flows in a deeper and straighter channel for navigation purposes. This helps save money on dredging, but comes at a huge cost to both people and wildlife. There is ample evidence that river training structures increase flood heights by as much as 10 to 15 feet in the Middle Mississippi River*, and that they have destroyed fish and wildlife habitat.  According to the US Geological Survey, the Corps' management of the Upper Mississippi River is destroying critical river habitat, including backwaters, side channels, and wetlands. These losses have been particularly hard on endangered and threatened species like the least tern, the pallid sturgeon, and the Indiana bat. We need smarter river policies. With more extreme storm events coming, it’s clear we can’t simply engineer our way out of this mess. Will the latest catastrophes in the Midwest help us change? Let’s hope so-and work to ensure they will. More levees is not the answer. If we are to protect communities and restore the habitat we’ve lost, we need to let floodplains be floodplains. To that end, Prairie Rivers Network will be working with trusted partners on projects that reconnect rivers with their floodplains. Stay tuned.  

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*Pinter, N., A.A. Jemberie, J.W.F. Remo, R.A. Heine, and B.A. Ickes, 2010.  Empirical modeling of hydrologic response to river engineering, Mississippi and Lower Missouri Rivers.  River Research and Applications, 26: 546-571; Remo, J.W.F., N. Pinter, and R.A. Heine, 2009.  The use of retro- and scenario- modeling to assess effects of 100+ years river engineering and land cover change on Middle and Lower Mississippi River flood stages.  Journal of Hydrology, 376: 403-416. ]]> 18686 0 401 0 https://prairierivers.org/articles/2016/02/run-for-monarchs/ Wed, 17 Feb 2016 16:07:52 +0000 http://prairierivers.org/?p=18799

Be a part of Prairie Rivers Network's Miles for Monarchs and help raise money for critical wildlife habitat!

Walk or Run. It's easy. It's fun. It's important.

Monarchs go right through Illinois during their 3,000 mile annual migration. You only have to walk 3.1 miles to help us protect the habitat in Illinois that monarchs need! Clean water flowing through our rivers is essential to healthy wildlife habitat. At PRN, we continue to work to restore wildlife habitat along the Mississippi and Illinois rivers. Monarchs cannot survive without milkweed; their caterpillars only eat milkweed plants, and monarch butterflies need milkweed to lay their eggs. Unfortunately, we have lost almost all milkweed and native pollinator plants from the landscape due to urban sprawl and aggressive use of agricultural herbicides and insecticides. That is why Prairie Rivers Network is partnering with the National Wildlife Federation and the Illinois Department of Natural Resources to promote the planting of milkweed and other pollinator plants throughout Illinois. The North American Monarch Conservation Plan has a goal for 10 million acres of monarch habitat to be created or restored in the United States, and Illinois will be an important contributor. While butterflies may not be as efficient as bees in pollinating plants and crops, they are still important pollinators and are beautiful creatures that need our help. Join us in our Miles for Monarchs campaign to expand and protect habitat for Monarchs and other pollinators. We'll be running and walking in the 2016 Illinois Marathon sporting brightly colored Monarch t-shirts. You can help by sponsoring a Miles for Monarch team member or organizing a team of friends or colleagues to walk a few Miles for Monarchs during one of the Illinois Marathon races.

What is Miles for Monarchs?

Miles for Monarchs is a fundraiser for Prairie Rivers Network associated with the Illinois Marathon. You walk or run in one of the races at the Illinois Marathon and ask for donations from family and friends to sponsor your charity walk/run. Prairie Rivers Network has been protecting Illinois' environment for over 45 years and is a registered 501 (c) (3) in Illinois. Donations are tax deductible and 100% goes towards river and wildlife habitat conservation efforts in Illinois NOT to overhead for the race.

Benefits of walking/running for Prairie Rivers Network

• Guaranteed lowest race registration fee when you first sign up to be a fundraiser for Prairie Rivers Network
• Membership in Prairie Rivers Network
• Team t-shirt when you raise at least $150
• Prize awarded to biggest fundraiser
• Making a difference by supporting a great cause: clean water and wildlife habitat

How can you help?   Click here to make a donation right now! - or -   Join the fundraising team - the running/walking is the hard part, fundraising is easy: Click here to create your fundraising page. E-mail your family, friends, and co-workers to support you and monarch butterfly habitat! If you have already registered for your Illinois Marathon race, you are all done. If not, request a discount code from Vickie (vnudelman [at] prairierivers.org) and then register. Train for your race. Pat yourself on your back. You did something good for yourself and for the Monarch butterfly!

FAQ What if I don't want to fundraise? No problem. You can join the team by making a donation yourself. Is it hard to fundraise? No! Start out by asking for small donations from your family, friends, and co-workers. Ask your workplace to sponsor you or match donations raised. Post on your facebook page, be creative. You can do it! Don't worry about asking for money, people like to support someone they know and support a good cause. All you have to do is ask. What is the fundraising minimum? The goal is for every runner to raise at least $250, but it is not required. What happens if I do not reach the $250 goal? Nothing. You are not required to raise that amount. We hope you are motivated to help us protect Illinois rivers for today and for the future. What happens with the money I raise? When someone donates through your fundraising page, 100% of their tax deductible donation goes directly to Prairie Rivers Network, a registered 501 (c) 3 non-profit with a 45 year history of protecting our environment. Will donors get overrun with email and solicitations? No. Members of Prairie Rivers Network will receive:

• 1 or 2 emails per month containing our e-newsletter and important action alerts;
• 3 print newsletters per year;
• invitations to special events; and
• 1 or 2 letters per year saying how great they are for protecting our rivers and streams.

Can I get a refund if I already registered for the Illinois Marathon? No, unfortunately we are not able to get you a refund for the early bird rate. I have a question about running and/or training - Call or email Prairie Rivers Network's experienced marathoner Elliot Brinkman 217-344-2371 x202 or ebrinkman [at] prairierivers.org. I have questions about registration and/or fundraising page - Call or email Vickie Nudelman 217-344-2371 x200 or vnudelman [at] prairierivers.org  

Thank you business sponsors

GOLD $1,000+
Silver $500
BRONZE $250

 

Do you want to sponsor our team?

Prairie Rivers Network invites you to support clean water and healthy rivers by becoming a business member of Prairie Rivers Network. For more information, please view our Business Sponsor Form, or contact Vickie Nudelman at 217.344.2371 or vnudelman [at] prairierivers.org.

Previous Illinois Marathon fundraisers for PRN

2015 Run for Your Rivers

2014 Run for Your Rivers

2013 Run for Your Rivers

2012 Run for Your Rivers

]]> 18799 0 399 0 https://prairierivers.org/articles/2016/03/prairie-rivers-network-partners-score-legal-victory-for-clean-water/ Thu, 10 Mar 2016 16:16:47 +0000 http://prairierivers.org/?p=18877 Illinois Appellate Court Agrees MWRD Waste Water Permits are Illegal By Kim Knowles In a much-welcomed decision, the Illinois Appellate Court handed clean water advocates a victory by declaring that three very significant waste water permits do not comply with the Illinois Environmental Protection Act. The three permits under challenge were issued to the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago (MWRD) by the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency (IEPA) and those permits allowed MWRD to continue discharging high levels of the pollutant phosphorus to Illinois waters. Too much phosphorus in water can be very harmful to aquatic life and it can be very harmful to people. Phosphorus fuels the growth of algae. Too much algae and we get the green gunk-infested waters we’re all too familiar with in Illinois. It’s nasty and it stinks and no one wants to swim in it. And when it decomposes, it robs the water of oxygen, making life difficult for fish and other aquatic creatures that depend on it. Certain forms of algae can also be toxic, as we saw in Toledo when algal toxins shut down that city’s drinking water supply. A great many of Illinois’ rivers, lakes and streams are polluted by phosphorus and algae. MWRD discharges a lot of phosphorus to the Chicago Area Waterway System, which eventually flows to the Illinois River and then to the Mississippi River. Despite MWRD’s huge contribution to the phosphorus problem, the district has not been required, until most recently, to remove phosphorus from its discharge. Unfortunately, those recent requirements fell far short of protecting water quality, so we joined with Sierra Club, Environmental Law & Policy Center, Natural Resources Defense Council, Friends of the Chicago River and Gulf Restoration Network in a legal challenge of MWRD’s waste water discharge permits. And - we won! The Appellate Court has ordered Illinois to ensure that MWRD’s permits do not allow it to discharge levels of phosphorus that can cause harmful algal blooms. Procedurally, the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency will have to start over with MWRD’s permits and figure out what phosphorus permit limits will protect the Chicago Area Waterway System and downstream waters. While we expect some confusion and delay on the part of the agency, we are greatly heartened by the important legal precedent the Appellate Court has set. This decision sets the path to more protective waste water permits throughout the state.  Nice going!]]> 18877 0 398 0 https://prairierivers.org/articles/2016/04/university-of-illinois-votes-for-coal-divestment/ Fri, 08 Apr 2016 18:09:20 +0000 http://prairierivers.org/?p=18919 University of Illinois Academic Senate votes to divest from coal companies [caption id="attachment_18921" align="alignright" width="603"] photo credit: Wenyuan Chen, Daily Illini[/caption] This week, the University of Illinois Academic Senate (over 200 faculty and students) voted in overwhelming support of a resolution to divest from coal companies -- shifting the University's investments to socially responsible funds. The resolutions was pushed by Student Senators and the UIUC Beyond Coal campaign, which has organized since 2011 on this issue. This vote comes after two Illinois Student Senate resolutions pushing divestment (passed in 2012 and 2015) and a campus-wide referendum with 86% supporting divestment. UIUC Beyond Coal campaign members and Student Senators will be meeting with the campus treasury to ensure campus-level funds are switched as soon as possible.

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PRN staff member Tyler Rotche has been working with the UIUC Beyond Coal campaign since the divestment movement began in 2011. Here's his take on the significance of this victory: Since the UIUC Beyond Coal campaign began pushing for divestment in 2011, the fossil fuel divestment movement has grown from three university campaigns to a worldwide movement: 509 institutions have now committed to divest $3.4 trillion. The fossil fuel divestment movement has its origins in the Apartheid divestment movement of the 1970s and 80s: responding to the apartheid system that disenfranchised people of color in South Africa -- and inaction by the US government -- students pressured their universities to divest. The movement made stock in businesses that benefited from apartheid morally unacceptable and companies began to withdraw from South Africa. Investors gave visibility and legitimacy to the movement, opening space for strong political sanctions, and the South African government began to realize the damage of being isolated. Anti-apartheid activist and Nobel Peace Prize winner Archbishop Desmond Tutu has a similar analysis of fossil fuel divestment: "We cannot necessarily bankrupt the fossil fuel industry. But we can take steps to reduce its political clout, and hold those who rake in the profits accountable for cleaning up the mess." The divestment movement reflects diminishing investor confidence in an industry that has continued to collapse, shrinking nearly 90 percent from where it stood in April 2011. But more importantly, major institutional investors are sending a clear message that fossil fuel companies are no longer operating by ethical standards. At the University of Illinois, senators sent a clear message that the risks from coal mining, poorly-regulated self-bonding, and polluting coal ash sites need to be addressed. As coal companies propose transferring damages to taxpayers and community members who may have to clean up their mess, Universities and other major institutions are saying what our regulators aren't: "that is unacceptable." Read more in the Daily Illini.]]> 18919 0 396 0 https://prairierivers.org/articles/2016/05/miles-for-monarchs-raises-7000/ Tue, 10 May 2016 16:24:44 +0000 http://prairierivers.org/?p=18999

Thank you to our Miles for Monarchs Fundraising Team

Our team raised $7,000 and ran/walked, some of us in the rain, 125.4 miles in 23 hours, 30 minutes, and 36 seconds during the 2016 Illinois Marathon race weekend in April: Camp No Scouts Diza Baryshnikov Emil LeBauer Elliana Moore Theodore Nevins Kavi Patel Miles Sola (Amy Byrum Leader of these amazing 6-8 year olds)   First Presbyterian Church of Urbana Earth Care Team:

David Bullock Bob Burger Liz Greeley Dixie and Gary Jackson David Sherwood Case Sprenkle Linda Williams   And our individual fundraisers: Andrea Fain Jean Flemma Carol and Scott Hays Rob Kanter Nudelman Family Erin Slifer    

]]> 18999 0 395 0 https://prairierivers.org/articles/2016/06/wrda-we-want-healthy-rivers/ Fri, 17 Jun 2016 19:49:54 +0000 http://prairierivers.org/?p=19076 Floodwaters threaten a levee along the Mississippi River[/caption] Though it receives less scrutiny than other government actions, federal water policy has immense and lasting impacts on rivers and wildlife, as well as millions of Americans. And much of that policy is dictated by one piece of legislation--the Water Resources Development Act (WRDA). An update to this large and complex collection of “all-things-water” policies comes around every couple years, and gives the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers authority to address inland waterway navigation, flood protection, environmental restoration, and much, much more. Big, catch-all legislation like WRDA can be daunting to parse and interpret, but it also provides opportunities to make major strides toward healthy rivers. These opportunities are before us again, and as both houses of Congress work to develop, refine, and reconcile WRDA 2016, we have some simple requests that will result in healthier rivers in Illinois, and nationwide. Just because a bill is big and complicated, doesn’t mean our “asks” have to be. Here are some ways Congress can work to ensure healthier rivers and safer communities: Use low-impact, nature-based solutions to address river management issues. Where appropriate, Congress should require the Corps to consider less environmentally destructive (and often, less costly) approaches to address water resource issues. Low-impact and nature-based solutions can take many forms. For instance, the Corps could initiate barge scheduling to alleviate traffic issues, instead of building new locks. They could also consider levee setbacks to improve flood risk reduction, instead of building levees higher. Use up-to-date information to make decisions. Congress should require to the Corps to update operations plans for water resource projects every 10 years. Right now, the Corps operates much of its infrastructure using decades-old plans, which can harm fish and wildlife, and increase flood risk for communities. Updated operations can provide many benefits for fish, wildlife, and people. For example, the Corps can evaluate how to manage water levels behind locks and dams to improve the conditions of wetlands and other habitats for wildlife. Make water resource information readily available to the public. It’s a no-brainer that public projects should provide adequate public benefit. To ensure that Corps projects make sense economically, socially, and ecologically, it is important that outside experts and local stakeholders have the information they need to make informed assessments. Improve emergency flood recovery efforts. We want to make it easier for communities to consider and implement non-structural restoration measures like levee setbacks to reduce flood risk. When levees are damaged, instead of simply rushing to repair a levee that has already failed, the Corps should be required to evaluate non-structural measures that reduce flood risk. Avoid harming fish and wildlife by listening to the experts. The Corps should avoid and mitigate for projects that cause harm to fish and wildlife. Projects should be reviewed under the Fish and Wildlife Coordination Act, and the Corps should listen to agency experts about how to avoid damaging impacts. For instance, conservation agencies have said the wetland losses and environmental impacts of the New Madrid Levee Project--a proposal to sever one of the few remaining river-floodplain connections that exist in Missouri--would be impossible to mitigate. When agency experts come bearing grim news like this, we want the Corps to listen. Although WRDA may seem complicated, it’s important that Congress consider these common-sense solutions that support safer communities and healthier rivers.]]> 19076 0 393 0 https://prairierivers.org/uncategorized/2016/07/coal-beneficial-use/ Mon, 25 Jul 2016 19:09:30 +0000 https://prairierivers.org/?p=19216 Figure 1. Coal ash dumping site and it's relation to Pond Six.[/caption] In Vermilion County Illinois, an investigation is underway to determine if coal ash used to fill a ravine near Kickapoo State Park’s Pond 6 has contaminated the lake. Regardless of the conclusion of that investigation(1), the history of this coal ash dump reveals why the current regulations for beneficial use of coal ash are broken and need to be changed. Between 1995 and 2006, Bunge Milling Inc., under the guise of “beneficial use,” dumped over 350,000 tons of coal ash (approximately the weight of the Empire State Building) into a ravine in the residential neighborhood known as Gray’s Siding. Coal ash is the solid by-product that is left over after coal is burned for electricity – much like ash that is left after burning wood in a fire, except coal ash contains toxic materials like mercury, arsenic, selenium, cadmium and chromium. Coal ash is usually stored in designated impoundments or landfills, but Illinois EPA regulation allows for the "beneficial use" of coal ash in certain situations. In this case, it was to be used as structural fill. In February 1995, Bunge received a letter from Illinois EPA which approved Bunge’s request to use their coal combustion residue (CCR) for beneficial use instead of storing it as a solid waste.(2) The original plan was to use the coal ash to fill in the ravine just north of Grays Siding, and build a nightclub on the site. That nightclub was never built, but the ravine did get filled. Later, the justification was the construction of a small racetrack, and subsequently the siting of several other buildings. However, nothing was ever built and the site remains vacant to this day. If coal ash is ‘beneficially used’ as structural fill, but no structure is built, it is not being put to any use at all, let alone a beneficial one. [caption id="attachment_19184" align="aligncenter" width="553"] Figure 2. Comparison of the Bunge coal ash dump site. Featured left is the site in the 1940s before any dumping with an overlay of the future project area. Right is present day.[/caption] Coal ash that does not meet the stipulations for beneficial use is considered open dumping of waste. This would imply severe consequences for Bunge Milling Inc., as open dumping of waste can necessitate removal. This view is corroborated by a 2005 Illinois EPA inspection report(3). On February 9, 2005 Richard Gerard from the Illinois EPA Bureau of Land met with Loren Polak, Director of Environmental Management at Bunge. Gerard's report of the meeting indicates the following (emphasis added):

“The primary purpose of the meeting was to discuss what would have to be done at this site to meet the conditions of Section 3.135… Mr Polak stated that Bunge plans to grade the side slopes to 3:1 and cover the flyash with 12 inches of soil… I pointed out that other conditions also have to be met, as this was to be structural fill; a building was to be built on top of the fill; this was the primary purpose of filling the ravine… I pointed out that if a suitable structure was not built on top of the fill, or if the structure only occupied a small percentage of the filled area, then the conditions of Section 3.135 would not have been met and the flyash would then be considered a waste that was open dumped, necessitating possible removal.”

However, the Illinois EPA has not stood by this interpretation. According to a 2014 Illinois EPA Inspection Report(4), ‘structural fill’ was later re-interpreted as “fill that is structured.” This is an absurdly broad definition that sets a disturbing precedent; coal ash can be dumped anywhere as ‘structural fill’ even if no structure is ever built, even if no benefit is identified. What is to stop companies from simply depositing structured ash anywhere as a beneficial use? Are all ravines just coal ash dumps waiting to be filled? Regardless of the interpretation of “structural fill”, there appears to be no benefit of this “beneficial use.” Filling a ravine is not a beneficial use. The regulations still require an intended use , but the proposed structures were never built. The current justification seems to be that it serves as a land bridge, but if that is the case, this bridge is over 500 foot wide. For context, the Golden Gate bridge is only 90 feet wide. This is a coal ash dump, not a bridge, and there are nothing but flimsy excuses justifying the beneficial side of this use. [caption id="attachment_19161" align="aligncenter" width="553"] Figure 3. Man climbs 50 foot tall mountain of coal ash dumped for "beneficial use". The view is facing east. Image taken before the site was covered with 12 inches of soil. Source: Illinois EPA Inspection Reports[/caption] Despite having never met the original interpretation of beneficial use, in 2012 the Illinois EPA approved a closure plan that treated the waste as a beneficial use. The coal ash was covered with 12 inches of soil and the surface was engineered to facilitate drainage, as required in the beneficial use regulations. The solution is not as simple as building a structure on-site. Even if a structure was built on the site, Bunge would be in violation of the terms of their beneficial use designation letter. In the 1995 letter which gave Bunge approval to beneficially use the ash, the approval was subject to a number of conditions which stipulated that “The use does not allow the coal combustion residue or any constituent thereof to be emitted into the air or discharged into any water, including groundwater.” The letter goes on to state that “Any material not used as described above, is waste, subject to the regulations, as they apply.” In the course of 10 years of dumping at the site, and the following 10 years it was all left uncovered, Bunge failed to protect the water and air. The site was uncovered for over 20 years, potentially exposing the neighborhood of Grays Siding and the waters of Pond 6 to continuous airborne ash exposure. Regulations require that the ash be covered in order to mitigate water infiltration, but without any specification about when they need to cover the ash, it was allowed to remain uncovered for two decades.  Groundwater monitoring has indicated that the groundwater may have been impacted by the unlined and uncovered storage of coal ash, although the records are contentious(5). The 2014 Inspection Report casts doubt on the thoroughness of the groundwater studies. We are waiting on results of a recent sampling at Pond 6 to see if it was impacted by the ash. [caption id="attachment_19204" align="aligncenter" width="553"] Figure 4. Image of the site before it was covered with a layer of top soil. Coal ash sat exposed like this for years, with clear erosion on the west bank and potential for airborne particles. The date of the image is uncertain.[/caption] The story of Bunge and Pond 6 reveals the incredible gaps in the beneficial use regulation in Illinois. This site has been hastily justified to be anything but a coal ash dump, but it appears to a coal ash dump. Somehow, the Illinois EPA has accepted "fill that is structured" as a permissible definition of beneficial use. If this site is acceptable, it demonstrates the minimal to non-existent protections offered by the current beneficial use rules. Illinois' beneficial use rules allow dumping of coal ash waste into unlined sites without a clearly defined beneficial use. The rules have failed to protect Pond 6, a locally precious fishing resource, and the neighborhood of Grays Siding from over 20 years of fugitive dust blowing from the site. The rules failed to protect the groundwater in the area, which has had measurable contamination, and is the water source for residents of Grays Siding. And ultimately, Illinois EPA changed their operating definition of ‘structural fill’ to the benefit of polluters. This “beneficial use” site continues to pollute the groundwater and threaten Pond 6, even today.  We need new, stronger rules on beneficial use in Illinois. And we need them 20 years ago. [caption id="attachment_19207" align="aligncenter" width="553"] Figure 5. A topographical map reveals how dramatically the ravine filling has altered the landscape. The teal-colored “bridge” of coal ash crosses the yellow-colored ravine, indicating over 50ft of ash has been dumped here. Remnants of the filled portion of the ravine remain to the southeast of the approximate dumping region.[/caption]

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References

1. Testing at Pond 6 - News Gazette
2. Beneficial Use Letter
3. 2005 Illinois EPA Inspection Report
4. 2014 Illinois EPA Inspection Report
5. Discussion of groundwater samples

]]> July 25, 2016 | Blog Post An investigation to determine if coal ash used near Kickapoo State Park has contaminated a lake reveals why the current regulations for beneficial use of coal ash are broken and need to be changed.]]> 19216 0 391 0 https://prairierivers.org/uncategorized/2016/07/wildlife-act-petition/ Mon, 25 Jul 2016 19:12:30 +0000 https://prairierivers.org/?p=19219 Today we face a new conservation crisis as emerging diseases, invasive species, and extreme weather threaten wildlife at a scale inconceivable just a few decades ago. Thousands of species of birds, mammals, fish, frogs, turtles, butterflies, and plants are slipping through the cracks. America has a proud history of bringing wildlife back from the brink. A century ago, prized game species like elk, geese, wood ducks, pronghorns, black bears, and striped bass were at extreme risk—now they are thriving. In June the bipartisan Recovering America’s Wildlife Act of 2016 was introduced in the U.S. House; if passed, it would send as much as $1.3 billion annually from existing energy and mineral leases on federal lands and waters to the Wildlife Conservation and Restoration Program. This funding will allow us to conserve the thousands of species at greatest risk. We have a responsibility to pass on healthy fish and wildlife populations to future generations.

You can help right now.

Tell your Senator and Congressperson to support the Recovering America’s Wildlife Act (HR 5650).

Take Action Now - Sign the Petition

 ]]> 19219 0 390 0 https://prairierivers.org/uncategorized/2016/07/annual-dinner-october-21st/ Mon, 25 Jul 2016 19:13:21 +0000 https://prairierivers.org/?p=19223

Join river enthusiasts and Prairie Rivers Network's staff and board members for good conversation, food, and fun at our Annual Dinner as we celebrate our rivers and streams. Where: I Hotel and Conference Center, 1900 S. First Street, Champaign, IL 61820 When: Friday, October 21, 2016

Reception – 6:00 pm (art themed silent auction)

Dinner – 7:30 pm

After-party at Houlihan's

Price: $50 per person or $400 for a table of 10 Keynote Speaker: George Hawkins, General Manager and Chief Executive Officer of DC Water

Not only does Mr. Hawkins provide clean water to the residents of our nation’s capitol, he is also one of the nation’s best communicators on the future of water and how we will meet the needs of a growing population, delivering clean, safe, and reliable water to all Americans. This is something we’ve been thinking about a lot in the wake of the lead crisis in Flint, Michigan and as we confront the reality of aging and inadequate water infrastructure around the country.

A few of us at Prairie Rivers Network heard Mr. Hawkins speak in D.C. recently and we immediately wanted to bring his message to you, our members and friends. If you can speak with as much passion about water infrastructure as Mr. Hawkins does, you deserve to be heard!

George Hawkins serves as Chief Executive Officer of DC Water. Mr. Hawkins is transforming DC Water into an innovative, customer-oriented enterprise. DC Water is implementing the $2.6 billion Clean Rivers Project to nearly eliminate combined sewer overflows, investing $950 million to reduce nutrient pollution to the Chesapeake Bay, and finishing a $470 million waste-to-energy program to produce a marketable nutrient-rich soil amendment and generate 13 megawatts of green power. George has also tripled the program to replace water infrastructure.

DC Water has been the recipient of almost every major award in the industry, including most recently, the 2016 US Water Prize for its resource recovery efforts.

DC Water is also driving a robust innovations program focused on customer engagement, vibrant social media, research and development, and product development and licensing. George has also launched DC Water Works – a program to encourage local workforce hiring.

George has held executive positions in state and municipal government, environmental and community groups, US EPA and private law practice.  Mr. Hawkins has received many awards for his public service, including the 2014 Public Official of the Year Award from Governing Magazine, and Business Leader and Public Leader Awards from the DC Chamber of Commerce and DC Business and Industry Association.  Mr. Hawkins graduated from Princeton University and Harvard Law School, and currently teaches Environmental Law and Policy at Princeton University.

RSVP by Oct 12th: Click here to register now. Dinner Choices:

1. Fish - Broiled Great Lakes Whitefish Provencal, Herb Scented Tomato Cous Cous, Local Seasonal Vegetable
2. Chicken - Roasted Local Chicken Breast with Natural Jus Emulsion, Herb Scented Tomato Cous Cous, Local Seasonal Vegetable
3. Vegetarian - Roasted Vegetable Ravioli with Herbed Cream Sauce & Julienne Seasonal Vegetables

Dress Requirement? No. There is no dress requirement, however, most attendees dress in business or evening informal.

Business Sponsors

Prairie Rivers Network thanks all for our business sponsors for their donations and helping to make our community a better place to live.

Platinum $5,000+

  [one_half] [/one_half] [one_half_last][/one_half_last]

Gold $1,000+

  [one_half][/one_half] [one_half_last][/one_half_last] [one_half][/one_half] [one_half_last][/one_half_last] [one_half][/one_half] [one_half_last] [/one_half_last]  

Silver $500

  [one_half][/one_half] [one_half_last][/one_half_last] [one_half] [/one_half] [one_half_last] [/one_half_last]  

Bronze $250

  [one_half] [/one_half] [one_half_last] [/one_half_last]

Adickes Creative Services

Silent Auction Donors

Karen Carney

Beth Engelbrecht-Wiggans

Deborah Fell Art Quilts

Carol Hays

Rob Kanter

Krannert Center for the Performing Arts

Chris Main Photography

John Marlin

Jean and Durango Mendoza

Neutral Cycle

Derek Pankau

Della Perrone

Beverly Rauchfuss

Salt Fork River Runners

Tom Smith

The Station Theatre

The Upper Bout

Carol Wock

 

Would you like to sponsor Prairie Rivers Network?

Prairie Rivers Network invites you to support clean water and healthy rivers by becoming a business member of Prairie Rivers Network. Business sponsors can be recognized at our Annual Dinner and Illinois Marathon - Run/Walk for Clean Water - charity running team. For more information, please view our Business Sponsor Form, or contact Vickie Nudelman at 217.344.2371 or vnudelman [at] prairierivers.org.

]]> 19223 0 389 0 https://prairierivers.org/uncategorized/2016/09/national-park-service-encourages-removal-dynegys-coal-ash-vermilion-river-floodplain/ Sat, 03 Sep 2016 21:45:53 +0000 https://prairierivers.org/?p=27414 Figure 1. Facing south, the Middle Fork flows past the grass covered earthen dams of the New East Ash Pond. Where the river and impoundment meet in the center of the image, behind the trees, is now the site of alarming erosion and the approved stabilization project.[/caption] The Middle Fork of the Vermilion River, one of Vermilion County’s beautiful and best natural resources, is under constant threat from coal ash. Dynegy’s enormous coal ash ponds sit perched on the banks of the Middle Fork of the Vermilion River, Illinois’s only National Scenic River. The National Park Service, steward of the National Scenic Rivers, is calling for Dynegy’s coal ash to be removed from the floodplain in a letter to the Corps. The letter states:

"The NPS has expressed concern about the current location of the fly ash disposal ponds, within the active meander pattern of the River, as well as the potential detrimental effects of pond discharges to the water quality value of the River. The location of the fly ash disposal ponds is not consistent with the purpose of the River and the removal of the ash ponds as well as associated embankments, streamside pump house, and non-operational infrastructure that remains within the river corridor would protect and enhance the River and its values."

Dynegy, a Texas based energy producer, owns and operates the Vermilion Power Station, which produced the 3.3 million cubic yards of coal ash that is stored along the banks of the Middle Fork. The plant closed in 2011, but the ash remains in the floodplain. Coal ash is the solid by-product that is left over after coal is burned for electricity – much like ash that is left after burning wood in a fire, except coal ash contains toxic materials like mercury, arsenic, selenium, cadmium and chromium. In the past decade, concern over coal ash and its storage has increased immensely. The threat of coal ash storage was brought to national focus in 2008 when a massive coal ash impoundment failed at the Kingston Fossil Plant in Tennessee and released a billion gallons of coal ash into nearby rivers and homes. Dynegy’s coal ash is stored in three large ponds perched along the banks of the river (see Figure 2). The newest of those ponds, the New East Ash Pond, was constructed in 1989 and expanded towards the river in 2002. The river is rapidly eroding the bank to the east of the pond, threatening to destabilize the impoundment and spill ash into the river. [caption id="attachment_27434" align="aligncenter" width="600"] Figure 2. The Middle Fork of the Vermilion River flows past three large coal ash impoundments at Dynegy's Vermilion Power Station. Over 3 million cubic yards of coal ash are stored here. In many places, the impoundments are the bank of the river.[/caption] Due to the National Scenic River designation, Dynegy needs the approval of the National Park Service to build within the waterway of the river. Dynegy has been applying to construct bank armoring along the bank of the New East Ash Pond since 2009, but has until now refused to propose a design that would protect the scenic value of the river. Even the current design will impact the scenic value of the river, but continued rapid erosion would be much worse, so the design was approved. This bank stabilization project, while necessary, represents another band-aid solution that Dynegy is trying to apply in lieu of taking responsibility for these ponds. The National Park Service considers this project to be a temporary solution:

“In the absence of the immediate removal of the fly ash ponds, the re-establishment of the bank and associated armoring is necessary as a temporary practice for the protection of the River and its values, until such time the ponds are removed.”

Erosion isn't the only way this coal ash threatens the Middle Fork. The coal ash in the impoundments is saturated with groundwater, and that groundwater seeps into the Middle Fork, carrying the contaminants found in coal ash. The effect of this seeping is visible in the orange staining on the banks of the river. Dynegy claims orange staining are all along the Vermilion River, not just at Dynegy's site, but anyone who has actually paddled the Middle Fork knows that to be untrue. [caption id="attachment_27422" align="aligncenter" width="600"] Figure 3. Seeps from the coal ash impoundments cause orange streaks on the banks of the Middle Fork. The orange discoloration is from iron, which is found in elevated concentrations in coal ash seeps. Photo courtesy of Ecojustice Collaborative.[/caption] The Illinois EPA should follow the National Park Service's direction and call for the removal of the coal ash at this site. Unlike the National Park Service, the Illinois EPA has the authority to require Dynegy to remove the ash. It's time that Illinois EPA owned up to the reality that the only safe solution for this site is to move the ash to higher ground. All three of these coal ash ponds are positioned very dangerously within the path of this actively meandering river. The Middle Fork has nowhere else to go but into the impoundments. High resolution elevation data (shown in Figure 4) shows that the river is wedged between high bluffs to the east and the ponds to the west, and its general trajectory is westward. River armoring is a band-aid solution. The armoring will eventually fail, and Dynegy won't be here forever to keep replacing it. If Dynegy doesn't remove the coal ash at this site, one day it will be the tax payers who have to bear the burden of the cost this coal ash. For more information, see Dynegy's Coal Ash Problem. [caption id="attachment_27424" align="aligncenter" width="620"] Figure 4. This elevation map cuts through the trees to reveal the underlying land surface. Seen this way, it’s clear that the river is stuck between the bluffs on the east and the impoundments on the west. Over the years, the general trend has been for this river to move westward, and the river is currently eroding into the impoundments in numerous locations.[/caption]]]> 27414 0 385 0 https://prairierivers.org/uncategorized/2016/09/summit-addresses-need-illinois-monarch-butterfly-plan/ Tue, 20 Sep 2016 17:15:18 +0000 https://prairierivers.org/?p=27457 chays@prairierivers.org, 217.778.2919 Statewide Summit Addresses Need for Illinois Monarch Butterfly Plan --Springfield, IL Each autumn, eastern monarch butterflies return to Illinois, dotting harvest-ready fields and cornflower blue skies with their iconic, graceful orange and black as they make their long journey back to their winter home in Mexico. Over the past decade, monarchs have become a much rarer sight in Illinois and across the Midwest as eastern monarch populations have plummeted by as much as 80% by some counts. Monarch butterflies rely on various species of milkweed during their 3000 mile migration each year from Mexico across the Midwestern U.S. to Canada, reproducing in multiple generations before a final generation makes its way back south to overwinter in Mexico and begin the cycle anew.  Milkweed and other native flowers that monarchs need to sustain their populations are in decline due to habitat fragmentation and aggressive weeding. Illinois and the other states in the monarch’s Midwestern flyway are working to develop a regional strategy to expand milkweed and native flowering plants that monarchs need to survive. “Illinois is a hot spot for monarch habitat,” says Ann Marie Holtrop, Acting Director of the Illinois Department of Natural Resources’ Department of Natural Heritage. “Our state is centrally located in the monarch migration path and provides important breeding and feeding habitat for migrating monarchs as they make their way north in the spring and south in the fall,” says Holtrop. The Illinois Department of Natural Resources, in partnership with Prairie Rivers Network and the University of Illinois at Chicago, co-hosted a Statewide Monarch Summit last week that brought together state and federal agencies; organizations representing agriculture, conservation lands, urban areas, research and education; and rights of way owners and managers to explore ways to collaborate to expand monarch habitat across Illinois. Carol Hays, Executive Director of Prairie Rivers Network, Illinois’ affiliate of the National Wildlife Federation, presented results of a survey conducted last spring to identify the types of monarch conservation activities that are being implemented across the state. “We already have a great start to build from,” said Hays, “but we all need to work together if we are to save the monarch.” Recently the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service announced that it will be assessing the status of the eastern monarch butterfly for endangered species protection under the Endangered Species Act. The Service is currently gathering information to determine whether the monarch needs protection under the ESA. Illinois is one of many states in the Midwest that intends to develop a conservation strategy for the Monarch Butterfly that could be considered by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service in lieu of listing. During this time, conservation efforts are also underway to help provide food and habitat for monarchs across the landscape. In order to be considered by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, IDNR must submit Illinois’ monarch conservation strategy by early summer of 2018. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has indicated that they will issue a listing decision by June 2019. Illinois farmland and rural areas provide important opportunities for monarch habitat. Recent research by the Field Museum also points to many habitat opportunity areas that can be found in open spaces throughout Chicago and other urbanized areas. Another target for monarch habitat are the rights-of-way along highways, county roads, utility lines, and railroads. “Rights-of-way connect all sorts of landscapes that provide valuable monarch butterfly habitat. In addition, the rights-of-way themselves can be managed as habitat, particularly in areas where the adjacent lands are less favorable,“ says Iris Caldwell of the University of Illinois at Chicago who facilitates the Rights-of-Way as Habitat Working Group. “Preserving the monarch butterfly is the conservation movement of our generation,” says Hays. “The monarch is our state insect and protecting it by planting milkweed and other food sources is something everyone young and old across the state can get involved in.” One new way to get involved in monarch protection is to purchase a monarch license plate sticker, from the Illinois Secretary of State. Two thousand of the specialty tag stickers must be sold, however, before they will be printed and made available. To stay informed about the state’s monarch initiative, visit https://www.dnr.illinois.gov/conservation/NaturalHeritage/Pages/MonarchButterflySummit.aspx]]> 27457 0 384 0 https://prairierivers.org/articles/2016/09/solidarity-with-nodapl/ Mon, 19 Sep 2016 19:09:34 +0000 https://prairierivers.org/?p=27465 Prairie Rivers Network appreciates being invited to speak at the Native-organized Solidarity with Standing Rock Protectors in Champaign-Urbana! event held last Friday. The event had great turn-out and was inspiring. For those who missed it, here is a transcript of our statements at the event: "Prairie Rivers Network is Illinois’ advocate for clean water and healthy rivers. We champion clean, healthy rivers and lakes and safe drinking water to benefit the people and wildlife of Illinois.

Pipelines burst every day. A wall street journal investigation found 1400 pipeline spills in just 4 years, and four out of every five of these spills were discovered by local residents - not the pipeline operators. The burden falls on the people who live on the land. In Illinois alone, the Dakota Access Pipeline will cross the Mississippi, the Illinois River, and the Kaskaskia River. However, the pipeline doesn’t just cross big rivers. Apple Creek, Macoupin Creek, Mauvaise Terre Creek, Sandy Creek, Shoal Creek, Hurricane Creek, Flour Creek, Walnut Creek, Otter Creek, Brea Creek, Cedar Creek...the list goes on. Each of these, any of these, is threatened by this pipeline. The pipeline would be just upstream of at least 5 community water supply lakes and at least 5 community water supply river intakes. So we’re gambling with the drinking water of the people of Illinois. The Dakota Access Pipeline also represents a national commitment to the fossil fuels, making climate goals harder to achieve. It will prop up an industry that damages our waters and lands, and kills our wildlife. Prairie Rivers Network stands in solidarity with the Standing Rock people and people everywhere who want to protect their water, land and wildlife from oil pollution." #noDAPL https://NoDAPLsolidarity.org/ The Dakota Access Pipeline Project explained: http://inhabitat.com/what-is-the-dakota-access-pipeline-project-we-explain/

]]> 27465 0 386 0 https://prairierivers.org/articles/2016/10/prairie-rivers-network-2016-award-winners/ Tue, 18 Oct 2016 19:17:38 +0000 https://prairierivers.org/?p=27569 Prairie Rivers Network (PRN) will honor Bruce Colravy, Steve Stierwalt, and a group of dedicated citizens from Southern Illinois for their work in protecting and promoting the health of Illinois rivers and wildlife at its Annual Dinner on Friday, October 21. The event will be held at the I Hotel and Conference Center, 1900 S First Street in Champaign, IL. [caption id="attachment_27575" align="alignright" width="347"] Bruce Colravy[/caption] Bruce Colravy of Mahomet, IL will receive the River Steward award for his dedication to protecting and promoting the Sangamon River in Central Illinois through his work as co-founder and President of the Upper Sangamon River Conservancy (USRC). Each year, Bruce organizes many activities on the Sangamon, leading citizen science RiverWatch surveys, mussel surveys, clean-up efforts, float trips, and more. Bruce has been a integral part of attempts to create land and water trails through Mahomet and along the Sangamon River. The USRC is one of the most active watershed groups in the state of Illinois, attracting new members each year in the Champaign County area, while also intentionally including students from the University of Illinois. [caption id="attachment_27571" align="alignleft" width="140"] Steve Stierwalt[/caption] Steve Stierwalt of Sadorus, Illinois will receive the Outstanding Public Servant award for his work as Chairman of the Champaign County Soil and Water Conservation District (SWCD). Under Steve’s leadership, the Champaign County SWCD is playing a key role in advancing practices that preserve soil and protect water quality. Steve was recently elected President of the Association of Illinois Soil and Water Conservation Districts on a platform aimed at providing more effective and broad-reaching technical assistance to meet the changing needs of farmers and help them steward land and water. This year’s Volunteer of the Year award will be presented to a group of outstanding individuals who together have been instrumental in helping Prairie Rivers Network challenge a highly destructive levee project on the Mississippi River. The award will go to Mayor Tyrone Coleman of Cairo, IL; Richard Grigsby of Mounds, IL; Sarita Sawyer of Mounds, IL; Monica Smith of Cairo, IL; Lindell Warren of Olive Branch, IL; and David Willis of Olive Branch, IL for their work in opposing a project that would destroy invaluable wetlands and put their communities at risk of catastrophic flooding. The group offered their images and stories for use in a PRN video series, made personal appeals to lawmakers, travelled to Washington, D.C. to meet with federal agencies and senators, wrote letters to the editor and opinion pieces, and recruited others like the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) and local mayors to call for an end to the project. Their voices were instrumental in raising awareness of the potential devastation of this project with key decision makers.  [caption id="attachment_27572" align="aligncenter" width="448"] #StopTheLevee Volunteers in Washington, D.C.[/caption] The evening’s keynote speaker will be George Hawkins, General Manager and Chief Executive Officer of DC Water. Not only does Mr. Hawkins provide clean water to the residents of our nation’s capitol, he is also one of the nation’s best communicators on the future of water and how we will meet the needs of a growing population, delivering clean, safe, and reliable water to all Americans. DC Water has been the recipient of almost every major award in the industry, including most recently, the 2016 US Water Prize for its resource recovery efforts. The reception begins at 6:00 pm. Dinner follows at 7:30 pm. Price: $50 per person or $400 for a table of 10. Reservations are required. For more information go to www.prairierivers.org/dinner or by call 217-344-2371 x. 200]]> 27569 0 383 0 https://prairierivers.org/uncategorized/2016/10/annual-dinner-2016-round/ Sat, 22 Oct 2016 13:00:29 +0000 https://prairierivers.org/?p=27657 The Prairie Rivers Network staff and board of directors had a wonderful evening visiting with our members and friends at our Annual Dinner on October 21, 2016

Pictures from the Annual Dinner

[fsg_gallery id="5"] View more, full size photos at our Flickr site…

Congratulations to our 2016 Award Winners

Each year, we celebrate outstanding river conservationists. [caption id="attachment_27731" align="alignright" width="300"] Executive Director Carol Hays with 2016 River Steward[/caption]

River Steward - Bruce Colravy

Bruce Colravy of Mahomet, IL received the River Steward award for his dedication to protecting and promoting the Sangamon River in Central Illinois through his work as co-founder and President of the Upper Sangamon River Conservancy (USRC). Each year, Bruce organizes many activities on the Sangamon, leading citizen science RiverWatch surveys, mussel surveys, clean-up efforts, float trips, and more. Bruce has led efforts to create land and water trails through Mahomet and along the Sangamon River. The USRC is one of the most active watershed groups in the state of Illinois, attracting new members each year in the Champaign County area, and intentionally targeting students from the University of Illinois to be future river stewards and champions.

Outstanding Pubic Servant - Steve Stierwalt

[caption id="attachment_27730" align="alignleft" width="300"] 2016 Outstanding Public Servant with Carol Hays[/caption] Steve Stierwalt of Sadorus, Illinois received the Outstanding Public Servant award for his work as Chairman of the Champaign County Soil and Water Conservation District (SWCD). Under Steve’s leadership, the Champaign County SWCD is playing a key role in advancing practices that preserve soil and protect water quality. Steve was recently elected President of the Association of Illinois Soil and Water Conservation Districts on a platform aimed at providing more effective and broad-reaching technical assistance to meet the changing needs of farmers and help them steward land and water. [caption id="attachment_27732" align="alignright" width="300"] Volunteers of the Year with Kim Knowles and Carol Hays[/caption]

Volunteer of the Year - Mayor Tyrone Coleman, Richard Grigsby, Sarita Sawyer, Monica Smith, Lindell Warren, and David Willis

This year’s Volunteer of the Year award was presented to a group of outstanding individuals who together have been instrumental in helping Prairie Rivers Network challenge a highly destructive levee project on the Mississippi River. The awardees included Mayor Tyrone Coleman of Cairo, IL; Richard Grigsby of Mounds, IL; Sarita Sawyer of Mounds, IL; Monica Smith of Cairo, IL; Lindell Warren of Olive Branch, IL; and David Willis of Olive Branch, IL for their work in opposing a project that would destroy invaluable wetlands and put their communities at risk of catastrophic flooding. The group offered their images and stories for use in a PRN video series, made personal appeals to lawmakers, travelled to Washington, D.C. to meet with federal agencies and senators, wrote letters to the editor and opinion pieces, and recruited others like the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People and local mayors to call for an end to the project. Their voices were instrumental in raising awareness of the potential devastation of this project with key decision makers.

Keynote Speaker - George Hawkins

The evening’s keynote speaker was George Hawkins, General Manager and Chief Executive Officer of DC Water. Not only does Mr. Hawkins provide clean water to the residents of our nation’s capitol, he is also one of the nation’s best communicators on the future of water and how we can meet the needs of a growing population, delivering clean, safe, and reliable water to all Americans. We were very pleased to bring such a powerful storyteller to our friends at the Dinner. George passionately described the great strides that we’ve made in cleaning up America’s waters since the passage of the Clean Water Act. We’ve gone from rivers that caught fire to rivers that support a renewed abundance of fish and wildlife. But he also urged us to recognize the urgent need to develop and deploy new tools and methods if we are to keep improving our water quality. We keep attempting to replicate past successes, while not devoting enough resources to emerging threats. Too often we turn to urban areas and municipalities and ask financially struggling citizens to bear the substantial costs of marginal improvements in water quality from treatment plants. Meanwhile, unregulated pollution is pouring into our waters from agricultural runoff and rural areas. George described how we must turn our eyes to the next chapter of water quality improvements and explained how community-focused organizations like Prairie Rivers Network are right at the forefront of that battle, and in the best position to deliver future successes.

Business Sponsors

Prairie Rivers Network thanks all for our business sponsors for their donations and helping to make our community a better place to live.

Platinum $5,000+

  [one_half] [/one_half] [one_half_last][/one_half_last]

Gold $1,000+

  [one_half][/one_half] [one_half_last][/one_half_last] [one_half][/one_half] [one_half_last][/one_half_last] [one_half][/one_half] [one_half_last] [/one_half_last]  

Silver $500

  [one_half][/one_half] [one_half_last][/one_half_last] [one_half] [/one_half] [one_half_last] [/one_half_last]  

Bronze $250

  [one_half] [/one_half] [one_half_last] [/one_half_last]

Adickes Creative Services

Silent Auction Donors

Karen Carney

Beth Engelbrecht-Wiggans

Deborah Fell Art Quilts

Carol Hays

Rob Kanter

Krannert Center for the Performing Arts

Chris Main Photography

John Marlin

Jean and Durango Mendoza

Neutral Cycle

Derek Pankau

Della Perrone

Beverly Rauchfuss

Salt Fork River Runners

Tom Smith

The Station Theatre

The Upper Bout

Carol Wock

 

Would you like to sponsor Prairie Rivers Network?

Prairie Rivers Network invites you to support clean water and healthy rivers by becoming a business member of Prairie Rivers Network. Business sponsors can be recognized at our Annual Dinner and Illinois Marathon - Run/Walk for Clean Water - charity running team. For more information, please view our Business Sponsor Form, or contact Vickie Nudelman at 217.344.2371 or vnudelman [at] prairierivers.org.

]]> 27657 0 382 0 https://prairierivers.org/news/2016/11/drinking-water-illinois-dakota-access-pipeline/ Mon, 21 Nov 2016 15:10:49 +0000 https://prairierivers.org/?p=27665 Figure 1. The Dakota Access Pipeline and Illinois' many large and small rivers.[/caption] We’re gambling with the drinking water of the people of Illinois. The Dakota Access Pipeline is a partially constructed pipeline, over a thousand miles long and two and a half foot wide, that would carry crude oil from North Dakota to Illinois. In North Dakota, protests of the pipeline by members of the Standing Rock Sioux tribe, and those who stand with the tribe, have garnered national attention. Pipelines burst every day. A Wall Street Journal investigation found 1400 pipeline spills nationally in just 4 years between 2010 and 2013. That is essentially one a day. They're common enough that you can find a running list of major pipeline spills in the US on Wikipedia. According to the WSJ investigation, four out of every five of these spills were discovered by local residents - not the pipeline operators. The burden of detection falls on the people who live on the land, who often wake up to disaster on their property. Prairie Rivers Network has completed an analysis comparing the pipeline’s path to the Illinois EPA designated community water supply lakes and river intakes. We found that the pipeline puts the water supply of 27,382 people at risk in Illinois (see maps below). The towns threatened by the pipeline include Carlinville, Carlyle, Greenville, Hamilton, Modesto, Nauvoo, Patoka, Palmyra, Sorento, Warsaw and the communities with which these towns share their water supply. Should the pipe burst, these water supplies could be damaged. [caption id="attachment_27690" align="aligncenter" width="500"] Figure 2. Water supplies at risk were identified using this map. The number of people served by each water supply was determined using Illinois EPA's Source Water Assessment and Protection Program fact sheet.[/caption] Over 180 miles of this pipeline are in Illinois. The Dakota access pipeline will cross many of Illinois' major rivers like the Mississippi River, the Illinois River, and the Kaskaskia River. However, the pipeline doesn’t just cross big rivers. The Dakota Access Pipeline crosses at least 56 named rivers in Illinois: Apple Creek, Macoupin Creek, Mauvaise Terre Creek, Sandy Creek, Shoal Creek, Hurricane Creek, Flour Creek, Walnut Creek, Otter Creek, Brea Creek, Cedar Creek...and the list goes on. Any number of unnamed tributaries may also be crossed by the pipeline. Each of these, any of these, is threatened by this pipeline. The Dakota Access Pipeline also represents a national commitment to fossil fuels, making climate goals harder to achieve. It will prop up an industry that damages our waters and lands, and kills our wildlife. Energy Transfer, the company behind the pipeline, will reap the profits from this pipeline, but the people and the land will carry the risk.]]> November 21, 2016 | Blog Post We’re gambling with the drinking water of the people of Illinois. The Dakota Access Pipeline is a partially constructed pipeline, over a thousand miles long and two and a half foot wide, that would carry crude oil from North Dakota to Illinois.]]> 27665 0 381 0 https://prairierivers.org/articles/2016/04/prairie-river-notes-spring-2016-newsletter/ Fri, 01 Apr 2016 17:57:56 +0000 https://prairierivers.org/?p=28801 Read Prairie Rivers Network’s 2016 Spring Newsletter and 2015 Annual Report, featuring articles:

• Cover Crops: Looking Toward the Future of Farming
• Carol's Currents
• 2015 Annual Report and 2015 PRN Members & Supporters list
• Illinois' Self-Bonding Problem
• Miles for Monarchs

You can also read the 2015 Annual Report separately.]]> 28801 0 397 0 https://prairierivers.org/articles/2016/08/prairie-river-notes-summer-2016-newsletter/ Fri, 26 Aug 2016 18:14:25 +0000 https://prairierivers.org/?p=28818 Read Prairie Rivers Network’s 2016 Summer Newsletter, featuring articles:

• Averting a Wildlife Conservation Crisis
• Carol's Currents
• Why I Give to PRN
• Annual Dinner - October 21
• River Steward Award Nominations
• PRN Endowment for Rivers
• Happy Trails, Tyler! Welcome back, Kim!
• Events

]]> 28818 0 387 0 https://prairierivers.org/uncategorized/2016/11/monarch-ambassador/ Mon, 28 Nov 2016 22:52:19 +0000 https://prairierivers.org/?p=27788 How You Can Help Save the Monarchs

Not long ago, spring and summer in Illinois were marked by reappearance of clouds of orange and black wings.  The Eastern Monarch butterfly was adopted as Illinois’ state insect because the entire state lies in its spring and fall migration path across the Midwest. Every Illinois school kid could identify the Monarch because they were so common across our rural and urban landscapes. For most of us, that is what we thought of when we thought of caterpillars and butterflies.

Sadly, this is no longer true. This summer many Illinoisans counted only a few Monarch sightings. The Eastern Monarch is now threatened to the point of endangerment. As a migrating species the Monarch relies on the prevalence of its host plant, milkweed, to reproduce, and native flowering plants blooming in large expanses across the Midwest landscape to feed during its journey from Mexico to Canada and back each year. Their once expansive prairie habitat has given way to paved development, and increased use of pesticides and herbicides have removed the Milkweed and native flowering prairie plants they rely on to reproduce and feed across their Midwest flyway. This is a problem for Illinois’ native bee populations as well. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is now assessing the Monarch butterfly and Illinois’ Rusty Patched Bumblebee for endangered species status.

Prairie Rivers Network is working with a coalition of partners on an Illinois plan—an element of a larger regional and tri-national plan—to re-establish plentiful habitat across Illinois for the Monarch and other native pollinators. Illinois teams are focusing on habitat opportunity areas in different land categories across the state: roadways and rights of ways, agricultural lands, and established conservation areas. There is a team focused on open lands in the Chicago area. PRN is assembling a team focused on engaging downstate cities and towns to expand and protect Monarch habitat. We are encouraging Illinois Mayors to sign the Mayors Monarch Pledge that was initiated by the National Wildlife Federation, which asks Mayors to make commitments in their towns to expand and protect Monarch habitat. And we are now seeking schools, faith communities, businesses, and other institutions to consider incorporating Monarch habitat on their grounds and encouraging them to help educate community members about the Monarch and how they can help protect its habitat. This year Illinois established a new license plate sticker to call attention to Monarch protection, but enough people must register for the sticker to get the program up and running. (Learn more about the Monarch Illinois license plate here.)

Here’s how YOU can help! Become a Monarch Ambassador!

• Encourage your Mayor to sign the pledge. If your Mayor has signed the pledge, help friends in a neighboring town ask their Mayor to sign the pledge. Getting kids organized to ask their Mayor to sign the pledge is a great civic engagement experience, too.
• Organize a Pollinator Protector Coalition in your town to get the word out about the need to plant pollinator gardens, direct pollinator gardeners to good resources and work for habitat protection practices.
• Contact local schools about establishing a school garden for Monarchs and other pollinators. If you are a gardener, offer to help students learn how to plant and maintain the garden. IDNR has a grant program for school garden habitat and your local Soil and Water Conservation District may be able to help you obtain the right seed mix that includes adequate Milkweed.
• Do you have a favorite walking trail that would be a great continuous border for Monarchs? Contact the land owner or manager and ask how you can help them get a pollinator garden planted.
• Work with your faith community to incorporate Monarch gardens on their grounds. Many faith communities are incorporating the Monarchs' journey as a metaphor for the spiritual journey. Maybe you can start an interfaith Monarch team in your community.
• Ask businesses and business parks to incorporate Monarch habitat on their grounds. This is a great way for businesses to meet sustainability goals. Deep-rooted Milkweed and native flowering plants help to soak up excess water, sediment and nutrients from stormwater runoff, keeping these pollutants that harm fish and cause toxic algae blooms out of our creeks, rivers and drinking water.  Write a letter to the editor of your local paper thanking businesses that incorporate and protect pollinator habitat in their landscapes and encouraging others to get on board.
• Work with your neighbors to plant Pollinator Pocket gardens around your neighborhood. The U of I Extension has developed guidance on plant selection, installation and maintenance. If you register your garden on their website, you can purchase a sign that lets your community know your native plant garden is a welcoming spot for Monarchs and other pollinators. Save Milkweed and other seeds from your pollinator pocket gardens to share with new gardeners.
• Encourage your local nurseries to carry pollinator plants including Milkweed and Butterfly weed that are not grown or treated with neonicotinoid pesticides throughout the growing season. Let them know that you’ll promote them to Monarch gardeners in the community, then find ways to do that. 
• Help us at PRN expand our pollinator protection efforts by becoming a sustaining donor. Your can also give a gift membership to someone you love as a birthday or holiday gift in honor of a future filled with fluttering Monarchs and buzzing bees. We’ll send them our beautiful notecards with their gift membership.

]]> 27788 0 380 0 https://prairierivers.org/uncategorized/2016/12/army-corps-decision-halts-dakota-access-pipeline/ Mon, 05 Dec 2016 21:03:32 +0000 https://prairierivers.org/?p=27810 Today we celebrate an important victory for the ancestral lands and water rights of the Standing Rock Sioux. By refusing to grant an easement that would have allowed Energy Transfer Partners to run the Dakota Access Pipeline under the Missouri River just upstream of the tribe’s water supply, the Army Corps of Engineers has blocked pipeline construction at this sensitive site. The Army Corps has also announced that it will conduct a more thorough environmental review that considers alternative pipeline routes.

[caption id="attachment_27812" align="aligncenter" width="606"] Photo: Alex Wong/Getty Images[/caption]

The Dakota Access Pipeline, as planned, runs 1168 miles from North Dakota to its terminus in Illinois. From Illinois, another pipeline will carry crude oil to the Gulf of Mexico.  Although yesterday’s decision does nothing to address the many remaining threats to water, wildlife, and climate (See pipeline threats to water in Illinois), the decision is nevertheless one to celebrate. Through the power of public protest and solidarity the Sioux people and their supporters have garnered national attention and forced the Obama Administration to take heed of their voices and of the environmental laws that are supposed to protect us.

We honor the Standing Rock Sioux and their supporters for their tenacity and bravery.

]]> 27810 0 379 0 https://prairierivers.org/uncategorized/2016/12/clean-energy-jobs-illinois/ Mon, 05 Dec 2016 22:40:46 +0000 https://prairierivers.org/?p=27816 Thanks to all our supporters who called Senator Bennett in support of this bill. On Wednesday December 7th, Governor Rauner signed the Future Energy Jobs Bill. The bill is an important victory for renewables and energy efficiency in Illinois, and it paves the way for a future in Illinois where our rivers are healthier and cleaner. The Future Energy Jobs Bill will help put Illinois on track to be a leader in clean energy, which is now particularly important given President-Elect Trump’s recent statements about rolling back the Paris Accord and the Clean Power Plan. We need to get serious about climate change as a state, country, and world. This bill gives Illinois the chance to lead nationally, showing that the states, even in the absence of federal leadership, can commit to clean energy and jobs initiatives. The bill fixes the Renewable Portfolio Standard (RPS), a crucial step forward for renewables. The goal of the RPS was to have 25% of Illinois' energy come from renewables by 2025. We are not on target. The RPS has been broken for years, causing renewable development to find home in nearby states instead of Illinois. More or less (it's complicated), the standard created incentives to purchase of renewable power, but not to build renewable power in Illinois. The end result is that renewable energy was being purchased from out of state (more from grist in 2012). The Future Energy Jobs Bill fixes the RPS. We're going to be keeping much more of that money generated by renewables in state. The bill also funds energy efficiency projects. Energy efficiency drives job growth and reduces home expenses. ComEd and Ameren will have to reduce energy usage by 21.5% and 16% respectively. This is estimated to save Illinois customers $14.80 on their energy bill yearly. The more efficient our energy systems are, the less we are burning fossil fuels. Yes, the environmental community made compromises in the bill (nuclear), but from the perspective of clean water in Illinois, the choice was clear. The vast majority of the money goes to renewables, and none go to fossil fuels. Fossil fuels drive the climate change that is fundamentally altering our environment and directly pollute waters across the state. This bill prevents the expansion of fossil fuels and ensures a renewable future in Illinois.]]> 27816 0 378 0 https://prairierivers.org/articles/2016/12/2016-accomplishments/ Sat, 31 Dec 2016 14:00:44 +0000 https://prairierivers.org/?p=27852 2016 Accomplishments [caption id="attachment_27850" align="alignright" width="300"] 2016 Accomplishments (pdf)[/caption]

REDUCING WATER POLLUTION

We won an important legal victory from the Illinois Appellate Court that clarifies the need for the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency to write more protective permits. The decision should result in stronger controls over water pollution, particularly from the chemicals phosphorus and nitrogen, which feed the algae that clog our lakes and feed the Gulf of Mexico Dead Zone. We are working with watershed groups, municipalities, and IEPA to develop long-term plans to rid our waterways of harmful algae.

SAVING WETLANDS AND FLOODPLAINS

Prairie Rivers Network and our partners have succeeded in holding a highly destructive Army Corps of Engineers project at bay. The project would destroy >50,000 acres of fish and bird habitat on the Mississippi River and put the homes and livelihoods of southern IL river towns at great risk of destructive flooding. With the invaluable help of locals, the coalition fighting the New Madrid levee project has garnered the support of leaders like Senators Mark Kirk and Dick Durbin, Mayor Tyrone Coleman of Cairo, the Illinois, Missouri and Kentucky NAACP, and the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service, who all want this project stopped for good. We continue to work together to ensure the levee is not built. Prairie Rivers Network and our partner Quad Cities Waterkeeper won an important legal victory when a federal court ruled that the Ballegeer Excavation Company of Geneseo, IL violated the Clean Water Act when it dumped thousands of tons of concrete and construction debris on the banks of the Green River, a tributary of the Mississippi.

ACCELERATING ADOPTION OF CONSERVATION AGRICULTURE

With a coalition of partners, we are increasing the adoption of farm practices such as cover crops, diverse crop rotations, and edge-of-field buffers and wetlands that improve soil health and water quality. In conjunction with the Soil and Water Conservation Districts, we produced an educational newsletter identifying the multiple benefits of such practices, reaching over 2,500 farm owners. We are also working with the Soil and Water Conservation Districts to increase their capacity to provide critical technical assistance to farmers as they adopt new land and water stewardship practices.

PROTECTING WILDLIFE HABITAT

Our continued leadership has strengthened the Middle Illinois River Conservation Collaborative—a group of dedicated conservation practitioners working to protect and restore vital floodplain habitats of the Illinois River. With a coalition of groups, we successfully convinced Congress to provide $450 million over the next 3 years for the Land & Water Conservation Fund, a program that supports ecological restoration and the development of parks and recreational facilities. In the future, we’ll continue to advocate for permanent reauthorization of this highly-successful program.

PROTECTING THE MONARCH BUTTERFLY

The monarch butterfly is imperiled and is currently being considered for protection under the Endangered Species Act. In an effort to protect its habitat, we are partnering with the Illinois Department of Natural Resources to develop a plan to accelerate monarch habitat expansion across the state, including asking Illinois mayors to take the Mayors Monarch Pledge, whereby mayors agree to take actions to make their communities butterfly and pollinator friendly. We co-hosted the first Illinois Monarch Summit and organized the Champaign County Pollinator Coalition, an organizational model for protecting and expanding habitat. Finally, we are working with Girl Scouts and school groups to engage youth to protect natural places and wildlife.

IMPROVING RIVER MANAGEMENT

In partnership with agencies and organizations, we are improving the health of the Illinois and Mississippi Rivers by supporting ecological restoration and opposing wasteful and destructive navigation projects. In 2016, we advocated for and obtained nearly $20 million for restoration and monitoring on the Mississippi River. We also successfully supported federal legislation that makes it easier for private and nonprofit entities to partner with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers on restoration projects, an important development that will increase wildlife habitat.

REDUCING THE THREAT OF INVASIVE SPECIES

As part of an advisory group to Congress on Asian carp and other invasive species, we are advocating solutions that will help revitalize the Chicago River. In 2016, we delivered recommendations to Congress and President Obama for robust and aggressive programs that will prevent the movement of aquatic invasive species between the Great Lakes and Mississippi River. We are now working to ensure these programs are fully funded and implemented.

STRENGTHENING THE FEDERAL COAL ASH RULE

In coalition with partners, we worked to strengthen the federal coal ash rule, which regulates the handling and storage of toxic coal ash. Although the new rule contains major deficiencies, it expands the number of coal ash impoundments subject to regulation, improves groundwater monitoring, and requires protective liners for all new impoundments, and cleanup and closure of certain impoundments that pollute groundwater.

FIGHTING FOR STRONG ILLINOIS-SPECIFIC COAL ASH RULES

Strong state rules are necessary to cover the remaining gaps in the federal coal ash rule. We’ve proposed a robust set of rules for Illinois, which include meaningful public participation and responsible, comprehensive cleanup as an alternative to Illinois EPA’s weaker proposal.

FOCUSING ON COAL ASH DOWNSTATE

Of the 26 power plants with coal ash in Illinois, many sit along downstate rivers. We’re expanding our public outreach in southern Illinois to build local support for responsible closure of coal ash dumps. We’re also assisting these communities in transitioning from coal-dominated to more diverse future economies, such as renewable energy and sustainable food systems.

PROTECTING THE MIDDLE FORK—ILLINOIS’ ONLY WILD AND SCENIC RIVER

We’ve been working to remove coal ash impoundments from the floodplain of the Middle Fork of the Vermilion River. Most recently, the National Park Service, spurred by our comments objecting to a bank reinforcement permit, joined us in calling for removal of the coal ash from the floodplain.

2016 Annual Report

We hope you enjoy our new, streamlined 2016 Annual Report as we highlight our clean water, healthy rivers, and wildlife protection accomplishments you made possible.

]]> 27852 0 374 0 https://prairierivers.org/uncategorized/2016/12/wiin-passes-future-coal-ash-unclear/ Tue, 13 Dec 2016 20:13:59 +0000 https://prairierivers.org/?p=27939 WIIN) passed the U.S. House and Senate, and is now awaiting a signature. This bill provides investments into water infrastructure across the country, including funding to address the Flint water crisis, but on the issue of coal ash, it included what may be a game changer. The bill amends the federal coal combustion residual rule (CCR Rule), which regulates the management of coal ash waste disposal. The amendment allows states to run their own permit program for coal ash management that is “at least as protective as” the federal coal combustion residual rule. This is cause for potential concern. The phrase ‘at least as protective as’ is subjective, and this might mean that our protections are slipping. States can find ways to implement programs that allow important details of coal ash waste management or key monitoring requirements to fall through the cracks. However, with a Trump whitehouse, this may be a blessing for Illinois. Power has passed from the federal government to the states at a time when the federal government is quickly becoming anti-environment. Illinois now has a chance to pass strong coal ash rules - potentially stronger than the federal coal combustion residual rule. Of course, we’ve already been fighting to pass stronger coal ash rules in Illinois. Prairie Rivers Network and our partners have been involved in a rulemaking process for a few years now. Illinois EPA’s current proposal was not drafted to replace the federal rule. Their proposal, or any new one they draft, will have to stand before the US EPA and the Illinois Pollution Control Board, giving more opportunities for the public's voice to be heard. We will keep you updated. As always, check out our coal ash map to learn about coal ash near you. ]]> 27939 0 376 0 https://prairierivers.org/uncategorized/2016/12/one-hundred-new-reports-released-illinoiss-coal-ash-learned/ Fri, 16 Dec 2016 23:01:21 +0000 https://prairierivers.org/?p=27966 TVA Kingston disaster that spilled a billion gallons of coal ash, destroying property and the environment, the US EPA began drafting rules governing the disposal of coal ash. Coal ash is a waste product produced by coal-fired powerplants. It contains many heavy metals like mercury, arsenic, selenium, chromium and cadmium. These contaminants are persistent in the environment and dangerous to people and wildlife. Currently, coal ash is stored in impoundments, which are elevated ponds surrounded by large man-made dams of earth. Many of these impoundments store millions of cubic yards of coal ash (we like to measure them in terms of equivalent volumes of Empire State Buildings). The result of the US EPA’s rulemaking is commonly known as the Federal Coal Combustion Residual Rule (CCR Rule) and it went into effect in 2015. Across the nation, the CCR Rule requires coal ash impoundment operators to periodically release reports for each coal ash impoundment they operate. The latest round of reports came out on November 16th, 2016, and the material covered includes:

• How Illinois’ coal ash impoundments be closed.
• What the hazard potential is at these coal ash impoundments.
• The likelihood that an impoundment will fail.
• How many coal ash impoundments are lined.

Illinois has 25 major coal-fired power plants, which have a total of over 80 coal ash impoundments on their collective sites. The November 2016 round of reporting released at least 168 documents to the public, with even more documentation missing. The burden of reviewing these documents has landed in the laps of groups like Prairie Rivers Network. The federal CCR Rule is ‘self implementing’, which means that the coal ash operators release the documents and the public is responsible for reviewing them and, if necessary, leveraging lawsuits to protect themselves and the environment. There is no government oversight. Prairie Rivers Network has gone through the trouble of collecting and reviewing many of these documents, but this daunting task is a work in progress. Here, we summarize what we have learned so far. While reading, it may be useful to have our coal ash map open in another window.

But first; what’s missing?

Before we dive into what we’ve learned, it’s important to first discuss what is missing. This may be the real story. The 168 documents that we have collected do not represent the entirety of what was supposed to be released. For example, in some locations, entire impoundments are completely undocumented. The following table highlights the documents that are missing for each impoundment (that we know of). All of the documents in the table should have been made available on November 16th 2016.(1)

Table 1. Missing documentation from the November 16th reporting deadline of the CCR Rule.

Documents are missing at coal ash sites throughout the state. The impoundments that are missing ALL documentation, such as the Secondary and Tertiary Pond at Dynegy's Baldwin which were mentioned in a report from February 2016 but not in the November 2016 documents. These impoundments may be exempt for one reason or another, but no exemption was discussed in the documents released. Other missing documents, such as the single missing hazard potential report for the Bottom Ash Basin at Dynegy's Duck Creek, could simply be mistakenly not uploaded to Dynegy's webpages. Perhaps the most strange are the impoundments which have some but not all of the documentation, such as the South Ash Ponds 2S and 3S at Will County Station. Why only produce half of the required documents? Prairie State Generation requires a log-in to view their publicly-available documents, but their log-in system is down and their technical support is ignoring our requests. They are legally obligated to make this information available (Edit: Prairie State Generation provided me with a log-in, and these documents are not missing). The critical point here is these documents are missing because no one has forced the coal ash operators to produce them.  The CCR Rule relies on the public to bring lawsuits for enforcement. This leaves a tremendous burden on the public to ensure that a coal ash operators, usually for-profit entities, are protecting local communities and the water resources those communities depend on. It seems unlikely that any individual person or group has the capacity to sue the coal ash operators over missing documents, yet the information contained within those documents could be crucially important. This is a fundamental flaw in the CCR Rule! Publicly releasing the documents is important, but in the absence of a governing body with legal power overseeing the process, reporting deadlines are potentially meaningless. As if to demonstrate the point, at Southern Illinois Power Cooperative’s Marion Power Station there are 12 coal ash impoundments but only one of those impoundments is documented! Information at Closed Facilities: The other major source of missing documentation was cooked right into the CCR Rule. The federal CCR Rule only applies at powerplants that were operating when the rule was implemented. There were 7 coal fired powerplants in Illinois with coal ash impoundments that were closed at that time, with at least 17 coal ash impoundments between them. Coal ash impoundments at those sites are exempt from the CCR Rule, which means we will not get groundwater reporting, structural stability assessment, hazard potential, liner status, or construction histories at these sites. These impoundments at closed facilities pose the same risks as the impoundments at operating plants and their exclusion is a critical gap. Now, onto what we have learned from the documents that were released.

How will Illinois’ coal ash impoundments be closed?

Why it matters: Closure will determine the fate of coal ash in Illinois. In general, there are two methods of closure: closure in place and removal of coal ash. Coal ash impoundments that are closed in place are usually capped and then left where they currently lie, often in floodplains of rivers or lakes. The alternative is removal of coal ash to a high, dry and lined location where it can be stored in a manner that does not damage groundwater or rivers. In some cases, removal can also be followed with reuse of the coal ash in another industrial process. What we learned: The vast majority of coal ash impoundments in Illinois will be closed in place. Dynegy, the owner of the largest number of ash impoundments, intends to close coal ash in place at every power plant they operate. A total of 19 impoundments are going to be closed in place according to the documents. For three other impoundments, Dynegy intends to remove and dispose of the ash, but they provide no details as to how they intend to dispose of it. Since they are closing ash impoundments at each of these sites, it’s possible they will just dump the ash into the other impoundments at the same site that they intend to close in place. In what may be good news, another major coal ash operator called NRG Energy has chosen to close seven of their nine coal ash impoundments by removal. The ash at their sites will be removed and moved via trucks to either the Lincoln Stone Quarry at Joliet 9, a beneficial use site, or another permitted disposal facility. We will be looking to see that the transportation is done carefully, and the permitted disposal sites are genuinely safe places to store the ash. Most importantly, this demonstrates that closure by removal isn’t an unreasonable task, given that one company is willing to close the majority of their impoundments in this way. The two ash impoundments that will be closed in place are the Lincoln Stone Quarry at the Joliet 9 Station, and the Former Ash Basin at Powerton. Springfield’s Dallman Station has two coal ash impoundments nestled between Lake Springfield and Sugar Creek. Despite known groundwater pollution impacts to Sugar Creek, they intend to close that ash in place.

What are the hazard potential risks at these coal ash impoundments?

Why it matters: Coal ash impoundments are almost always next to rivers or lakes, threatening wildlife habitat and environmental quality, but sometimes they are also perched above property and habitable areas. The CCR Rule requires coal ash operators to investigate the hazard potential for each impoundment they operate. The hazard potential is the risk that a failure would damage property, the environment, or cause loss of life. The CCR Rule sets out three possible hazard potential ratings: low, significant and high. A high hazard potential impound is likely to cause loss of life in the event of a failure. A significant hazard potential impoundment is defined as a impoundment where failure will probably not result in loss of life, but will cause economic and environmental damage. A low hazard potential impoundment is defined as having a low probability to cause loss of life, and cause minimal economic loss. What we learned: The majority of the impoundments that were rated in this round of reporting are rated as having significant hazard potential - posing minimal risk of loss of life, but likely to cause economic and environmental damage. There are four documented high hazard impoundments in Illinois: the GMF/Gypsum Stack Pond at Dynegy’s Coffeen Power Station, the Ash Pond at Dynegy’s E.D. Edwards Plant, the East Ash Pond System at Dynegy’s Havana, and the East Ash Pond at Dynegy’s Joppa. Only two low hazard impoundments were identified, the Dallman and Lakeside Coal Ash Ponds at Springfield’s Dallman Power Station.

What is the likelihood that an impoundment will fail?

Why it matters: While the hazard potential evaluates the damage that would be caused by failure, the safety factors evaluate the risk of a failure occurring. Each coal ash impoundment must meet achieve or beat a minimum factor of safety for a number of potential loading conditions: long term loading, short term loading, and seismic loading. If an impoundment does not meet the factor of safety, then the level of risk is unacceptable, and this can trigger closure. What we learned: All of the coal ash impoundments in Illinois achieved the minimum level of safety (but note that many of the impoundments were exempt from this reporting requirement for now). Table 2 highlights just the impoundments that met requirements by a margin of 10% or less for at least one loading.

Table 2. Impoundments in Illinois with safety factor ratings within 10% of the minimum rating, and the hazard potential for those impoundments.

Two ash ponds have the unfortunate condition of having both a high hazard rating and a narrow margin of passing the safety requirement, and those are the East Ash Pond at Joppa, and the Ash Pond at Edwards, both Dynegy facilities. Joppa's East Ash Pond squeaks by with a seismic safety factor of 1.01, barely over the required 1.00. Ash Pond No. 1 at Coffeen just barely met the safety requirement for the long term loading condition with a computed safety factor of 1.50, exactly meeting the minimum of 1.50. Exactly meeting the safety factor to the decimal point is suspicious enough to raise eyebrows. At many facilities, the computed long term and short term loading conditions have the same value(2). However, for this impoundment, the computed short term safety requirement is 1.49, and if the long term safety factor shared this value, it would fail to meet the minimum of 1.50, triggering shutdown. This is absolutely not hard evidence of any misconduct, but without documentation of the calculations, it does raise some suspicious. Ash Pond No. 1 at Coffeen also has a historical record of sloughing. The image below is from a slough that occurred in 2015, and has been repaired. The Ash Pond at Edwards also has a record of surficial sliding, occurring twice in the same location in 2009. The East Ash Pond at Joppa had 8 separate surficial sliding events in 2011.

How many coal ash impoundments are lined?

Why it matters: An unlined coal ash impoundment is directly connected with the groundwater. Contaminants seep from the coal ash into the groundwater. The Illinois EPA has investigated groundwater at 22 coal ash sites across the state, and found contamination at all of them. A modern coal ash impoundment would require a liner which would prevent contaminated water in the impoundment from seeping into and polluting the groundwater. However, many of these impoundments were built well before liners were required, and therefore do not have a liner. What we learned: Many of the coal ash impoundments did not have to report on whether they had a liner or not, due to exemptions in the rule. However, we can see a general trend for the impoundments that did report on liners. The majority of Dynegy’s ponds are not lined, or unreported. All of NRG Energy’s impoundments are lined, or unreported. Springfield’s Dallman coal ash impoundments are not lined.

Closing Thoughts

One of the lessons learned from this round of reporting is that government oversight of the rule is important to get coal ash operators to properly document their waste storage. This revelation comes at an interesting time, as the recently passed Water Infrastructure Improvements for the Nation Act allows state environmental protection agencies, like our Illinois EPA, to take control of regulation of the ash. If the the Illinois EPA decides to pass their own coal ash regulations that are as protective as the federal rule, they would have a chance to take responsibility for enforcing the documentation of these impoundments. However, it is equally important that the documents are still released publicly. We want the public to be able to review this material, we just don't feel like the public should be the only entity responsible for reviewing and enforcing these regulations. As coal ash operators across Illinois begin to look toward impoundment closure, we may need these documents to help us convince coal ash operators to remove their waste from the banks of our rivers and lakes. We are going to need all the help we can get, especially if coal ash operators like Dynegy, a Texas based company, are planning on leaving all their coal ash messes exactly where they are, for Illinois' future generations to deal with.

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Footnotes

1. Documents that were initially exempt from reporting requirements due to being active are not included in this list. Those impoundments now require reporting in the next 18 months. (^)
2. The calculated safety factors for short term and long term conditions are the same at the following seven Dynegy impoundments: Bottom Ash Pond at Baldwin, Gypsum stack pond at Coffeen, Ash Pond at Edwards, East Ash Pond at Havana, East Ash Pond at Hennepin, Ash Pond at Kincaid, Primary Ash Pond at Newton.(^)

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Staff Contact Andrew Rehn, Water Resources Engineer, arehn @ prairierivers.org]]> 27966 0 375 0 https://prairierivers.org/uncategorized/2017/01/illinois-elementary-schools-daycares-must-test-water-lead/ Fri, 13 Jan 2017 18:36:30 +0000 https://prairierivers.org/?p=28163 Illinois Legislature Passes Bill Initiated by Environmental Groups

When the drinking water crisis and scandal in Flint, Michigan was exposed last winter, environmental groups in Illinois decided we needed to take action to discover potential lead water contamination problems at home.  To that end, we banded together and started drafting a bill. In hindsight, the initial drafts seem overly ambitious, yet we got the ball rolling! Later, with the invaluable help of the Attorney General’s Office  and the Illinois Environmental Council, we crafted a compromise bill and steered it successfully through competing interests.  Once the bill is signed by Governor Rauner mandatory testing of drinking water in schools will begin.

Prairie Rivers Network was very pleased to work in coalition with Illinois Environmental Council, the Illinois Attorney General, Natural Resources Defense Council and Illinois Sierra Club to achieve passage of this important bill. Read NRDC’s good summary of the bill, including additional requirements.

[caption id="attachment_28164" align="aligncenter" width="590"] Photo: National Geographic News[/caption]

]]> 28163 0 373 0 https://prairierivers.org/uncategorized/2017/01/50th-anniversary/ Tue, 17 Jan 2017 13:54:18 +0000 https://prairierivers.org/?p=28168 We will celebrate our past, present and future with many activities throughout 2017. We hope you will join us and bring a friend so they can learn about the many ways PRN continues to build a network of stewards across Illinois, working together to protect our precious natural places, rivers, water, and wildlife. Our Network is YOU and we can’t wait to celebrate with you! In Thanks and Celebration, Carol Hays, Executive Director

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Wild & Scenic Film Festival

Prairie Rivers Network is very excited to bring one of the largest environmental film festivals to Illinois. This will be the first time PRN is hosting the Wild & Scenic Film Festival, and we have three different locations throughout Illinois: Champaign, Peoria, and Carbondale. The Wild & Scenic Film Festival provides us with an opportunity to reach into our communities and inspire citizens to affect environmental change. The Festival offers a way for our members, supporters, and new friends to get energized and empowered to work in our communities and get involved with us to protect clean water, wildlife habitat, and our rich natural landscapes. More details on the films and how to get your tickets will be coming soon.

Champaign Showing

When:  March 30, 2017

Where: Art Theater, 126 W Church St, Champaign, IL 61820

Peoria Showing - Date and Time TBA

Carbondale Showing - Date and Time TBA

 

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Run for Clean Water (or walk)

Help celebrate 50 Years of Prairie Rivers Network with a Charity Run/Walk for Clean Water. We need you now more than ever! It’s easy! Look at all the people who have participated in this fundraiser and raised over $35,000 for clean water and healthy rivers. It is amazing how much money you can raise just by sending out a few emails. Think of it this way, would you mind if your nephew, cousin, friend, or co-worker sent an email to you asking you to donate $25 to a good cause? Probably not. This is a great way to support a cause you believe in (clean water) and help spread the word about why clean water is important and the good work we are doing. Please DONATE NOW or BECOME A FUNDRAISER because clean water is worth protecting! In honor of our 50th Anniversary, our Board President, Jon McNussen, will donate $50 for the first 20 new FUNdraisers that sign up! Click here to sign up now. When: April 20-22, 2017 Where: Christie Clinic Illinois Marathon (5K, 10K, half-marathon, relay, full marathon), Champaign/Urbana [one_third][/one_third] [one_third][/one_third] [one_third_last][/one_third_last] [one_third][/one_third] [one_third][/one_third] [one_third_last][/one_third_last] [one_third][/one_third] [one_third][/one_third] [one_third_last][/one_third_last]

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Protecting Our Land, Water and Wildlife: A Celebration of Stewardship at Allerton Park

Join PRN staff, board, and fellow members and river lovers for a fun-filled day at Allerton Park. When: May 21, 2017; noon - 4:00 pm (rain or shine) Where: Allerton Park, 515 Old Timber Road, Monticello, Illinois 61856

Planned Activities Include: 

Noon

• Picnic - Bring a picnic and enjoy a family friendly meal with friends.
• Guided Nature Walk - Follow along with local Environmental Almanac Writer/Photographer and PRN board member Rob Kanter as he observes the natural environment, capturing it in beautiful images with his iphone (for photographers and iphonographers or anyone who loves wildlife).
• Guided Birding Walk - Take a walk with avid birder and PRN board member Eric Freyfogle.

2:00 pm

• The Water Project - Enjoy a new performance developed by a theatrical ensemble led by local director and civic theater advocate, Latrelle Bright, examining our relationship with water: water that is at once a necessary resource for all living things, a convenient dumping ground for waste, and a commodity to be bought and sold.

2:30 pm

• Celebrating our Bees and Pollinators - Sample locally-produced honey.
• Applauding Land Stewardship of the Central IL Grain Guild - Sample local artisanal grain breads.
• Honoring the Sangamon River and Wildlife of East Central IL - Art and photography exhibit by local artists and photographers.

3:00 pm

• River of Hope: Save a Place. Change Your Life - A multimedia reflection on 50 years of stewardship, including readings from Prairie Rivers Network member Amy Hassinger's new novel, After the Dam, and video interviews with PRN founder Bruce Hannon and long-time members John Marlin and Jack Paxton reflecting on a lifetime of river and land stewardship that has helped shape the path of Prairie Rivers Network.

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For those members who have been coming to our Annual Dinner year-after-year, we are mixing things up for our 50th Anniversary Dinner Gala with a celebration dinner, dancing, and desserts. If you haven't been to an Annual Dinner yet, you won't want to miss it, so save the date and get ready to celebrate! When: October 6, 2017 Where: I Hotel & Conference Center, 1900 S First St, Champaign, IL 61820    ]]> 28168 0 372 0 https://prairierivers.org/uncategorized/2017/01/environmental-groups-mwrd-agree-plan-clean-chicago-waterways/ Thu, 19 Jan 2017 18:27:55 +0000 https://prairierivers.org/?p=28187 Prairie Rivers Network and Partners Settle Lawsuits against Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago

By Kim Knowles

In a win for Chicago’s rivers, Prairie Rivers Network, Illinois Sierra Club and the Natural Resources Defense Council have reached an important settlement with MWRD in the federal lawsuit we brought against the District for violating its Clean Water Act permits. We brought the federal suit because the District was not doing enough to remove the pollutant phosphorus at three of its largest sewage treatment plants. As a result, that pollution ended up in Chicago’s waters and in downstream waters like the Des Plaines River, the Illinois River and eventually, the Gulf of Mexico. Although phosphorus is an important nutrient, there is far too much of it wreaking havoc on many of our nation’s waters. Phosphorus pollution fuels an overabundance of algae, leaving us with noxious, foul smelling, and sometimes toxic algal blooms. What’s more, when the algae dies and decomposes, bacteria consume available oxygen, creating low dissolved-oxygen zones that threaten the health of fish and other animals. An important way to address these water quality problems is through improved sewage treatment.

[caption id="attachment_28188" align="aligncenter" width="600"] North Branch Chicago River. Photo credit: © Jeremy Atherton, 2006.[/caption]

In a second parallel suit, Prairie Rivers Network and partners Illinois Sierra Club, Environmental Law & Policy Center, Natural Resources Defense Council, Friends of the Chicago River, and Gulf Restoration Network sued the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency for issuing Clean Water Act permits to the District that were far too lenient in restricting phosphorus discharges to Chicago waterways.

In resolving both suits, the settlement sets a course to advanced sewage treatment at Chicago’s biggest plants, and to healthier waterways.   

How so?

First, the agreement requires the establishment of a Nutrient Oversight Committee that will hire and oversee scientists and engineers charged with developing a cleanup plan to remove phosphorus-related water quality problems. The plan will identify a limit on the amount of phosphorus MWRD can discharge, and an implementation plan for meeting that limit.

Second, the development of the cleanup plan will necessarily take some time. In order to ensure that not too much time passes without any progress, the agreement calls for an interim phosphorus limit (.5 mg/L) that MWRD must meet by 2030.

Third, MWRD will conduct water quality monitoring in the Lower Des Plaines River near Joliet where the worst algae problems are most evident. This information will be vital to developing Clean Water Act permit limits.

Fourth, Illinois EPA will conduct water quality monitoring at three locations on the Illinois River where algal problems are most intense: Peoria Pool, Marseilles Pool and Starved Rock Pool. This data is extremely important to a clearer understanding of phosphorus pollution in the Illinois River watershed, and will assist in identifying controls on other phosphorus sources in the watershed.

Finally, there is an important first step that must happen, and we’re counting on it happening soon. The good folks at IEPA must include the terms we’ve agreed upon in MWRD’s permits.  It is at that time that the terms of the agreement will take effect. We trust they will do so.

Godspeed and Congratulations to all! We look forward to cleaner, healthier waterways in Chicago and beyond!

1/9/2018 Update: Here is the settlement agreement and release.]]> 28187 0 370 0 https://prairierivers.org/uncategorized/2017/01/press-release-un-mucking-illinois-waterways-court-settlement-reduce-algae-pollution-rivers/ Thu, 19 Jan 2017 18:27:59 +0000 https://prairierivers.org/?p=28190 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Press Contacts: Kim Knowles, Prairie Rivers Network, 217-344-2371 x209 Cindy Skrukrud, Illinois Sierra Club, 815-353-5123 Judith Nemes, ELPC, (312) 795-3706 Ivan Moreno, NRDC, 312-651-7909 Margaret Frisbie, Friends of the Chicago River, (773)316 6473 Un-Mucking Illinois’ Waterways: Court Settlement Should Reduce Algae Pollution in Rivers CHICAGO (January 19, 2017) – Environmental groups have settled long-running litigation against the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago (MWRD) over pollution from three of its Chicago-area sewage treatment plants.  The agreement requires the parties to work together to curb phosphorous discharges from the plants that are fueling algae blooms and lowering water quality in the Chicago River system and downstream waters as far away as the Gulf of Mexico. The Chicago River system is much cleaner as a result of investment in clean water infrastructure and the Clean Water Act.  However, an overload of phosphorus and other nutrients from wastewater plants continues to pollute these waters. The settlement approved today by MWRD’s Board of Commissioners resolves a pair of lawsuits targeting the District’s phosphorus pollution as a violation of the federal Clean Water Act. To address the problem MWRD has agreed to upgrade pollution controls at its largest wastewater plants by 2030. The parties have also agreed to form a joint committee to hire scientists and engineers who will identify problematic places in the Chicago River system and come up with a plan to eliminate algal and plant issues. The District has also agreed to extensive monitoring of phosphorus-related problems in the downstream Lower Des Plaines River, as well as a study to determine the feasibility of a tenfold reduction in the MWRD’s phosphorus discharge limit, in line with more stringent limits set elsewhere in the country. “Our local waters have been a poster child for the national problem of phosphorus pollution, but now we have a chance to be a model for the solution,” said Ann Alexander, a senior attorney at the Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC). “If you can fix this in a waterway with a reputation like the Chicago River, it means you can clean up any river. This settlement puts us on a path that can signal an urban river renaissance nationally.” The Illinois EPA will play a key role in addressing the situation, implementing an enforceable requirement in the District’s discharge permits for its three Chicago-area plants. Attorneys for the environmental organizations expressed confidence that the state Agency, which was extensively involved in the settlement discussions, intends to do so promptly. The Illinois EPA has separately agreed to conduct extensive monitoring of algae-related pollution in the downstream Illinois River. Jack Darin, Director of the Illinois Chapter of the Sierra Club, said, “This is a major breakthrough in the decades-long effort to restore the Chicago River system to a healthy waterway that supports wildlife, recreation, and economic development in our communities. New pollution controls will make significant reductions in nutrient pollution, the largest remaining pollution problem in these waters, and create good jobs modernizing our water infrastructure. We are excited to partner with MWRD and area communities in implementing this historic agreement in the years to come." “This settlement signals a positive change toward improving the way permits are written to protect Illinois waters,” said Jessica Dexter, Staff Attorney at the Environmental Law & Policy Center.  “We expect other dischargers to follow suit and be part of the long-term solution to rid algae overgrowth from our waterways.” “Here in the Gulf region, the nutrient problem really hits home,” said Matt Rota, Senior Policy Director at New Orleans-based Gulf Restoration Network.  “The MWRD has been a very real part of that problem – they’re the largest single contributor to the Gulf Dead Zone right here in our back yard.  We’re very pleased that they’re now working with us to be part of the solution.” “Our members love to paddle on our local waterways, but the disgusting, smelly algae that blooms every summer can really get in the way of their enjoyment,” said Kim Knowles, staff attorney with Prairie Rivers Network.  “We’re glad to finally be headed toward a long term solution.” One of the two lawsuits settled in the agreement, brought in 2011 by Natural Resources Defense Council, Sierra Club, and Prairie Rivers Network, was a Clean Water Act citizen enforcement action alleging that the algae fueled by the District’s phosphorus was causing violations of water quality standards.  The other lawsuit, brought by those organizations and three others – Environmental Law & Policy Center, Friends of the Chicago River, and Gulf Restoration Network –successfully challenged the MWRD’s Clean Water Act permits as inadequate to address the problem.  Last year, an Illinois appellate court sent the permits’ phosphorus limits back to Illinois EPA for revision. NRDC was represented pro bono by the law firm Baker & McKenzie, and the Sierra Club and Prairie Rivers Network were represented by solo attorney, Albert Ettinger. “This settlement is the natural next step in advancing the health of the Chicago River system and essential to the impacted water bodies downstream,” said Margaret Frisbie, Executive Director, Friends of the Chicago River. “In recent years the river’s physical condition has improved dramatically and it is time to reduce phosphorus to better protect our burgeoning fish populations and other aquatic life at the same we make the river system more appealing to people who live, work, and recreate in, on, and along it.”

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]]> 28190 0 369 0 https://prairierivers.org/articles/2017/01/50000-acres-wetlands-protected-destructive-project/ Tue, 31 Jan 2017 23:12:25 +0000 https://prairierivers.org/?p=28205 Prairie Rivers Network and Partners Stop the New Madrid Levee

By Kim Knowles

Great news regarding the New Madrid levee project! In a valiant final act to protect both people and wildlife, the Obama Administration issued a decision making it nearly impossible for the Army Corps of Engineers to build the New Madrid Levee. 

We’ve blogged about this horrible boondoggle before. If built, the levee would cut off a vitally important connection between the Mississippi River and its backwater habitat. In fact the connection is the last of its kind in Missouri.  By cutting off that connection, the levee would destroy more than 50,000 acres of wetlands that give life to hundreds of species of fish, waterfowl and migratory birds, like the wood duck chicks pictured above. The levee would also increase the risk of flooding to towns like Cairo, Olive Branch and Metropolis. Residents in each of these towns have seen their homes and livelihoods destroyed by flooding. With Obama’s final act these precious resources and communities will be spared.

Through the Council on Environmental Quality, the Obama Administration brokered an agreement between the Army Corps of Engineers and the United States Fish & Wildlife Service that sets forth key requirements that the Army Corps would have to meet to build the New Madrid levee project (See CEQ resolution pp. 9-10).  We believe these requirements create insurmountable obstacles to the building of the New Madrid levee.

How did we accomplish this great victory?  In every sense of the word, it was truly a collaborative effort. Prairie Rivers Network gives a special shout out to the National Wildlife Federation for its stellar leadership, and to the citizens and leaders of Cairo, Olive Branch, Mounds and Metropolis. Key partners also include: the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (IL and MO),  American Rivers, Great Rivers Environmental Law Center, Illinois Sierra Club, Great Rivers Habitat Alliance, and the Missouri Coalition for the Environment.

We’re happy! In these terribly troubling times, it is proving difficult to trust and to celebrate our victories. Yet we do so today, and we’ll do so tomorrow. And if need be, we’ll join together in the future and resist any attempt to revive this ill-fated project.

]]> 28205 0 367 0 https://prairierivers.org/uncategorized/2017/02/wild-scenic-film-festival-2/ Wed, 15 Feb 2017 14:54:05 +0000 https://prairierivers.org/?p=28279 28279 0 371 0 https://prairierivers.org/uncategorized/2017/02/farmer-baker-brewer-summit-highlights-local-grains/ Fri, 24 Feb 2017 17:01:01 +0000 https://prairierivers.org/?p=28331 A farmer, a baker, a brewer, and a distiller walk into an old bakery… It sounds like the setup to a joke, but earlier this month 50 farmers, bakers, brewers and distillers all walked into an historic Alton bakery (now the Old Bakery Beer Company) to talk about something they all have in common – grain – and how they can use and source more local and specialty grains in their products.

“Local farmers, bakers, brewers, distillers, their customers need not abandon their economic relationships outside of the community but must give priority to local if they are to sustain the productivity and quality of life in their community.” —John Ikerd

This message was delivered by the summit's keynote speaker, John Ikerd. John is a leader in advocacy, research and education in sustainable agriculture and an author and Professor Emeritus from the University of Missouri. He kicked off the day with an inspiring talk about the need for regenerative agriculture in our local food systems, stating that:

“What is required is a fundamentally different model of agriculture based on diversify­ing farms and farming landscapes, replacing chemical inputs, optimizing biodiversity and stimulating interactions between different species, as part of holistic strategies to build long-term fertility, healthy agro-ecosystems and secure livelihoods.”

Following the keynote address, the day was divided into panel discussions with panelists from farms, bakeries, breweries and distilleries across Illinois and Missouri. The conversations of the day highlighted the need to create a food system that not only supports local food, but that also works sustainably with natural living systems. Discussions included how NGOs (non-government organizations) like the Spence Farm Foundation are bringing farmers, bakers, and health care professionals together on the farm and at Bread Camp in an effort to change the way they think about food. Talk topics covered numerous aspects of using local grains in the food and beverage system, including: grain sourcing and distribution, baking breads from small batch, specialty grains, the benefits of growing new perennial grains like Kernza®, producing grains for distilling, licensing and permitting, and the challenges of getting local barley malted for use in local beers and spirits. Confluence Business Advisors kindly donated their services to film the entire program. Stay tuned for video of the event and more farmer, baker, brewer & distiller highlights.  Here is a link to the event's facebook page. You can view the slide show from the event here. The Summit was hosted by Food Works and ReGenerate IL, and was co-sponsored by Prairie Rivers Network, Confluence Business Advisors, Fresh Taste, Hewn Bread Bakery, Union Loafers Café and Bread Bakery, Missouri Coalition for the Environment,  Illinois Stewardship Alliance, Slow Food St. Louis, Old Bakery Beer Company, Missouri Grain Project and Southern Illinois Farming Alliance.]]> 28331 0 365 0 https://prairierivers.org/uncategorized/2017/03/riverwatch-citizen-scientists-monitoring-favorite-rivers/ Tue, 21 Mar 2017 19:47:39 +0000 https://prairierivers.org/?p=28559 By Andrew Rehn Last Saturday, RiverWatch trainer Matt Young and five brave river citizens (including myself), wearing questionably waterproof boots, waded into the chilly March waters of the Saline Branch in Urbana’s Crystal Lake Park. Another six participants without waterproof gear watched from the riverbank. We were participating in a RiverWatch training session, becoming citizen scientists ready to observe and report on the water quality of Illinois’ rivers. RiverWatch is a statewide organization run out of the National Great Rivers Research and Education Center in Alton, Illinois. Volunteers for RiverWatch monitor the aquatic habitat of small streams at over 100 sites across the state. Matt then collects and analyzes the data, making it available to the public. Check out the cool map they have to see if a stream near you is being RiverWatched. The training for RiverWatch was an engaging all-day experience. In the morning, we learned how to identify the various kinds of macroinvertebrates that we might find in the river. Macroinvertebrates indicate river health. Much like the canary in the coal mine, these little bugs tell you how the river is doing. Some of these critters, like the Saddle Case Caddisfly, are remarkably sensitive to water pollution. If you can find the Saddle Case Caddisfly in your stream, you know it’s a healthy waterway! On the other hand, the unpleasant sounding bloodworms can handle all kinds of pollution, and if all you can find are bloodworms, it means that the stream is heavily polluted. In the afternoon, we assessed a 200ft portion of the Saline Branch for canopy cover, riverbed composition, vegetation, and more. Once we had thoroughly characterized our chosen site, we proceeded to hunt the buggies! Our chosen river section contained a riffle, prime habitat for macro-invertebrates of all kinds. We turned over a small section of rock and stirred up the riverbed for exactly 3 minutes (the process is quite scientific) to dislodge bugs into our net just downstream. We then identified the creatures we captured. Good news for the Saline Branch, we were able to find a wide diversity of species, even some fairly sensitive ones. Many of these bugs aren’t fully populated until May. Seeing so many in March is a good sign. I had a great time, despite the cold, and am looking forward to picking a stream to monitor in May, when the water will be warm and the sun will be shining! It’s not too late to get involved. RiverWatch is hosting additional training sessions in the next few weeks, including in Alton, Carbondale, and Mahomet. Check out their calendar below for a full list of events. If you can’t make a training session, you can still participate. Each site needs to have at least one trained volunteer when being assessed, but any number of untrained volunteers can join as well. You can find a list of monitored sites looking for volunteers here, and if you are in the Champaign Urbana area, you can contact me about other sites that may be starting up around town.

STAFF CONTACTS:

• Andrew Rehn, Water Resources Engineer, arehn @ prairierivers.org

]]> March 19, 2017 | Blog Post Last Saturday, RiverWatch trainer Matt Young and five brave river citizens (including myself), wearing questionably waterproof boots, waded into the chilly March waters of the Saline Branch in Urbana’s Crystal Lake Park. Another six participants without waterproof gear watched from the riverbank. We were participating in a RiverWatch training session, becoming citizen scientists ready to observe and report on the water quality of Illinois’ rivers.]]> 28559 0 363 0 https://prairierivers.org/uncategorized/2017/04/widespread-dicamba-herbicide-use-threatens-midwest-crops-habitat/ Fri, 07 Apr 2017 16:00:45 +0000 https://prairierivers.org/?p=28644 The use of dicamba herbicide will be greatly expanded in the Midwest this year with the planting of dicamba resistant soybeans on millions of acres. Dicamba has been registered for use since 1965 and is sold widely in hundreds of products for broadleaf weed control for crops, rights of ways, and lawns. The increased use this year threatens specialty crops, prairie, and pollinator habitat.

Many specialty crops, including tomatoes and grapes, are extremely sensitive and can show the classic symptoms of curved and twisted stems and leaves. See photos of Banvel injury on beans, tomatoes and muskmelon from the University of Missouri Extension. Other broadleaf plants (e.g. shrubs and native flowering plants such as milkweeds, sunflowers, etc.) are also at risk, and the expanded use of this herbicide could pose a serious threat to remnant prairies and the few remaining fieldside pollinator habitats and nectar sources. Homeowners, growers of specialty and organic crops, and stewards of natural areas in Illinois need to be alert to the potential threat dicamba herbicide injury poses to broadleaf (dicot) plants on their properties. Three new “low” volatile formulations of dicamba have been registered for use on dicamba tolerant soybeans. While the lower volatility of these products is an improvement, the threat of volatization and physical drift remains. Damage can occur when spray particles blow downwind from application sites. Although these low volatile products are the only products currently labeled for use on resistant soybean varieties, there is a risk that off-label, illegal applications of the older, high volatile formulations could still occur. According to Dr. Aaron Hager, weed scientist at the University of Illinois:

Of particular concern is the apparent confusion about particle drift and volatilization. While the newly labeled formulation is reportedly less likely to volatilize after application, there is absolutely nothing unique about the formulation that will reduce physical drift during application. Off-target movement of dicamba is of particular concern due to the number of sensitive dicot species grown in Illinois. The new formulation of dicamba is no more likely to drift than any other herbicide formulation, but the symptoms that drift did occur can be induced at extremely low concentrations of dicamba. Several years ago, we were able to induce soybean leaves to “cup” with as little as 1/10,000 pint of dicamba. Many media reports suggest that use of older, more volatile dicamba formulations was largely responsible for the widespread off-target injury that occurred in areas of the mid-south during 2016, but volatility is generally a minor component of off-target movement when compared with actual physical drift during application. (Dicamba and Soybean: What to Expect in 2017)

What do You Need to Know?

These risks forced the registrants of the new dicamba products to mandate restrictions on its application well beyond those normally required of most herbicides. These requirements have been summarized from the three currently registered products by the Office of the Indiana State Chemist in their report: New Labels, New Requirements, & New Uses of Dicamba on Soybeans. PRN recommends landowners and managers study these restrictions to determine just how they might protect plantings from damage. Growers of commercial specialty and certified organic crops should register all of their sites with Field Watch, as applicators of dicamba are specifically required to consult this site to discover the location of any registered sites before they apply the herbicide.

What Can You Do?

Be Alert and Report Herbicide Damage in Illinois

We encourage everyone to be watchful of pesticide applications close to their properties and to record the dates, times, wind speeds, and name of the applicator if known. If you see herbicide injury on your plantings or fragile non-target species, report it to the Illinois Department of Agriculture on its Pesticides: Uses & Misuses website. Call the IDOA's Bureau of Environmental Programs at 1-800-641-3934 (voice and TDD) or 217-785-2427 for a complaint form. Complaints must be received by IDOA within 30 days of the incident or within 30 days of when the damage is first discovered. Complaints filed after that will be kept on record, but no administrative action can be taken. Dicamba herbicide poses a very real threat to specialty crop producers in Illinois, the few native plant populations that remain between farm fields and roadsides, and edge of field habitat which offers highly valuable feeding and breeding territory for pollinators. Please be aware, document, and report any evidence of suspected damage.]]> April 7, 2017 | Blog Post The use of dicamba herbicide will be greatly expanded in the Midwest this year with the planting of dicamba resistant soybeans on millions of acres. Dicamba has been registered for use since 1965 and is sold widely in hundreds of products for broadleaf weed control for crops, rights of ways, and lawns. The increased use this year threatens specialty crops, prairie, and pollinator habitat.]]> 28644 0 361 0 https://prairierivers.org/articles/2016/12/prairie-river-notes-winter-2016-newsletter-2/ Mon, 05 Dec 2016 19:26:53 +0000 https://prairierivers.org/?p=28827 Read Prairie Rivers Network’s 2016 Winter Newsletter, featuring articles:

• Illinois' Drinking Water and the Dakota Access Pipeline
• Carol's Currents
• Help Save the Monarch (Butterfly)
• Why I Give to PRN
• 2016 Accomplishments
• Annual Dinner Round-Up/Awards
• Why Bobcats?

]]> 28827 0 377 0 https://prairierivers.org/articles/2017/04/riverweb-news-april-7-2017/ Fri, 07 Apr 2017 20:18:42 +0000 https://prairierivers.org/?p=28923 Read our RiverWeb News for April 7, 2017 with stories on:

• Dicamba Threat to Midwest Crops and Habitat
• RiverWatch Trainees Get Their Feet Wet
• Chicago's History with Drinking Water
• Action Alert Success
• Wild & Scenic Film Festival: That’s a wrap!
• Boneyard Creek Community Day
• Boneyard Arts Festival
• Thank You for Rounding Up!
• Run for Clean Water

]]> 28923 0 360 0 https://prairierivers.org/articles/2017/03/riverweb-news-march-16-2017/ Thu, 16 Mar 2017 20:21:14 +0000 https://prairierivers.org/?p=28925 Read our RiverWeb News for March 16, 2017 with stories on:

• PRN addresses Friday Forum: The State of Water in Illinois
• Wild and Scenic Film Festival Champaign - April 4, 2017
• Illinois Marathon - 25% there!
• Round Up for PRN at Common Ground
• ReGenerate IL takes off

]]> 28925 0 362 0 https://prairierivers.org/articles/2017/02/riverweb-news-february-24-2017/ Fri, 24 Feb 2017 21:37:27 +0000 https://prairierivers.org/?p=28928 Read our RiverWeb News for February 24, 2017 with stories on:

• A farmer, a baker, and a brewer walk into an old bakery…
• Wild and Scenic Film Festival Champaign - April 4, 2017
• Volunteer for Prairie Rivers Network at the Illinois Marathon
• Trump kills Stream Protection Rule
• With the stroke of a pen...
• Possible coal ash contamination keeps Kickapoo pond closed

]]> 28928 0 366 0 https://prairierivers.org/uncategorized/2017/03/3-million-gift-strengthens-prns-next-50-years/ Wed, 08 Mar 2017 08:38:48 +0000 https://prairierivers.org/?p=29204 The News-Gazette featured Carol's gift on their front page. According to Carol Goodall Wock’s wishes, the farm will be managed organically and sustainably, with proceeds supporting the work of PRN. This is particularly timely as we begin to explore new programs aimed at creating food systems in Illinois that support local farmers and communities while protecting our precious soil and water resources. “Carol’s generosity will sustain this organization for many years to come,” Hays said. “It will give us the flexibility to take on new initiatives and explore new ways of advocating for clean water.” We are humbled by Carol's faith in Prairie Rivers Network, and we will do everything in our power to farm responsibly, protecting our soil and water, and nurturing the health of our communities.  ]]> 29204 0 364 0 https://prairierivers.org/uncategorized/2017/05/dynegyash/ Tue, 16 May 2017 17:02:32 +0000 https://prairierivers.org/?p=28325 This article was originally featured in our Spring 2017 newsletter.

A legacy of waste for Illinois

Dynegy plans to leave a legacy of waste in our state. Dynegy is a Texas-based energy production company that owns 11 coal-fired power plants in Illinois, either directly or through its subsidiaries. These 11 power plants have 42 coal ash impoundments containing over 70 million cubic yards of toxic coal ash! These impoundments are huge: the coal ash impoundment outlined in red in the image below is just one of three at the Vermilion site, containing over 1.5 million cubic yards of ash. [caption id="attachment_28637" align="aligncenter" width="550"] Figure 1. A 40-acre coal ash impoundment at the Vermilion Power Station, one of three at the site. The power plant in background should provide a sense of scale.[/caption] The Illinois coal ash rules, which would provide additional guidance on the fate of coal disposal in the state, are still in development. Dynegy bets on Illinois having weak rules that will allow it to leave their dumps for the public to clean up one day. Coal ash is the solid byproduct left over after coal is burned for electricity. It is much like the ash from a wood-burning fire, except coal ash contains toxic materials like mercury, arsenic, selenium, cadmium, and chromium. The majority of Dynegy’s coal ash is stored in unlined impoundments. Without a liner, there is no barrier between the coal ash and the groundwater around the impoundment. Water can easily flow through the coal ash and become contaminated. Unlined (and many lined) coal ash impoundments pollute Illinois’ groundwater for their entire lifespan. Toxic materials like mercury or arsenic leach into the groundwater and into rivers. Violation of groundwater standards has been identified at many unlined impoundment sites across the state, Dynegy's and otherwise. Dynegy proposes closing these sites via “cap in place,” a procedure where a waterproof layer is placed atop the ash. The company thinks this solves the problem, but it doesn’t. Putting a cap over an unlined impoundment is like trying to stay dry by bringing an umbrella with you into a pool. Without an underlying liner, the coal ash will continue to pollute groundwater. Dynegy’s plan would leave Illinois’ water sources forever exposed to coal ash contamination.

The first battlegrounds

By federal law, all coal ash impoundments in Illinois will eventually need to be closed, and Dynegy recently disclosed that they are already moving forward with closure plans at thirteen coal ash impoundments across five plant sites in Illinois: Baldwin, Coffeen, Duck Creek, Hennepin and Wood River. Additionally, we know Dynegy has proposed impoundment closure plans at the shuttered Vermilion Power Station on the Middle Fork of the Vermilion River where seepage from the coal ash is visible on the river banks. All together, these plans will leave 23 million cubic yards of ash permanently unprotected in Illinois and exposed to groundwater and potentially surface water through groundwater channels. To visualize that number, we’ve illustrated what all that ash would look like piled next to the University of Illinois’ Memorial Stadium. The pile of coal ash would stand over half a mile tall, towering over anything in east-central Illinois! [caption id="attachment_28956" align="aligncenter" width="700"] Figure 2. The 23 million cubic yard pile of coal ash, visualized here as a brown cube, would stand over a half mile tall, with a footprint over twice as large as a football field.[/caption] Dynegy isn’t the only company with coal ash waste in Illinois, and it isn’t the only company planning to cap in place instead of removing the ash. However, Dynegy has the most ash in Illinois, both by volume of ash and by total number of sites. This is Dynegy’s problem to solve, not the public’s. And right now their cap in place closure plans will leave groundwater pollution that future generations will have to solve. If we teach our children to clean up after themselves, shouldn’t we create rules that make for-profit companies do the same? This is why a strong Illinois coal ash rule is so crucial. We need rules that legitimately consider alternatives to cap in place -- especially where groundwater already saturates the coal ash. We need rules that give the public a voice during the closure process. We need rules that hold Dynegy accountable for the economic costs of their waste dumps. Anything less is corporate welfare at taxpayers’ expense. That’s why Prairie Rivers Network and partners have been fighting so hard for stronger coal ash rules in Illinois, and why we continue to do so.  ]]> May 16, 2017 | Blog Post Dynegy plans to leave a legacy of waste in our state. Dynegy is a Texas-based energy production company that owns 11 coal-fired power plants in Illinois, either directly or through its subsidiaries. These 11 power plants have 42 coal ash impoundments containing over 70 million cubic yards of toxic coal ash!]]> 28325 0 347 0 https://prairierivers.org/uncategorized/2017/04/a-day-at-allerton/ Wed, 19 Apr 2017 13:51:59 +0000 https://prairierivers.org/?p=28714 By Jeff Kohmstedt Western chorus frogs, a red-tailed hawk, blue-grey gnatcatchers, and a common garter snake. There was a tufted titmouse, a towhee, and a red-headed woodpecker. These are just some of the animals I saw or heard last Saturday at Allerton Park. PRN member and birder David Thomas, PRN board member Rob Kanter, and I left Champaign around 9 in the morning and headed west along Interstate 72. A short 30 or so minutes later, we arrived at the Allerton Park Music Barn for an outing. We reacquainted ourselves to this part of the park as a precursor to PRN Day at Allerton, celebrating 50 years of PRN on May 21 (more details on that below). Part of the festivities will include birding and nature walks hosted by David and Rob. David and Rob are old hats when it comes to this sort of stuff. The two of them have decades of experience between them, and I could tell they enjoyed each other’s company, mentally adding bird species to lists in their heads upon hearing or seeing them. Occasionally, David would pull a small black book out of his breast pocket to make a note. It wasn’t all birds we saw. There were fungi, many varieties of wildflowers -- some invasive species like garlic mustard, and two snakes -- a large common garter (pictured) and a small brown snake. We saw the Sangamon River as it slowly creeped its way, splitting the park in two. And across the river, to flourishing wildflowers on the other bank. What will you see at PRN Day at Allerton? I hope to see you there!

PRN Day at Allerton

Protecting Our Land, Water, and Wildlife

a 50th Anniversary Celebration of Stewardship

Help us celebrate a day at Allerton on May 21st from noon to 4:00 pm (rain or shine) at the Allerton Park Music Barn, 588 Allerton Road, Monticello, Illinois 61856. This free, family-friendly event includes:

• Picnicking and lawn games (you bring the picnic- we’ll have some lawn games to share, but feel free to bring any fun activities)
• A nature walk with Environmental Almanac writer/photographer and PRN board member Rob Kanter
• A guided birding walk with local birder David Thomas
• The Water Project, a performance developed by a theatrical ensemble led by local director and civic theater advocate, Latrelle Bright, examining our relationship with water
• A sampling of locally-produced honey and locally grown artisanal grain breads
• An art and photography exhibit by local artists and photographers
• A multimedia reflection on 50 years of stewardship, including readings from PRN member Amy Hassinger’s new novel, After the Dam

More information is at prairierivers.org/fifty/#allerton FREE and Open to the Public]]> April 17, 2017 | Blog Post Western chorus frogs, a red-tailed hawk, blue-grey gnatcatchers, and a common garter snake. There was a tufted titmouse, a towhee, and a red-headed woodpecker. These are just some of the animals I saw or heard last Saturday at Allerton Park. PRN member and birder David Thomas, PRN board member Rob Kanter, and I left Champaign around 9 in the morning and headed west along Interstate 72. A short 30 or so minutes later, we arrived at the Allerton Park Music Barn for an outing.]]> 28714 0 358 0 https://prairierivers.org/articles/2017/04/prairie-river-notes-spring-2017-newsletter/ Wed, 19 Apr 2017 14:41:06 +0000 https://prairierivers.org/?p=28731 2017 Spring Newsletter, featuring articles on:

• More than 50,000 Acres of Wetlands Saved
• Carol's Currents
• PRN Welcomes New Staff
• Why I Give to PRN: Jorie Emory
• Covering Its Own Ash
• PRN Day at Allerton
• Good Luck, Runners and Walkers!
• 50 Years of Stewardship
• 2016 PRN Members & Supporters

]]> 28731 0 357 0 https://prairierivers.org/uncategorized/2017/04/mysterious-discharge-middle-fork/ Thu, 27 Apr 2017 20:01:12 +0000 https://prairierivers.org/?p=28777 The Middle Fork. Mysterious discharge not pictured (there were no pictures).[/caption] University and middle school students were canoeing on the Middle Fork this week on an educational field trip when they noticed something that seemed out of place. One of the small tributaries to the Middle Fork was flowing faster than any of the canoers had seen before, and it was flowing thick with milky white sediment. Upstream of this tributary, the water was perfectly clear, but downstream, the entire Middle Fork was cloudy and opaque. Sediment is a pollutant, especially in large quantities. Fish and other less mobile critters can’t see and can’t breathe if there is too much sediment in the river. Not only that, but sediments have often absorbed other contaminants which are released when they enter the river. Discharges like this are quite common when it rains, as farm fields can have substantial runoff of sediment and nutrients, but it had not rained that day. These canoers decided to call PRN and report the problem, and I’m glad they did. They were able to identify the tributary on a Google map: For me, this tributary is notable because it is directly south of Dynegy’s Vermilion Power Station. The large lake at the top of the map is the former cooling lake of the power station. In fact, if we look at elevation data, there are two clear potential sources of the tributary, and one of them is the cooling lake's dam: Unfortunately, the canoers did not have a camera to get pictures of the sediment laden tributary. This is a common problem: someone is discharging pollutants into a river, but there is no one to take a picture or identify the source. By the time regulating authorities arrive the pollutant release has ended. After I got their call, I reached out to Illinois EPA to report the problem and called contacts in the area to see if anyone could respond. We also reached out to you, the public, to see if anyone had any information. While Illinois EPA looked into the issue, we did some sleuthing of our own. We’ve been able to confirm that there was a substantial discharge of water into the river. There is a river gauge about 5 miles downstream at Oakwood that measures the flow rate of the river. At approximately 12:00pm on Tuesday the 25th, this gauge shows a 40 cubic feet per second increase that lasts for about 16 hours. That's over 17 million gallons of extremely turbid water discharged into the Middle Fork over that period. I followed up with Illinois EPA the next day. They were not able to access the stream due to thick foliage. They contacted multiple farmers in the area, none of which reported releasing anything. There was no rain that day, so this couldn’t have been runoff from farm fields. They also reached out to Dynegy, who said that they could not find any spill at the Vermilion site. There was some speculation from Illinois EPA that an old mine could have blown out, releasing stored water into the river. Unfortunately, that’s all we might know about this event. Without more information, it’s impossible to assign blame or understand what exactly was discharged into the river. We can only hope that no harm came to the wildlife who thrive in the Middle Fork. Prairie Rivers Network will continue to fight for the long term health of this river and the people who use it.

---See Part 2: A Mystery With No Dam Solution---

Updated with elevation map on 4/28/2017 Staff Contact: Andrew Rehn, arehn@prairierivers.org]]> April 27, 2017 | Blog Post University and middle school students were canoeing on the Middle Fork this week on an educational field trip when they noticed something that seemed out of place. One of the small tributaries to the Middle Fork was flowing faster than any of the canoers had seen before, and it was flowing thick with milky white sediment. Upstream of this tributary, the water was perfectly clear, but downstream, the entire Middle Fork was cloudy and opaque.]]> 28777 0 355 0 https://prairierivers.org/articles/2017/05/runwalk-clean-water-raises-7790/ Tue, 02 May 2017 15:51:08 +0000 https://prairierivers.org/?p=28838 A big Thank You to our Clean Water Fundraising Team that raised $8,400 and ran/walked 114.40 miles in 20 hours, 36 minutes, and 24 seconds during the 2017 Illinois Marathon race weekend in April.

YOU CAN BE PART OF THE TEAM FOR THE 2018 CHRISTIE CLINIC ILLINOIS MARATHON. IT REALLY IS EASY TO RAISE MONEY AND A FUN RACE TO PARTICIPATE IN. DON’T MISS OUT.

[caption id="attachment_28840" align="alignright" width="300"] Top Individual Fundraisesr, Karen Kane, with her daughter getting ready for their run for clean water![/caption]

Individual fundraisers:

Jacquelyn Brewer

Amy Irle

Karen Kane

Rob Kanter

Chris Main

Nudelman Family

Andrea Martinez Gonzalez

First Presbyterian Church of Urbana Earth Care Team:

David Bullock

Liz and Don Greeley

Dixie and Gary Jackson

David Sherwood

Case Sprenkle

Barbara Sturgeon

Prairie Rivers Network also thanks our business sponsors for supporting us, sponsoring this and other events, and clean water.

Platinum $5,000+

  [one_half][/one_half] [one_half_last][/one_half_last] [one_half][/one_half] [one_half_last][/one_half_last]  

Gold $1,000+

  [one_half padding="5px 5px 5px 5px"][/one_half] [one_half_last padding="5px 5px 5px 5px"][/one_half_last] [one_half padding="5px 5px 5px 5px"][/one_half] [one_half_last padding="5px 5px 5px 5px"][/one_half_last] [one_half padding="5px 5px 5px 5px"][/one_half] [one_half_last padding="5px 5px 5px 5px"]

Erich Adickes Photography

[/one_half_last] [one_half padding="5px 5px 5px 5px"][/one_half] [one_half_last padding="5px 5px 5px 5px"][/one_half_last] [one_half padding="5px 5px 5px 5px"][/one_half] [one_half_last padding="5px 5px 5px 5px"][/one_half_last]  

Silver $500

  [one_half padding="5px 5px 5px 5px][/one_half] [one_half_last padding="5px 5px 5px 5px][/one_half_last] [one_half padding="5px 5px 5px 5px]

[/one_half] [one_half_last padding="5px 5px 5px 5px] [/one_half_last] [one_half padding="5px 5px 5px 5px][/one_half] [one_half_last padding="5px 5px 5px 5px][/one_half_last]  

Bronze $250

  [one_half padding="10px 0 0 0"][/one_half] [one_half_last][/one_half_last]

Additional Business Sponsors

 

Arthur J. Gallagher & Co.

Color & Grain Inc.

Deborah Fell Art Quilts

Hamilton Walker's

Heel to Toe

International Galleries

Krannert Center for the Performing Arts

Chris Main Photography

Old Neesby Construction Company

Pizzeria Antica

Silvercreek and Courier Cafe

Salt Fork River Runners

The Station Theatre

Urbana Park District

Watson's Shack & Rail

Webber & Thies, P.C. Lawyers

Wedge Tequila Bar & Grill

White on Wood (Derek Pankau)

 

Would you like to sponsor Prairie Rivers Network?

Prairie Rivers Network invites you to support clean water and healthy rivers by becoming a business member of Prairie Rivers Network. Business sponsors can be recognized at our Annual Dinner, Wild & Scenic Film Festival, and Illinois Marathon - Run/Walk for Clean Water - charity running team. For more information, please view our Business Sponsor Form, or contact Vickie Nudelman at 217.344.2371 or vnudelman [at] prairierivers.org.

]]> 28838 0 352 0 https://prairierivers.org/uncategorized/2017/05/press-release-prn-join-groups-suing-block-trump-rollback-safeguards/ Wed, 03 May 2017 19:44:55 +0000 https://prairierivers.org/?p=28865 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Prairie Rivers Network to Join Groups Suing to Block Trump Rollback of Safeguards for America’s Worst Toxic Water Pollution Source Discharges from Coal Plants to Public Waters Increase Cancer and Brain Damage Risk

[caption id="attachment_28877" align="aligncenter" width="600"] photo credit: John Blair[/caption] CONTACTS: Andrew Rehn, Prairie Rivers Network (217) 344.2371 x 208, arehn@prairierivers.org (Washington, D.C.) A coalition of environmental and public health advocates filed suit today to challenge a Trump administration rollback that could wipe out critical protections for cleaning up America’s leading source of toxic water pollution: coal power plant waste. The federal lawsuit seeks to invalidate an April 25 U.S. Environmental Protection Agency order that abruptly put an indefinite hold on a set of safeguards to control the amount of arsenic, mercury, cadmium, lead and other pollutants that spew from coal power plants into our public waters. By putting those protections on hold indefinitely, the Trump administration is allowing power plants to continue discharging toxics without any specific limits, using standards set 35 years ago. “Illinois’ rivers and wildlife don't need this toxic pollution,” said Andrew Rehn, Water Resources Engineer for Prairie Rivers Network. “We should not be stuck with the pollution technology of the 1980s when EPA has newly updated standards. EPA’s freezing of the new standards poses a threat to the health of communities who depend on the river for livelihood and recreation. We can, and should, do better to protect our rivers.” “I don’t think anything considered state of the art in 1982 would still be state of the art today, especially when you are talking about the number-one source of toxic water pollution in the country,” said Earthjustice attorney Thomas Cmar. “EPA Administrator Scott Pruitt is not above the law and he doesn’t have the power to roll back public health protections with the stroke of a pen.” Earthjustice filed the lawsuit on behalf of the Sierra Club, the Waterkeeper Alliance, and Clean Water Action in the District of Columbia’s federal district court. Also joining the suit are the Environmental Integrity Project, PennEnvironment, Chesapeake Climate Action Network, Chesapeake Physicians for Social Responsibility, and Prairie Rivers Network, represented by the Environmental Integrity Project. The suit asks the court to find that the EPA didn’t have legal authority to put the protections on hold, didn’t give public notice or allow public participation before doing so, and selectively applied its action to prioritize the interests of the coal industry over public health. “These standards would have tackled the biggest source of toxic water pollution in the country, and now the Trump EPA is trying to toss them out. It’s indefensible,” said Pete Harrison, an attorney for Waterkeeper Alliance . “The EPA didn’t even pretend to seek public input before plowing ahead with this rollback that could allow millions of pounds of preventable toxic pollution to go into our water.” The toxics in coal plant waste raise cancer risk, make fish unsafe to eat, and can inflict lasting brain damage on children. Heavy metals in the waste, like lead, arsenic and mercury, don’t degrade over time, and they can concentrate as they travel up the food chain, impacting fish and wildlife and ultimately collecting in our bodies and our children’s bodies. Power plant pollution can also make municipal water bills more expensive, because water treatment plants may have to spend more money to ensure that they deliver safe water to their customers. “By allowing power plants to continue to dump chemicals into drinking water sources, Trump’s EPA is putting polluter profits above protecting public health,” said Jennifer Peters, National Water Programs Director for Clean Water Action. “For decades, power plants have been dumping toxic metals and other harmful contaminants, including bromide, which creates cancer-causing byproducts during drinking water treatment. Absent strong safeguards to limit this pollution, drinking water systems and their customers will continue to bear the burden of unchecked power plant water pollution.” After decades of inaction, limits for these toxic discharges from coal power plants were finally updated by the Obama Administration in September 2015 due to a court order secured by some of the same groups filing suit today. The new safeguards would have required power plants to eliminate the vast majority of this pollution, protecting our nation’s drinking water sources and making thousands of river miles safer for swimming and fishing. Power plants were set to begin meeting these new safeguards starting in 2018, but EPA’s Pruitt agreed to a coal industry request to reconsider the rule. Through the April 25 order, the EPA is telling the industry that it doesn’t need to take any steps to modernize wastewater treatment while a potentially years-long rulemaking process plays out. “EPA’s action brings us back to the dark ages by not requiring industry to stay on schedule to curb toxic water pollution from power plants, the largest industrial source of this pollution,” said Lisa Hallowell, Senior Attorney for the Environmental Integrity Project. “Instead of requiring modern pollution controls that cost only pennies a day, the Trump Administration is instead allowing this industry to continue to dump unlimited arsenic, selenium, and other toxic pollution into our nation’s waters.” Mary Anne Hitt, Director of Sierra Club's Beyond Coal campaign, added: “Today, we are making a firm declaration that we will not stand idly by as Trump's Administration tries to steer America back to an era where rivers caught on fire and polluters dumped their waste in our waterways with impunity. With the drinking water of millions of Americans at stake, we will fight tooth-and-nail to protect safeguards that restrict coal plants from dumping toxic heavy metals into our drinking water supplies and putting thousands of families at risk of poisoning each year. Though these irrational attacks against basic science and public health are horrifying, we are confident that common sense will win the day and the American people will prevail over polluter greed in the courts and in the streets.”

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For a copy of the legal filing, please visit: http://earthjustice.org/sites/default/files/files/1%20%202017-05-03%20ELG%20Complaint.pdf For the online version of this release, please visit: http://earthjustice.org/news/press/2017/groups-sue-to-block-trump-rollback-of-safeguards-for-america-s-worst-toxic-water-pollution-source

Additional Remarks from Groups Going to Court To Block Trump Rollback of Safeguards for America’s Worst Toxic Water Pollution Source

Chesapeake Physicians for Social Responsibility CONTACT: Tim Whitehouse, Executive Director, Chesapeake Physicians for Social Responsibility, 240-246-4492, twhitehouse@psr.org “The risks to human health from power plants being allowed to spew unlimited amounts of mercury, selenium, arsenic, and other toxics into our nation’s water are profound,” said Tim Whitehouse, Executive Director of Chesapeake Physicians for Social Responsibility. “Exposure can lead to problems including cancer and neurotoxicity, and the EPA’s decision not to curb the release of these pollutants as quickly as possible is unjustifiable and dangerous.” PennEnvironment CONTACT: David Masur, Executive Director, PennEnvironment, 267-303-8292, davidmasur@pennenvironment.org “Water pollution from power plants is one of the most extensive problems affecting Pennsylvania's rivers and streams," said David Masur, Executive Director of PennEnvironment. "It's not only outrageous that the Trump administration is attempting to rollback safeguards put into place to protect our environment and communities from this pollution, we're also confident that it's illegal.” Chesapeake Climate Action Network CONTACT: Denise Robbins, Communications Director, CCAN, (240) 396-2022, denise@chesapeakeclimate.org “Scott Pruitt’s sweeping move to roll back protections from toxic pollution is harmful and unnecessary,” said Anne Havemann, General Counsel at the Chesapeake Climate Action Network. “By allowing coal-fired power plants to dump toxic metals into our waterways, he is gambling with the health of communities living downstream, including in Maryland and Virginia. D.C. may be his new home, but this was not very neighborly.” Outside Contacts:

• Thomas Cmar, Earthjustice (708) 613-5061 tcmar@earthjustice.org
• Pete Harrison, Waterkeeper Alliance (828) 582-0422 pharrison@waterkeeper.org
• Michael Kelly, Clean Water Action, (202) 393-5449 mkelly@cleanwater.org
• Trey Pollard, Sierra Club, (202) 904-9187 trey.pollard@sierraclub.org
• Tom Pelton, Environmental Integrity Project (443) 510-2574 tpelton@environmentalintegrity.org

   

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]]> May 3, 2017 | Press Release A coalition of environmental and public health advocates filed suit today to challenge a Trump administration rollback that could wipe out critical protections for cleaning up America’s leading source of toxic water pollution: coal power plant waste.]]> 28865 0 351 0 https://prairierivers.org/articles/2017/05/riverweb-news-may-4-2017/ Fri, 05 May 2017 20:00:13 +0000 https://prairierivers.org/?p=28915 Read our RiverWeb News for May 4, 2017 with stories on:

• PRN Joins Groups Suing to Block US EPA's Rollback of Safeguards
• A Mysterious Discharge on the Middle Fork
• Healthy Soils Healthy Waters Day
• “Climate March for Science”
• PRN Day at Allerton
• Follow PRN on Instagram!

]]> 28915 0 350 0 https://prairierivers.org/articles/2017/04/riverweb-news-april-21-2017/ Fri, 21 Apr 2017 20:14:02 +0000 https://prairierivers.org/?p=28921 Read our RiverWeb News for April 21, 2017 with stories on:

• PRN Spring Newsletter
• Milkweed the State Wildflower?
• Birding Nature Walk at Allerton
• Boneyard Creek Community Day - April 29
• Blind Pig Fundraiser
• Good Luck Runners and Walkers!
• Events

]]> 28921 0 356 0 https://prairierivers.org/uncategorized/2017/05/middle-fork-mystery-no-dam-solution/ Mon, 08 May 2017 19:30:44 +0000 https://prairierivers.org/?p=28931 A Mysterious Discharge On The Middle Fork--- Two weeks ago, we posted a story about a mysterious discharge on the Middle Fork brought to our attention by some canoers. Following that story, some hikers reached out to PRN to corroborate the report. They were hiking in the area that day and noticed the same tributary flowing extremely fast and milky white. They followed the tributary upstream to a junction where two smaller tributaries meet to form the one that flows into the Middle Fork. The tributary to the east flowed fast and full of sediment while the tributary to the west was just a trickle. This junction is just a half mile downstream from Dynegy’s cooling lake dam, and the tributary to the east that flowed full is the one that leads to the dam. The simplest answer is often the right one. There was no rain on April 25th. On that dry day, what else could have supplied somewhere between 10-20 million gallons of water in the half mile between this junction and the dam? I am not sure we will get a satisfying answer to this conundrum. Illinois EPA has said that they will meet with a Dynegy representative and inspect the dam. Hopefully, this exchange will result in some satisfying answers. This mysterious discharge gives us reasons to worry. The hikers described it as milky white – quite different from the look of a river filled with typical sediment runoff. There are any number of possible explanations for the white color, some more dangerous than others. Even if this discharge was completely harmless, what is immediately concerning is that we still don’t know what happened. We will keep you updated if and when we learn more. Thanks to the hikers and canoers who saw something that looked off and decided to share it with us.]]> May 8, 2017 | Blog Post Two weeks ago, we posted a story about a mysterious discharge on the Middle Fork brought to our attention by some canoers. Following that story, some hikers reached out to PRN to corroborate the report. They were hiking in the area that day and noticed the same tributary flowing extremely fast and milky white. They followed the tributary upstream to a junction where two smaller tributaries meet to form the one that flows into the Middle Fork. The tributary to the east flowed fast and full of sediment while the tributary to the west was just a trickle.]]> 28931 0 348 0 https://prairierivers.org/articles/2017/05/riverweb-news-may-18-2017/ Mon, 22 May 2017 15:40:39 +0000 https://prairierivers.org/?p=29036 Read our RiverWeb News for May 18, 2017 with stories on:

• PRN Co-hosts Growing Local Food Opportunities Round Table
• Two Important Bills for Wildlife
• Middle Illinois River Conservation Collaborative (MIRCC)
• Great Lakes Restoration Initiative Funded -- for Now
• PRN Newsletter Highlight: Dynegy, Covering Its Own Ash, Plans To Leave Huge Dumps Across Illinois
• Thank You for Taking Action!
• Thank You, Runners!
• Reminder: PRN Day at Allerton on May 21

]]> 29036 0 346 0 https://prairierivers.org/uncategorized/2017/05/monticello-mayor-larry-stoner-signs-monarch-pledge/ Tue, 30 May 2017 13:49:48 +0000 https://prairierivers.org/?p=29065 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Monticello Mayor Larry Stoner Signs Monarch Pledge

Contact: Jeff Kohmstedt, Prairie Rivers Network, jkohmstedt@prairierivers.org, 217-344-2371 ext. 207 (Monticello, IL) – Mayor Larry Stoner will sign the National Wildlife Federation (NWF) Mayors’ Monarch Pledge today, May 30th, at the Monarch Brewing Company (212 S Independence St, Monticello). Prairie Rivers Network (PRN) will host a happy hour where Mayor Stoner will pledge his support to provide habitat for the monarch butterfly and other pollinator species in public parks, median strips, community gardens, and municipal buildings. With the pledge, cities and municipalities commit to restoring habitat and encouraging the public to do the same. Mayor Stoner will pledge to take action to help save the monarch butterfly. "I think it is important for public officials to address environmental issues that endanger the survival of many species of wildlife,” Mayor Stoner said. “Using the public forum to make people aware of these concerns and possible measures that can alleviate these problems is important." The NWF Mayors’ Pledge has been signed by 299 mayors from cities all across the country. Monticello will join other area cities whose mayors have signed the pledge, including Springfield, Champaign, Urbana, Bloomington, Pekin, and Gibson City. The event will take place at Monarch Brewing Company, Monticello’s first brew pub, which opened in 2017 in the former United Methodist Church. The happy hour runs from 6:00 to 7:00 pm. The mayor will sign the pledge at 6:15 p.m. “Monarch Brewing Company supports the efforts of the Prairie Rivers Network to protect the monarch butterfly population and to stop the decline of milkweed which is the only plant that the monarch caterpillars can eat,” co-owner Matt Miller said. “We are happy to host the event on May 30 at our brewpub in Monticello.” PRN is Illinois' advocate for clean water and healthy rivers and the Illinois affiliate of the NWF. Drawing upon sound science and working cooperatively with others, PRN advocates for public policies and cultural values that sustain the ecological health and biological diversity of Illinois’ water resources and aquatic ecosystems. It is a member-supported, nonprofit organization that champions clean, healthy rivers and lakes and safe drinking water to benefit the people and wildlife of Illinois. This year, PRN celebrates 50 years of working to protect Illinois’ rivers for people, fish, and wildlife. Celebration events include the Wild & Scenic Film Festival which took place on April 4 in Champaign, two other planned film festivals in Carbondale (Sept. 22) and Peoria (Oct. 13), and PRN Day at Allerton on May 21. PRN’s 50th Anniversary Dinner Gala will take place Oct. 6 in Champaign.

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]]> May 30, 2017 | Press Release Monticello Mayor Larry Stoner will sign the National Wildlife Federation Mayors’ Monarch Pledge today at the Monarch Brewing Company in Monticello.]]> 29065 0 345 0 https://prairierivers.org/uncategorized/2017/06/dynegy-claims-mysterious-middle-fork-discharge/ Wed, 21 Jun 2017 20:10:37 +0000 https://prairierivers.org/?p=29104 ---This post is a follow-up to A Mysterious Discharge on the Middle Fork. See Part 1 and Part 2--- [caption id="attachment_29116" align="aligncenter" width="650"] An image of the tributary taken a month after it carried millions of gallons of opaque white water into the Middle Fork. No evidence of this mysterious flow is immediately apparent. This tributary was flowing full from bank to bank with milky white water on April 25th.[/caption] Dynegy now states that they released an estimated 12 million gallons of water over the spillway of the cooling lake dam of their closed Vermilion Power Station on April 25th. That day, hikers noticed a small stream flowing full from bank to bank with cloudy white water. Canoers saw this small stream flow into the Middle Fork River and mix until it turned the entire river white. Both the hikers and the canoers noted that the color and flow rate of the stream was unusual and striking; not your typical brown sediment runoff but cloudy, white, and flowing fast. There hadn't been any rain to cause a flow like that. Here’s a description from one of the canoers, who describes the cloudy flow mixing with the Middle Fork:

"The water from the tributary was light gray in color. Whatever was suspended in the water was very light in color - not typical soil color which is brown to dark olive gray. This was light gray to white. The water from the tributary was so laden with suspended material you could not see even an inch into the water (it was opaque). It was a striking display of mixing of the stream and tributary. We could follow the two water ‘streams’ through at least the first bend after the tributary. After a stretch, the tributary water was completely mixed with the main stream and the entire Middle Fork was opaque from the light gray suspended load from the tributary."

[caption id="attachment_29270" align="alignright" width="350"] The white and cloudy tributary enters the Middle Fork in the bottom of the image. Following the tributary’s valley northward, hikers identified it as the stream that comes from Dynegy’s dam.[/caption] Illinois EPA spoke with residents near the site the next day, April 26th, but found nothing that could have created the mysterious flow. They did not investigate Dynegy's property, but Dynegy indicated via phone call that they did not see anything unusual. Two weeks later, Illinois EPA met with Dynegy for a follow-up inspection. During that inspection, Dynegy confirmed that they were responsible for the water but could not explain its cloudy white color. Illinois EPA concluded that the white material could not have come from Dynegy's dam. They explored portions of the site downstream of the dam but were not able to locate a source for the discoloration.

What caused the mysterious flow on the Middle Fork?

In Illinois EPA's inspection report, Dynegy indicated that contractors on a weekly inspection of the Vermilion Power Station noticed a beaver dam blocking the spillway on April 24th, the day before the mysterious flow. The next day, another contractor removed the beaver dam, causing a flow over the spillway approximately 8 inches deep which lasted for hours. The story seems to make sense. The math certainly checks out - the lake level was lowered by 8 inches, and the lake is approximately 100 acres, so the volume that went over the spillway (area x depth = volume) matches PRN's estimated 20 million gallons of flow from the stream gage record. [caption id="attachment_29114" align="aligncenter" width="576"] The flow in the Middle Fork river is measured downstream at Oakwood. This image shows an increase of 40 cubic feet per second around noon on April 25th which seems to last until the early morning of April 26th. Eighteen hours of 40 cubic feet per second flow is about 20 million gallons.[/caption] However, a closer inspection of the story reveals some inconsistencies or a complete lack of communication. Dynegy should have known about the discharge on April 25th and reported it. Dynegy had two different contractors at the power station on the 24th and 25th, one to inspect the site and then a second to remove the beaver dam from the spillway. Surely, one or both of those contractors would have reported their activities to Dynegy. Why then would Dynegy report to Illinois EPA on April 26th that nothing unusual had occurred that might cause the mysterious flow? It also seems improbable that a lake could fill up by 20 million gallons during a week that had no rain. Dynegy's contractors inspect the site weekly. If the spillway was not blocked on the 17th, then all 20 million gallons would have had to accumulate between the 17th and the 24th. Without rain, that is impossible, unless for some reason Dynegy was pumping water into the lake from the Middle Fork, where they have a pumping station. The last problem with this story is the obvious one: what caused the white color? No explanation is given. There is only Dynegy property between the tributary where hikers identified the mysterious discharge and Dynegy’s dam. Whatever caused the stream to turn white is, or was, on Dynegy's property.

What could have made the water white and cloudy?

There are a few things that could explain the white color. The most likely possibilities include bentonite clay or aluminum. Coal ash has turned rivers a white color depending on the ash's composition. It could even be white paint! We don't really know without evidence. Let’s take a moment to explore a theory that could have explained the mysterious flow - a mine blowout. Multiple abandoned mines sit below the infrastructure that supports Dynegy’s Vermilion Power Station. There are mines close to both the cooling lake dam and the New East Ash Pond, a coal ash impoundment. Mines leave behind mine voids: empty space that once contained coal. At this site, the extent of the mine voids is unknown because the mines were dug over 100 years ago and weren't properly mapped. A mine void can collapse if the supports of the mine roof fail. Collapse can result in the instability of structures built on the land surface above the mine, such as Dynegy’s cooling lake dam and the nearby impoundments which store coal ash. The known extent of the mines relative to the coal ash impoundments and the dam are shown below. [caption id="attachment_29301" align="aligncenter" width="600"] This map shows the relative location of the underground mines and some of Dynegy's structures at the site - the New East Ash Pond and the cooling lake's dam, which is the structure forming the southeast border of the lake. The light yellow areas represent the range of potential surface influence from underground mines. This map also depicts the land surface elevation, which reveals the river valleys and land surface through the trees. Mine data is from the Illinois State Geological Survey’s ILMINES mine map.[/caption] It is possible Dynegy’s coal ash is seeping through the mines and collecting on the surface. Mine voids have been known to create pathways for contamination. Coal waste has entered the environment through old mines before. In 2000, Massey Energy leaked coal slurry into an abandoned mine in Kentucky which then spilled 300 million gallons of coal waste into multiple nearby rivers. Perhaps the white material is a result of a mine blowout, and the material was then picked up by the larger-than-usual flow in the tributary. We really don’t know and don’t have a way of knowing without a thorough investigation of the site.

Conclusion?

The amount of material it would take to turn millions of gallons of water opaque would surely leave behind a record. That much material doesn't just appear in a tributary in the middle of a river valley. However, Dynegy owns all the land between the tributary and the dam so investigation is impossible without trespassing. Illinois EPA has closed the investigation - see the report. The mysterious flow was over a month ago, and May was particularly stormy this year, so it may be too late to turn up any clues. Please reach out to us if you have any ideas. Click here to read about Dynegy's coal ash on the Middle Fork.

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]]> June 21, 2017 | Blog Post Dynegy now states that they released an estimated 12 million gallons of water over the spillway of their cooling lake dam on April 25th. That day, hikers noticed what was usually a small creek flowing full from bank to bank with cloudy white water. Canoers saw this small tributary flow into the Middle Fork and turn the entire stream white. Both the hikers and the canoers noted that the color and flow rate of the stream was unusual and striking; not your typical brown sediment runoff but cloudy, white, and flowing fast.]]> 29104 0 344 0 https://prairierivers.org/articles/2017/06/riverweb-news-june-8-2017/ Fri, 09 Jun 2017 13:14:55 +0000 https://prairierivers.org/?p=29198 Read our RiverWeb News for June 8, 2017 with stories on:

• President Trump Nixes Paris Agreement
• Middle Fork Town Hall a Success
• Monticello Mayor Signs Monarch Pledge
• Southern Illinois Energy Forums
• Share Your PRN Photos and Stories!
• PRN Day at Allerton: Thanks for a Great Day!
• Shopping for Dad this Father’s Day?

]]> 29198 0 342 0 https://prairierivers.org/uncategorized/2017/06/prn-sierra-club-happy-hour/ Tue, 20 Jun 2017 20:25:12 +0000 https://prairierivers.org/?p=29281 29281 0 340 0 https://prairierivers.org/uncategorized/2017/06/bill-seeks-end-white-house-delays-combating-asian-carp-invasion/ Wed, 21 Jun 2017 21:40:49 +0000 https://prairierivers.org/?p=29309 Alliance for the Great Lakes · National Wildlife Federation · Natural Resources Defense Council Ohio Environmental Council · Prairie Rivers Network · Save The River · Sierra Club Tip of the Mitt Watershed Council

MEDIA STATEMENT

Bill Seeks to End White House Delays in Combating Asian Carp Invasion

Groups Applaud Efforts by Members of Congress to Make Latest Research Available to the Public

Chicago, IL (June 21, 2017) – A bipartisan bill introduced today in Congress would push the Trump Administration to stop delaying a key effort to stop the Asian carp invasion of the Great Lakes. Conservation groups from around the Great Lakes region expressed support for the bill. The groups stressed that the current Asian carp control measures, from electric barriers to harvesting, are not enough to keep the harmful fish out of the Great Lakes. Two years ago, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers was tasked with studying additional protection measures at the Brandon Road Lock and Dam near Joliet, IL. The facility is a logical choke point location to install control measures to stop the fish from moving closer to the lake. The study was paid for at taxpayer expense and is ready for public review. The draft report was supposed to be released for public review and input on February 28, 2017. But, instead of releasing it to the public, the White House blocked the report’s release, leaving it hidden away on a Washington, D.C. shelf gathering dust. And with it, efforts to install critical prevention measures to halt Asian carp have all but come to a halt, putting the Great Lakes at risk. Today a bipartisan group of legislators introduced the Stop Asian Carp Now bill, which would require the Administration to release the Brandon Road Study. The Stop Asian Carp Now bill was introduced by Senator Debbie Stabenow (D-MI) and Representatives Marcy Kaptur (D-OH) and Bill Huizenga (R-MI). We applaud Members of Congress for pushing to make this report public and fighting to protect the Great Lakes from the serious threat posed by Asian carp. Conservation groups support the bill noting that, “the Administration has had more than three months to review the report. It is past time to give Great Lakes residents a chance to do the same.” The seven cosponsors in the Senate so far are Senators Durbin (D-IL), Peters (D-MI), Baldwin (D-WI), Brown (D-OH), Franken (D-MN), Klobuchar (D-MN), and Duckworth (D-IL). The 31 cosponsors in the House so far are Reps. Huizenga (MI-02), Joyce (OH-14), Slaughter (NY-25), Nolan (MN-08), Trott (MI-11), Bergman (MI-01), Moolenaar (MI-04), Walberg (MI-07), Kildee (MI-05), Upton (MI-06), Schneider (IL-10), Mike Bishop (MI-08), Dingell (MI-12), Lawrence (MI-14), Walz (MN-01), Quigley (IL-05), Tim Ryan (OH-13), Conyers (MI-13), Moore (WI-04), Gallagher (WI-08), Chris Collins (NY-27), Schakowsky (IL-09), Mitchell (MI-10), Duffy (WI-07), Pocan (WI-02), Levin (MI-09), Fudge (OH-11), Stefanik (NY-21), Latta (OH-05), Amash (MI-03) and Brian Higgins (NY-26).

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Note to Media: Two additional resources that may be helpful in relation to this statement include:

• A map showing the location of the Brandon Road Lock and Dam in Illinois as well as the most recent publicly available information on the location of Asian carp populations can be found here. Please credit the map to Prairie Rivers Network, which created the map from information provided by the Asian Carp Regional Coordinating Committee.
• A recent fact sheet with background information on the Asian carp issue and potential impacts to the Great Lakes.

Media Contacts: Alliance for the Great Lakes: Jennifer Caddick, (312) 445-9760, jcaddick@greatlakes.org National Wildlife Federation: Marc Smith, (734) 887-7116, msmith@nwf.org Natural Resources Defense Council: Ivan Moreno, 312-651-7932, imoreno@nrdc.org Ohio Environmental Council: David Miller, (419) 944-1986, DMiller@theoec.org Prairie Rivers Network: Robert Hirschfeld, (217) 344-2371 x205, rhirschfeld@prairierivers.org Save The River: Lee Willbanks, (315) 686-2010, lee@savetheriver.org Sierra Club: Cindy Skrukrud, (312) 251-1680 x110, cindy.skrukrud@sierraclub.org Tip of the Mitt Watershed Council: Jennifer McKay, (231) 347-1181, jenniferm@watershedcouncil.org]]> June 21, 2017 | Press Release A bipartisan bill introduced today in Congress would push the Trump Administration to stop delaying a key effort to stop the Asian carp invasion of the Great Lakes.]]> 29309 0 343 0 https://prairierivers.org/uncategorized/2017/07/riverweb-news-july-13-2017/ Thu, 13 Jul 2017 16:48:13 +0000 https://prairierivers.org/?p=29337 Read our RiverWeb News for July 13, 2017 with stories on:

• Save the Clean Water Rule
• Pollinator-Friendly Farming
• #StopAsianCarpNow Video Series
• Student Art Call for Entries
• Wild & Scenic Film Festival 2017
• 50th Anniversary Dinner Gala

]]> 29337 0 338 0 https://prairierivers.org/uncategorized/2017/06/riverweb-news-june-22-2017/ Thu, 22 Jun 2017 16:52:18 +0000 https://prairierivers.org/?p=29340 Read our RiverWeb News for June 22, 2017 with stories on:

• PRN/NWF Release #StopAsianCarpNow Video Series
• Dynegy Claims the Mysterious Flow on the Middle Fork
• Southern Illinois Energy Forums a Success
• Mahomet Aquifer Happy Hour
• Share Your PRN Photos and Stories!
• Scan When You Shop at Schnucks

]]> 29340 0 341 0 https://prairierivers.org/uncategorized/2017/07/armadillos-illinois-armored-invader/ Wed, 19 Jul 2017 19:26:45 +0000 https://prairierivers.org/?p=29403 We’re talking about “little armored ones” in today’s blog post: armadillos. That sort of cute creature that curls up into a ball when threatened is moving northward, and that’s bad news for Illinois wildlife. It is symptomatic of the troubles brought on by climate change. Adorable as armadillos might be (and let’s be honest, they are a whole lot more darling than another Illinois invader: Asian carp), they are not native to Illinois, and as with all non-native species, they compete with our native wildlife for resources. Armadillos are known to eat eggs and therefore pose a threat to populations of ground-nesting birds. Some native bird species may be unable to adapt to these added predation pressures and changes in predation patterns. [caption id="attachment_29407" align="aligncenter" width="300"] Pictured here is the range of armadillos.[/caption] Armadillos also pose a potential health risk to humans since they can carry the bacteria responsible for leprosy. They are the only other mammal besides humans to be affected by the disease. If you see an armadillo (dead or alive) do not touch it. You can report your sighting to the Illinois Department of Natural Resources here. Armadillos in Illinois will likely increase with continued climate change and rising temperatures. With milder winters, armadillos will find the insects they need to feed on, and they’ll continue their northern trek so long as the temperatures continue to be above 28 degrees and fresh water is available. They have been sighted in Illinois since the 1990s and are becoming more common. According to the University of Illinois Extension, there have been over 160 reported sightings, with a couple of dozen confirmed. In fact, one was sighted in Macon County, near Decatur this week. While the armadillo’s invasion of Illinois isn’t as dramatic as that of the Asian carp, it’s impact on wildlife moving forward is yet another example of how climate change will affect the native wildlife of our state. Signs of a changing climate are all around us. They may seem subtle to us, but they likely have a much greater impact to our native flora and fauna than we have realized. ]]> July 19, 2017 | Blog Post Adorable as armadillos might be (and let’s be honest, they are a whole lot more darling than another Illinois invader: Asian carp), they are not native to Illinois, and as with all non-native species, they compete with our native wildlife for resources. Armadillos are known to eat eggs and therefore pose a threat to populations of ground-nesting birds. ]]> 29403 0 337 0 https://prairierivers.org/uncategorized/2017/07/pesticide-use-and-the-threat-to-our-living-systems/ Wed, 26 Jul 2017 16:07:34 +0000 https://prairierivers.org/?p=29415 By Kim Erndt-Pitcher In spring, we ran an article on the 2017 expanded use of the highly toxic weed killer Dicamba, asking people to be aware of and report herbicide damage on gardens, woodlands, specialty crops, and roadside remnant prairies. So far, Missouri and Arkansas officials have placed an emergency ban on the sale and use of Dicamba due to extensive damage caused by drift. While the ban in Missouri has been lifted, more specific and intense application restrictions (to existing extensive application guidelines) have been mandated. [caption id="attachment_29422" align="aligncenter" width="889"] Withered leaves of redbuds and oak trees can indicate damage from the suspected drifting of pesticides. (Photo: Lou Nelms)[/caption] Here in Illinois we have heard from many of you who have seen the tell-tale effects of growth regulator herbicides (like Dicamba and 2, 4-D) on crop fields, forested areas, and on rare roadside/railside prairies. Personally, I have seen dozens of examples of herbicide damage while driving to meetings and walking through friends’ properties and farms. We know that our native redbuds are extremely sensitive to growth regulating herbicides and are often the “canary in the coal mine,” showing us cupped leaves. It is suspected that tatters found on oak leaves are also symptoms of herbicide damage. It makes me wonder what else is being affected and what are the secondary impacts to these non-target plant communities which also face other pressures such as shifts in invertebrate communities, increased competition from invasive species, and a changing climate. The amount of pesticides (herbicides, insecticides, and fungicides) the U.S. uses in a year is staggering (over 1 billion pounds). When we look at pesticide use on agricultural lands, the average conventional farmer sprays his or her field three to five times, killing off competing weeds and fungi. This is in addition to using seeds coated with bee-killing neonicotinoids and other chemicals. (Note: Many stores and nurseries sell ornamental plants treated with neonics as well, so these contaminated plants could be in your flower garden). Neonicotinoids are another class of pesticides that have been under scrutiny for their damaging effects. In 2013, Europe temporarily banned the use of neonicotinoid pesticides, and a total ban is now up for review. While this is an extremely heated issue, the high toxicity of neonics to bees is undeniable and the evidence that they pose threats to non-target organisms such as other insects,¹ birds,² and aquatic ecosystems^{1, 3} is rapidly mounting. However, the U.S. continues to use them unchecked on GMO corn, soybeans, sunflowers, and in the growing of many ornamental plants utilized in landscaping. It has been shown that neonics weaken honey bee colonies and increase rates of queenlessness.⁴ Additionally, this same study found that when coupled with a common fungicide, acute toxicity to neonicotinoid pesticides doubles, a finding that speaks to the threats of environmental interactions between chemicals. We study honeybees because they are colonial and easily moved to study sites, and we have an intimate knowledge of their behaviors and survival needs. This is less true of the approximately 4,000 native bee species in North America and the countless other invertebrates that may be impacted by neonics. How do we know what is happening with them, particularly without baseline data on presence/absence/behavior and diversity? Also important to note is that neonics are systemic in nature and are present in many parts of the plant (tissue, roots, pollen, nectar & and even in the soil). Therefore, the chemicals are more likely to move through the environment in dust, pollen, nectar, water, etc.⁵ [caption id="attachment_29427" align="aligncenter" width="588"] The cupped leaf of a prairie plant with suspected herbicide damage.[/caption] We must remember that we cannot disconnect what we do to the land from what happens in the water. From just studying neonicotinoid insecticides, researchers have found neonics in pooled water along agricultural fields where invertebrates, birds, and other animals may drink or feed.⁶ We know these chemicals are also entering our streams at levels where they can harm instream invertebrate communities. These same invertebrate communities that keep streams healthy are also food for other wildlife.⁷ For example, in the Netherlands research found that surface water concentrations of neonics was linked to declines in insect-feeding birds.² And you might have heard that in Iowa, researchers found neonics in treated drinking water for several weeks after the planting of corn and soybeans.⁸ Again… what we do on land we also do to the water. Prairie Rivers Network is part of ReGenerate IL, an effort to help strengthen and support a truly local food system; one that is deeply rooted in regenerative agriculture practices that reduce or eliminate chemical use, bring more biodiversity to the farm, and provide farmers the opportunity to grow what they want—how they want—in ways that protect our soil, air, and water. There are many angles (education, advocacy, policy, fostering champions) in which we need to approach these complex issues. But if we want to protect our water resources for generations to come, then we must look at how we live on the land and examine the things that are hidden from our sight. Note: For links to the publications referenced in this post, click here.]]> July 26, 2017 | Blog Post Here in Illinois we have heard from many of you that have seen the tell-tale effects of growth regulator herbicides (like Dicamba and 2, 4-d) on crop fields, forested areas, and on rare roadside/railside prairies.]]> 29415 0 336 0 https://prairierivers.org/uncategorized/2017/07/riverweb-news-july-28-2017/ Fri, 28 Jul 2017 21:01:13 +0000 https://prairierivers.org/?p=29466 Read our RiverWeb News for July 28, 2017 with stories on:

• #StopAsianCarpNow Video Series
• Fighting for Clean Water
• Pesticide Threats
• Illinois Waterway Cleanup Week
• Nominate Your River Superhero
• Tickets on Sale!
• Call for Entries

]]> 29466 0 334 0 https://prairierivers.org/uncategorized/2017/07/brandon-road-study-released-august-7/ Mon, 31 Jul 2017 21:26:52 +0000 https://prairierivers.org/?p=29485 Thank you to everyone who recently responded to the Action Alert on Asian carp. It mattered! On August 7, the Army Corps of Engineers will release the Feasibility Study on the Brandon Road Lock and Dam. The Trump Administration had blocked its release after intense lobbying by the shipping industry. Its release next week is due to the overwhelming pressure from both the public (thank you PRN members!) as well as our congressional champions that secured publication of the draft study that the Trump Administration delayed. PRN issued the action alert on June 23rd shortly after news of a live Asian carp found just nine miles from Lake Michigan broke. Your response was forceful, and Congress took note. Hundreds of you contacted your Member of Congress, and they heard you. [caption id="attachment_29498" align="aligncenter" width="750"] This carp was discovered just nine miles from Lake Michigan in June.[/caption] In a joint statement, PRN with the National Wildlife Federation, Indiana Wildlife Federation, Michigan United Conservation Clubs, Minnesota Conservation Federation, Ohio Conservation Federation, and Wisconsin Wildlife Federation said,

After months of unnecessary delay, we are excited that the potential options for improving defenses against Asian carp at the Brandon Road Lock and Dam will see the light of day. The voices of hunters, anglers, boaters and other outdoor enthusiasts were instrumental in demanding this draft report be released. In addition, we are greatly appreciative for the vigilance of our Congressional champions in the Great Lakes region in keeping the protection of our Great Lakes fisheries and way of life at the top of their priorities. There is still much work yet to be done in this process. We look forward to working towards securing stronger protections to keep Asian carp out of our Great Lakes.

Once the report is published, PRN and its partners will analyze its contents. We will keep you posted on our next steps. Until then, we cannot thank you enough for stepping up when it mattered most! Thank you!]]> August 1, 2017 | Blog Post Thank you to everyone who recently responded to the Action Alert on Asian carp. It mattered!]]> 29485 0 332 0 Asian carp found just 9 miles from Lake Michigan]]> https://prairierivers.org/uncategorized/2017/08/prairie-rivers-network-calls-illinois-ag-food-companies-good-stewards-illinois-soil-water/ Wed, 02 Aug 2017 21:50:07 +0000 https://prairierivers.org/?p=29506 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

PRAIRIE RIVERS NETWORK CALLS ON ILLINOIS AG AND FOOD COMPANIES TO BE GOOD STEWARDS OF ILLINOIS SOIL AND WATER

Contact: Jeff Kohmstedt, Prairie Rivers Network, jkohmstedt@prairierivers.org, 217-344-2371 ext. 207 CHAMPAIGN, IL – Prairie Rivers Network (PRN) calls on our Illinois-based food and agriculture companies to help the state reduce agricultural runoff and soil loss, which contribute to the Gulf of Mexico dead zone. Today, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) announced that this year’s Gulf of Mexico dead zone is 8,776 square miles, or roughly the size of New Jersey. A dead zone is an area where massive algal blooms use up oxygen when they decompose, killing off fish and other sealife. This year’s dead zone is the largest on record. Excessive nitrogen and phosphorus from agricultural runoff are to blame. [caption id="attachment_29507" align="aligncenter" width="699"] Gulf of Mexico dead zone in July 2017 (Courtesy of N. Rabalais, LSULUMCON)[/caption] "Illinois is home to many of the leading global food and agricultural companies. These corporations have an important voice in efforts to protect water quality, keep our soils healthy, and protect people and wildlife,” PRN Executive Director, Carol Hays said. “Most grain and food companies have concerns about the sustainability of their supply chain, and we encourage Illinois-based companies to communicate those goals to suppliers and producers to help reduce input costs and protect valuable soils and local water quality. This is critical to ensure that Illinois communities have clean water for their economic vitality." The Illinois Nutrient Loss Reduction Strategy relies on voluntary adoption by farmers of practices like cover crops that promote soil health and hold nutrients in place, in the field and not in our rivers. To meet those goals, Illinois needs the help of the food production industry. Approximately 20% of nitrates reaching the Gulf of Mexico come from Illinois, while only 7% of its water comes from the state. Runoff and nutrient loss is a major factor in the Gulf hypoxia zone, and Illinois is disproportionately responsible for it. Incorporating cover crops to conserve soil is just one piece of the puzzle in protecting the water we drink and the habitat our wildlife depends on. Protecting our soil is also paramount to maintaining Illinois’ place as a food producing powerhouse. “We call on these companies to encourage the farmers and producers they buy from to incorporate conservation practices where they can do the most good,” Hays said. “We need to apply these new practices that will protect the resources we all depend on -- healthy soil and clean water.” Prairie Rivers Network (PRN) is Illinois' advocate for clean water and healthy rivers and is the Illinois affiliate of the National Wildlife Federation. PRN advocates for cultural values, policies and practices that sustain the ecological health and biological diversity of Illinois’ water resources and aquatic ecosystems. It is a member-supported, nonprofit organization that champions clean, healthy rivers and lakes and safe drinking water to benefit the people and wildlife of Illinois.

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]]> August 2, 2017 | Press Release PRN calls on our Illinois-based food and agriculture companies to help the state reduce agricultural runoff and soil loss, which contribute to the Gulf of Mexico dead zone.]]> 29506 0 331 0 https://prairierivers.org/uncategorized/2017/08/idea-farm-network-jaci-davis/ Thu, 03 Aug 2017 13:57:58 +0000 https://prairierivers.org/?p=29514 These farmers learn from each other about better ways to farm; ways that protect and regenerate the air, soil, and water by focusing on sustainability, soil and water health, and wildlife habitat. With the help of our partners, PRN gathers and shares their stories, stories about what drives them to be stewards of the land, their hardships and successes, their passions and joys, and their vision for thriving farming communities all across the state.

To sign up for the Idea Farm Network email list and join the conversation, please go here: https://groups.google.com/forum/#!forum/ideafarmnetwork You'll meet some of these amazing people through a series of short videos that we will share from time to time. Here's just a little teaser for now. Much more to come soon...

 ]]> August 3, 2017 | Blog Post PRN is working with individuals, researchers, NGO’s, local businesses, and farmers throughout Illinois who want to improve the way farming is done.]]> 29514 0 330 0 https://prairierivers.org/uncategorized/2017/08/defending-elg-rule-dc/ Thu, 10 Aug 2017 15:31:21 +0000 https://prairierivers.org/?p=29530 all other industries combined. Until 2015, the limits for their increasingly toxic discharges had not been updated in over 30 years. The 2015 Effluent Limitation Guidelines (ELGs) finally set new limits on toxic pollution entering our rivers and lakes from coal fired power plants. However, the rule is now under attack by Administrator Pruitt’s EPA, which is trying to delay the compliance deadlines for these new limits on toxic wastes. [caption id="attachment_29537" align="aligncenter" width="600"] The EPA heard comments from citizens across the country concerned about their health and water.[/caption] Our staff member Andrew Rehn traveled to Washington DC to make comments at a public hearing on the EPA’s proposed delay. The turnout was notably in opposition of EPA’s delay. Approximately 40 speakers, including PRN, opposed the delay while only three industry speakers attended in support of it. The EPA is attacking the ELG rule on multiple fronts. Last spring, Prairie Rivers Network joined a lawsuit to block EPA’s illegal, indefinite delay of the rule. To protect the rule, we have to win the lawsuit and defend the rule in a public rulemaking process. [caption id="attachment_29539" align="alignright" width="300"] An overview of the waste streams from a coal plant. The ELGs set limits on some of these waste streams for the first time. Source: EPA[/caption]

Limits on toxic pollution could be lost

The ELG rules are worth protecting. In 2015, the previous administration’s EPA released new ELGs based on the best available treatment technology for coal fired power plants. They found that coal plants could reasonably be reducing the amount of toxic pollution they are putting into our rivers and lakes. The new standards included common sense technologies that were already in use in parts of the industry. One of these technologies is called ‘dry bottom ash handling’, which collects the leftover ash from burning coal without water. Unsurprisingly, this vastly reduces the toxic contamination reaching the water. The new ELGs were not a rushed decision. The previous administration's EPA spent years collecting data from coal plants, millions of dollars in economic and engineering studies, and months of public participation. EPA was practical in their creation of the rule. They knew it would take time for coal plants to adapt to this standard, so the compliance date was set into the future, to be implemented in each coal plant’s next discharge permit between 2018 and 2023. The rule went into effect in 2016, so coal plant operators knew what to expect. Industry and the new EPA administrator Scott Pruitt had other ideas. Shortly after he was confirmed to EPA Administrator, Pruitt sent a letter to the governors of the states to let them know that they should not expect their utilities to have to meet the ELGs. Industry sent petitions to the EPA urging them to reconsider the rule, and not long after that, the EPA started trying to kill their own rule.

How we got to now

The ELGs are one of the mechanism through which the Clean Water Act protects our water. The Clean Water Act was passed in 1972 with the goal of eliminating pollution to America’s water. However, Congress recognized that it would take time for many industries with significant waste streams to adapt to the change, so they didn’t require industry to have zero pollutant discharge right away. Instead, the Clean Water Act requires the EPA to regularly assess the best available technology for eliminating discharge in each industry and update limits on pollutants (ELGs) to match those technologies. In the early 80s, the Reagan-appointed EPA determined that the best available technology for treating coal wastes from coal fired power plants was to use water to wash the waste into unlined settling ponds, what we call coal ash impoundments. Settling ponds have been used for thousands of years. Putting contaminated water in a hole in the ground does not constitute a technology. The EPA made a sweetheart deal with industry to maximize profit instead of protecting the environment ("Environmental Protection Agency") and public health. [caption id="attachment_29543" align="aligncenter" width="1024"] A settling pond in North Carolina. This was the "Best Available Technology" for treating coal ash waste until 2015. Photo Credit: Waterkeeper Alliance/Rick Dove[/caption] Over the next few decades, the pollution entering the water at coal plants only got worse as the technology to control air pollution at coal plants improved. Mercury and other toxics that were once billowing from smokestacks instead now flow into unlined impoundments to ‘treat’ the waste, ending up in our rivers, lakes, and groundwater. Despite increasing concentrations of toxic metals and an ancient treatment system, it took a lawsuit to get the EPA to revisit the ELGs for steam electric power plants, including coal plants. Sierra Club and Earthjustice sued the EPA in 2010 and won. The court ordered the EPA to update their ELGs for the steam electric industry. Those guidelines, released in 2015, are presently under attack.

Part of a bigger fight

The EPA Director of Science and Technology Elizabeth Southerland resigned on July 31st. In her resignation letter, she makes a strong defense for the ELG rule and highlights the Trump Administration’s alarming efforts to undermine regulation:

“Any environmental protection rule promulgated at any time in the past may be repealed by this administration, as well as any science or technical document ever published by EPA.”

Indeed, the ELGs are just one of a huge number of regulations that the Trump administration, many Republicans in Congress, and EPA Administrator Scott Pruitt are working to remove. They have been frighteningly successful in this endeavor. Already, the Stream Protection Rule was killed via a process called Congressional Review. The US has pulled out of the Paris Climate Accord. Limitations on emissions from the transportation industry are being reconsidered. They are trying to repeal the Clean Water Rule… the list goes on. However, there are victories. Last week, the EPA backed down on a delay of compliance deadlines for a smog rule as states and public health organizations fought to protect the rule, and PRN, it’s partners, and you helped the Trump Administration to release a crucial study on Asian Carp While we hope that EPA may similarly back down on their delay for the ELG rule, Prairie Rivers Network and our partners across the country are digging in our heels to continue to fight for clean water and good regulations to protect that water. Join our mailing list to keep get updates about how you can help in this fight.]]> August 10, 2017 | Blog Post The steam electric power plant sector, which includes coal power plants, has a larger waste stream than all other industries combined. Until 2015, the limits for their increasingly toxic discharges had not been updated in over 30 years. ]]> 29530 0 327 0 https://prairierivers.org/uncategorized/2017/08/brandon-road-draft-integrated-feasibility-study-released/ Tue, 08 Aug 2017 14:08:17 +0000 https://prairierivers.org/?p=29550 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

BRANDON ROAD DRAFT INTEGRATED FEASIBILITY STUDY RELEASED

Contact: Jeff Kohmstedt, Prairie Rivers Network, jkohmstedt@prairierivers.org, 217-344-2371 ext. 207 CHAMPAIGN, IL – The Army Corps of Engineers released the Brandon Road Draft Integrated Feasibility Study yesterday, and Prairie Rivers Network (PRN) applauds the release of the report, which was delayed by the Trump administration, and welcomes the opportunity for public comment. The plan addresses the prevention of aquatic invasive species (AIS) from reaching Lake Michigan with the use of sound, electric barriers, water jets, and an engineered channel. The plan does not address, however, the reverse invasion of aquatic species from the Great Lakes into the river system. Species like the bloody red shrimp or viral hemorrhagic septicemia, which pose threats to native species in the Illinois River system. “This report was unnecessarily delayed by the Administration, and that delay put the Great Lakes at further risk from Asian carp,” PRN Water Policy Specialist Robert Hirschfeld said. “It took the June 23rd discovery of an Asian carp just nine miles from Lake Michigan to generate such important bipartisan results in Congress.” In the wake of the June 23rd discovery, PRN and other partner organizations issued action alerts calling on Congress to force the US Army Corps of Engineers to release the report, a move the Trump administration sought to prevent. The public outcry generated results in Congress with the introduction of the Stop Asian Carp Now Act by Ohio Representative Marcy Kaptur and Senator Debbie Stabenow of Michigan. The bill had 33 co-sponsors in the house and 9 in the Senate. The report’s release took far too long, but now that it has been made public, debate can begin on the merits of its recommendations. The report estimates the cost of construction to be $275 million with an annual cost of $11.3 million yearly maintenance. “The Brandon Road Report was unnecessarily delayed,” Hirschfeld said. “Now we can address what’s needed to prevent Asian carp from reaching the Great Lakes and devastating the multi-billion dollar tourist and commercial fishing industries. These costs are a drop in the ocean compared to the Great Lakes industries at stake from Asian carp.” Prairie Rivers Network (PRN) is Illinois' advocate for clean water and healthy rivers and is the Illinois affiliate of the National Wildlife Federation. PRN advocates for cultural values, policies and practices that sustain the ecological health and biological diversity of Illinois’ water resources and aquatic ecosystems. It is a member-supported, nonprofit organization that champions clean, healthy rivers and lakes and safe drinking water to benefit the people and wildlife of Illinois.

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]]> August 8, 2017 | Press Release The Army Corps of Engineers released the Brandon Road Draft Integrated Feasibility Study yesterday, and Prairie Rivers Network (PRN) applauds the release of the report, which was delayed by the Trump administration, and welcomes the opportunity for public comment.]]> 29550 0 328 0 https://prairierivers.org/uncategorized/2017/08/riverweb-news-august-10-2017/ Thu, 10 Aug 2017 21:23:43 +0000 https://prairierivers.org/?p=29571 Read our RiverWeb News for August 10, 2017 with stories on:

• Brandon Road Report Released
• Largest Dead Zone on Record
• IDEA Farm Network Video
• Clean Water Rule
• PRN Testifies Before the EPA

]]> 29571 0 326 0 https://prairierivers.org/uncategorized/2017/08/prairie-river-notes-summer-2017-newsletter/ Fri, 11 Aug 2017 14:02:45 +0000 https://prairierivers.org/?p=29576 Summer 2017 newsletter featuring articles on:

• Mysterious Flow on the Middle Fork
• Carol's Currents
• Pesticide Use and the Threat to Our Living Systems
• 50th Anniversary Dinner October 6th
• Why Give to PRN: Russ Rybicki, Nancy Dietrich, David L. Thomas
• Asian Carp Found Near Lake Michigan, Urgent Action Needed

]]> August 11, 2017 | Newsletter Read Prairie Rivers Network’s Summer 2017 newsletter featuring articles on the Mysterious Flow on the Middle Fork and more.]]> 29576 0 325 0 https://prairierivers.org/uncategorized/2017/08/necropsy-shows-new-corps-plan-may-not-enough-stop-asian-carp/ Fri, 18 Aug 2017 22:02:29 +0000 https://prairierivers.org/?p=29605 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

NECROPSY SHOWS NEW CORPS PLAN MAY NOT BE ENOUGH TO STOP ASIAN CARP

Contact: Robert Hirschfeld, Prairie Rivers Network, rhirschfeld@prairierivers.org, 217-344-2371 ext. 205 [caption id="attachment_29498" align="aligncenter" width="750"] This carp was discovered just nine miles from Lake Michigan in June. (Illinois Department of Natural Resources via AP)[/caption] CHAMPAIGN, IL – A necropsy of the Asian carp caught nine miles from Lake Michigan in June has revealed that the fish originated below the electric barriers. The electric barriers are the last line of defense against an Asian carp invasion of the Great Lakes. That this fish breached those barriers indicates the critical need to consider all options in protecting Lake Michigan from this invasive species. “Today’s news requires that we take swift action to put effective defenses in place,” PRN Water Policy Specialist Robert Hirschfeld said. A recently released study by the Army Corps looks at various options to prevent the advance of Asian carp beyond the Brandon Road Lock and Dam. Those options include the recommended alternative -- construction of a new electric barrier -- as well as permanent closure of the lock. “To protect the Great Lakes and ensure Asian carp never make it to Lake Michigan, we need to seriously consider all options, including lock closure,” Hirschfeld said. “We cannot afford to gamble with the Great Lakes, all of their precious tributaries, and the thousands of jobs across the region.” Prairie Rivers Network (PRN) is Illinois' advocate for clean water and healthy rivers and is the Illinois affiliate of the National Wildlife Federation. PRN advocates for cultural values, policies and practices that sustain the ecological health and biological diversity of Illinois’ water resources and aquatic ecosystems. It is a member-supported, nonprofit organization that champions clean, healthy rivers and lakes and safe drinking water to benefit the people and wildlife of Illinois.]]> August 18, 2017 | Press Release A necropsy of the Asian carp caught nine miles from Lake Michigan in June has revealed that the fish originated below the electric barriers. ]]> 29605 0 324 0 https://prairierivers.org/uncategorized/2017/08/riverweb-news-august-24-2017/ Thu, 24 Aug 2017 21:11:36 +0000 https://prairierivers.org/?p=29639 Read our RiverWeb News for August 24, 2017 with stories on:

• Summer Newsletter is Here
• Join Us October 6th!
• Am I a Member?
• 100% Voting Record
• Monarch License Plates
• Illinois Waterway Cleanup Week
• Meet the Staff

]]> 29639 0 323 0 https://prairierivers.org/uncategorized/2017/08/illinois-high-school-student-film-highlighted-prairie-rivers-network-wild-scenic-film-festival/ Tue, 29 Aug 2017 18:14:50 +0000 https://prairierivers.org/?p=29649 MEDIA ADVISORY: FOR PLANNING PURPOSES ONLY FOR OCTOBER 13, 2017 Contact: Jeff Kohmstedt jkohmstedt@prairierivers.org, 217-344-2371 ext. 207

ILLINOIS HIGH SCHOOL STUDENT FILM HIGHLIGHTED AT

PRAIRIE RIVERS NETWORK WILD & SCENIC FILM FESTIVAL

Prairie Rivers Network (PRN) will bring one of the largest environmental film festivals to Peoria on October 13th at the Peoria Riverfront Museum, 222 SW Washington St. The Wild & Scenic Film Festival will present 13 short films inspiring the audience to activism, including one film by Illinois high school students titled “The Pollution of Our Waterways” produced for the Smithsonian travelling exhibit Water/Ways. What: Wild & Scenic Film Festival Who: Prairie Rivers Network staff, members, and general public When: Friday, October 13th from 6:30 – 9 p.m., reception 6 – 6:30 p.m., film program 6:30 – 9 p.m. Where: Peoria Riverfront Museum, 222 SW Washington St, Peoria Why: The festival focuses on films which speak to the environmental concerns and celebrations of our planet. These films will inspire our members, supporters, and the public to protect rivers, restore wildlife habitat, and safeguard Illinois’ rich natural landscapes.Website: prairierivers.org/wsff_peoria

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]]> 29649 0 322 0 https://prairierivers.org/uncategorized/2017/08/illinois-students-take-action-cleanup-states-waterways/ Wed, 30 Aug 2017 21:20:45 +0000 https://prairierivers.org/?p=29653 ILLINOIS STUDENTS TAKE ACTION TO CLEANUP STATE’S WATERWAYS

Contact: Jeff Kohmstedt, Prairie Rivers Network, jkohmstedt@prairierivers.org, 217-344-2371 ext. 207 CHAMPAIGN, IL – Schools across the state will be involved in the first annual Illinois Waterway Cleanup Week September 10 - 16, 2017. This opportunity, officially designated by the Illinois General Assembly (Senate Joint Resolution 15), is designed to provide students and community members with the opportunity to act locally to make an impact globally. Prairie Rivers Network has partnered with Illinois Global Scholar to promote the first annual Illinois Waterway Cleanup Week, encouraging students and communities across our state to work together to clean up community waterways. Using Ocean Conservancy’s Clean Swell app, students and other volunteers will record cleanup data, placing it into a database of over 800,000 individuals across the world carrying out similar cleanups in the same week. "This is an opportunity for students and citizens across our state to impact water quality right in their own communities,” State Representative Cynthia Soto of Chicago said. Representative Soto sponsored the resolution in the Illinois House. “It’s easy, accessible, and a great way to engage our students in civic causes that matter.” Trash has serious negative environmental impacts, economic challenges, and human consequences in Illinois. To help address this problem, Prairie Rivers Network, the Illinois Global Scholar program, Farmers Insurance, Alliance for the Great Lakes, Ocean Conservancy, WE Day, and other action organizations have worked together to organize educators and their communities to make a difference. “I believe this initiative provides a practical and sustainable way to engage students and citizens in cleaning up waterways across our state,” said State Senate resolution sponsor Sen. Kimberly Lightford of Maywood. “I applaud these efforts and would like to see more students engaged in service learning opportunities like this one.” Educators and communities interested in joining in a waterway cleanup are encouraged to visit http://global-illinois.org/illinois-waterway-cleanup/ to register and find resources.

Prairie Rivers Network (PRN) is Illinois' advocate for clean water and healthy rivers and is the Illinois affiliate of the National Wildlife Federation. PRN advocates for cultural values, policies and practices that sustain the ecological health and biological diversity of Illinois’ water resources and aquatic ecosystems. It is a member-supported, nonprofit organization that champions clean, healthy rivers and lakes and safe drinking water to benefit the people and wildlife of Illinois.

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 ]]> August 30, 2017 | Press Release Schools across the state will be involved in the first annual Illinois Waterway Cleanup Week September 10 - 16, 2017. This opportunity, officially designated by the Illinois General Assembly (Senate Joint Resolution 15), is designed to provide students and community members with the opportunity to act locally to make an impact globally.]]> 29653 0 321 0 https://prairierivers.org/uncategorized/2017/09/the-future-of-energy-in-illinois/ Fri, 08 Sep 2017 15:04:01 +0000 https://prairierivers.org/?p=29666 Attendees of one of the Clean Energy Job Forums this summer.[/caption] Ten years ago, Illinois developed a renewable portfolio standard (RPS) that set a goal for Illinois investor-owned utilities to obtain 25% of their energy from renewable sources by 2025, but issues with funding have caused major wind and solar projects to come to a standstill in recent years. Today, the Future Energy Jobs Act (FEJA), a bipartisan clean energy and job-building piece of legislation which passed in December 2016, creates programs and incentives that stand to surpass that original goal. FEJA sets Illinois on the path toward meeting the RPS goal by requiring greater energy efficiency, increasing access to renewable energy through community and low-income solar projects, and creating workforce development programs. “FEJA has provided a fix for the broken RPS, streamlining the funding, as well as setting goals for new renewable energy projects in the state of Illinois,” explained Shannon Fulton, past-president of the Illinois Solar Energy Association Board and Director of Commercial Sales at StraightUp Solar. FEJA programs, which will be finalized by early 2018, call for the installation of 1,500 megawatts (MW) of solar in Illinois by 2020, an increase from the state’s current 75MW, which is the equivalent of powering 12,000 vs. 240,000 homes with solar energy. By 2030, the state is expected to produce approximately 8,300MW of energy from wind and solar, a 100% increase and more energy than Dynegy’s Illinois coal-fired power plants produce. Fulton envisions that by that time “solar will be so mainstream that the incentives won’t be needed. It will just be a standard part of the construction process, every home and every new business—solar will just be a part of it.” Energy efficiency gains will be made through programs launched by the state’s two largest investor owned utilities, ComEd and Ameren. A Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC) report found that “the amount of additional energy projected to be saved in 2030, relative to a “business as usual” scenario, is equivalent to the annual output of three large coal plants.” As Illinois businesses gear up to provide the work needed to produce, deliver, and install energy efficient appliances and building upgrades, thousands of jobs will be created each year and the NRDC report estimates that an average of $700 million annually will be added to the state’s economy between now and 2030. Illinoisans could reap the energy efficiency rewards with cleaner water and air, lower energy bills, tens of thousands of jobs, and a booming economy. This is all great news for Illinois rivers, water, wildlife, and communities. But, before we celebrate these gains, we must ensure that Ameren holds to the goals they established in FEJA. In its first energy efficiency plan filing with the Illinois Commerce Commission, Ameren is seeking to lower the targets they promised to meet. PRN issued an Action Alert on August 4th encouraging members to submit comments to the ICC before September 12th demanding that Ameren be held to their original goals, so downstate Illinoisans will see the benefits and jobs expected from increases in energy efficiency. The gains in renewable energy will be made from utility scale projects, large and small distributed or on-site generation, a community renewable generation program, and brownfield solar. The community programs allow community members who may not have an opportunity for an energy project on their property, such as renters or those with shaded roofs, to come together to help fund an offsite renewable energy project and receive financial credit for the energy produced there. A just transition to renewable energy in Illinois communities is addressed in FEJA through a “solar for all program” that will provide incentives for low income distributed generation, community solar initiatives, incentives for non-profits and public facilities, as well as low income community solar pilot projects. The “workforce development programs” will be administered by ComEd with money for solar training pipeline, craft apprenticeship, and multi-cultural jobs programs. In particular, companies like StraightUp Solar want to help individuals in communities that will lose coal jobs as Illinois transitions. Fulton said, “We will help employ individuals transitioning away from those industries. We know the coal industry is contracting in a way that it won’t recover from. Our participation in providing a pathway for job transition focuses on those individuals and others in low-income and front-line communities.” For towns and cities to see the economic and environmental benefits of FEJA, community leaders need to take action. Fulton suggests that communities hold informational meetings on FEJA, and solar in general. “The foundation for solar literacy is just not there yet,” she explained. “If people understood the basic financial and environmental benefits that come from going solar it would help expedite the types of solar projects that FEJA support.” Prairie Rivers Network recently partnered with EcoJustice Collaborative in their efforts to spread the word about FEJA by hosting multiple Clean Energy Job Forums across the state, and organizations like the Sierra Club have been offering similar discussions statewide. See below for a list of upcoming informational sessions: Upcoming Community Forums/Info Sessions Champaign, IL - Sept 11, 5-7pm, “Clean Energy Town Hall”, Illinois Terminal (45 E Market St., Champaign, IL) Carbondale, IL - Sept 14, 7pm, Panel: “Transforming Southern Illinois: Harnessing New Solar and Energy Efficiency Opportunities”, Carbondale Civic Center, (200 S Illinois Ave., Carbondale, IL) Chicago, IL – Sept 19, 6pm, “Clean Energy Town Hall with State Rep. Theresa Mah”, Gads Hill Center, (1919 W. Cullerton St. Chicago, IL 60608)]]> September 8, 2017 | Blog Post Ten years ago, Illinois developed a renewable portfolio standard (RPS) that set a goal for Illinois investor-owned utilities to obtain 25% of their energy from renewable sources by 2025, but issues with funding have caused major wind and solar projects to come to a standstill in recent years. T]]> 29666 0 319 0 https://prairierivers.org/uncategorized/2017/09/herbicide-damage-hurts-just-crops/ Fri, 01 Sep 2017 13:39:36 +0000 https://prairierivers.org/?p=29711 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

HERBICIDE DAMAGE HURTS MORE THAN JUST CROPS

Contact: Kim Erndt-Pitcher, Prairie Rivers Network kerndt-pitcher@prairierivers.org 217-344-2371 Louis Nelms, retired native seed grower from Mason City, IL The farm media have widely covered dicamba herbicide damage in soybean fields across the Midwest this summer.  However, reports of off-target herbicide damage to other susceptible plants from early season weed control practices on both corn and soybeans are also on the rise.  Personal reports and documentation of damage to oak trees in residential and forested areas have been occurring since late spring when leaves began appearing on trees. Most noticeable are the stunting, twisting and cupping of leaves on redbuds, oak trees, and native flowering plants -- symptoms of 2,4-D and dicamba herbicide damage. Extension horticulturalists have documented herbicide damage to landscape plantings for many years. “We need a better understanding of what this type of repeated exposure to herbicides is doing to native plants and natural ecosystems and what that will mean for the pollinators and wildlife that depend on them.” Prairie Rivers Network, Habitat and Agricultural Programs Specialist Kim Erndt-Pitcher said. “The citizens of Illinois who value these areas for recreation and hunting will also be affected.” Oak regeneration has been a big concern among wildlife biologists for decades.  “White Oaks are especially prone to injury from drift and volatilization of dicamba and 2,4-D,” Louis Nelms, a retired native seed grower from Mason City, IL said. “They are an important species in upland woodlands, upon which hundreds of game and non-game species are dependent.  Is the cumulative stress of these wayward herbicides adding to the decline of White Oaks in our wooded areas?  What would a potential decline in acorn production mean for turkey and deer populations?” Nelms said. Volatile herbicide formulations like dicamba, do not obey property lines and can harm habitat and indirectly harm wildlife.  “We need to understand where, when, and why chemicals are moving and what damage is occurring.  The Midwest should have a coordinated program of scientific monitoring and analyses of these events, and it should be looking at the impacts to more than just crops.” Erndt-Pitcher said.

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]]> September 1, 2017 | Press Release The farm media have widely covered dicamba herbicide damage in soybean fields across the Midwest this summer.  However, reports of off-target herbicide damage to other susceptible plants from early season weed control practices on both corn and soybeans are also on the rise.]]> 29711 0 320 0 https://prairierivers.org/uncategorized/2017/09/prn-joins-complaint-springfields-dallman-coal-plant/ Wed, 27 Sep 2017 18:55:36 +0000 https://prairierivers.org/?p=29713 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

PRAIRIE RIVERS NETWORK JOINS COMPLAINT AGAINST SPRINGFIELD’S DALLMAN COAL PLANT

Contact: Andrew Rehn, arehn@prairierivers.org, 217-344-2371 ext. 208 SPRINGFIELD, IL – Prairie Rivers Network (PRN) with the Springfield Branch of the NAACP and the Sangamon Valley Group of the Sierra Club announced a joint filing of a complaint against the Illinois Pollution Control Board (IPCB) and the City Water, Light and Power’s (CWLP) Dallman Coal Plant. There have been over 600 cases of self-reported groundwater violations since 2010 including for arsenic, lead, boron, chromium, manganese, iron and other pollutants. “Coal ash is a serious problem in Springfield,” said Andrew Rehn, Water Resources Engineer at PRN. “CWLP’s coal ash has been violating groundwater standards here for years, and that pollution could be coming out in Sugar Creek. We’re filing this complaint to ask the Illinois Pollution Control Board to take action on the ongoing groundwater contamination happening at the Dallman coal ash ponds.” PRN and its allies are asking the IPCB to find CWLP in violation of state prohibition of groundwater contamination, enforce the groundwater standards, and order the utility to halt and remediate the pollution. “Today we file a complaint to address the ongoing groundwater contamination,” Rehn said. “But we need to keep the long term fate of the coal ash in mind as we search for a solution. If left in place, this ash will be a liability for future generations in Springfield.” For the last three years, local groups, like the Sierra Club and others, have been raising concerns about the coal plant including the leaching unlined coal ash ponds the city has failed to address. Additional background information available here. Prairie Rivers Network is Illinois' advocate for clean water and healthy rivers and is the Illinois affiliate of the National Wildlife Federation. PRN advocates for cultural values, policies and practices that sustain the ecological health and biological diversity of Illinois’ water resources and aquatic ecosystems. It is a member-supported, nonprofit organization that champions clean, healthy rivers and lakes and safe drinking water to benefit the people and wildlife of Illinois.

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]]> September 27, 2017 | Press Release PRN with the Springfield Branch of the NAACP and the Sangamon Valley Group of the Sierra Club announced a joint filing of a complaint against the Illinois Pollution Control Board (IPCB) and the City Water, Light and Power’s (CWLP) Dallman Coal Plant.]]> 29713 0 318 0 https://prairierivers.org/uncategorized/2017/09/icc-says-sorry-ameren-customers-no-energy-efficiency/ Thu, 28 Sep 2017 16:37:53 +0000 https://prairierivers.org/?p=29724 Ameren customers downstate will miss out on energy efficiency opportunities thanks to a plan approved by the Illinois Commerce Commission (ICC) this month. PRN issued an August 4th Action Alert against the action. Who will pay the price for Ameren’s savings? The people of downstate Illinois. Ameren, like other utilities, is required to develop and implement four-year energy efficiency plans to encourage customers to lower energy use and be more energy efficient. This year’s plan, which spans 2018 to 2021, is Ameren’s first since Illinois’ historic Future Energy Jobs Act (FEJA) passed in 2016. That law established energy efficiency goals for Ameren which they now want to circumvent. The energy efficiency goals established in FEJA were celebrated by economists and environmentalists alike. The goals would increase opportunities in renewable energy jobs, decrease our state’s dependence on coal fired power plants, and increase efforts at energy efficiency. Typically, energy efficiency has not gotten the attention that solar or wind power have. When it comes to clean energy, the cleanest kilowatt is the kilowatt that isn’t needed. Energy efficiency also means more coal left in the ground and out of our air and water. Ameren’s four-year plan fell short of the energy savings needed to meet the FEJA target, and the company maintains that they do not have the money to meet the goal they agreed to when the law was signed. That’s why they wanted out of the FEJA agreement. Rolling back these goals would allow Ameren to save money at the cost of raising energy bills for downstate customers. The ICC’s own administrative judge recommended that Ameren should stick to their goal and provided a number of suggestions on how Ameren could do it within their budget. Despite that recommendation, ICC ruled on September 11th to allow Ameren to lower their short-term FEJA’s goals. If there’s a silver lining in this baffling ruling, it’s that Ameren needs to stick to the FEJA’s 2030 goal. Additionally, the ICC ruling requires staff to bring Ameren and interested stakeholders together at three workshops aimed at sharing proposals to help Ameren achieve energy efficiency goals required under FEJA. PRN will follow this situation with other environmental groups to ensure Ameren is held to FEJA's long-term goals, and we will keep you posted on any further developments to this story or any actions needed.]]> September 28, 2017 | Blog Post Ameren customers downstate will miss out on energy efficiency opportunities thanks to a plan approved by the Illinois Commerce Commission (ICC) this month. PRN issued an August 4th Action Alert against the action. Who will pay the price for Ameren’s savings? The people of downstate Illinois.]]> 29724 0 317 0 https://prairierivers.org/uncategorized/2017/09/riverweb-news-september-11-2017/ Thu, 28 Sep 2017 16:48:48 +0000 https://prairierivers.org/?p=29731 Read our RiverWeb News for September 11, 2017 with stories on:

• 50th Anniversary Dinner Gala
• Take Action Now!
• Illinois Waterway Cleanup Week
• The Farm Bill
• The Future of Energy
• Wild & Scenic Film Festival
• Meet the Staff

]]> 29731 0 316 0 https://prairierivers.org/uncategorized/2017/09/riverweb-news-september-27-2017/ Thu, 28 Sep 2017 16:52:51 +0000 https://prairierivers.org/?p=29734 Read our RiverWeb News for September 27, 2017 with stories on:

• Last Chance to Reserve Your Gala Tickets!
• It's Now or Never
• Dallman Coal Plant
• Cleanup a Success
• The Future of Energy
• Wild & Scenic Film Festival
• Wildlife of the Week
• Meet the Staff

]]> 29734 0 315 0 https://prairierivers.org/uncategorized/2017/10/riverweb-news-october-2-2017/ Wed, 04 Oct 2017 21:29:38 +0000 https://prairierivers.org/?p=29746 Read our RiverWeb News for October 2, 2017 with stories on:

• River Steward Award Winners
• Stopping Asian Carp
• "No Energy Efficiency for You!"
• Wild & Scenic Film Festival
• Wildlife of the Week

]]> 29746 0 314 0 https://prairierivers.org/uncategorized/2017/10/prn-honors-champaign-area-volunteers-naperville-teachers-50th-anniversary-dinner-gala/ Fri, 06 Oct 2017 13:19:16 +0000 https://prairierivers.org/?p=29750 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

PRAIRIE RIVERS NETWORK HONORS CHAMPAIGN AREA VOLUNTEERS, NAPERVILLE TEACHERS AT 50TH ANNIVERSARY DINNER GALA

Contact: Jeff Kohmstedt, Prairie Rivers Network, jkohmstedt@prairierivers.org, 217-344-2371 ext. 207 CHAMPAIGN, IL – Prairie Rivers Network (PRN) will honor three Champaign-Urbana area members as Volunteers of the Year and two Naperville teachers with River Steward Awards at its 50th anniversary gala. The event will take place on October 6th at the I Hotel and Conference Center, 1900 S. First Street, Champaign, Illinois. PRN culminates its 50th year celebrations with a ceremony honoring this year’s Volunteer of the Year award winners. Champaign area’s Latrelle Bright, Amy Hassinger, and Kate McDowell all helped PRN tell the story of its 50 year history. Latrelle Bright and Amy Hassinger helped with the initial planning and preparation for the PRN Day at Allerton event which took place in May. Bright produced and performed The Water Project and helped interview PRN’s founders for a video highlighting their lifelong stewardship. Hassinger read from her novel After the Dam and has done voiceover work for PRN videos celebrating PRN’s 50 years of stewardship. Kate McDowell helped PRN tell its stories this year and into the future. “Latrelle, Amy, and Kate have each helped us show the great works that our founders, members, and other river advocates have done in protecting the water, rivers, and wildlife of Illinois,” PRN Executive Director Carol Hays said. PRN will also award River Steward Awards to Naperville high school teachers Seth Brady and Randy Smith. The two were instrumental in this year’s first annual Illinois Waterway Cleanup Week which took place September 11th through the 16th. They worked tirelessly to encourage students and communities across the state to work together to clean up community waterways. Scores of students took part in the activities. These teachers’ efforts led to an Illinois General Assembly resolution designating the Cleanup Week. “Seth and Randy went above and beyond regular expectations for what teachers do,” Hays said. “They helped students all across Illinois get involved in the environmental movement with the first Illinois Waterway Cleanup Week and learn how to protect their local watersheds. Their tireless dedication is something to celebrate. Their work will impact students for years to come.” The gala event will be emceed by Rob Kanter, PRN board member and “Environmental Almanac” columnist, who will share stories of conservation stewardship throughout PRN’s 50 year history. Fifty years ago Patricia Hannon hiked through Allerton Park in Monticello and became outraged when she learned that the Army Corps of Engineers planned to build a dam that would have flooded this natural treasure. Together with her husband, Bruce, and many volunteers, they took up the battle to “stop the dam” and save Allerton. They collected over 20,000 petition signatures and fought a battle that lasted eight years. Ultimately, they won, saved Allerton Park, and began a movement. “Protecting Illinois rivers, water, and wildlife depends on people who love a place taking a stand to protect it,” Hays said. “PRN was founded by activists who saw a threat to our environment and who were called to action. Allerton Park and the work of river stewards through the decades are at the core of the successes we have had. Without those founding activists, Illinois would be a very different place.” Prairie Rivers Network (PRN) is Illinois' advocate for clean water and healthy rivers and is the Illinois affiliate of the National Wildlife Federation. PRN advocates for cultural values, policies and practices that sustain the ecological health and biological diversity of Illinois’ water resources and aquatic ecosystems. It is a member-supported, nonprofit organization that champions clean, healthy rivers and lakes and safe drinking water to benefit the people and wildlife of Illinois.

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]]> October 6, 2017 | Press Release Prairie Rivers Network (PRN) will honor three Champaign-Urbana area members as Volunteers of the Year and two Naperville teachers with River Steward Awards at its 50th anniversary gala.]]> 29750 0 313 0 https://prairierivers.org/uncategorized/2017/10/50th-anniversary-dinner-gala-slideshow/ Tue, 10 Oct 2017 16:06:53 +0000 https://prairierivers.org/?p=29776 October 10, 2017 | Blog Post Thanks to the many PRN members who sent in photos for this year's annual dinner slideshow!]]> 29776 0 312 0 https://prairierivers.org/uncategorized/2017/10/bradley-university-art-student-awarded-purchase-prize-illinois-high-school-student-film-highlighted-prn-wild-scenic-film-festival/ Fri, 13 Oct 2017 13:32:49 +0000 https://prairierivers.org/?p=29755 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

BRADLEY UNIVERSITY ART STUDENT AWARDED PURCHASE PRIZE, ILLINOIS HIGH SCHOOL STUDENT FILM HIGHLIGHTED AT PRAIRIE RIVERS NETWORK WILD & SCENIC FILM FESTIVAL

Contact: Jeff Kohmstedt, Prairie Rivers Network, jkohmstedt@prairierivers.org, 217-344-2371 ext. 207 PEORIA (October 13, 2017) – Prairie Rivers Network (PRN) will award Bradley University student Katelyn Edwards with a Purchase Prize for her photographic art in a joint Society for Photographic Education (SPE) and PRN exhibition based on water. PRN will also feature a film produced by University Laboratory High School students from Urbana titled The Pollution of Our Waterways at the Wild & Scenic Film Festival. Both events will take place on October 13 and be held at the Riverfront Museum, 222 SW Washington St, in Peoria, Illinois. Illinois rivers and streams face many threats, and clean water is a precious resource that we must work together to protect. This art exhibition and film festival highlight the many ways people everywhere work to focus public awareness on environmental issues to make a difference in their communities. Louisville University student Zed Saeed will be awarded Best in Show. Two other Bradley University students will also be awarded second place and honorable mention prizes for their photographic works in this juried Midwest region exhibition sponsored by PRN and the SPE. Dylan Pashke will receive second place honors and Cenica Hall the honorable mention prize. “Art is an ideal medium to show the beauty and preciousness of water,” says Carol Hays, Executive Director at PRN. “It illustrates both how vital and threatened it is. Everyone needs safe, clean, and healthy water.” The Wild & Scenic Film Festival will inspire audience members to protect our natural resources through environmental activism and increasing public awareness. “Films like The Pollution of Our Waterways highlight the importance of young people taking part in shining a light on the dangers to local water sources and wildlife,” Hays says. “This festival celebrates environmental stewardship and demonstrates the importance of activism in safeguarding a community.” This is the first year that PRN has hosted the festival. In its fifteenth year, the Wild & Scenic Film Festival was started by the South Yuba River Citizens League, a nonprofit river conservation organization located in Nevada City, California. The films illustrate not only the challenges facing our planet but the work communities do to protect the environment and the places we love. Prairie Rivers Network is Illinois' advocate for clean water and healthy rivers. PRN advocates for public policies and cultural values that sustain the ecological health and biological diversity of water resources and aquatic ecosystems. It is a member-supported, nonprofit organization that champions clean, healthy rivers and lakes and safe drinking water to benefit the people and wildlife of Illinois. prairierivers.org/wsff_peoria

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]]> October 13, 2017 | Press Release PRN will award Bradley University student Katelyn Edwards with a Purchase Prize for her photographic art in a joint Society for Photographic Education and PRN exhibition based on water.]]> 29755 0 310 0 https://prairierivers.org/uncategorized/2017/10/rauners-epa-coal-industry-writes-rules-expense-illinois-water-wildlife/ Thu, 12 Oct 2017 16:24:15 +0000 https://prairierivers.org/?p=29796 A recent Chicago Tribune article reported that as Governor Rauner moves to “rescue” coal plant operator Dynegy, pollution could increase. Dynegy requested and was actively consulted in crafting a rule-change for the “Multi-Pollutant Standard” (MPS) in cooperation with Rauner’s Illinois Environmental Protection Agency (IEPA) that would change the way their air pollution emissions are regulated. While air pollution’s effects on human health are well documented (think asthma and heart problems), we often fail to consider its effects on water and wildlife. Air emissions from coal-fired power plants affect Illinois water and wildlife through acid rain, ozone, mercury pollution, particulate emissions, and global warming. If approved by Rauner and the Illinois Pollution Control Board (IPCB), the rule-change would allow Dynegy to close their cleaner, more costly plants and move production to their cheaper, dirtier plants, with no requirements to lower the pollution cap. Currently, Dynegy must stay below a limit on their rate of pollution, which is achieved by averaging the emission rate of all eight of their downstate plants. The revised rule would instead impose annual caps on total emissions by their entire fleet. The Tribune reported that the new pollution caps would allow the Dynegy fleet to emit a significantly higher amount than they have during each of the past two years and could cause “a subtle but significant change that could stall or reverse efforts to reduce Dynegy's contributions to smog, soot and acid rain.” Dynegy’s dirty plants emit significantly more pollutants than the clean ones, including the pollutants sulfur dioxide, nitrogen oxide, and volatile organic compounds that cause acid rain and ozone. Acid rain changes the acidity of water bodies and can harm or kill species sensitive to pH levels. Additionally, acidic water can leach aluminum from soils, causing aluminum toxicity in plants and animals. Ozone causes the same problems in wildlife that humans experience including shortness of breath, chest pain, and even premature death. Plants experience a disruption in photosynthesis when exposed to ozone which can increase their susceptibility to disease, harm their physical appearance, and cause ecosystem-wide problems. Acid rain and ozone have decreased dramatically in the last 30 years, but more needs to be done. New regulations should lead to a reduction in emissions of sulfur and nitrogen compounds, not increases. Coal-fired power plants are the single largest source of mercury pollution in the U.S. and scientists have found concerning levels of mercury accumulation in wildlife from aquatic ecosystems, causing reproductive, neurological, and immune problems. Illinois’ waters are so contaminated with mercury that the Department of Public Health has issued a statewide advisory suggesting certain populations, including women of childbearing age and children less than 15 years of age, eat no more than one meal per week of predator sport fish from any body of water in Illinois. The MPS rule-change would allow some of Illinois’ dirtiest coal plants to increase their emissions of mercury. Particulate matter, or particle pollution, includes solid particles and liquid droplets suspended in the air. The particles may be visible to the naked eye in the form of dust, soot, or smoke, or so small that they are only visible with an electron microscope. Although not well studied, particulate matter likely causes the same problems in wildlife that it does in humans, including a decrease in lung function, change in lung structure, and alteration of heart rate and rhythm. Carbon dioxide emissions are not regulated by the IEPA and will therefore not be affected by the proposed rule-change. However, this move by Rauner’s IEPA will continue to prop-up a dying industry that is one of Illinois’ largest contributors to climate change. Scientists are beginning to understand how global warming will affect local and regional hydrologic cycles, leading to changes in extreme weather events, like droughts and hurricanes. Emerging research shows that plant growth, migration patterns, and the survival of endangered species will be impacted. Prairie Rivers Network and other environmental and health organizations have worked together to oppose the MPS rule-change, and we recently requested that the IEPA extend the one month long public comment period. Despite having worked in close contact with Dynegy during an extended period (eight months!) to write the rule-change, the IEPA refused the environmental groups’ request for an extension. The rule is now waiting consideration at the Illinois Pollution Control Board, with a request to expedite the process. Illinois EPA and Dynegy are trying to leave the public behind every step along the way. Dynegy shouldn’t be able to write their own rules. Another public comment period will occur during the Illinois Pollution Control Board’s deliberations and Prairie Rivers Network will be ready to fight for air quality requirements that will protect Illinois’ health, water, and wildlife!

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10/18 Update: Prairie Rivers Network and other health and environmental groups invite you to take action against Dynegy and Rauner's proposed changes to the MPS on October 24th, @ 9:40am at the Capitol Building (meet at the Lincoln Statue).]]> October 12, 2017 | Blog Post A recent Chicago Tribune article reported that as Governor Rauner moves to “rescue” coal plant operator Dynegy, pollution could increase.]]> 29796 0 311 0 https://prairierivers.org/uncategorized/2017/10/annual-dinner-2017-round-up/ Wed, 18 Oct 2017 19:17:30 +0000 https://prairierivers.org/?p=29812 This year's 50th Anniversary Dinner Gala was an evening to remember, and it was our members that made it such an amazing event. There was a bit of dancing, a whole lot of giving, and a big appreciation for the network of people who have been protecting the rivers, land, and wildlife of Illinois for the past 50 years. [caption id="attachment_29854" align="alignleft" width="300"] Some of the many silent auction items attendees had to choose from.[/caption] The silent auction was a big hit featuring baskets tailor-made by the PRN board of directors and PRN members which included tickets to Krannert Center for the Performing Arts, a Champaign Surplus shopping spree, an acoustic guitar from The Upper Bout, a Middle Fork River trip from Kickapoo Adventures, delicious treats from Prairie Fruits Farm & Creamery, canoe paddles handcrafted by a member, and much more. The giving didn’t stop with the auction. Our record number of over 330 guests responded to Olivia Dorothy's ask to “give big in order to power PRN for the next 50 years,” and they did by donating and pledging $85,000 that night. We expect to hit the $100,000 mark as more donations come in. In the words of Operations Manager Vickie Nudelman, “The generosity of our members never ceases to amaze me. We can’t do our work without them.” [caption id="attachment_29855" align="alignright" width="300"] This year had the largest annual dinner turnout ever![/caption] Olivia Dorothy, a former PRN volunteer and student worker while at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, shared a valuable lesson she learned while at PRN: you don't always win the good fight. After working on a campaign to stop the clear cutting of trees along the Salt Fork River, she was devastated when the campaign lost and vowed to never, ever, work for an environmental nonprofit again. Now, Olivia is the associate director of Mississippi River Management with American Rivers and frequently partners with Prairie Rivers Network as we work to protect wildlife habitat. She also learned to never give up and to keep fighting for what you believe in. Old and new members were also inspired to give big thanks to Carol Goodall Wock's $15,000 Growing our Network Challenge Gift. All renewing members who give more than they did last year will have their increased donation amount matched dollar-for-dollar. New members who donate $100 or more will have their entire gift matched dollar-for-dollar. The matching gift offer runs through the end of the year, so you still have time to give! Carol’s dedication to expanding the sustainable agriculture movement cannot be understated. Earlier this year she donated 220 acres of her family farm to PRN. Carol’s gift, estimated at around $3 million, is the biggest ever donated to PRN. Carol’s generosity is strengthening PRN's Endowment for our next 50 years. [caption id="attachment_29857" align="alignleft" width="300"] The Kanter Family[/caption] PRN board member and Environmental Almanac commentator Rob Kanter brought a lot of laughter to the evening as our emcee and presented a quick roundup of 50 years of accomplishments. You can click here to take a quick glance at slides highlighting our first five decades and photos of our members. The evening also gave PRN a chance to recognize the work of river stewards and volunteers of the year. Seth Brady and Randy Smith are two Naperville high school teachers who were instrumental in organizing this year's first annual Illinois Waterway Cleanup Week in September. For their efforts they were honored as our River Stewards' of the Year. Seth and Randy worked tirelessly to encourage students and communities across the state to work together to clean up community waterways. Scores of students took part in the activities. Their work led to an Illinois General Assembly resolution designating the Cleanup Week. [caption id="attachment_29859" align="alignleft" width="300"] River Stewards of the Year Seth Brady and Randy Smith with PRN Executive Director Carol Hays[/caption] Our 50th Anniversary celebration didn't start last Friday night; it started earlier in the year with a PRN Day at Allerton event which included Latrelle Bright's The Water Project performance art piece. Amy Hassinger read from her novel After the Dam interspersed with PRN's founders talking about how the founding of PRN changed their lives. We honored Latrelle and Amy as Volunteers of the Year along with Kate McDowell. [caption id="attachment_29858" align="alignright" width="300"] Volunteers of the Year Kate McDowell, Amy Hassinger, and Latrelle Bright with Carol Hays[/caption] We all have stories to tell, and Kate is helping us tell the stories of the wildlife that depend on us, of the farmer who wants to do better for the environment, and of the rivers that want to run clean and wild. From new members to founding activists, to staff new and old, our network of river conservationists is strong and making a difference every day. Looking for more event photos? We've got them below! [FAG id=29852]]]> October 18, 2017 | Blog Post This year's 50th Anniversary Dinner Gala was an evening to remember, and it was our members that made it such an amazing event!]]> 29812 0 309 0 https://prairierivers.org/uncategorized/2017/10/many-questions-remain-mahomet-aquifer-gas-leak/ Thu, 19 Oct 2017 14:52:33 +0000 https://prairierivers.org/?p=29877 A natural gas leak has contaminated the Mahomet Aquifer, appearing in the drinking water of at least five homes in a rural community between the towns Mahomet and Fisher. One resident was able to set their water on fire. Spiros Law, the firm representing some of those homes, held an information meeting on Monday night (Oct. 16th) to raise awareness of the situation and the risks to property owner’s water and health. The turnout was far greater than expected, filling the small Newcomb Township Hall to its legal capacity and leaving another hall’s worth of folks waiting outside for an unanticipated second round of the presentation. One resident put it succinctly: “Say ‘water’ and that means people.” The Mahomet Aquifer is the sole source designated drinking water source for a significant portion of east-central Illinois. It is just one of many geological formation below our feet. An aquifer is a geological layer that stores water, and the Mahomet Aquifer is exceptionally porous so it stores a lot of fresh drinking water. That’s what makes it so valuable. Aquifers appear across Illinois in varying types and qualities. The Mahomet Aquifer spans 15 counties and is composed of sand and gravel. This Illinois Groundwater Resources map from the Illinois State Water Survey shows the breadth of the Mahomet Aquifer. The aquifer provides scores of communities with their drinking water. The company responsible for the leak is People’s Gas, a natural gas delivery company from Chicago. They operate the Manlove field, where natural gas is injected deep underground for storage. Many layers deeper than the Mahomet Aquifer is a saline aquifer. Salt water isn’t good for drinking, so that aquifer is used for other purposes. People’s Gas found areas where the top layer of the saline aquifer is dome shaped, where they could drill wells deep down into this dome to inject and store natural gas. The gas rises to the top of the dome and collects there. People’s Gas has 150 active and inactive injection wells at this site, storing up to 36.5 billion cubic feet of natural gas approximately 4,000 feet underground. That’s a lot of natural gas. Imagine a cube that is a half mile long on each side. 36.5 billion cubic feet is still bigger than that. We don’t know when the leak began. At some point, one of the injection wells, essentially a pipe, broke. People’s Gas reported that the break was approximately 500 feet below the surface. That is inside or just below the Mahomet Aquifer. The gas then rose into the Mahomet Aquifer where it appeared in resident’s drinking water wells. Apparently, natural gas has also been detected at the surface on the company's property. According to People’s Gas, the crack in the well was sealed within a week of being found, but we don’t know for how long it leaked or exactly how much gas was released. The situation is especially dangerous because natural gas is odorless. The rotten egg smell of natural gas is an additive mixed into the gas later so you can detect a leak in your home. The natural gas that escaped did not have this additive. Storing natural gas in aquifers, while convenient for energy companies, poses potentially catastrophic consequences to the people and communities who rely on the waters that sit above them. Illinois Department of Natural Resources had initially been working with People’s Gas through a voluntary site clean-up process, but that process broke down when progress was not being made fast enough. IDNR has issued a Notice of Violation to People’s Gas and has referred the case to the Illinois Attorney General’s Office. The Illinois EPA is aware of the situation as well and are deferring to the Attorney General for now. To our knowledge, the lawsuit brought by property owners is in an early stage. We will keep you posted.]]> October 19, 2017 | Blog Post A natural gas leak has contaminated the Mahomet Aquifer, appearing in the drinking water of at least five homes in a rural community between the towns Mahomet and Fisher. One resident was able to set their water on fire.]]> 29877 0 308 0 https://prairierivers.org/uncategorized/2017/10/riverweb-news-october-19-2017/ Thu, 19 Oct 2017 18:26:52 +0000 https://prairierivers.org/?p=29897 Read our RiverWeb News for October 19, 2017 with stories on:

• Rauner EPA, Coal Industry in Cahoots
• Mahomet Aquifer Gas Leak
• RECLAIM Act
• Annual Dinner Recap
• Art at the Film Festival
• Wildlife of the Week
• Meet the Staff

]]> 29897 0 307 0 https://prairierivers.org/uncategorized/2017/10/givingtuesday-the-water/ Tue, 31 Oct 2017 13:23:45 +0000 https://prairierivers.org/?p=29979

The water flows across our land in measured, winding turns.

It meanders through dense forest of oak, maple, and walnut trees. It has for centuries. The waters approach urban islands in a sea of farmland only to be held back behind a dam until released to flow freely once again. Through prairie and farms, past cities and towns, taking with it a part of us. Our soil.

That sense of wilderness and joy. Adventure and the unknown. That feeling when you fall in love with a place. It becomes part of you, and you want to protect it. The rivers of Illinois. The Des Plaines, Embarras, and Mississippi. The Rock, Cache, and Sangamon. The Middle Fork of the Vermilion, Illinois’ only Wild and Scenic River. These are the waterways you love, and that’s why we work to defend them. It is time to keep these waters and all Illinois rivers safe. #GivingTuesday is a day for everyone, everywhere, to give. It’s about giving back. You can give your time, your voice, and your dollars to help protect the waters you love. Prairie Rivers Network got its start 50 years ago when Patricia Hannon learned that the river and park she loved were threatened. She and Bruce, her husband, and countless others gave so that others could enjoy the Sangamon River and Allerton Park in Monticello. They stopped a dam and started a movement. Help us reach our goal of raising $2,120 on #GivingTuesday, November 28th. We hope you will join us as we fight for clean water and healthy rivers across Illinois! Look for part two of the #GivingTuesday series next week!]]> October 31, 2017 | Blog Post The water flows across our land in measured, winding turns. It meanders through dense forest of oak, maple, and walnut trees. It has for centuries. ]]> 29979 0 306 0 https://prairierivers.org/uncategorized/2017/11/riverweb-news-november-2-2017/ Thu, 02 Nov 2017 14:10:59 +0000 https://prairierivers.org/?p=29997 Read our RiverWeb News for November 2, 2017 with stories on:

• Brandon Road Study Action Alert
• #GivingTuesday: The Water
• Sangamon Watershed Celebration
• Smile on Cyber Monday
• Wildlife of the Week
• Meet the Staff

]]> 29997 0 305 0 https://prairierivers.org/uncategorized/2017/11/givingtuesday-the-wildlife/ Tue, 07 Nov 2017 14:00:48 +0000 https://prairierivers.org/?p=30020 Photo credit David Hale[/caption]

River Otters Return

The health of a species depends on healthy water, and there is no clearer example of this than the river otter. Thirty years ago, as few as one hundred river otters remained in Illinois concentrated along the Mississippi in northwestern Illinois and along the Cache river in the south. Of course, that never used to be the case. Otters had free rein of the rivers and wetlands of our state for thousands of years. It wasn’t until the mid-1800s when overhunting and habitat loss began pushing them toward the brink. By 1989, they were declared a state endangered species. Today, river otters can be seen across Illinois. Their populations have rebounded. What saved them? Tougher environmental laws improved our water, and wetlands got restored. Food sources and habitat got better, and repopulation programs helped the otter retake our rivers and waterways. The river otter’s success is also thanks to you. Anyone who has cleaned a river, given to an environmental group, or spoken up to protect a river they love can take credit for the river otter’s resurgence. This is why it’s so important that you take part in #GivingTuesday on November 28th. Other species aren’t as fortunate as the river otter. The greater prairie chicken in Marion and Jasper counties in southern Illinois need your help. Those are the only two counties left in the state where you can find the birds. The monarch butterfly and other pollinators need you, too. Habitat loss, pesticides, and development have all threatened these vitally important insects. Or the spectaclecase, the snuffbox, or the sheepnose mussels, creatures normally unseen but that play an important part in the health of a river. You can help protect wildlife and wild spaces in Illinois on #GivingTuesday! Your donation is even more important because every #GivingTuesday donation to Prairie Rivers Network will be matched dollar-for-dollar by sustainable agriculture advocate and Prairie Rivers Network member Carol Goodall Wock. She is making this challenge gift, up to $15,000, to Prairie Rivers Network to help grow our network in honor of our 50th Anniversary this year. Help protect our wildlife this #GivingTuesday. ]]> November 7, 2017 | Blog Post The health of a species depends on healthy water, and there is no clearer example of this than the river otter.]]> 30020 0 304 0 https://prairierivers.org/uncategorized/2017/11/prn-calls-governor-rauner-stay-paris-climate-agreement/ Wed, 08 Nov 2017 14:15:50 +0000 https://prairierivers.org/?p=30026 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

PRN CALLS ON GOVERNOR RAUNER TO STAY IN PARIS CLIMATE AGREEMENT

Contact: Jeff Kohmstedt, Prairie Rivers Network, jkohmstedt@prairierivers.org, 217-344-2371 ext. 207 CHAMPAIGN, IL – As world leaders attend the U.N. Climate summit in Bonn, Germany this week, Prairie Rivers Network (PRN) delivered petitions to Governor Bruce Rauner calling on him to sign the “We Are Still In” declaration committing the State of Illinois to the principles outlined in the Paris Climate Agreement. “In the absence of leadership from Washington,” the declaration says, “states, cities, counties, tribes, colleges and universities, businesses and investors, representing a sizeable percentage of the U.S. economy will pursue ambitious climate goals, working together to take forceful action and to ensure that the U.S. remains a global leader in reducing emissions.” “The United States has turned its back on the rest of the world in backing out of the Paris Climate Agreement,” PRN Executive Director Carol Hays said. “The United States is looked to for leadership in reducing greenhouse gas emissions, and we are failing to live up to our role as a world leader.” The “We Are Still In” declaration came out of the Trump administration decision to pull out of the Paris Climate Agreement in June of this year. That agreement set voluntary limits on global warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius by the end of the century. With the lack of leadership in Washington, businesses, governments, universities, and faith-based organizations have signed the declaration to do what they can to to fight climate change. PRN deliver 650 signed petitions to the Governor’s office on November 7th in efforts to convince him to sign onto the declaration. “The people of Illinois overwhelmingly believe in the benefits of reducing our impact on climate change. It is time the governor and the state took steps to further fight climate change,” Hays said. Prairie Rivers Network (PRN) is Illinois' advocate for clean water and healthy rivers and is the Illinois affiliate of the National Wildlife Federation. PRN advocates for cultural values, policies and practices that sustain the ecological health and biological diversity of Illinois’ water resources and aquatic ecosystems. It is a member-supported, nonprofit organization that champions clean, healthy rivers and lakes and safe drinking water to benefit the people and wildlife of Illinois.

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]]> November 8, 2017 | Press Release PRN delivered petitions to Governor Bruce Rauner calling on him to sign the “We Are Still In” declaration committing the State of Illinois to the principles outlined in the Paris Climate Agreement.]]> 30026 0 302 0 https://prairierivers.org/uncategorized/2017/11/reclaim-act/ Tue, 07 Nov 2017 14:00:14 +0000 https://prairierivers.org/?p=30030 In a rare case of bipartisanship, the RECLAIM Act (H.R. 1731) was reported out of the House Natural Resources committee last month. The Act, entitled “Revitalizing the Economy of Coal Communities by Leveraging Local Activities and Investing More,” promotes economic development through reclamation of abandoned mine lands and waters in economically disadvantaged communities that have been recently impacted by a decline in coal mining. In early October, PRN's Coal Campaign Coordinator, Amanda Pankau, traveled to Washington DC to join the National Wildlife Federation and groups from ten other states to educate members of the Illinois delegation about the benefits to Illinois that the RECLAIM Act would bring. As a result of the Illinois team’s efforts, Congresswoman Cheri Bustos (D-IL-17) and Congressman Bill Foster (D-IL-11) signed on as co-sponsors of the bill. Illinois would fair better than almost any state under the RECLAIM Act, receiving $105 million to be used toward the estimated $137 million needed for our abandoned mine land reclamation work. The money comes from the Abandoned Mined Lands Fund, comprised of coal company fees paid over the last 40 years and would result in no new taxes for Illinois’ citizens. The RECLAIM Act releases the funds sooner and in a larger amount, focusing on reclaiming land that could be used for economic development. Abandoned mine lands, eligible for reclamation under the RECLAIM Act, refer to lands mined before 1977, when laws did not exist requiring post-mining reclamation. These “pre-law” lands are often characterized by steep topography, exposed refuse, no soil, and are a source of acid mine drainage. Acid mine drainage is the discharge of acid water from a mining site created by the oxidation of pyrite and sulfide minerals that were exposed during the mining process. The acidic land and water threaten our water and wildlife and the often steep, barren land limits economic opportunities for landowners and communities. Reclamation efforts have been proven successful in Illinois and seek to restore topography and drainage, rectify acidic soils and waters, and return soil to the sites. Illinois has countless examples of economic development projects on reclaimed mined lands including farms, vineyards, recreational opportunities, businesses, state parks, and industrial parks. Opportunities like these are especially important in areas where coal dominated the economy. The RECLAIM Act will focus on those areas and will also include important language that will allow community members to play a role in determining what areas and projects receive support. Prairie Rivers Network will continue to follow the status of the bill and work to ensure its success. Look for an action alert soon asking you to urge your member of the House of Representatives to speak with House Leadership about bringing the RECLAIM Act to the House floor for a vote as soon as possible.]]> November 7, 2017 | Blog Post In a rare case of bipartisanship, the RECLAIM Act (H.R. 1731) was reported out of the House Natural Resources committee last month. Illinois would fair better than almost any state under the RECLAIM Act, receiving $105 million to be used toward the estimated $137 million needed for our abandoned mine land reclamation work.]]> 30030 0 303 0 https://prairierivers.org/uncategorized/2017/11/updates-mahomet-aquifer-gas-leak/ Mon, 13 Nov 2017 20:34:59 +0000 https://prairierivers.org/?p=30044 North of Mahomet, Illinois, a gas leak from an underground natural gas storage facility contaminated the drinking water of at least five homes that draw their water from the Mahomet Aquifer. The company responsible for the gas leak is Peoples Gas that stores up to 36.5 billion cubic feet of natural gas approximately 4,000 feet underground. The Illinois Attorney General has filed a suit against Peoples Gas, and they have agreed to an Interim Order that requires a few things from the company that are worth noting:

First, any resident whose water supply has been impacted can request Peoples Gas to supply them with bottled water for their normal household use (see Paragraph 20). Second, any impacted resident can request residential monitoring and alert devices that monitor methane concentrations of indoor air. Peoples Gas also has to provide lodging if gas is detected at the explosive limit (see Paragraph 21). Third, Peoples Gas must produce a Root-Cause Report within 30 days of filing which means we can expect the report on Monday, November 20 (see Paragraph 22).

The Interim Order is just an intermediate step, and there will be more steps going forward before the AG considers this issue resolved. The City of Mahomet had its city water tested for methane, and the test came up negative. This result only covers those who get their drinking water from the village, not those who have private wells. The Mayor of Fisher has also reported that their water supply has no evidence of natural gas. Starting the week of October 30th, the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency will start testing the water wells located around the L. McCord #2 gas well. The testing will start with 40 homes and expand as needed until the entire affected area can be determined. Spiros Law represents five homes impacted by the gas leak and hosts a webpage with many documents related to the gas leak. Tomorrow, (11/13), Peoples Gas will hold informational meetings at 2:00 p.m. and 6:00 p.m. at the Lake of the Woods Forest Preserve (109 S. Lake of the Woods Road, Mahomet).]]> November 13, 2017 | Blog Post Looking for an update on the Mahomet Aquifer gas leak? PRN Water Resources Engineer Andrew Rehn has you covered.]]> 30044 0 301 0 https://prairierivers.org/uncategorized/2017/11/givingtuesday-the-network/ Tue, 14 Nov 2017 15:58:04 +0000 https://prairierivers.org/?p=30059 The "Work" in Network Seth Brady and Randy Smith are two high school teachers from Naperville who might not have set out to change Illinois, but that’s exactly what they did. They organized the first annual Illinois Waterway Cleanup Week and got students out in the community making a difference. Students volunteered in September to clean up local rivers, streams, lakes, even sewer grates, all in an effort to make their corner of the world better. Scores of kids took part across the state, and they learned important lessons about their watershed and how to protect it. Teachers also got access to free watershed lesson plans that PRN helped Seth and Randy create. Seth and Randy are part of PRN’s Network. They worked hard to encourage students and communities across Illinois to get involved, and their efforts led to an Illinois General Assembly resolution designating September 11th through 16th as Illinois Waterway Cleanup Week. “Seth and Randy went above and beyond regular expectations for what teachers do,” PRN Executive Director Carol Hays said. “They helped students across Illinois get involved in the environmental movement and learn how to protect our watersheds.” You can help protect our waterways, wildlife, and wild spaces on #GivingTuesday in two weeks! Your donation is even more important because every #GivingTuesday donation to Prairie Rivers Network will be matched dollar-for-dollar by sustainable agriculture advocate and Prairie Rivers Network member Carol Goodall Wock. She is making this challenge gift, up to $15,000, to Prairie Rivers Network to help grow our network in honor of our 50th Anniversary this year. Seth and Randy gave their time and effort. You can give, too! Help protect our wildlife this #GivingTuesday!]]> November 14, 2017 | Blog Post Seth Brady and Randy Smith are two high school teachers from Naperville who might not have set out to change Illinois, but that’s exactly what they did.]]> 30059 0 300 0 https://prairierivers.org/uncategorized/2017/11/illinois-seeks-weaken-floodplain-rules/ Wed, 15 Nov 2017 13:00:14 +0000 https://prairierivers.org/?p=30069 Elsberry, MO, June 20, 2008 -- A levee in the Elsberry levee district breaks, flooding farmland and houses in the area. Jocelyn Augustino/FEMA[/caption] In a time when river flooding is becoming more frequent and intense, it does not make sense to weaken the very protections that keep communities safe. Unfortunately, the Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) could do just that with a new proposal to change state floodplain regulations. If approved, these changes could have negative consequences for the environment and may leave many communities more prone to flood risk. IDNR currently regulates nearly all levees throughout the state to ensure that their construction does not push floodwaters onto nearby communities. Illinois is one of few states that have strong, protective floodplain regulations that are designed to minimize environmental impacts and protect people from catastrophic flooding. In 2015, the IDNR even released a white paper outlining why these rules are necessary. This could soon change, as IDNR now seeks to weaken the rules by limiting state oversight of levee construction. The new proposal would allow IDNR to only consider the impacts of levees up to the 100-year level of flood protection and would no longer evaluate the environmental and flood risk impacts of higher levees. This is problematic as higher levees can present greater potential for increasing flood heights and pushing floodwaters onto nearby communities. The proposed changes are a result of a non-binding resolution that was introduced by Representative Jil Tracy in 2014, which directed the IDNR to evaluate and revise their floodplain regulations to make it easier to grant construction permits. In response to the resolution, the IDNR revised their rules and released them earlier this year. IDNR is rolling back protections just as a recent report by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers revealed that many Mississippi River levees have been built higher than their authorized height and are in violation of federal and state permits. Concerned residents and environmental organizations have been working to address the issue of overbuilt levees and the problems that relaxed rules may cause. Elected officials, including Missouri Attorney General Josh Hawley and several Illinois State Representatives and Senators, have also voiced their concerns and urged IDNR to retain current protections. Many fear that these rollbacks will result in higher levees, further development in flood-prone areas, and higher flood flood risk for downstream communities. But the question is not whether a levee will fail, it’s when. There are many other ways to reduce flood risk. Allowing flood-prone areas to remain undeveloped and reconnecting rivers with their floodplains are proven strategies that can reduce risk and help restore the natural functions of our rivers. Our communities and our wildlife depend on us to address this issue holistically, rather than trying to fight bigger floods with higher levees. Prairie Rivers Network will continue to work with residents, organizations, and elected officials to maintain strong floodplain rules that protect communities and the environment.]]> November 15, 2017 | Blog Post In a time when river flooding has become more frequent and intense, it does not make sense to weaken the very protections that keep communities safe.]]> 30069 0 299 0 https://prairierivers.org/uncategorized/2017/11/riverweb-news-november-16-2017/ Thu, 16 Nov 2017 15:07:49 +0000 https://prairierivers.org/?p=30085 Read our RiverWeb News for November 16, 2017 with stories on:

• On the Road in Springfield
• #GivingTuesday: The Network
• Stop Asian Carp
• New Madrid Levee
• RECLAIM Act
• Mahomet Aquifer Update
• iMatter
• Wildlife of the Week
• Meet the Staff

]]> 30085 0 298 0 https://prairierivers.org/uncategorized/2017/11/givingtuesday-you/ Tue, 21 Nov 2017 13:00:15 +0000 https://prairierivers.org/?p=30091 You Make the Difference You, the members and supporters of Prairie Rivers Network, make a difference. [caption id="attachment_30093" align="alignright" width="300"] Wes Jarrell and Leslie Cooperband[/caption] It is PRN members and farmers Wes Jarrell and Leslie Cooperband, whose Prairie Fruits Farm and Creamery works to feed our communities in a sustainable way. It is members Pam and Lan Richart (above) and the Eco-Justice Collaborative, who work to keep Dynegy accountable for dumping their coal ash on the banks of the Middle Fork in Vermilion County. And member Jorie Emory who discovered PRN when she moved back to Illinois. “I was looking for a way to connect my passion for clean water at the local level.” [caption id="attachment_30094" align="alignleft" width="175"] Jorie Emory[/caption] PRN is made up of members from all corners of Illinois and beyond. You are the ones who attend public meetings to protect your water. You write letters to your legislators when an action alert goes out. You give your time writing letters to the editor or commenting on a rulemaking. You step forward to give standing to a lawsuit when we need to sue a corporate polluter. All of these things make up the Network. You’re a part of that network, and it’s because you give that we can fight day after day for the water, rivers, and wildlife of Illinois. Next week is #GivingTuesday, a day for everyone, everywhere, to give back. Help PRN raise $2,120 on November 28th. Every dollar you donate on #GivingTuesday will be doubled by a generous donor in honor of our 50th Anniversary! We hope you will join our Network in the fight for clean water and healthy rivers across Illinois! [caption id="attachment_30096" align="alignnone" width="3000"] The river by Jason Lindsey[/caption]  ]]> November 21, 2017 | Blog Post You, the members and supporters of Prairie Rivers Network, make a difference.]]> 30091 0 297 0 https://prairierivers.org/uncategorized/2017/11/givingtuesday-day-give/ Tue, 28 Nov 2017 13:46:15 +0000 https://prairierivers.org/?p=30113

This is your brain on drugs. Where's the beef? Think different.

Fancy marketing campaigns. Hashtags. Catchy slogans. Those are all fine, but if we're going to solve our most pressing problems, it takes a network of people, working together, everyday. That’s why we need your donation today more than ever. Help us raise $2,120!

#GivingTuesday

[caption id="attachment_30124" align="alignright" width="240"] A great blue heron taken by Rob Kanter.[/caption] Today is #GivingTuesday, a day to give. We have given thanks for our family and friends this Thanksgiving. We are thankful to be a part of a statewide network, built on stewardship and protecting our water, rivers, and wildlife. But giving thanks alone won’t protect the Mahomet aquifer from a natural gas leak. It won’t protect Lake Michigan and the Great Lakes from Asian carp. It won’t stop energy companies, like Dynegy, from dumping coal ash across the state. It won’t restore habitat and wetlands. It won’t help farmers protect soil, water, and wildlife. And it won’t protect our communities. We're asking for your donation, today, on #GivingTuesday, because Illinois can’t wait. The money you give today will directly impact the water, rivers, and wildlife of Illinois. These past four weeks, we have told you about our rivers, our wildlife, our network, and you. Your gift today will mean we can continue to fight for the issues you care about. Help us raise $2,120 today!

Please give generously!

P.S. Double Your Donation -- Your donation is even more important today because every donation to PRN we receive will be matched dollar-for-dollar by PRN member Carol Goodall Wock. She makes this challenge gift, up to $15,000, to help us grow our network in honor of our 50th Anniversary this year. [caption id="attachment_30116" align="aligncenter" width="3872"] Prairie Creek flows out of Midewin National Tallgrass Preserve in summer through DesPlaines River State Fish & Wildlife Area to join the Kankakee River just west of this waterfall ledge, Will County, Illinois[/caption]  ]]> November 28, 2017 | Blog Post This is your brain on drugs. Where's the beef? Just do it. Fancy marketing campaigns. Hashtags. Catchy slogans. Those are all fine, but if we're going to solve our most pressing problems, it takes a network of people, working together, everyday.]]> 30113 0 295 0 https://prairierivers.org/uncategorized/2017/11/dynegy-two-bailouts-buyout/ Thu, 30 Nov 2017 19:12:45 +0000 https://prairierivers.org/?p=30136 In Illinois, the public will have to pay if it wants to keep coal plants burning. In a recent blog post we shared how Texas-based Dynegy, Illinois’ biggest coal power plant operator, worked closely with Governor Bruce Rauner’s IEPA to craft a rule-change that would loosen air pollution regulations at the expense of Illinois’ air, water, and wildlife. The proposed rule-change is expected to help Dynegy save money by allowing them to run their cheaper, dirtier plants more often. Now, Dynegy seeks another bailout in the form of legislation from the Illinois General Assembly (Senate Bill 2250 and House Bill 4141). These bills seek to re-work how Dynegy’s coal plants are valued in Illinois’ unregulated energy market, but the money would come from the pocket of electricity consumers. Dynegy threatens power plant closures and argues inadequate electricity generation capacity downstate if the legislation is not passed. Surprisingly, despite searching for bailouts, Dynegy was just sold in a $1.7 billion dollar deal to Vistra Energy, who clearly thought Dynegy was profitable enough to buy. While out-of-state companies and investors profit, Dynegy’s two bailouts ask Illinois citizens to sacrifice our health and environment, as well as our pocketbooks, to prop up the financially ailing fleet.

The lights are going to stay on

The evidence does not support Dynegy’s claims of inadequate generation. A survey by the Midwest Independent System Operator (MISO), the regional grid operator, found that our region can expect a surplus of energy in every year examined (2018-2022). The energy estimates include possible “capacity retirements” (e.g. coal plant closures), as well as “potential new capacity” (e.g. new wind and solar). In response to downstate energy questions, Governor Rauner asked the Illinois Commerce Commission to provide a background paper on the issue. The resulting White Paper explored the energy surplus reported in the MISO survey and also emphasized that the Future Energy Jobs Act (FEJA) stands to lower demand and increase new renewable generation. In fact, the paper indicates that as of October 2017, there are 28 proposed new generation resources in MISO’s queue which could be connected to the transmission grid between now and 2020. Ninety-eight percent of the 4,400 MWs of this new capacity are from solar and wind. New generation that is coming online, in large part due to the FEJA, could replace the generation that could be lost if Dynegy’s coal plants close. Dynegy’s eight active coal fired power plants have a combined capacity of approximately 6,500 MWs, up to two thirds of which Dynegy says are at risk of retirement. The 4,400 MW of new generations projects, if all move to completion, would fully account for the capacity that Dynegy has stated is at risk. While all of the proposed projects may not come into fruition, they are clear signs that there is interest to meet the capacity needs in the state. On November 7th, PRN staff member, Andrew Rehn, attended a “Subject Matter Hearing” on the proposed legislation. At the hearing, he heard from many organizations, including the Illinois Attorney General, Citizens Utility Board, AARP, Chemical Industry Council of Illinois, and Illinois People’s Action, all speaking in opposition of the legislation. There was an overwhelming sense that this issue is not urgent and the short-term result would increase utility prices for central and southern Illinoisans. Crains Chicago Business estimates that the proposed legislation would result in an annual increase of $115 for the average Illinois household. Additionally, the impacts of the legislation are extremely complicated, long lasting, and not very well understood. [caption id="attachment_30141" align="aligncenter" width="1024"] Demonstrators outside the Subject Matter Hearing take a picture with Senator Mattie Hunter. They display a 1.7 billion dollar check to disparage Dynegy's claims of economic woes.[/caption] Eleven State Senators and 33 State Representatives voiced their opposition to both of Dynegy’s bailouts in a letter they sent to Governor Rauner entitled “Illinois Families Can’t Afford A Coal Bailout.” Luckily, legislators did not act on the bailouts during the fall-veto session, but we expect to see the issue raised again early next year.

VISTRA, the big unknown

Crains Chicago Business reports that Illinois’ coal-fired power plants weren’t an important consideration in a deal that makes Vistra a power generation and energy giant in Texas and gives them access to more eastern markets. The new company will have a value of $20 billion with $5.5 billion in excess capital. This will be the same company asking for legislation that will place a $400 million dollar burden on Illinois consumers to increase the coal plant’s competitiveness in Illinois’ energy markets. It’s unclear what Vistra has in store for the future of Illinois’ coal-fired powered plants. Texas has a deregulated energy market similar to Illinois’, and just last month Vistra closed three plants there, citing cheap natural gas as their downfall. There is no guarantee that bailing out Dynegy will save the plants that Vistra might see as uneconomic anyway.

Forgotten Environmental Concerns

It’s worth taking a moment to discuss what could get left behind in this deal. As Dynegy and Vistra have been making news with their bailouts and buyouts, there has been no mention of the 70 million cubic yards of coal ash scattered about the state at their 11 power plants. Dynegy may threaten early plant closure and job loss, but with or without citizen funded bailouts, the coal fleet is aging and each and every coal plant will eventually close. Jobs will be lost in these communities and coal-ash waste will be left behind. [caption id="attachment_30174" align="aligncenter" width="1024"] Dynegy's official plan is to forever leave coal ash in unlined pits across Illinois. Here's a visualization of that ash piled next to the Capitol Building in Springfield.[/caption] We should be asking Dynegy, our legislators, and Governor Rauner what the plan is to ensure adequate coal ash clean-up in the near and long term. Coal ash impoundments sit in the floodplains of our rivers and lakes, continually polluting groundwater. Current federal laws do not require companies to provide financial assurances to protect communities in the event of future coal ash spills or pollution after plant closure. While the FEJA will provide some economic opportunities for a just transition in these power-plant communities, Dynegy and the state should be making news with conversations about workforce training and transition. As long as coal remains Illinois’ primary source of energy, it will continue to pollute our land and water. PRN recognizes that Illinois’ transition to a clean energy economy is the ultimate way to decrease those impacts. We will continue to resist Dynegy’s efforts to saddle Illinois’ citizens with more environmental, health, and financial burdens to keep their plants burning, and we will be a downstate voice in promoting Illinois’ clean energy transition. Prairie Rivers Network continues to work in Illinois’ power plant communities to address the short and long-term implications of coal ash waste. Learn more about coal ash in Illinois and in your community by visiting our coal ash map.]]> November 30, 2017 | Blog Post In Illinois, the public will have to pay if it wants to keep coal plants burning.]]> 30136 0 294 0 https://prairierivers.org/uncategorized/2017/11/prn-sierra-club-sue-pekin-ethanol-plant/ Tue, 28 Nov 2017 19:42:35 +0000 https://prairierivers.org/?p=30148 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

ENVIRONMENTAL GROUPS TELL PEKIN ETHANOL PLANT THEY WILL SUE OVER CLEAN WATER ACT VIOLATIONS

Contact: Cindy Skrukrud, Clean Water Program Director, Illinois Sierra Club, 312-251-1680 x1015, cindy.skrukrud@sierraclub.org Mark Templeton, Director, Abrams Environmental Law Clinic at the University of Chicago, 773-702-9611, templeton@uchicago.edu

The Sierra Club Illinois Chapter and Prairie Rivers Network have informed Pacific Ethanol Pekin, Inc. and Aventine Renewable Energy, Inc. that they intend to sue the companies for repeatedly violating the Clean Water Act at an ethanol plant in Pekin, Illinois during the past five years. The Abrams Environmental Law Clinic at the University of Chicago and attorney Albert Ettinger are representing the environmental organizations.

The Pekin facility has brazenly and consistently violated its water-pollution permits for years, which has jeopardized and will continue to jeopardize the quality of the Illinois River. The facility's excessively hot and polluted discharges are a significant concern for wildlife and for members of the environmental groups who frequently use the river for recreational purposes.

The Illinois Environmental Protection Agency (IEPA) has failed to take legal action, even after the ethanol facility ignored repeated invitations from IEPA to address the temperature violations. The ethanol plant has also failed to report many months of data, which may reveal more illegal discharges.

“It is unacceptable that Illinois regulators have not addressed these repeat violations,” said Cindy Skrukrud, Clean Water Program Director, Sierra Club Illinois Chapter.

“If Illinois regulators will not act, then the Sierra Club and Prairie Rivers Network will use the legal means available to them under the Clean Water Act to protect our state’s precious waterways,” said Mark Templeton, Associate Clinical Professor of Law and Director of the Abrams Environmental Law Clinic at the University of Chicago Law School.

The environmental groups will ask the court to impose monetary penalties on the companies and order the facility to comply with the law.

###

]]> November 28, 2017 | Press Release PRN and the Sierra Club Illinois Chapter have informed Pacific Ethanol Pekin, Inc. and Aventine Renewable Energy, Inc. that they intend to sue the companies for repeatedly violating the Clean Water Act at an ethanol plant in Pekin, Illinois during the past five years.]]> 30148 0 296 0 https://prairierivers.org/uncategorized/2017/12/prairie-river-notes-winter-2017-newsletter/ Wed, 06 Dec 2017 16:10:43 +0000 https://prairierivers.org/?p=30194 Winter 2017 newsletter featuring articles on:

• Our Food Choices Can Protect Water and Wildlife
• Carol's Currents
• I Run for PRN
• 2017 Accomplishments
• Annual Dinner Round-Up
• Illinois Waterway Cleanup
• Looking Ahead to 2018
• Network Challenge

]]> December 6, 2017 | Newsletter Read Prairie Rivers Network’s Winter 2017 newsletter featuring articles on Our Food Choices Can Protect Water and Wildlife, Carol's Currents, I Run for PRN, and more.]]> 30194 0 293 0 https://prairierivers.org/uncategorized/2017/12/riverweb-news-december-7-2017/ Thu, 07 Dec 2017 14:53:42 +0000 https://prairierivers.org/?p=30203 Read our RiverWeb News for December 7, 2017 with stories on:

• The Winter Newsletter
• Floodplain Rules
• Dynegy Bailouts
• Future Energy Jobs Town Hall
• Governor Rauner Letter
• Stop Asian Carp!
• #GivingTuesday
• Wildlife of the Week
• Meet the Staff

]]> 30203 0 292 0 https://prairierivers.org/uncategorized/2017/12/were-on-the-move/ Mon, 11 Dec 2017 15:00:15 +0000 https://prairierivers.org/?p=30187 We are excited to announce that PRN will be moving to a new office location on December 11th! Our new address will be 1605 South State Street, Suite 1, Champaign IL 61820-7231. This has been an exciting year in many ways. We celebrated our 50th year, we hosted several great events, and our network has expanded. So why are we moving? Our staff has expanded. This new location lets us grow further in the coming years, so your membership donations will have an even bigger impact on the water, rivers, and wildlife of Illinois. It is important to practice what we advocate. Our new building is solar powered. In 2010, Henneman Engineering installed two solar panel arrays on their building with the help of an Obama era renewable energy grant. Our new office will be in one of the few office buildings in Champaign-Urbana powered directly by renewable energy. We are committed to reducing coal pollution and moving towards renewable energy. We are so proud to do our part by moving to a more sustainable office building. As we wrap up our 50th anniversary celebration and move into 2018, we are optimistic about what the future holds for us, our network, and the water, rivers, and wildlife of Illinois. Don’t worry about your end of year contribution making it to us. We will be checking our old mailbox and have our mail forwarded to our new address. (Thanks in advance!)]]> December 11, 2017 | Blog Post We are excited to announce that PRN will be moving to a new office location on December 11th!]]> 30187 0 291 0 https://prairierivers.org/uncategorized/2017/12/five-illinois-solar-projects/ Wed, 13 Dec 2017 14:30:11 +0000 https://prairierivers.org/?p=30208 1. Solar Group Buy, Madison County, IL [caption id="attachment_30228" align="alignright" width="300"] Madison County. Photo credit: StraightUp Solar.[/caption] The River Bender reported on the success of Solarize Madison County, a solar group buy program. The program allowed homeowners, businesses, and organizations to join together through bulk purchasing to secure significant discounts. Education offered through “solar power hours” increased the solar literacy in the community and empowered people to make the decision to go solar. The program was made possible by the Midwest Renewable Energy Association (MREA) and the Grow Solar Partnership, who partnered with the Village of Glen Carbon, Madison County Sustainability Program, and the Glen Carbon Cool Cities Committee. (Champaign-Urbana participated in solar group buys in cooperation with MREA in 2016 and 2017 as well.)

2. Vogler Motor Company, Carbondale, IL

In September, Vogler Motor Company made headlines when they shared news of the installation of 1,650 solar panels at their seven southern Illinois locations. The Southern Illinoisan reported that the 1 million dollar project is expected to pay for itself in 5 years.

3. Riggs Beer Company, Urbana, IL

[caption id="attachment_30231" align="alignright" width="300"] Urbana. Photo credit: Darin Riggs.[/caption] According to The Daily Illini, Riggs Beer Company will complete their solar installation project by this year’s end. They are installing 270 solar panels which will provide between 90 and 100 percent of their electrical needs. Riggs was able to make this change by leasing their array from Illini Solar Leasing.

4. Richwood High School, Peoria, IL

The Peoria Journal Star shared news of an October ribbon cutting ceremony that celebrated the 88 panel solar installation at Richwoods High School in Peoria, IL. District staff plan to use the project to introduce students to solar energy technology and careers. The project was made possible by a power purchasing agreement that allows a third-party (Hawk-Attollo, LLC in this case) to own the solar array while selling the solar-generated electricity back to the district at a cheaper rate than the district would otherwise pay. These agreements also allow the third party to use federal and state tax credits and subsidies that a school would not qualify for and the district will have the option to buy the system in the future. [caption id="attachment_30232" align="alignright" width="300"] Peoria. Photo credit: David Zalaznik, Journal Star.[/caption] (In early December, The Southern Illinoisan reported that the city of Pinckneyville utilized a power purchasing agreement with Straight-up Solar to install solar panels on their wastewater treatment plant).

5. McKinley-Presbyterian Church, Champaign, IL

The unveiling of a solar panel rooftop project at McKinley-Presbyterian Church made headlines in June. The News-Gazette reported that the project grew from discussions between the McKinley Foundation and Faith in Place. Faith in Place, a statewide non-profit with a mission to “empower Illinois people of all faiths to be leaders in caring for the Earth”, has a program dedicated to Energy and Climate. Faith community members interested in installing solar panels are encouraged to contact them for more information and resources.

What to Watch for in 2018

With FEJA’s “Community Solar,” “Solar for All,” and “Solar Pipeline Training” programs ready to take effect, we can expect new and innovative projects to make headlines in 2018. Let’s take a look at what’s to come.

1. Community Solar in Foundulac Township, Tazewell County, IL

A recent Peoria Journal Star article gives us a look at the type of project to come in 2018. The proposed community solar project, made possible by FEJA and subject to approval by local governmental bodies, would be operated by Trajectory Energy on land owned by Foundulac Township. Community solar is made possible by something called “virtual net metering.” Customers subscribe to the solar service for a monthly fee and in exchange receive credit on their bill for the energy produced by the panels.

2. Solar for All Opportunities, Statewide, IL

Midwest Energy News reported on FEJA’s goals and the environmental justice requirements built into the law, including the Solar for All program. According to the article, the program “makes funds available each year to incentivize solar installations in low-income and environmental justice communities — those that have historically been most impacted by pollution including fossil fuel generation. Anyone in Illinois at or below 80 percent of area median income would qualify for incentives, and advocates hope to see solar blossom in struggling rural Illinois towns along with urban communities.”

3. Solar Pipeline Training Program Grant Recipients Announced, Statewide, IL

On December 7, the one-year anniversary of FEJA, Solar Power World shared the recipients of FEJA’s “solar pipeline training program” grants: Elevate Energy, Illinois Central College, OAI and the Safer Foundation. Look for these organizations to make news with their solar training programs across the state in 2018.

Join the Movement and Make Headlines in 2018

Illinois is on the leading edge of a solar movement. Prairie Rivers Network is dedicated to growing our network to advance clean energy projects and policies and decrease our state’s reliance on fossil fuels. Our energy system and our water resources are connected - we cannot protect clean water without moving to a clean energy source. You can make an impact in your community! Consider contacting one of the many resources mentioned in this article, or if you aren’t sure where to start, contact Amanda Pankau at apankau@prairierivers.org.]]> December 13, 2017 | Blog Post As we come to the year’s end, let’s take a look at some of the exciting Illinois solar developments that made headlines in 2017.]]> 30208 0 290 0 https://prairierivers.org/uncategorized/2017/12/collaborative-geodesign/ Fri, 22 Dec 2017 15:21:54 +0000 https://prairierivers.org/?p=30249 collaborative geodesign and agricultural land use. [caption id="attachment_30279" align="alignright" width="300"] Dr. Nicholas Jordan from the University of Minnesota discusses his collaborative geodesign.[/caption] Collaborative GeoDesign is a mapping tool that lets people look at a farming economy and make planning decisions based on different variables. Collaborative geodesign helps the many voices in agriculture (including farmers, Soil and Water Conservation Districts (SWCDs), environmental organizations, and others) workout how best to improve land use while protecting our soil and water. While Dr. Jordan’s work looks specifically at Minnesota and Iowa watersheds, the hope is to expand these to other areas.

How does it work?

The GIS based program incorporates modeling of a watershed’s soil, topography and waterways, and the users select the type of farming techniques that could be used in an area. For example, areas of conservation tillage, cover crops, grassed waterways, stream buffers, or prairie grass can be drawn, and the program calculates the nitrate, sediment, phosphorus, water yield, habitat quality, and market return that would result from those changes to the landscape in the watershed. “Collaborative geodesign is a process that allows groups of diverse stakeholders to “try-on” various landscape designs assisted by a geodesign tool,” the site said. Ultimately, this tool used in a collaborative process shows how using different farming techniques can have an impact on water quality in the local watershed while also balancing farmers’ bottomline. [caption id="attachment_30280" align="alignright" width="300"] Participants discuss their designs.[/caption] SWCDs in Illinois could benefit from access to this program, once data from their watershed areas are mapped. Steve Fulling of the Crawford County SWCD thought that it was proactive to use GeoDesign as a way of finding solutions for rural communities, and Bill Davison of University of Illinois Extension said, “there’s a great need for it, and the hope is finding a way to use it to benefit rural farmers.” "We need watershed scale examples,” Dr. Jordan said. “We need to show that folks are making money,” for this to be useful. Planning conservation at a watershed level allows us to achieve measurable water quality results. Thinking at the watershed level versus the farm level also presents opportunities for targeting areas in the watershed where conservation practices will get their best bang for their buck, thus achieving more with our limited funds.]]> December 22, 2017 | Blog Post PRN and the IDEA Farm Network hosted speaker Dr. Nicholas Jordan from the University of Minnesota to discuss collaborative geodesign and agricultural land use.]]> 30249 0 288 0 https://prairierivers.org/uncategorized/2017/12/top-5-habitat-floodplain-wildlife-happenings-2017/ Wed, 27 Dec 2017 12:00:21 +0000 https://prairierivers.org/?p=30256 Elsberry, MO, June 20, 2008 -- A levee in the Elsberry levee district breaks, flooding farmland and houses in the area.
Jocelyn Augustino/FEMA[/caption]

Levees

Concerned residents and environmental organizations have been working to address the issue of overbuilt levees and the problems that relaxed rules may cause. Elected officials, including Missouri Attorney General Josh Hawley and several Illinois State Representatives and Senators, voiced their concerns and urged the Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) to retain current protections. Many people fear that any rollbacks will result in more development in flood-prone areas, higher levees, and higher flood risk for downstream communities. These two articles in the Telegraph look at the debate around levee height and the stances taken by two Illinois state legislators. [caption id="attachment_30265" align="alignright" width="300"] An alligator gar (Photo credit: Illinois Department of Natural Resources)[/caption]

Alligator Gar

A win for wildlife took place when IDNR’s kickstarted the reintroduction of the alligator gar into the state’s rivers and streams. After a seven year break, IDNR began restocking rivers last year and were set to release this year’s batch in September. As Dan Stephenson, chief of fisheries for IDNR is quoted in this Illinois News Network article, “We have an opportunity to bring back a fish that’s extirpated -- you know, extinct in Illinois -- that’s really pretty neat to be able to do that.”

Bringing Prairie Back

In April, the Illinois News Network reported on the ramping up of planting of prairie grass around the state. IDNR said the state once had 22 million acres of prairie grasses. Today, that has been reduced to about 2,300 acres. Despite that loss, small gains have been made, and this article highlights the many efforts around Illinois to restore prairie.

Bald Eagles Flock to Illinois

[caption id="attachment_30268" align="alignright" width="300"] (Photo credit: David Hale)[/caption] Bald eagles were once a rare sight in Illinois. Once declared endangered in the U.S., bald eagles now number as many as 3,000, according to this Illinois News Network article. “The state is now second only to Alaska in the U.S. for winter bald eagle population.” This is a clear success for wildlife and a clear indicator of the eagle’s rebound. The pesticide DDT drastically reduced the number of birds, thinning of their eggs. By the 1950s, there were only 412 breeding pairs.

Dam Removal

[caption id="attachment_30269" align="alignright" width="300"] (Photo credit: Elliot Brinkman)[/caption] There has been some good news on dam removals and the benefits their removal would bring to the waterways of Illinois. The Daily Herald reported on how dams on the Fox and Des Plaines Rivers are “beyond their original intended purposes, they're hazards and ecological impediments," Eric Otto at the Cook County Forest Preserves said. The City of Danville is also planning on removing two low-head dams the city owns. The News-Gazette reported in August that the plans have been drawn up and were awaiting funds to be released. The project could begin removing the dam as early as next year.]]> December 27, 2017 | Blog Post As we put a bow on 2017, here are the top 5 headlines from 2017 about Illinois habitat, floodplains, and wildlife.]]> 30256 0 289 0 Protection or problem? Levee heights spark debate over flood safety]]> https://prairierivers.org/uncategorized/2017/12/riverweb-news-december-21-2017/ Thu, 21 Dec 2017 19:11:17 +0000 https://prairierivers.org/?p=30274 Read our RiverWeb News for December 21, 2017 with stories on:

• Carol's Message
• 5 Solar Projects in 2017
• Solar Training Academy
• PRN's New Address
• Stop Asian Carp!
• Wildlife of the Week
• Meet the Staff

]]> 30274 0 287 0 https://prairierivers.org/uncategorized/2017/12/2017-accomplishments/ Sun, 31 Dec 2017 20:23:06 +0000 https://prairierivers.org/?p=30302 Victory for the Public Process If Asian carp reach the Great Lakes, a way of life could be lost. “This has been our homeland . . . We’ve always been here, for ten thousand years or more.” These are the words of Doug Craven of the Michigan Band of Odawa Indians talking about his culture and the importance of the Great Lakes and its fishery to his people since time immemorial. Doug was featured in the video Seven Generations, produced by PRN Water Policy Specialist Robert Hirschfeld in collaboration with the National Wildlife Federation. On June 23rd, news broke that a commercial fisherman had found a live Asian carp just nine miles from Lake Michigan. “We sent the news out to our members, the press, and government officials about the urgency for the immediate release of the delayed Brandon Road study,” Robert said. The study’s release was put on hold by the new administration in January after intense lobbying by the shipping industry. The live carp galvanized people into action. PRN and other groups put out action alerts, videos, and stories about the potential impacts of Asian carp on the Great Lakes ecosystem. Doug’s story of what is at stake and what will be lost was one of them. Hundreds of PRN members contacted members of Congress, putting pressure on the Army Corps of Engineers to release the study, which they finally did on August 7th.

Your membership in PRN helps harness the power of the public voice to #stopasiancarpnow.

Fighting Big Polluters

“We’re suing Scott Pruitt!” exclaimed PRN Executive Director Carol Hays. PRN’s not holding back; with our partners we were among the first to file a lawsuit against the United States Environmental Protection Agency and its secretary for efforts to rollback protections of our rivers. Scott Pruitt sided with big business and the energy industry to delay and possibly remove new limits on toxic waste entering our waterways from coal power plants. Delays like this favor power companies and put us at risk from mercury and other toxins entering the rivers and lakes we love. The fight over Effluent Limitation Guidelines (ELGs) is yet another example of how the new administration is trying to undermine all of the environmental gains we’ve made since the Clean Water Act was established in 1972. Since Inauguration Day, the new administration has rolled back the Stream Protection Rule and taken the U.S. out of the Paris Climate Agreement. Stricter emission limits from the transportation industry are being reconsidered. They are trying to repeal the Clean Water Rule… the list goes on. “We’re at an important point in our fight to protect the environment,” said Andrew Rehn, PRN’s Water Resources Engineer. “We face well-funded opposition that is bent on scorched earth policies.” We can’t let that happen. PRN is standing up for Illinois’ rivers and clean water for our communities.

Your membership in PRN helps fight big polluters to protect our rivers and streams.

Helping Farmers be Better Stewards of the Land

“For too long the environmental movement and agriculture have been at odds,” PRN Habitat and Agriculture Programs Specialist Kim Erndt-Pitcher said. “The IDEA Farm Network is one way of fostering the growth of healthy farms. Farms that strive to regenerate the land.”

“It’s a place for farmers, from conventional to organic, to come together in a safe space to share ideas,” Adam Davis said. He’s a co-creator with PRN of the IDEA Farm Network and a Professor of Crop Sciences at the U of I. “It’s a way for farmers to learn from each other without worrying that people will judge them as a bad farmer. It is more about following that curiosity and leveraging the lived experience of the group.” The IDEA Farm Network began in February 2017 with about 45 farmers, meeting once a month at various farms to learn about different practices, ways to build soil health, protect water, and increase diversity on farmlands. In just eight months, it has grown to over 160 farmers going to meetings, participating in the online discussion group, learning from each other, and building lasting relationships. Will Glazik, an organic farmer, crop advisor, and co-creator of the IDEA Farm Network, says “This thing has exploded beyond anything I could ever imagine. So I’m pretty excited to see where it goes. And it’s all driven from within.” With the continued leadership and passion for improving agriculture from Adam and Will, PRN and our partners look to continue to grow the IDEA Farm Network to the northern and southern parts of the state, where more farmers can learn from one another, be more adventurous and innovative, and expand scientific understanding of the best ways to build more resilient and regenerative agricultural systems. Your membership in PRN helps advance the regenerative agriculture movement: agriculture that regenerates the land, farms, farm communities, and consumers’ well-being.

Saving Wetlands and Wildlife

At last year’s dinner, we honored the people fighting the proposed New Madrid Levee. If built, the levee would have increased the risk of flooding to towns like Cairo, Olive Branch, and Metropolis. With one of President Obama’s last acts in office, his administration issued a decision in January that makes it nearly impossible for the Army Corps of Engineers to build the levee. Stopping the New Madrid Levee saved more than 50,000 acres of wetlands. These wetlands not only protect downstream communities from flooding, they provide critical wildlife corridors that will be essential to wildlife if they are to survive and adapt to a changing climate. The National Wildlife Federation estimates 40,000 ducks and 10,000 geese winter there. Great blue heron, egrets, and thousands of shorebirds have safe haven. Ninety-three species of fish are now protected, and mammals like the swamp rabbit, mink, and beaver will continue to have the habitat they need to thrive. The National Wildlife Federation recognized the indispensable contributions of PRN staff Kim Knowles, Staff Attorney, and Elliot Brinkman, Habitat Conservation Specialist, in this big win for wildlife.

Your membership in PRN and your activism made it possible to stop the New Madrid Levee. This victory is a beacon of hope, and it shows that together we are stronger. We can make positive change in the world with the help of you, our network.

2017 ANNUAL REPORT

Have a look at the 2017 Annual Report!]]> December 31, 2017 | Blog Post We accomplished a lot in 2017, and it's all thanks to you!]]> 30302 0 286 0 https://prairierivers.org/uncategorized/2018/01/epa-region-5s-new-director/ Wed, 03 Jan 2018 22:29:55 +0000 https://prairierivers.org/?p=30315 Frigid Lake Michigan from Veterans Park in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Temperture at the time of photo, 12°F.[/caption]

The incoming head of the Region 5 of the EPA, who will be responsible for the Great Lakes states, and thus about 85% of North America's fresh water, is no friend of the environment.

“In the six years she ran the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources… [Cathy] Stepp showed little interest in environmental stewardship,” says this Chicago Tribune editorial. Under her tenure, wastewater polluters went unchecked, water was undrinkable in some parts of her state, and her staff quit in droves. With no natural resource experience, Cathy Stepp gutted the Wisconsin DNR, and as an industry proponent, her record reflects no interest in protecting our natural resources. Region 5 plays a critical role keeping the water, rivers, and wildlife of Illinois safe, and the Great Lakes and Lake Michigan are too important to leave unprotected. We need leaders who value safe drinking water for all Illinois. We need leaders who don’t side with polluters. “All of us will need to fight harder to protect the quality of our air and drinking water as we watch the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency under President Donald Trump increasingly put down its tools and walk off the job,” the Tribune says. Is Cathy Stepp the type of leadership we need in Region 5? That remains to be seen. The Great Lakes deserve better because Illinois can’t wait.]]> January 3, 2018 | Blog Post The incoming head of the Region 5 of the EPA is no friend of the environment.]]> 30315 0 284 0 https://prairierivers.org/uncategorized/2018/01/save-air-water/ Wed, 10 Jan 2018 14:37:50 +0000 https://prairierivers.org/?p=30319 Upcoming Public Hearings In an earlier blog post we explained how Dynegy, Illinois’ largest coal fired power plant operator, worked with Rauner’s Illinois Environmental Protection Agency (IEPA) to craft a rule-change for the “Multi-Pollutant Standard” (MPS) that would change the way their air pollution emissions are regulated. [caption id="attachment_27129" align="alignright" width="300"] Smokestacks from Coal fired Power plant.[/caption] Two public hearings are scheduled before the Illinois Pollution Control Board (IPCB) to discuss the proposed rule-change, the first of which is next week on the 17th. The hearings will be held on: Peoria Public Hearing: Wednesday, January 17, 2018, 4:30-7pm, Peoria Public Library Edwardsville Public Hearing: Tuesday, March 6, 2018, 4:30-7pm, Madison County Board Room The IPCB is an independent agency tasked with adopting Illinois’ environmental regulations and ruling on contested environmental cases. The public is encouraged to attend the public hearing and stand up for Illinois’ health and environment. Can’t make the hearing? You can still take action. The Sierra Club has set up an action page for sending messages to the IPCB. Tell them to reject the regulatory changes that Dynegy and Rauner’s IEPA are proposing. Illinois can't wait. Take action here!]]> January 10, 2018 | Blog Post Two public hearings are scheduled before the Illinois Pollution Control Board (IPCB) to discuss proposed rule-change.]]> 30319 0 283 0 https://prairierivers.org/uncategorized/2018/01/farm-bill-2018-will-wont/ Tue, 16 Jan 2018 15:12:55 +0000 https://prairierivers.org/?p=30339 2018 is slated to be the year we get a new Farm Bill, but whether we do or not depends largely on the politics coming out of Washington. Last August, PRN Executive Director Carol Hays provided input at the US House Agriculture Committee Farm Bill listening session in Decatur where she introduced the committee to Regenerate IL, the PRN effort to encourage farmers to use farming and conservation practices that restore soil health, protect water quality, and improve habitat and on farm biodiversity. Recently, Carol attended a National Wildlife Federation meeting in Washington, D.C. where NWF affiliates and staff discussed the Federation’s priorities for the upcoming Farm Bill. [caption id="attachment_30344" align="alignright" width="300"] Kim Erndt-Pitcher seeds farmland to restore it to prairie.[/caption] The Farm Bill is the most important source of resources for conservation in the Federal budget. In the 2014 Farm Bill, over 6% of the total $489 billion Farm Bill outlay was directed at conservation practices to protect soil, water, and wildlife. Since the 2014 Farm Bill, there has been an alarming rate of conversion of private wetlands, grasslands and forested lands to cultivation nationwide. Seventy percent of U.S. privately-owned land is now in agriculture or forestry. Opportunities for expanding conservation must focus on private lands. While the current $5 billion per year for conservation still clearly aren’t enough resources to meet the nation’s conservation needs, conservation programs are very popular with farmers and ranchers, especially the Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) which pays for cover crops. There is more demand than available resources. CRP supports practices that sequester carbon, prevent erosion, and reduce the need for and loss of fertilizers into our waterways. In Illinois, we lost over a half million acres from CRP in 2017 alone due to expiring contracts that could not be refunded. That's a lot of land that could be building soil health, reducing CO2 in the atmosphere, reducing the use of fertilizers and pesticides, soaking up flood waters, protecting water quality, and providing critical habitat and habitat protections for fish, mussels, birds, pollinators and other threatened species. While we want to see increased funding for wildlife in working lands programs overall, expanding or at least preserving funding for CRP at current levels is a top priority for the wildlife and conservation community in Illinois and nationwide. This program along with other working lands programs like EQIP (Environmental Quality Incentives Program) and the Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP) provide funding to support agricultural and conservation practices that are key to improving water quality. We also want to see more resources available for conservation easements that can be directed toward our state’s wildlife priorities, such as habitat for ground nesting birds. Importantly, all of these conservation programs should be targeted to ensure they meet our natural resource needs and do not incentivize the use of practices that will be abandoned with fluctuations in crop prices. The 2014 Farm Bill also linked crop insurance for farmers with conservation protections. Known as the Conservation Compliance provision, the changes were designed to ensure that crop insurance focused on keeping sensitive areas such as wetlands and marginal areas out of cultivation. We want to see crop insurance better aligned with and supportive of conservation and encouraging a whole farm approach to conservation holistically integrated with farming systems wherever possible. Three members of Illinois’ Congressional delegation (Reps Davis, Bustos, and Bost) sit on the House Agriculture Committee, which is currently working on the elements of the massive bill and has signaled that it will introduce a bill in the House for a vote early this spring. Illinoisans have a unique opportunity to express our concerns and needs for conservation on our vast amount of farmland. Join us in calling on these members and our whole delegation to pass a Farm Bill this year that increases overall funding for conservation programs and includes strong provisions for wildlife, water quality and quantity, and healthy soils that support healthy lands and healthy communities. Watch for upcoming opportunities to learn more about the Farm Bill and messages you can send to your representatives in Congress.]]> January 16, 2018 | Blog Post 2018 is slated to be the year we get a new Farm Bill, but whether we do or not depends largely on the politics coming out of Washington.]]> 30339 0 282 0 https://prairierivers.org/uncategorized/2018/01/sowing-seeds-pollinator-habitat/ Wed, 17 Jan 2018 14:54:07 +0000 https://prairierivers.org/?p=30349 Kim and Steve talk about the seeding process[/caption] “The Journey started when I decided to become an Organic farm.  In a short time I started to see changes in the farm, new life began of all types, above and below the surface of the farm.  Then the questions began, what more should I do?” Steve Buxton Said. Steve is talking about his Two Mile Creek Organic Farm in Sullivan, Illinois where last week, PRN's Kim Erndt-Pitcher and Robert Hirschfeld visited to jump start his farm’s pollinator habitat by sowing seeds for spring perennials. “Much of the Illinois landscape is in agricultural production,” Kim said. She is PRN's  Habitat and Agriculture Programs Specialist.  “By bringing pollinator habitat back to the farm, we are ensuring that the pollinators we depend on for crop production and ecosystem function have adequate resources for survival.” [caption id="attachment_30351" align="alignright" width="300"] Seed is mixed with sand for easier spreading.[/caption] This simple seeding started with native seeds Kim and her husband collected from about five acres of restored prairie on their small farm in southern Illinois. The seed mix consists of a diverse mix of perennials including early flowering plants like penstemon and white wild indigo; long blooming plants like mountain mint; summer blooming ones such as compass plant, cup plant, yellow wingstem, culvers root, blazing star, and coneflowers, and late blooming plants such as asters, goldenrods, and Joe-Pye weed. They also included three types of milkweed to promote habitat for monarch butterflies. Planting early, mid and late blooming flowers will provide vegetation, pollen, and nectar for native pollinators throughout the growing season. The key for creating valuable habitat is diversity. The more diversity in your plant selection, the more likely you are to have a broader range of pollinators and other invertebrates. Not only will Steve gain the benefits of native pollinators to his farm, but the habitat that he creates will also be home to beneficial insects, which prey on crop pests. Pollinators and beneficial insects come in all shapes and sizes. Just consider that there are over 4,000 species of bees that are native to North America. These bees can be as small as a gnat or as big as the top part of your finger. The more diverse the flower shapes, sizes, and blooming times you provide, the greater variety of insects you can provide resources for. Two Mile Creek Organic Farm had plans to seed along two waterways, a small set aside, and a demonstration plot on their main farm. Approximately five acres of their farm was seeded with native perennial flowering forbs and grasses. This is just beginning of Steve’s efforts to expand pollinator habitat on his farms. “We have already started planning for the ‘more and better’ additional areas," Steve said. "I would like to call the next phase the ‘B.B.R.’ Benifical Bug Resorts, buffers designed and planted around and in the fields to welcome the friendly bugs. By listening, watching, tasting, and digging I have seen the need is really in creating a regenerating community of life for the farm.” [caption id="attachment_30344" align="alignright" width="300"] Kim Erndt-Pitcher seeds farmland to restore it to prarie.[/caption] As part of PRN’s efforts to increase the acres of valuable wildlife and pollinator habitat throughout Illinois, we will continue to work with private landowners and farmers, and members of the IDEA Farm Network to protect our water and wildlife resources for generations to come.  We are thankful for farmers like Steve that strive to regenerate their land, soil, and entire farming system.]]> January 17, 2018 | Blog Post “The Journey started when I decided to become an Organic farm," Steve Buxton said about his Two Mile Creek Organic Farm in Sullivan, Illinois.]]> 30349 0 281 0 https://prairierivers.org/uncategorized/2018/01/riverweb-news-january-16-2018/ Tue, 16 Jan 2018 19:07:47 +0000 https://prairierivers.org/?p=30362 Read our RiverWeb News for January 16, 2018 with stories on:

• Farm Bill 2018
• 5 Stories from 2017
• Challenge Met!
• Civic Engagement
• Sustainable with Marty Travis
• Wildlife of the Week
• Meet the Staff

]]> 30362 0 280 0 https://prairierivers.org/uncategorized/2018/01/prn-earthjustice-sue-protect-middle-fork/ Wed, 31 Jan 2018 16:00:52 +0000 https://prairierivers.org/?p=30480 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

ENVIRONMENTAL GROUPS TO SUE TO PROTECT NATIONAL SCENIC RIVER FROM LEAKING TOXIC WASTE

Dynegy’s Coal Ash Pits Polluting Middle Fork of the Vermillion River

Contact:  Andrew Rehn, Prairie Rivers Network (217) 344-2371 x 208, arehn@prairierivers.org Jenny Cassel, Earthjustice, 215-717-4525 or jcassel@earthjustice.org Conservation group Prairie Rivers Network today filed official notice that it intends to sue the electric generating company Dynegy because toxic coal ash waste stockpiled at the company’s Vermilion Power Plant in Oakwood, Illinois is leaking pollution into the Middle Fork of the Vermilion River, Illinois’ only National Scenic River and a popular site for kayaking, canoeing and tubing. The toxic chemicals leaking from the coal ash pits have stained the riverbank a shimmery orange, rust, and purple color and turned the river water orange. “These illegal discharges could not be more obvious,” said Earthjustice attorney Jenny Cassel, who represents Prairie Rivers Network. “Dynegy is not above the law and should not be allowed to get away with dumping toxic heavy metals into one of the most ecologically vibrant rivers in our state.” The plant operated from the mid-1950s and was closed in 2011. For decades, the plant’s operators dumped the waste left over from burning coal into unlined pits where the toxic ash can seep into water and soil and blow into the air. The pits contain millions of tons of ash and loom over a half-mile stretch of the Middle Fork’s banks. The company’s own testing and reports show that coal ash waste is leaking into groundwater and into the river. Testing by Dynegy and by the Prairie Rivers Network show the leaking contaminants include toxic heavy metals such as arsenic, barium, boron, chromium, iron, lead, manganese, molybdenum, nickel, and sulfate. Several of these contaminants were found at concentrations in excess of federal and Illinois standards for protection of human health and the environment. Exposure to these toxics raises the risk for cancer, heart disease, and stroke, and can inflict lasting brain damage on children. “This toxic waste needs to be cleaned up,” said Andrew Rehn, Water Resources Engineer at Prairie Rivers Network. “We want to make sure that Dynegy can’t just walk away from its responsibility. We all have a right to a clean Vermillion River.” In 1989, about 17 miles of the Middle Fork were designated as Illinois’ only Scenic River under the federal National Wild and Scenic Rivers Act. The Middle Fork and its surrounding area are home to twenty threatened or endangered species, fifty-seven types of fish, forty-six different mammal species, and two hundred seventy different bird species. The river is home to state-endangered Blue Breast Darter and several species of rare, threatened, and endangered mussels. The American bald eagle, river otter, and wild turkey have all returned to the area, sharing their habitat with mink, turtles, Great Blue Heron and other species. The coal ash pits at the Vermilion Power Plant are “legacy” ash pits, excluded from the protections of EPA’s federal coal ash rule because the power plant retired before the rule went into effect in 2015. Environmental groups, including Earthjustice and Prairie Rivers Network, have argued in a lawsuit pending before the federal appeals court in D.C. that EPA should not have left legacy pits out of the rule. Even absent strong federal protections for legacy coal ash sites, however, Dynegy still must comply with environmental laws such as the Clean Water Act, which prohibits discharges of pollutants into rivers such as the Middle Fork without a proper permit or that violate Illinois health and environmental standards. Prairie Rivers Network is Illinois' advocate for clean water and healthy rivers and is the Illinois affiliate of the National Wildlife Federation. Prairie Rivers Network advocates for cultural values, policies and practices that sustain the ecological health and biological diversity of Illinois’ water resources and aquatic ecosystems. It is a member-supported, nonprofit organization that champions clean, healthy rivers and lakes and safe drinking water to benefit the people and wildlife of Illinois. Prairie Rivers Network explains the threats Dynegy’s coal ash pits pose to the Middle Fork at https://prairierivers.org/middlefork/. Earthjustice is the premier nonprofit environmental law organization. We wield the power of law and the strength of partnership to protect people’s health, to preserve magnificent places and wildlife, to advance clean energy, and to combat climate change. We are here because the earth needs a good lawyer. The 60-day notice of intent to sue letter is available here. Images and videos are available here.

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]]> January 31, 2018 | Press Release Prairie Rivers Network today filed official notice that it intends to sue Dynegy for Clean Water Act violations on the Middle Fork.]]> 30480 0 279 0 https://prairierivers.org/uncategorized/2018/02/riverweb-news-february-1-2018/ Tue, 06 Feb 2018 14:51:18 +0000 https://prairierivers.org/?p=30496 Read our RiverWeb News for February 1, 2018 with stories on:

• PRN Issues Letter of Intent
• Great Lakes Mayors Speak Out
• Vital Lands Illinois Summit
• Sowing Seeds for Pollinators
• Run/Walk for Clean Water
• Practical Farmers Meeting
• Smile on Amazon
• Wildlife of the Week
• Meet the Staff

]]> 30496 0 278 0 https://prairierivers.org/uncategorized/2018/02/illinois-climate-action-table/ Wed, 21 Feb 2018 21:44:21 +0000 https://prairierivers.org/?p=30584 PRN Executive Director Carol Hays spoke at the Illinois Climate Action Table event in Chicago on February 19. Here are her remarks.

I am Carol Hays, executive director of Prairie Rivers Network, based in Champaign. Speaking as someone who lives outside of the Chicago area, and travels frequently across Illinois, I can tell you that this is a diverse and vast state. That’s no secret. But—what people should understand is this: as diverse as this state is, when it comes to energy and the economy, we in Central and Southern Illinois have much more in common with people on the south and west sides of Chicago than divides us. There are communities from Rockford to Cairo that are currently being left behind in the new energy economy—just as there are in Chicago. There are communities in Carbondale and the Quad Cities—just as there are in Cook County and the collar counties—where people stand to benefit from renewable energy and energy efficiency. There are environmental justice communities in North, South, and Central Illinois where a shift toward cleaner technologies can mean new jobs and less pollution. But, in each of these places, the thought of such a change is accompanied by many concerns. It’s important that not just the six-county area around Chicago benefits. We need the conversation to reach all 102 counties, and more importantly, we need benefits to reach every part of the state That is why a conversation—like the one we are launching today—is so critical. The policy pillars that have been discussed are the right ones. We can build a prosperous future together by supporting the Illinois Clean Jobs Coalition’s agenda of 100% renewable energy by 2050, carbon-free power by 2030, and more electric vehicles on the road to reduce our dependence on foreign oil. But—more importantly, we can reach those goals most effectively through the active, robust conversation that the Illinois Clean Jobs Coalition is launching. The first step is to listen. To listen to the needs of people in Champaign, where I live, and everywhere else across this state. To hear their concerns and questions. To hear about their experiences benefitting from clean energy. For example, we are already seeing the benefits of the Future Energy Jobs Act in places like Tazewell County, just outside of Peoria, where one of the state’s first community solar projects has been approved. Chicago and the rest of the country are demanding more renewable energy, but they don’t have the room to create it themselves. Northern, Central, and Southern Illinois can provide the wind and solar the rest of Illinois needs to win the clean energy future, and that will mean new jobs and lower-cost energy in places across Illinois that are struggling economically. Listen, lead, share. If these watchwords are followed, I have every confidence that we can get to 100% renewable energy. We can and will achieve a carbon free power sector and electrify the transportation sector. And—we can do it a way that ensures equity in terms of new jobs and benefits. Join us by signing up today!

]]> February 21, 2018 | Blog Post PRN Executive Director Carol Hays spoke at the Illinois Climate Action Table event in Chicago on February 19. Here are her remarks.]]> 30584 0 276 0 https://prairierivers.org/uncategorized/2018/03/groundwater-data-show-dynegy-other-power-generating-companies-polluting-our-water/ Wed, 14 Mar 2018 19:39:37 +0000 https://prairierivers.org/?p=30630 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE   GROUNDWATER DATA SHOW DYNEGY, OTHER POWER GENERATING COMPANIES POLLUTING OUR WATER March 14, 2018 Contact: Andrew Rehn, Prairie Rivers Network, arehn@prairierivers.org, 217-344-2371 ext. 208 CHAMPAIGN, IL – Prairie Rivers Network (PRN) has analyzed groundwater monitoring data released on March 2, 2018 by Illinois coal-fired power companies and found elevated levels of multiple contaminants, including antimony, arsenic, chromium, lead, and thallium, in exceedance of the Illinois Environmental Protect Agency Class II groundwater standards and/or U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s drinking water standards. Data show exceedances at 15 of the 18 power plants across Illinois which reported groundwater data. These sites exceed limits on toxic chemicals in the state’s groundwater. The EPA’s 2015 rule that regulates the disposal and storage of coal ash requires that companies test water and make their findings available to the public. PRN has analyzed over 1,000 pages of data from five coal ash owners in Illinois. Groundwater exceedances across multiple contaminants were common. One site alone had exceedances for antimony, arsenic, beryllium, boron, cadmium, chromium, cobalt, lead, lithium, radium and thallium. Arsenic was present at levels above the drinking water standard in 14 of the 17 sites which posted arsenic data, including 500 ppb (twice the Illinois groundwater standard) at Powerton in Pekin. A well at the Waukegan Station with 9,300 ppb arsenic was labeled as upgradient but seems to have the signature markers of coal ash contamination with elevated boron. Lead was present in 6 of the 17 sites at level as high as 340 ppb at Duck Creek Power Station in Canton, or three times the Illinois groundwater standard. The sites have radioactive material with measurements of radium at 15.2 pCi/l at the Newton Power Station in Jasper County, over three times the drinking water standard. “Dynegy, NRG, and other owners of coal ash are required by the EPA to test the groundwater under their coal ash impoundments and report their findings,” said Andrew Rehn, PRN Water Resources Engineer. “These data clearly indicate that these companies are polluting area groundwaters. Contamination was particularly high in unlined impoundments where groundwater can flow through the coal ash. To think that in some cases these companies plan to leave these impoundments capped in place in contact with groundwater forever is ridiculous.” The Springfield utility, City Water Light and Power, posted incomplete groundwater data, omitting measurements for arsenic, lead, and other dangerous contaminants. Every other coal ash owner in the state posted this data. Due to a gap in the federal regulation, this groundwater monitoring data was not required at power plants closed before October 2015. However, coal ash at closed power plants poses the same threats to groundwater, such as the three coal ash pits at the Vermilion Power Station, which is contaminating the groundwater and seeping pollutants into the Middle Fork. “The takeaway from these findings is clear,” Rehn said. “These power plants are contaminating our groundwater with toxic chemicals and harming our environment.” Details of the exceedances at each plant are available here. Information on the harmful effects of coal ash to human health is available here. Prairie Rivers Network (PRN) is Illinois' advocate for clean water and healthy rivers and is the Illinois affiliate of the National Wildlife Federation. PRN advocates for cultural values, policies and practices that sustain the ecological health and biological diversity of Illinois’ water resources and aquatic ecosystems. It is a member-supported, nonprofit organization that champions clean, healthy rivers and lakes and safe drinking water to benefit the people and wildlife of Illinois.

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]]> March 14, 2018 | Press Release Prairie Rivers Network (PRN) has analyzed groundwater monitoring data released on March 2, 2018 by Illinois coal-fired power companies and found elevated levels of multiple contaminants, including antimony, arsenic, chromium, lead, and thallium, in exceedance of the Illinois Environmental Protect Agency Class II groundwater standards and/or U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s drinking water standards.]]> 30630 0 274 0 https://prairierivers.org/uncategorized/2018/03/nitrates-one-pager-works-cited/ Mon, 19 Mar 2018 14:20:46 +0000 https://prairierivers.org/?p=30649 www.epa.illinois.gov/Assets/iepa/water-quality/watershed-management/nlrs/nlrs-final-revised-083115.pdf BBS symptoms can start at just 5 ppm cfpub.epa.gov/ncer_abstracts/index.cfm/fuseaction/display.highlight/abstract/5379/report/F Nitrates in IL Community Water Systems water.epa.state.il.us/dww/index.jsp

Birth Defects and nitrates

Brender, J. D., Olive, J. M., Felkner, M., Suarez, L., Marckwardt, W., & Hendricks, K. A. (2004). Dietary nitrates and nitrites, nitrosatable drugs, and neural tube defects. Epidemiology: 15(3), 330-336. Brender, J. D., Weyer, P. J., Romitti, P. A., Mohanty, B. P., Binayak, P. M., Mayura, U. S., . . . the National Birth Defects Prevention Study. (2013). Prenatal nitrate intake from drinking water and selected birth defects in offspring of participants in the National Birth Defects Prevention Study. Environmental Health Perspectives: 121(9), 1083-1089.

Cancer related and nitrates

Jones, R. R., Weyer, P. J., DellaValle, C.T., Inoue-Choi, M., Anderson, K. E., Cantor, K. P., . . . Ward, M. H. (2016). Nitrate from drinking water and diet and bladder cancer among postmenopausal women in Iowa. Environmental Health Perspectives: 124(11), 1751-1758. Ward, M. H., Kilfoy B. A., Weyer, P. J., Anderson, K. E., Folsom, A. R., & Cerhan, J.R. (2010). Nitrate intake and the risk of thyroid cancer and thyroid disease. Epidemiology: 21 (3), 389-395. Inoue-Choi, M., Jones, R. R., Anderson, K. E., Cantor, K. P., Cerhan, J. R., Krasner, S., . . . Ward, M. H. (2016). Nitrate and nitrite ingestion and risk of ovarian cancer among postmenopausal women in Iowa. International Jouranl of Cancer: 137(1), 173-182. Unfunded conservation programs www.dnr.illinois.gov/conservation/CREP/Pages/CREPAnnualReports.aspx Illinois Soil and Water Conservation Districts www.aiswcd.org/]]> 30649 0 272 0 https://prairierivers.org/uncategorized/2018/03/riverweb-news-march-22-2018/ Thu, 22 Mar 2018 17:50:13 +0000 https://prairierivers.org/?p=30662 Read our RiverWeb News for March 22, 2018 with stories on:

• Coal Ash Polluting Our Water
• Give on World Water Day
• Keep the Pressure On
• Boneyard Clean-Up
• Round-Up for Good
• PRN Day at the Fork
• Wildlife of the Week

]]> 30662 0 271 0 https://prairierivers.org/uncategorized/2018/02/riverweb-news-february-22-2018/ Thu, 22 Feb 2018 19:02:27 +0000 https://prairierivers.org/?p=30667 Read our RiverWeb News for February 22, 2018 with stories on:

• Clean Jobs Coalition
• What is Community Solar?
• Our Inland Waters
• Recovering America's Wildlife Act
• Volunteer... at the Illinois Marathon
• PRN Day at the Fork
• High Water Mark
• Wildlife of the Week

]]> 30667 0 277 0 https://prairierivers.org/uncategorized/2018/03/riverweb-news-march-8-2018/ Thu, 08 Mar 2018 19:07:29 +0000 https://prairierivers.org/?p=30670 Read our RiverWeb News for March 8, 2018 with stories on:

• Illinois S.B. 2824 and H.B. 5130
• Round-up for Good
• Water Violations
• Mahomet Aquifer Task Force
• Illinois Marathon
• Donate Your Birthday
• PRN Day at the Fork
• Pesticide Drift Webinar
• Wildlife of the Week
• Meet the Staff

]]> 30670 0 275 0 https://prairierivers.org/articles/2017/12/2017-accomplishments-annual-report/ Sun, 17 Dec 2017 16:58:04 +0000 https://prairierivers.org/?p=31932 2017 Success Stories

Victory for the Public Process

If Asian carp reach the Great Lakes, a way of life could be lost. “This has been our homeland . . . We’ve always been here, for ten thousand years or more.” These are the words of Doug Craven of the Michigan Band of Odawa Indians talking about his culture and the importance of the Great Lakes and its fishery to his people since time immemorial. Doug was featured in the video Seven Generations, produced by PRN Water Policy Specialist Robert Hirschfeld in collaboration with the National Wildlife Federation. On June 23rd, news broke that a commercial fisherman had found a live Asian carp just nine miles from Lake Michigan. “We sent the news out to our members, the press, and government officials about the urgency for the immediate release of the delayed Brandon Road study,” Robert said. The study’s release was put on hold by the new administration in January after intense lobbying by the shipping industry. The live carp galvanized people into action. PRN and other groups put out action alerts, videos, and stories about the potential impacts of Asian carp on the Great Lakes ecosystem. Doug’s story of what is at stake and what will be lost was one of them. Hundreds of PRN members contacted members of Congress, putting pressure on the Army Corps of Engineers to release the study, which they finally did on August 7th.

Your membership in PRN helps harness the power of the public voice to #stopasiancarpnow.

Fighting Big Polluters

“We’re suing Scott Pruitt!” exclaimed PRN Executive Director Carol Hays. PRN’s not holding back; with our partners we were among the first to file a lawsuit against the United States Environmental Protection Agency and its secretary for efforts to rollback protections of our rivers. Scott Pruitt sided with big business and the energy industry to delay and possibly remove new limits on toxic waste entering our waterways from coal power plants. Delays like this favor power companies and put us at risk from mercury and other toxins entering the rivers and lakes we love. The fight over Effluent Limitation Guidelines (ELGs) is yet another example of how the new administration is trying to undermine all of the environmental gains we’ve made since the Clean Water Act was established in 1972. Since Inauguration Day, the new administration has rolled back the Stream Protection Rule and taken the U.S. out of the Paris Climate Agreement. Stricter emission limits from the transportation industry are being reconsidered. They are trying to repeal the Clean Water Rule… the list goes on. “We’re at an important point in our fight to protect the environment,” said Andrew Rehn, PRN’s Water Resources Engineer. “We face well-funded opposition that is bent on scorched earth policies.” We can’t let that happen. PRN is standing up for Illinois’ rivers and clean water for our communities.

Your membership in PRN helps fight big polluters to protect our rivers and streams.

Helping Farmers be Better Stewards of the Land

“For too long the environmental movement and agriculture have been at odds,” PRN Habitat and Agriculture Programs Specialist Kim Erndt-Pitcher said. “The IDEA Farm Network is one way of fostering the growth of healthy farms. Farms that strive to regenerate the land.”

“It’s a place for farmers, from conventional to organic, to come together in a safe space to share ideas,” Adam Davis said. He’s a co-creator with PRN of the IDEA Farm Network and a Professor of Crop Sciences at the U of I. “It’s a way for farmers to learn from each other without worrying that people will judge them as a bad farmer. It is more about following that curiosity and leveraging the lived experience of the group.” The IDEA Farm Network began in February 2017 with about 45 farmers, meeting once a month at various farms to learn about different practices, ways to build soil health, protect water, and increase diversity on farmlands. In just eight months, it has grown to over 160 farmers going to meetings, participating in the online discussion group, learning from each other, and building lasting relationships. Will Glazik, an organic farmer, crop advisor, and co-creator of the IDEA Farm Network, says “This thing has exploded beyond anything I could ever imagine. So I’m pretty excited to see where it goes. And it’s all driven from within.” With the continued leadership and passion for improving agriculture from Adam and Will, PRN and our partners look to continue to grow the IDEA Farm Network to the northern and southern parts of the state, where more farmers can learn from one another, be more adventurous and innovative, and expand scientific understanding of the best ways to build more resilient and regenerative agricultural systems.

Your membership in PRN helps advance the regenerative agriculture movement: agriculture that regenerates the land, farms, farm communities, and consumers’ well-being.

Saving Wetlands and Wildlife

At last year’s dinner, we honored the people fighting the proposed New Madrid Levee. If built, the levee would have increased the risk of flooding to towns like Cairo, Olive Branch, and Metropolis. With one of President Obama’s last acts in office, his administration issued a decision in January that makes it nearly impossible for the Army Corps of Engineers to build the levee. Stopping the New Madrid Levee saved more than 50,000 acres of wetlands. These wetlands not only protect downstream communities from flooding, they provide critical wildlife corridors that will be essential to wildlife if they are to survive and adapt to a changing climate. The National Wildlife Federation estimates 40,000 ducks and 10,000 geese winter there. Great blue heron, egrets, and thousands of shorebirds have safe haven. Ninety-three species of fish are now protected, and mammals like the swamp rabbit, mink, and beaver will continue to have the habitat they need to thrive. The National Wildlife Federation recognized the indispensable contributions of PRN staff Kim Knowles, Staff Attorney, and Elliot Brinkman, Habitat Conservation Specialist, in this big win for wildlife.

Your membership in PRN and your activism made it possible to stop the New Madrid Levee. This victory is a beacon of hope, and it shows that together we are stronger. We can make positive change in the world with the help of you, our network.

2017 ANNUAL REPORT

Have a look at the 2017 Annual Report!]]> 31932 0 285 0 https://prairierivers.org/uncategorized/2018/05/day-at-the-fork/ Tue, 08 May 2018 14:15:19 +0000 https://prairierivers.org/?p=30626 March 14, 2018 | Blog Post Come celebrate the Middle Fork River at the Kickapoo State Recreation Area on May 19th!]]> 30626 0 257 0 https://prairierivers.org/uncategorized/2018/03/one-third-of-american-wildlife-at-increased-risk-of-extinction/ Thu, 29 Mar 2018 19:33:17 +0000 https://prairierivers.org/?p=30687

One-Third of American Wildlife at Increased Risk of Extinction

New Report Details America’s Looming Wildlife Crisis, Highlights Ways to Help Species in Trouble

Contact: Lacey McCormick, National Wildlife Federation, 512-610-7765, mccormick@nwf.org Jeff Kohmstedt, Prairie Rivers Network, 217-344-2371 ext. 207, jkohmstedt@prairierivers.org WASHINGTON (March 29, 2018) – As many as one-third of America’s wildlife species are at increased risk of extinction, according to a new report by the National Wildlife Federation, the American Fisheries Society and The Wildlife Society. "America’s wildlife are in crisis and now is the time for unprecedented on-the-ground collaboration," said Collin O’Mara, president and CEO of the National Wildlife Federation. “Fish, birds, mammals, reptiles and invertebrates are all losing ground. We owe it to our children and grandchildren to prevent these species from vanishing from the earth. Recovering wildlife is a win-win-win: strengthening our economy, improving public health, and making communities more resilient.” About one-third of the nation’s best-known groups of species—from vertebrates, like birds and mammals, to invertebrates such as butterflies and freshwater mussels—are imperiled or vulnerable. These figures, based on conservation status assessments carried out by NatureServe and its state natural heritage program partners, paint a stark picture of the overall condition of America’s extraordinary diversity of wildlife. “I have spent more than three decades looking at how wildlife in the United States are faring,” said Bruce Stein, PhD, chief scientist and associate vice president of the National Wildlife Federation. “Although there have been some great conservation successes, many of our species continue to decline, and we are seeing the emergence of major new threats to America’s wildlife. It’s time to make sure that the scale of our conservation efforts match the scope of this problem.” Among the findings in Reversing America’s Wildlife Crisis: Securing the Future of Our Fish and Wildlife:

• One-third of America’s wildlife species are at increased risk of extinction.
• More than 150 U.S. species already have gone extinct.
• Nearly 500 additional species have not been seen in recent decades and are regarded as possibly extinct.
• Approximately 40 percent of the nation’s freshwater fish species are now rare or imperiled.
• Seventy percent of North America’s freshwater mussels are imperiled or already extinct.
• Pollinator populations are dropping precipitously. Monarch butterfly populations in the eastern U.S., for instance, have dwindled by 90 percent over the past two decades.
• Thirty percent of North America’s bat species have seen significant declines over the past two decades
• Amphibians are disappearing from their known habitats at a rate of 4 percent each year.

“Wildlife in Illinois are facing significant challenges,” said Prairie Rivers Network Executive Director Carol Hays. “From the monarch butterfly to the rusty-patched bumblebee and other native pollinators, all wildlife is important to the people of Illinois.” The Illinois Endangered Species Protection Board estimates that there are 356 endangered species and 248 threatened species in Illinois. These species need conservation assistance. "Wildlife in America need help. Species are increasingly at risk in all regions of the country and across all categories of wildlife," said John McDonald, PhD, president of The Wildlife Society. "This decline is not inevitable. Wildlife professionals in every state have action plans ready to go to conserve all wildlife for future generations, but we need the funding to turn this situation around.” The report also describes success stories where concerted, collaborative efforts have been able to make a difference for at-risk species of wildlife.

• By the late 1970s, not a single Canada lynx was found in Colorado. These solitary cats play an important ecological role, balancing the populations of smaller mammals like snowshoe hares. Two decades ago, Colorado Parks and Wildlife started a lynx reintroduction program; today a self-sustaining population of 150-250 lynx now roam Colorado’s backcountry.
• New England cottontail populations have dwindled for decades due to habitat loss; the species was once a candidate for listing under the Endangered Species Act. A collaborative effort between states, federal agencies, tribes, and non-profit organizations created lost habitats and reintroduced captive-bred rabbits to the wild.
• Brook trout populations in the eastern U.S. currently exist in just 10 percent of its historic habitats, but a partnership with members from Georgia to Maine—including 17 different state wildlife agencies—is working to improve the outlook for the prized sportfish.

"Nearly half of our fish species are struggling. Other aquatic species, like mussels, are in even worse shape," said Drue Winters, policy director of the American Fisheries Society. "We know how to improve the outlook for our America's aquatic wildlife and we know this would have economic benefits as well—we just need the political will to make it happen.”

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The National Wildlife Federation is uniting all Americans to ensure wildlife thrive in a rapidly changing world. The Wildlife Society works to inspire, empower, and enable wildlife professionals to sustain wildlife populations and their habitats through science-based management and conservation. The American Fisheries Society is the world’s oldest and largest organization dedicated to strengthening the fisheries profession, advancing fisheries science, and conserving fisheries resources. Prairie Rivers Network (PRN) is Illinois' advocate for clean water and healthy rivers and is the Illinois affiliate of the National Wildlife Federation. PRN advocates for cultural values, policies and practices that sustain the ecological health and biological diversity of Illinois’ water resources and aquatic ecosystems. It is a member-supported, nonprofit organization that champions clean, healthy rivers and lakes and safe drinking water to benefit the people and wildlife of Illinois.

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]]> March 29, 2018 | Press Release As many as one-third of America’s wildlife species are at increased risk of extinction, according to a new report by the National Wildlife Federation, the American Fisheries Society and The Wildlife Society.]]> 30687 0 270 0 https://prairierivers.org/uncategorized/2018/04/levee-failure-on-idnr-land-raises-questions-about-dynegys-coal-ash-on-the-banks-of-the-middle-fork/ Tue, 03 Apr 2018 18:38:09 +0000 https://prairierivers.org/?p=30744 An abandoned coal mine lake is on the left, the Middle Fork of the Vermilion is on the right, and area where the breach took place is between the two.[/caption] Prairie Rivers Network (PRN) and area citizens have been concerned about Dynegy’s coal ash looming above an eroding river bank on the Middle Fork of the Vermilion River for years. Dynegy’s own report shows the Middle Fork is eroding the river bank at an alarming rate – up to three feet each year. This February, massive flooding raised additional concerns over the possible erosive effects and damage that storm flow events can have.

Site Investigation

PRN staff Andrew Rehn and Robert Hirschfeld made a site visit on March 8 to investigate post-flooding conditions. They found that erosion had taken place along the coal ash impoundment, yet the Dynegy-owned levee was still intact. On the other side of the river and a few hundred feet downstream of the Dynegy ash impoundment, signs of erosion on the river bank were observed. Upon follow-up with Illinois of Department of Natural Resources (IDNR), we learned that a 20 foot tall berm separating an old strip mine pond from the Middle Fork had breached.

Levee Breach

The IDNR confirmed that the February floods caused a failure of almost 150 feet of levee on the banks of the river. The levee separated the river from an abandoned coal mine lake that is located on IDNR land. The coal mine lake was created as a result of strip mining activities during the 1960s, prior to regulations that mandated reclamation or proper levee construction. Failure of this levee allowed river water to flow into the lake at the location of the breach and out of the natural lake outlet on the southeast end of the lake. Now that flood waters have receded, a 3 ft rise separates the river from the lake where a 20ft levee once stood. The IDNR was able to respond promptly to investigating the impacts of the breach. The National Park Service, who oversees the National Wild and Scenic River program, was also notified of the levee breach. The IDNR plans to pursue funding through Illinois’ Abandoned Mine Lands program to fix the levee. The AML program is funded by a fee on active coal mining operations and allows for reclamation of lands that were mined before the historic 1977 federal legislation (Surface Mining Control and Reclamation Act) that began requiring reclamation. Emergency assistance is available through the program when mine-related problems occur suddenly, like the breach of this levee.

The River Will Move Again

The lake levee was constructed more than 50 years ago, before regulations guided proper reclamation of coal mined lands. The company that conducted the mining is long gone - taking their profits to the bank and leaving their mess behind. This incident highlights the perils of leaving huge dams along the banks of the river. Upstream at the Dynegy Vermilion Power Station, the three huge coal ash impoundments are held back by earthen dams on the river banks. The first coal ash impoundment was constructed in the floodplain of the Middle Fork with the opening of the Vermilion Power Station in 1955 and a second was built in the 1970s. Records for construction of the dams impounding the coal ash are limited - lost to time. We don’t have the engineering specifications or project history for the two older dams on the site. [caption id="attachment_30747" align="aligncenter" width="1024"] PRN Water Resources Engineer Andrew Rehn points to the coal ash impoundment across the Middle Fork of the Vermilion.[/caption]

Dynegy Plans to Leave Coal Ash in the Floodplain

Dynegy, a Texas based energy company, purchased the plant in 2000 and closed it in 2011. They are still responsible for the 3.3 million cubic yards of coal ash at the site. Dynegy has proposed to simply cap their coal ash impoundments and be done with them. Leaving coal ash in the floodplain, vulnerable to the force of the river, with the proposed “cap closure option” is not sufficient to protect local residents, businesses, and Illinois taxpayers from the burden of ongoing pollution and a potential breach. Like the now defunct mining company who left behind a levee which failed in February, Dynegy is leaving a burden for the state and the public to deal with. While Dynegy continues to propose their short-sighted solutions, PRN and area citizens have raised concerns about the possibility of a disaster similar to those that occurred in Tennessee and North Carolina, where coal ash pits burst, sending tons of toxic sludge downstream. If this occurs on the Middle Fork, we risk ruining a precious natural resource and Illinois’ only National Scenic River.

Prairie Rivers Network and Others Work to Protect the River

Prairie Rivers Network recently took action to stop the ongoing pollution at the site, issuing a 60 day notice of intent to sue Dynegy for violations of the clean water act due to contaminants from the coal ash seeping into the river. The threat of erosion and possible failure of Dynegy’s coal ash dam pose an additional challenge to protect this river. For now, staff at Prairie Rivers Network are doing their best to monitor the site, visiting as often as possible to track erosion and looking for any warning signs of a possible breach. The local group Eco-Justice Collaborative is holding a People’s Hearing to Protect the Middle Fork on June 11th, 5-8pm at the Bremer Auditorium, Danville Area Community College. The Hearing will include testimony from experts about the risks of leaving the coal ash in the floodplain and residents affected by the TVA coal ash spill in Tennessee will share their story. If you are interested in learning more or taking action with us, check out Prairie Rivers Network, Eco-Justice Collaborative, and the local citizens’ group, Protect the Middle Fork.]]> April 3, 2018 | Blog Post IDNR confirmed that the February floods caused a failure of almost 150 feet of levee on the banks of the Middle Fork.]]> 30744 0 269 0 https://prairierivers.org/uncategorized/2018/04/riverweb-news-april-5-2018/ Thu, 05 Apr 2018 18:22:11 +0000 https://prairierivers.org/?p=30782 Read our RiverWeb News for April 5, 2018 with stories on:

• Environmental Lobby Day
• Membership survey
• Levee Breach
• Boneyard Clean-Up
• Round-Up for Good
• Save Our Air and Water
• Wildlife of the Week

]]> 30782 0 268 0 https://prairierivers.org/uncategorized/2018/04/middle-fork-of-the-vermilion-river-among-americas-most-endangered-rivers-of-2018/ Tue, 10 Apr 2018 19:50:50 +0000 https://prairierivers.org/?p=30787 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Middle Fork of the Vermilion River Among America’s Most Endangered Rivers® of 2018

Contacts: Andrew Rehn, Prairie Rivers Network: (217) 344-2371 x 208 David Moryc, American Rivers: (503) 827-8648 Lan Richart, Eco-Justice Collaborative: (773) 556-3417 www.AmericanRivers.org/Vermilion Washington, D.C. - American Rivers today named the Middle Fork of the Vermilion River among America’s Most Endangered Rivers® of 2018, citing the threat toxic coal ash poses to Illinois’ only Wild and Scenic River. More than 3 million cubic yards of waste from the Vermilion Power Station are sitting in three unlined pits along the bank of the river. The plant’s owner, Dynegy, is seeking approval to cap and abandon the pits forever. “This is a critical year for the people of this region to stand up for clean water and claim the kind of future they want for their river,” said David Moryc with American Rivers. “Now is the time to raise our voices and demand that Dynegy stop polluting this Wild and Scenic River and act to ensure the company’s coal ash pits do not pose a perpetual threat to the health of the Middle Fork or create a financial burden on taxpayers.” “I am pleased that this river is being recognized as an important resource,” said Michael Marron, Vermilion County Board Chairman. “The County is concerned about all of our resources and that includes the Middle Fork River. It is an important part of our economy and recreation. We hope for any positive steps in maintaining them responsibly.” The beautiful and ecologically vibrant Middle Fork of the Vermilion flows through the heart of Kickapoo State Park, which attracts over 1 million visitors each year. Flanked by nearly 10,000 acres of public land, the Middle Fork of the Vermilion is home to the blue breast darter and silvery salamander, as well as 22 other threatened or endangered species. An archeological site along the river’s east bank is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and includes 1,000-year-old burial mounds. “This river changes people. There aren’t many ways to experience nature like this in Illinois,” said Andrew Rehn, Water Resources Engineer with Prairie Rivers Network. “The Middle Fork needs to be protected from coal ash, so that future generations can enjoy its scenic beauty.” In warm-weather months, thousands of visitors paddle a 13-mile river trail that passes directly by the coal ash pits, which are leaching arsenic, barium, boron, chromium, iron, lead, manganese, molybdenum, nickel and sulfate into the river. These contaminants are known to cause birth defects, cancer and neurological damage in humans, and can harm and kill wildlife, especially fish. “This year marks the 50th anniversary of the Wild and Scenic Rivers Act. The people of Illinois are standing up for the Middle Fork Vermilion, the state’s only Wild and Scenic River,” said Moryc. “It’s time for the Illinois EPA and the Governor to listen, and ensure a positive legacy for future generations.” “The coal ash pits were built irresponsibly close to the river,” said Mike Camp, local resident. “Making matters worse, natural river forces are eroding the riverbanks, so one huge flood could breach the pits tomorrow. Capping the pits won’t solve the problem. The only solution is to move the coal ash away from the river.” In June of 2012, the Illinois EPA issued Dynegy a Notice of Violation of Class I Groundwater Standards. Six years later, the issue remains unresolved, and the IEPA is considering a cap and leave option. Dynegy hopes to have a final decision on its proposal to cap and abandon the pits this fall. American Rivers and partners are calling on the Illinois EPA to require Dynegy to stop polluting the river and ensure that their ash pits do not pose a continuing threat to this Wild and Scenic River. Dynegy must either remove the coal ash or demonstrate they can provide another solution that prevents the coal ash from polluting the river and does not leave taxpayers on the hook for ongoing monitoring, maintenance or cleanup in the event of a catastrophic coal ash Spill. “With recognition of the Middle Fork as one of America’s Most Endangered Rivers, the spotlight is now directly on the Governor and the Illinois EPA,” said Lan Richart, Co-Director of Eco-Justice Collaborative. “Will they require Dynegy to clean up their waste, or allow them to abandon the site and leave behind 3.3 million cubic yards of toxic ash for future generations?” The annual America’s Most Endangered Rivers report is a list of rivers at a crossroads, where key decisions in the coming months will determine the rivers’ fates. Over the years, the report has helped spur many successes including the removal of outdated dams, the protection of rivers with Wild and Scenic designations, and the prevention of harmful development and Pollution. Other rivers in the region listed as most endangered in past years include the Buffalo River (2017), Middle Mississippi River (2014), and Ozark National Scenic Riverways (2011). America’s Most Endangered Rivers® of 2018 1) Big Sunflower River, MS Threat – Army Corps pumping project At Risk – Critical wetlands and wildlife habitat 2) Rivers of Bristol Bay, AK Threat – Mining At risk – Clean water, salmon runs, indigenous culture 3) Boundary Waters, MN Threat – Mining At risk – Clean water, recreation economy 4) Lower Rio Grande, TX Threat – Border wall At risk – River access, public safety, wildlife habitat 5) South Fork Salmon River, ID Threat – Mining At risk – Clean water, salmon habitat 6) Mississippi River Gorge, MN Threat – Dams At risk – Habitat, recreation opportunities 7) Smith River, MT Threat – Mining At risk – Clean water, recreation 8) Colville River, AK Threat – Oil and gas development At risk – Clean water, wildlife 9) Middle Fork Vermilion River, IL Threat – Coal ash pollution At risk – Clean water, Wild and Scenic River values 10) Kinnickinnic River, WI Threat – Dams At risk – Blue-ribbon trout stream

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Prairie Rivers Network (PRN) is Illinois' advocate for clean water and healthy rivers and is the Illinois affiliate of the National Wildlife Federation. PRN advocates for cultural values, policies and practices that sustain the ecological health and biological diversity of Illinois’ water resources and aquatic ecosystems. It is a member-supported, nonprofit organization that champions clean, healthy rivers and lakes and safe drinking water to benefit the people and wildlife of Illinois. American Rivers protects wild rivers, restores damaged rivers, and conserves clean water for people and nature. Since 1973, American Rivers has protected and restored more than 150,000 miles of rivers through advocacy efforts, on-the-ground projects, and an annual America’s Most Endangered Rivers® campaign. Headquartered in Washington, D.C., American Rivers has offices across the country and more than 275,000 members, supporters, and volunteers. Rivers connect us to each other, nature, and future generations. Find your connections at AmericanRivers.org, Facebook.com/AmericanRivers, and Twitter.com/AmericanRivers.]]> April 10, 2018 | Press Release American Rivers has named the Middle Fork of the Vermilion River among America’s Most Endangered Rivers® of 2018, citing the threat toxic coal ash poses to Illinois’ only Wild and Scenic River. ]]> 30787 0 267 0 https://prairierivers.org/uncategorized/2018/04/prairie-river-notes-spring-2018-newsletter/ Mon, 16 Apr 2018 12:35:28 +0000 https://prairierivers.org/?p=30791 Spring 2018 newsletter featuring articles on:

• Protecting the Middle Fork of the Vermilion
• Carol's Currents
• Why I Run/Walk for PRN
• Why We Give
• Illinois' Ignored Water Crisis
• Threats to Spring
• We Are All Downstream
• Recovering America's Wildlife Act
• 2017 PRN Members and Supporters

]]> April 19, 2018 | Newsletter Read Prairie Rivers Network’s Spring 2018 newsletter featuring articles on Protecting the Middle Fork, Illinois' Ignored Water Crisis, the Threats to Spring, and more.]]> 30791 0 266 0 https://prairierivers.org/uncategorized/2018/04/new-community-solar-website-for-lawyers-and-municipalities/ Fri, 27 Apr 2018 16:13:49 +0000 https://prairierivers.org/?p=30854 blog post we shared information about community solar, a new program made possible by Illinois’ Future Energy Jobs Act. Community solar allows community members who may not have an opportunity for a solar project on their property, such as renters and those with shaded roofs or limited incomes, to come together as subscribers in an off-site community solar project. A community solar project requires many steps including siting, financing, implementation, and maintenance. Warren Lavey, at the University of Illinois College of Law, recognized the need to address the legal concerns during each step of the process. Legal considerations may arise around land leases, state and local regulations and laws, financing agreements, subscriber rights and responsibilities, site maintenance agreements, and decommissioning requirements. To address this need, he and a group of law students developed a website, housed with the University of Illinois College of Law Library, to consolidate legal resources so that municipalities and lawyers can understand community solar opportunities and benefits. Lavey explained, “There was no website that provided guidance and organization of materials for the legal side of the process. Our website was developed out of a course that I taught where law students helped collect materials available from other sources, associations, and people in the industry. It is an ongoing process of adding to it and making it more user friendly.” Solar is a new industry in Illinois, and the website has compiled resources that will help lawyers with limited experience on such projects draft agreements and explain the laws to assist municipalities in implementing community solar. Lavey hopes the website will help Illinois’ lawyers develop expertise and find project examples to fulfill the need for a new and growing industry. “A city attorney may be very experienced but has never done anything with community solar. Maybe an attorney at a law firm would like to do pro bono services to help low-income communities or non-profits take advantage, but they don't have experience in community solar agreements,” Lavey said.]]> April 27, 2018 | Blog Post A group of law students developed a website to consolidate legal resources so that municipalities and lawyers can better understand community solar opportunities and benefits.]]> 30854 0 261 0 https://prairierivers.org/uncategorized/2018/05/habitat-potential-on-solar-farms/ Fri, 04 May 2018 13:03:13 +0000 https://prairierivers.org/?p=30865

Five Reasons to Plant Pollinator-Friendly Perennials

In late April, the Illinois Senate passed Senate Bill 3214 establishing the “Pollinator Friendly Solar Site Act” and with it the potential to create hundreds of acres of habitat for monarchs and other pollinators on new solar farms across the state. Under the act, which was an initiative of the Environmental Law and Policy Center, the Illinois Department of Natural Resources will establish standards and a “pollinator friendly scorecard” to identify solar installations that are “pollinator friendly.” Senator Jason Barickman of Bloomington, who introduced the bill, issued a press release stating, “Increasing the amount of habitat for honeybees and butterflies is good for the environment, for farmers and other growers, and for economic growth. We have an opportunity to add substantial habitat acres by creating guidelines that will assist interested solar site owners and operators to convert otherwise wasted space into natural habitat.” Large scale solar energy projects are set to explode in Illinois thanks to the Future Energy Jobs Act (FEJA). FEJA programs, which are currently being finalized, call for the installation of 3,000 megawatts (MW) of solar in Illinois by 2030, including 400MW of community solar (<2MW) and 1200MW of utility-scale solar projects. While some community solar projects may be rooftop, the majority will be ground-mounted. We can calculate the land-use footprint of these potential projects to determine the potential for creating pollinator friendly habitat in the state. Assuming an average of 5 acres of land per MW there may be up to 2,000 and 6,000 acres of land utilized for community and utility-scale projects, respectively. In order to take advantage of this potential, we must ensure that communities, potential community solar subscribers, landowners, and solar companies are aware of the benefits of creating habitat on solar farms. So, without further ado, here are 5 reasons to plant pollinator friendly perennials on solar farms:

1. Save Pollinators: Land use changes and pesticide use have been linked to a decline of monarchs, other insects, and birds, many of which are important pollinators in agricultural and natural systems. Pollinator friendly perennial vegetation helps struggling bee, butterfly, and bird populations.
2. Increase Native Habitat: Illinois is called the ‘Prairie State’ and yet the prairie in its near entirety has been converted for agricultural production. Establishing perennial native vegetation on solar farms has the potential to provide habitat for the plants and animals that once called the prairie home.
3. Reduce Runoff: Establishing perennial vegetative cover reduces surface water runoff and decreases soil erosion. In Illinois, disturbances greater than one acre must obtain a stormwater permit. Establishing perennial vegetation can lessen the time and costs of writing and implementing a stormwater plan.
4. Decrease Costs: Turf grass is often established under solar panels and it requires ongoing maintenance such as mowing and pesticide use. Once established, pollinator plantings can be much cheaper to maintain than turf grass, decreasing the cost of the project.
5. Improve Soil Health: The deep root systems of native perennial vegetation improve soil structure and drainage. The annual decomposition of plant material adds organic matter to the soil and increases fertility.

]]> May 3, 2018 | Blog Post 5 reasons to plant pollinator friendly perennials on solar farms.]]> 30865 0 260 0 Pollinator-friendly solar: everybody loves it]]> Solar arrays abuzz thanks to new pollinator-friendly vegetation initiative]]> 188-2: Minnesota Sets Standard for Land Use on Solar Sites]]> Solar Power and Honey Bees Make a Sweet Combo in Minnesota]]> https://prairierivers.org/uncategorized/2018/05/8395-for-clean-water/ Tue, 08 May 2018 13:31:33 +0000 https://prairierivers.org/?p=30887 $8,395 in 14 hours 49 minutes 35 seconds and 193.30 miles! PRN's charity runners/walkers at the 2018 Illinois Marathon raised $8,395 for clean water. The money they raised will:

• Save wetlands and wildlife by reconnecting rivers to their natural floodplains. Wetlands provide critical wildlife corridors that will be essential to wildlife if they are to survive and adapt to a changing climate.
• Keep toxic coal ash out of our water  by advocating for the strongest coal ash rules possible and demanding polluters clean up and remove coal ash dumps near our rivers.
• Help farmers be better stewards of the land by advancing sustainable farming practices to reduce one of the biggest contributors to water pollution - runoff from agriculture fields.

A big thank you to our charity runners/walkers

• Therese Brink
• Jimmy Canning
• Karen Kane
• Rob Kanter
• Andrea Martinez Gonzalez
• Cheryl Nimz
• Nudelman Family
• Amanda and Ryan Pankau
• Lorrie Pearson

First Presbyterian Church of Urbana Earth Care Team:

• David Sherwood
• Liz and Don Greeley
• Dixie and Gary Jackson
• Case Sprenkle
• Don Wendel

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Join our 2019 Run/Walk for Clean Water at the Illinois Marathon!

5K | 10K | Half | Full | Relay | Youth Run April 25-27, 2019

Walk or Run. It's easy. It's fun. It's important.

 

Thank You Sponsors

 

Platinum $5,000+

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Gold $1,000+

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Additional Business Sponsors

 

Arthur J. Gallagher & Co.

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Prairie Fruits Farm

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Webber & Thies, P.C. Lawyers

 

Would you like to sponsor Prairie Rivers Network?

Prairie Rivers Network invites you to support clean water, healthy rivers, and abundant wildlife by becoming a business member of Prairie Rivers Network. Business sponsors can be recognized at our Annual Dinner, Wild & Scenic Film Festival, PRN Day at the Fork, and Illinois Marathon - Run/Walk for Clean Water - charity running team. For more information, please view our Business Sponsor Form, or contact Vickie Nudelman at 217.344.2371 or vnudelman [at] prairierivers.org.

]]> May 8, 2018 | Blog Post PRN's charity runners/walkers raised $8,395 at the 2018 Illinois Marathon in 14 hours 49 minutes 35 seconds and 193.30 miles!]]> 30887 0 258 0 https://prairierivers.org/uncategorized/2018/05/report-shows-many-at-risk-from-exposure-to-nitrates-in-drinking-water/ Thu, 10 May 2018 06:07:03 +0000 https://prairierivers.org/?p=30943 Contact: Catie Gregg, Prairie Rivers Network, cgregg@prairierivers.org, 217-344-2371 ext. 204

NEW PRAIRIE RIVERS NETWORK REPORT SHOWS MANY ILLINOISANS AT RISK FROM EXPOSURE TO NITRATES IN DRINKING WATER

CHAMPAIGN, IL – A new report issued by Prairie Rivers Network (PRN) finds that, since 1980, over 322,000 people in Illinois have been exposed to nitrate levels in their drinking water that exceed the Maximum Contaminant Level (MCL) of 10 mg/L of nitrate, the federal drinking water standard. Sixty-seven community water systems across the state have experienced long term exposure to amounts of nitrate greater than 5 mg/L, levels that have been found to be associated with increased rates of bladder, ovarian, and thyroid cancers; birth defects such as spina bifida, limb deficiencies, and cleft palate; as well as methemoglobinemia in babies, a condition that causes them to get less oxygen, more commonly known as Blue Baby Syndrome. The report, titled Illinois’ Ignored Water Crisis: Preventing Nitrates from Contaminating Illinois Drinking Water, shows that elevated levels of nitrates in our water are widespread and getting worse. Macon County is the most affected area in the state, where 77.6% of residents on public water systems have been exposed to elevated nitrate levels exceeding the federal MCL at least once. Many more public water systems across the state have had multiple violations for high levels of nitrate. Increasing numbers of central Illinois communities, like Moweaqua and Taylorville, have had to purchase nitrate treatment facilities to reduce nitrate levels in their community water supply. “Nitrates in our drinking water threaten public health,” said Prairie Rivers Network Executive Director Carol Hays. “And that puts an undue burden on communities that cannot afford treatment facilities to foot the bill for making their water safe to drink.” Treating water that has been contaminated is expensive. The City of Decatur spent almost $7.6 million dollars to build a nitrate removal facility with average annual operation and maintenance costs of $67,000. Smaller communities that cannot afford such treatment facilities must provide bottled water to residents at a cost. “While this problem is very concerning, it comes with reasonable solutions in the Illinois Nutrient Loss Reduction Strategy,” says PRN Agricultural Programs Specialist Catie Gregg. “Ramping up farm conservation practices across the state can dramatically improve this critical water and public health issue, while also helping Illinois farmers be better stewards of the land, protect the health of soil and water, and improve their bottom line.” Due to recent funding cuts by the State of Illinois, Illinois’ Soil and Water Conservations Districts (SWCDs) have seen decreased project funding and staff shortages, limiting their ability to help farmers who want to implement conservation practices. The state is also leaving millions in federal funding for conservation on the table by opting out of the Conservation Reserve Enhancement Program (CREP). As a result, Illinois stands to lose over 340,000 acres of land from continuous conservation. “Conservation is a much less costly way to improve water quality. Funding SWCDs and conservation programs like CREP are essential to reducing nitrate levels in our water,” Hays said. “Illinois is failing to provide resources for cost effective strategies to protect water at a time when communities can least afford additional treatment costs.” Prairie Rivers Network (PRN) is Illinois' advocate for clean water and healthy rivers and is the Illinois affiliate of the National Wildlife Federation. PRN advocates for cultural values, policies and practices that sustain the ecological health and biological diversity of Illinois’ land and water resources and ecosystems. It is a member-supported, nonprofit organization that champions clean, healthy rivers and lakes and safe drinking water to benefit the people and wildlife of Illinois.

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]]> May 10, 2018 | Press Release A new report by PRN shows that elevated levels of nitrates in our water are widespread and getting worse.]]> 30943 0 256 0 https://prairierivers.org/uncategorized/2018/05/nitrates-a-growing-threat-to-public-health-in-illinois/ Tue, 15 May 2018 15:50:00 +0000 https://prairierivers.org/?p=30956 infographic breaks down the issue, what it costs, and the health risks associated with nitrates in our water. ]]> May 15, 2018 | Blog Post Nitrate levels are rising in Illinois Public Water Systems. Here's an infographic that breaks down the issue.]]> 30956 0 255 0 https://prairierivers.org/uncategorized/2018/05/federal-lawsuit-filed-against-dynegy/ Wed, 30 May 2018 15:21:28 +0000 https://prairierivers.org/?p=30993 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Federal Lawsuit Filed to Force Dynegy to Clean Up Toxic Pollution of Vermilion River Recent Video Documents Continued Coal Ash Contamination of Illinois’ Only National Scenic River

Contact: Jenny Cassel, Earthjustice, jcassel@earthjustice.org or 215.717.4525 Andrew Rehn, Prairie Rivers Network, arehn@prairierivers.org or 217.344.2371 x 208 May 30, 2018 (Urbana, Illinois) -- Prairie Rivers Network, represented by Earthjustice, today filed a federal lawsuit in the U.S. District Court for the Central District of Illinois to force Dynegy to clean up toxic coal ash dumps that are leaching harmful pollution into the Middle Fork of the Vermilion River, Illinois' only National Scenic River. Newly-released video documents the pollution at issue in the lawsuit, which argues that Dynegy is violating the Clean Water Act. The pollution has tainted the river with visible orange, purple, and rust-colored toxic residue. “Dynegy left a toxic mess on the banks of one of Illinois’ most beautiful rivers, and has done nothing to stop the dangerous, illegal pollution from fouling waters enjoyed by countless families who kayak, tube, canoe, and even swim in the river. Dynegy has left us no choice but to sue,” said Earthjustice attorney Jenny Cassel, who represents Prairie Rivers Network. The pollution is leaching from coal ash generated at Dynegy’s now retired coal-fired power plant, the Vermilion Power Station. For decades, the ash left over from burning coal at the plant was dumped irresponsibly into unlined ponds that together run approximately a half-mile along the river. Coal ash contains a slew of dangerous pollutants that are linked to cancer, heart disease, and strokes, as well as lifelong brain damage for children. Sampling from the river found a “toxic soup” including arsenic, barium, boron, chromium, iron, lead, manganese, molybdenum, nickel, and sulfate. Concentrations of boron and sulfate – primary indicators of coal ash contamination – were repeatedly found in groundwater at the site above levels deemed safe by Illinois and U.S. EPA. “We have a rare jewel in our midst. My brothers and I learned how to swim in that river and spent countless hours exploring it. Over the years, my wife and I have introduced our children, grandchildren, and extended family to the river to enjoy the beauty, peace, and excitement of being outdoors. We must work together to see that this coal ash problem is solved safely,” said local resident Mike Camp from nearby Collison, who grew up along the river and in sixty-four years has never lived more than two miles away from it. American Rivers recently named the Middle Fork of the Vermilion River one of the ten most endangered rivers in the United States due to the coal ash contamination. The Vermilion County Board has twice unanimously passed resolutions asking Dynegy to clean up the mess. The river and its banks are popular for kayaking, other boating, tubing and hiking, with thousands of visitors each year. The Middle Fork runs through Kickapoo State Park, which gets over one million visitors each year. “As you travel along the river, one minute you are enjoying spectacular natural beauty and the next you’re looking at unsightly chemicals leaching into the water. It’s jarring. It’s bad for the local community and the wildlife—including several endangered species—associated with the river. Dynegy is jeopardizing the local jobs and the economy that depend on visitors who value the river for recreation. No one wants to swim or boat in toxic soup. Dynegy should use some of the money they made when they ran the plant to clean it up. They’re the ones who chose not to safely dispose of the coal ash,” said Rob Kanter, a naturalist and writer who serves on the Board of Prairie Rivers Network. Meanwhile, Scott Pruitt is proposing to gut the protections for coal ash pollution nationwide, even as evidence mounts that coal ash dumps such as those at the closed Vermilion power plant are leaching dangerous chemicals into rivers, lakes, and groundwater. Even absent strong federal protections for legacy coal ash sites, however, Dynegy still must comply with environmental laws such as the Clean Water Act. According to today’s lawsuit filed by Prairie Rivers Network, Dynegy has been discharging without a proper permit and in violation of Illinois environmental and health standards for years. Prairie Rivers Network will ask the court to order Dynegy to “take all actions necessary” to stop the illegal pollution that is being discharged to the Middle Fork, and to pay penalties to the United States Treasury of up to $53,484 per day for each day over the last five years that Dynegy has violated the Clean Water Act. The Middle Fork and its surrounding area host twenty threatened or endangered species, fifty-seven types of fish, forty-six different mammal species, and two hundred seventy different bird species. The river is home to state-endangered Blue Breast Darter and several species of rare, threatened, and endangered mussels. The American bald eagle, river otter, and wild turkey have returned to the area, sharing their habitat with mink, turtles, Great Blue Heron and other species.

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Recently-released photos and video can be accessed here. Prairie Rivers Network is Illinois' advocate for clean water and healthy rivers and is the Illinois affiliate of the National Wildlife Federation. Prairie Rivers Network advocates for cultural values, policies and practices that sustain the ecological health and biological diversity of Illinois’ water resources and aquatic ecosystems. It is a member-supported, nonprofit organization that champions clean, healthy rivers and lakes and safe drinking water to benefit the people and wildlife of Illinois. Prairie Rivers Network explains the threats Dynegy’s coal ash pits pose to the Middle Fork on its website. Earthjustice is the nation’s premier nonprofit environmental law organization, wields the power of law and the strength of partnership to protect people’s health, to preserve magnificent places and wildlife, to advance clean energy, and to combat climate change.]]> May 30, 2018 | Press Release Prairie Rivers Network, represented by Earthjustice, today filed a federal lawsuit to force Dynegy to clean up toxic coal ash dumps that are leaching harmful pollution into the Middle Fork of the Vermilion River, Illinois' only National Scenic River.]]> 30993 0 253 0 https://prairierivers.org/uncategorized/2018/06/wild-scenic-film-festival-2018/ Mon, 11 Jun 2018 14:56:22 +0000 https://prairierivers.org/?p=31060 June 11, 2018 | Blog Post Save the date for this year's Wild & Scenic Film Festival in Normal (9/19) and Peoria (9/27)!]]> 31060 0 249 0 https://prairierivers.org/uncategorized/2018/04/riverweb-news-april-19-2018/ Thu, 19 Apr 2018 13:30:56 +0000 https://prairierivers.org/?p=31065 Read our RiverWeb News for April 19, 2018 with stories on:

• A Parade of Monarchs
• Spring Newsletter
• Most Endangered River
• Action Alert
• River Structures
• Citizen Activism
• Citizen Activism x2
• PRN Day at the Fork
• Wildlife of the Week

]]> 31065 0 262 0 https://prairierivers.org/uncategorized/2018/05/riverweb-news-may-10-2018/ Thu, 10 May 2018 13:32:57 +0000 https://prairierivers.org/?p=31069 Read our RiverWeb News for May 10, 2018 with stories on:

• Nitrates in Our Drinking Water
• Victory!
• Are You a Mussel?
• Successful Illinois Marathon
• Pesticides Banned in the EU
• Day at the Fork
• Habitat Potential on Solar Farms
• Wildlife of the Week

]]> 31069 0 252 0 https://prairierivers.org/uncategorized/2018/05/riverweb-news-may-24-2018/ Thu, 24 May 2018 13:37:04 +0000 https://prairierivers.org/?p=31071 Read our RiverWeb News for May 24, 2018 with stories on:

• Defend the Fork!
• River Defenders
• Road Trip!
• In Springfield
• Open House
• Day at the Fork Recap
• Wildflowers in Bloom
• Wildlife of the Week

]]> 31071 0 251 0 https://prairierivers.org/uncategorized/2018/06/riverweb-news-june-7-2018/ Thu, 07 Jun 2018 13:41:47 +0000 https://prairierivers.org/?p=31074 Read our RiverWeb News for June 7, 2018 with stories on:

• Defend the Middle Fork!
• Helping Our Insects
• Solar Power Hour(s)
• Illinois Pollinator Week
• Save the Blue Heart
• Kim Curtis’ EcoTones
• Shopping for Dad?
• Wildlife of the Week

]]> 31074 0 248 0 https://prairierivers.org/uncategorized/2018/06/peoples-hearing-to-protect-the-middle-fork/ Wed, 20 Jun 2018 19:11:58 +0000 https://prairierivers.org/?p=31099 Senator Scott Bennett, Vermilion County Board Chair Mike Marron, and Danville Mayor Scott Eisenhauer. [caption id="" align="aligncenter" width="1024"] Senator Scott Bennett opens the People's Hearing to Protect the Middle Fork, introducing Pam Richart of Eco-Justice Collaborative.[/caption] The People’s Hearing began with a brief presentation from Pam Richart of Eco-Justice Collaborative. She explained the situation -- there are three huge coal ash pits sitting on the bank of the Middle Fork river, Illinois’ only National Scenic River. The coal ash is leaching toxic contaminants into the river and an eroding river bank threatens the stability of the impoundment levee. The coal ash is owned by Dynegy (recently purchased by Vistra), who wants to close the impoundments and be done with them. The purpose of the People’s Hearing was to provide the public a space to hear from experts and comment on the closure plans for the coal ash pits, the plans that will decide their permanent fate. Will the toxic coal ash be left in the floodplain or should it be removed? Richart then introduced the speakers for the night. The first expert to speak was Illinois EPA's Rick Cobb, Deputy Division Manager of the Division of Public Water Supplies, to talk about the regulatory process. Illinois EPA sent Dynegy a notice of groundwater violation in 2012. Cobb explained how we got from that notice letter to now, and what they’re expecting from Dynegy/Vistra next -- a groundwater analysis and closure plan proposal in October. Cobb “used the P word,” perpetuity, emphasizing that Dynegy’s solution needs to work in perpetuity. Next up was Rob Kanter, writer of the weekly Environmental Almanac, PRN board member, and Middle Fork enthusiast. Kanter set the scene, sharing why the Middle Fork is a special place to so many people. He shared images of the wildlife that call the river home and the fun activities that draws people to the river. The Middle Fork was designated as a National Scenic River to protect the river for future generations of both people and wildlife. To share information about the dangers of coal ash, Eco-Justice Collaborative played a pre-recorded interview with Abel Russ, an attorney with the Environmental Integrity Project. He explained the research that shows coal ash is a problem. Russ made points about the environmental and health risks in coal ash, and he touched on the problems that can come with capping and leaving a coal ash impoundment instead of cleaning the coal ash up. [caption id="attachment_31131" align="alignright" width="300"] Mike Marron shares his favorite memories of the Middle Fork and tells of the rivers importance to Vermilion County.[/caption] Vermilion County Board Chair Mike Marron and Danville Mayor Scott Eisenhauer spoke to the economic value of the river. Marron showed that the Middle Fork is the cornerstone of economic development plans for Vermilion County, which draws in visitors with its many beautiful parks and naturals paces. He also shared his fond memories of the river, showing that the Middle Fork is personally important to him, as it is for many of us. Speaking for Danville, Mayor Eisenhauer talked about the city’s plans to develop their riverfront, creating new economic opportunities and becoming a regional attraction. Danville is just downstream of the Middle Fork. To the Mayor, an environmental liability on the Middle Fork could sink their riverfront development plan, and he called for Dynegy/Vistra to take responsibility for their mess and move their coal ash out of the floodplain of the river. Prairie River Network’s Andrew Rehn spoke about the documented groundwater contamination at the site and how the contaminated groundwater is seeping through the riverbanks into the Middle Fork. He also talked about the closure plans that Dynegy has proposed so far and what we are expecting from the next round of closure plans. Professor Bruce Rhoads, a fluvial geomorphologist¹ from the University of Illinois explained how river meandering works. He showed that the Middle Fork is a naturally meandering river and provided evidence that the river was once flowing through the part of the floodplain that later became one of the ash pits. He concluded by saying that from the perspective of geological time, the river is going to retake the floodplain from the coal ash pits. The only question is how long until that happens. Mike Dudas of Dudas Engineering talked about the structural stability issue, the history of construction at the site, and the threat a meandering river can pose to the stability of those impoundments. The expert portion of the People’s Hearing closed with testimony from Sarah McCoin, who was impacted by the TVA Kingston disaster in Tennessee, where a dam containing a coal ash pit ruptured and over 1 billion gallons of coal ash spilled onto people’s homes and land. She shared her first-hand experience of dealing with a coal ash disaster and the challenges of dealing with the company that caused the disaster. [caption id="attachment_31114" align="alignright" width="330"] Joyce Blumenshine of Peoria calls on Illinois EPA to do their job and make Dynegy clean up this mess.[/caption] We then heard from the general public, giving anyone who attended the hearing a chance to speak. The message was resoundingly clear -- the Middle Fork is a precious resource, and the people don’t trust Dynegy to do the right thing. They want more out of their government regulators to protect them from Dynegy’s coal ash waste and hold Dynegy accountable to their mess. The Middle Fork is the people’s river, and they want to see it protected. A representative from Vistra (who recently purchased Dynegy) was present and submitted written comments. Thanks to Eco-Justice Collaborative for all the work they put into this event, and to Senator Bennett for facilitating the discussion.

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1. Fluvial - “of or found in a river”. Ge/geo - “earth”. Morphology - “the study of form”. Fluvial Geomorphology - the study of the shapes of river channels and how they change in shape and direction over time.]]> June 20, 2018 | Blog Post Over 100 members of the public and a panel of experts gathered in the Bremer Auditorium of the Danville Community College to attend the People’s Hearing to Protect the Middle Fork.]]> 31099 0 247 0 https://prairierivers.org/uncategorized/2018/06/riverweb-news-june-21-2018/ Tue, 26 Jun 2018 13:34:45 +0000 https://prairierivers.org/?p=31143 Read our RiverWeb News for June 21, 2018 with stories on:

• Be Alert and Report
• Tree Health Monitoring Program
• SWCD Funding
• People's Hearing
• Wild & Scenic Film Festival
• River Stewards
• Schnucks eScript Program
• Wildlife of the Week

]]> 31143 0 246 0 https://prairierivers.org/uncategorized/2018/06/monitoring-tree-and-plant-health/ Thu, 07 Jun 2018 19:02:12 +0000 https://prairierivers.org/?p=31282 June 7, 2018 | Blog Post Help us monitor tree and plant health on both public and private lands this year.]]> 31282 0 250 0 https://prairierivers.org/uncategorized/2018/07/clear-cutting-on-the-salt-fork/ Thu, 12 Jul 2018 16:56:23 +0000 https://prairierivers.org/?p=31178

In June 2018, the Upper Salt Fork Drainage District clear-cut nearly a mile of riverbank on the Salt Fork River, removing all vegetation and trees (including the stumps) within about 20 feet of the river. This stretch of the river flows past the Heather Hills neighborhood north of St Joseph Illinois, and the deforested riverbank sits on private landowners’ property. The land, which had been lush with trees, brush, and wildlife, is now mud and felled logs, completely devoid of any vegetation. The District has an easement, but none of the residents of the Heather Hills neighborhood were notified that their land would be clear-cut this way. The Salt Fork is a small river that generally runs from north to south near St. Joseph in the east-central part of the state. As it reaches the town of Sidney, it turns east-northeast eventually meeting with the Middle Fork of the Vermilion River near Danville. Much of the river north of St. Joseph has been channelized with little in the way of vegetation other than agricultural crops on either side. Yet as the river approaches St. Joseph, it takes on a more natural state. Towering trees enclose the river, and as the water passes the Heather Hills neighborhood, vast tracts of vegetation fill out the bend before reaching the Flatville Road bridge. [caption id="attachment_31196" align="aligncenter" width="1024"] The riverbank clear-cut of trees and vegetation.[/caption] After discovering workers clearing their land and what appeared to be a rudimentary road on their property, a few homeowners reached out to Upper Salt Fork Drainage District commissioners requesting an explanation of why work was being done without notice. It was explained that the work was routine maintenance to remove trees that had fallen into the waterway. Further calls from landowners to the drainage district were reportedly ignored or answered with hostility. PRN called various government agencies and was told that the trees were causing flooding and the work was reportedly done to reduce flooding in the neighborhood. These stories don’t necessarily line up. Was the goal to remove trees that had fallen in the river, or was clear cutting the riverbank itself the goal? Given the conflicting explanations and no work plan, we are left to wonder why the Drainage District thought this was a good idea. If the work truly was for maintenance removal of fallen logs from the river, the Upper Salt Fork Drainage District went about it in an aggressive, devastating, and seemingly unnecessary way. The district downed many live trees, displaced wildlife, and destroyed a good portion of what little natural habitat remains on that section of the Salt Fork. If the purpose was to access fallen trees in the river, the other side of the river provides easier access from grassed farmland with just a few trees. PRN estimates that approximately an acre of wildlife habitat was destroyed, replaced with muddy bare earth. What is the plan for this stripped area now that all the vegetation has been removed? Will it be re-seeded? When, and with what? We do not know, and neither do the landowners who have been asking questions. Clear cutting trees causes real harms to the river system. Invasive species like garlic mustard or bush honeysuckle may soon take root in the area. Without the deep roots of trees and native vegetation to reinforce the soil, erosion of the riverbank will increase. Eventually, the river will erode the landowner’s property and that eroded soil will pollute the water and fill in river bed. Trees absorb excess nutrients flowing from upstream farm fields and shade the river. Without shading on the east side, water temperatures will rise, degrading fish and other wildlife habitat. Trees also help regulate the main channel of rivers in high flows, concentrating the fastest flow into the main channel and helping to prevent sediment buildup on the riverbed. The neighborhood suffers from extensive flooding during large rainstorms, yet this work will not solve that problem. The felled trees could make flooding worse due to their potential to be swept downstream during the next big rain event and create a logjam at the bridge. The trees in the floodplain are not the root cause of the flooding in the neighborhood. Absent a more detailed study, the flooding likely happens because of the land use changes upstream, including field drainage tiles and stream channelization, which send vast amounts of water off of the land as quickly as possible into the river and, consequently, into the homes of the Heather Hills neighborhood. The bridge just downstream of the neighborhood slows down the flow and could also be a main driver of flooding. Without communication of a clear plan of action from the District, we’re left with unanswered questions. Why were landowners not consulted or notified? Was the clear cutting necessary? Why not access the river from the other bank? What is the work plan and next steps? Will the bank be re-seeded by the District, and if so, with what and when? The Salt Fork River needs to be shared by wildlife, fish, residents, visitors, and people who live alongside it. It is imperative that we support all uses of the river and that plans are developed through an inclusive process with all stakeholders. We need to think about those who are downstream and how our stream management will impact them. It is time that we use ecologically sound practices that ensure the needs of people and wildlife can coincide.  ]]> July 12, 2018 | Blog Post In June 2018, the Upper Salt Fork Drainage District clear-cut nearly a mile of riverbank on the Salt Fork River, removing all vegetation and trees (including the stumps) within about 20 feet of the river. ]]> 31178 0 245 0 https://prairierivers.org/uncategorized/2018/07/riverweb-news-july-12-2018/ Fri, 13 Jul 2018 20:25:57 +0000 https://prairierivers.org/?p=31202 Read our RiverWeb News for July 12, 2018 with stories on:

• Salt Fork Clearcutting
• Solar Power Hour
• Sangamon Freshwater Mussels
• Wild & Scenic Film Festival
• River Protectors
• Wildlife of the Week

]]> 31202 0 244 0 https://prairierivers.org/uncategorized/2018/07/new-rule-weakens-toxic-coal-ash-pollution-safeguards/ Wed, 18 Jul 2018 16:09:12 +0000 https://prairierivers.org/?p=31240 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Trump Administration's New Rule Weakens Toxic Coal Ash Pollution Safeguards EPA Announcement Puts People at Increased Risk to Cancer, Heart Disease, Stroke, Brain Damage

CONTACTS: Lisa Evans, Earthjustice, (978) 548-8645 or levans@earthjustice.org Larissa Liebmann, Waterkeeper Alliance, (212) 747-0622 x 122 or LLiebmann@waterkeeper.org Brian Willis, Sierra Club, (202) 895-0420 x103 or brian.willis@sierraclub.org Michael Kelly, Clean Water Action, (202) 895-0420 x103 or mkelly@cleanwater.org Andrew Rehn, Prairie Rivers Network, (217) 344-2371 x 208 or arehn@prairierivers.org Tim Maloney, Hoosier Environmental Council, (812) 369-8677 Tom Pelton, Environmental Integrity Project, (443) 510-2574 or tpelton@environmentalintegrity.org Ruth Santiago, Comite Dialogo Ambiental, Inc., (781) 312-2223 or rstgo2@gmail.com (WASHINGTON, D.C.) ­­– The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency signed yesterday the first rule of its two-part rulemaking to weaken the first-ever federal regulations that provide health and environmental safeguards for communities near toxic coal ash waste dumps. The rule was made public this morning. The new rule:

• Fails to add boron, a common and dangerous coal ash contaminant, to the list of pollutants that will drive cleanup of groundwater at contaminated sites nationwide.
• Weakens drinking water protection standards for several hazardous chemicals, namely lead, cobalt, lithium and molybdenum.
• Extends compliance deadlines for closing unlined leaking ash ponds and ash ponds within five feet of groundwater and permits hundreds of leaking ponds to continue to operate.
• Permits state officials to terminate groundwater monitoring.
• Allows state officials to judge whether sites are following the rules instead of qualified, professional engineers.

All of these changes significantly weaken the protections established in 2015. Every single one of the changes is in response to an industry petition filed with the Trump administration in 2017. Coal ash is the toxic waste left over from hundreds of coal-burning power plants throughout the United States. For decades, coal ash has been dumped into giant pits, where toxic chemicals seep into water and blow into the air. Coal ash waste is filled with some of some of the deadliest known toxic chemicals, including heavy metals like arsenic, lead, mercury and chromium. The toxics raise the risk for cancer, heart disease, and stroke, and can inflict permanent brain damage on children. "Today's rule indicates Wheeler is continuing EPA's radical drive to remove critical health protections at the behest of industry," said Earthjustice attorney Lisa Evans. "This is the first major rule signed during Andrew Wheeler's time running the EPA, and his true colors are shining through. Wheeler is ignoring the serious health threats to hundreds of communities at risk from contaminated drinking water." "This indefensible gutting of our nation's first-ever coal ash pollution control rule cements the shameful environmental legacy of the Trump Administration," said Lisa Hallowell, Senior Attorney with the Environmental Integrity Project. "Today's action opens the door for weakened monitoring and cleanup standards, which means – in no uncertain terms – that the public and the environment on which we all depend will be in harm's way." In October 2015, the first-ever EPA safeguards to protect communities near coal ash dumps went into effect after Earthjustice filed a lawsuit on behalf of public interest groups and a Native American tribe, the Moapa Band of Paiutes. The EPA received more than a half-million comments from people supporting the safeguards that the EPA gutted today. EPA is finalizing this rollback of coal ash protections just as the nation is discovering that nearly all coal ash ponds and landfills are leaking toxic pollutants to groundwater. The EPA's 2015 coal ash rule required utilities to test the water near their coal ash dumps to make sure hazardous chemicals were not leaking into drinking water sources. Coal ash contains concentrated levels of heavy metals, which are released to water when the ash is dumped into unlined pits. According to recently released industry data, about 95 percent of all the dump sites have contaminated groundwater with toxins like arsenic and boron to levels the EPA has deemed unsafe to drink. We now know that the coal ash dumps are leaking, but EPA is looking the other way. Requirements to close these leaking dump sites and to clean up poisoned water were set to go into effect later in 2018, but the new rule weakens cleanup standards and pushes closure and cleanup dates to 2020. "We will not stand by and allow the Trump Administration to give carte blanche to well-funded polluters that threaten the water of thousands of communities across our country with their toxic coal ash," said Dalal Aboulhosn, Sierra Club's Deputy Legislative Director for Land and Water. "We'll use every means we have to beat back this latest attempt to weaken basic clean water protections for working families, farmers, and outdoor businesses - whose lives and livelihoods are being threatened by coal ash every day. Our work will not be completed until every coal ash pit is properly secured and every local resident has access to an online monitor that confirms it." "This administration is doing everything it can to give coal a free ride, including dismantling our bare minimum protections," said Larissa Liebmann, staff attorney at Waterkeeper Alliance. "The corporate dollars saved by weakening the CCR rule will be born by the communities living near coal ash disposal sites -- they will pay the costs of contaminated drinking water and polluted waterways." "EPA failed for three decades to protect our water from toxic coal plants and now the Trump administration is turning back the clock, doubling down on that failure, and leaving communities in jeopardy," said Jennifer Peters, Clean Water Action's National Water Programs Director. "Trump clearly doesn't care who his administration puts at risk as long as he can give handouts to the corporate polluters who write the checks for re-election campaigns." The EPA and Wheeler are caving to pressure from polluters who have fought hard against common-sense pollution protections for coal ash dumps. Over 1,400 coal ash waste dumps are spread across the nation, and at almost every site, the toxic waste has contaminated water sources. "These changes aren't going to help Illinois," said Andrew Rehn of the Prairie Rivers Network. "We need professional engineers, not political appointees or polluters, making decisions about the safety and clean up of coal ash." "Decades of regulatory inaction on coal ash disposal has left Indiana with a toxic legacy of serious groundwater contamination – with unsafe levels of arsenic, lead, boron, and radium, among other contaminants -- confirmed at fifteen disposal sites in Indiana located on the shores of the White River, the Wabash River, Kankakee River, the Ohio River and Lake Michigan," said Tim Maloney of Hoosier Environmental Council. "It is simply negligent for the EPA to roll back the long-overdue federal coal ash standards that the agency adopted in 2015, and would result in this pollution being left in place to continue contaminating our waterways and drinking water sources for many years to come." Federal protections are critical, because the dumps are ticking time bombs. In 2008, the single-largest toxic waste spill in U.S. history happened when a billion gallons of coal ash sludge burst through a dam at the Tennessee Valley Authority Kingston plant and covered 300 acres, destroying dozens of homes. In 2014, a portion of a coal ash dump in North Carolina collapsed, fouling 80 miles of the Dan River with toxic sludge.

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]]> July 18, 2018 | Press Release The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency signed yesterday the first rule of its two-part rulemaking to weaken the first-ever federal regulations that provide health and environmental safeguards for communities near toxic coal ash waste dumps. The rule was made public this morning.]]> 31240 0 243 0 https://prairierivers.org/uncategorized/2018/07/a-war-on-wildlife/ Tue, 24 Jul 2018 18:49:12 +0000 https://prairierivers.org/?p=31272 Endangered Species Act Under Siege

By Elliot Brinkman

American wildlife is in a shocking state of decline, with as many as one-third of species at increased risk of extinction. Climate change, habitat destruction, and pollution threaten the survival of many species, but their ultimate peril may be found in the halls of Congress. Our nation’s landmark wildlife protection law—the Endangered Species Act—is currently under attack. In a time of extraordinary species decline, we need protections in place that allow wildlife to survive and thrive as our world, and climate, continue to rapidly change. [caption id="attachment_31273" align="alignright" width="300"] (Photo credit: Robert Shaw)[/caption] Over the past several weeks, we have seen numerous pieces of legislation, and more recently, a proposal from the White House, to eviscerate the Endangered Species Act—the very law credited with the recovery of the Bald Eagle and countless other species. The proposals come amid calls to “modernize” the Act; however, habitat and species protection appear to be an afterthought of such reform. Instead, these proposals weaken protections for species and the habitat they need to survive—something extractive industries have been trying do for years, with limited success. In the past, the Endangered Species Act has enjoyed broad, bipartisan support from those who recognize the need to preserve our natural heritage, but this renewed assault during a time when calls for deregulation are so prevalent is cause for concern. There are many reasons to advocate for these protections, but the most convincing reason is that they actually work. In its 45-year history, the Endangered Species Act has been credited with saving from extinction 99% of the roughly 1,600 species it has protected. According to the Center for Biological Diversity, without these protections, “scientists estimate that at least 227 species would have likely gone extinct since the law’s passage in 1973.” Studies have also shown a 90 percent recovery rate for more than 100 species protected by the law, several of which can be found in Illinois. [caption id="attachment_31274" align="alignright" width="300"] (Photo credit: David Hale)[/caption] The Endangered Species Act helps natural resource managers protect Illinois’ most rare and vulnerable species of mammals, birds, fish, reptiles, amphibians, mussels, and plants. It is no coincidence that you can now witness in Illinois the once rare and elusive bald eagle, or whooping crane; their recovery, in large part, is due to the Endangered Species Act. In a state where so much of our natural heritage has been lost and forgotten, it is important to preserve and nurture what we do have. While it is important to acknowledge stories of recovery, we must also face the fact that we are living in a time of unprecedented species decline, affecting all classes of plants and animals. Climate change only compounds the issue, impacting species range, disease transmission, and habitat degradation. This hits close to home in the midst of declining numbers of pollinators and the potential addition of the Monarch Butterfly to the endangered species list. This is not a time to weaken protections, it’s a time to double-down on them. So what do we need to reverse this crisis? We need adequate, common-sense protections for wildlife. We need agencies and institutions that are well-equipped to oversee the implementation of these protections. We need trained biologists in charge of protecting and preserving our natural resources. We need decision-makers who are willing to stand up to the outright attack on the most fundamental environmental protections we have. History has shown time and again that Americans want to protect endangered species; we need a Congress that carries out the will of the people.]]> July 25, 2018 | Blog Post The Endangered Species Act is under siege. American wildlife is in a shocking state of decline, with as many as one-third of species at increased risk of extinction.]]> 31272 0 242 0 https://prairierivers.org/uncategorized/2018/07/riverweb-news-july-26-2018/ Thu, 26 Jul 2018 18:17:33 +0000 https://prairierivers.org/?p=31290 Read our RiverWeb News for July 26, 2018 with stories on:

• Recovering America's Wildlife Act
• Coal Ash Rule
• Middle Fork River
• Annual Dinner
• River Steward Award
• You Rock, River Champ
• Wildlife of the Week

]]> 31290 0 241 0 https://prairierivers.org/uncategorized/2018/08/prairie-river-notes-summer-2018-newsletter/ Wed, 01 Aug 2018 11:00:09 +0000 https://prairierivers.org/?p=31294 Summer 2018 newsletter featuring articles on:

• Let Nature Protect Us
• Carol's Currents
• If you See Something, Say Something: Tree Monitoring
• Why We Support PRN: Bruce Hannon Friends Sustained Giving
• Annual Dinner
• Bringing Attention to Elevated Nitrate Levels in Our Drinking Water
• The Future of Renewable Energy
• Middle Fork Updates

]]> August 1, 2018 | Newsletter Read Prairie Rivers Network’s Summer 2018 newsletter featuring articles on Let Nature Protect Us, Tree Monitoring, and more.]]> 31294 0 240 0 https://prairierivers.org/uncategorized/2018/08/riverweb-news-august-9-2018/ Thu, 09 Aug 2018 21:17:53 +0000 https://prairierivers.org/?p=31411 Read our RiverWeb News for August 8, 2018 with stories on:

• Summer Newsletter
• How Levees Increase Flooding
• People’s Climate Movement
• Recorving America's Wildlife Action Alert
• Earthshare
• River Steward Award
• Headwaters Circle
• Wildlife of the Week

]]> 31411 0 239 0 https://prairierivers.org/uncategorized/2018/08/dont-break-out-the-champagne-just-yet/ Fri, 17 Aug 2018 14:34:14 +0000 https://prairierivers.org/?p=31430 Gulf of Mexico's 4th smallest “Dead Zone” since 1985

By Catie Gregg

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) released the results of their summer mapping of the Gulf of Mexico hypoxic zone. This year they forecasted an average-sized hypoxic zone (5,780 sq mi) in May based on the nutrient load coming down the Mississippi and Atchafalaya Rivers. However, when they measured the actual size in July, it was much smaller than expected at 2,720 sq mi. They believe this was due to the heavy winds seen right before and during the mapping which pushed the hypoxic zone into a smaller area and in some areas increased the oxygen mixing into the water. [caption id="attachment_31432" align="alignright" width="300"] "At 2,720 square miles, an area about the size of Delaware, this year's dead zone in the Gulf of Mexico is smaller than average. The map shows the distribution of bottom-water dissolved oxygen taken during a research cruise from July 24 to 28." (N. Rabalais, LSU/LUMCON & R. Turner, LSU)[/caption] Even without wind distortion, this year’s hypoxic zone would have been significantly smaller than last year’s. Last year, we saw the largest hypoxic zone in the Gulf to date at 8,776 sq mi. So does this mean we are making progress on our nutrient reduction goals or is it just normal variation due to weather?

What does this mean?

[caption id="attachment_31436" align="alignright" width="300"] "May dissolved nitrite plus nitrate to the Gulf of Mexico and area of mid-summer bottom water hypoxia (dissolved oxygen concentrations of less than 2 milligrams per liter) in the northern Gulf of Mexico. Data for 2018 are estimated using discrete water-quality samples and daily streamflow data. Hypoxia area data from Nancy N. Rabalais, Louisiana Universities Marine Consortium. *Hypoxia area data are not available for 1989 and 2016." (Source: USGS)[/caption] While year to year variation in the size of the hypoxic zone is mostly related to the weather that year, there has been about a 13% reduction in nitrate loads and a 10% increase in phosphorus loads to the Gulf. According to U of I researcher, Greg McIsaac, “Flow-normalized nitrate loads to the Gulf of Mexico declined slightly in the mid-1980s and have been fairly steady since, while flow-normalized loads of phosphorus have increased since about the mid-1990s.” Illinois has seen similar changes in its river nutrient loads with a 10% reduction in nitrate and a 17% increase in phosphorus. These decreases in nitrate loads are thought to mainly be the result of increased fertilizer efficiency by crops and perhaps changes in Chicago’s nitrate discharge over that time period.

How does this impact to Illinois’ Nutrient Loss Reduction Strategy?

Illinois and other states in the Mississippi River Basin have been asked by the Gulf of Mexico Hypoxia Task Force of the U.S. EPA to reduce the amount of nitrogen and phosphorus exiting their states by 45% by 2045. This is expected to reduce the Gulf hypoxic zone to a 5-year average of less than 5,000 sq mi. To meet these goals, Illinois developed the Nutrient Loss Reduction Strategy (NLRS). The NLRS has only been in effect since 2011. While Illinois’ 10% decrease in nutrient loads gets us a little closer to our 45% reduction goal, it needs to be taken with a grain of salt. The majority of this reduction occurred before the NLRS started, and a 10% reduction in nitrate over almost 40 years won’t get us to a 45% reduction by 2045. Furthermore, phosphorus loss is increasing. Some researchers point to the expansion of no-till farming, a key conservation practice, as the source of this increase. No-till improves soil structure and leaves more residue on the surface to protect the soil, both of which reduce soil loss. However, when phosphorus fertilizer is applied in a no-till system, it stays closer to the surface than if it was incorporated with tillage. As a results, we see less soil loss, but the soil that does leave the field may have higher levels of phosphorus attached to it. It is important that we continue to evaluate the impact of new practices so that we can learn and adjust them as necessary. For example, combining cover crops with no-till can further reduce phosphorus in runoff while amplifying the soil health benefits. It is often the case that multiple practices are needed to create a system to reach our soil health and nutrient goals. Reducing the size of the Gulf hypoxic zone is a monumental task which will change agriculture as we know it. And change is hard. This is especially the case when there are very limited additional resources available to accomplish this goal. Nutrient pollution affects millions of Americans, not only through a lack of oxygen for Gulf fisheries, but in harmful algal blooms that affect our swimming lakes and streams, and in elevated levels of nitrate contaminating our drinking water. This is a problem that is worth solving and one in which we should invest resources. We have seen hundreds of farmers and landowners change their farms, and wastewater treatment plant operators take steps to reduce the nutrient pollution flowing from their facilities. Yet, it is not enough. We will need conservation activities on every acre, and urban as well as rural participation to reach our goals for both local water and the Gulf. It is easy to get burned out on a long term goal like this. It can’t always feel urgent. We must continue to push forward even as we make progress to get back the clean water that we depend on.]]> August 17, 2018 | Blog Post PRN's Catie Gregg takes us through the Gulf of Mexico's 4th smallest “Dead Zone” since 1985 and what it means for Illinois. ]]> 31430 0 238 0 https://prairierivers.org/uncategorized/2018/08/affordable-clean-energy-rule-would-increase-pollution-illness/ Wed, 22 Aug 2018 18:05:39 +0000 https://prairierivers.org/?p=31447 UPDATE: The EPA has planned only ONE public hearing on their proposed Affordable Clean Energy Rule (aka Dirty Power Plan) that will replace the Clean Power Plan. The public hearing is scheduled for October 1, 9am-8pm in Chicago. The deadline to preregister to speak at the hearing is September 24th.

The Sierra Club is sending a bus to Chicago that will make stops in St. Louis, Alton, and Springfield. Find out more about the bus schedule here or sign up to take the bus here. The Trump Administration Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has announced the Affordable Clean Energy (ACE) rule as a replacement for the 2015 Obama era Clean Power Plan (CPP). The resulting change will mean an increase in harmful pollution emitted in the atmosphere and increase the risk of respiratory illness in vulnerable populations. According to the Washington Post, the rules change “would allow coal-fired plants to run longer if they became more efficient, which could increase the total amount of soot and smog-forming pollutants they emit.” “These changes to the CPP will make Illinois coal plant communities dirtier,” says Prairie Rivers Network Executive Director Carol Hays. “They will allow these aging coal plants to run longer, polluting more of our air and water.” Illinois’ Attorney General Lisa Madigan released a statement about the Trump administration's proposed plan stating, “The U.S. EPA’s complete rejection of the Clean Power Plan and our country’s path to a cleaner and safer environment will have disastrous consequences. I will take legal action to ensure the federal government does its job to protect our environment and our health.” Madigan is part of an existing coalition including more than two dozen other states and cities that defended the Clean Power Plan. The Clean Power Plan sought to control the amount of climate change pollution that power plants can emit and would have eliminated as much pollution as 70% of the nation’s passenger cars. The EPA’s own analysis of the newly proposed ACE rule found that the plan could lead to as many as 1,400 premature deaths annually by 2030 from an increase in extremely fine particulate matter. By making these rules changes, the EPA continues to lag behind on addressing climate change, human health impacts, and the legacy of the country’s past energy use. In June of 2017, the United States pulled out of the Paris Climate Accord, and earlier this year, the EPA signed new rules to weaken toxic coal ash pollution safeguards. “We cannot wait any longer to address climate change,” Hays said. “Real action is needed to slash carbon pollution and drive the U.S. to a carbon-free economy. Wildlife and human well-being hang in the balance.”]]> August 22, 2018 | Blog Post The EPA has announced the Affordable Clean Energy (ACE) rule as a replacement for the 2015 Obama era Clean Power Plan (CPP). The resulting change will mean more harmful pollution released into our atmosphere.]]> 31447 0 237 0 https://prairierivers.org/uncategorized/2018/08/rise-for-climate-jobs-and-justice-movement/ Thu, 23 Aug 2018 13:00:03 +0000 https://prairierivers.org/?p=31453 Rise for Climate, Jobs, and Justice movement. The People’s Climate Movement (PCM) called on people to demand that our leaders and elected officials commit to real solutions to the climate crisis, and the people of Illinois have responded. Events will take place across all parts of the state. With funding from PCM, PRN and others will support Rise for Climate Jobs and Justice events in Carbondale, Champaign, Decatur, Elmwood/Joliet, Galena, and Mattoon-Charleston. The people of downstate Illinois have gathered diverse voices to talk about local issues and demand bold action on climate change where they live.

Carbondale “Reinventing Power, Screening & Clean Energy Forum” Friday, Sept 7th, 5:30-8:30pm Carbondale Civic Center, Rm 108, 200 S. Illinois, Carbondale, IL 62920

“March for Unity and Unity Celebration” Saturday, Sept 8th, 10:15am March from Rockhill Baptist Church (South Marion and Monroe St) to Attucks Park Unity Celebration at Attucks Park (North Wall St) after March at 11am

Champaign “Rise for Climate Jobs and Justice” Saturday, Sept 8th, 11am-1pm Scott Park, 207 E. Springfield Ave, Champaign, IL 61820

Mattoon-Charleston “Power Our Planet” Saturday, Sept 8th, 1-3pm Douglas-Hart Nature Center, 2204 Dewitt Ave E, Mattoon, IL 61938

Decatur “Rise March” Saturday, Sept 8th, 1-5pm March from Old King’s Orchard Community Center, (815 N. Church St., Decatur, IL 62521) to Decatur City Center Plaza (300 block N. Water Street, Decatur)

Elwood/Joliet Rise for Climate Jobs and Justice O’Conner Park, 0 NE Deer Run, Elwood, IL

Galena Various locations in Galena, Dubuque, Platteville

The September 8th events are just the latest in an ongoing effort to move people towards real change in the face of our global environmental crises. In 2014, PCM made history with their first People’s Climate March. A National Day of Action was held in 2015 to build a broad-based climate movement, followed by marches and the 100 Days of Mobilization in 2017 to rally against the Administration’s climate agenda. Those events have laid the foundation for a movement that can achieve real results in 2018. This September, leaders from across the globe will be gathering in San Francisco for the Global Climate Action Summit (GCAS) to celebrate climate achievements and commit to accelerated action needed to prevent climate change and realize the historic Paris Agreement. Six weeks later, our country will vote in the midterm elections. The adjacency of these events, including the Sept 8th Rise for Climate, Jobs, and Justice actions, are an extraordinary opportunity to give people a voice in demanding action on climate change Join PRN and others across the state in calling for substantial commitments in protecting our environment and jobs.]]> August 23, 2018 | Blog Post On September 8th, groups around Illinois will hold Rise for Climate, Jobs, and Justice events.]]> 31453 0 234 0 https://prairierivers.org/uncategorized/2018/08/cities-are-islands-for-pollinators/ Fri, 24 Aug 2018 13:00:46 +0000 https://prairierivers.org/?p=31466 A monarch butterfly sits on a leaf.[/caption] Why is this so important? Let’s face it. Illinois can be very unwelcoming when it comes to pollinator habitat. With vast agricultural tracts sprayed with pesticides, concrete urban centers, and natural areas few and far between, pollinators have a tough time surviving. Habitat loss, pesticide use, and climate change all contribute to their reduced numbers. Monarch populations are at an all time low. Once estimated to be around a billion individual insects in the 1990s, today those numbers are staggeringly low -- approximately 33 million. When a community makes an effort to provide habitat, it can make a huge difference. “Cities matter,” says Abigail Derby Lewis of the Field Museum’s Keller Science Action Center in a recent Chicago Tribune article. “Cities matter a great deal for nature, and this is something that I think is not a mainstream concept, but it is one that is beginning to take hold.” This is why the National Wildlife Federation’s Mayors’ Monarch Pledge efforts to help the monarch butterfly is so important. In Illinois, mayors across the state are taking part in efforts to help monarchs by taking the pledge.

Communities with mayors who have taken the pledge

[one_fifth] Algonquin [/one_fifth] [one_fifth] Buffalo Grove [/one_fifth] [one_fifth] Carol Stream [/one_fifth] [one_fifth] Champaign [/one_fifth] [one_fifth] Deerfield [/one_fifth] [one_fifth] Elgin [/one_fifth] [one_fifth] Evanston [/one_fifth] [one_fifth] Fox Lake [/one_fifth] [one_fifth] Gibson City [/one_fifth] [one_fifth] Glenview [/one_fifth] [one_fifth] Hainesville [/one_fifth] [one_fifth] Hawthorn Woods [/one_fifth] [one_fifth] Highland Park [/one_fifth] [one_fifth] Island Lake [/one_fifth] [one_fifth] Lake Zurich [/one_fifth] [one_fifth] Monticello [/one_fifth] [one_fifth] Mount Prospect [/one_fifth] [one_fifth] Niles [/one_fifth] [one_fifth] Normal [/one_fifth] [one_fifth] North Riverside [/one_fifth] [one_fifth] Northbrook [/one_fifth] [one_fifth] Oak Park [/one_fifth] [one_fifth] Olney [/one_fifth] [one_fifth] Palos Heights [/one_fifth] [one_fifth] Pekin [/one_fifth] [one_fifth] Peoria [/one_fifth] [one_fifth] Quincy [/one_fifth] [one_fifth] Rockford [/one_fifth] [one_fifth] Schaumburg [/one_fifth] [one_fifth] South Barrington [/one_fifth] [one_fifth] South Beloit [/one_fifth] [one_fifth] Springfield [/one_fifth] [one_fifth] St. Charles [/one_fifth] [one_fifth] Urbana [/one_fifth] [one_fifth] Waterloo [/one_fifth] [one_fifth] West Chicago [/one_fifth] [one_fifth] Westmont [one_fifth_last] Cities and towns are like islands in a sea of agricultural land. And where cities work to provide habitat for pollinators, pollinators thrive. It’s a case of build it and they will come. “Residential pops up far above all other land uses in potential habitat,” Lewis says in the Tribune article. “You walk through a lot of residential areas and it’s like concrete, turf, concrete, turf. There’s not a lot of functional habitat, but there could be.” Monarchs will soon begin their long journey to their wintering grounds in Mexico. Our gardens are stops on that trip. It doesn’t take much to make space welcoming to pollinators. According to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, choose your location where there is plenty of sun, look at and prep your soil. Choose native, diverse, and untreated (with pesticides) plants. Plant flowers and milkweed, and wait, watch, and water your garden. And begin planning for next year to make your garden a welcoming spot for pollinators.]]> August 24, 2018 | Blog Post Urban spaces provide a unique opportunity for us to help monarchs and other pollinators survive.]]> 31466 0 233 0 https://prairierivers.org/uncategorized/2018/08/take-action-to-protect-the-conservation-stewardship-program/ Fri, 24 Aug 2018 14:39:23 +0000 https://prairierivers.org/?p=31481 Call Rep. Rodney Davis and Rep. Cheri Bustos Today! The Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP) is one of the most important conservation programs in the United States. Of the suite of Farm Bill conservation programs, CSP is the largest program in the Farm Bill, covering 72 million acres. Funded through the five year Farm Bill funding, CSP and other working lands programs incentivize farmers to adopt more sustainable practices on farm lands that stay in production. CSP is the only working lands program to support comprehensive, whole farm conservation by helping farmers and ranchers achieve and maintain high levels of stewardship that enable productivity while protecting the environment. Funding important practices such as resource conserving crop rotations, management intensive rotational grazing, and establishment of wildlife habitats provides tangible benefits to the environment like soil, air and water quality, climate change mitigation, and wildlife habitat and to farmers and their communities. Such practices can also deliver increased productivity and higher profits for farmers and provide diverse crops to local food systems.

CSP Faces Cuts

Despite the many benefits that CSP provides, it faces significant cuts or even elimination in the 2018 farm bill. The House version of the Farm Bill (H.R. 2) that is currently headed to Conference Committee to work out the dramatic differences between the House and Senate approaches to agriculture and conservation funding (see this report from the National Sustainable Agriculture Coalition for more details on the differences), eliminates the CSP program altogether, rolling just 30 percent of its funding into other working lands programs, and leading to $4.3 billion net reduction in working lands conservation funding over five years. The Senate version reduces CSP funding by $1 billion over 10 years but also proposes program improvements that could make each dollar go further. Improvements in the Senate version include emphasizing high-value practices such as resource-conserving crop rotations, cover crops, and management intensive rotational grazing. These are practices that are proven to improve soil health, reduce runoff, store carbon, and improve water quality. Slashing or eliminating CSP funding would result in huge losses for Illinois farmers and wildlife over the next 10 years. A return on investment analysis (ROI) of the CSP program by the Union of Concerned Scientists (UCS) shows that many farm states stand to lose critical funding for these important practices if the Conservation Stewardship Program is eliminated. As UCS points out “CSP targets high priority sustainability concerns and ensures we’re getting the most bang for our buck.” Based on this analysis, Illinois stands to lose $292,394,711 in conservation funding. That’s nearly $300 million that Illinois farmers can’t afford to lose and $300 million that won’t be going to protect Illinois water, restore Illinois soils and protect Illinois wildlife like threatened and endangered pollinators including the Monarch butterfly and native bees that are also critical to the sustainability of Illinois farms.

Take Action Now!

Call Illinois Representatives Rodney Davis and Cheri Bustos, who are appointed House Conferees, and ask them to stand up for CSP funding for Illinois and for conservation farming across the Midwest. Call Rep. Davis in his D.C. office at 202.225.2371 and Rep. Bustos at 202-225-5905 and ask to speak to the Agriculture staff or leave a message in support of full funding for the Conservation Stewardship Program and improvements that will make the program most effective.]]> August 24, 2018 | Action Alert Call Rep. Rodney Davis and Rep. Cheri Bustos Today! Ask them to support full funding for the Conservation Stewardship Program.]]> 31481 0 232 0 https://prairierivers.org/uncategorized/2018/08/wild-scenic-film-festival-in-september/ Thu, 30 Aug 2018 13:00:57 +0000 https://prairierivers.org/?p=31519 This year’s Wild & Scenic Film Festival is right around the corner, and we are excited to bring the event to Normal on on Sept. 19th and again to Peoria on Sept. 27th. This is the second year of hosting the event with a new line-up of films, including one PRN production. Last year we hosted three festivals in Champaign, Carbondale, and Peoria. They were so successful in getting people fired up that we just had to do it again this year. The films this year are awe inspiring, diverse, serious, and also fun. There is an even mix. The festival will show 11 films highlighting the environmental concerns and celebrations of our planet. Here is just a taste of what’s in store: In A Letter to Congress, writer and environmentalist Wallace Stegner’s 1960 letter to Congress about the importance of wilderness is the backdrop for a new message. One where we can help protect our most valuable heritage—our public lands—from private and corporate interests. Given today’s current political climate, this film speaks volumes on the need to protect our wilderness. In A Ghost in the Making, we see natural history photographer Clay Bolt’s multi-year journey to tell the story of North America’s native bee populations, especially that of the Rusty-patched bumble bee. Wildlife and the Wall looks at how barriers along our southern border affects wildlife and migratory corridors, and Biomimicry looks to the natural world for ideas on how to transform our culture with a groundbreaking vision for creating a long-term, sustainable world. PRN will premiere the film Defend the Fork highlighting the threats to the Middle Fork of the Vermilion River, Illinois’ only National Scenic River, from coal ash. These festivals are exciting events, and we hope you will join us in Normal on Sept. 19 and Peoria on Sept. 27. Reserve your tickets for Normal and Peoria today!]]> August 30, 2018 | Blog Post This year’s Wild & Scenic Film Festival is right around the corner, and we are excited to bring the event to Normal and Peoria!]]> 31519 0 230 0 https://prairierivers.org/uncategorized/2018/09/danville-dam-removals/ Wed, 05 Sep 2018 18:48:49 +0000 https://prairierivers.org/?p=31537 One of the best ways to heal a river is to remove a dam. That’s why, for well over a decade, Prairie Rivers Network has advocated for the removal of the Danville and Ellsworth Park dams in the Vermilion River system near Danville, Illinois. We are happy to say, that the dams are finally coming out! The journey has been a long one. The removals have been nothing short of controversial, resulting in contentious meetings and sometimes public shouting matches. After years of planning and advocacy, we had a major victory in 2014 when the Danville City Council voted to proceed with the removals. It wasn’t long, though, before the sweet taste of victory turned sour--the state funds for dam removal were frozen during Illinois’ multi-year budget crisis. Now, with an actual state budget and unfrozen funds, things are back on track and the work is getting done (at the time writing, the majority of the Danville Dam structure has already been removed). While a thorough recounting of how removal efforts transpired is important, we mustn’t lose sight of why we want them removed in the first place--to heal our rivers and the diversity of life that depends on them. Built long ago, these two dams have far outlived their intended purpose of providing water supply to public utilities and industry. Yet, the dams continued for decades to alter flow, degrade habitat, block fish passage, and create safety hazards for river users. With their removal, things are going to change, for the better. The removals will return a section of the Vermilion river to a more natural, free-flowing state, allowing fish and other aquatic organisms to access an additional 175 stream miles of high-quality habitat. With a free-flowing river also comes the potential for improved aquatic habitat and water quality--no longer is water unnaturally slowed and impounded. With these improvements, we hope to see a diversity of aquatic life thrive throughout the river system. This could not have been accomplished without the work of many. The Illinois Department of Natural Resources, the Illinois Natural History Survey, the City of Danville, and many, many others have worked for years to make this possible. We will continue to follow the removal of these dams, the restoration of our rivers, and the recovery of all forms of life that depend on them.]]> September 5, 2018 | Blog Post One of the best ways to heal a river is to remove a dam, and these dams are coming out!]]> 31537 0 229 0 https://prairierivers.org/uncategorized/2018/09/dynegy-proposes-burying-an-eroding-river-bank-in-rock/ Tue, 11 Sep 2018 16:00:26 +0000 https://prairierivers.org/?p=31575 Read our full comments here.

Dynegy’s toxic coal ash sits on the banks of the meandering Middle Fork of the Vermilion River. The river is eroding the river bank, threatening to destabilize the dam that contains the coal ash. If erosion destabilizes the dams and toxic coal ash is released, the impact on the river would be immense and permanent. The company is now proposing to bury almost 2000 feet of river bank in rock as a means to stop the erosion. This proposal amounts to little more than passing the buck to the next owner of the site. The threat of catastrophic failure will continue to exist as long as the ash remains in the floodplain on the path of the meandering river. [caption id="attachment_31601" align="aligncenter" width="609"] Site map showing the ash pits next to the river, and the portion Dynegy is planning to bury under rocks.[/caption] The design resembles a massive scaled-up version of bank armoring on the New East Ash Pond, which Dynegy installed in late 2016. That project, pictured below, will look tiny by comparison. The proposed project is four times the length and uses forty times the amount rock (ten times as much rock per foot of river bank). Imagine breaking up the Washington Monument and spreading it over the river bank. Piles of white stone, not natural to the area, will rise over ten feet above the water. The river bank will be stripped bare for construction, likely felling the trees that currently grow on the bank. [caption id="attachment_30021" align="aligncenter" width="689"] The 2016 bank armoring, pictured above, will look very small by comparison to the proposed project.[/caption] The rocks will squeeze the river, piled over 25 feet into the river's flow path and effectively reducing the width of the river by nearly half in the tightest sections of the project. It will be among the narrowest sections of the river after the project is completed. The narrowing of the channel will have unpredicted consequences for other portions of the river. The changes in river flow have not been modeled as part of the design proposal (or have not been made available to government agencies). However, we expect that the opposite river bank and the area just downstream of the bank armoring will experience unnaturally high erosion. Without proper flow modeling, it’s hard to say what the exact effects of this erosion will be. [caption id="attachment_30021" align="aligncenter" width="689"] The river bank at Dynegy's site might look a little bit like this. Not so scenic.[/caption] Dynegy’s has submitted a proposal to the US Army Corps, and it will also require consideration from the Illinois EPA and the National Park Service. Prairie Rivers Network submitted comments on the proposal which you can read those in detail here. The real issue here is the location of the coal ash - not the river. As long as the coal ash is in the floodplain next to the meandering river, there will be need for repeated bank armoring. Indeed, this project includes removal of the previous bank armoring efforts from the 1980s which used gabions. That set of bank armoring was daunting in size, yet despite the magnitude of the 1980s armoring, the river was able to negate its influence with time. [caption id="" align="alignright" width="320"] Above) The newly installed gabions in 1980s.
Below) Failed gabions in the present day.[/caption] Bank armoring is a temporary practice. One day, this project will also need to be removed and replaced. In recognition of the temporary nature of the practice, the Army Corps and Illinois EPA should require Dynegy to present an alternatives analysis that considers other options for preventing release of coal ash into the river -- options that may have a lower impact on the river and lower costs to remove. The alternatives considered may include bank armoring, but only as a temporary measure to protect the Middle Fork long enough to safely and permanently eliminate the coal ash threat by removing the coal ash from the floodplain. Read our letter:  

Want to help? Donate to PRN.

 ]]> September 11, 2018 | Blog Post Read our comment letter. This proposal amounts to little more than passing the buck to the next owner of the site. The threat of catastrophic failure will continue to exist as long as the ash remains in the floodplain in the path of the meandering river.]]> 31575 0 227 0 https://prairierivers.org/uncategorized/2018/09/annual-fundraising-dinner/ Tue, 18 Sep 2018 15:52:22 +0000 https://prairierivers.org/?p=31633 October 26, 2018 | Event Join us for Prairie Rivers Network’s 20th Annual Fundraising Dinner as we celebrate Illinois’ Rivers, Wildlife, and Biodiversity!]]> 31633 0 223 0 https://prairierivers.org/uncategorized/2018/09/middle-fork-of-the-vermilion-river-featured-at-wild-scenic-film-festival/ Wed, 19 Sep 2018 14:36:55 +0000 https://prairierivers.org/?p=31669

Middle Fork of the Vermilion River Featured at Wild & Scenic Film Festival

Threats to Illinois’ only National Scenic River Highlight Need for Action

Contact: Jeff Kohmstedt, Prairie Rivers Network, jkohmstedt@prairierivers.org, 217-550-1062 NORMAL, IL – Prairie Rivers Network (PRN) will premiere a short film titled Defend the Fork at the Normal Theater (209 N Street, Normal) as part of the Wild & Scenic Film Festival on September 19. The film, produced by PRN, outlines the threat to our state’s only National Scenic River, the Middle Fork of the Vermilion River in East Central Illinois. “The Middle Fork River is a biologically diverse, precious resource that should be protected,” said Andrew Rehn, Water Resources Engineer with PRN. “Dynegy/Vistra’s coal ash pollutes the river and threatens an entire ecosystem, the Danville-area economy, and the recreation opportunities of thousands.” In May of 2018, PRN and EarthJustice filed a lawsuit against Dynegy, now Vistra, for violations of the Clean Water Act and for polluting the Middle Fork. Coal ash is leaching contaminants, like arsenic, from three unlined impoundments situated on the riverbank. In making this film and showing it at the Wild & Scenic Film Festival, PRN hopes to raise awareness of the issue which affects communities all around the state. “The Middle Fork is one of many rivers in Illinois that face the threat of coal ash contamination,” Rehn said. “This film is just the tip of the iceberg.” The Wild & Scenic Film Festival will feature 11 short films on environmental topics including light pollution, regenerative farming practices, pollution, and threats to wildlife. The Wild & Scenic Film Festival was started by the watershed advocacy group, the South Yuba River Citizens League (SYRCL) in California in 2003. This is the second year PRN has hosted the festival in Illinois with the goal of spreading awareness of environmental issues. PRN will host a second festival in Peoria, Illinois on Thursday, September 27. Prairie Rivers Network (PRN) is Illinois' advocate for clean water and healthy rivers and is the Illinois affiliate of the National Wildlife Federation. PRN advocates for cultural values, policies and practices that sustain the ecological health and biological diversity of Illinois’ water resources and aquatic ecosystems. It is a member-supported, nonprofit organization that champions clean, healthy rivers and lakes and safe drinking water to benefit the people and wildlife of Illinois.

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]]> September 19, 2018 | Press Release Prairie Rivers Network will premiere a short film titled "Defend the Fork" as part of the Wild & Scenic Film Festival.]]> 31669 0 226 0 https://prairierivers.org/uncategorized/2018/08/riverweb-news-august-23-2018/ Thu, 23 Aug 2018 14:42:31 +0000 https://prairierivers.org/?p=31672 Read our RiverWeb News for August 23, 2018 with stories on:

• More Pollution, More Illness
• Gulf of Mexico Dead Zone
• People’s Climate Movement
• 9 Weeks to the Party!
• Donate Your Hardware
• Wild & Scenic Film Festival
• Monarch License Plates Within Reach
• Got Nominations?
• Wildlife of the Week

]]> 31672 0 235 0 https://prairierivers.org/uncategorized/2018/09/riverweb-news-september-6-2018/ Thu, 06 Sep 2018 14:43:07 +0000 https://prairierivers.org/?p=31676 Read our RiverWeb News for September 6, 2018 with stories on:

• Danville Dam Removal
• EPA Lawsuit
• Urban Islands
• Food Co-op Round-up Voting
• Write a Letter to the Editor
• Southern Illinois Field Trip
• Patagonia Anniversary Event
• Join Us in Normal/Peoria

]]> 31676 0 228 0 https://prairierivers.org/uncategorized/2018/09/riverweb-news-september-20-2018/ Thu, 20 Sep 2018 14:50:26 +0000 https://prairierivers.org/?p=31683 Read our RiverWeb News for September 20, 2018 with stories on:

• Riverbank Armoring
• You Heeded the Call!
• N.C. Coal Ash Levee Breach
• River Steward Award
• Wild & Scenic Film Festival
• Wildlife of the Week

]]> 31683 0 225 0 https://prairierivers.org/uncategorized/2018/10/5-actions-for-climate-justice/ Wed, 03 Oct 2018 18:24:24 +0000 https://prairierivers.org/?p=31662 On September 8th, communities across Illinois and the world came together with the Peoples Climate Movement to “Rise for Climate Jobs and Justice.” Together, we showed our power, and with a collective voice we called on leaders to step up and take bold action on climate. Our work doesn’t stop here; we must turn those moments into a movement that will carry us forward to November and beyond. So, what’s next? Here are 5 ACTIONS you can take to keep up the momentum in fighting for climate, jobs, and justice. ACTION #1 – Vote and vote for climate justice! The People’s Climate Movement (PCM) brought us all together on September 8th and they’re asking us to come together for climate again on Election Day, November 6, 2018. Take their “Pledge to VOTE” and learn more from PCM about how you can engage in climate action between now and Election Day. ACTION #2 – Attend a Clean Energy Community Conversation this fall and help inform future energy policy that will lead Illinois toward 100% renewable energy. The Illinois Clean Jobs Coalition (ICJC) recently launched their “Listen. Lead. Share.” initiative to hold Clean Energy Community Conversations around the state. Prairie Rivers Network and many other environmental groups are ICJC partners and involved in hosting these conversations. The goal of the conversation is to engage with people across the state on the topics of clean energy, carbon-free power and the expansion of electric vehicles, as well as to ensure that the jobs and economic benefits associated with these changes reach every Illinois community. The conversations will inform a policy framework that will lead Illinois to cleaner, more affordable energy, economic benefits, and jobs for communities that need them the most. Find an event near you. ACTION #3 – Write a Letter to the Editor of the Chicago Tribune about the coal ash pollution on the Middle Fork River. Prairie Rivers Network has been a long-time advocate to protect Illinois’ waters from coal ash pollution, including the pollution to the Middle Fork River, Illinois’ only National Scenic River. We need you to write a letter to the editor of the Chicago Tribune about what the Middle Fork River means to you. The Chicago Tribune wants to know what Illinoisans think the next Governor should prioritize, and we think they should hear about the Middle Fork. Learn more about writing and submitting a letter here. ACTION #4 – Sign our Middle Fork petition to tell Governor Bruce Rauner and the IEPA they must not only prevent Dynegy from polluting this Wild and Scenic River, but also ensure that Dynegy’s coal ash pits do not pose a perpetual threat to the health of the Middle Fork or create a financial burden on taxpayers. ACTION #5 – Become a member of Prairie Rivers Network or another local environmental group that is fighting for Climate Justice. Join PRN here.]]> October 3, 2018 | Blog Post On September 8th, communities across Illinois and the world came together to “Rise for Climate Jobs and Justice.” Here are 5 ACTIONS you can take to keep up the momentum in our fight.]]> 31662 0 236 0 https://prairierivers.org/uncategorized/2018/10/downstate-illinois-rose-for-climate-jobs-and-justice-9-8-2018/ Thu, 04 Oct 2018 13:00:45 +0000 https://prairierivers.org/?p=31698 “Illinois’ Future Energy Jobs Act has laid the groundwork for a just transition to a renewable energy economy for all. Sept 8th Rise for Climate actions gave downstate communities an opportunity to tell our leaders that clean, renewable energy is what we want and need despite the damaging policies from the US Administration,” said Prairie Rivers Network organizer, Amanda Pankau. Carbondale came together on September 7th to view a new Sierra Club documentary “Reinventing Power” which highlights the notion that we don’t have to sacrifice jobs for a clean environment. A clean energy forum followed the documentary screening where speakers and businesses shared their experiences as solar migrants and promoters of clean energy and clean jobs. Carbondale environmental groups then joined social justice group Women for Change at their annual Unity March on September 8th. In Champaign-Urbana and Decatur, marches and rallies were forced inside do to Saturday’s heavy rains. In Champaign, groups and leaders shared information about local issues such as the Mahomet aquifer, the coal ash pollution of the Middle Fork of the Vermilion River, coal mining, solar energy opportunities, and fracking. Decatur’s planned march was the first of its kind in the area and was organized by Sustain Our Natural Areas, part of the Macon County Community Environmental Council. The Galena event organized by Galena Green Team and others included an Electric Vehicle Showcase and an Eco-Expo. Coles Progressives hosted a family-friendly Rise for Climate event entitled “Power our Planet” at the Douglas-Hart Nature Center in Mattoon. Annalisa Switzer, an organizer of the Coles County event, shared why the mobilization was important to their community, “We rise for climate to stop new coal extraction, bring clean, sustainable energy to our area, and to awaken our community to the impact of the climate crisis.” Many of the communities and organizations plan to continue their climate work by participating in voter registration efforts and by hosting Clean Energy Community Conversations with the Illinois Clean Jobs Coalition. The statewide conversations are an effort to encourage Illinois to embrace a policy framework built around cleaner, more affordable energy, leading to economic benefits for people across the state and new jobs for communities that need them the most.

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5 Actions for Climate Justice

On September 8th, communities across Illinois and the world came together to “Rise for Climate Jobs and Justice.” Together, we showed our power, and with a collective voice we called on leaders to step up and take bold action on climate. Our work doesn’t stop here; we must turn those moments into a movement that will carry us forward to November and beyond. So, what’s next? Here are 5 ACTIONS you can take to keep up the momentum in fighting for climate, jobs, and justice.]]> October 4, 2018 | Blog Post All across the state, the people of Illinois participated in Rise for Climate events on September 7th and 8th. Were you one of them?]]> 31698 0 224 0 https://prairierivers.org/uncategorized/2018/10/land-and-water-conservation-fund-expires-yet-we-remain-hopeful/ Wed, 03 Oct 2018 13:35:00 +0000 https://prairierivers.org/?p=31710 Photo credit: Rob Kanter[/caption] If this feels like a familiar story, that’s because it is. Three years ago, Prairie Rivers Network advocated for the permanent reauthorization of the Land and Water Conservation Fund because it is one of the best tools we have in caring for the land, water, and wildlife of Illinois. Since its inception in 1964, this program has brought more than $213 million to our state for conservation on federal, state, and local lands. For every day that passes without reauthorization, the fund misses out on millions of dollars of revenue that can be used to protect, restore, and manage our most prized places and critical habitats. “What about this conjures hope?” one might ask. Good question. [caption id="attachment_31711" align="alignright" width="4032"] Photo credit: Rob Kanter[/caption] In the wake of this bad news, there is still reason for optimism, and dare we say, celebration. There is still strong bipartisan support for reauthorization, and legislative champions of the program are working hard to get it done by year’s end. In an historic move, the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee passed a bill (S. 569) to permanently reauthorize LWCF with full, dedicated funding—this is the first time Congress has actually voted on mandatory funding for LWCF. Among the bill’s cosponsors and supporters were Illinois’ very own Senators Duckworth and Durbin. While there is much uncertainty, we must remain hopeful and celebrate the dedication our elected officials have shown on this issue. Please take time to thank Senators Duckworth (202-224-2854) and Durbin (202-224-2152) for their leadership and commitment to the permanent reauthorization of the Land and Water Conservation Fund. Together, we can ensure the health of our land, water, and wildlife for centuries to come.]]> October 3, 2018 | Blog Post This past weekend saw the expiration of the Land and Water Conservation Fund, yet there is still reason for optimism in the strong bipartisan support for reauthorization.]]> 31710 0 222 0 https://prairierivers.org/uncategorized/2018/10/three-quarters-of-large-u-s-slaughterhouses-violate-water-pollution-permits/ Thu, 11 Oct 2018 17:00:46 +0000 https://prairierivers.org/?p=31729 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Media contact: Tom Pelton, Environmental Integrity Project (202) 888-2703 or tpelton@environmentalintegrity.org

Three Quarters of Large U.S. Slaughterhouses Violate Water Pollution Permits EPA Records Show 74 of 98 U.S. Meat-Processing Plants that Discharge Directly to Waterways Exceeded Legal Limits in 2016-2018

Washington, D.C. – Three quarters of large U.S. meat processing plants that discharge their wastewater directly into streams and rivers violated their pollution control permits over the last two years, with some dumping as much nitrogen pollution as small cities – and facing little or no enforcement. The nonprofit Environmental Integrity Project (EIP) examined EPA records for 98 large meat-processing plants that released more than 250,000 gallons per day into waterways from January 2016 through June 2018 and found that 74 of the plants had exceeded their permit limits for nitrogen, fecal bacteria, or other pollutants at least once. More than half of the plants (50 of 98) had five violations, and a third (32 of 98) had at least 10 violations, according to the EPA data. EIP’s new report, “Water Pollution from Slaughterhouses,” with research from Earthjustice, also discovered that 60 of the 98 plants release their wastewater to rivers, streams, and other waterways that are impaired because of the main pollutants found in slaughterhouse wastewater: bacteria, pathogens, nutrients, and other oxygen-depleting substances. “This water pollution is really an environmental justice issue, because many of these slaughterhouses are owned by wealthy international companies, and they are contaminating the rivers and drinking water supplies of rural, often lower-income, minority communities,” said Eric Schaeffer, Executive Director of the Environmental Integrity Project. “State environmental agencies need to start cracking down on and penalizing these flagrant violations of the federal Clean Water Act,” said Schaeffer, former Director of Civil Enforcement at EPA. “And EPA needs to step in and set stronger national water pollution standards for meat processing plants.” Peter Lehner, senior attorney at Earthjustice, said: “Slaughterhouses are another dirty link in the highly polluting industrial meat production chain. From polluted runoff from over-fertilized fields growing animal feed, to often-leaking manure lagoons and contaminated runoff at concentrated animal feeding operations, and to industrial slaughterhouses, the way most of our meat is now produced impairs our drinking water and public health. We need to clean up every stage.” The report ranks the worst polluters in the U.S. in terms of total nitrogen pollution (which fuels excessive algae growth and creates fish-killing low-oxygen “dead zones”). The most polluting slaughterhouse in U.S. last year was the JBS pork processing plant in Beardstown, Illinois, which released 1,849 pounds of nitrogen a day, on average, into a tributary to the Illinois River. That was equivalent to the load in raw sewage from a city of 79,000 people, according to EPA data. The pork plant, once owned by Cargill but now owned the Brazilian-based international meat company JBS, was also responsible for a spill of 29 million gallons of hog waste in March, 2015, which killed almost 65,000 fish. “State and federal regulations are far too lax for polluters like JBS that are dumping huge quantities of nitrogen pollution into our streams and rivers,” said Carol Hays, Ph.D., Executive Director of Prairie Rivers Network. “The state needs to pass nitrogen pollution standards and make sure slaughterhouses do their share to reduce nutrient pollution.” The second worst polluter was the Smithfield Tarheel Plant pork slaughterhouse in Tarheel, North Carolina – the largest hog slaughterhouse in the U.S. -- which discharged 1,759 pounds of nitrogen a day, on average, into the Cape Fear River last year, according to the report. “Why should we let a massive billion-dollar Chinese owned conglomerate – the owners of Smithfield Foods -- put our drinking water at risk?” asked Drew Ball, State Director for Environment North Carolina. “The industry has been aware of more sustainable methods for years but Smithfield has failed to modernize their practices in North Carolina, even though they have done so in other states.” For a list of the worst polluters, see chart at bottom. For a detailed list of all 98 slaughterhouses studied, click here. EIP’s research found that many of the plants that are not violating their permits are actually discharging more pollution than those breaking the law by failing to comply. In such cases, EPA and state agencies are setting permit limits that allow the discharge of far too much pollution to protect waterways for swimming, fishing or other public uses. Sixty-five of the 98 meat processing plants that the Environmental Integrity Project examined slaughter chickens, 15 process beef; 9, hogs; and the rest, other meat. The results detailed in the “Water Pollution from Slaughterhouses” report include:

• Tyson Foods owns the most plants (26) with water pollution permit violations last year; followed by Pilgrim’s Pride (7); Sanderson Farms (6); JBS (4); Wayne Farms (4) and Smithfield (3).
• One third (32 of 98) of the plants have had 10 or more permit violations since January 2016. Among the most frequent violators was the FB Purnell Sausage Co. plant in Simpsonville, Kentucky (109 violations).
• Penalties and enforcement are rare. At least 18 slaughterhouses among those studied racked up more than 100 violations per day from 2016 to 2018. But so far, eight of those 18 have not paid any fines at all during this time period.
• The median slaughterhouse discharged an average of 331 pounds of total nitrogen per day, on average, in 2017, as much as the amount contained in raw sewage from a town of 14,000 people.
• Almost half of the slaughterhouses are in communities with more than 30 percent of their residents living beneath the poverty line (more than twice the national level), and a third of the plants are in places where at least 30 percent of the residents are people of color.

The report examines case studies in Delaware, Florida, and Illinois, where local residents have suffered from contaminated drinking water wells, fish kills, tainted rivers and other severe impacts of slaughterhouse pollution. The EIP report notes that not all of the slaughterhouses are poorly run or in violation of their permits. The most polluting plants in EIP’s study released about thirty times more nitrogen per gallon than the cleanest plants. “This a sign that these dirty slaughterhouses can improve substantially simply by installing wastewater treatment systems already used by their competitors,” said Eric Schaeffer of EIP. “Requiring these improvements across the U.S. would level the playing field for the industry, while improving protections for waterways and public health.” The study found that state regulators – often burdened by budget cuts and limited staffing – are often behind in developing cleanup plans for impaired waterways as required by the federal Clean Water Act. Lacking cleanup plans (also called Total Maximum Daily Loads or “TMDL’s”), state regulators are not setting strong enough pollution limits in the permits that they issue to slaughterhouses. In 40 of the 98 cases EIP examined, the states have not yet established cleanup plans for local waterways to reduce pollution from slaughterhouses and other sources by the amounts needed to restore the rivers and streams to health. MORE COMMENTS FROM LOCAL RESIDENTS AND CLEAN WATER ORGANIZATIONS: DELAWARE: Maria Payan, a Delaware resident and consultant for the Socially Responsible Agricultural Project, said: “The people of Sussex County, Delaware – especially the working families who live near the five slaughterhouses in this county – have been unfairly targeted for contamination by industrial poultry operations. It’s reprehensible that the state continues to allow processing plants to expand and use cheap wastewater disposal systems that contaminate our drinking water wells and waterways. Many neighbors of these plants cannot get a glass of clean water from their faucet, swim in public waters, or breathe clean air.” PENNSYLVANIA: Ted Evgeniadis, the Lower Susquehanna Riverkeeper, said: “The degradation of water quality from slaughterhouse wastewater is serious business, especially when these slaughterhouses continue to exceed their pollutant limits in their state issued water pollution control permits. That is a direct violation of the Clean Water Act. These exceedances, particularly for nitrates, are harmful to the human body and elevated concentrations can lead to methemoglobinemia, a blood disorder. Slaughterhouses must operate more efficiently to stop their pollution and invest capital to purchase newer technologies that help protect water quality.” TEXAS: Brian Zabcik, Clean Water Advocate of Environment Texas, said: “Texans love barbecue – but nobody ordered a side of water pollution along with our meat. The Texas Commission on Environmental Quality needs to issue stronger water pollution control permits for the slaughterhouses in East Texas and elsewhere – and then enforce them, so they stop contaminating our waterways.” POLICY RECOMMENDATIONS: The report concludes that the state and federal governments should do more to reduce water pollution from the slaughterhouse industry by:

1. Stepping up both state and federal enforcement of permit violations by meat processing plants;
2. Strengthening outdated EPA standards for water pollution from meat processing plants nationally (which have not been updated since 2004) with tighter limits for nitrogen, bacteria, and other pollutants, along with better monitoring;
3. Tightening up state pollution control permits to reduce discharges of wastewater to rivers, lakes, and streams that are so polluted that they are impaired for public use;
4. Prohibiting irresponsible disposal methods, such as spraying waste onto farm fields that are close to homes, whose drinking water wells can be contaminated.

The Environmental Integrity Project is a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization, based in Washington D.C., that protects public health and the environment by investigating polluters, holding them accountable under the law, and strengthening public policy.

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]]> October 11, 2018 | Press Release Three quarters of large U.S. meat processing plants that discharge their wastewater directly into streams and rivers violated their pollution control permits over the last two years.]]> 31729 0 221 0 https://prairierivers.org/uncategorized/2018/10/riverweb-news-october-4-2018/ Thu, 04 Oct 2018 13:48:21 +0000 https://prairierivers.org/?p=31746 Read our RiverWeb News for October 4, 2018 with stories on:

• Meet John Kanter
• Land & Water Conservation Fund
• Monarch Migration
• Rise for Climate Recap
• Clean Power Plan Hearing
• Middle Fork Update
• Asian Carp Poll
• Big News!
• Wildlife of the Week

]]> 31746 0 220 0 https://prairierivers.org/uncategorized/2018/10/riverweb-news-october-25-2018/ Thu, 25 Oct 2018 13:49:35 +0000 https://prairierivers.org/?p=31753 Read our RiverWeb News for October 25, 2018 with stories on:

• Illinois Meat Processing Plant
• 5 Climate March Actions
• EarthShare
• Wildlife of the Week

]]> 31753 0 219 0 https://prairierivers.org/uncategorized/2018/10/prairie-rivers-network-to-award-river-steward-volunteer-and-outstanding-public-servant-of-the-year/ Fri, 26 Oct 2018 14:00:27 +0000 https://prairierivers.org/?p=31760 PRAIRIE RIVERS NETWORK TO AWARD RIVER STEWARD, VOLUNTEER, AND OUTSTANDING PUBLIC SERVANT OF THE YEAR

CHAMPAIGN, IL – Prairie Rivers Network (PRN) will celebrate the volunteer activities of several award winners from across Illinois at the 20th Annual Fundraising Dinner on October 26th at the I Hotel and Conference Center, 1900 S 1st St, Champaign, Illinois.

Tom Eckels of Lake Villa, Illinois will receive this year’s River Steward Award for his work as President of the Illinois Paddling Council as well as his volunteer work managing the Illinois Water TrailKeepers Program. That program holds dozens of river clean up events annually and reaches many volunteers. Martin Kemper and Seth Swoboda of Nashville, Illinois will receive this year’s Volunteer of the Year Award for their work together on herbicide damage. They have had undying dedication to monitoring herbicide damage to Illinois trees and native prairies. Kemper, a retired private lands biologist, has been critical in the development of the monitoring program, setting up the monitoring and advising other volunteer monitors, and interacting with state and private agencies. The team of river scientists at the Illinois Natural History Survey (INHS), represented by John Chick of Alton, Illinois, will receive this year’s Outstanding Public Servant Award for their long term dedication to protecting the rivers of our state. In an era when science seems to be suspect, the dedicated scientists at the INHS are a vital link between sound ecological science and our many uses of the waters of the state. The Earth Care Team from First Presbyterian Church of Urbana, Illinois, represented by Dave Sherwood, will receive the Fearless Fundraiser Award for raising of over $14,000 as part of the Illinois Marathon Charities program. “This year’s award winners are examples to everyone of the dedication it takes to protect the rivers, water, and wildlife of Illinois,” PRN Executive Director Carol Hays said. “Their work is truly statewide and shows us the breadth of their commitment in ensuring a healthy environment for all.” The keynote speakers will be John Kanter, Senior Wildlife Biologist for the National Wildlife Federation and his brother, PRN board member and Environmental Almanac columnist, Rob Kanter of Champaign, Illinois. At Prairie Rivers Network (PRN), we protect water, heal land, and inspire change. Using the creative power of science, law, and collective action, we protect and restore our rivers, return healthy soils and diverse wildlife to our lands, and transform how we care for the earth and for each other. PRN is the Illinois affiliate of the National Wildlife Federation. ###]]> October 26, 2018 | Press Release PRN celebrates the volunteer activities of several award winners from across Illinois at the 20th Annual Fundraising Dinner.]]> 31760 0 218 0 https://prairierivers.org/uncategorized/2018/11/annual-dinner-round-up-2018/ Wed, 07 Nov 2018 15:42:27 +0000 https://prairierivers.org/?p=31762 Good friends, good food, and good times were had by all at our 20th Annual Fundraising Dinner! The evening kicked off with our reception and silent auction emceed by none other than PRN Communications and Outreach Coordinator (and Abe Lincoln look-alike) Jeff Kohmstedt. Featuring amazing items from sponsors Pantagonia, The Upper Bout, the National Wildlife Federation (NWF), Finest Home Inspection, Kickapoo Adventures, the Common Ground Food Co-op, and many more, the evening got kicked off in style with great company, amazing charity, and fun. [caption id="attachment_31767" align="alignright" width="300"] Abe made an appearance![/caption] During the dinner, Executive Director Carol Hays outlined the new PRN strategic plan for 2019 - 2023. More information on that will come in our winter newsletter. NWF Senior Wildlife Biologist John Kanter and his brother, PRN board member and Environmental Almanac writer, Rob Kanter, headlined the evening’s keynote address. The two spoke about growing up in Cincinnati, their different career paths, and the way their love of nature brought them closer as brothers. John’s talk on wildlife made it clear: time is running out if we are to protect species from the ravages of climate change. [caption id="attachment_31768" align="alignleft" width="300"] The Kanter Brothers[/caption]

Award Winners

This year’s award winners stole the show. We had the honor of bestowing the River Steward of the Year Award to Tom Eckels from Lake Villa, Illinois. As President of the Illinois Paddling Council, Tom volunteers his time to manage the Illinois Water TrailKeepers Program among many other activities. Volunteers of the Year Awards went to Marty Kemper and Seth Swoboda for their tireless work to protect trees and other broadleaf plants from the devastating effects of herbicides. For two years, Prairie Rivers Network has worked with Marty and Seth on herbicide damage -- they have an undying commitment to monitoring herbicide damage to trees and native prairies, and have volunteered their time spreading awareness and organizing a tree-monitoring program across the state. Their dedication to being good stewards of the land and their efforts to educate the media, lawmakers, government officials, and the public make them well-deserving of this year’s award. [caption id="attachment_31769" align="alignright" width="300"] River Steward of the Year Award winner Tom Eckels and PRN staff Elliot Brinkman and Carol Hays[/caption] The Fearless Fundraiser Award goes to the First Presbyterian Church of Urbana Earth Care Team. For the last 6 years, this group of avid walkers has helped raise over $14,000 as part of our Illinois Marathon fundraiser campaign. Each year, these folks selflessly put themselves on the starting line to protect Illinois’ water. The Outstanding Public Servant Award went to the Illinois Natural History Survey Rivers Team. The river programs at the Illinois Natural History Survey have been around for a long time, cover a lot of territory, and provide expertise and perspective to the scientific community, managers, and decision-makers on a wide breadth of issues. In an era when science seems to be losing ground, the INHS rivers team is a vital link between sound ecological science and our many uses of water.

You Gave Big!

The evening could not have been possible without you and your incredible generosity. Because of your pledges and donations, we raised $100,000 to protect the water, rivers, and wildlife of Illinois! Thank you to all the members, attendees, silent auction contributors, business members, speakers, award winners, and everyone involved with our 20th Annual Fundraising Dinner! It was a smashing success! Can’t wait to see you next year! [FAG id=31775]]]> November 7, 2018 | Blog Post Good friends, good food, and good times were had by all at our 20th Annual Fundraising Dinner!]]> 31762 0 217 0 https://prairierivers.org/uncategorized/2018/11/two-more-years-of-dicamba/ Thu, 15 Nov 2018 20:21:21 +0000 https://prairierivers.org/?p=31791 On Halloween, and in the shadow of the upcoming and all-consuming midterm election, the U.S. EPA announced their much-awaited decision on the fate of the controversial herbicide dicamba. Despite ample documentation of the chemical’s habit of vaporizing and moving miles through the air to land on and damage or kill unintended plants and trees, the agency approved the chemical for use on dicamba resistant soybean and cotton for two more years. For two years, dicamba use has skyrocketed, and the results have confirmed the worst fears of opponents of the volatile herbicide. Farmers that grow everything from non-GMO soybeans to grapes, peaches, tomatoes, and peppers have suffered crop damage and faced serious financial burden. But that’s not all; dicamba is also negatively impacting apiaries and honey production. Because the chemical is a “plant growth regulator,” it affects how plants grow and develop, and in many species, we don’t yet fully understand how those effects manifest. We do know that depending on the timing, level of exposure, and overall plant health, pollination and fruit/seed development can be altered and/or greatly reduced. This is bad news, and one more potentially huge stressor for pollinators and wildlife that depend on pollen, nectar, fruits, and seeds. This summer, Prairie Rivers Network and several partners submitted a joint comment letter to the U.S. EPA asking them to decline the renewal for dicamba’s registration. We stand by our opinion that this chemical, one that does not obey farm boundaries and is uncontrollable, has no place in agriculture. Additionally, there are other herbicides that are prone to move off-site and cause unintended harm. For example, recent years have seen an increase in plant injury related to exposure to the widely-used herbicide 2, 4-D. Nevertheless, the release of the new “low volatile” formulations of dicamba has led to an unprecedented amount of injury to native trees, specialty crops, and pollinator habitat across many states. We at PRN - alongside our valuable partners - are working hard to help build awareness of these issues and to protect the rights of farmers to grow the crops they want, the rights for home gardeners to enjoy the produce and beauty of their own gardens, and the rights for wildlife to have the habitat and food resources they require protected from this harmful chemical. Unfortunately, many states now have a huge task at hand. For the next two years we need to heighten public awareness of this issue, work together to monitor and document suspected off target herbicide damage and inform landowners about the importance of filing reports of suspected herbicide injury with the Department of Agriculture. We need to make our collective voice heard that chemical trespass is unacceptable.]]> November 15, 2018 | Blog Post Despite ample documentation of the chemical’s harm, the U.S. EPA has approved the continued use of the controversial herbicide dicamba.]]> 31791 0 216 0 https://prairierivers.org/uncategorized/2018/11/prn-to-remain-steadfast-in-fight-to-protect-the-middle-fork/ Fri, 16 Nov 2018 19:27:47 +0000 https://prairierivers.org/?p=31800 The court's decision fails to protect the Middle Fork and the public. The fact remains that Dynegy continues to pollute the Middle Fork of the Vermilion River, Illinois’ only National Scenic River. This decision also demonstrates the need for strong, statewide coal ash reform that ensures permanent protection of all Illinois waters from coal ash pollution, requires financial assurances from companies for their coal ash liabilities, and gives the public a say in how public resources are treated so that coal ash is not left in our water permanently. Illinois can and must protect communities and waters from this toxic waste. This is just a small setback in a much larger fight to protect the Middle Fork. While we are disappointed in the decision, Prairie Rivers Network with its Earthjustice legal team will be evaluating our options for an appeal or other legal steps we might take to continue the fight to protect the Middle Fork. Prairie Rivers Network will remain steadfast in its fight to protect the Middle Fork and all rivers in Illinois that are threatened by toxic coal ash pollution. ]]> November 16, 2018 | Blog Post Dynegy continues to pollute the Middle Fork of the Vermilion River, Illinois’ only National Scenic River.]]> 31800 0 215 0 https://prairierivers.org/uncategorized/2018/11/new-report-reveals-severe-groundwater-contamination-at-illinois-coal-fired-power-plants/ Wed, 28 Nov 2018 17:00:26 +0000 https://prairierivers.org/?p=31819 Contacts: Jennifer Cassel, Earthjustice, jcassel@earthjustice.org, (773) 332-6785 Abel Russ, Environmental Integrity Project, aruss@environmentalintegrity.org, (802) 482-5379 Andrew Rehn, Prairie Rivers Network, arehn@prairierivers.org, (217) 344-2371 x 208 Renner Barsella, Sierra Club, renner.barsella@sierraclub.org, (217) 390-9394

New Report Reveals Severe Groundwater Contamination at Illinois Coal-fired Power Plants

22 of 24 of Illinois’ reporting coal ash dumpsites have unsafe levels of toxic pollutants in the groundwater

SPRINGFIELD, IL — A new report written by Environmental Integrity Project, Earthjustice, Prairie Rivers Network and Sierra Club, revealed widespread pollution of the groundwater surrounding 90 percent of reporting Illinois coal ash dumpsites. The report is based on industry data made publically available for the first time this year because of a requirement in federal coal ash regulations. It concludes that 22 of Illinois 24 coal ash dumpsites with available data have released toxic pollutants including arsenic, cobalt, and lithium, into groundwater. Millions of tons of coal ash, generated by the State’s coal-fired power plants, has been stored in primarily unlined ponds and landfills near the plants for decades. This toxic byproduct of burning coal continues to flow into groundwater, rivers, and lakes all over the State, including the Middle Fork of the Vermilion River, Illinois’ only National Scenic River. Illinois started the process of regulating coal ash in 2013, but those plans were abandoned, and multiple administrations have allowed the coal ash ponds to operate for years with little or no state or federal oversight. In 2015, federal coal ash regulations required utilities to start collecting groundwater data near coal ash dumps. In March of 2018, this data became public for the first time. The report analyzes the groundwater monitoring data reported by utilities. Coal ash contains a hazardous brew of toxic pollutants including arsenic, boron, cadmium, chromium, lead, radium, selenium and more. The toxics in coal ash can cause cancer, heart disease, reproductive failure and stroke, and can inflict lasting brain damage on children. This pollution is not limited to groundwater contamination. According to the most recent Clean Water Act permit applications on file with Illinois EPA, Illinois coal plants dump millions of pounds of pollution into lakes, rivers and streams each year. These pollutants include over 300,000 pounds of aluminum, 600 pounds of arsenic, nearly 300,000 pounds of boron, over 200 pounds of cadmium, over 15,000 pounds of manganese, roughly 1,500 pounds of selenium, roughly 500,000 pounds of nitrogen, and nearly 40 million pounds of sulfate. Local groups from all over the state are calling for action from State officials to put protections in place to stop the pollution from coal ash permanently, prevent further dumping or storage of coal ash in the state, and hold polluters accountable for the toxic messes they have created. Andrew Rehn, a water resources engineer from Prairie Rivers Network, an advocacy group fighting for healthy rivers and clean water in Illinois said, "Illinois needs to act now to strengthen rules that protect the public from coal ash. We're reaching a turning point as Energy companies are proposing to leave coal ash in floodplains of rivers and exposed to groundwater. We need stronger rules that provide permanent protection with a financial guarantee, and give the public a voice in these decisions." “Because utilities were forced to report groundwater monitoring data in the 2015 coal ash rule, we now know the scope and severity of groundwater contamination from coal ash in Illinois,” said Earthjustice attorney Jennifer Cassel. “Now that communities can see the evidence of toxic pollution leaking into their precious groundwater resources from these ponds for themselves, they can hold utilities and the State accountable.” “The contamination from coal ash is going to get worse, and will be a part of the Illinois environment for generations, unless the state takes a few simple steps,” said Abel Russ, senior attorney with the Environmental Integrity Project. “We now have a baseline – almost all of the coal plants are polluted. Let’s hope that we can come back in ten years and see that most of these sites are clean.” “Illinois cannot afford to stand by while companies dump toxic waste that will threaten our state’s valuable water resources indefinitely. There is a moral obligation to ensure that companies clean up the mess they create and lift that burden from impacted communities. Coal ash creates one more barrier to economic development, while cleaning it up can create jobs and open the door to future development.” Joe Laszlo, Sierra Club Member and Central Illinois Healthy Community Alliance Chairperson The report, “Cap and Run: Toxic Coal Ash Left Behind by Big Polluters Threatens Illinois Water,” features data released by power companies on their websites earlier this year in response to requirements in a 2015 EPA regulation known as the “coal ash rule.” Some of the local examples highlighted in the report include:

• At NRG-subsidiary Midwest Generation’s Waukegan Plant, on the shore of Lake Michigan, boron – which can cause developmental problems in children and is toxic to aquatic life – exceeds the Illinois groundwater standard by up to 16 times.
• At Dynegy’s retired Vermilion coal plant on the Middle Fork of the Vermilion River – Illinois’ only National Scenic River – upstream of the City of Danville, ash-polluted groundwater is visibly seeping through the riverbank into the river and groundwater testing revealed boron at levels more than thirteen times EPA’s health threshold.
• At the Lincoln Stone Quarry on the banks of the Des Plaines River in Joliet – into which Midwest Generation dumped coal ash from its now-gas-fueled Joliet coal plants for decades – arsenic exceeds safe levels in groundwater monitoring wells by over twenty-three times and boron is seven times higher than EPA health thresholds.
• At Vistra subsidiary Dynegy’s Hennepin coal plant, in the floodplain of the Illinois River downstream of Starved Rock State Park, arsenic and boron are more than three times higher than safe levels, and lithium reaches levels up to twelve times higher than what is safe.
• At Dynegy’s E.D. Edwards coal plant, located on the Illinois River just south of Peoria, lead concentrations are eighteen times US EPA’s drinking water standard.

Background:

In July of 2018 The EPA under Acting Administrator Andrew Wheeler began the process of rolling back the rule that requires utilities to report groundwater monitoring data at their plants. Earthjustice, the Environmental Integrity Project, Prairie Rivers Network and the Sierra Club filed a petition for review of that rulemaking, which is currently under review in federal court. In August of 2018, Earthjustice, on behalf of clients, secured a legal victory requiring EPA to strengthen the 2015 rule and address hundreds of coal ash sites previously unregulated by the federal government. Read the report

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At Prairie Rivers Network (PRN), we protect water, heal land, and inspire change. Using the creative power of science, law, and collective action, we protect and restore our rivers, return healthy soils and diverse wildlife to our lands, and transform how we care for the earth and for each other. PRN is the Illinois affiliate of the National Wildlife Federation.

Earthjustice is the premier nonprofit environmental law organization. We wield the power of law and the strength of partnership to protect people’s health; to preserve magnificent places and wildlife; to advance clean energy; and to combat climate change. We are here because the earth needs a good lawyer.

The Environmental Integrity Project is a nonprofit, nonpartisan watchdog organization, based in Washington D.C. and Austin, Texas, that protects public health and the environment by investigating polluters, holding them accountable under the law, and strengthening public policy.

The Sierra Club is America’s largest and most influential grassroots environmental organization, with more than 3 million members and supporters. In addition to helping people from all backgrounds explore nature and our outdoor heritage, the Sierra Club works to promote clean energy, safeguard the health of our communities, protect wildlife, and preserve our remaining wild places through grassroots activism, public education, lobbying, and legal action. For more information, visit www.sierraclub.org.

]]> November 28, 2018 | Press Release A new report reveals widespread pollution of the groundwater surrounding 90 percent of reporting Illinois coal ash dumpsites.]]> 31819 0 214 0 https://prairierivers.org/uncategorized/2018/11/riverweb-news-november-29-2018/ Thu, 29 Nov 2018 20:08:27 +0000 https://prairierivers.org/?p=31831 Read our RiverWeb News for November 29, 2018 with stories on:

• Dynegy Lawsuit
• Coal Ash News
• December 4 Event
• #Giving Tuesday
• Annual Dinner Wrap-up
• River Steward of the Year
• Dicamba Herbicide
• Listen. Lead. Share.
• 2018 Election Results
• Wildlife of the Week

]]> 31831 0 213 0 https://prairierivers.org/uncategorized/2018/12/prairie-river-notes-fall-winter-2018-newsletter/ Thu, 13 Dec 2018 13:00:55 +0000 https://prairierivers.org/?p=31844 2018 Fall/Winter Newsletter featuring articles on:

• Middle Fork Stewardship
• Carol's Currents
• Meet Elliot Brinkman
• Why We Give to PRN
• 2018 Accomplishments
• Strategic Plan 2019-2023
• Annual Dinner Round Up
• River Steward of the Year
• Illinois Marathon Team

]]> 31844 0 212 0 https://prairierivers.org/uncategorized/2018/12/our-new-mission/ Tue, 18 Dec 2018 14:00:03 +0000 https://prairierivers.org/?p=31878 This year, PRN embarked on a year-long effort to examine our mission. Staff and board members met over several months to find the right words to project the work that we do and how we do it. We came away from this process inspired to tackle the environmental challenges we will face in the coming years, and we hope you will be moved to join us.

Mission

At Prairie Rivers Network, we protect water, heal land, and inspire change. Using the creative power of science, law, and collective action, we protect and restore our rivers, return healthy soils and diverse wildlife to our lands, and transform how we care for the earth and for each other.

Protect Water

Water is life—connecting, sustaining, and inspiring us all. At Prairie Rivers Network we protect water from the ravages of pollution and restore the beauty and power of naturally flowing rivers. We hold polluters accountable, advance policies to allow river ecosystems to thrive, and promote practices that keep our waters clean.

Heal Land

Land and water form a system on which the entire community of life depends; to care for land is to care for water. Too often, human activity degrades land and water and imperils this community. At Prairie Rivers Network, we advance practices and policies that return health to our soils and increase biodiversity. We work with people to restore the lands along and between our rivers, repair the earth that provides our food, and ensure that animals have the habitat needed to thrive in a rapidly changing world.

Inspire Change

We are part of an interconnected whole. Our community includes all parts of the Earth: soil, water, people, plants, and animals. At Prairie Rivers Network, we elevate and uphold the cultural values and understandings needed for all life to flourish. We use the images and voices of people to tell compelling stories of resistance and renewal. We educate and empower people to act. And we lead collective efforts to create new ways of restoring our rivers, healing our lands, and caring for our neighbors. ]]> December 18, 2018 | Blog Post This year, PRN embarked on a year-long effort to examine our mission. Protect Water, Heal Land, and Inspire Change.]]> 31878 0 205 0 https://prairierivers.org/uncategorized/2018/12/proposed-rollback-means-less-safe-water-for-illinois/ Thu, 13 Dec 2018 16:04:06 +0000 https://prairierivers.org/?p=31907

PROPOSED ROLLBACK OF CLEAN WATER REGULATIONS MEANS LESS SAFE WATER FOR ILLINOIS

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CHAMPAIGN, IL – This week, the Trump administration has proposed sweeping changes to the Obama-era regulation known as the Waters of the United States, a move that threatens the safety of Illinois’ rivers, groundwater, and the drinking water of millions across the state. In 2015, the Obama administration issued the Waters of the United States rule (aka The Clean Water Rule) to help clarify the application of the Clean Water Act to bodies of water across the nation. The 2015 rule was passed after years of study and extensive scientific and public input. The rule recognized the importance of small streams and wetlands to healthy river systems and clean drinking water. “The proposed rollbacks are devastating,” said Kim Knowles of Prairie Rivers Network, “and are a continuation of the Trump Administration’s protracted assaults on the health of our planet and our communities.” Trump’s proposed rule guts all protections for ephemeral streams (small streams that flow after rain or snow events) and for most wetlands, leaving them vulnerable to pollution from mining, manufacturing, industrial agriculture, and other sources. Many wetlands could end up paved over or plowed under. Small streams and wetlands protect our drinking water and the health of our rivers. These water bodies mitigate flooding, filter pollutants, and provide unique and vital habitat for many species. They are also central to Illinois’ economy. State breweries and outdoor recreation are major economic drivers, contributing $ 2.6 and $25.8 billion respectively to the economy annually. Both of these in industries need clean water and healthy river systems to thrive. “Without the protections provided by the current Clean Water Rule, commercial developers could pave over or build on wetlands without any oversight, oil spills or pipeline breaks into these waters would no longer be considered CWA violations, and manure from factory farms could overflow into streams without fear of federal consequences.” Kim Knowles The Trump administration is clearly not interested in engaging the public as it tries to gut protections for vital water bodies. Trump's EPA is only offering a 60 day public comment period, starting during the holidays when many Americans are focused on other priorities. This is the complete opposite of how EPA developed the Clean Water Rule during the Obama administration. EPA held a robust public engagement process in developing the Clean Water Rule. It held more than 400 meetings with stakeholders and hosted a 200 day comment period that resulted in nearly 1 million comments from the public (the majority of those comments were in support). For more than 45 years, the Clean Water Act has helped us move to a time when all water bodies are safe for swimming and fishing, and when drinking water supplies are protected from pollution. This latest rollback harms us all.

Prairie Rivers Network (PRN) is Illinois' advocate for clean water and healthy rivers and is the Illinois affiliate of the National Wildlife Federation. PRN advocates for cultural values, policies and practices that sustain the ecological health and biological diversity of Illinois’ water resources and aquatic ecosystems. It is a member-supported, nonprofit organization that champions clean, healthy rivers and lakes and safe drinking water to benefit the people and wildlife of Illinois.

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]]> December 13, 2018 | Press Release The Trump administration has proposed sweeping changes to the Clean Water Rule, a move that threatens Illinois’ water.]]> 31907 0 211 0 https://prairierivers.org/uncategorized/2018/11/take-action-to-address-illinois-coal-ash-crisis/ Wed, 28 Nov 2018 15:28:07 +0000 https://prairierivers.org/?p=31915 November 27, 2018 | Action Alert Sign our petition and ask your Illinois state Representative and Senator to address Illinois’ coal ash crisis!]]> 31915 0 210 0 https://prairierivers.org/uncategorized/2018/12/dont-allow-pollution-in-our-water/ Thu, 13 Dec 2018 15:38:19 +0000 https://prairierivers.org/?p=31922 December 13, 2018 | Action Alert We need you to write the EPA to oppose the rolling back of clean water protections!]]> 31922 0 209 0 https://prairierivers.org/uncategorized/2018/12/riverweb-news-december-13-2018/ Thu, 13 Dec 2018 16:25:30 +0000 https://prairierivers.org/?p=31924 Read our RiverWeb News for December 13, 2018 with stories on:

• The Newsletter is Here!
• Take Action
• SIU Clean Energy Conversation
• Future Energy Jobs Act
• $75,000 Penalty
• Gift Membership!
• Amazon Smile
• Wildlife of the Week

]]> 31924 0 208 0 https://prairierivers.org/articles/2018/12/2018-accomplishments/ Mon, 17 Dec 2018 17:28:29 +0000 https://prairierivers.org/?p=31936 2018 Success Stories While we have faced many challenges to our water, land, and wildlife this year, there is much to celebrate! It is from these victories we draw inspiration for the future! It is also because of you and your membership in PRN. We couldn’t do this without you!

Middle Fork

In May, we filed a lawsuit against Dynegy for violations of the Clean Water Act and their continual seepage of coal ash into the Middle Fork. The lawsuit elevated the Middle Fork to a national level, landing the issue in the Chicago Tribune, The New York Times, and others newspapers across the country. The Middle Fork was also recognized as one of American Rivers’ Most Endangered Rivers for 2018. Also on the Middle Fork, we helped convince the Army Corps of Engineers to take a closer look at a bank armoring permit on the river. This will give the public a voice in the permitting process they might otherwise not have had. With our national partners, we won a lawsuit requiring the US EPA to regulate closed power plants, like the Vermilion Power Station, under the federal coal ash rule. These plants were previously unregulated. This is a big win that will affect plants across the country, not just those in Illinois.

Water

Phosphorus pollution is one of the biggest threats to the health of Illinois rivers and streams, and with the help of the Illinois Sierra Club, we brokered a new agreement to require the largest sewage plants to reduce phosphorus discharges into our rivers and streams and to develop plans for further clean up. PRN and our partners defeated a dangerous effort by the Rauner administration to weaken Illinois’ strong floodplain regulations. Had the effort been successful, we would have seen more construction in floodplains and more flooding risks for vulnerable communities. We released a paper on nitrates in our drinking water titled Illinois’ Ignored Water Crisis and developed a map of nitrate violations across Illinois. We successfully advocated for Illinois to reinvest in its agricultural conservation programs after several were unfunded in the 2016 fiscal year. These included continuing to fully fund Soil and Water Conservation Districts, and once again participating in the Conservation Reserve Enhancement Program, which had been suspended since 2015.

Soil and Pollinators

With farmers, partner organizations, and researchers, we have advanced the regenerative, biodiverse farming movement in Illinois and across the Midwest. This will lead to more healthy food while protecting our soil and water. It will also reduce the use of the most harmful pesticides. We are helping lead the Illinois Monarch Project, developing a statewide effort to expand the habitat that monarchs and native bees need to thrive. We have also held sessions led by farmers for researchers, landowners, and their peers interested in learning more ecologically-friendly ways to protect and expand habitat for pollinators and other wildlife.

Community

We helped support and organize September 8th climate marches in communities around downstate Illinois, mobilizing people to raise their voices for climate action. This effort has expanded our network and sparked a movement. We co-sponsored the Solar Urbana-Champaign 3.0 group-buy program in Champaign and Piatt Counties, hosting over 20 solar educational events that generated commitments for over 450 kW of solar on over 36 properties in the two-county area. We hope to see this effort expand across East Central Illinois. We held two successful Wild & Scenic Film Festivals in Normal and Peoria where we premiered a short film titled Defend the Fork. We also held the very successful Day at the Fork where people hiked Kickapoo State Recreation Area and paddled the Middle Fork River. Over 125 people came out to show their support of the river that day.]]> December 17, 2018 | Blog Post While we have faced many challenges to our water, land, and wildlife this year, there is much to celebrate! It is from these victories we draw inspiration for the future! ]]> 31936 0 207 0 https://prairierivers.org/uncategorized/2018/12/year-in-review-energy/ Thu, 20 Dec 2018 14:00:31 +0000 https://prairierivers.org/?p=31953 Middle Fork In May, we filed a lawsuit against Dynegy for violations of the Clean Water Act and their continual seepage of coal ash into the Middle Fork. The lawsuit elevated the Middle Fork to a national level, landing the issue in the Chicago Tribune, The New York Times, and other newspapers across the country. The Middle Fork was also recognized as one of American Rivers’ Most Endangered Rivers for 2018. While the lawsuit was dismissed, the federal judge acknowledged the serious threat to the river and said the Clean Water Act doesn't apply here. We have appealed their decision. Also on the Middle Fork, we helped convince the Army Corps of Engineers to take a closer look at a bank armoring permit that would bury 2,000 feet of riverbank in stone, leaving a scar on the National Scenic River. The Corps announced a comment period that will give the public a voice in the permitting process they might otherwise not have had, and the comment period is open until January 10th.

Coal Ash

With our national partners, we won a lawsuit requiring the US EPA to strengthen the federal coal ash rule, including requirements that closed power plants, like the Vermilion Power Station, be regulated by the rule. These plants were previously unregulated. Until we won the lawsuit, the US EPA had been in the process of gutting the rule. This is a big win that will affect plants across the country, not just those in Illinois. PRN led a coalition of environmental and community groups to Springfield to release a report on the impact of improperly stored coal ash on groundwater in Illinois. The report, which we co-authored, shows that 22 of the 24 power plants reviewed have pollution of groundwater above health based standards. We called for coal ash reform with permanent protection of our water, a process that gives the public a voice, and a guarantee the polluter pays.

Energy

We worked with the Illinois Clean Jobs Coalition to share information with communities about the Future Energy Jobs Act. Our work with the Coalition, partners, and communities will also help shape and advance future energy policy that will expand renewable energy, lead to a carbon-free power sector, electrify transportation, and ensure that equitable jobs are at the heart of our clean energy movement. In collaboration with the People’s Climate Movement, we supported and helped organize the September 8th Rise for Climate events in communities around downstate Illinois, mobilizing people to raise their voices for climate action. This effort has expanded our network and sparked a movement. Last but not least, we also co-sponsored the Solar Urbana-Champaign 3.0 group buy program in Champaign and Piatt Counties, hosting over 20 solar educational events that generated commitments for over 555 kW of solar on 45 properties in the two-county area. We hope to see this effort expand across East Central Illinois. None of this would have been possible if not for you, our members, who supported all of these efforts with messages of support, letters to legislators, attending events, and going to Springfield. Thank you! ]]> December 20, 2018 | Blog Post This year we made significant advances when it came to our efforts to protect water from coal ash and inspire change towards our renewable energy goals.]]> 31953 0 204 0 https://prairierivers.org/uncategorized/2018/12/the-holidays-are-upon-us/ Sun, 23 Dec 2018 13:00:13 +0000 https://prairierivers.org/?p=31941 Our offices will be closed beginning December 24th, and we will reopen on January 2nd. Happy Holidays and a Happy New Year from all of us to you and yours!]]> December 23, 2018 | Season's Greetings Our offices will be closed beginning December 24th, and we will reopen on January 2nd.]]> 31941 0 202 0 https://prairierivers.org/uncategorized/2018/12/thank-you/ Fri, 28 Dec 2018 14:00:23 +0000 https://prairierivers.org/?p=31945 Thank you for being a part of Prairie Rivers Network in 2018! Your support protected our water, healed our land, and inspired change across the state! You fought Dynegy and the polluting of the Middle Fork of the Vermilion. You raised your voice in support of clean energy, pollinators, and wildlife. And when we asked for help, you answered the call by writing letters to the editor, to your legislators, to the governor, and to Washington. If you haven't had a chance to donate yet, please do so today. We are so grateful to all of our members for your continued financial support. ]]> December 28, 2018 | Blog Post Your support protected our water, healed our land, and inspired change across the state!]]> 31945 0 200 0 https://prairierivers.org/uncategorized/2018/12/year-in-review-heal-land/ Fri, 21 Dec 2018 14:00:09 +0000 https://prairierivers.org/?p=31964 We released a paper on nitrates in our drinking water titled Illinois’ Ignored Water Crisis and developed a map of nitrate violations across Illinois. We successfully advocated for Illinois to reinvest in its agricultural conservation programs after several were unfunded in the 2016 fiscal year. These included continuing to fully fund Soil and Water Conservation Districts and once again participating in the Conservation Reserve Enhancement Program, which had been suspended since 2015. With farmers, partner organizations, and researchers, we worked to advance the regenerative, biodiverse farming movement in Illinois and across the Midwest that will lead to on the ground changes that protect our soil, water, and ecosystems. We helped lead the Illinois Monarch Project, developing a statewide effort to expand the habitat that monarchs and native bees need to thrive. We also held sessions led by farmers for researchers, landowners, and their peers interested in learning more ecologically-friendly ways to protect and expand habitat for pollinators and other wildlife. We were a team leader for Monarch Wings Across the Eastern Broadleaf Forest, where PRN members joined together to collect and clean seed for Monarch habitat. We also worked with farmers and private landowners in agricultural watersheds to create and improve pollinator habitat on their lands. We worked with members and partners to build awareness about harmful herbicide trespass and the damage it can do to specialty crops, private property, and wildlife habitat. We led the creation of a sign-on letter with our valuable partner organizations to justify the denial of the re-registration of the controversial and highly volatile herbicide dicamba. Our efforts would not have been possible had it not been for members like you. Together we will continue to heal the land for years to come! ]]> December 21, 2018 | Blog Post Healing the land and protecting water was a major focus of the work we accomplished in 2018.]]> 31964 0 203 0 https://prairierivers.org/uncategorized/2018/12/year-in-review-rivers-and-wildlife/ Sat, 29 Dec 2018 14:00:56 +0000 https://prairierivers.org/?p=31969 In October, the Land and Water Conservation Fund expired, but we were hopeful that elected officials would reauthorize it. The fund is one of our nation’s most successful conservation programs that has, over the past five decades, secured billions of dollars for conservation and open space is no longer receiving funding. We celebrated the removal of the Danville Dam. The journey has been a long one. The removals have been nothing short of controversial, resulting in contentious meetings and sometimes public shouting matches. This could not have been accomplished without the work of many. The Illinois Department of Natural Resources, the Illinois Natural History Survey, the City of Danville, and many, many others have worked for years to make this possible. PRN and our partners defeated a dangerous effort by the Rauner administration to weaken Illinois’ strong floodplain regulations. Had the effort been successful, we would have seen more construction in floodplains and more flooding risks for vulnerable communities. The Endangered Species Act came under siege with a number of pieces of legislation and a White House proposal that would eviscerate the Act. In its 45-year history, the Act has been credited with saving from extinction 99% of the roughly 1,600 species it has protected. It has worked. This is not a time to weaken protections, it’s a time to double-down on them. We followed the story of the clear cutting along a mile stretch of the Salt Fork and its effects on residents of the Heather Hills neighborhood north of St. Joseph. And finally, the Recovering America’s Wildlife Act was a bright spot in bipartisanship. With efforts in Washington and in Congressional district meetings and calls, five Illinois Members of Congress signed on as co-sponsors to the bill. You answered the call when we sent out an alert, and hundreds of you responded! This was a year filled with heartbreak, but with your support, we have made gains in protecting our water, healing our land, and inspiring change across Illinois! ]]> December 29, 2018 | Blog Post Our rivers and wildlife were under attack this year, and your support helped us face these challenges head on. ]]> 31969 0 201 0 Land and Water Conservation Fund expires, yet we remain hopeful]]> PROPOSED ROLLBACK MEANS LESS SAFE WATER FOR ILLINOIS]]> Danville Dam Removals]]> Clearcutting on the Salt Fork]]> A War on Wildlife]]> https://prairierivers.org/uncategorized/2019/01/illinois-deserves-cleaner-air-in-2019/ Thu, 10 Jan 2019 12:00:12 +0000 https://prairierivers.org/?p=31983 PRN Member Chris Main gives public comment before the Illinois Pollution Control Board regarding the proposed rule change to Dynegy-Vistra’s air pollution standards.[/caption] The Illinois Pollution Control Board (IPCB) has called for another hearing for testimony and public comment on a change to Dynegy-Vistra’s “Multi-Pollutant Standard” (MPS) air pollution rule. The hearing is slated for January 29th. In an earlier blog post we explained how Dynegy-Vistra, Illinois’ largest coal fired power plant operator, worked with Governor Bruce Rauner’s Illinois Environmental Protection Agency (IEPA) to craft a rule-change for the MPS that would have changed the way their air emissions are regulated. [caption id="attachment_31991" align="alignright" width="166"] Community activists stand in support before a Illinois Pollution Control Board hearing regarding the proposed rule change to Dynegy-Vistra’s air pollution standards.[/caption] In October 2018, after months of review, three hearings, and thousands of public comments, the IPCB proposed a modified version of the proposal that sought to address some of the concern from environmental groups and community members. The IPCB’s decision would lower the annual cap on pollution from Dynegy-Vistra’s plants and require that the cap be reduced when plants are retired, mothballed, or sold. Environmental groups, including Prairie Rivers Network, released a statement saying the IPCB’s October decision was a step forward but “the new proposal can still lead to thousands more tons of pollution than the original standard allowed. Instead of weakening air pollution rules for Texas-based corporations, Illinois needs to double-down on creating new jobs in our expanding clean energy economy, diversifying local economies in Central and Southern Illinois, and protecting the air we breathe." This new hearing will give the public the opportunity for additional comment on the modified version of Dynegy-Vistra’s misguided proposal. The hearing will be January 29th, Sangamo Room, IEPA, 1021 N. Grand Avenue East, North Entrance, off Converse Street, Springfield IL. The public comment portion will be in the evening from 5:30pm-8pm. Prairie Rivers Network, other environmental organizations and concerned citizens will be there, and we encourage you to join us. Public comments may be emailed to the Clerk of the Board, Don Brown, at don.brown@illinois.org. And you can take action through the Sierra Club page. ]]> January 10, 2019 | Blog Post The Illinois Pollution Control Board has called for another hearing on a change to Dynegy-Vistra’s “Multi-Pollutant Standard” (MPS) air pollution rule. The hearing is slated for January 29th.]]> 31983 0 199 0 https://prairierivers.org/uncategorized/2019/01/riverweb-news-january-10-2019/ Tue, 15 Jan 2019 21:29:01 +0000 https://prairierivers.org/?p=32006 Read our RiverWeb News for January 10, 2019 with stories on:

• We Deserve Clean Air in 2019!
• Coal Ash Pollution Spotlight
• Year in Review
• Thank You!
• Dicamba's Threat to Bees
• Thank You, News-Gazette!
• Wildlife of the Week

]]> 32006 0 198 0 https://prairierivers.org/uncategorized/2019/01/riverweb-news-january-24-2019/ Mon, 28 Jan 2019 15:37:59 +0000 https://prairierivers.org/?p=32011 Read our RiverWeb News for January 24, 2019 with stories on:

• Regenerate Illinois Summit
• All Connected
• Coal Ash Pollution Spotlight
• Thank You, Governor Pritzker
• Run for Wildlife
• Wildlife of the Week

]]> 32011 0 197 0 https://prairierivers.org/uncategorized/2019/02/2018-annual-report/ Wed, 06 Feb 2019 15:34:03 +0000 https://prairierivers.org/?p=32042 The 2018 Annual Report is here! Check out the message from PRN Interim Director Elliot Brinkman, our financial snapshot, and the ways your support is protecting water, healing land, and inspiring change.

Who is who?

Are you able to identify PRN staff (and intern) from our bitmojis? Scroll down to see the reveal!

And the Answers Are...

]]> February 6, 2019 | Annual Report Check out the 2018 Annual Report with a message from PRN Interim Director, our financial snapshot, and the ways your support is protecting water, healing land, and inspiring change.]]> 32042 0 196 0 https://prairierivers.org/uncategorized/2019/02/gift-your-valentine-a-prn-totebag/ Thu, 07 Feb 2019 14:00:50 +0000 https://prairierivers.org/?p=32053 Get your loved one the perfect gift this Valentine’s Day of a PRN tote bag! Stop in to our office to receive a $5 discount on your bag, or order one for $15 online with free shipping! Happy (Early) Valentine’s Day!  ]]> February 7, 2019 | Blog Post This Valentine’s Day, gift your loved one a PRN tote bag!]]> 32053 0 195 0 Tote]]> https://prairierivers.org/uncategorized/2019/02/riverweb-news-february-7-2019/ Thu, 07 Feb 2019 19:15:42 +0000 https://prairierivers.org/?p=32060 Read our RiverWeb News for February 7, 2019 with stories on:

• Monarchs Up 144%
• Annual Report
• Valentine's Day Special
• Unacceptable Levels
• World Wetlands Day
• Run for Wildlife
• Wildlife of the Week

]]> 32060 0 194 0 https://prairierivers.org/uncategorized/2019/03/introducing-the-clean-energy-jobs-act/ Fri, 01 Mar 2019 13:37:58 +0000 https://prairierivers.org/?p=32099

Champaign-Urbana Area Leaders Show Support for Fransformational Clean Energy Jobs Act

Clean Energy Jobs Act would bring new jobs, especially to communities of color and counties throughout Illinois

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Urbana – Illinois lawmakers from the Champaign-Urbana area joined a coalition of local environmental, business and faith leaders today to press for bold clean energy legislation. The new bill would invigorate the state’s clean energy sector while ensuring that all communities join in the resulting economic gains. The group gathered at the solar-powered MTD Facility in Urbana to announce its support for the new Clean Energy Jobs Act (HB 3624/SB 2132), legislation introduced this week in Springfield. Many of the participating groups are members of the Illinois Clean Jobs Coalition, including Prairie Rivers Network, Faith in Place, EcoJustice Collaborative, Illinois Green Business Association, and Sierra Club. They were joined by State Senator Scott Bennett, State Representative Carol Ammons, MTD Managing Director Karl Gnadt, UIUC Beyond Coal’s AnnaMae Dziallo, and Adina Sanchez with Champaign County Healthcare Consumers. The bill would move Illinois to 100% renewable energy by 2050, cut carbon pollution from the state’s power sector by 2030, and create steps to electrify the transportation sector. At the same time, the legislation would help keep a lid on energy bills and lead to economic benefits, especially in the form of new jobs, for communities that need them the most. Gov. J.B. Pritzker has previously endorsed the call for moving Illinois to 100% renewable energy by 2050, as have dozens of state legislators. The bill is the outgrowth of listening sessions held around the state in 2018 by the Illinois Clean Jobs Coalition (ICJC). More than 60 such “Listen. Lead. Share.” sessions were held last year in communities around Illinois, where people were asked to provide their input on clean energy issues. “With our partners, Faith in Place held listening sessions in restaurants, church basements, college campuses, and public libraries, all over the state. Everywhere we went, we found people eager to build healthier communities with clean energy and access to good jobs,” said Cindy Shepherd of Faith in Place. The new legislation also builds upon the Future Energy Jobs Act (FEJA), a law enacted in late 2016 that increased the amount of solar and wind energy produced in Illinois while saving customers money on their bills. “In recent years, Illinois passed the Future Energy Jobs Act, the greatest clean energy breakthrough in the state’s history, which is creating thousands of jobs in every part of Illinois, saving consumers money on their bills and taking action to combat the threat of climate change,” said Senator Scott Bennett. “But, we can’t stop there.” The legislation introduced this week would spur enough new wind and solar to power 4 million homes, more than four times the amount accomplished by FEJA. Amanda Pankau of Prairie Rivers Network said, “For years, Prairie Rivers Network has fought pollution from dirty sources of energy. We are proud to be part of the Illinois Clean Jobs Coalition’s effort to advance clean, renewable energy, while also ensuring that communities aren’t left with legacy pollution, like coal ash.” During the listening sessions held last year, participants were invited to identify their priorities for future Illinois’ energy policy. That input formed the basis for the four pillars central to the new legislation:

• Putting the fight for quality jobs and economic opportunity at the heart of a vision for a clean, equitable energy future.
• Expanding clean energy and energy efficiency in an equitable manner to set Illinois on a path to achieve 100% renewable energy by 2050.
• Achieving a carbon-free power sector by 2030.
• Replacing the equivalent of one million gasoline and diesel-powered vehicles on the road with electric vehicles, mass transit and other alternatives.

Passage of the bill would lead to more than 40 million solar panels and 2,500 wind turbines across the state by 2030, generating more than $30 billion in new infrastructure. To help achieve equity in the clean energy economy, the bill calls for the creation of Clean Jobs Workforce Hubs, a network of front line organizations that would provide support for minority and disadvantaged communities. The bill also gives preferences to companies that implement actions to ensure equitable representation in Illinois’ clean energy workforce. "This legislation says that that no community should be left behind as Illinois builds up its clean energy economy,” said Representative Carol Ammons, a Chief Co-sponsor of the bill. “This bill ensures that people outside Chicago as well as communities of color lead the way in the new energy economy. It does this by creating new clean energy businesses and lower energy costs." The bill also creates a new Beneficial Electrification initiative to incentivize electric vehicle charging, focused on medium- and heavy-duty vehicles to improve health impact. And, by creating the EV Access for All program, it ensures all Illinois residents can benefit from electric vehicles. “Fossil-fuel burning transportation is the largest source of climate-warming pollution. The Champaign-Urbana Mass Transit District’s sustainability efforts specifically target the reduction of those pollutants,” said MTD Managing Director Karl Gnadt. “With hybrid and hydrogen fuel cell vehicles, we’ve cut our reliance on diesel fuel by 50%. Our solar array reduces the amount of coal-produced electricity needed to power our maintenance facility by 25%. It is encouraging that our friends in Springfield have also recognized the importance of these investments.” Adani Sanchez, of Champaign County Health Care Consumers noted, "The Clean Energy Jobs Act scores a perfect 100 - making sure Illinois gets 100 percent of its energy from renewable sources AND making sure 100 percent of Illinois shares in the benefits of clean energy. Clean energy will improve the health of the environment and the health of the people of Illinois, while also improving the health of our economy." Community members and students also joined in for the announcement and expressed support for the legislation. AnnaMae Dziallo, a University of Illinois Student with Beyond Coal UIUC said, “With 18 of the hottest 19 years on record occurring since 2001, my peers and I have no choice but to fight for our futures. Millions of people my age are mobilizing in support of a humane, just, and eco-friendly future and the introduction of the Clean Energy Jobs Act is a crucial moment for Illinois’ youth to achieve the manifestation of our vision.” About the Illinois Clean Jobs Coalition The ICJC is a group of more than 200 organizations, businesses, and community leaders working together to advance clean energy jobs, lower energy bills, and healthier air and water. The group championed the Future Energy Jobs Act (FEJA), which passed the Illinois General Assembly with bipartisan support and was signed into law in 2016. The law positioned Illinois to become a leader in clean energy and to capture the jobs and investments that come with it. At Prairie Rivers Network (PRN), we protect water, heal land, and inspire change. Using the creative power of science, law, and collective action, we protect and restore our rivers, return healthy soils and diverse wildlife to our lands, and transform how we care for the earth and for each other. PRN is the Illinois affiliate of the National Wildlife Federation.

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]]> March 1, 2019 | Press Release Illinois lawmakers from the Champaign-Urbana area joined a coalition of local environmental, business and faith leaders today to press for bold clean energy legislation.]]> 32099 0 192 0 https://prairierivers.org/uncategorized/2019/02/riverweb-news-february-21-2019/ Thu, 21 Feb 2019 15:16:18 +0000 https://prairierivers.org/?p=32121 Read our RiverWeb News for February 21, 2019 with stories on:

• Action Alert
• Green Caucus
• Community Coal Ash Meeting
• Job Opening
• Unacceptable Levels
• Coal Ash Pollution Spotlight
• (Endangered) Wildlife of the Week

]]> 32121 0 193 0 https://prairierivers.org/uncategorized/2019/03/riverweb-news-march-7-2019/ Thu, 07 Mar 2019 19:05:56 +0000 https://prairierivers.org/?p=32124 Read our RiverWeb News for March 7, 2019 with stories on:

• Clean Energy Jobs Act
• Land & Water Conservation Fund
• Middle Fork Public Hearing
• Boneyard Creek Community Day
• ReGenerate Illinois Summit
• Most Improved Stream
• Wildlife of the Week

]]> 32124 0 191 0 https://prairierivers.org/uncategorized/2019/03/environmental-groups-voice-concerns-for-the-middle-fork/ Tue, 26 Mar 2019 13:48:51 +0000 https://prairierivers.org/?p=32187

ENVIRONMENTAL GROUPS VOICE CONCERNS FOR THE MIDDLE FORK OF THE VERMILION AT HEARING Illinois EPA to hear public comment on water quality/recreation impacts of Dynegy proposal

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE DANVILLE -- Representatives from Prairie Rivers Network, Eco-Justice Collaborative, Prairie Group of the Sierra Club, Faith In Place, legislators, and members of the general public will voice concerns over a Dynegy proposal for armoring the Middle Fork of the Vermilion, Illinois’ only National Scenic River at an Illinois EPA public hearing at the Danville Area Community College, on March 26 at 6pm. An informal rally before the hearing begins at 5:30pm. The Dynegy proposal would armor over ⅓ mile of river with rock along the leaking coal ash pits once operated by Dynegy Midwest Generation. Under Dynegy’s proposal, large rock would be installed along nearly 2,000 feet of the river. This would require the placement of over 22,000 cubic yards of fill, some extending over 30 feet into the river channel. Construction equipment operating in the river would dig more than seven feet down into the river bed. Work is expected to take place over six to twelve months. “Dynegy’s proposal for rearmoring the riverbank isn’t a solution at all,” said Andrew Rehn of Prairie Rivers Network. “The fact remains that moving the coal ash away from the river and out of the floodplain is the only solution that will permanently protect the Middle Fork and the people of Vermilion County from the danger of a catastrophic failure of the ash ponds. The proposal is a medium-term solution that will pass the problem on to future generations, long after Dynegy is gone. It is merely a bandage for a larger long-term problem. “The IEPA has already made a tentative determination that the project will not harm water quality, nor harm river use,” said Lan Richart of Eco-Justice Collaborative. “Yet we know that the banks of the river are likely to contain soils contaminated by coal ash and that construction could release these sediments downstream, despite proposed mitigation measures. Recreational use of the river also would be disrupted for months.” "The Middle Fork of the Vermilion River is a gem of east-central Illinois,” said Alice Englebretsen with the Prairie Group of the Sierra Club. “Illinois EPA's duty is to protect the Middle Fork for generations to come, but this project falls short. The riverbank armoring project will one day be washed away and the coal ash will continue to threaten our National Scenic River for as long as it remains in the floodplain." “This bank armoring project is oversized and does nothing to solve the real problem - continued groundwater contamination from the unlined coal ash pits in the floodplain of the river,” said Cindy Shepherd with Faith in Place. “Coal ash pollution from the Vermilion Power Station is seeping through the riverbank and into Illinois' only National Scenic River.” Opponents of the project are concerned that this massive bank stabilization project is just the first step in Dynegy’s plan to cover the coal ash and permanently leave it in unlined pits along the river. Advocates for the river argue that a targeted and less damaging stabilization plan could provide interim protection while the fate of the coal ash ponds is determined by IEPA. They say there is no need to destroy the river if the ash is moved. Prairie Rivers Network, Eco-Justice Collaborative, partners, stakeholders, and members of the general public will also hold an informal rally before the hearing to highlight their concerns for the health and well being of the river and those people and businesses who would be impacted by the Dynegy proposal. At Prairie Rivers Network (PRN), we protect water, heal land, and inspire change. Using the creative power of science, law, and collective action, we protect and restore our rivers, return healthy soils and diverse wildlife to our lands, and transform how we care for the earth and for each other. PRN is the Illinois affiliate of the National Wildlife Federation. Eco-Justice Collaborative is a local non-profit that fosters education and advocacy around critical environmental issues, connecting local actions with global concerns. They believe that healthy communities require advocacy and action around urgent environmental issues in ways that connect with struggles for social and economic justice. Faith in Place empowers Illinois people of all faiths to be leaders in caring for the Earth, providing resources to educate, connect, and advocate for healthier communities. Since 1999, Faith in Place has worked with over 1,000 houses of worship throughout Illinois to protect our common land, water, and air. The Prairie Group of the Illinois Chapter of the Sierra Club represents the Sierra Club in east-central Illinois.

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]]> March 26, 2019 | Press Release PRN and other groups will voice concerns over a Dynegy proposal for armoring the Middle Fork of the Vermilion, Illinois’ only National Scenic River.]]> 32187 0 189 0 https://prairierivers.org/uncategorized/2019/04/suspect-damage-report-it/ Wed, 03 Apr 2019 12:29:21 +0000 https://prairierivers.org/?p=32237 Redbud showing symptoms of curling and cupping.[/caption] When these PGR herbicides volatilize, they can move long distances and land other places (woodlands, prairies, waterbodies, gardens, organic farms, etc.) at concentrations strong enough to harm trees and plants. While label restrictions are being made to reduce injuries and complaints due to applicator error, the real problem with many PGR herbicides (volatility) is not being addressed. Stunted, curled, and/or cupped leaves are some of the more obvious signs of potential off-target herbicide injury. Redbuds, dogwoods, sycamores, oaks, and box elder are among the many trees that have shown symptoms. Also, many native wildflowers and important food crops such as fruit trees, tomatoes, and grapes, have been shown symptoms of herbicide damage. To see photos of plants exhibiting the typical symptoms of herbicide damage see our website. PRN, and our partners are working hard to keep these harmful herbicides from harming you, your crops, local specialty growers with orchards and organic farms, and our environment. We realize that many people don’t even know what symptoms of herbicide injury look like and where to report injuries. However, this information is critical to our ability to push for protections against harmful chemicals. You can do two things! If you see damage, we ask that you please let us know through our online monitoring form. Information can be found on our website. Here you will learn how to monitor and document symptoms. If you have a google account, you can upload your photo and document what you see in just a few minutes by using our online form. The more we know about when and where symptoms of injury are occurring, the better we can protect our environment. Additionally, we also ask that if you suspect herbicide damage please fill out a complaint form on the Illinois Department of Ag (IDOA) website. We urge you to do this, even if you live in the middle of town! Reporting damage to IDOA is important. They use the complaint information to make regulatory and enforcement decisions. [caption id="attachment_31342" align="alignright" width="300"] Nastic Growth[/caption] We can all do our part to protect specialty growers, wildlife habitat, and our precious trees from these volatile herbicides. You can do your part by reporting symptoms using our monitoring program and by filing a complaint with IDOA.]]> April 3, 2019 | Blog Post The last few years, many trees and other broadleaf plants throughout Illinois expressed symptoms of off-target herbicide damage. If you suspect damage, report it.]]> 32237 0 187 0 https://prairierivers.org/uncategorized/2019/04/clean-energy-lobby-day-may-9/ Tue, 02 Apr 2019 16:45:44 +0000 https://prairierivers.org/?p=32242 On Thursday, May 9, travel with us by BUS from Champaign-Urbana & Decatur to the Capitol in Springfield for 2019 Clean Energy Lobby Day! RSVP is required. To register and get a bus ticket sign up here. If you are joining us in Springfield, but travelling independently sign up here. We will depart C-U at 8am from The Mennonite Church (902 E. Springfield, Urbana, IL, corner of Lincoln and Springfield). The bus will also pick-up in Decatur departing at 9am from Macon County U of I Extension Center (3351 N. President Howard Brown Blvd. Decatur, IL 62521). This event is a great way to learn the ropes at the Capitol with other Illinoisans who share your desire to see our state lead the way into the clean energy future. Lobby days have been vital in passing important environmental policies in past years, and it's more important than ever that we make sure state legislators hear our concerns loud and clear. We'll visit with our legislators and join folks from all around the state for a rally to end the day!]]> April 2, 2019 | Blog Post On Thursday, May 9, travel with us by bus from Champaign-Urbana & Decatur to the Capitol in Springfield for 2019 Clean Energy Lobby Day!]]> 32242 0 188 0 https://prairierivers.org/uncategorized/2019/03/riverweb-news-march-21-2019/ Thu, 21 Mar 2019 13:39:31 +0000 https://prairierivers.org/?p=32287 Read our RiverWeb News for March 21, 2019 with stories on:

• Middle Fork Public Hearing
• Letters to the Editor
• Community Co-Sponsors
• Illinois Marathon Volunteers
• Boneyard Creek Community Day
• Wildlife of the Week

]]> 32287 0 190 0 https://prairierivers.org/uncategorized/2019/04/riverweb-news-april-4-2019/ Thu, 04 Apr 2019 13:36:15 +0000 https://prairierivers.org/?p=32288 Read our RiverWeb News for April 4, 2019 with stories on:

• Meeting a Legend
• Suspect Damage? Report it!
• Middle Fork River Update
• Clean Energy Lobby Day
• PRN Scream Pillow
• Boneyard Creek Community Day
• Illinois Marathon Volunteers
• Are you a Thrivent Member?
• Wildlife of the Week

]]> 32288 0 185 0 https://prairierivers.org/uncategorized/2019/03/clean-energy-job-act/ Fri, 01 Mar 2019 15:02:23 +0000 https://prairierivers.org/?p=32405 March 1, 2019 | Action Alert Sign the petition and become a Community Cosponsor of the Clean Energy Job Act!]]> 32405 0 174 0 https://prairierivers.org/articles/2018/12/2018-accomplishments-annual-report/ Mon, 31 Dec 2018 17:28:47 +0000 https://prairierivers.org/?p=33145 2018 Success Stories While we have faced many challenges to our water, land, and wildlife this year, it was not without bright spots. It is these victories we celebrate and draw inspiration from for the future. It is also because of you and your membership in PRN. We couldn’t do this without you!

Middle Fork

In May, we filed a lawsuit against Dynegy for violations of the Clean Water Act and their continual seepage of coal ash into the Middle Fork. The lawsuit elevated the Middle Fork to a national level, landing the issue in the Chicago Tribune, The New York Times, and others newspapers across the country. The Middle Fork was also recognized as one of American Rivers’ Most Endangered Rivers for 2018. Also on the Middle Fork, we helped convince the Army Corps of Engineers to take a closer look at a bank armoring permit on the river. This will give the public a voice in the permitting process they might otherwise not have had. With our national partners, we won a lawsuit requiring the US EPA to regulate closed power plants, like the Vermilion Power Station, under the federal coal ash rule. These plants were previously unregulated. This is a big win that will affect plants across the country, not just those in Illinois.

Water

Phosphorus pollution is one of the biggest threats to the health of Illinois rivers and streams, and with the help of the Illinois Sierra Club, we brokered a new agreement to require the largest sewage plants to reduce phosphorus discharges into our rivers and streams and to develop plans for further clean up. PRN and our partners defeated a dangerous effort by the Rauner administration to weaken Illinois’ strong floodplain regulations. Had the effort been successful, we would have seen more construction in floodplains and more flooding risks for vulnerable communities. We released a paper on nitrates in our drinking water titled Illinois’ Ignored Water Crisis and developed a map of nitrate violations across Illinois. We successfully advocated for Illinois to reinvest in its agricultural conservation programs after several were unfunded in the 2016 fiscal year. These included continuing to fully fund Soil and Water Conservation Districts, and once again participating in the Conservation Reserve Enhancement Program, which had been suspended since 2015.

Soil and Pollinators

With farmers, partner organizations, and researchers, we have advanced the regenerative, biodiverse farming movement in Illinois and across the Midwest. This will lead to more healthy food while protecting our soil and water. It will also reduce the use of the most harmful pesticides. We are helping lead the Illinois Monarch Project, developing a statewide effort to expand the habitat that monarchs and native bees need to thrive. We have also held sessions led by farmers for researchers, landowners, and their peers interested in learning more ecologically-friendly ways to protect and expand habitat for pollinators and other wildlife.

Community

We helped support and organize September 8th climate marches in communities around downstate Illinois, mobilizing people to raise their voices for climate action. This effort has expanded our network and sparked a movement. We co-sponsored the Solar Urbana-Champaign 3.0 group-buy program in Champaign and Piatt Counties, hosting over 20 solar educational events that generated commitments for over 450 kW of solar on over 36 properties in the two-county area. We hope to see this effort expand across East Central Illinois. We held two successful Wild & Scenic Film Festivals in Normal and Peoria where we premiered a short film titled Defend the Fork. We also held the very successful Day at the Fork where people hiked Kickapoo State Recreation Area and paddled the Middle Fork River. Over 125 people came out to show their support of the river that day.

Annual Report

Have a look at the 2018 Annual Report! ]]> December 31, 2018 | Blog Post As we close out 2018, it’s important to look back at the incredible successes we had this year.]]> 33145 0 206 0 2018 Annual Report]]> https://prairierivers.org/uncategorized/2019/04/whats-happening-with-the-middle-fork/ Thu, 04 Apr 2019 16:04:58 +0000 https://prairierivers.org/?p=32256 Cindy Shepherd with Faith in Place asked hearing attendees if they thought the coal ash should be removed from the floodplain. She was answered by a sea of raised hands.[/caption] If you read newspapers in the counties near the Middle Fork of the Vermilion River, you’ve probably seen the river’s name show up nearly a dozen times in the past few months. A wide range of voices have spoken about the need to protect our only National Scenic River, including many long-time champions for the river as well as the editorial boards of Champaign’s News-Gazette and Danville’s Commercial News. We’re only a few months into 2019, but here’s everything that’s happened so far. For months, the Illinois EPA has been reviewing Dynegy’s closure plan for the coal ash, deciding if the ponds should stay in the floodplain with a cap or be removed to a safe, modern landfill. On March 22nd, the Illinois EPA took the next step and referred the coal ash pit case to the Illinois Attorney General Office. This means the Illinois EPA has decided enforcement action is necessary to get cleanup from Dynegy. While this is encouraging, it does not mean the fight for the Middle Fork is over. The devil is in the details, and Illinois EPA has not directed the Attorney General on how they wish Dynegy to close their ash ponds--so a cap may still be on the table. On March 26th, Prairie Rivers Network, represented by Earthjustice, filed a complaint against Dynegy to the Illinois Pollution Control Board for their groundwater pollution and surface water discharges. We see this as a necessary next step to ensure that the Middle Fork is permanently protected. This state level lawsuit will be our second lawsuit related to Dynegy’s coal ash on the Middle Fork. Our ongoing Clean Water Act lawsuit has been temporarily put on hold, awaiting a precedent-setting decision from the US Supreme Court that could impact our case. With the federal lawsuit on hold, taking action in the state venue was necessary. [caption id="attachment_32262" align="alignright" width="300"] A rally took place prior to the IEPA hearing on the Middle Fork.[/caption] Finally, the first and potentially only public hearing on the Middle Fork coal ash issue was held in Danville last week. The hearing concerned Dynegy’s proposal to dump a massive 20,000 tons of rocks on the river bank as a way to slow the erosion that threatens the coal ash. Thank you to everyone who came out to speak for the river. The Illinois EPA heard from concerned members of the public sharing a powerful combination of personal stories of connection to the Middle Fork as well as technical comments on the inadequacies of the Illinois EPA’s tentative decision to approve the plan. A highlight of the night was when Cindy Shepherd with Faith in Place asked the audience if they thought the coal ash should be removed from the floodplain--and was answered by a sea of raised hands. At the hearing, Prairie Rivers Network called for a smaller, removable bank stabilization project while the question of what to do with the coal ash is resolved. Should the ash one day be removed from the floodplain of the river, it would be a shame to leave behind a massive stone scar on the riverbank for decades. We can protect the river now with a more limited solution that address the threat of collapse.]]> April 4, 2019 | Blog Post We’re only a few months into 2019, but here’s everything that’s happened regarding the Middle Fork of the Vermilion so far.]]> 32256 0 186 0 https://prairierivers.org/uncategorized/2019/04/most-endangered-rivers-of-2019/ Tue, 16 Apr 2019 12:00:27 +0000 https://prairierivers.org/?p=32322 UPPER MISSISSIPPI RIVER NAMED ONE OF AMERICA’S MOST ENDANGERED RIVERS OF 2019 Climate change and illegal levee development threaten public safety, river health

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Washington, D.C. – American Rivers today named the Upper Mississippi River among America’s Most Endangered Rivers® of 2019, citing the grave threat that climate change and illegal levee raises pose to public safety and river health. American Rivers and its partners called on state and federal agencies to prohibit the reckless raising of levees and promote better flood protection solutions.

“The America’s Most Endangered Rivers report is a call to action to save rivers that face a critical decision in the coming year,” said Eileen Shader with American Rivers. “It’s time to stop the illegal levee development on the Upper Mississippi that is putting people and river health at serious risk.” “We are already feeling the impacts of climate change in the Midwest, including more frequent and severe flooding, and it’s only going to get worse. Abusing and degrading the Mississippi River will make us more vulnerable to these threats. Protecting and restoring the river will make us better prepared to face future floods and safeguard communities. It’s our choice to make.” The Upper Mississippi River is threatened by levees that are being raised (i.e., made taller) without required permits and approvals. Eighty miles of levees between Muscatine, Iowa, and Hamburg, Illinois, have been raised without obtaining the required state or federal approvals. These levees not only destroy critical riverside and floodplain habitat for fish and wildlife, they also make flood heights higher and increase flooding downstream. For example, during the most extreme flood events, Hannibal, Missouri, is projected to experience an additional foot or more of floodwaters because their neighbors have raised their levees without regard to the impacts. American Rivers and its partners called on the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, the Federal Emergency Management Agency, and the states of Illinois, Iowa and Missouri to take corrective action to stop and resolve these levee violations. Further, the groups called on the agencies to advance 21st century flood protection solutions that deliver multiple benefits to people and nature. "We have to stop the circle of absurdity where we spend enormous sums of money to build larger levees which make the next flood even worse and costs us millions more in emergency funds, only to have the entire cycle repeat year after year," said David Stokes with the Great River Habitat Alliance. “We must move beyond this outdated vision of flood control that foolishly relies on bigger and higher levees and floodwalls to a new vision that makes room for rivers and allows nature-based solutions to protect us," said Elliot Brinkman with the Prairie Rivers Network. The threats posed by these unlawful changes are real and getting worse as climate change is leading to more frequent floods and intense storms in the Upper Mississippi River Basin and across the country. The three highest-volume rain storms ever recorded in the U.S. have occurred in the last three years, in line with climate scientists’ projections that extreme downpours in the U.S. could increase by 400 percent by the end of this century. Munoz et al. (2018) determined that the magnitude of 100-year flood events in the Mississippi Basin has increased by 20 percent over the past 500 years, with much of that increase being caused by the combination of river engineering and climate change. The increased risk of flooding is the reason some levee districts have pursued higher levees, but their actions are intensifying the impacts of flooding for their neighbors. The Mississippi River is a globally significant flyway used by hundreds of species of birds and provides unique habitat for fish, mussels, reptiles and mammals. This significant ecosystem supports commercial and recreational fishing, hunting and boating, which contribute $24.6 billion to the region’s economy and an estimated 421,000 jobs. The river has been the lifeblood of many cultures throughout history and has served as the inspiration for a rich heritage of American music, art and literature. The annual America’s Most Endangered Rivers® report is a list of rivers at a crossroads, where key decisions in the coming months will determine the rivers’ fates. Over the years, the report has helped spur many successes including the removal of outdated dams, the protection of rivers with Wild and Scenic designations, and the prevention of harmful development and pollution. Some portion of the Mississippi River was previously included on this list in 1991-1992, 1994-1996, 2000-2001, 2004, 2011, 2014 and 2018. Other rivers in the region listed as most endangered in recent years include the Buffalo National River (2019, 2017) and Middle Fork Vermilion River (2018).

America’s Most Endangered Rivers® of 2019

#1 Gila River, New Mexico Gov. Grisham must choose a healthier, more cost-effective way to provide water to agriculture than by drying up the state’s last major free-flowing river. #2 Hudson River, New York The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers must consider effective, nature-based alternatives to storm-surge barriers that would choke off this biologically rich tidal estuary. #3 Upper Mississippi River, Illinois, Iowa, Missouri State and federal agencies must enforce laws that prohibit illegal levees, which increase flood risk for communities and degrade vital fish and wildlife habitat. #4 Green-Duwamish River, Washington Local leaders must produce a flood protection plan that safeguards communities and restores habitat for chinook salmon — fish that are essential to the diet of Puget Sound’s endangered orca whales. #5 Willamette River, Oregon The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers must immediately improve 13 dams to save wild chinook salmon and steelhead from going extinct. #6 Chilkat River, Alaska The Japanese investment firm, DOWA, must do the responsible thing and back out of a mining project that could decimate native salmon. #7 South Fork Salmon River, Idaho The U.S. Forest Service must safeguard endangered fish by denying a mining proposal that could pollute this tributary of the Wild and Scenic Salmon River. #8 Buffalo National River, Arkansas Gov. Hutchinson must demand closure of an industrial hog-farming facility that pollutes groundwater and threatens endangered species. #9 Big Darby Creek, Ohio Local leaders must use state-of-the-art science to craft a responsible development plan that protects this pristine stream. #10 Stikine River, Alaska The International Joint Commission of the United States and Canada must protect the river’s clean water, fish and wildlife, and indigenous communities by stopping harmful, polluting mines. 2019’s “River of the Year”: Cuyahoga River, Ohio American Rivers celebrates the progress Cleveland has made in cleaning up the Cuyahoga River, fifty years since the river’s famous fire that sparked the nation’s environmental movement. ABOUT AMERICAN RIVERS American Rivers believes every community in our country should have clean water and a healthy river. Since 1973, we have been protecting wild rivers, restoring damaged rivers and conserving clean water for people and nature. With headquarters in Washington, D.C., and offices across the country, we are the most effective river conservation organization in the United States, delivering solutions that will last for generations to come. Connect with us at AmericanRivers.org. ABOUT PRAIRIE RIVERS NETWORK At Prairie Rivers Network (PRN), we protect water, heal land, and inspire change. Using the creative power of science, law, and collective action, we protect and restore our rivers, return healthy soils and diverse wildlife to our lands, and transform how we care for the earth and for each other. PRN is the Illinois affiliate of the National Wildlife Federation.]]> April 16, 2019 | Blog Post American Rivers today named the Upper Mississippi River among America’s Most Endangered Rivers® of 2019.]]> 32322 0 184 0 https://prairierivers.org/uncategorized/2019/04/riverweb-news-april-18-2019/ Mon, 22 Apr 2019 14:22:36 +0000 https://prairierivers.org/?p=32344 Read our RiverWeb News for April 18, 2019 with stories on:

• Most Endangered River
• Bulldog Mine
• Clean Energy Jobs Forum
• Donate to Our Runners
• RiverWatch Citizen Scientists
• River of the Week

]]> 32344 0 183 0 https://prairierivers.org/uncategorized/2019/04/one-last-step-for-bulldog-mine-permit/ Tue, 23 Apr 2019 19:02:04 +0000 https://prairierivers.org/?p=32347 Scott Pruitt as their lobbyist) was given a year to respond to those modifications and then two extensions for a total of two and a half years to finish revisions. Despite the years that Sunrise Coal has been given to tweak their permit application, those who are concerned about the mine now have just 30 days (from April 5th) to file for Administrative Review, their last chance to challenge the permit. Members of the public who will be impacted by the mine can file for review, but the process will require technical and legal experts to review the mining permit (in just 30 days) to see if it meets the letter of the law. The clock is counting down to assess over two thousand pages of material. Many local residents are concerned about long-term harmful impacts coal mining can have on their communities: contaminating wells and groundwater, polluting air from dirty coal dust, impacting roads from heavy trucks, and contamination from toxic chemicals that can leak from above ground slurry impoundments to neighboring farmland long after mining has ceased. The Salt Fork of the Vermilion River will bear the burden of the discharges from this mine. Stand Up To Coal, a 100% grassroots and volunteer group, has worked tirelessly to protect their land, water, air, and communities from the impacts of this proposed mine for nearly a decade. Prairie Rivers Network has long supported Stand Up To Coal and has opposed the mine to protect the Salt Fork River. Please consider supporting the expenses for technical and legal expertise in this final step to challenge the Bulldog mine permit.]]> April 23, 2019 | Blog Post Illinois is on the verge of approving a new underground coal mine in Vermilion County!]]> 32347 0 182 0 https://prairierivers.org/uncategorized/2019/04/spring-2019-newsletter/ Fri, 26 Apr 2019 13:00:28 +0000 https://prairierivers.org/?p=32361 Read Prairie Rivers Network’s Spring 2019 Newsletter featuring articles on:

• Most Endangered River
• Interim Director's Notes
• Suspect Damage? Report It!
• What is Healthy Soil?
• What is a Just Transition?
• Coal Ash Cleanup Now
• Protecting Pollinators
• Members & Supporters List

]]> April 26, 2019 | Newsletter Read Prairie Rivers Network’s Spring 2019 Newsletter!]]> 32361 0 180 0 https://prairierivers.org/uncategorized/2019/04/prairie-rivers-network-names-elliot-brinkman-new-executive-director/ Thu, 25 Apr 2019 16:46:18 +0000 https://prairierivers.org/?p=32366 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: Jeff Kohmstedt, jkohmstedt@prairierivers.org, 217-344-2371 ext. 207

PRAIRIE RIVERS NETWORK NAMES ELLIOT BRINKMAN NEW EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

CHAMPAIGN -- The Prairie Rivers Network Board of Directors announced today that, after a nationwide search, they had appointed Elliot Brinkman as the organization’s new Executive Director. Brinkman, a seasoned member of the staff, assumes this leadership role at a time of significant growth and optimism for the state-wide environmental organization. [caption id="attachment_32355" align="alignright" width="300"] Executive Director Elliot Brinkman[/caption] “Elliot brings a wealth of knowledge and commitment to the organization and our mission to protect water, heal land, and inspire change,” Board of Directors President Jon McNussen said. “While our search yielded many qualified candidates, it quickly became clear to us that the most qualified person was already doing the job and doing it extremely well. His leadership over the last few months as Interim Executive Director made our decision to offer him the Director’s position permanently an easy one.” Brinkman is no stranger to Prairie Rivers Network. With over eight years of experience as the organization’s Water Resources Specialist, he is well versed in its programs and goals. Last December, he assumed the role of Interim Executive Director, demonstrating a steadfast resolve in ensuring the organization’s strength and stability during the transition. “I’m excited and humbled to take up the mantle of leadership at Prairie Rivers Network,” Brinkman said. “This organization has been a leader on environmental issues for over 50 years, and with our talented professional staff and strong network of members and supporters, we will honor that legacy as we continue to evolve and expand our work to protect the water, rivers, and wildlife of Illinois.” As Illinois continues to face environmental challenges like climate change and threats to water and wildlife, Prairie Rivers Network’s commitment to these issues is more important than ever. Despite these challenges, there are tremendous opportunities to contribute to a healthier environment and better quality of life for all Illinois residents. At Prairie Rivers Network (PRN), we protect water, heal land, and inspire change. Using the creative power of science, law, and collective action, we protect and restore our rivers, return healthy soils and diverse wildlife to our lands, and transform how we care for the earth and for each other. PRN is the Illinois affiliate of the National Wildlife Federation.

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]]> April 25, 2019 | Press Release The Prairie Rivers Network Board of Directors announced today that it had appointed Elliot Brinkman as the organization’s new Executive Director.]]> 32366 0 181 0 https://prairierivers.org/uncategorized/2019/04/what-is-healthy-soil/ Mon, 29 Apr 2019 13:00:06 +0000 https://prairierivers.org/?p=32378 What is Soil Health? Before we can get to what is healthy soil, let’s start with what is soil. Soil is made up of minerals, organic matter, water, air, and living organisms. It is both the food source for plant roots and soil organisms as well as the structure that they live in. Though it is often dismissed as just dirt, it actually contains a complex ecosystem of interconnected soil organisms that contribute to many of the soil characteristics that make land productive. For example, the water cycle, nitrogen cycle, and carbon cycle are all mediated by living organisms. Soil health is therefore a measure of a soil’s capacity to function, just as our health is measured by our body’s ability to function.

Why does it matter?

Plants rely on their soil organisms in the same way we depend on the microbes living in our intestines. They assist with digestion, provide nutrients we cannot access, and protect us from disease. When people have fewer or less diverse gut flora, they tend to get sick more easily or just don’t feel well. The same is true for plants growing in unhealthy soil; they just don’t grow well where we see compaction, reduced drainage, and nutrient run off. Plants depend on soil to provide certain functions. A healthy soil has a stable soil structure, containing an abundance of diverse soil organisms, and keeping nutrients in place so that they are available for plants and soil organisms. A soil ecosystem with these attributes provides a better environment for root development, has improved water management and nutrient availability in both wet and dry conditions, and reduces soil pest and disease pressures. Micro-organisms consume plant matter and other organisms. As they digest their food, they exude sticky carbon substances that stick soil particles together. This is how you get beautiful crumbly soil everyone wants. This structure increases the pore space in soil, which allows it to drain when it’s wet and stores water in the summer when it’s dry. Pore space also brings more air to the roots. Soil microbes subsist on dead plant matter and organisms, as well as carbon secreted by plant roots. When there isn’t a living root in the ground, or plant matter on the surface, the next best source of carbon for microbes are the exudates holding the soil particles together. Therefore it is important to make sure the microbiome is fed. The soil beneath our feet is not just a structure to hold plants up. It is a complex ecosystem—an interconnected web of organisms and their physical environment. All of the various nutrient cycles, the water cycle, nitrogen cycle, and carbon cycle are all mediated by living organisms. The state of this ecosystem affects how well these other systems work.

How does this happen?

Plants and soil organisms alter their environment to make it more favorable for their growth. These processes are often described as building their house, storing food, and encouraging beneficial neighbors to live near them. When we have lots of different kinds of organisms in an ecosystem, they make it harder for pathogens and pests to establish themselves because they must compete with the current inhabitants. Pest predators will also be more abundant when they have a consistent supply of prey throughout the year; and remember, not all prey species are pests. Most insects and microbes are either beneficial or benign.

How do you get these benefits?

There are many opportunities to improve soil health, and thanks to PRN donors we can get the word out about these methods. Practices such as cover crops, reduced tillage, and diverse rotations improve soil health by feeding the soil biology and protecting the soil structure they’ve created. However, this is a dynamic system that can either help or hinder crop production. For example, under wet, warm conditions, some soil bacteria will convert anhydrous ammonium fertilizer to nitrate, which is water soluble and can be washed off the field. Soil ecology is always an active player in our cropping systems. The only choice is whether to work together or not. The point of focusing on soil health instead of just nutrient pollution is that poor soil health results in a leaky system, which leads to nutrient pollution. Only so much progress can be made by changing how much and when fertilizer is applied, or trying to catch nutrients after they’ve left the field. To truly address nutrient pollution requires a systems change. When a field’s soil biology is healthy, it is much more forgiving of inevitable variations in weather and fertilizer practices. Investing in soil health can turn this leaky system where nutrients are lost into a tight system where plants and soil organisms trade nutrients with a handshake.]]> April 29, 2019 | Blog Post Soil health is the latest catchword in sustainable agriculture. But what does this mean? PRN's Catie Gregg has the answer!]]> 32378 0 179 0 https://prairierivers.org/uncategorized/2019/05/what-is-a-just-transition/ Wed, 01 May 2019 13:00:32 +0000 https://prairierivers.org/?p=32381 Acknowledgement of the need for a just transition has grown in recent years. The 2015 Paris Agreement solidified the need in the climate movement when it stated,“Taking into account the imperatives of a Just Transition of the workforce and the creation of decent work and quality jobs in accordance with nationally defined development priorities.” The U.S. House Green New Deal Resolution which recently has been making headlines across the country mentions a “Just Transition” in its first point. It states that the government is duty bound to, “achieve net-zero greenhouse gas emissions through a fair and just transition for all communities and workers.”

Engaging Communities

There is a saying in the labor movement that “Transition is assured. Justice is not.” The transition to a clean energy economy is already underway due to U.S. coal plant age and ever cheaper renewables. How we handle issues of justice and equity during the change is up to us. A just transition to renewable energy will involve engaging these communities and workers and supporting them with resources and policies to advance social, environmental, and economic solutions. Following a nationwide trend, Illinois has started to see the transformation of our energy system with coal plants closing in Wood River, Vermilion, Meredosia, and Hutsonsville recently, and Dynegy-Vistra threatening closure of additional downstate power plants. Thanks to the Future Energy Jobs Act, we’ve seen great increases in solar job growth, but we haven’t seen specific policies targeting development in transitioning communities.

Plans and Policies

Despite the stated need, it is clear that a just transition will not happen by itself. A report from the Just Transition Centre states, “It requires plans and policies. Workers and communities dependent on fossil fuels will not find alternative sources of income and revenue overnight.” Without leadership and action from the federal government, it is up to nonprofits, community leaders and stakeholders, and state governments to lead the way in finding plans and policies that help transitioning communities. Organizations like the Just Transition Fund (JTF) and the Delta Institute have recognized the need for deliberate transition planning. Just Transition Fund, an organization with a mission to “create economic opportunity for the frontline communities and workers hardest hit by the transition away from coal,” held its first Midwest meeting in September 2018 and has increased support for Midwest communities and organizations. In 2018, Chicago-based Delta Institute released its Coal Plant Redevelopment Roadmap, a guide for communities in transition. Prairie Rivers Network is working with these organizations, as well as our Illinois Clean Jobs Coalition (ICJC) partners to ensure that communities have the support, power, and policies to ensure that jobs and justice are at the center of Illinois clean energy economy.

Clean Energy Jobs Act

Illinois’ new Clean Energy Jobs Act, a bill championed by the ICJC and introduced to the state legislature in February 2019, seeks to begin policy implementation around just transition in Illinois. In fact, the bill has been called a “remarkable test case of one of the Green New Deal’s core principles” — social justice. The bill calls on the state to ensure a just transition, providing support for communities and workers impacted by closures in the form of “new business tax incentives, workforce training, site clean-up and reuse, and local tax revenue replacement.” The bill will define “Economically Impacted Communities and Workers,” create “Clean Energy Empowerment Zones,” convene stakeholders for input, and even prioritize site revitalization, including coal ash clean-up. The bill goes further, creating equity actions in job training and workforce development to support communities of color and low-income communities that have been disproportionately impacted by past environmental and social injustices. The transformations needed to limit global warming will require a massive restructuring of our energy economy, and our work on this is made possible by continued support and donations from our members. Thank you! If done with Just Transition practices and policies in mind, together we have an opportunity to support communities that will be hit the hardest and to raise up those that have been left out in the past.]]> May 1, 2019 | Blog Post Limiting global warming will require a transition away from dirty forms of energy towards cleaner, renewable energy sources, but what is a Just Transition? PRN's Amanda Pankau has an explanation.]]> 32381 0 178 0 https://prairierivers.org/uncategorized/2019/05/protecting-pollinators/ Mon, 06 May 2019 13:00:47 +0000 https://prairierivers.org/?p=32386 Randy, Kim, and Lennie[/caption] This winter, Habitat and Agricultural Programs Specialist, Kim Erndt-Pitcher received a grant from Patagonia to “Promote and Protect Pollinator and Beneficial Insect Habitat” on farms and private land in agricultural landscapes. With these funds and member donations, Kim will work with numerous volunteers and five farmers and landowners to prepare for, install, and maintain 50-70 single species plots of native flowering plants. The species plots will be used as seed sources for spreading the word (and seed) about the important roles native plants, pollinators, and insects play in balancing nature. Diversity is the key! Together, landowners, PRN staff, and volunteers will help maintain plots and collect and clean seed. Seed will be shared with farmers and landowners who are committed to protecting monarchs, bees, birds, and more. There are many teaching and learning moments that will be shared throughout this process. We plan on connecting people to their local farms, teaching about plant and insect ecology, demonstrating the beauty and awesomeness of the world of bugs, and having a lot of fun! Stay tuned! Kim—along with our staff video guru Robert Hirschfeld—will document this journey with the landowners, the changes in the land, and the changes in the sights, sounds, and feelings we all experience through this physical work. We will share it with you over the coming months and years.]]> May 6, 2019 | Blog Post This winter, PRN received a grant from Patagonia to “Promote and Protect Pollinator and Beneficial Insect Habitat." Kim Earndt-Pitcher will work with numerous volunteers and five farmers and landowners to prepare for, install, and maintain 50-70 single species plots of native flowering plants.]]> 32386 0 176 0 https://prairierivers.org/uncategorized/2019/05/reclaim-act-update/ Thu, 02 May 2019 18:25:42 +0000 https://prairierivers.org/?p=32398 2019 Reclaim Act Update After reintroduction in April 2019, the bipartisan RECLAIM Act was debated and voted on during the May 1st House Natural Resources Committee markup, where the bill was passed out of committee on a bipartisan basis! This passage followed a March 28th House Energy and Mineral Resources subcommittee hearing where our very own Illinois' RECLAIM Team's Dan Fisher and two other witnesses testified in support of RECLAIM. The RECLAIM Act could be a first step toward a more diverse, sustainable economy in coal communities, though other issues remain. Congress must ensure coal companies pay their fair share to compensate miners with black lung and clean up the huge abandoned mine problem that will remain even if RECLAIM passes. Congress should pass RECLAIM immediately, should also extend the black lung tax slashed on January 1, 2019, and reauthorize the Abandoned Mine Land (AML) program. After the passage from the House Committee, the next step or the legislation is a vote before the full House of Representatives. No Illinois representatives have stepped up to sponsor the 2019 RECLAIM Act. Call your federal representative today and ask them to sponsor the RECLAIM Act (HR 2156). Find your US Representative here.

From November 7, 2017

In a rare case of bipartisanship, the RECLAIM Act (H.R. 1731) was reported out of the House Natural Resources committee last month. The Act, entitled “Revitalizing the Economy of Coal Communities by Leveraging Local Activities and Investing More,” promotes economic development through reclamation of abandoned mine lands and waters in economically disadvantaged communities that have been recently impacted by a decline in coal mining. In early October, PRN's Coal Campaign Coordinator, Amanda Pankau, traveled to Washington DC to join the National Wildlife Federation and groups from ten other states to educate members of the Illinois delegation about the benefits to Illinois that the RECLAIM Act would bring. As a result of the Illinois team’s efforts, Congresswoman Cheri Bustos (D-IL-17) and Congressman Bill Foster (D-IL-11) signed on as co-sponsors of the bill. Illinois would fair better than almost any state under the RECLAIM Act, receiving $105 million to be used toward the estimated $137 million needed for our abandoned mine land reclamation work. The money comes from the Abandoned Mined Lands Fund, comprised of coal company fees paid over the last 40 years and would result in no new taxes for Illinois’ citizens. The RECLAIM Act releases the funds sooner and in a larger amount, focusing on reclaiming land that could be used for economic development. Abandoned mine lands, eligible for reclamation under the RECLAIM Act, refer to lands mined before 1977, when laws did not exist requiring post-mining reclamation. These “pre-law” lands are often characterized by steep topography, exposed refuse, no soil, and are a source of acid mine drainage. Acid mine drainage is the discharge of acid water from a mining site created by the oxidation of pyrite and sulfide minerals that were exposed during the mining process. The acidic land and water threaten our water and wildlife and the often steep, barren land limits economic opportunities for landowners and communities. Reclamation efforts have been proven successful in Illinois and seek to restore topography and drainage, rectify acidic soils and waters, and return soil to the sites. Illinois has countless examples of economic development projects on reclaimed mined lands including farms, vineyards, recreational opportunities, businesses, state parks, and industrial parks. Opportunities like these are especially important in areas where coal dominated the economy. The RECLAIM Act will focus on those areas and will also include important language that will allow community members to play a role in determining what areas and projects receive support. Prairie Rivers Network will continue to follow the status of the bill and work to ensure its success. Look for an action alert soon asking you to urge your member of the House of Representatives to speak with House Leadership about bringing the RECLAIM Act to the House floor for a vote as soon as possible.]]> May 2, 2019 | Blog Post After reintroduction in April 2019, the bipartisan RECLAIM Act was debated and voted on during the May 1st House Natural Resources Committee markup.]]> 32398 0 177 0 https://prairierivers.org/uncategorized/2019/05/riverweb-news-may-2-2019/ Thu, 02 May 2019 20:15:23 +0000 https://prairierivers.org/?p=32402 Read our RiverWeb News for May 2, 2019 with stories on:

• Spring Newsletter
• New Executive Director
• Be a Voice in Springfield
• Most Endangered River
• They Ran and Conquered!
• Emiquon National Wildlife Refuge
• Asian Carp Update
• River of the Week

]]> 32402 0 175 0 https://prairierivers.org/uncategorized/2019/05/illinois-senate-passes-historic-senate-bill-9/ Thu, 09 May 2019 20:35:14 +0000 https://prairierivers.org/?p=32489 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Illinois Senate Passes Historic Bill to Hold Polluters Accountable for Toxic Coal Sludge

SB9 Passes 39-9, Protects Communities and Taxpayers from Costs of Coal Ash Left by Big Polluters like NRG, Vistra

  Contact: Andrew Rehn, arehn@prairierivers.org, 708-305-6181 Colleen Smith, colleen@ilenviro.org, 309-643-0298 Renner Barsella, renner.barsella@sierraclub.org, 217-390-9394 Jenny Cassel, jcassel@earthjustice.org, 215-717-4525 Al Grosboll, agrosboll@elpc.org, 217-652-3866 SPRINGFIELD, IL. -- Today the Illinois State Senate passed SB9, sponsored by Senator Scott Bennett, a bill to ensure the impacted communities are protected when coal plant operators close coal ash impoundments, water-filled pits full of toxic sludge that is a byproduct of burning coal. The bill provides a framework that ensures EPA approves protective closure plans for coal ash impoundments and requires Financial Assurance to guarantee Illinois taxpayers are not stuck with the bill. Public participation and transparency for affected communities are also key aspects of the bill, which prioritizes closure of high-risk ash pits and those affecting environmental justice communities. It also assesses fees on polluters to provide Illinois EPA the resources the Agency needs to make sure closure and cleanup is done safely. Illinois has the most coal ash dumps of any state, with at least 80 dumps at dozens of sites and at every dump where groundwater has been tested, toxic coal ash pollutants are leaking into groundwater, including arsenic, mercury, lead and chromium. The toxins in coal ash can leach out for hundreds of years. It is critical that these ash impoundments be closed safely. Illinois is one step closer to following states like Virginia and North Carolina in moving forward with comprehensive legislation for safe closure of coal ash impoundments. Quotes from supporters across the state will be posted here. The bill drew major public support from individuals and groups across the state including: Central Illinois Healthy Communities Citizens Against Longwall Mining Clean Power Lake County Citizens for a Greener Illinois Earthjustice Eco-Justice Collaborative Environmental Law & Policy Center Faith in Place Illinois Chapter Sierra Club Illinois Environmental Council Illinois Peoples’ Action Little Village Environmental Justice Organization Metro-East Green Alliance Springfield Clean Prairie Rivers Network Protect the Middle Fork]]> May 9, 2019 | Press Release Today the Illinois State Senate passed SB9, a bill to ensure that impacted communities are protected when coal plant operators close coal ash impoundments.]]> 32489 0 171 0 https://prairierivers.org/uncategorized/2019/05/wild-scenic-film-festival-2019/ Mon, 13 May 2019 21:37:33 +0000 https://prairierivers.org/?p=32498 May 13, 2019 | Blog Post Join us in July and September for this year's Wild & Scenic Film Festival in Normal and Champaign!]]> 32498 0 170 0 WILD & SCENIC FILM FESTIVAL]]> WILD & SCENIC FILM FESTIVAL]]> https://prairierivers.org/uncategorized/2019/05/riverweb-news-may-16-2019/ Thu, 16 May 2019 18:19:54 +0000 https://prairierivers.org/?p=32504 Read our RiverWeb News for May 16, 2019 with stories on:

• Action Needed on Senate Bill 9!
• Clean Energy Lobby Day
• Monarch Migration
• Facebook Live on Solar
• Wild & Scenic Film Festival
• Wildlife of the Week

]]> 32504 0 169 0 https://prairierivers.org/uncategorized/2019/05/run-for-wildlife-raises-8445-in-2019/ Mon, 20 May 2019 20:25:56 +0000 https://prairierivers.org/?p=32512 PRN’s charity runners/walkers raised an incredible amount during this year’s Run for Wildlife Illinois Marathon campaign. $8,445! What an amazing job! The money they raised helps protect wildlife across Illinois through the work we do to:

• Protect Water: Our rivers provide critical wildlife corridors. By helping protect water, our runners and walkers helped give wildlife a fighting chance.
• Heal Land: Wildlife depends on healthy habitat to provide cover, to find food, and travel to breeding grounds. By helping to heal the land, our team set wildlife on a path to flourish.
• Inspire Change: Our runners and walkers are an inspiration to us and to everyone they know. It is their efforts help save wildlife that inspires us all to work harder to protect wildlife.

A BIG THANK YOU TO OUR CHARITY RUNNERS/WALKERS

• Therese Brink
• Nancy Drook
• Don Greeley
• Elizabeth Greeley
• Susan Houseworth
• Cathy Inman
• Amy Irle
• Dixie Jackson
• Gary Jackson
• Karen Kane
• Rob Kanter
• Megan McDevitt
• Cheryl Nimz
• Nudelman Family
• Dave Sherwood
• Case Sprenkle
• Carol Thomas

]]> May 20, 2019 | Blog Post PRN’s charity runners/walkers raised an incredible amount during this year’s Run for Wildlife Illinois Marathon!]]> 32512 0 168 0 https://prairierivers.org/uncategorized/2019/05/solar-group-buy-4-0/ Thu, 23 May 2019 21:39:06 +0000 https://prairierivers.org/?p=32529

Prairie Rivers Network (PRN) is a proud sponsor of the 2019 Solar Urbana-Champaign 4.0, a group buy program open to all Champaign County and Piatt County property owners.

Solar Urbana-Champaign 4.0 is a collaborative effort by the City of Urbana, Midwest Renewable Energy Association (MREA), and PRN to help people learn more about going solar and ultimately save money if they decide to add solar to their property. This is the fourth round of the group buy, building on the success of the first three iterations of Solar Urbana-Champaign, which took place in 2016, 2017, and 2018. The advantage of a group buy is the power of volume purchasing, which can significantly reduce the up-front costs of installing solar on your home or business. Crucial to the success of the program is the community outreach and education. The MREA, a 501(c)3 nonprofit that does training and education around renewable energy, works with local organizations to schedule and facilitate a number of 1-hour-long Solar Power Hours around the community. These events help interested home and business owners determine whether solar is right for them. Information includes the basics of solar, market trends, financials, how to tell if your site is ready for solar, and how to participate in the Solar Urbana-Champaign.

Solar Power Hours

All are FREE and open to the public. Check out our Facebook page to view these events. 5/22 Wednesday 6:30-7:30pm UC Independent Media Center 202 S. Broadway, Urbana IL 61801 5/28 Tuesday 6:30-7:30pm Common Ground Food Co-op 300 S. Broadway Suite 166 Urbana, IL 61801 5/30 Thursday 6-7pm Jericho Missionary Baptist Church 1601 W Bloomington Rd, Champaign, IL 61821 6/4 Tuesday 6:30pm-7:30pm Anita Purves Nature Center 1505 N Broadway Ave, Urbana, IL 61801 6/6 Thursday 6:30-7:30pm Habitat for Humanity of Champaign County 119 E University Ave, Champaign, IL 61820 6/11 Tuesday 6:30-7:30pm UC Independent Media Center 202 S. Broadway, Urbana IL 61801 6/13 Thursday 6:30-7:30pm Sinai Temple 104 Windsor Rd, Champaign, IL 61822 6/18 Tuesday 6:30-7:30pm Common Ground Food Co-op 300 S. Broadway Suite 166 Urbana, IL 61801 6/20 Thursday 6pm-7pm Monarch Brewing Company 212 S Independence St, Monticello, IL 61856 6/22 Saturday 2pm-3pm Muslim American Society 2011 Brownfield Rd, Urbana, IL 61802 7/9 Tuesday 6:30-7:30pm Piatt County Farm Bureau 427 West Marion Street, Monticello, Il 61856 7/11 Thursday 6:30-7:30pm UC Independent Media Center 202 S. Broadway, Urbana IL 61801 7/16 Tuesday 6:30-7:30pm Common Ground Food Co-op 300 S. Broadway Suite 166 Urbana, IL 61801 7/23 Tuesday 6:30-7:30pm 25 O’Clock Brewing Company 208 W Griggs St, Urbana, IL 61801 7/25 Thursday 6:30-7:30pm Stephens Family YMCA 2501 Fields South Drive, Champaign IL 61822 8/1 Thursday 6:30-7:30pm Common Ground Food Co-op 300 S. Broadway Suite 166 Urbana, IL 61801 8/6 Tuesday 6:30-7:30pm Stephens Family YMCA 2501 Fields South Drive, Champaign, IL 61822 8/8 Thursday 6:30-7:30pm UC Independent Media Center 202 S. Broadway, Urbana IL 61801 8/13 Tuesday 6:30-7:30pm Monarch Brewery 212 S Independence St, Monticello, IL 61856 8/22 Thursday 6:30-7:30pm Champaign Library – Robeson Pavilion Room C 200 W. Green St, Champaign, IL 61820 8/24 Saturday 2:00-3:00pm Sherwood Pergola “Solar Social” 1406 Maywood, Champaign IL ]]> May 23, 2019 | Blog Post PRN is a proud sponsor of the 2019 Solar Urbana-Champaign 4.0, a group buy program open to all Champaign County and Piatt County property owners.]]> 32529 0 167 0 https://prairierivers.org/uncategorized/2019/05/solar-group-buy/ Thu, 23 May 2019 21:44:20 +0000 https://prairierivers.org/?p=32537 Prairie Rivers Network (PRN) is a proud sponsor of the 2019 Solar Urbana-Champaign 4.0, a group buy program open to all Champaign County and Piatt County property owners.]]> 32537 0 166 0 https://prairierivers.org/uncategorized/2019/05/il-house-senate-pass-coal-ash-legislation/ Mon, 27 May 2019 23:30:24 +0000 https://prairierivers.org/?p=32539 For Immediate Release

Illinois House and Senate Pass Landmark Legislation to Clean up Coal Ash

Bill addresses coal ash impoundments plaguing the state for decades

Contact: Jennifer Cassel, Earthjustice, jcassel@earthjustice.org, (773) 332-6785 Colleen Smith, Illinois Environmental Council, tucker@ilenviro.org, (309) 643-0298 Andrew Rehn, Prairie Rivers Network, arehn@prairierivers.org, (708) 305-6181 Al Grosboll, Environmental Law & Policy Center, AGrosboll@elpc.org, Renner Barsella, Sierra Club, renner.barsella@sierraclub.org, (217) 390-9394 SPRINGFIELD, IL—Today the Illinois Legislature passed SB9, the Coal Ash Pollution Prevention Act, which now heads to the Governor’s desk. The groundbreaking bill addresses the many waste pits filled with coal ash, the toxic byproduct of burning coal, located all over the state. Illinois is now the third state in the country to pass legislation providing significant coal ash protections above and beyond federal requirements. The legislation creates a regulatory framework to ensure polluters, not taxpayers, pay for needed closure and cleanup, guarantees public participation and transparency around cleanups for affected communities, and provides Illinois EPA the funds it needs to properly oversee closure and cleanup. It also requires Illinois to put in place standards for coal ash impoundments that are at least as protective as federal coal ash rule requirements, with additional protections against dust and water pollution. SB9 amends the Illinois Environmental Protection Act and was sponsored by State Sen. Scott Bennett (D-Champaign). State Rep. Carol Ammons (D-Champaign) sponsored the bill in the House of Representatives. A large coalition of activists from around Illinois championed the legislation that will now proceed to Gov. J.B. Pritzker’s desk to be signed into law, including; Central Illinois Healthy Communities Alliance, Citizens Against Longwall Mining, Citizens Against Ruining the Environment, Clean Power Lake County, Earthjustice, Eco-Justice Collaborative, Environmental Law & Policy Center, Faith in Place Action Fund, Illinois Environmental Council, Illinois People’s Action, Metro-East Green Alliance, Prairie Rivers Network, Protect the Middle Fork, Sierra Club Illinois Chapter, and Springfield Clean. See quotes from legislators and coalition partners here. Illinois has the highest concentration of coal ash impoundments in the country. The Illinois EPA has found groundwater contamination from coal ash waste sites dating back to 2009. A 2018 report from environmental groups Environmental Integrity Project, Earthjustice, Prairie Rivers Network and Sierra Club analyzing data collected by ash dump owners under the federal coal ash rule found that 22 of 24 of Illinois’ reporting coal ash dumpsites have unsafe levels of toxic pollutants in the groundwater. Illinois joins Virginia and North Carolina in addressing coal ash through state level legislation.

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]]> May 27, 2019 | Press Release The Illinois Legislature passed SB9, the Coal Ash Pollution Prevention Act, a groundbreaking bill that addresses the many waste pits filled with coal ash in Illinois. ]]> 32539 0 165 0 https://prairierivers.org/uncategorized/2019/05/the-future-of-illinois-energy-community-conversation-held-in-danville/ Tue, 28 May 2019 19:44:34 +0000 https://prairierivers.org/?p=32546 For Immediate Release

THE FUTURE OF ILLINOIS ENERGY COMMUNITY CONVERSATION HELD IN DANVILLE ON 5/28/2019

Contact: Amanda Pankau, Prairie Rivers Network, apankau@prairierivers.org, 217-840-3057 Pam Richart, EcoJustice Collaborative, prichart@ecojusticecollaborative.org, 773.556.3418 Dick Breckinridge, Blue Green Alliance, rpbreck@gmail.com, 217-414-4188 DANVILLE -- Community members and non-profit groups came together on Tuesday evening at Danville Area Community College to discuss trends and opportunities regarding Illinois’ energy future. Prairie Rivers Network, Blue Green Alliance, and EcoJustice Collaborative, all members of the Illinois Clean Jobs Coalition, shared information and facilitated the conversation. The Illinois Clean Jobs Coalition (ICJC) successfully championed the 2016 Future Energy Jobs Act (FEJA), historic and bipartisan legislation that helps Illinois meet its goal to obtain 25% of its energy from renewable sources by 2025. In Spring 2019, the ICJC worked in Springfield to advance additional energy policies, the Clean Energy Jobs Act, to set Illinois on a path to more ambitious clean energy goals. Vermilion County will see an increase in solar development thanks to the Future Energy Jobs Act, with a few community solar projects being awarded during the recent state lottery. "Illinois’ Future Energy Jobs Act is proof that great things happen when we come together with the goal of achieving a clean, equitable energy future," said Amanda Pankau, Energy Campaign Coordinator with Prairie Rivers Network. "Folks in downstate Illinois are eager to gain from the economic, environmental, and health benefits that come with clean energy." Event participants discussed emerging energy trends, clean energy jobs, mine land reclamation, the RECLAIM Act, the new Illinois Solar-for-All program, as well as opportunities to help communities that have long relied on coal industry jobs. The Illinois Solar for All program was created through the 2016 Future Energy Jobs Act, but the application process for the program was just launched this spring. The program was established to make solar projects more accessible to people traditionally left out of the solar market: low-income households, including rural homeowners and renters in urban apartment buildings; people of color; and residents of environmental justice communities most impacted by pollution from fossil fuels. “I am excited to be able to share the potentials the Illinois Solar for All program offers Danville and Vermilion County residents,'' said Pam Richart, Eco-Justice Collaborative. “There are many programs that we think will be of interest, such as job training; distributed generation for on-site solar projects; community solar for off-site solar projects; and incentives for non-profits and public facilities.” Dick Breckinridge, with Blue Green Alliance, shared more information about the federal RECLAIM Act. The RECLAIM Act, entitled “Revitalizing the Economy of Coal Communities by Leveraging Local Activities and Investing More,” promotes economic development through reclamation of abandoned mine lands and waters in economically disadvantaged communities that have been recently impacted by a decline in coal mining. At Prairie Rivers Network (PRN), we protect water, heal land, and inspire change. Using the creative power of science, law, and collective action, we protect and restore our rivers, return healthy soils and diverse wildlife to our lands, and transform how we care for the earth and for each other. PRN is the Illinois affiliate of the National Wildlife Federation.

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]]> May 28, 2019 | Press Release Community members and non-profit groups came together to discuss trends and opportunities regarding Illinois’ energy future.]]> 32546 0 164 0 https://prairierivers.org/uncategorized/2019/05/green-new-deal-town-hall/ Thu, 30 May 2019 15:32:07 +0000 https://prairierivers.org/?p=32553 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Green New Deal Town Hall

Town Hall event brings together scientists, policy advocates, and community groups to discuss opportunities to address the climate crisis

Contact: Amanda Pankau, Prairie Rivers Network, 217-840-3057, apankau@prairierivers.org Ryan Hidden, Sierra Club, ‭309-265-8057, ryan.hidden@sierraclub.org PEORIA, IL—Prairie Rivers Network, the Heart of Illinois Group of Sierra Club, and several other local organizations hosted a “Green New Deal” town hall on the Illinois Central College North Campus on Wednesday night. Dr. Don Wuebbels, co-author of a Nobel Peace Prize winning report on climate change and University of Illinois Professor of Atmospheric Science, opened the conversation with a presentation on the science of climate change, how it will impact the Midwest, and the need for large-scale action to avert the worst impacts. The town hall included a question-and-answer session for the audience about how the Green New Deal, legislation proposed in Congress, would tackle the problem of climate change and the Clean Energy Jobs Act, an Illinois piece of legislation that would bring clean energy, jobs, energy efficiency, and environmental justice to the state. “Legislative action is needed to combat climate change,” said Ryan Hidden, Organizing Representative with Sierra Club. “It's a collective problem requiring collective action. Individual actions aren't enough.” Paul Campion of the Sunrise Movement, a speaker at the event, explained how a Green New Deal would tackle the problem of climate change. “Sunrise is a movement led by young people to stop climate change and create millions of good jobs in the process through a Green New Deal,” said Campion. “To make climate change a priority in the U.S., we need to end the corrupting influence of fossil fuel money on politics and elect leaders who stand up for the health and well being of all people.” Cate York of the Citizens Utility Board shared information about the Clean Energy Jobs Act, an Illinois legislation that would bring clean energy, jobs, energy efficiency, and environmental justice to Illinois. “The Clean Energy Jobs Act is Illinois’ shot at a green new deal and an opportunity to lead the way on tackling climate change in an equitable and just way,” said Amanda Pankau, Energy Campaign Coordinator with Prairie Rivers Networks. “The bill calls for the creation of Clean Jobs Workforce Hubs and Clean Energy Empowerment Zones to provide support for disadvantaged and transitioning coal communities.” Also on the speaker panel were Bill Knight, a unionist and labor journalist and delegate to the West-Central Illinois Labor Council, and Joyce Harant, a Peoria City/County Health Department Board Member. Knight shared Labor’s varying perspective of a green new deal and also what he considered inadequate and skewed media coverage of the resolution. Harant spoke of the health effects of climate change, "Harmful public health consequences such as increases in some infectious diseases, respiratory and allergy complications due to climate change are becoming more apparent and costly in Illinois, the United States and the rest of the planet. We must continue to improve our planning in order to better adapt and protect people as our climate changes but also take action to mitigate carbon dioxide and methane air pollution." A number of organizations participated in the event, including: Prairie Rivers Network, The Citizens Utility Board (CUB), Central Illinois Healthy Community Alliance, Heart of Illinois Sierra Club, Black Justice Project, NAACP Peoria Branch, Change Peoria, and the Sunrise Movement. “As a community we have to stop ignoring environmental problems because they only get worse and black and brown people are negatively impacted the most,” said Chama St. Louis, Founder of Black Justice Project. “Racial justice and environmental justice intersect, there should be a sense of urgency around fighting both.” "Climate change and other environmental injustices are about us, and our community is the most impacted but undereducated when it comes to climate change," said Marvin Hightower, President of Peoria NAACP. “Every person needs to be taking action in the climate crisis happening now. Getting factual information on the Green New Deal is important for what we can be doing as a nation,” said Joyce Blumenshine Heart of Illinois Group Sierra Club. "The Climate can't wait. In the face of federal inaction, Illinois needs to put itself on track for a 100% carbon free electric sector and begin the important work of addressing transportation emissions,” said Tracy Fox of Central Illinois Healthy Community Alliance. “CEJA couples these broad goals with programs that ensure that everyone shares the gains of the new green energy economy and its training, jobs and wealth-building opportunities provide a hand up to those so often left behind.” Photos from the event are available here.

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]]> May 30, 2019 | Press Release PRN, the Heart of Illinois Group of Sierra Club, and several other local organizations hosted a “Green New Deal” town hall on the Illinois Central College North Campus.]]> 32553 0 163 0 https://prairierivers.org/uncategorized/2019/06/illinois-senate-passes-coal-ash-pollution-prevention-act/ Fri, 28 Jun 2019 16:49:18 +0000 https://prairierivers.org/?p=32480 Illinois Senate Passes Coal Ash Pollution Prevention Act

Legislation would protect communities and water from toxic coal ash

URBANA -- Today, the Illinois Senate in Springfield approved sweeping measures to permanently protect our groundwater from the dangerous pollutants found in toxic coal ash dumps found around the state. Introduced by Senator Scott Bennett of Champaign, the Coal Ash Pollution Prevention Act (SB9) would:

• Provide a regulatory framework that ensures the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) approves protective closure plans for coal ash impoundments
• Require financial assurance from companies to ensure Illinois taxpayers are not stuck with clean-up costs
• Ensure public participation and transparency for affected communities, giving them a voice in the process
• Focus on environmental justice communities and high risk impoundments to ensure that attention is given to those most at risk
• Assess fees on polluters to provide EPA the resources they need to protect our water and communities

“This bill tells power companies that they can no longer rely on the public to foot the bill for their past legacy of waste,” said Andrew Rehn, Water Resources Engineer at Prairie Rivers Network. “We are one step closer to making sure communities are protected and our water is safe from pollutants seeping into our groundwater from toxic coal ash pits." Coal ash is the solid by-product that is left over after coal is burned for electricity — much like ash is left over after burning wood in a fire. Coal ash pollutants (including boron, sulfates, iron, and manganese) have seeped into the groundwater at sites across Illinois. Last year, Prairie Rivers Network with Earthjustice, Sierra Club, and the Environmental Integrity Project issued a report showing that there are more than two dozen coal ash dumpsites spread across Illinois that contain over 80 individual ash ponds and landfills. Nearly all of these sites sit near rivers and lakes. Twenty-two of 24 coal ash dumps are leaching unsafe levels of pollution into Illinois Waters. Senator Scott Bennett’s leadership on this legislation has been outstanding, and he and the legislative Green caucus are to be commended for their tireless efforts to make this legislation meet the needs of all Illinoians. It is now up to the Illinois House to take up this issue and pass this legislation to protect our communities and water. Information is available at illinoiscoalash.com and prairierivers.org. At Prairie Rivers Network (PRN), we protect water, heal land, and inspire change. Using the creative power of science, law, and collective action, we protect and restore our rivers, return healthy soils and diverse wildlife to our lands, and transform how we care for the earth and for each other. PRN is the Illinois affiliate of the National Wildlife Federation.

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]]> May 9, 2019 | Press Release The Illinois Senate approved sweeping measures to permanently protect our groundwater from dangerous coal ash. ]]> 32480 0 172 0 https://prairierivers.org/uncategorized/2019/06/clark-bullard-to-receive-national-wildlife-federation-award/ Fri, 07 Jun 2019 12:30:41 +0000 https://prairierivers.org/?p=32569 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

CLARK BULLARD TO RECEIVE NATIONAL WILDLIFE FEDERATION AWARD

Prairie Rivers Network board member honored for work protecting Illinois rivers and water

Contact: Jeff Kohmstedt, jkohmstedt@prairierivers.org, 217-344-2371 ext. 207

ST. LOUIS -- Longtime Prairie Rivers Network (PRN) member and board member Clark Bullard will receive the National Wildlife Federation National Conservation Special Achievement Award for his commitment to conservation in the state, his contributions to PRN, and his work to protect the Middle Fork of the Vermilion, Boneyard Creek, and the Sangamon River.

“Through tireless efforts to protect land, water, and cultural resources, you have made a measurable impact on wildlife and wild places and serve as an inspiration to others,” wrote National Wildlife Federation President and CEO Collin O’Mara in his letter announcing Bullard’s award. “Clark has been an amazing advocate for rivers and wildlife in Illinois,” PRN Executive Director Elliot Brinkman said. “His work has shaped the efforts of many activists and causes. This award is well deserved for his decades-long commitment to keeping our water and rivers protected.” [caption id="attachment_32570" align="alignright" width="146"] Clark Bullard was featured in New Choices magazine in September, 1990.[/caption] Bullard’s conservation efforts got their start in the mid-1960s with the push to stop a planned dam on the Middle Fork of the Vermilion. The work of Bullard and many other river advocates culminated in the Middle Fork receiving National Scenic River status in 1989. He has remained an important figure in protecting the Boneyard Creek in Urbana, the Sangamon River, and Lake Springfield. At Prairie Rivers Network (PRN), we protect water, heal land, and inspire change. Using the creative power of science, law, and collective action, we protect and restore our rivers, return healthy soils and diverse wildlife to our lands, and transform how we care for the earth and for each other. PRN is the Illinois affiliate of the National Wildlife Federation.

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]]> June 7, 2019 | Blog Post Longtime PRN member and board member Clark Bullard received the National Wildlife Federation National Conservation Special Achievement Award.]]> 32569 0 162 0 https://prairierivers.org/uncategorized/2019/06/riverweb-news-june-6-2019/ Thu, 06 Jun 2019 18:58:27 +0000 https://prairierivers.org/?p=32611 Read our RiverWeb News for June 6, 2019 with stories on:

• • Coal Ash Bill Heads to Governor
  • Green New Deal Town Hall
  • Wild & Scenic Film Festival
  • Middle Fork Win!
  • Meet Ryan Grosso
  • State Budget and Cover Crops
  • Asian Carp Plan Approved
  • Annual Dinner
  • River of the Week

]]> 32611 0 161 0 https://prairierivers.org/uncategorized/2019/06/most-endangered-river/ Fri, 07 Jun 2019 15:06:51 +0000 https://prairierivers.org/?p=32629 32629 0 160 0 https://prairierivers.org/uncategorized/2019/06/riverweb-news-june-20-2019/ Thu, 20 Jun 2019 18:48:41 +0000 https://prairierivers.org/?p=32661 Read our RiverWeb News for June 20, 2019 with stories on:

• • PRN's New Board Member
  • NWF Honors
  • Sign the Bill!
  • Film Festival in Normal
  • Your Membership Matters
  • Wildlife of the Week

]]> 32661 0 158 0 https://prairierivers.org/uncategorized/2019/06/a-historic-victory-for-clean-water/ Thu, 20 Jun 2019 19:37:28 +0000 https://prairierivers.org/?p=32664 Illinois Pollution Control Board Finds NRG Energy’s Subsidiary Responsible for Violating Illinois Groundwater Standards with Toxic Coal Ash Contaminants

Environmental groups’ lawsuit hailed as a historic victory for clean water in four communities; puts state coal plant operators on notice

Contacts: Environmental Law & Policy Center: Jeffrey Hammons, (785) 217-5722, JHammons@elpc.org Prairie Rivers Network: Andrew Rehn, (217) 344-2371, ARehn@prairierivers.org Sierra Club: Renner Barsella, (217) 390-9394, Renner.Barsella@sierraclub.org Environmental Integrity Project: Abel Russ, (802) 482-5379, ARuss@environmentalintegrity.org CHICAGO – Today the Illinois Pollution Control Board (IPCB) agreed with environmental groups in their lawsuit against Midwest Generation, LLC, a subsidiary of NRG Energy, alleging that four of its coal power plants contaminated groundwater with harmful chemicals found in coal ash. The pollution at those four coal power plants, located in Waukegan, Joliet, Pekin, and Will County, put the densely populated communities around the plants at risk. This is a major victory in a case started in 2012 by the environmental groups (Sierra Club, Environmental Law & Policy Center, Prairie Rivers Network, and Citizens Against Ruining the Environment). The IPCB agreed with the groups’ claim that the contaminants from coal ash at the power plants, including arsenic, boron, sulfate, and other chemicals, routinely exceeded water quality standards and, thus, violated the Illinois Environmental Protection Act. The groups alleged that NRG Energy’s subsidiary Midwest Generation, which has owned or operated the four power plants since 1999, knew about coal ash contaminants both in and outside coal ash ponds and failed to prevent groundwater contamination. The next step in this case will be a determination of remedy. The environmental groups will fight for the most stringent remedy possible, including a demand for removal of coal ash dumps at the coal power plants. “Today is a huge victory for Waukegan residents who have fought for years to see corporations like NRG Energy held accountable for the toxic waste that has been illegally dumped on our Lake Michigan lakefront,” said Dulce Ortiz, Waukegan resident and Co-Chair of Clean Power Lake County. “The Pollution Control Board’s decision is a sharp rebuttal to NRG and Midwest Generation’s claims that they weren’t responsible for groundwater contamination from its dangerous coal ash waste. It’s critical that NRG is required to remove its toxic ash from our lakefront.” “Today’s decision is a historic win for Citizens’ Against Ruining the Environment and Will County residents who have carried the burden of living next to NRG’s aging power plants and toxic coal ash waste for decades,” said Ellen Rendulich, Romeoville resident and Director of Citizens Against Ruining the Environment. “Our communities deserve to have this out-of-state corporation’s waste removed from these sites and NRG must be responsible for this clean up.” “There is a moral obligation to ensure that polluters are held accountable for the impact they have on the groundwater of Illinois communities,” said Faith Bugel, Attorney for Sierra Club. “ The Board’s decision calls NRG out, and we urge the Board to impose a remedy that holds out-of-state companies accountable for cleaning up the pollution they dump in Illinois.” “The Board’s decision affirms the broad scope of the Illinois Environmental Protection Act’s prohibition on water pollution and puts owners or operators of sites with coal ash on notice of their obligation to not pollute groundwater,” said Jeffrey Hammons, Attorney with the Environmental Law & Policy Center. “Companies that run afoul of Illinois’ groundwater quality standards due to their improper handling of coal ash do so at their own peril.” “The owners of these plants tried to deny that the groundwater was contaminated, and they even tried to deny that they knew anything about all of the coal ash buried across their properties,” said Abel Russ, Senior Attorney with the Environmental Integrity Project, which represented Prairie Rivers Network before the Board. “The reality is that coal ash on their property continues to contaminate groundwater. We are pleased and grateful that the Board could see through the smokescreen, and that they chose to stand up for Illinois’ natural resources.” "Today's decision is an important step in holding polluters accountable for their coal ash messes,” said Andrew Rehn, Water Resources Engineer at Prairie Rivers Network. “NRG's coal ash ponds at Waukegan, Joliet, Pekin, and Will County have been polluting our groundwater for years. We hope that the Illinois Pollution Control Board makes NRG remove the coal ash dumps on their property and store it in safe facilities."

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]]> June 20, 2019 | Press Release Today the Illinois Pollution Control Board (IPCB) agreed with environmental groups in their lawsuit against Midwest Generation, LLC, a subsidiary of NRG Energy, alleging that four of its coal power plants contaminated groundwater with harmful chemicals found in coal ash.]]> 32664 0 157 0 https://prairierivers.org/uncategorized/2019/07/coal-ash-on-the-middle-fork-still-seeping/ Tue, 02 Jul 2019 18:45:34 +0000 https://prairierivers.org/?p=32674 This June, PRN Staff Andrew Rehn and Ryan Grosso canoed the Middle Fork of the Vermilion River to check on the coal ash ponds that are seeping pollution into the Middle Fork. The coal ash ponds are located just behind the pictured river banks. Seepage from the coal ash continues to enter the Middle Fork. The bright orange and red staining was as present as ever, and the seeps were flowing along over 100 feet of riverbank. [video width="1920" height="1080" mp4="https://prairierivers.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/20190621_101629_2.mp4"][/video] Erosion has continued. Last year, the orange stained rock (likely shale) had formed small caves as the river eroded the rock faster than the soil above. This year, those small caves collapsed and the overburden was tipped into the river. The overburden will be washed away in future floods, and the whole process will begin again. River bank erosion and migration are a natural process, but the irresponsibly located coal ash ponds could be undercut by erosion and collapse if they remain in the floodplain. Last year, Dynegy proposed a over-sized massive bank armoring project that would create a 2000 feet long scar on the riverbank. PRN opposed the project and called for a temporary, removable bank armoring project that could be installed quickly when necessary, but also removed if the coal ash is ultimately removed from the floodplain. A corrugated metal pipe was observed. This is the first time that PRN staff have seen this particular pipe (picture above). Erosion may have unearthed this pipe over the past year, or it may have been hidden by foliage in previous years. The pipe appears to be filled with soil, but any pipe running under the coal ash ponds presents risks. In past years, a clay tile drain was found sticking out of the river bank as well. The water level was too high to see the clay tile on this trip. PRN Staff will continue to monitor the coal ash on the Middle Fork, and will share occasional updates.]]> July 2, 2019 | Blog Post This June, PRN Staff Andrew Rehn and Ryan Grosso canoed the Middle Fork of the Vermilion River to check on the coal ash ponds that are seeping pollution into the Middle Fork. ]]> 32674 0 156 0 https://prairierivers.org/uncategorized/2019/07/riverweb-news-july-4-2019/ Mon, 08 Jul 2019 13:13:36 +0000 https://prairierivers.org/?p=32700 Read our RiverWeb News for July 4, 2019 with stories on:

• • Solar for All
  • Middle Fork Pollution
  • Annual Dinner
  • Monitoring Tree and Plant Health
  • Wild & Scenic Film Festival
  • The River and The Wall

]]> 32700 0 155 0 https://prairierivers.org/uncategorized/2019/07/riverweb-news-july-18-2019/ Thu, 18 Jul 2019 18:17:22 +0000 https://prairierivers.org/?p=32716 Read our RiverWeb News for July 18, 2019 with stories on:

• • It's Time to Sign the Bill
  • Round Up for Good
  • Solar Group Buy
  • Festival Recap
  • Annual Dinner
  • Wildlife of the Week

]]> 32716 0 153 0 https://prairierivers.org/uncategorized/2019/07/tickets-on-sale-now/ Fri, 19 Jul 2019 19:18:46 +0000 https://prairierivers.org/?p=32720 Tickets are on sale now for the Wild & Scenic Film Festival taking place on September 4th in Champaign's Art Theater! We are excited to be bringing the festival back to Champaign this year.

Get your tickets today!

This year's line up includes great films like...

Ashes to Ashes

A small community in Northeast Alabama. A mayor whose town sits on the river's banks. A businessman in the Mobile Bay. All are impacted by coal ash, a pollution by-product of burning coal. Billions of tons of ash are stored in unlined pits alongside our rivers and streams causing harmful pollution such as mercury, arsenic, and other heavy metals to be dumped into waterways where we fish, swim, and drink. Ashes to Ashes tells the story of coal ash in Alabama and invites a call to action.

Blue Carbon

"Blue carbon" is carbon that's captured and stored by coastal wetlands, helping to mitigate climate change. This film is about mud and the multiple benefits that estuaries provide for us. "You never go into a wetland and just restore one benefit," says wetlands ecologist John Rybczyk. It improves water quality, provides salmon habitat, protects our shorelines, and also benefits our climate.

Blue Heart

The Balkan Peninsula is home to the last wild rivers in Europe. However, a deluge of hydropower development threatens to destroy the culture and ecology of this forgotten region. If fierce local opposition fails, the last undammed watersheds on the continent will be corralled by more than 3,000 proposed hydropower dams and diversions at a time when dams are being decommissioned throughout much of the developed world.

Downstream

Following years of intensive fertilizer use on farms, more than half of Iowa's waterways do not meet federal quality standards. Now, an unlikely coalition is calling for stricter controls to clean up the drinking water sources for millions of the state's residents.

Givers and Takers

Don Jackson in Ware Shoals, South Carolina transitions from conventional cattle production to a grazing method that improves the environment and benefits the farmer, his land, animals, and bottom line. Jackson shares the exciting early results evident within a year from when he started making these changes. Givers and Takers is a short film in Director Peter Byck’s film series, Soil Carbon Cowboys.

Greenland Melts

Dr. Konrad Steffen, the Swiss climate scientist whose research propelled Al Gore's "An Inconvenient Truth" and "An Inconvenient Sequel: Truth to Power," reveals his alarming findings around glacial melt impacts on global sea level rise, climate change, and mass migration. Greenland Melts is stunningly filmed at remote polar monitoring stations where Dr. Steffen has been tracking the melting of the Greenlandic Ice Sheet for over 25 years.

March of the Newts

Follow one of the forest's funkiest creatures into a gangly gathering of amphibious affection... and learn how you can help protect these sensitive animals from an emerging disease.

Our National Parks Belong to Everyone. So Why Are They so White?

Only 20 percent of visitors to National Parks are people of color. As the broader conservation movement continues to struggle with diversity and inclusion, many worry that the Trump administration will only make things worse. Learn about the troubling history of public lands and to meet the conservationists of color who are trying to change the parks' future.

PRN Scream Pillow

Is social media alienating you from friends and family? Does the thought of wildlife winking out of existence keep you up at night? Try the PRN Scream Pillow! Available for a limited time only! Not available in stores. Get yours today! (Films suitable for all ages -- Recommended 11+)]]> July 19, 2019 | Blog Post Tickets are on sale now for the September 4th Wild & Scenic Film Festival in Champaign!]]> 32720 0 151 0 https://prairierivers.org/uncategorized/2019/07/senator-bennett-talks-conservation-agriculture-with-vermilion-county-farmer/ Mon, 29 Jul 2019 13:51:47 +0000 https://prairierivers.org/?p=32726 Sen. Bennett visited Kevin Green’s farm outside Fithian, Illinois to learn about farming practices that protect our water and build soil health. Illinois Aqua production manager, Dave Cronke and Prairie Rivers Network Agriculture Programs Specialist, Catie Gregg, joined them to discuss the benefits of conservation agriculture practices have for water quality. Senator Bennett is the Chair of the Senate Agriculture Committee and comes from a farming family. He has been a leader in introducing legislation in support of conservation on farmland. In this past legislation session, he introduced two bills that support conservation agricultural practices in Illinois, both of which were passed. The first was SR52, a Resolution in Support of the Nutrient Loss Reduction Strategy (NLRS), a statewide effort to reduce nutrients from running off our fields and into our waters leading to the Gulf Hypoxic Zone. The second was to add soil health to the enabling legislation of the Soil and Water Conservation Districts (SB1980). While most districts already help farmers improve their soil health, making this officially part of their mission statement elevates this issue where SWCDs have traditionally been known for their work reducing soil erosion and improving water quality. Kevin Green has been an advocate for conservation practices and an associate director for the Vermilion County Soil and Water Conservation District (SWCD) for over 25 years. SWCDs provide cost-share and technical assistance to farmers learning new conservation practices through both state and federal conservation programs. The Vermilion County SWCD has been partnering with Aqua Illinois, who provides water for the City of Danville, as they work to improve water in Vermillion County. Recently they applied for a 319 grant from the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency. This grant will allow them to perform a watershed study that will better able them to target conservation in Vermilion County. Conservation projects on Green’s farm include putting his wettest land in prairie habitat through the Conservation Reserve Program, which pays farmers a rental rate to plant marginal ground with native plants to provide habitat and improve water quality. He says economically he can make more money through that program than farming it, while also providing much needed habitat for wildlife in Illinois. Green also reduces nutrient runoff by splitting his nitrogen application up and side dressing it in the spring so that it’s available when the plant needs it and has limited ability to runoff into our water. He is growing cover crops on one of his fields, and he recommends starting with just one field, or even part of a field, when trying new practices, something small so you can watch and learn from it without taking on too much risk. He says it takes three to five years and then you start to see the changes in the soil. Senator Bennett is working to support farmers like Green through state legislation and funding state conservation programs. He feels as other farmers see their successes, more farmers will start incorporating these practices into their operations. Senator Bennett’s visit to this farm is an important step in educating our legislators and helping them advocate for causes they care about.]]> July 29, 2019 | Blog Post Sen. Bennett visited Kevin Green’s farm outside Fithian, Illinois to learn about farming practices that protect our water and build soil health.]]> 32726 0 150 0 https://prairierivers.org/uncategorized/2019/07/podcast-stories-from-the-floodplain/ Tue, 30 Jul 2019 15:46:34 +0000 https://prairierivers.org/?p=32738 That Lawless Stream Mark Twain once wrote, “ten thousand River Commissions, with the mines of the world at their back, cannot tame that lawless stream, cannot curb it or confine it.” These words are immortalized in his book Life on the Mississippi, and it’s no argument the prolific author had a close relationship to the Mississippi River. But in a way, his warning has been lost with time. The Mississippi River is more constricted than ever by levees and flood protection measures. In some areas, agriculture and levee districts have raised their levees beyond authorized heights. If there is a severe flood, their land would stay dry while other places across the river, upstream, or downstream could experience up to 1.5 feet of extra water. This is an equity issue, one that must be told through the people affected by unlawful levees from their neighbors. On this episode of Stories from the Floodplain, join PRN staff member and host Ryan Grosso as he journeys to Hannibal, Missouri, to hear from people who are fearful of an age of "levee wars." Supplement Audio: The Valley of the Giant - U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Life on the Mississippi - John Greenman, Librivox Music: Mississippi River Blues - Tommy Duncan and his Western All-Stars Purple Planet Music (www.purple-planet.com) “Bumbler” by Andy G. Cohen (Released under a Creative Commons Attribution International License) Clocks - Adigold When the Levee Breaks - Kansas Joe and Memphis Minnie]]> July 30, 2019 | Podcast On this episode of Stories from the Floodplain, join PRN staff member and host Ryan Grosso as he journeys to Hannibal, Missouri to hear from people who are fearful of an age of "levee wars."]]> 32738 0 149 0 https://prairierivers.org/uncategorized/2019/07/milestone-bill-to-clean-up-coal-ash-pollution-in-illinois-becomes-law/ Tue, 30 Jul 2019 18:13:25 +0000 https://prairierivers.org/?p=32747 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Milestone Bill to Clean Up Coal Ash Pollution in Illinois Becomes Law The Coal Ash Pollution Prevention Act is a critical step in fixing Illinois’ coal ash problem

*Note a teleconference with activists and legal experts will be held at 4:00pm CST to speak about the impacts of the law. Dial (605) 313-5111, Access Code 643244

CONTACTS

Jennifer Cassel | Earthjustice | jcassel@earthjustice.org | (773) 332-6785 Tucker Barry | Illinois Environmental Council | tucker@ilenviro.org | (337) 280-1269 Andrew Rehn | Prairie Rivers Network | arehn@prairierivers.org | (708) 305-6181 Al Grosboll | Environmental Law & Policy Center | AGrosboll@elpc.org (217) 652-3866 Renner Barsella | Sierra Club | renner.barsella@sierraclub.org | (217) 390-9394 Celeste Flores | Faith in Place Action Fund | Celeste@faithinplace.org | (5020 395-8683 SPRINGFIELD,IL—Today, bipartisan legislation to protect Illinois’ citizens and the environment from the effects of toxic coal ash became law. The  Coal Ash Pollution Prevention Act will result in stronger rules for coal ash cleanup and fund cleanup programs through permit fees — while also requiring performance bonds or other financial security to ensure that companies set aside the money to close and clean up coal ash ponds. The legislation creates a regulatory framework to ensure polluters, not taxpayers, pay for needed closure and cleanup, guarantees public participation and transparency around cleanups for affected communities, and provides Illinois EPA the funds it needs to properly oversee closure and cleanup. It also requires Illinois to put in place standards for coal ash impoundments that are at least as protective as federal coal ash rule requirements, with additional protection against dust and water pollution. The bill, sponsored by Sen. Scott Bennett and Rep. Carol Ammons, passed the Illinois Legislature in May. Gov. J.B. Pritzker signed the bill into law today. The legislation was badly needed. Organizations and community leaders have demanded state action for years. A recent report by Environmental Integrity Project, Earthjustice, Prairie Rivers Network and Sierra Club found widespread pollution in groundwater around 22 of the state’s 24 coal ash dumpsites. Pollutants found in nearby groundwater include arsenic, cobalt and lithium. That report found that Illinois is one of the worst states in the nation for pollution from coal ash pits. Iconic Illinois landscapes such as the Middle Fork of the Vermillion River, the State’s only Wild and Scenic River are threatened by leaking coal ash impoundments constructed under loose regulations or no regulations whatsoever. Now that the bill has become law, the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency (IEPA) will begin writing and proposing draft rules. The Illinois Pollution Control Board (PCB) will finalize the IEPA rules once they are approved. Both the rulemaking proposal process by IEPA and the approval process by PCB will allow stakeholders and community members to provide input before the final rules are put in place.

Statewide Partner Quotes 

“Thank you to Governor Pritzker for signing the landmark Coal Ash Pollution Prevention Act,” said Andrew Rehn with Prairie Rivers Network, “We would not be here today without the incredible leadership from Senator Bennett and Representative Ammons and heroic efforts from community groups across the state. We are now taking the first steps in cleaning up the toxic coal ash stored in unlined pits across Illinois.” “With this law, Illinois is joining other states that are working to protect their citizens from toxic pollution from coal ash dumps,” said Jennifer Cassel, an Earthjustice coal program attorney  based in Chicago. “For too long, utilities have been allowed to dump this pollution into unlined pits with no regard for the consequences. That will no longer be the case in Illinois.” “By signing this bill into law, Gov. Pritzker has taken a historic step in protecting communities and the environment from dangerous coal ash pollution across Illinois,” said Colleen Smith, legislative director for the Illinois Environmental Council. “Now, polluters will be held responsible for the clean up of their toxic waste--not residents of Illinois.” “This coal ash legislation is an important environmental protection success to protect safe, clean and drinkable water in Illinois,” said Howard Learner, Executive Director of the Environmental Law & Policy Center.  “ELPC is pleased that Gov. Pritzker signed SB 9 because it will protect our water quality, air quality and public health.” “The communities of faith represented by Faith In Place Action Fund applaud the Governor signing SB9 into law. Illinois joins other states that are putting its residents’ health before industrial polluters’ profit. We look forward to working with IEPA to engage communities most affected by coal ash on the rulemaking process.” Celeste Flores, Faith in Place Action Fund “This is the most significant step to protect clean water and public health that has made it into law in years. People across the state who have struggled with the impacts of toxic coal ash are grateful that their calls for action to protect our groundwater and hold big polluters accountable have been heard. It’s now critical that the Illinois EPA develop the strongest possible coal ash rules with community input to ensure that this historic bill realizes its promise for coal ash communities across Illinois,” said Joyce Blumenshine of the Sierra Club.

REGIONAL PARTNER QUOTES

Wood River/Alton/Metro East "It is always encouraging when people who have long felt ignored and powerless discover that someone finally listened. Metro East Green Alliance members have worked for several years to get the Texas-based coal giant Dynegy and the previous Rauner administration to do the right thing--to clean up the Wood River Power Plant that was shuttered over three years ago in a responsible way and to compensate the vulnerable community left unemployed and at increased health risk," said Toni Oplt, MEGA member. "Now that SB9 is law, we feel the state legislature, Governor Prizker and IEPA have, at last, pulled up a chair for us at the table. We have faith they will continue to listen as the SB9 rulemaking for coal ash cleanup and the accompanying requirements for corporate financial assurances move forward." Waukegan “This is a great win for Coal Ash Communities, especially for Waukegan residents that have been continuously affected by corporate polluters. The Governor is putting the State of Illinois in a good trajectory in signing SB9 into law, by sending a message that environmental justice communities across the state are being put before profitable industrial polluters like NRG Energy. Waukegan residents commend Governor Pritzker and our state legislators for making SB9 into law. Our land is our children’s future and we look forward to the state of Illinois to continue strengthening protections for our vulnerable environmental justice communities.” Dulce Ortiz, Clean Power Lake County Vermilion County/Danville/Champaign “We are so pleased that Governor Pritzker has signed Senate Bill 9 into law”, said Pam Richart, Co-Director of Eco-Justice Collaborative. “Community calls to clean up pollution from coal ash dumped on dozens of power plant sites across the state, including the unlined, leaking pits along the Middle Fork of the Vermilion, Illinois’ National Scenic River, have been ignored for far too long. This bill ensures that those living near coal ash will have a say in how these dumps are cleaned up, so that water quality, public health, and local economies are protected.” “The Protect the Middle Fork Citizens Advisory Group sincerely thanks Governor Pritzker for signing SB9. This bill will help keep Illinois water resources clean in perpetuity; ensure that communities like ours have a voice in how polluting coal ash pits impacting our water are closed; and require financial assurances for coal ash impoundment closures. This is a good day for Illinois!” Protect the Middle Fork Citizens Advocacy Group Peoria "This legislation is a critical step forward in ensuring that frontline communities like Peoria, impacted by coal ash pollution, are protected and won't be left behind as we transition to a clean energy economy. We applaud the leadership of community members and legislators who have pushed for stronger coal ash protections and now it's critical that the Illinois EPA propose the strongest rules possible with public input from those most impacted." Reverend Tony Pierce, President of Illinois People's Action and Heaven's View Christian Fellowship in Peoria “The Central Illinois Healthy Community Alliance applauds the Governor signing SB 9, showing his commitment to communities that live with the prospect of abandoned coal ash pits and the toxins that threaten both groundwater and the Illinois River. The Coal Ash Pollution Prevention Act will protect communities by demanding real financial assurances instead of allowing these continually reorganizing energy profiteers to insure themselves,” said Tracy Fox, Central Illinois Healthy Community Alliance]]> July 30, 2019 | Press Release Today, the bipartisan Coal Ash Pollution Prevention Act to protect Illinois’ citizens and the environment from the effects of toxic coal ash became law.]]> 32747 0 148 0 https://prairierivers.org/uncategorized/2019/08/riverweb-news-august-8-2019/ Thu, 08 Aug 2019 18:52:21 +0000 https://prairierivers.org/?p=32781 Read our RiverWeb News for August 8, 2019 with stories on:

• • Stories from the Floodplain
  • Round Up for Good
  • Governor Signs Coal Ash Bill
  • Action Alert
  • Annual Dinner
  • Call for Nominations
  • Wild & Scenic Film Festival
  • Wildlife of the Week

]]> 32781 0 146 0 https://prairierivers.org/uncategorized/2019/08/the-martin-farm/ Mon, 12 Aug 2019 13:16:25 +0000 https://prairierivers.org/?p=32784 Jeff and Tom started by reducing their tillage. Reduced tillage improves soil health by not continually destroying the improved soil structure that soil organisms are trying to create. The first year they limited their experiment to only 20 acres. When their dad came out to see what they were up to, he didn’t say a thing. He just turned around and drove back to the house. He didn’t tell them to stop, but they knew he wasn’t comfortable trying out new farming methods. It turned out that those 20 acres produced their best corn crop that year. It took 15 years of trial and error to figure out how to make no-till work back then, and change hasn’t always gone smoothly for the Martin Farm. When switching to conservation practices, Jeff says, you have to be willing to go over speed bumps to figure out how to get past them. “A lot of people converted to no-till and then experienced a wet spring, and now they’re gone,” he said. Today, Jeff finds the technology available makes it much more doable. It is farming pioneers like Jeff that create an incentive for farm equipment companies to invest in developing new technology for farming in more conservation minded ways.

Returning to the farm and taking the next step in soil health

When Jeff Martin’s sons, Doug and then Derek, joined the farm full time in 2011 and 2013, they began adding cover crops and microbial solutions into the mix. It now takes them about three to four years to start seeing changes in soil health and yield. “The soil didn’t get ruined in a year,” Derek figures, “so it will take more than a year to fix it.” [caption id="attachment_32787" align="alignright" width="300"] Steve Bracey, Logan County SWCD staff, and Doug Martin. Steve helped the Martin’s put their first cover crops on their farm and enroll in the Conservation Stewardship Program.[/caption] Doug and Jeff started doing cover crops through a program with their local Soil and Water Conservation Program. Steve Bracey, their local Resource Conservationist, enrolled them in the USDA Conservation Stewardship Program which provides cost-share for farmers transitioning to conservation cropping systems. Then they got into directly adding beneficial microbes back into the soil to speed the process up. Together they have seen a dramatic increase in their soil health. The Martins started with 40 acres of cover crops, and now they have over 3,000 acres converted. Jeff says, “I’ve had more fun in my last 3 years than in my whole 45 years of farming.” For example, they have one 40-acre field that was always one of their worst fields because it was so wet. There’s even a wetland in the middle of it that they enrolled in the Conservation Reserve Program (CRP). CRP is also known to many farmers as the “set aside program.” It pays farmers to set aside farmland for wildlife habitat and water quality projects. Now after four years under their new program of no-till, cover crops, and added microbes, it’s one of the Martin’s best yielding fields. In fact, for the past two years it has out produced a pattern tiled field less than a quarter a mile a way. By improving the soil’s health, they have improved its structure, which helps it absorb more water when it’s wet, but also hold more water now when we’re having longer dry spells. A common question farmers ask about no-till farming is does it pay. With no-till the cost savings are very straightforward: there are reduced passes across the field and reduced fuel costs. [caption id="attachment_32788" align="alignright" width="300"] Jeff and Derek Martin discuss how they use a microscope to identify the beneficial microbes in the solutions that they add to their soil with Illinois State Representative Tim Butler.[/caption] Cover crops are more complex. In the beginning, Doug says, they didn’t spend less money, they just spent it differently. “We try to spend it better.” Often times, they left a few bushels on the table, but they were more profitable because they got a higher rate of return for their inputs. Now that their soil is really coming alive, they are able to make dramatic reductions in their fertilizer and pesticide use, another cost saver, and maintain high yields. They’ve cut back on a lot of their phosphorus and potassium and almost a third of their nitrogen. Doug sees farmers falling off the ledge every day with high input costs and low crop markets. The Martin Farm is trying to do better. They invested in their soil’s health to protect our water and their bottom line. As Derek views it, “we’re only renting the land from the next generation.” It’s their job to leave the soil better than when they got it.

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Catie Gregg coordinates our campaigns to expand the adoption of conservation cropping systems in Illinois.]]> August 12, 2019 | Blog Post The Martin’s have been soil health advocates since the 1980s. This is their story.]]> 32784 0 145 0 https://prairierivers.org/uncategorized/2019/08/summer-2019-newsletter/ Thu, 15 Aug 2019 13:00:51 +0000 https://prairierivers.org/?p=32795 2019 Summer Newsletter featuring articles on:

• Coal Ash Win a Grassroots Effort
• Director's Notes
• Stories from the Floodplain
• How Will We Save Biodiversity
• Solar Program Opens in Illinois
• Annual Dinner Preview
• NWF Honors Bullard
• One Last Step for Mine?

]]> August 15, 2019 | Blog Post Read Prairie Rivers Network’s Summer 2019 Newsletter!]]> 32795 0 144 0 https://prairierivers.org/uncategorized/2019/08/endangered-species-act-under-attack/ Thu, 15 Aug 2019 19:46:38 +0000 https://prairierivers.org/?p=32816 ]]> August 15, 2019 | Action Alert The Endangered Species Act is under attack, and we need you to write Congress to save it!]]> 32816 0 143 0 https://prairierivers.org/uncategorized/2019/08/podcast-an-engineering-paradigm/ Fri, 16 Aug 2019 15:37:25 +0000 https://prairierivers.org/?p=32828 An Engineering Paradigm Throughout history, humans have made efforts to control nature. We’ve built structures to keep rivers at bay and farmland and towns dry. But these structures have proven themselves to be far from perfect, and attempting to engineer America’s largest river has only made for worse flooding events. In this episode of Stories from the Floodplain, PRN staff member and host Ryan Grosso speaks with Army Corps engineers to discuss how we can return natural function to rivers and their floodplains while adapting to climate change and exacerbated flooding. Supplement Audio: CBS News KCTV News KHQ TV MSNBC PBS Newshour Music: Purple Planet Music (https://www.purple-planet.com) “Cylinder Three” by Chris Zabriskie (Licensed under an Attribution License) Emotional Ambient - bdProductions When the Levee Breaks - Kansas Joe and Memphis Minnie Transcripts of our podcasts are available here.]]> August 18, 2019 | Blog Post In this episode of Stories from the Floodplain, Ryan Grosso speaks with Army Corps engineers to discuss returning natural function to rivers and their floodplains.]]> 32828 0 142 0 https://prairierivers.org/uncategorized/2019/06/illinois-pollution-control-board-finds-nrg-energys-subsidiary-responsible-for-violating-illinois-groundwater-standards-with-toxic-coal-ash-contaminants/ Thu, 20 Jun 2019 19:57:30 +0000 https://prairierivers.org/?p=32908 Illinois Pollution Control Board Finds NRG Energy’s Subsidiary Responsible for Violating Illinois Groundwater Standards with Toxic Coal Ash Contaminants

Environmental groups’ lawsuit hailed as a historic victory for clean water in four communities; puts state coal plant operators on notice

CHICAGO – Today the Illinois Pollution Control Board (IPCB) agreed with environmental groups in their lawsuit against Midwest Generation, LLC, a subsidiary of NRG Energy, alleging that four of its coal power plants contaminated groundwater with harmful chemicals found in coal ash. The pollution at those four coal power plants, located in Waukegan, Joliet, Pekin, and Will County, put the densely populated communities around the plants at risk. This is a major victory in a case started in 2012 by the environmental groups (Sierra Club, Environmental Law & Policy Center, Prairie Rivers Network, and Citizens Against Ruining the Environment). The IPCB agreed with the groups’ claim that the contaminants from coal ash at the power plants, including arsenic, boron, sulfate, and other chemicals, routinely exceeded water quality standards and, thus, violated the Illinois Environmental Protection Act. The groups alleged that NRG Energy’s subsidiary Midwest Generation, which has owned or operated the four power plants since 1999, knew about coal ash contaminants both in and outside coal ash ponds and failed to prevent groundwater contamination. The next step in this case will be a determination of remedy. The environmental groups will fight for the most stringent remedy possible, including a demand for removal of coal ash dumps at the coal power plants. “Today is a huge victory for Waukegan residents who have fought for years to see corporations like NRG Energy held accountable for the toxic waste that has been illegally dumped on our Lake Michigan lakefront,” said Dulce Ortiz, Waukegan resident and Co-Chair of Clean Power Lake County. “The Pollution Control Board’s decision is a sharp rebuttal to NRG and Midwest Generation’s claims that they weren’t responsible for groundwater contamination from its dangerous coal ash waste. It’s critical that NRG is required to remove its toxic ash from our lakefront.” “Today’s decision is a historic win for Citizens’ Against Ruining the Environment and Will County residents who have carried the burden of living next to NRG’s aging power plants and toxic coal ash waste for decades,” said Ellen Rendulich, Romeoville resident and Director of Citizens Against Ruining the Environment. “Our communities deserve to have this out-of-state corporation’s waste removed from these sites and NRG must be responsible for this clean up.” “There is a moral obligation to ensure that polluters are held accountable for the impact they have on the groundwater of Illinois communities,” said Faith Bugel, Attorney for Sierra Club. “ The Board’s decision calls NRG out, and we urge the Board to impose a remedy that holds out-of-state companies accountable for cleaning up the pollution they dump in Illinois.” “The Board’s decision affirms the broad scope of the Illinois Environmental Protection Act’s prohibition on water pollution and puts owners or operators of sites with coal ash on notice of their obligation to not pollute groundwater,” said Jeffrey Hammons, Attorney with the Environmental Law & Policy Center. “Companies that run afoul of Illinois’ groundwater quality standards due to their improper handling of coal ash do so at their own peril.” “The owners of these plants tried to deny that the groundwater was contaminated, and they even tried to deny that they knew anything about all of the coal ash buried across their properties,” said Abel Russ, Senior Attorney with the Environmental Integrity Project, which represented Prairie Rivers Network before the Board. “The reality is that coal ash on their property continues to contaminate groundwater. We are pleased and grateful that the Board could see through the smokescreen, and that they chose to stand up for Illinois’ natural resources.” "Today's decision is an important step in holding polluters accountable for their coal ash messes,” said Andrew Rehn, Water Resources Engineer at Prairie Rivers Network. “NRG's coal ash ponds at Waukegan, Joliet, Pekin, and Will County have been polluting our groundwater for years. We hope that the Illinois Pollution Control Board makes NRG remove the coal ash dumps on their property and store it in safe facilities." ###]]> June 20, 2019 | Press Release the Illinois Pollution Control Board (IPCB) agreed with environmental groups in their lawsuit against Midwest Generation, LLC, a subsidiary of NRG Energy, alleging that four of its coal power plants contaminated groundwater with harmful chemicals found in coal ash.]]> 32908 0 152 0 https://prairierivers.org/uncategorized/2019/07/wild-scenic-film-festival-highlights-threats-to-environment-work-of-activists/ Wed, 10 Jul 2019 20:01:12 +0000 https://prairierivers.org/?p=32910 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: Jeff Kohmstedt, jkohmstedt@prairierivers.org, 217-344-2371 ext. 207

WILD & SCENIC FILM FESTIVAL HIGHLIGHTS THREATS TO ENVIRONMENT, WORK OF ACTIVISTS

Prairie Rivers Network Brings the Festival Back to Normal Theater for Second Year

NORMAL, IL – Prairie Rivers Network (PRN) will host the Wild & Scenic Film Festival on July 10 at the Normal Theater, the second time it will be held in Normal. The films will show the threats to the environment from climate change and pollution. They will also highlight the activists around the globe working to protect our water, heal our land, and inspire change. “These films cast the threats to our environment in vivid detail,” said Jeff Kohmstedt, Communications and Outreach Coordinator at PRN and the organizer of the event. “Moviegoers will walk away inspired to protect their communities, their water, and the wildlife they enjoy.” The Wild & Scenic Film Festival will feature nine short films on environmental topics including coal ash pollution, protecting a river and a culture from the effects of building hydroelectric dams, nitrates in runoff, and more. The Wild & Scenic Film Festival was started by the watershed advocacy group, the South Yuba River Citizens League (SYRCL) in California in 2003. This is the third year PRN has hosted the festival in Illinois with the goal of spreading awareness of environmental issues. At Prairie Rivers Network (PRN), we protect water, heal land, and inspire change. Using the creative power of science, law, and collective action, we protect and restore our rivers, return healthy soils and diverse wildlife to our lands, and transform how we care for the earth and for each other. PRN is the Illinois affiliate of the National Wildlife Federation.

###

]]> July 10, 2019 | Press Release Prairie Rivers Network (PRN) will host the Wild & Scenic Film Festival on July 10 at the Normal Theater, the second time it will be held in Normal. ]]> 32910 0 154 0 https://prairierivers.org/uncategorized/2019/08/four-coal-fired-power-plants-in-illinois-to-close/ Thu, 22 Aug 2019 18:40:07 +0000 https://prairierivers.org/?p=32845 Workers and Coal Ash Left Behind On August 21st, Dynegy-Vistra announced closure of four coal-fired power plants in Illinois. The plants include those at Canton (Duck Creek Power Station), Hennepin, Havana, and Coffeen and account for more than 2,000 MW of the downstate Dynegy/Vistra fleet, or about 25%. Vistra committed to closing 2,000 MW, but chose to continue to run their dirtiest coal plants, like the Edwards Power Station near Peoria, while closing their cleanest, the Coffeen Power Station. A Chicago Tribune analysis found that the four plants that remain open account for 80% of the asthma-triggering sulfur dioxide emitted by the company. [caption id="attachment_32846" align="alignright" width="300"] Duck Creek Power Plant[/caption] These closures have been long expected. Vistra CEO has said coal "is on its way out,” and two years ago the company’s Dynegy division asked the Rauner administration to make it easier and more profitable for the company to close the four plants they announced.

A Just Transition

Vistra has provided less than 5 months notice of plant closure and no assistance to communities or workers in planning for this economic and energy transition. Illinois has an opportunity to support those most impacted by our changing energy economy. If passed, the Clean Energy Jobs Act would support a Just Transition by creating new business tax incentives, workforce training, and local tax revenue replacement. CEJA is the only legislation that puts communities and workers first.

Coal Ash Remains

[caption id="attachment_32847" align="alignright" width="300"] Havana Power Station[/caption] When coal fired power plants close, they leave behind a toxic legacy in the form of coal ash. Long after the jobs have all left and the power plant stops pumping carbon and other pollutants into the atmosphere, the coal ash remains in unlined ponds continually leaking pollutants like arsenic, chromium and lead into our groundwater. Vistra would prefer to leave all of that coal ash in place under caps, but that could leave coal ash soaked in groundwater forever. That's why we need to make sure Illinois's coal ash rule, the result of passing SB 9, is as strong as possible to protect communities from ongoing pollution.]]> August 22, 2019 | Blog Post Dynegy-Vistra announced closure of four coal-fired power plants in Illinois, and no assistance to communities or workers in planning for this economic and energy transition.]]> 32845 0 140 0 https://prairierivers.org/uncategorized/2019/08/protecting-soil-for-the-long-term/ Fri, 30 Aug 2019 12:00:44 +0000 https://prairierivers.org/?p=32871 LaSalle Co. Farmer puts in filterstrips to prevent his soil from washing into the ditch on his own dime, when the project didn’t qualify for USDA programs.[/caption] As a seed corn farmer he plants two types of corn next to each other, where one will pollinate the other to produce a hybrid of the two. He found that he could replace his pollinating rows with cover crops after they’d done their job. This gives his cover crops more time to grow before winter hits. This gave them a head start. “It seems the headlands were getting harder and harder and pack easier, so we ended up after we mowed them down, we planted cover crops in the headlands, it keeps the weeds down, something’s growing there, and then it adds some more organic matter.”

Keeping Soil on the Land Since the 80s

Brian’s family started finding ways to keep the soil in place back in the 80s when his dad first started putting in terraces and waterways. These berms and grass strips help slow the water as it moves over the soil so that it has more time to infiltrate, deposing soil particles and nutrients before it leaves the field. Since then, they’ve put in many more waterways and filter strips to keep their soil on the land. The LaSalle Co. SWCD and NRCS staff helped with the original waterways. However, the program rules can sometimes make it difficult to qualify even if there is a resource concern. Brian found he could only enroll filterstrips next to an open body of water. However, where he had a ditch with a huge culvert draining directly into the creek didn’t qualify. In the end, he went ahead and put his own filterstrip in next to the ditch to keep his soil from washing away. While the programs can sometimes get caught up with bureaucratic rules, this is a great example about how supporting farmers when they are first learning new practices that protect soil and water can give them a safer way to explore the costs and benefits of various conservation practices. With that knowledge they are able to decide when and where it is worth it to invest in these practices on their own dime.

"I know it keeps my dirt in place.”

In the end, experience is the best teacher, and this LaSalle Co. Farmer says he uses conservation farming practices because, "I know it keeps my dirt in place.”]]> August 30, 2019 | Blog Post One LaSalle County farmer says a big concern of his is keeping his soil in his fields and out of the ditch. Protecting his soil is important for the long term productivity of his farm.]]> 32871 0 139 0 https://prairierivers.org/uncategorized/2019/08/riverweb-news-august-22-2019/ Thu, 22 Aug 2019 21:05:47 +0000 https://prairierivers.org/?p=32895 Read our RiverWeb News for August 22, 2019 with stories on:

• • The Newsletter is Here
  • Podcast: Episode 2
  • Governor Signs Coal Ash Bill
  • The Martin Farm
  • Got Nominations?
  • Wild & Scenic Film Festival
  • Save the Endangered Species Act!
  • Wildlife of the Week

]]> 32895 0 141 0 https://prairierivers.org/uncategorized/2019/09/riverweb-news-september-5-2019/ Thu, 05 Sep 2019 21:17:24 +0000 https://prairierivers.org/?p=32898 Read our RiverWeb News for September 5, 2019 with stories on:

• • Let Your Voice Be Heard!
  • Dynegy-Vistra Plant Closures
  • 'Off the Chart Heat'
  • Annual Dinner Silent Auction
  • Got Nominations?
  • Round Up for Good
  • Wild & Scenic Film Festival
  • Wildlife of the Week

]]> 32898 0 138 0 https://prairierivers.org/uncategorized/2019/09/challenges-to-a-changing-vision-of-agriculture/ Fri, 13 Sep 2019 18:49:23 +0000 https://prairierivers.org/?p=32903 Finding a Way Forward Building soil health is helping some farmers manage their farm despite current low prices and high input markets and increasing wet springs and dry summers. We learned about The Martin Family’s farm transition from conventional to regenerative farming practices that improve their soil here. However, not all farmers are moving in this direction. Conservation farming practices are not as common as they need to be to protect our water and soil for the future. So far, only two to three percent of crop acreage in Illinois has cover crops. We need something like 80 to 100 percent of acres to have cover crops on them. We need to increase by 2 to 3 percent every year. Jeff Martin finds, only 5% of farmers are willing to listen about soil health. The other 95% think we’re crazy. Most farmers are nearing retirement and resist making big changes to their operation. With the average age of farmers is near 60, this can affect a large portion of farmers. Others may see some of the benefits but say, that’s for the young farmers, and resistant to learning new management strategies and equipment when they are nearing retirement. Learning new farming practices is as much about changing social norms as about the science of building soil health. Even the language around agriculture supports conventional methods and ideas. For example, crop residue, which protects the soil and feeds the soil biology is commonly referred to as trash. This terminology reinforces the conventional ideal of a “good” farmer having a flat, black tilled field with no residue and neatly mowed ditches. In many ways, conservation farming practices are messier. Cover crops can be mistaken for weeds; untilled fields are covered in residue. It can be a completely different way of thinking.

Educating the Next Generation of Farmers

The Martins see more hope with the next generation who will be more concerned with how they are going to sustain their farm for the next 40 plus years with low prices, high inputs, and wet springs. Derek Martin says educating people about soil health is the key to getting more farmers and landowners interested in these practices. Our main agencies educating farmers about conservation practices are the USDA’s Natural Resource Conservation Service who along with the Farm Service Agency manages our farm bill conservation programs, and our local Soil and Water Conservation Districts (SWCDs). Our SWCD’s both run our state conservation cost share program and provide educational opportunities in the farm community about conservation practices like reduced tillage and cover crops. Practices that improve soil health also improve water quality. The Martins worked with their local Soil and Water Conservation District (SWCD) to enroll in the Conservation Stewardship Program which provided cost-share and technical assistance while they learned how to incorporate cover crops into their farming operation. Jeff Martin says, “Steve has always been a part of their team of people they go to when tackling new problems or trying new practices,'' referring to Logan Co. SWCD staff, Steve Bracey. The Martins have seen dramatic improvements in their soil and crops and now after starting with just 40 acres of cover crops, have over 3,000 acres converted. Conservation programs like the ones that helped the Martin’s have struggled with budget cuts and consolidation. During the Illinois budget crisis starting in 2015 we lost half of our SWCD staff leaving many districts understaffed. While Logan Co. is doing better than many Counties, Steve, Logan Co. Resource Conservationist, says they’ve had to do more with less and are often not able to spend as much time on educational events. This is further compounded by consolidation within the federal conservation programs. Despite these challenges just waiting for the next generation to take over farming is not an option. Every year we accumulate more damage from communities having to buy nitrate treatment facilities to the loss of wildlife and industry in the gulf hypoxic zone. It is also hard enough for young farmers to start up, especially beginning farmers. And with fewer staying on the farm with each generation we need to give them all the help we can. It is too much to ask them to shoulder the whole transition to regenerative agriculture. We need the transition to start now.]]> September 13, 2019 | Blog Post Learning new farming practices is as much about changing social norms as about the science of building soil health.]]> 32903 0 137 0 https://prairierivers.org/uncategorized/2019/09/riverweb-news-september-19-2019/ Thu, 19 Sep 2019 20:16:05 +0000 https://prairierivers.org/?p=32913 Read our RiverWeb News for September 19, 2019 with stories on:

• • It's Getting Hot in Here!
  • You Spoke Out!
  • You're Invited!
  • River Steward Award Winner
  • Voting Started
  • Changing Vision of Agriculture
  • Wildlife of the Week

]]> 32913 0 136 0 https://prairierivers.org/uncategorized/2019/10/collaboration-leads-to-225000-investment-in-lake-vermilion-watershed/ Fri, 04 Oct 2019 16:35:34 +0000 https://prairierivers.org/?p=32936 Vermilion County SWCD and Aqua Illinois Collaboration This month the Vermillion Co. Soil and Water Conservation District (SWCD) learned that their application for an IEPA watershed planning grant had been selected for funding. This grant will bring together $109,800 from IEPA, $40,000 from Illinois Farm Bureau, $20,000 from Aqua Illinois, plus in-kind contributions of $8,000 from the University of Illinois Extension and $7,920 from the Vermilion Co. SWCD. Together this will provide $185,720* dollars for the District to hire watershed consultant, Jeff Boeckler, to do a watershed inventory and plan for strategically implementing conservation practices in the Lake Vermilion Watershed, helping them determine where conservation agricultural practices will have the greatest impact. [caption id="attachment_32937" align="alignright" width="300"] Dave Cronke, Lake manager for Aqua Illinois’ plant in Danville, Illinois, gives a boat tour to the SWCD’s board members and staff about improvements being made on the lake.[/caption] Vermillion County Soil and Water Conservation District’s (SWCD) and Aqua Illinois have been working together to protect Lake Vermilion’s water quality since the 90’s. Lake Vermilion receives high levels of nutrients, from farm runoff and point sources like wastewater treatment plants in the surrounding watershed. This partnership started with District staff helping monitor nitrate levels in the North Fork of the Vermilion River that feeds into Lake Vermilion. Nutrients like nitrate are used as fertilizer for growing crops. However, when it gets into drinking water it can cause blue baby syndrome where babies don’t get enough oxygen. People who chronically drink elevated levels of nitrate have also been found to have higher rates of certain cancers. It is therefore important to limit the amount of nitrate that gets into our water. David Cronk, Lake Manager for Aqua Illinois’ water plant in Danville, IL says, “When people hear nutrient pollution they think about the dead zone in the Gulf of Mexico. However, it’s also causing issues for our drinking water as well, with high nitrate levels and contributing to toxic algal blooms. The Lake Vermilion Watershed is one of the highest for nutrients in the state.” To address this issue, Aqua Illinois constructed a multi-million dollar nitrate removal treatment facility to deal with excess nitrates in the water. However, this is just a short-term solution. Cronk believes working with farmers to reduce nutrient runoff is the best way to protect the water quality for the long-term. The 319 grant will help to identify problem areas in the watershed and help to assist in reducing nutrient runoff. Certain farming practices reduce the amount of fertilizer and soil that washes off farms when it rains. These include: cover crops, reduced tillage, and filter strips along buffers. Farmers can get technical support and financial assistance through the Vermilion Co. SWCD and the local Natural Resource Conservation Service (NRCS) office while learning new conservation practices. Many of these same practices also help farmers improve the health of their soil and the resiliency of their farm.

Watershed Planning Depends on Connecting with Local Landowners and Farmers

The watershed consultant, Jeff Boeckler from Northwater Consulting, has previously done watershed plans for other cities that depend on surface water for their drinking water, including Decatur and Springfield IL. Boeckler will do a lot of modeling; however, he strongly believes in the need to ground truth any model and will rely heavily on the District staff to connect with individual farmers and landowners to get on the ground information about how water is draining on the land. This connection will also be crucial for the future implementation of the plan. Getting more conservation on the ground requires more than just financial and technical assistance, but having someone you trust available when you need them. In recent years, new USDA rules and budget cuts have led NRCS and SWCD staff to spend more time in the office doing paperwork rather than working with farmers out in the field. However, building relationships and working with farmers on their specific soil health and water quality concerns out in the field is some of the most valuable work they do. The strength of these relationships is what allows District staff to get new farmers involved in conservation.

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*This blog post has been updated on 10/16 with revised dollar figures.]]> October 4, 2019 | Blog Post The Vermilion Co. Soil and Water Conservation District will receive grant and in kind contributions totaling $225,000 dollars to do a watershed inventory and plan for strategically implementing conservation practices in the Lake Vermilion Watershed.]]> 32936 0 135 0 https://prairierivers.org/uncategorized/2019/10/riverweb-news-october-10-2019/ Thu, 10 Oct 2019 18:06:22 +0000 https://prairierivers.org/?p=32947 Read our RiverWeb News for October 10, 2019 with stories on:

• • Get Your Tickets by Oct. 16
  • Climate Strike
  • Celebration of Legislators
  • Clean Energy Lobby Day
  • Solar for All
  • 3 Billion Birds Lost
  • Wildlife of the Week

]]> 32947 0 134 0 https://prairierivers.org/uncategorized/2019/10/supporting-the-goals-of-the-nutrient-loss-reduction-strategy/ Mon, 14 Oct 2019 09:30:24 +0000 https://prairierivers.org/?p=32950 (Photo credit: Jason Lindsey)[/caption] Our state is one of the leading contributors of nutrient pollution to the Mississippi River and the Gulf of Mexico. Researchers recently announced that this year the excess fertilizer from farm fields carried to the Gulf of Mexico helped in the development of a low-oxygen “dead zone” in the Gulf of Mexico that covered an area of 6,952 square miles – the 8th largest ever measured. Though the dead zone in the Gulf is devastating, we should also remember that the first waters that are impacted are in our own backyards. Illinois waters receive nitrate and phosphorus from farm runoff and point sources like discharges from wastewater treatment plants. As they flow towards the Gulf, these nutrients first enter our rivers and lakes where they can cause harmful algal blooms which are toxic to pets, wildlife and people. Nitrate is also a drinking water contaminant on its own and costs hundreds of thousands to millions of dollars to remove with a treatment plant. In Illinois, hunters and anglers, paddlers and nature lovers, farmers, and those who rely on our rivers and lakes for drinking water all have a stake in reducing nutrient pollution for Illinois. Below you can read more about the diverse organizations in Illinois that have incorporated the goals of the Illinois Nutrient Loss Reduction Strategy into their work.

Izaak Walton League of America

The Izaak Walton League of America was formed nearly 100 years ago, in northeast Illinois, by a group of anglers concerned about loss of fish habitat and poor water quality. That legacy carries the organization today as it continues to advocate for common sense conservation measures in order to preserve our resources for the next generation. This includes the protection of our lakes and rivers, soils, woodlands, habitat for all species, air quality, and ample opportunities for public land access and enjoyment. We believe in all forms of outdoor recreation activities as a way to enhance our quality of life, including hunting, fishing, hiking, boating including canoeing and kayaking, wildlife viewing, bird watching, etc. To that end, we are very concerned about the increased levels of nutrient pollution (nitrogen, phosphorous, soil loss, animal waste, etc.) that is negatively impacting Illinois’ waters and related resources, and our outdoor experiences. We believe that all Illinois citizens deserve such opportunities and therefore urge the state’s policy makers to enact the necessary conservation measures to protect those opportunities for all.

Mississippi River Network

The Mississippi River Network (MRN) whose mission is a healthy Mississippi River for the land, water, wildlife, and people, is focused on reducing nutrient pollution because of the many harmful impacts it has on water quality in the River and the Gulf of Mexico. Nutrient pollution does not only cause the hypoxic zone in the Ggulf, which harmfully impacts aquatic life and the fishing and shrimping industry, but it also affects drinking water locally and downstream, it negatively impacts human health and recreation on the River and its tributaries, and impacts economies. MRN works to reduce nutrient pollution through non-partisan education and engagement of local, state, and federal decision-makers and by educating and engaging our 20,000 River Citizens who are folks of voting age who have taken a pledge to be a guardian and caretaker of our great River.

Natural Land Institute

The Natural Land Institute’s mission is to protect natural lands for people, plants and animals. T, the effects of nutrient pollution on our land and water resources makes our work especially critical in a time of loss of environmental protections. Nutrient pollution not only destroys the functioning of natural terrestrial and aquatic systems and impacts wildlife, but it also causes human health problems due to polluting our drinking water as well as negatively affecting property values. The health and economic effects of this pollution is that we invest billions of dollars every year for clean up, remediation activities and health care rather than preventing those [caption id="attachment_32989" align="alignright" width="300"] (Photo credit: Jason Lindsey)[/caption] contaminants from affecting our quality of life up front. Our organization works to prevent and mitigate those damages by strategically protecting land and water resources not only for plants and animals, but for people, and advocating for those protections as we continually illustrate how inextricably linked we are with our natural environment. Nutrient pollution negatively impacts our work because we need to constantly manage and restore the lands we have protected from outside pollution stressors. This is very expensive, strains capacity, yet needs to be done because of our responsibility to the resource, to our mission, and to keep our promise to our donors, funders, and our community.

Illinois Paddling Council

The Illinois Paddling council is dedicated to promoting the safe enjoyment of all disciplines of canoeing and kayaking in Illinois, to assure access to the state’s waters and to protect and preserve the natural resources within the state. One member says, "I have been paddling on the Des Plaines River for 50 years. The amount of seaweed in the river has increased tremendously. I have been told that it is caused by fertilizer runoff and some of the process used to treat water. It is as bad this year as it has ever been.”

Pheasants Forever

Pheasants Forever and Quail Forever focuses our efforts on creating quality habitat across Illinois. Wildlife habitat contributes to the NLRS by replacing low production areas on farms with perennial vegetation. These areas can reduce soil erosion, reduce inputs, and help improve water quality all while providing year-round cover for a myriad of wildlife species and helping farmers improve their bottom line. Through a whole-farm approach, there’s room for good production and good wildlife habitat on every farm. PF/QF is extremely supportive of measures to reduce nutrient loading into Illinois waters while improving land and production across the state.

Association of Illinois Soil and Water Conservation Districts

The Association of Illinois Soil and Water Conservation Districts (AISWCD), is a grass roots organization formed in 1948. It is made up and serves the member Soil and Water Conservation Districts (SWCDs) of Illinois. SWCDs work to protect Illinois’ greatest assets – the rich, fertile soils and water resources of the state through strategic conservation efforts. SWCDs, working in conjunction with agricultural as well as environmental stakeholders, have for decades over played a central role in efforts to protect and sustain the viability of Illinois’ natural resources for future generations. Today, conservation districts must continually adapt to new and emerging challenges. SWCDs provide valuable technical assistance on a variety of natural resource issues in both rural and urban settings which include; water quality, soil conservation, nutrient management, sustainable land use, and conservation education. The AISWCD supports the mantra “Clean water, healthy soils.”

National Wildlife Federation

Much progress has been made in cleaning up rivers and streams since the Clean Water Act was passed, but agricultural and urban runoff continue to impair water quality in our rivers, lakes, and coastal waters to the detriment of both people and wildlife. National Wildlife Federation is working at the federal and regional levels to reduce nutrient pollution through advocating for: limits on nitrogen and phosphorus loads on waterbodies across the United States most at risk of toxic algae outbreaks, contaminated drinking water supplies, and ecological dead zones; Farm Bill incentives and provisions to help provide landowners with financial and technical assistance to expand the use of cover crops, riparian and wetland buffers, and manure and fertilizer management to reduce agricultural pollution of key rivers and streams; targeted state efforts to adopt strategies to reduce nitrogen and phosphorus pollution and strong numeric standards for limiting nitrogen and phosphorus pollution; water quality improvements to protect source water areas and watersheds for drinking water supplies; strong Clean Water Act safeguards for our nation’s wetlands and streams that help prevent excess fertilizer from entering larger streams and rivers; and much more.

Agricultural Watershed Institute

The Agricultural Watershed Institute (AWI) mission is to conduct research and educational programs on practices and policies that improve water quality, maintain or restore ecosystem health, and conserve and manage land and water resources in agricultural watersheds. Much of AWI’s on-farm R&D is conducted in that watershed including early work on denitrifying bioreactors and saturated buffers when those practices were still in the experimental stage. The City of Decatur has one of the largest public water supply systems that has installed ion exchange treatment in order to consistently meet the federal drinking water standard for nitrate of 10 mg/l as N. [caption id="attachment_32988" align="alignright" width="300"] (Photo credit: Jason Lindsey)[/caption] AWI’s work on nutrient loss reduction includes significant focus on the potential role of perennial crops for co-production of agricultural goods (animal feed, bioenergy/bioproduct feedstock, perennial grain, and agroforestry products) plus ecosystem services (improved water quality and hydrology, soil health, wildlife/biodiversity, and climate mitigation/adaptation). Such multifunctional cropping systems can be, and in our view should be, an important component of enhancing the environmental, economic, and social performance of agricultural watersheds over the next 20+ years. AWI and our university and NGO partners in the Green Lands Blue Waters consortium would like to encourage greater effort by USDA, the State of Illinois, and private industry to create policy incentives and commercial markets for perennial crops in order to achieve these environmental benefits for the people and ecosystems of Illinois.

Prairie Rivers Network

Prairie Rivers Network works to protect our water resources. Illinois is a land of rivers. We depend on them for our drinking water, recreation, transportation, and even food. More often than not these depend on the lands that surround them. We promote a vision of a regenerative agriculture system which contributes to resilient farms, soil health, and clean water. We advance advocate for adequate funding for the conservation programs that help farmers incorporate conservation practices into their operation. We work with farmers directly, providing educational opportunities about regenerative farming systems, and share stories about their transition to a new way of farming. We have also been tracking nitrate leaching into our drinking water. Every year 8-10 communities have their water go over the safe drinking water standard and have to invest in nitrate treatment. Each year we see other towns start reaching the nitrate limit. This is a problem that is growing. Our State's Nutrient Loss Reduction Strategy needs greater financial support and a more direct plan for how we are going to reach a 45% reduction in phosphorus and nitrate by 2035. These goals are not just important for reducing dead zone in the Gulf of Mexico, but for protecting our own drinking water at home.

Illinois Environmental Council

IEC is devoted to working with our partners in the conservation and agriculture sectors to explore the best ways to reduce the amount of nutrient pollution in our surface waters and ultimately into the gulf. We have promoted the Nutrient Loss Reduction Strategy to Illinois legislators and held stakeholder meetings to identify the best ways to meet the goals outlined in the strategy. We take Illinois lawmakers to farms and conservation properties in their districts to show off conservation practices that are in use and educate lawmakers about the benefits of implementation. We also work with partners to incentivize regenerative agriculture practices and educate farmers about the benefits of soil health.]]> October 14, 2019 | Blog Post Though the dead zone in the Gulf is devastating, we should also remember that the first waters that are impacted are in our own backyards. ]]> 32950 0 133 0 https://prairierivers.org/uncategorized/2019/10/get-your-tickets-to-the-dinner-today/ Mon, 14 Oct 2019 21:02:15 +0000 https://prairierivers.org/?p=33032 October 14, 2019 | Event The deadline for getting tickets to the Oct. 25 dinner is this Wednesday, Oct. 16!]]> 33032 0 132 0 https://prairierivers.org/uncategorized/2019/10/riverweb-news-october-24-2019/ Thu, 24 Oct 2019 18:10:07 +0000 https://prairierivers.org/?p=33045 Read our RiverWeb News for October 24, 2019 with stories on:

• • Protecting Our Water
  • Seed Collection
  • Annual Dinner
  • Thank You, Kim Curtis!
  • EarthShare
  • Killer Heat
  • Patagonia Pint Nite in Peoria
  • Wildlife of the Week

]]> 33045 0 131 0 https://prairierivers.org/uncategorized/2019/10/prn-to-celebrate-award-winners/ Fri, 25 Oct 2019 14:34:45 +0000 https://prairierivers.org/?p=33047 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Prairie Rivers Network to Award River Steward, Outstanding Public Servants, and Volunteers of The Year

Contact: Jeff Kohmstedt, Prairie Rivers Network, jkohmstedt@prairierivers.org, 217-344-2371 ext. 207 CHAMPAIGN, IL – Prairie Rivers Network (PRN) will celebrate the volunteer activities of several award winners from across Illinois at the PRN Annual Fundraising Dinner on October 25th beginning at 6:00pm at the I Hotel and Conference Center, 1900 S 1st St, Champaign, Illinois. State Senator Scott Bennett and State Representative Carol Ammons of Champaign, Illinois and State Representative Mike Marron of Danville, Illinois will receive this year’s Outstanding Public Servants Award for their work on the Coal Ash Pollution Prevention Act which became law in July. The new law puts Illinois on a path to solving its coal ash problem. Fred Newport of Champaign, Illinois will receive this year’s River Steward Award for his volunteer work at the Homer Lake Forest Preserve and Kaufman Lake in Champaign. Newport volunteered 120+ days last year removing acres of invasive species along the shoreline and fishing out trash from the lakes. Finally, Randy and Grace Madding of Makanda, Illinois will receive this year’s Volunteers of the Year Award for their dedication to protecting biodiversity and pollinators, and in helping Prairie Rivers Network expand its pollinator program. “Prairie Rivers Network is most proud to recognize these dedicated award winners for their commitment to protecting our water, healing our land, and inspiring change in others,” PRN Executive Director Elliot Brinkman said. “Their work embodies what it means to be a steward for the environment.” The keynote speakers will be Jonathan Lundgren, a former USDA scientist and an outspoken critic of industrial agriculture, particularly those practices and chemicals that have been catastrophic for biodiversity. He received his PhD from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. At Prairie Rivers Network (PRN), we protect water, heal land, and inspire change. Using the creative power of science, law, and collective action, we protect and restore our rivers, return healthy soils and diverse wildlife to our lands, and transform how we care for the earth and for each other. PRN is the Illinois affiliate of the National Wildlife Federation.

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]]> October 25, 2019 | Press Release PRN will celebrate the volunteer activities of several award winners from across Illinois at the Annual Fundraising Dinner!]]> 33047 0 130 0 https://prairierivers.org/uncategorized/2019/10/2019-annual-dinner-round-up/ Tue, 29 Oct 2019 19:12:44 +0000 https://prairierivers.org/?p=33052 October 25th's PRN Annual Dinner was a resounding success! Over 335 people attended the event at the iHotel and Conference Center in Champaign to celebrate our award winners, to hear from an outspoken keynote speaker on the dangers of industrial agriculture, and to enjoy the friendship and camaraderie that makes our annual dinner the environmental event of the year in Illinois. The final tally won't be compiled for a week or two, but your outpouring of support in donations was incredible. Thank you for giving!

River Steward of the Year

This year’s River Steward Award goes to Fred Newport. A tireless volunteer with the Homer Lake Forest Preserve and Kaufman Lake in Champaign, Newport embodies the spirit of river stewardship, having kayaked and volunteered at Homer Lake over 120 days last year. He also began a lake steward program with the Champaign County Forest Preserve District. In the words of the district, “Few volunteers have done more than Fred Newport to protect the water resources of the Champaign County Forest Preserve District and Champaign Park District.” PRN Attorney and Policy Specialist Kim Knowles presented Newport with this year’s well deserved award. Congratulations, Fred!

Volunteers of the Year Award

This year’s Volunteer of the Year Award went to Grace and Randy Madding, two people who have done much to protect biodiversity and pollinators and in helping PRN expand our pollinator program. PRN Habitat and Agriculture Programs Specialist Kim Erndt-Pitcher presented the award.

Outstanding Public Servant Award

This year’s Outstanding Public Servant Award goes to a trio of legislators who helped pass the Coal Ash Pollution Prevention Act which became law in July. Before the bill reached the governor's desk, it faced many hurdles. State Senator Scott Bennett led the charge, negotiated the bill, and ran it through the Senate on Clean Energy Lobby Day. State Representative Carol Ammons took the bill through the House in little more than three weeks' time. And State Representative Mike Marron immediately signed on as chief cosponsor in the House adding bi-partisan support to the bill. We thank Senator Bennett, Representative Ammons, and Representative Marron for their work in passing this important legislation. “We would not be here today without the incredible leadership from Senator Bennett, Representative Ammons, Representative Marron, and the heroic efforts from community groups across the state,” PRN Water Resources Engineer Andrew Rehn said. “We are now taking the first steps in cleaning up the toxic coal ash stored in unlined pits across Illinois.”

Keynote Speaker

Dr. Jonathan Lundgren was this year’s keynote speaker and had tough words to convey about industrial agriculture, how we farm, and how when it comes to scientists and farming, communication has been decidedly one-way (scientist to farmer). Lundgren's listening approach came out of his experience working as a researcher for 15 years at the USDA. It wasn’t until he left the department and became a farmer in South Dakota that he “was able to walk a mile in their shoes.” He turned his attention to listening to what regenerative agriculture farmers had to say about their experiences and what worked to drive his research. His thought provoking talk will be remembered for years to come.

Thank You!

Lastly, PRN member Debbie Campbell told us why she was inspired to give to PRN, and attendees took it to heart. With the silent auction and your generous gifts, you will help us protect water, heal land, and inspire change in 2020. We are so grateful for your continued commitment in PRN and the work we do. Thank you for being a member, and thank you for giving this year! [FAG id=33055]]]> October 29, 2019 | Blog Post Over 335 people celebrated our award winners at this year's Annual Dinner in Champaign!]]> 33052 0 129 0 https://prairierivers.org/uncategorized/2019/11/riverweb-news-november-7-2019/ Tue, 12 Nov 2019 16:44:01 +0000 https://prairierivers.org/?p=33081 Read our RiverWeb News for November 7, 2019 with stories on:

• • You Gave Big
  • Do You Facebook?
  • Clean Energy Jobs Act Lobby Day
  • Farm Viability Conference
  • PRN Goes to Washington
  • Wildlife of the Week

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]]> 33081 0 128 0 https://prairierivers.org/uncategorized/2019/11/nutrient-loss-reduction-strategy-biennial-report/ Tue, 19 Nov 2019 16:55:56 +0000 https://prairierivers.org/?p=33090 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Nov. 18, 2019

ILLINOIS OVER 200 YEARS FROM REACHING NUTRIENT POLLUTION REDUCTION GOALS

Conservation and Sustainable Agriculture Groups Respond to IEPA Agriculture Pollution Report

Contacts: Tucker Barry, tucker@ilenviro.org, 337-280-1269 Jeff Kohmstedt, jkohmstedt@prairierivers.org, 217-344-2371 x 207 Piero Taico, piero@ilstewards.org 312-505-9922 SPRINGFIELD, IL — Conservation and sustainable agriculture organizations working to reduce nutrient pollution in Illinois waterways have issued the following joint statement in response to the release of the Illinois Nutrient Loss Reduction Strategy (NLRS) Biennial Report by the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency (IEPA) and the Illinois Department of Agriculture (IDOA): “This report confirms long-held concerns that soil erosion and harmful pollution associated with agriculture is continuing at an alarming rate. Nitrates and phosphorus are increasing--the opposite of the direction we should be moving--and the consequences are serious both here in Illinois, down the Mississippi River, and across the world. “We are seeing thousands of new cover crop acres added per year. To meet our 2035 goals we need over a million new acres of cover crops every year. At the current rate of adoption, Illinois will not reach our nutrient pollution reduction goals for over 200 years.¹ “One practice alone will not solve the nutrient loss issue. A combination of infield practices (cover crops, conservation tillage, nutrient management, etc.) and edge-of-field practices need to be adopted at a faster rate. In areas with tile drainage, constructed wetlands, bioreactors, and saturated buffers need to be implemented to capture and remove nitrates before they leave the field and enter downstream waters. “The NLRS relies on voluntary adoption of conservation practices like cover crops, but this report points to another alarming observation--that public funding for educational outreach programs aimed at expanding the use of cover crops had decreased over the last few years, setting us far behind our nutrient pollution goals. To reach our goals, Illinois will need to increase its support for farmers to incorporate conservation into their farms. “With so far to go, there are many solutions on the table to help us ramp up our nutrient pollution reduction, but we all agree that a comprehensive climate adaptation plan will help meet nutrient loss reduction goals, face increasingly uncertain weather, protect drinking water and farmers' bottom lines, secure our food supply and rehabilitate the ecosystem in the Gulf of Mexico.” The organizations releasing this statement today include: Illinois Environmental Council, Delta Institute, Illinois Stewardship Alliance, Izaak Walton League of America, The Wetlands Initiative and Prairie Rivers Network. BACKGROUND INFORMATION The Illinois Nutrient Loss Reduction Strategy lays out a plan to leverage existing programs to optimize nutrient loss reduction while promoting collaboration, research, and innovation among the private sector, academia, non-profits, wastewater treatment agencies, the agricultural sector, and state and local government. The primary strategy goals are to reduce annual loading of nitrate-nitrogen and total phosphorus to the Mississippi River and address the impacts of local water quality. The ultimate goal is to achieve 45 percent loss reductions in both nitrate-nitrogen and total phosphorus, with the interim loss reduction goals of 15 percent in nitrate-nitrogen and 25 percent total phosphorus by 2025. This Biennial Report on the Illinois Nutrient Loss Reduction Strategy describes actions taken to achieve the goals since the document’s release. Reflecting the strategy, efforts have been focused in three sectors that can play significant roles: agriculture, point source, and urban stormwater.

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¹Calculated using the Census of Agriculture’s 2012 and 2017 data.]]> November 19, 2019 | Press Release IEPA and IDOA released their second Biennial Report tracking the progress of our state's Nutrient Loss Reduction Strategy. Here are the results.]]> 33090 0 127 0 https://prairierivers.org/uncategorized/2019/11/use-facebook-for-good/ Wed, 20 Nov 2019 13:00:59 +0000 https://prairierivers.org/?p=33099 Giving Tuesday is on December 3rd, and to kick off the campaign, we are encouraging folks to start a Facebook fundraising campaign (https://www.facebook.com/fundraisers) to help PRN protect water, heal land, and inspire change across Illinois.

Gift Match

The PRN Board of Directors will donate $100 to each of the first ten fundraising campaigns started on Facebook! That’s right. Start a campaign now, ask folks to make a donation, and you’re guaranteed to raise at least $100 for PRN.

How to Set It Up

It is easy to set up, and it only takes a few minutes to do. But the impact you’ll have is huge! How do you set up a fundraiser on Facebook?

1. Log into your account and under Explore, click Fundraisers
2. Select Prairie Rivers Network as your nonprofit
3. Choose a goal, when you want the fundraiser to begin, and tell your story
4. Then choose a photo

It’s that easy! PRN staffer Jeff Kohmstedt set his up and has already raised $70 towards his goal in less than 4 hours. If you need help, contact him at jkohmstedt@prairierivers.org.]]> November 20, 2019 | Blog Post Giving Tuesday is on December 3rd, and we are encouraging folks to start a Facebook fundraising campaign! ]]> 33099 0 126 0 https://prairierivers.org/uncategorized/2019/11/riverweb-news-november-21-2019/ Thu, 21 Nov 2019 21:56:47 +0000 https://prairierivers.org/?p=33132 Read our RiverWeb News for November 21, 2019 with stories on:

• • 200 Years Too Long
  • Giving Tuesday Donor Match
  • Thank You, Senator Duckworth!
  • Just Transition
  • Wildlife of the Week

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]]> 33132 0 125 0 https://prairierivers.org/uncategorized/2019/12/riverweb-news-december-5-2019/ Thu, 05 Dec 2019 16:08:02 +0000 https://prairierivers.org/?p=33134 Read our RiverWeb News for December 5, 2019 with stories on:

• • Double Your Gift Thanks to Patagonia
  • Tree Damage Continues to Rise
  • Illinois Falls Short of NLRS Goal
  • The Results Are In!
  • Climate Strike December 6th
  • Calling All Runners & Walkers!
  • Wildlife of the Week

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]]> 33134 0 124 0 https://prairierivers.org/uncategorized/2019/12/winter-2019-newsletter/ Mon, 16 Dec 2019 13:00:26 +0000 https://prairierivers.org/?p=33154 A bullfrog ... ribbit (Photo credit: Rob Kanter)[/caption] Read Prairie Rivers Network’s 2019 Winter Newsletter featuring articles on this year's accomplishments.]]> December 16, 2019 | Blog Post Read Prairie Rivers Network’s 2019 Winter Newsletter!]]> 33154 0 122 0 https://prairierivers.org/uncategorized/2019/12/lawsuit-launched-to-protect-lake-sturgeon/ Wed, 11 Dec 2019 20:13:55 +0000 https://prairierivers.org/?p=33159 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Lawsuit Launched to Force Trump Administration to Protect Lake Sturgeon

Less Than 1% of Fish Population Remains in Great Lakes, Mississippi River

Contact: Jeff Miller, (510) 499-9185, jmiller@biologicaldiversity.org CHICAGO— Conservation groups sent a notice today of their intent to sue the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service for delaying a determination of whether lake sturgeon will be protected under the Endangered Species Act. The Service made an initial finding earlier this year that listing the sturgeon as threatened or endangered may be warranted. But the agency missed a May 2019 deadline for determining whether the giant, ancient fish actually warrants protection. “These ancient survivors swam with dinosaurs 200 million years ago, but sturgeon need our help to survive climate change and the damage we’ve done to their river and lake habitats,” said Jeff Miller at the Center for Biological Diversity. “Lake sturgeon are an integral part of the Great Lakes. If they’re going to be part of the region’s future, we need a concerted effort to remove dams and restore rivers.” “We hope this will bring a swift resolution on Endangered Species Act protection so we can get to the critical and urgent work of restoring lake sturgeon in the Great Lakes and Mississippi River basin,” said Kim Knowles with Prairie Rivers Network. "The lake sturgeon's listing and accompanying recovery efforts are long overdue, and we look forward to this magnificent fish thriving once again in the Ohio River basin and Lake Michigan," said Tim Maloney with the Hoosier Environmental Council. The lake sturgeon is an ancient fish that lives primarily in the Great Lakes and the Mississippi River basin. Sturgeon can live up to 100 years, grow more than 8 feet long, and weigh nearly 300 pounds. The species’ numbers have declined more than 99% over the past century because of overfishing, dams and pollution. There are now only nine remaining populations in the United States with more than 1,000 adult fish. A May 2018 petition by the Center for Biological Diversity requested a “threatened” listing under the Endangered Species Act for all lake sturgeon in the United States, or alternatively separately listing distinct populations of lake sturgeon as threatened or endangered. The Service made an initial finding in August 2019 that protecting the lake sturgeon may be warranted and that there may be distinct sturgeon populations in Lake Superior, western Lake Michigan, the upper Mississippi River basin, and the Ohio River basin. The Service initiated a scientific status review, with a public comment period running through Dec. 31, 2020. The Center for Biological Diversity, Fishable Indiana Streams for Hoosiers, Hoosier Environmental Council and Prairie Rivers Network jointly filed today’s notice. The organizations are represented by the Abrams Environmental Law Clinic at the University of Chicago Law School.

Background

In the late 1800s, before commercial fisheries decimated lake sturgeon runs, more than 15 million lake sturgeon lived in the Great Lakes. They are now reduced to less than 1% of historic levels, with limited natural recovery of most remaining spawning populations. Dams and hydroelectric facilities continue to harm lake sturgeon by blocking access to spawning habitat, fragmenting sturgeon populations and altering stream flows. Other threats to sturgeon include river dredging and channelization, habitat fragmentation, climate change and invasive species. Many states and tribal organizations are working to restore sturgeon spawning populations. Most states within the fish’s range prohibit or limit harvest. Although many current restoration efforts are aimed at bringing lake sturgeon back to rivers and tributaries where they once spawned, depleted sturgeon populations take many decades to recover, and the vast majority of spawning runs have been lost.

The Center for Biological Diversity is a national, nonprofit conservation organization with more than 1.6 million members and online activists dedicated to the protection of endangered species and wild places.

]]> December 11, 2019 | Press Release PRN and other groups sent a notice today of their intent to sue the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service for delaying a determination of whether lake sturgeon will be protected under the Endangered Species Act.]]> 33159 0 123 0 https://prairierivers.org/uncategorized/2019/12/year-in-review-protect-water/ Wed, 18 Dec 2019 07:00:59 +0000 https://prairierivers.org/?p=33116 Attendees of an IEPA hearing on the Middle Fork show that they want the coal ash moved[/caption] This year has presented significant hurdles to our water resources with the rollback of the Clean Water Act, significant flooding all year long, and threats posed by polluters. Despite those challenges, together we have taken huge steps in protecting our water in Illinois and beyond.

Coal Ash Pollution Prevention Act

After years of work, advocacy, and grassroots organization, the Illinois General Assembly passed landmark legislation that will help protect the rivers and water of our state from coal ash, and PRN was there every step of the way in crafting the bill, helping organize grassroots turn out, and testifying before the Illinois EPA. The Coal Ash Pollution Prevention Act became law in July with the Governor’s signature.

The Middle Fork

Following immense pressure from the public, Dynegy/Vistra decided to revise its massive bank armoring project along the Middle Fork to a more environmentally friendly option. This is a big win! Thanks to everyone who spoke out about this project. Our state and federal lawsuits against the company continue to keep the pressure on the company to clean up the coal ash on the Middle Fork.

Upper Mississippi

In April, the Upper Mississippi River was designated as one of the ten Most Endangered Rivers in America. While this may not seem like something to celebrate, the designation affords the river much needed attention and resources, providing PRN and its partners with assistance in our advocacy efforts. The designation has led to heightened media attention on the issues threatening the river and coordinated advocacy to address those threats. Working with our partners, PRN has successfully beaten back efforts by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources to roll back some of Illinois’ most protective flood management regulations.

Illinois River

Thanks to a legal challenge threatened by PRN and the Sierra Club, an industrial facility that was polluting the Illinois River was forced to clean up its plant and to pay an award of $75,000, which was donated to the Emiquon National Wildlife Refuge for a wetland restoration project on the Illinois River.

Cover Crops

The Illinois General Assembly passed a state budget with $300,000 for crop insurance rewards for farmers who plant cover crops. This is a significant advance for conservation as it encourages farmers to consider planting cover crops to lower their overall crop insurance bill. PRN worked with partners to ensure the budget included this important way to help build healthier soil, reduce runoff, and protect our rivers and drinking water from harmful nitrates. [caption id="attachment_33124" align="alignright" width="300"] A bullfrog ... ribbit (Photo credit: Rob Kanter)[/caption] None of this would be possible if not for the continued support and contributions from our members. Volunteering your time to get signatures, traveling to Springfield for Lobby Day, and the support you give through your donations have had an enormous impact in protecting our water in 2019. Thank you!]]> December 23, 2019 | Blog Post This year has presented significant hurdles to our water resources. Despite those challenges, together we have taken huge steps in protecting our water in Illinois and beyond.]]> 33116 0 121 0 https://prairierivers.org/uncategorized/2019/12/year-in-review-heal-land-2/ Wed, 18 Dec 2019 07:00:17 +0000 https://prairierivers.org/?p=33119 We live in an interconnected system. To heal the land requires that we face the threats to it head on: industrialized agriculture, climate change, weakened regulatory protections, and careless polluters. This year, PRN made significant progress in how we view the land and how we heal it together.

Land & Water Conservation Fund

In February, Congress voted to permanently reauthorize the Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF). The bipartisan legislation passed both the House and Senate and was signed by the President. The LWCF is important because it helps communities in Illinois and across the country protect and conserve national parks, wildlife refuges, forests, and critical habitat. Permanent reauthorization of LWCF is a huge step forward, and it is a goal PRN has worked towards for years.

Dog Tooth Bend

Thousands of acres of floodplain land in Dog Tooth Bend in southern Illinois will be placed into wetland and floodplain easements. These will provide relief to farmers whose lands have been rendered unfarmable by Mississippi River floods and gives us an opportunity to restore unique floodplain and wetland habitat.

ReGenerate IL Summit

The ReGenerate IL Summit took place in March 2019. With our partners in ReGenerate IL, PRN is working with farmers to heal the land by finding more ecologically sustainable ways of farming and expanding markets for regenerative and environmentally responsible food sources. Expanding this movement is critical to its success, and the summit connected farmers with buyers, growers, suppliers, researchers, and commercial consumers.

Plant Health Monitoring Program

PRN has led the charge in building awareness of the threats posed by volatile herbicides through our Tree and Plant Health Monitoring Program which allows people to document herbicide damage to our crops, trees, and wildlife habitat. Our staff and amazing volunteers have collected data from around the state, documenting symptoms of herbicide-related injury. PRN plans to issue a summary of the findings this winter.

Nutrient Loss Reduction Strategy

In this past legislative session, we worked on two bills that support conservation agricultural practices in Illinois, both of which passed. One resolution was in support of the Nutrient Loss Reduction Strategy (NLRS), and the other added soil health to enabling legislation of the Soil and Water Conservation Districts, making this officially part of their mission statement.

Increasing Biodiversity

We worked with farmers and landowners to promote and protect pollinators. This spring we installed plantings of native flowering plants on four farms, and we will work with two more farms this fall. Seeds gathered from these locations will be cleaned, dried, and distributed to farms and private landholdings that want to protect and increase biodiversity. The work done to heal land in 2019 is evidence of the impact donations from our members has in Illinois. We did so much this year, and we cannot wait for the challenges, old and new, that we will face together in the years to come.]]> December 27, 2019 | Blog Post This year, PRN made significant progress in how we view the land and how we heal it together.]]> 33119 0 120 0 https://prairierivers.org/uncategorized/2019/12/year-in-review-inspire-change/ Wed, 18 Dec 2019 07:00:04 +0000 https://prairierivers.org/?p=33121 Inspiring change is among the most difficult and challenging goals we undertook in 2019, yet as evidenced by the work we accomplished, change is what people want. From addressing climate change to the future of the renewable energy economy in Illinois, change took root across the state, in small towns to big cities.

Clean Energy

The Clean Energy Jobs Act (CEJA) is legislation that will put Illinois on the path to 100% renewable energy by 2050, while fighting climate change and creating jobs and economic opportunity. PRN worked with the Illinois Clean Jobs Coalition around the state to hold community conversations, town halls, and press conferences; gather petitions; issue action alerts; and meet with legislators. In May, we helped turn out more than 500 people to Clean Energy Lobby Day in Springfield to build support of CEJA and the Coal Ash Pollution Prevention Act. If passed, CEJA will help create jobs and economic opportunities for economically disadvantaged and environmental justice communities, communities of color, and communities that will be impacted by a decline in fossil fuel use. Solar for All is a new state program designed to bring the benefits of solar energy to low income communities by providing guaranteed savings to low income households and agencies that serve them. PRN is working to ensure that Solar for All delivers on its promises while educating eligible Champaign-Urbana communities on the benefits of the program.

IDEA Farm Network

We are a proud partner in the IDEA Farm Network (IFN). The IFN began in February 2017 with about 45 farmers learning about different practices, ways to build soil health, protect water, and increase diversity on farmlands. Today, over 425 farmers participate in the online discussion group, where they learn from each other and build lasting relationships. This year, we will expand the reach of the IFN to West-Central Illinois, Northeastern Illinois, and Southern Illinois.

Stories from the Floodplain

This year, PRN released the first stories in a podcast series entitled Stories from the Floodplain. New staff member Ryan Grosso has an innate knack for telling compelling stories, and we intend to enlist him for additional episodes focusing on the equity and environmental justice implications of some of our country’s flood control policies.

2019 Run for Wildlife

PRN’s Run for Wildlife team ran 230.2 miles in 45 hours, 42 minutes, and 15 seconds! Even more exciting is that our runners and walkers raised over $8,450. That is amazing! We cannot thank them enough for the time, effort, and training they put into protecting wildlife. We have not solved all our problems, and we do not have all the answers to some of our most pressing issues. But 2019 will be remembered for the coalitions who worked together for larger goals. It will be remembered for the people from all walks of life who supported our work and took inspiration to make change happen in hometowns, in Springfield, and across Illinois.]]> December 30, 2019 | Blog Post Inspiring change is among the most difficult and challenging goals we undertook in 2019, yet as evidenced by the work we accomplished, change is what people want.]]> 33121 0 119 0 https://prairierivers.org/uncategorized/2020/01/iepa-hosts-stakeholder-meeting-on-draft-coal-ash-rules/ Mon, 06 Jan 2020 14:00:55 +0000 https://prairierivers.org/?p=33176 Illinois Environmental Protection Agency Hosts Stakeholder Meeting on Draft Coal Ash Rules

Frontline community members and advocacy groups offered both praise and criticism for draft coal ash rules to Illinois Environmental Protection Agency at Coal Ash Stakeholder Meeting

Contacts: Andrew Rehn | Prairie Rivers Network | arehn@prairierivers.org | (708) 305-6181 Jennifer Cassel | Earthjustice | jcassel@earthjustice.org | (773) 332-6785 Faith Bugel | Sierra Club | fbugel@gmail.com | (312) 282-9119 Renner Barsella | Sierra Club | renner.barsella@sierraclub.org | (217) 390-9394 Paul Dailing | Environmental Law & Policy Center | pdailing@elpc.org | (312) 771-1979 Celeste Flores | Faith in Place | Celeste@faithinplace.org | (502) 395-8683 SPRINGFIELD, IL—Today, the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) hosted a Stakeholder Meeting on draft rules for coal ash impoundments in Illinois. Frontline community members and advocacy groups offered both praise and criticism for the draft rules intended to protect communities and the environment from toxic coal ash pollution. The Illinois EPA’s current efforts to establish new Illinois coal ash rules were mandated by bipartisan legislation that became law in July 2019. The Coal Ash Pollution Prevention Act called for stronger rules for coal ash cleanup and funding for cleanup programs through permit fees — while also requiring performance bonds or other financial security to ensure that companies set aside the money to close and clean up coal ash ponds. The rule also requires Illinois to put in place standards for coal ash impoundments that are at least as protective as federal coal ash rule requirements, with additional protection against dust and water pollution. Today’s stakeholder meeting was a result of the legislation’s guidelines to ensure public participation and stakeholder input in the coal ash rulemaking process. New state coal ash rules are badly needed. Organizations and community leaders have demanded state action for years. A 2018 report by Environmental Integrity Project, Earthjustice, Prairie Rivers Network and Sierra Club found widespread pollution in groundwater around 22 of the state’s 24 coal ash dumpsites. Pollutants found in nearby groundwater include arsenic, cobalt and lithium. That report found that Illinois is one of the worst states in the nation for pollution from coal ash pits. The Illinois EPA is accepting written comments on the draft rules until January 13, 2020. Written comments should be submitted to EPA.CoalAshRules@illinois.gov. The Illinois EPA must file the draft regulations with the Illinois Pollution Control Board (PCB) prior to March 30, 2020. The Illinois PCB will then initiate an approval process that, like the Illinois EPA rulemaking proposal process, will allow stakeholders and community members to provide input before the final rules are put in place. The rules must be finalized by March 2021.

Statewide Partner Quotes

"There's a lot of good in the draft rule, but it still needs improvement," said Andrew Rehn with Prairie Rivers Network. "Lots of coal ash ponds are going to need to close in a way that's safe for human health and the environment. This is our chance to get it right from the get-go." "The communities of faith represented by Faith in Place applaud the IEPA for making this stakeholder meeting accessible via webinar,” said Celeste Flores, Faith in Place. “We look forward to continuing working with the agency to assure all communities affected by coal ash not only participate but are also protected with strong regulations that industry must adhere to when looking to close a coal ash pond. " “It’s critical that the Illinois EPA develop the strongest possible coal ash rules so that these protections realize the promise made to coal communities across Illinois. IEPA has an opportunity now to really listen to stakeholders and make sure that Illinois is doing all it can to keep people and the environment safe from dangerous pollutants,” said Faith Bugel, an attorney representing Sierra Club. “Illinois has a unique opportunity to clean up the toxic legacy of coal ash and leave clean water for generations of Illinois communities. We can and must get these rules right,” said Jennifer Cassel, an Earthjustice coal program attorney based in Chicago. “Coal ash is the dirty legacy of a dirty industry,” said Environmental Law & Policy Center Associate Attorney Kiana Courtney. “The decisions made about how to handle this waste product will affect communities for generations, so the rules need to be strong. We are glad people affected by coal ash have a chance to weigh in on the future of their groundwater, and will continue to fight to ensure their concerns are heard.” "We are grateful for the IEPA holding the stakeholder meeting before finalizing the draft rules on coal combustions residual (CCR) surface impoundments," said Dulce Ortiz, Clean Power Lake County. "The mission of the IEPA is to safeguard environmental quality, consistent with the social and economic needs of the State, therefore this is an opportunity for the agency to put in place policy that protect environmental justice communities against polluting industry interests, by writing strong rules on the regulation and standards on closing coal ash ponds.”]]> January 6, 2020 | Press Release Frontline community members and advocacy groups offered both praise and criticism for the IEPA draft coal ash rules.]]> 33176 0 118 0 https://prairierivers.org/uncategorized/2020/01/breakdown-on-the-coal-ash-rule-draft/ Thu, 09 Jan 2020 14:43:12 +0000 https://prairierivers.org/?p=33206 draft rule to the IPCB. The Coal Ash Pollution Prevention Act emphasized the importance of meaningful public input in both the regulation of coal ash and the development of the rules, so Illinois EPA has sought public input throughout their drafting process. [caption id="attachment_33207" align="alignright" width="300"] Community members and environmental advocates from across the state attended the stakeholder meeting in Springfield.[/caption] Starting in September 2019, Illinois EPA voluntarily held a series of listening sessions across the state to take public input on what should be in a coal ash rule. They held seven listening sessions and a webinar, covering the state north to south and east to west - from Waukegan to Marion, Granite City to Danville. At the listening sessions, Illinois EPA heard from concerned community groups calling for:

• Robust and meaningful public participation.
• Thorough vetting of closure options including both cap in place and removal.
• Rules that ensure coal ash cannot be exposed to groundwater.
• Prioritization of environmental justice communities & high risk impoundments.
• Financial assurances from industry so the public isn't left holding the bag.

On December 11, 2019 and just before the holiday season, Illinois EPA released a draft version of the rule for public comment. A stakeholder meeting was scheduled for January 6th, and comments on the draft rule are due on January 13th. After receiving the comments on the draft rule, Illinois EPA will propose a version to the Illinois Pollution Control Board by the end of March 2020, and then the IPCB will hold its own set of hearings (TBA) before finalizing the rule in March 2021. [caption id="attachment_33203" align="alignright" width="300"] Illinois EPA's panel of experts to discuss the draft rule at the stakeholder meeting. Lots of environmental champions in green shirts in the front row seats, but industry was also present at the meeting.[/caption] The January 6th stakeholder meeting was well attended by both community groups from coal ash communities across the state and representatives from industry. The draft rule had some good in it, but it needs many improvements to truly be protective. Some major concerns include:

• The draft rule only covering coal ash impoundments, leaving out coal ash landfills and other coal ash dumps found at power plants. The Illinois EPA should take this chance to regulate all of coal ash, not just impoundments.
• The rule should be more clear that coal ash should not be allowed to get wet, and a closure plan should not be approved if it will allow coal ash to remain wet.
• The rule needs to ensure that public participation is comprehensive so that the public has a voice in coal ash decisions. As written, there are gaps in participation opportunities that Illinois EPA should close.
• The rule needs to do a better job of protecting environmental justice communities that are disproportionately burdened by pollution. The rule needs to expand its non-English language access to public participation and include broader consideration of the cumulative impacts of pollution on environmental justice communities.
• The rule needs to ensure that financial assurances are held until pollution is cleaned up. The draft rule allows industry to reduce their financial assurances as they implement their clean up plan, but this will risk leaving the taxpayers holding the bag if their clean up plan does not work.

Prairie Rivers Network is working with our environmental partners and coal ash community groups to fight for rules that are as protective as possible. The rules put in place now will determine the fate of coal ash in Illinois, and we risk leaving pollution behind that will continue to impact our waters for centuries.]]> January 9, 2020 | Blog Post PRN's Andrew Rehn gives us the inside scoop on the Illinois EPA rulemaking process and the draft proposal on how to regulate coal ash. ]]> 33206 0 117 0 https://prairierivers.org/uncategorized/2020/01/protect-the-big-muddy/ Tue, 14 Jan 2020 22:35:32 +0000 https://prairierivers.org/?p=33225

]]> January 14, 2020 | Action Alert The Pond Creek Coal Mine wants to pump high chloride and high sulfate water into the Big Muddy River in southern Illinois.]]> 33225 0 116 0 https://prairierivers.org/uncategorized/2020/01/2019-annual-report/ Thu, 23 Jan 2020 14:00:07 +0000 https://prairierivers.org/?p=33262 The 2019 Annual Report is here! Check out the message from PRN Director Elliot Brinkman, our financial snapshot, and the ways your support is protecting water, healing land, and inspiring change. PRN staff pictured from left to right: Andrew Rehn, Amanda Pankau, Ryan Grosso, Robert Hirschfeld, Kim Knowles, Elliot Brinkman, Sarah Scott, Catie Gregg, Kim Erndt-Pitcher, Vickie Nudelman, Jeff Kohmstedt]]> January 23, 2020 | Blog Post Check out the 2019 Annual Report with a message from PRN Director, our financial snapshot, and the ways your support is protecting water, healing land, and inspiring change.]]> 33262 0 115 0 https://prairierivers.org/uncategorized/2020/01/riverweb-news-january-16-2020/ Thu, 16 Jan 2020 14:53:44 +0000 https://prairierivers.org/?p=33277 Read our RiverWeb News for January 16, 2020 with stories on:

• • Act Now to Protect the Big Muddy!
  • Good, but Needs Improvements
  • What You Accomplished
  • Got Gift Cards?
  • Are You a Walker or Runner?

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]]> 33277 0 110 0 https://prairierivers.org/uncategorized/2019/12/riverweb-news-december-19-2019/ Thu, 19 Dec 2019 14:54:44 +0000 https://prairierivers.org/?p=33280 Read our RiverWeb News for December 19, 2019 with stories on:

• • Check Out the Newsletter!
  • Big Win on RAWA!
  • Inspiring Change
  • Crowds Strike on Climate
  • What is Regenerative Agriculture?
  • Thank You, Business Members!

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]]> 33280 0 113 0 https://prairierivers.org/uncategorized/2020/02/join-us-for-clean-energy-lobby-day/ Tue, 04 Feb 2020 20:23:54 +0000 https://prairierivers.org/?p=33359 What is Clean Energy Lobby Day? Clean Energy Lobby Day is an opportunity for us to head to Springfield and tell our legislators and the Governor that...Climate Can’t Wait, Consumers Can’t Wait, and Communities Can’t Wait! Lobby Day is organized by the Illinois Environmental Council (IEC), Illinois Sierra Club, Faith in Place, and other partner organizations, including Prairie Rivers Network. Lobby Day is about a few things:

1. It is about meeting with our legislators in Springfield to share our stories, evidence, and support for acting on climate change, reducing pollution, and growing clean energy and clean energy jobs,
2. It's also about showing up in big numbers to show our power and our support for this movement, and
3. It's about connecting with others in our community and our state who share a vision for a just and equitable clean energy future. What does Lobby Day mean to you?

What Legislation are we lobbying for?

This year we will be lobbying and rallying in support for the Clean Energy Jobs Act (CEJA). CEJA is comprehensive energy legislation that would put Illinois on the path to 100% renewable energy by 2050, tackle carbon pollution from the electric sector by 2030, reduce gas and diesel vehicles from the transportation sector, and create jobs and economic opportunity.

When and where?

Lobby Day is on March 4th and there will be buses from over 19 locations statewide. Buses will arrive in Springfield around 10-11am. Participants will be part of a group that meets with both their state senator and state representative. At 1pm we'll gather on the first floor rotunda for a rally. The rally will include several speakers from across the state sharing what the Clean Energy Jobs Act means to them. Buses will depart around 2pm.

How do I register?

Register to attend and ride a bus at this link, ilenviro.org/lobbyday2020 Please register even if you plan to drive yourself, carpool, or take the train. Do I need to be an expert on the legislation? What if I have never lobbied before? If you are thinking about attending you likely have a reason why you support clean energy, are interested in new job opportunities, or are concerned about pollution or climate change. The only thing you need to be an expert on is your own story. You will receive a packet with information about CEJA and best practices for lobbying your legislators. IEC will also host an optional webinar on March 1st at 3pm for participants to learn more about CEJA and lobbying. On Lobby Day, each district will have a team captain and you’ll be with a group of other constituents when you visit your legislator’s offices.

Does the Clean Energy Jobs Act have the support it needs to pass this Spring?

Grassroots support: The Clean Energy Jobs Act is the only legislation that was developed with input from community members across the state. In addition to being developed with grassroots input it also has widespread and growing grassroots support, with advocates delivering over 23,000 petitions to Governor Prtizker on January 27th. Governor support: Governor Pritzker has been a long-time supporter of tackling climate change and expanding renewable energy. During his state of the state address in January he committed to make clean energy legislation a priority in 2020. He called for policy that reduces carbon pollution, promotes renewable energy, accelerates electrification of the transportation sector, and puts consumers and climate first! If that sounds familiar, it's because that's what CEJA does! Legislature support: The Clean Energy Jobs Act currently has 34 co-sponsors in the Senate and 57 co-sponsors in the House. Opposition: Support continues to grow, but we’re not across the finish line yet. Several other stakeholders, including the coal and gas industry, utilities, and more, also have an interest in energy legislation this spring and they are mobilizing in Springfield. This is the time to show our support for CEJA and Illinois’ equitable clean energy future!]]> February 4, 2020 | Blog Post March 4th is Clean Energy Lobby Day, an opportunity for us to head to Springfield and tell our legislators and the Governor that our climate can't wait!]]> 33359 0 112 0 https://prairierivers.org/uncategorized/2020/02/pond-creek-mine-update/ Fri, 07 Feb 2020 19:11:09 +0000 https://prairierivers.org/?p=33387 Read Our Letter Last month, Prairie Rivers Network, Sierra Club, and Southern Illinoisans Against Fracturing Our Environment (SAFE) submitted comments on the proposed expansion to the Pond Creek mine. In addition to the public sign-on letter that many of you signed, we prepared a technical letter with over 20 pages and dozens of attachments to demonstrate that this permit does not follow the Environmental Protection Act and should be denied. Public comments were due on January 17th. You can read the final comments submitted by Prairie Rivers Network, Sierra Club, and Southern Illinoisans Against Fracturing Our Environment (SAFE) here.

History

The Pond Creek Coal Mine is seeking a “Water Discharge Permit” (called NPDES permit) from the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency (IEPA) to pump high chloride and high sulfate water over 12 miles from the mine into the Big Muddy River in southern Illinois. The same permit proposes discharging other high-chloride waters into the already chloride impaired Pond Creek. The mine, owned by Williamson Energy, a subsidiary of Murray Energy, is located approximately four miles east of Johnston City in Williamson and Franklin Counties. At a December 18th public hearing, the public overwhelmingly asked the IEPA to reconsider the draft permit and protect the Big Muddy River, an aquatic resource with high societal, cultural, and ecological value to southern Illinois. The public cited concerns over the company’s repeated water quality violations on past permits, Murray Energy’s recent bankruptcy filing, unknown impacts to fish and mussel populations, state chloride standards that are high compared to other states, climate change, and more. Southern Illinoisans have continued to speak up for their river and express opposition to this project, read more about local concerns here, here, here, and here.

Illinois EPA is now reviewing all of the submitted comments and is deciding whether or not to issue the permit. Often, this process can take many months, but we'll share an update once we hear from the Agency.    ]]> February 7, 2020 | Blog Post Last month, PRN and other groups submitted comments on the proposed expansion to the Pond Creek mine in S. Illinois. Here's an update on where things stand!]]> 33387 0 111 0 https://prairierivers.org/uncategorized/2020/02/stop-illinois-last-new-coal-mine/ Thu, 13 Feb 2020 23:09:41 +0000 https://prairierivers.org/?p=33451 group of residents and farmers have been fighting to stop a proposed new coal mine for over a decade. The proposed Bulldog Mine is now one step away from having its mining permit in hand. Learn more below, sign our petition to “Stop Illinois’ Last New Coal Mine.”

TAKE ACTION - Sign Our Petition to Stop Illinois’ Last New Coal Mine

A New Coal Mine in 2020?

As the world battles climate change fueled floods, rising sea and lake levels, wildfires, extreme heat, and more, we are simultaneously contemplating a new coal mine in central Illinois. In addition to the clear need to reduce emissions and move away from fossil fuels, economic pressures are already causing a decline in the coal industry. A recent report from the Institute for Energy Economics and Financial Analysis shared a dim outlook for coal production in the Illinois Basin, predicting the industry will be gone in 20 years. Siting “weak market conditions and an over-supply of domestic coal”, the owner of the proposed Bulldog Mine, Sunrise Coal, halted production and laid off 90 workers at their plant in Carlisle, Indiana just last month. It’s 2020. Illinois is contemplating new energy legislation, the Clean Energy Jobs Act, that would phase out fossil fuels by 2030 and boost clean energy in Illinois. In his State of the State, Governor Pritzker called for action on clean energy this legislative session, putting climate and consumers first. Opening a new coal mine in Illinois moves in the wrong direction. Illinois cannot fight climate change and lead on clean energy if it continues to support dirty energy.

History

Nearly 10 years ago, Sunrise Coal submitted an application to the Illinois Department of Natural Resource (IDNR) Office of Mines and Minerals for a new underground coal mine in Vermilion County. Local and regional community members and farmers joined together to form Stand Up To Coal, a 100% grassroots and volunteer group. Stand Up to Coal, Prairie Rivers Network, and other advocates have been fighting the proposed Bulldog Mine ever since. Unfortunately, in April 2019, the IDNR finally granted the Coal Mine Permit, as long as it can stand up to an Administrative Review. Many local residents are concerned about long-term harmful impacts coal mining can have on their communities: contaminating wells and groundwater, polluting air from dirty coal dust, impacting roads from heavy trucks, and contamination from toxic chemicals that can leak from above ground slurry impoundments to neighboring farmland long after mining has ceased. The Salt Fork of the Vermilion River will bear the burden of the discharges from this mine. The last chance to stop the Bulldog mine permit is an Administrative Review - a quasi-judicial process where petitioners challenge the mining permit to see if it follows the law. The process requires legal counsel and technical experts. Many of the local residents who would be impacted by the mine, and Stand Up To Coal itself, are petitioners. The mine’s lawyers have filed to dismiss nearly all of the petitioners, including Stand Up To Coal, from participating in the review.

DONATE NOW - Directly Support the Legal and Technical Expert Fees

You can also help support the efforts to oppose the Bulldog mine by joining or donating to Stand Up to Coal, or donating to the legal and technical fund for the effort through our page. ]]> February 13, 2020 | Blog Post/Action Alert The proposed Bulldog Mine is now one step away from having it's mining permit in hand. Find out how you can help!]]> 33451 0 109 0 https://prairierivers.org/uncategorized/2020/02/33512/ Thu, 06 Feb 2020 20:56:02 +0000 https://prairierivers.org/?p=33512 Read our RiverWeb News for February 6, 2020 with stories on:

• • 23,000+ Signatures Delivered
  • Clean Energy Lobby Day
  • More News About CEJA
  • Trump and the Dirty Water Rule
  • Insect Apocalypse Continues
  • Goodbye Golf Course, Hello Wildlife?

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]]> 33512 0 108 0 https://prairierivers.org/uncategorized/2020/02/riverweb-news-february-20-2020/ Thu, 20 Feb 2020 20:57:36 +0000 https://prairierivers.org/?p=33516 Read our RiverWeb News for February 20, 2020 with stories on:

• • Stop Illinois' Last New Coal Mine!
  • Dicamba Trial
  • Just Transition
  • Springfield Coal Plant Closure Decision
  • Make America Polluted Again
  • Clean Energy Lobby Day

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]]> 33516 0 107 0 https://prairierivers.org/uncategorized/2020/03/riverweb-news-march-5-2020/ Mon, 09 Mar 2020 18:17:36 +0000 https://prairierivers.org/?p=33542 Read our RiverWeb News for March 5, 2020!

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]]> 33542 0 105 0 https://prairierivers.org/uncategorized/2020/03/congress-aid-coal-impacted-communities/ Mon, 09 Mar 2020 21:42:09 +0000 https://prairierivers.org/?p=33545 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Illinois Groups Join Nationwide Push to Urge Congress to Act On Bills That Would Aid Coal-impacted Communities

Contact: Amanda Pankau, Prairie Rivers Network, (217) 840-3057, apankau@prairierivers.org Dana Kuhnline, Appalachian Voices, (304) 825-3262, Dana@AppVoices.org WASHINGTON -- Despite bipartisan support, several bills that would aid coal-impacted communities across America have stalled in Congress. Advocates have gathered signatures from local and national organizations on a letter that was sent to Congressional leadership today. The diverse list of 109 organizations who have joined the letter includes national labor unions, community groups, economic development organizations, reclamation specialists, environmental non-profits, faith-based organizations, and black lung advocacy groups. Over a dozen Illinois groups joined 35 national and regional groups, and over 60 organizations working locally across 15 states to sign the letter.   [caption id="attachment_33557" align="alignright" width="300"] Abandoned mine lands continue to contaminate land and water in Illinois. (Photo credit: Paul Newton, The Southern)[/caption] Specifically, the letter urges Congressional leadership to support the following bills:

• Surface Mining Control and Reclamation Act Amendments of 2019 (H.R.4248), to address the clean-up of dangerous and polluting abandoned mine lands;
• RECLAIM Act (H.R. 2156), to spur immediate job creation and create the conditions for longer term, locally driven economic development efforts in coal communities; and
• Black Lung Benefits Disability Trust Fund Solvency Act (H.R.3876), to adequately fund the Black Lung Disability Trust Fund at prior level for 10 years.

These are key opportunities to support miners, clean up environmental hazards, lay the foundation for new jobs, and create an economic boost for communities struggling with the decline of the coal industry. In the letter, they state: “Rebuilding regional economies takes many years. Coal communities and workers have powered American homes and businesses for more than a century, and they deserve support as America’s energy landscape changes.” The Illinois based organizations that have signed this letter include Central Illinois Healthy Community Alliance (CIHCA), Clean Power Lake County, The Climate Reality Project — Chicago Chapter, Eco-Justice Collaborative, Faith in Place Action Fund, Grow Gillespie, Illinois People's Action, Nuclear Energy Information Service (NEIS), ONE Northside, Prairie Rivers Network, Respiratory Health Association, Save Our Illinois Land, and 350Kishwaukee.

###

]]> March 9, 2020 | Press Release PRN and other Illinois groups join nationwide effort on bills that would aid coal-impacted communities.]]> 33545 0 104 0 https://prairierivers.org/uncategorized/2020/03/earth-day-at-50/ Tue, 17 Mar 2020 16:13:16 +0000 https://prairierivers.org/?p=33575 This April 22nd is the 50th anniversary of Earth Day, a momentous occasion. Yet the ongoing COVID-19 coronavirus outbreak will certainly change the way we mark the occasion. Likely gone will be the marches and rallies we have long associated with Earth Day celebrations. To mark the day, we want to hear from you. Tell us your stories, show us your photos, and share this historic event through your experience.

Tell Us Your Story!

Were you there for the first Earth Day? Where and when is your first Earth Day memory? How do you plan to mark caring for planet Earth? Email your stories to jkohmstedt@prairierivers.org and we’ll highlight them in our Riverweb News and on social media. We are excited to read and share your stories! (Photo credit: University of Michigan School for Environment and Sustainability’s flickr) https://www.flickr.com/photos/snre/34605145761]]> March 17, 2020 | Blog Post This April 22nd is the 50th anniversary of Earth Day. To mark the day, we want to hear from you.]]> 33575 0 101 0 https://prairierivers.org/uncategorized/2020/03/the-work-continues/ Mon, 23 Mar 2020 20:28:20 +0000 https://prairierivers.org/?p=33584

As of 3/13/20, our office is officially closed and all Prairie Rivers staff are working remotely, until further notice.

All in-person PRN meetings and events have been canceled, postponed, or moved online through April. Meetings and events beyond April will be assessed for cancelation or postponement on an ongoing basis.

We will continue to explore online alternatives to popular PRN activities and events--stay tuned and stay engaged!

Please continue to follow CDC and WHO for up-to-date information and recommendations on how to keep yourselves and your communities safe.

How to Get in Touch with Staff

While our office may be closed, our phones and email are working! If you would like to contact a staff member, visit our Staff Page. Again, we hope that you are all staying healthy and safe during this difficult time.]]> March 23, 2020 | Special Bulletin We at Prairie Rivers Network wanted to take a moment to acknowledge the current COVID-19 coronavirus pandemic and hope all of you stay safe.]]> 33584 0 100 0 https://prairierivers.org/uncategorized/2020/03/the-plan-for-illinois-water/ Tue, 24 Mar 2020 19:29:19 +0000 https://prairierivers.org/?p=33596 The State of Illinois is currently undertaking a process to update the Illinois State Water Plan. The purpose of a state water plan is to provide policy and program guidance in water resources management. Decisions on agency action, funding, and legislation all flow from the state water plan, so it is a very important document. Illinois has not fully updated its state water plan since 1984. Nearly forty years ago!

Robert Hirschfeld discusses the Illinois State Water Plan.

After 40 Years, It's Time for an Update

Much has changed in the intervening years. Populations have grown; infrastructure has aged; new threats to water quality and quantity have emerged. It is long past time that Illinois began thinking about how we protect and manage our precious water resources in the years to come. Ensuring that Illinois has abundant clean, affordable water is vital to our quality of life and economy. [caption id="attachment_23325" align="alignright" width="300"] Chicago skyline reflecting in Lake Michigan, Illinois[/caption] The emergence of climate change as the defining issue of our future only underscores the need for serious, strategic planning about the state’s water resources. Increased floods and droughts and attending social instability would put tremendous strain on our food and water systems. We need to be planning NOW. The Illinois State Water Plan is a tremendous opportunity to shape our future and ensure we are ready for the challenges it will present. Many of the issues critical that Prairie Rivers Network has been working on for decades will be addressed. Below is the current list of priority issues to be considered. [caption id="attachment_33598" align="aligncenter" width="761"] Priority issues to be considered in the Illinois State Water Plan.[/caption] In addition to ensuring that each one of these priority issue areas reflects the values of Prairie Rivers Network, we want this plan to be dynamic and responsive to changing public needs. It should not take another 40 years to update this plan! Water plans shouldn’t be once-in-a-generation events; they should continuously evolve to keep pace with social, technological, and environmental changes.

Process Interrupted

Initially the state was planning to host public meetings over the spring and summer to allow for the public to influence the plan, with a goal for publishing a final plan in late 2020. However, the COVID-19 pandemic has indefinitely delayed the process. The silver lining here is that it will allow Prairie Rivers Network and all of our partners to spend more time working on the plan to ensure that it is as strong and forward-looking as possible. Once the planning process kicks back into gear, we will be reaching out to you for help. It is imperative that this plan reflect a diverse array of public opinion. We will want you to weigh in and tell the state what you expect and need. Once the new opportunities and dates for public participation are announced, we will let you know. Until then, stay tuned. And if you have any questions, please email rhirschfeld@prairierivers.org.]]> March 24, 2020 | Blog Post It's been 40 years since the ISWP was updated. Now's the time to do it!]]> 33596 0 99 0 https://prairierivers.org/uncategorized/2019/12/2019-accomplishments/ Tue, 31 Dec 2019 19:07:41 +0000 https://prairierivers.org/?p=39076 Protect Water After years of work, advocacy, and grassroots organization, the Illinois General Assembly passed, and the governor signed into law, landmark legislation that will help protect the rivers and water of our state from coal ash. The Illinois General Assembly passed a state budget with $300,000 for crop insurance rewards for farmers who plant cover crops. This is a significant advance for conservation and ensures the budget includes an important way to build healthier soil, reduce runoff, and protect our rivers and drinking water from harmful nitrates. In April, the Upper Mississippi River was designated as one of the ten Most Endangered Rivers in America. The designation affords the river much needed attention and resources, providing PRN and its partners with assistance in our advocacy efforts.

Heal Land

In February, Congress voted to permanently reauthorize the Land and Water Conservation Fund, a goal PRN has worked towards for years. This bipartisan legislation helps communities in Illinois and across the country protect and conserve national parks, wildlife refuges, forests, and critical habitat. PRN has led the charge in building awareness of the threats posed by volatile herbicides through our Tree and Plant Health Monitoring Program. We plan to issue a summary of the findings this winter. PRN worked with farmers and landowners to promote and protect pollinators. This spring we installed plantings of native flowering plants on four farms, and we will be working with additional farms this fall.

Inspire Change

PRN is a proud partner in the IDEA Farm Network. What began in February 2017 with about 45 farmers, today has over 425 farmers participating in the online discussion group with expanded reach in West-Central Illinois, Northeastern Illinois, and Southern Illinois. The Clean Energy Jobs Act is legislation that will put Illinois on the path to 100% renewable energy by 2050, and PRN worked with the Illinois Clean Jobs Coalition around the state to hold community conversations, town halls and press conferences; gather petitions; issue action alerts; and meet with legislators. In May, we helped turn out more than 500 people to Clean Energy Lobby Day in Springfield. PRN released the first stories in a podcast series entitled Stories from the Floodplain, compelling stories focusing on the equity and environmental justice implications of some of our country’s flood control policies.

Read More

The 2019 Annual Report is here. More on our accomplishments can be read in our Fall/Winter 2019 Newsletter. ]]> December 31, 2019 | Blog Post This year has seen progress on several issues of great concern to Prairie Rivers Network and our members.]]> 39076 0 114 0 https://prairierivers.org/uncategorized/2020/04/new-program-makes-solar-accessible/ Wed, 15 Apr 2020 11:00:24 +0000 https://prairierivers.org/?p=30500 2020 Community Solar UPDATE Community Solar was first created in Illinois through the 2016 Future Energy Jobs Act, and we first wrote about it in February 2018. In 2019, over 900 potential projects competed in a highly competitive lottery to receive the state credits available for Community Solar and 112 were selected. Many of those projects are now under construction and are on a timeline to be energized by early 2021. With construction underway, many companies are beginning to sign-up subscribers, so they’ll be ready to pass on the benefits right from the beginning. Citizens Utility Board has shared reviews of companies offering Community Solar subscriptions including this overview and side-by-side comparison of NEXAMP and Clearway’s offers. You can also learn why Arcadia’s recent advertisements of community solar are not true community solar offerings. Through Illinois' Solar For All program, there are also low-income community solar opportunities for qualified low-income households. To learn more and see if you are eligible, visit the Solar For All website here. Despite the great interest from businesses in building Community Solar projects and the projected interest from subscribers, the opportunity for additional projects in Illinois has stalled due to inadequate funding for renewable energy. The proposed Clean Energy Jobs Act (CEJA) would unlock new resources for funding renewables, including Community Solar, without placing additional burdens on consumers.

Is It Right For You?

(February 7, 2018): Illinois’ Future Energy Jobs Act (FEJA) created a brand new program, called “Community Solar,” that expands access to solar energy. Since the act’s passage in December 2016, citizens, businesses, and community groups have been anxiously waiting for the opportunity to make their Community Solar project a reality. That time is finally here. The Illinois Power Agency (IPA) is expected to receive approval of their plan finalizing FEJA’s programs in early April. Let’s explore what Community Solar is and what you can do now to begin to take advantage of this new program.

What is Community Solar?

“Community Solar” allows community members who may not have an opportunity for a solar project on their property, such as renters and those with shaded roofs or limited incomes, to come together as subscribers in an off-site Community Solar project (i.e. Community Solar Farm, Community Solar Garden). A Community Solar Garden may be sited on rooftops of “host customers,” such as community centers/buildings, churches, schools, malls, apartment buildings, or on remote offsite land. The energy from the panels is used to power the host customer or fed directly to the grid. At least three off-site subscribers are required to buy or lease a share of the installation. Through a process called “virtual net metering,” the subscribers receive a monetary credit, based on their level of participation, on their electric bill for the energy produced by the panels.

Community Solar Quick Facts

• At least three subscribers are required
• No subscriber may own or lease more than 40% of a project
• Maximum project size is 2 Megawatts (MW) (enough power for about 320 homes)
• Minimum subscription size per customer is 200 watts (or about one solar panel)
• Subscribers must be located in the same utility territory as the project
• If you move within the same utility territory you can take your subscription with you
• If you move outside the utility territory you may sell or transfer your subscription
• The Illinois Commerce Commission and the Illinois Power Agency (IPA) have to approve any community solar project
• Additional funding and incentives are available through FEJA’s “Solar for All” for projects that serve low-income subscribers and communities

Learn More

The Illinois Solar Energy Association’s Community Solar PowerPoint Presentation and list of community solar developers in Illinois Citizens’ Utility Board Community Solar Fact Sheet Environmental Law and Policy Center’s Community Solar Fact Sheet]]> April 15, 2020 | Blog Post PRN's Amanda Pankau updates us on Community Solar and where it stands in 2020.]]> 30500 0 93 0 https://prairierivers.org/uncategorized/2020/03/open-natural-areas-in-east-central-illinois/ Mon, 30 Mar 2020 18:53:35 +0000 https://prairierivers.org/?p=33607 own backyards and neighborhoods or at a nearby park. Per Governor Pritzker's “Stay at Home Order,” it is permitted "To engage in outdoor activity, provided the individuals comply with Social Distancing Requirements, as defined below (6 feet from others), such as, by way of example and without limitation, walking, hiking, running, or biking. Individuals may go to public parks and open outdoor recreation areas." In addition to the Governor’s order, it is also important to review and abide by the Center of Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) guidance, including recommendations to clean your hands often, avoid close contact with others, and to stay home if you are sick. The National Recreation and Parks Association has also issued guidance specific to maintaining a safe social distance at parks and on trails. Our partners at Openlands prepared a list of northern Illinois natural areas that have remained open during the COVID-19 crisis. Inspired by their list, we have prepared one for east central Illinois. Here’s a running list of east central Illinois preserves and parks that have open natural areas and trails during the COVID-19 crisis.** Please note that the majority of park facilities are closed and that playgrounds should be avoided per the Governor’s order.

County Forest Preserves

Champaign County Forest Preserve Piatt County Forest Preserve Vermilion County Conservation District Macon County Conservation District McLean County Parks and Recreation

City Park Districts

Champaign Park District, facilities and playgrounds are closed, but parks remain open as long as park uses comply with social distancing requirements. Urbana Park District, facilities and playgrounds are closed, but parks remain open as long as park uses comply with social distancing requirements. Decatur Park District, open green space, parks and trails continue to be accessible to the public at this time. Golf courses, dog parks, and all public playgrounds on district property are closed until further notice. Check your city website or facebook page for information on city park districts.

Local Land Trusts, Foundations, Non-Profits, etc.

Allerton Park and Retreat Center, limited south side trail access in Piatt County Land Conservation Foundation, properties in Piatt, Champaign, and Vermilion Counties Grand Prairie Friends, properties in Champaign, Iroquois, Shelby, Vermillion, and Coles County Douglas Hart Nature Center, nature trail in Coles County Illinois Department of Natural Resources State Parks, Fish and Wildlife Areas, and other properties remain temporarily closed. *Consider contacting a mental health professional if your symptoms are serious. **Be sure to check websites and facebook pages for up-to-date information before planning your visit. And we’ll leave you with a lovely poem, The Peace of Wild Things, by Wendell Berry.

When despair for the world grows in me and I wake in the night at the least sound in fear of what my life and my children’s lives may be, I go and lie down where the wood drake rests in his beauty on the water, and the great heron feeds. I come into the peace of wild things who do not tax their lives with forethought of grief. I come into the presence of still water. And I feel above me the day-blind stars waiting with their light. For a time I rest in the grace of the world, and am free.

]]> March 30, 2020 | Blog Post During this time of social distancing, connecting with nature will be even more important!]]> 33607 0 97 0 https://prairierivers.org/uncategorized/2020/04/earth-day-2020/ Wed, 22 Apr 2020 13:00:19 +0000 https://prairierivers.org/?p=33616 #10 Complete the 2020 Census Complete the 2020 Census to ensure funding for important programs in your community! The results of the 2020 Census will help determine how hundreds of billions of dollars in federal funding flow into communities every year for the next decade. Responses to the census will inform funding for important environmental programs like the Emergency Watershed Protection Program, Wildlife Restoration Program, Hazardous Waste Management State Program Program, and Water Pollution Control grants.

#9 Learn about Environmental Justice!

The COVID-19 Coronavirus crisis highlights how public health issues are directly related to social and environmental justice and why fighting for clean water and a healthy environment is so important. As we face this challenging crisis and prepare for Earth Day, take the time to read about environmental justice and learn more about frontline community groups tackling issues of environmental justice in Illinois including: Chicago area People for Community Recovery Blacks in Green Little Village Environmental Justice Organization Clean Power Lake County Downstate Central Illinois Healthy Community Alliance in Peoria Illinois People’s Action in Bloomington-Normal Champaign County Healthcare Consumers in Champaign Metro East Green Alliance and United Congregations of Metro East in the Metro East Carbondale Spring in Carbondale.

#8 Share an Earth Day Story

Share an Earth Day Story with us! Any 50th anniversary deserves time for memories and reflection, and Earth Day's 50th is no different. Were you there for the first Earth Day? Email your stories and pictures to jkohmstedt@prairierivers.org.

#7 Sign up for "Community Solar"

Sign up for a "Community Solar" project! We wrote about Community Solar shortly after the program was created by Illinois’ Future Energy Jobs Act. Community Solar allows community members who may not have an opportunity for a solar project on their property, such as renters and those with shaded roofs or limited incomes, to obtain the cost savings and environmental benefits of solar by purchasing a subscription in an off-site solar project. We’ve updated our Community Solar blog post with information about Illinois’ emerging Community Solar farms and subscription opportunities. Additionally, our partners at the Citizens Utility Board have blogged about the differences between two community solar offers in Illinois, Nexamp and Clearway. They also shared information about Arcadia Power’s recent mailings and online advertisements and explained why what Arcadia is offering is not a true community solar opportunity.

#6 Strengthen Community-Based Food Systems

Support your local food system and sign up for Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) with a local farm or shop at your local Farmers’ Market or Food Cooperative. Not sure how to find a CSA in your area, contact these organizations for more information: Illinois Buy Fresh Buy Local, Illinois Market Maker, The Land Connection, Food Works, and Illinois Stewardship Alliance.

#5 Hang Planet Earth in Your Window

Hang a Planet Earth in your window to celebrate the 50th Earth Day this April 22nd! We were inspired by the “bear hunts” and “heart hunters” that have motivated many of us to spread joy and love by putting teddy bears and cut out hearts in our windows. Print a planet earth, color your own, or get creative in how you display the Earth in your window! Earth Day Action Network has also suggested that folks put an Earth Day sign in their window. They’ve even come up with some inspiration with example sign ideas like “Biodiversity Or Bust” and “The climate’s changing; Why aren’t we?”

#4 Help a Neighbor

On a normal Earth Day we might suggest you help a neighbor pick up trash or plant a tree in your neighborhood. Those are still great suggestions if done at a safe distance, but during this difficult time we can prioritize helping our neighbors by donating to our local food banks or service organizations, volunteering to help deliver food to those in need, or finding ways to "help the helpers."

#3 Participate in a Virtual Earth Day Event

The virtual nature of this year’s Earth Day has broken down the geographic barriers that would have otherwise kept folks across the state from coming together for events on and around Earth Day. We encourage folks to check out what is going on all across Illinois and ask your neighbors and friends to join in! We have compiled a list of activities and actions planned in Illinois and will include links to events in the comments.

????The Chicago Sunrise Movement and partners will host a Chicago Earth Day Town Hall from 12-1pm. ????In Champaign-Urbana, area partners are calling on residents to emerge from their homes on Earth Day to stand in solidarity from 12-12:15pm. ✊In Carbondale their annual “All Species Puppet Parade” is going virtual in addition to a Virtual Earth Day Rally from 1-4pm. ☀️An April calendar prepared by Chicago groups can be found at ChicagoEarthDay50.org ????City of Evanston's "Earth Week" will include daily environmental-themed events and activities. ???? Join Prairie Rivers Network by hanging a Planet Earth or Earth Day sign in your window! ✊IL Youth Climate Movement Earth Day Event at 6pm. Details TBD. ????Check with your local park district or environmental organization for opportunities to join in virtual events this Earth Day.

#2 Recognize Individual Responsibility and Collective Political Action

[caption id="attachment_33680" align="alignright" width="225"] (Photo credit: Lucy Kelley, Lexington)[/caption] There's a long-running debate among environmentalists about how best to achieve the change we want to see in the world. Is it effective to encourage individuals to change their personal behaviors, e.g. "Take public transportation and eat less meat." Or should we focus less on individual behavior and more on systemic change achieved through reforms to law and policy such that there would be powerful economic and legal incentives for EVERYONE, including powerful corporations, to protect the planet. But this is a false choice. We each have an opportunity to decrease our individual footprint on this planet, live true to our convictions, and inspire others to do the same. The 50th Earth Day is a powerful reminder of the importance and power of collective action to influence real change. What should we do? Plant a garden, reduce plastic waste in your home, order the veggie burger AND call your legislator, hit the campaign trail, join us at the next Climate March or Lobby Day, and Vote for the Earth on November 3rd!

#1 Support a Local Environmental Organization

Become a member of Prairie Rivers Network and help us continue our work to protect water, heal land, and inspire change.

Thank you for helping us celebrate the 50th Anniversary of Earth Day!

We are so excited to bring you this list of 10 things you, your family, and your community can do to recognize the importance of Planet Earth every day.

]]> April 22, 2020 | Blog Post We mark the 50th Earth Day with a list of 10 ways to recognize this occasion that we’ll update throughout the month.]]> 33616 0 91 0 https://prairierivers.org/uncategorized/2020/04/hang-planet-earth-in-your-window/ Thu, 09 Apr 2020 11:00:01 +0000 https://prairierivers.org/?p=33621 Planet Earth in your window to celebrate the 50th Earth Day this April 22nd! We were inspired by the “bear hunts” and “heart hunters” that have motivated many of us to spread joy and love by putting teddy bears and cut out hearts in our windows. Print a planet earth, color your own, or get creative in how you display the Earth in your window! We won’t be joining in Earth Day rallies or marches, so Earth Day Action Network has also suggested that folks put an Earth Day sign in their window. They’ve even come up with some inspiration with example sign ideas like “Biodiversity Or Bust” and “The climate’s changing; Why aren’t we?”

Share this Post!

Share this post, email your contacts, or send a message to your neighborhood listserv and ask your friends and neighbors to hang an image of Planet Earth in their window. Share your creations with the hashtags #EarthDayWindow and #EarthDay2020 and encourage families to count the Earths in your neighborhood or community!   ]]> April 9, 2020 | Blog Post Hang a Planet Earth in your window to celebrate the 50th Earth Day this April 22nd!]]> 33621 0 96 0 https://prairierivers.org/uncategorized/2020/04/spring-2020-newsletter/ Tue, 14 Apr 2020 11:00:08 +0000 https://prairierivers.org/?p=33636 Read Prairie Rivers Network’s Spring 2020 Newsletter featuring articles on:

• On Climate and COVID-19
• Director's Notes
• Why I Give
• Illinois' Last Coal Mine
• Tackling Climate Change with Soil
• 2019 PRN Members & Supporters
• Herbicide Injury Threaten Farms
• Most Endangered River
• Illinois State Water Plan
• Thank You, Eric!
• Clean Energy Jobs Act

]]> April 14, 2020 | Blog Post Read Prairie Rivers Network’s Spring 2020 Newsletter!]]> 33636 0 95 0 https://prairierivers.org/uncategorized/2020/04/herbicide-injury-threaten-farms/ Fri, 24 Apr 2020 13:00:08 +0000 https://prairierivers.org/?p=33663 Organic farmers, orchards, vegetable farms, and vineyards are seeing injuries such as curled, cupped, stunted, and deformed leaves and plants. Farmers can withstand only so much injury before the integrity of their crops and the health of their plants suffer. These herbicide injuries are a serious threat to many multi-generational family farms.

Record Number of Complaints

According to the Illinois Department of Agriculture (IDOA), official landowner and grower complaints of damage to crops and plants caused by the herbicide dicamba surpassed an astonishing 700 in Illinois last year, with many more injuries left unreported and undocumented. It is the same situation in many other states: record number of complaints and widespread under-reporting of injuries. “We’re just running ourselves ragged, just trying to get out there and collect the evidence,” says Dave Scott, who is in charge of Indiana’s pesticide investigations. Nevertheless, state officials continue to offer inadequate protective measures, apparently more concerned with protecting chemical companies than protecting private property rights, specialty growers, and ecosystem health. A recent lawsuit, however, has provided some hope for those harmed by drifting dicamba. A jury found Monsanto and Bayer liable for damages to a Missouri peach farmer for years of crop losses. The farmer was awarded $15 million for losses of 30,000 trees. Bayer/Monsanto was also hit with $250 million in punitive damages stemming from their bad actions in marketing the product. Monsanto started selling its dicamba-tolerant seeds before the US EPA approved the herbicides for the market. The suit alleged that Monsanto knew that dicamba drift would damage crops and force neighboring farms to buy and plant Monsanto’s dicamba-resistant seeds so their crops would not be impacted by drifting herbicide. “This verdict is just the tip of the iceberg — there is a long queue of farmers who have been impacted by dicamba drift and deserve their day in court,” said Linda Wells, Pesticide Action Network organizing director. “The internal Monsanto (now Bayer) documents uncovered in this case show that the company released a highly destructive and intentionally untested product onto the market, and used its influence to cheat the regulatory system.” We are about to face yet another year of widespread use of dicamba and other highly volatile herbicides. However, the license for dicamba is up for renewal this year, and we are poised to fight it. Because our farms and food are vital to the health of our communities. But it is not just crops that are damaged.

Private Lands Injured Too

In recent years, we have received increased reports of plant and tree injury on both public and private lands, and these injuries are symptomatic of herbicide exposure. The big problem is that until recently no one has been monitoring what happens when these herbicides move beyond the farm field and into parks, forests, and rural communities. With the help of highly talented and dedicated PRN members, such as retired IDNR biologist Martin Kemper, we have been able to document symptoms of herbicide damage to trees and other non-target plants that provide critical resources for wildlife. Kemper has been working with us and other members to develop a report based on two years’ worth of data from our Tree and Plant Health Monitoring Program. The report will be released this spring. Our goal is to show that injuries are far more widespread than has been reported to IDOA and that we need to act now to protect our farms and ecosystems.

Your Help Needed

We need your help now more than ever. If you suspect damage to your trees, crops, pollinator habitat, etc., please document it. Visit our website at prairierivers.org/monitoring-tree-and-plant-health/ to learn how to file an injury complaint with IDOA as well as how to document suspected injuries through our monitoring database. You can use our online reporting form from your smartphone or desktop computer, just fill out the form, upload your photos of injured plants, and submit. Every bit of information helps.]]> April 24, 2020 | Blog Post We are about to face yet another year of widespread use of dicamba and other highly volatile herbicides that threaten Illinois farms.]]> 33663 0 89 0 https://prairierivers.org/uncategorized/2020/04/climate-change-and-the-upper-mississippi/ Mon, 20 Apr 2020 11:00:03 +0000 https://prairierivers.org/?p=33670 Changing Climate and the River The flooding in 2019 broke a lot of unfortunate records. The record breaking amount of water that flowed into the Mississippi River system was fueled by the wettest winter on record in the United States. In the Quad Cities, the Mississippi was at or above flood stage for 96 consecutive days. These types of events put significant strain on both the river and the many communities who find themselves in the path of these floods. With climate change accelerating, scientists believe these events could become our new normal. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration predicts moderate to major flooding in 23 states throughout 2020. The Spring flooding outlook for much of the Mississippi River along Illinois is just as dire.

Take Action!

At Prairie Rivers Network, we believe in and advocate for many ways we can slow or halt the impact we have on Earth’s climate. We also believe in the need to adapt to existing changes so we can ensure the safety of people and the environment. That is why we’re calling on officials at the federal level and across Midwestern states to create a plan for the Mississippi basin that accounts for our changing climate. This plan should prioritize reconnecting the Mississippi River with its floodplain, ensuring the system has the capacity to handle more water. This kind of step can ease the pressure that vulnerable communities feel from flood events, while subsequently restoring vital habitat for the river. Use our Action Alert to send this important message to your members of Congress and to officials throughout the Midwest!]]> April 20, 2020 | Blog Post PRN's Ryan Grosso takes us on a deep dive into American Rivers' Most Endangered River, the Upper Mississippi, and climate change.]]> 33670 0 92 0 https://prairierivers.org/uncategorized/2020/04/riverweb-news-march-5-2020-2/ Thu, 23 Apr 2020 19:15:03 +0000 https://prairierivers.org/?p=33689 Read our RiverWeb News for March 26, 2020!

Sign Up for RiverWeb Today!

 ]]> 33689 0 103 0 https://prairierivers.org/uncategorized/2020/04/riverweb-news-april-9-2020/ Thu, 23 Apr 2020 19:12:42 +0000 https://prairierivers.org/?p=33690 Read our RiverWeb News for April 9, 2020!

Sign Up for RiverWeb Today!

   ]]> 33690 0 98 0 https://prairierivers.org/uncategorized/2020/04/riverweb-news-april-23-2020/ Thu, 23 Apr 2020 18:57:46 +0000 https://prairierivers.org/?p=33691 Read our RiverWeb News for April 23, 2020! The subject line of the email that went out to subscribers of the RiverWeb News incorrectly states "Toxic Ash Blankets Chicago's Little Village." It should say "Toxic Dust Blankets Chicago's Little Village." Our apolgies.

Sign Up for RiverWeb Today!

]]> 33691 0 90 0 https://prairierivers.org/uncategorized/2020/04/epa-says-let-polluters-pollute/ Mon, 27 Apr 2020 15:25:14 +0000 https://prairierivers.org/?p=33703 Photo credit: Brent Danley[/caption] At the end of March, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) issued a policy titled “COVID-19 Implications for EPA’s Enforcement and Compliance Assurance Program.” At its core, this new policy allows facilities to forgo monitoring of emissions and regular testing of equipment vital to worker and public safety. There are a plethora of activities that may be suspended as a result. Without the need to regularly test equipment and storage tanks, it may be impossible to detect catastrophic events like explosions or major leaks before they happen. Facilities and power plants may also suspend emissions monitoring and stack tests. A lack of this kind of data paves the way for more air pollution and the risk of toxic chemicals such as benzene in neighboring communities. The greater risk of catastrophic events and toxic emissions could place pressure on an overburdened health system during a pandemic. The new policy would allow the EPA to suspend enforcement against certain violations or risks created by a facility. Enforcement or penalties might not be pursued if a facility exceeds existing limitations on emissions to air or discharge to water. Perhaps most reckless of all, the EPA might not pursue enforcement or penalties even if a facility’s operations “create an acute risk or an imminent threat to human health and the environment.” The mission of the Environmental Protection Agency is simple: to protect human health and the environment. This policy is an affront to that mission. There is no question that the United States and the world is in the midst of a health crisis like no other. Protecting public health and the environment is a priority for many of us during this uncertain time, and that is why Prairie Rivers Network is joining a group of organizations to urge the EPA to reverse this action. You can read the letter here.

Implications for Frontline Communities

PRN opposes any effort to make it easier for industry to pollute and maneuver around important safeguards for public health and the environment. We also recognize that the communities closest to and most affected by industrial pollution are disproportionately low-income and black and brown communities. These disparities have become even more evident during the current public health crisis. Although black residents make up 29% of the population in Chicago, they accounted for 70% of COVID-19 deaths in early April. [caption id="attachment_33705" align="alignright" width="300"] Photo credit: yooperann[/caption] In this case, the EPA’s new policy assures that an even greater health burden will be placed on communities that already experience elevated levels of pollutants and higher risks of cardiovascular and respiratory illnesses. Implementing these shortsighted changes during a pandemic is dangerous and shameful. People with underlying health conditions are at high risk of severe complications from COVID-19, and now more than ever, the EPA should ensure that proper monitoring and safeguards are in place to protect human health and the environment. The EPA must fully rescind this policy.]]> April 27, 2020 | Blog Post A new EPA policy gives polluters the green light to forgo monitoring of emissions and regular testing of equipment vital to worker and public safety.]]> 33703 0 88 0 https://prairierivers.org/uncategorized/2020/04/icjc-asks-senate-to-increase-support-for-families/ Tue, 28 Apr 2020 15:15:15 +0000 https://prairierivers.org/?p=33708 Amanda Pankau of PRN is joined by State Senator Scott Bennett and State Representative Carol Ammons at a press event last year supporting the ICJC’s Clean Energy Jobs Act.[/caption] The ICJC was instrumental in passing landmark legislation in Illinois known as the Future Energy Jobs Act, and has crafted an essential follow up legislative package known as the Clean Energy Jobs Act, or CEJA. As an important voice at the legislative table, the ICJC was recently asked by the Illinois Senate Energy Committee for assistance in crafting a legislative response to some of the acute challenges faced by Illinois families and businesses hit hard by the COVID crisis. At the end of the first week of April, jobless claims in Illinois totaled 201,104. U.S Department of Labor. With hundreds of thousands of families facing job loss and financial difficulty, it is imperative that the state provides relief beyond the utility disconnection suspensions ordered by the Governor and the Illinois Commerce Commission (ICC). What we’ve seen in job and financial losses in unprecedented, with more to surely come. What follows is a summary of some of the actions the ICJC recommends, and Prairie Rivers Network believes, should be implemented immediately:

1. Utility Bill Relief The ICJC recommends financial assistance programs such as Percentage of Income Payment Plans, decreased utility rates, debt forgiveness, expanded access to energy assistance funds, and an acceleration of the disbursement of federal energy assistance funds.
2. Ban Disconnections, Late Fees, and Reconnection Obstacles The Governor and the ICC wisely took action to ban disconnections and late fees, and to reconnect consumers to utility service. Yet families will face hardship for months to come, even after the Stay-at-Home Executive Order is lifted. These protections should be extended for at least one year after all non-essential business activities resume.Because the ICC does not regulate municipal or cooperative utilities, its ban on disconnections and late fees does not apply to them. These consumer protection requirements should be extended to all utilities in the state so that all families facing hardship and an inability to pay can be supported.
3. Enforce Air Quality Compliance As the federal government abandons enforcement of environmental protections, we must now more than ever ensure that the Illinois EPA is sufficiently directed and funded to enforce local air pollution and air quality laws.

It is the mission of Prairie Rivers Network to protect water, heal land, and inspire change. Through the collective action of people, we seek to transform how we care for the earth and how we care for each other. The COVID-19 crisis has presented us with the opportunity to be a catalyst for such transformation. Let’s use this opportunity wisely and with great compassion.

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Kim Knowles, attorney and policy specialist, leads our efforts to protect and restore rivers and floodplains, and works to strengthen renewable energy policy in Illinois with a focus on low income solar programs.]]> April 28, 2020 | Blog Post PRN is a proud and active member of the Illinois Clean Jobs Coalition in support of families during the COVID-19 pandemic.]]> 33708 0 87 0 https://prairierivers.org/uncategorized/2020/04/coalition-sues-to-stop-clean-water-rollbacks/ Wed, 29 Apr 2020 15:09:25 +0000 https://prairierivers.org/?p=33718 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Coalition Sues to Stop Clean Water Rollbacks

Contact: Mark Drajem, mdrajem@nrdc.org, 202-289-2436, or Elizabeth Heyd, eheyd@nrdc.org, 202-813-8315 WASHINGTON (April 29, 2020) – A coalition of environmental groups filed a lawsuit in federal court to block the Trump administration’s unlawful move to gut protections for many of America’s streams and wetlands. [caption id="attachment_33721" align="alignright" width="300"] Photo credit: Jason Lindsey[/caption] The administration’s disingenuously named “Navigable Waters Protection Rule’’ actually would eliminate protections enshrined in the landmark Clean Water Act. The lawsuit was filed today in the U.S. District Court for the District of Massachusetts by the Conservation Law Foundation, Connecticut River Conservancy, Clean Wisconsin, Massachusetts Audubon Society, Merrimack River Watershed Council, NRDC (Natural Resources Defense Council), New Mexico Wilderness Alliance, and Prairie Rivers Network. “Our nation’s majestic waterways depend for their health on the smaller streams and wetlands that filter pollution and protect against flooding, but the Trump administration wants to ignore the science demonstrating that,” said Jon Devine, director of federal water policy at NRDC. “This regulation is plainly unlawful. It violates the simple but powerful mandate of the Clean Water Act to protect the integrity of our nation’s waters.” “Nobody knows the importance of clean water better than New Mexicans. Here it is not just the lifeblood of our communities, but it is inseparable from our cultural heritage,” said Mark Allison, executive director of New Mexico Wilderness Alliance. “Moreover, because the final rule removes ephemeral streams from protections, representing more than 90% of our state’s waterways, New Mexico will suffer disproportionate harm. We had no choice but to challenge this affront in the courts.” “This effort by the Trump Administration to undo federal protections for wetlands and streams in Wisconsin and around the nation threatens drinking water for millions of Americans, sacrifices habitat for endangered and threatened species, and jeopardizes the fishing, boating, tourism and economic activities that rely on clean water,” said Mark Redsten, president & CEO of Clean Wisconsin. “Science shows us these impacted water bodies are all connected, despite Trump EPA’s denial. By taking this action, Trump’s EPA is failing to live up to its mission to protect public health and the environment.” “One in ten people in Illinois rely on ephemeral streams to feed their drinking water sources. By removing Clean Water Act protections from these streams, Trump’s rule further threatens our health and safety at a time when we so clearly need more safeguards for our communities, not less,” said Kim Knowles, policy specialist at Prairie Rivers Network.

Background

The Environmental Protection Agency and Army Corps of Engineers published their Navigable Waters Rule in the Federal Register earlier this month. The rule removes Clean Water Act protections from many wetlands, as well as streams that flow in response to rain or snowfall. Environmental groups are challenging the regulation, which ignores the broad array of scientific studies demonstrating the ways in which wetlands and rain-dependent streams significantly affect the health of larger water bodies. The new regulation illegally denies federal protection to those waters, even though protecting water quality is the purpose of the Clean Water Act. Preliminary estimates from earlier in the rulemaking process show that the rule may exclude from federal protections nearly a fifth of the country’s streams and about half of our wetlands. Even those figures likely underestimate the harm. (The administration now disavows this analysis.) A copy of the petition is available upon request.

# # #

The Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC) is an international nonprofit environmental organization with more than 3 million members and online activists. Since 1970, our lawyers, scientists, and other environmental specialists have worked to protect the world's natural resources, public health, and the environment. NRDC has offices in New York City, Washington, D.C., Los Angeles, San Francisco, Chicago, Bozeman, MT, and Beijing. Visit us at www.nrdc.org and follow us on Twitter @NRDC.​]]> April 29, 2020 | Press Release Today, PRN has joined a nationwide lawsuit to block the Trump administration to stop clean water rollbacks.]]> 33718 0 86 0 https://prairierivers.org/uncategorized/2020/05/start-seeing-monarchs/ Wed, 06 May 2020 20:56:04 +0000 https://prairierivers.org/?p=33749 monarch butterflies to complete the round trip migration, and they need unique habitat characteristics to complete their life cycle. Now is the time to start seeing monarchs! It’s also a great time to learn about ways that we can foster those special habitat features in our own backyards and communities.

Things You Can Do to Help the Monarch

Want to help the monarch butterfly? Here’s a list of five things you can do to help the monarch this year!

1. Report your spring sightings at Journey North.
2. Plant milkweed and other monarch friendly plants in your garden. List here.
3. Work in your community to build support for the Mayor's Monarch Pledge.
4. Become a Butterfly Hero with the National Wildlife Federation.
5. Share Illinois Monarch Projects "Mowing Guidelines for Pollinators" with your neighbors and local municipality.

  ]]> May 6, 2020 | Blog Post Monarchs are on the move! Start seeing monarchs as they make their way to Illinois and beyond!]]> 33749 0 84 0 https://prairierivers.org/uncategorized/2020/05/mismanaged-mississippi/ Thu, 07 May 2020 14:08:04 +0000 https://prairierivers.org/?p=33757 Most Endangered River for 2020. Climate change is driving more intense precipitation events and pushing more water into an overwhelmed system. But no issue in a river system is completely separate from another.

Reason #2: Poor floodplain and watershed management

[caption id="attachment_33760" align="alignright" width="431"] Photo credit: ProPublica[/caption] The Upper Mississippi River has been severed from its floodplain due to years of development and the proliferation of flooding structures like levees. This has been a pattern since the 19th century. More recently, several levee drainage districts have built their levees to unauthorized heights, lacking the proper permits from state and federal agencies. The districts raise them with material during a flood but refuse to remove the material after the event. This map and the orange shapes within it represent where some of these districts are. In the event of a severe flood, the levee systems in question could push a significant amount of water onto vulnerable communities and farmers. We’ve addressed this issue more extensively in our podcast Stories from the Floodplain. The behavior of levee districts like the Sny is representative of a more systemic problem along the river: flood management decisions are made in a silo. Farmers, cities, counties, drainage districts, and states make separate decisions when preparing for a flood. This adds unnecessary chaos to a natural disaster. Due to years of discriminatory policies, communities of color and/or low-income in urban areas are especially vulnerable to failed flood infrastructure. Development has also damaged the hydrology of the Upper Mississippi and its surrounding habitat. Despite efforts to restore parts of the river, habitat continues to degrade one to four times faster than it can be rehabilitated.

Take Action

Prairie Rivers Network and several organizations are calling on state and federal leaders to bring an end to this antiquated way of protecting people from flooding. There’s an opportunity here to create a “master plan” for the Upper Mississippi basin, a plan that would work towards a more cohesive effort when considering flood risk management decisions. However, it must also drastically change the status quo of building and maintaining higher levees. It is more important than ever to shift our priority to nature-based solutions that can simultaneously protect vulnerable communities and restore vital habitat in the watershed. Use our Action Alert here to contact your members of Congress and officials in states throughout the Upper Mississippi River. Voice your support for a plan to change our current system of reckless floodplain management!]]> May 7, 2020 | Blog Post The Upper Mississippi River has been severed from its floodplain due to years of development and the proliferation of flooding structures like levees.]]> 33757 0 83 0 https://prairierivers.org/uncategorized/2020/05/dont-let-trump-administration-determine-our-energy-future/ Mon, 04 May 2020 13:49:23 +0000 https://prairierivers.org/?p=33762 ]]> May 4, 2020 | Action Alert | Take action today to delay fossil fuel bailouts and save Illinoisans money on their energy bills!]]> 33762 0 82 0 https://prairierivers.org/uncategorized/2020/05/riverweb-news-may-7-2020/ Thu, 07 May 2020 22:00:39 +0000 https://prairierivers.org/?p=33771 Read our RiverWeb News for May 7, 2020 with stories on:

• More Safeguards Needed, Not Less
• Illinois' Energy Future
• Mismanaged Mississippi
• Celebrate Start Seeing Monarchs Day
• Wildlife of the Week

 

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]]> 33771 0 81 0 https://prairierivers.org/uncategorized/2020/05/conservation-groups-challenge-army-corps-mississippi-river-plan/ Thu, 14 May 2020 16:56:20 +0000 https://prairierivers.org/?p=33777 Corps’ Plan Increases Flood Risks and Damages Habitat; Analysis of Impacts Insufficient ST. LOUIS (May 13, 2020) – Five conservation groups have sued the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, arguing the agency did not properly evaluate the impacts of its plan for managing a 195-mile section of the Mississippi River between St. Louis, MO and Cairo, Ill. The lawsuit was brought by the National Wildlife Federation, American Rivers, Prairie Rivers Network, Missouri Coalition for the Environment, and Great Rivers Habitat Alliance. “The Army Corps has opted to continue to recklessly follow a century-old plan that increases the risk of catastrophic floods while destroying vital wildlife habitat,” said Melissa Samet, Senior Water Resources Counsel at the National Wildlife Federation. “It is unfortunate that we had to go to court to urge the agency to assess all the risks and evaluate modern approaches. However, last year’s flooding shows how critical it is that the Army Corps get this right.” The lawsuit, filed in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Illinois, challenges the Corps’ Supplemental Environmental Impact Statement for the Regulating Works Project. The Regulating Works Project guides the Army Corps’ management of this section of the Mississippi River. "Great Rivers Habitat Alliance is a part of this important lawsuit because we feel it is imperative that all government agencies properly consider the cumulative impacts of their individual project proposals, which far too many government entities at every level fail to do,” David Stokes, the executive director of the Great Rivers Habitat Alliance. “We also support limits on structural projects to attempt to manage our great rivers.” The Army Corps has already constructed hundreds of miles of “river training structures” that alter the river’s flow. These structures – which include wing dikes, bendway weirs, and chevrons – have increased flood height by up to 15 feet in some locations and 6 to 8 feet in broad stretches of the Middle Mississippi. The impacts of these and other Army Corps actions on the river have so constricted the river that it now suffers from the type of flash flooding more typical of a much smaller river. “The Army Corps should be protecting communities along the river, not putting them at even greater risk by building more structures that are known to increase flood heights,” said Kim Knowles, attorney and policy specialist for Prairie Rivers Network. The plaintiffs argue the agency failed to properly evaluate the risk of increased flooding from the additional river training structures and it did not adequately consider the impacts of altering the river on fish, birds and other wildlife. The Army Corps’ analysis also ignored mitigation requirements passed by Congress in the 2007 water resources bill. "American Rivers named the Upper Mississippi as America's Most Endangered River for 2020 because of the urgent threat of flooding and climate change. The Army Corps' outdated approaches threaten community safety and river health. It's critical that the Corps reevaluate the impacts of its plan and consider more effective solutions. It is time to change course," said Olivia Dorothy, Upper Mississippi Basin Director for American Rivers. The Department of the Interior has documented 193 species of migratory birds in or around the project area. Some 144 species of fish live in this section of the river, including the endangered pallid sturgeon which is directly affected by the project. “The Mississippi River is our region's greatest natural asset. Decades of short-term thinking have deprived communities up and down the river of its natural, free-flowing benefits and risked lives, property, and environmental health by contributing to the severity of its floods,” said Heather Navarro, executive director of the Missouri Coalition for the Environment. “The people deserve a comprehensive review of the environmental impacts of the Corps' decisions because we are all dependent on it. Decisions have been historically based on what's good for certain businesses but the law calls us to do better.” This lawsuit seeks to require the Corps to redo its environmental review, stop or limit construction of new river training structures, and effectively mitigate the impacts of its Regulating Works Project. The groups are represented by the Law Offices of Stephan C. Volker and Great Rivers Environmental Law Center. Contact: National Wildlife Federation: Lacey McCormick, 512-610-7765, mccormick@nwf.org American Rivers: Amy Kober, 503-708-1145, akober@americanrivers.org Missouri Coalition for the Environment: Heather Navarro, Executive Director, 314-632-6458, hnavarro@moenviron.org More information: NWF Factsheet on River Training Structures]]> May 14, 2020 | Press Release PRN joined NWF and three other conservation organizations in a lawsuit against the U.S. Army Corpos of Engineers over its plan for managing a 195-mile section of the Mississippi River.]]> 33777 0 80 0 https://prairierivers.org/uncategorized/2020/05/more-flooding-less-habitat/ Wed, 20 May 2020 21:37:08 +0000 https://prairierivers.org/?p=33790 Army Corps Plan Will be Devastating for the Middle Miss True to form, the Army Corps of Engineers has put out another faulty plan for managing the Middle Mississippi River that will cause real harm if left unchecked. The plan itself is not new; in fact, it’s over 100 years old. It’s a very outdated approach to river management that fails to evaluate modern methods, and recklessly fails to account for current risks to people and habitat; putting both in real danger. So Prairie Rivers Network has joined a lawsuit to put a stop to the Corps’ recklessness. [caption id="attachment_33791" align="aligncenter" width="620"] Photo credit: Mississippi Business Journal[/caption] At the heart of this legal dispute is the Corps’ failure to prepare a legally adequate environmental impact statement. The Corps has refused to consider current scientific information to assess the impacts of the construction activities it uses to maintain the navigation channel in the Middle Mississippi. The “Middle Miss” is the 195-mile stretch of the river between St. Louis, Missouri and Cairo, Illinois. Many of these activities include massive channel construction (including construction of hundreds of miles of river training structures), excavation, dredging and bank hardening practices. We’ve written about the problems with river training structures in the past. The Corps’ insistence on using these methods without complying with the law threatens irreparable environmental harm to and ecological collapse of the Middle Mississippi River. The Corps’ mismanagement has greatly harmed wildlife by altering and even eliminating various habitats needed to sustain different species of fish, birds, and other animals. For instance, the Fish and Wildlife Service has found that the Corps’ actions are a threat to the continued existence of the pallid sturgeon and the Higgins eye pearly mussel, and will likely harm the least tern, the bald eagle, the Indiana bat and other species of mussels. Recent data, though ignored by the Corps, irrefutably show that river training structures also increase the frequency and severity of flooding. The structures narrow the river channel and thereby increase flood heights, placing people’s lives and property at increased risk from flooding. In some communities, the training structures have increased flood heights by 6 to 8 feet, in another, by as much as 15 feet. Fellow plaintiffs in the suit include National Wildlife Federation, American Rivers, Great Rivers Habitat Alliance, and Missouri Coalition for the Environment. We are asking the court to declare that the Corps has abused its discretion and violated the law, and must, therefore, perform a new environmental impact analysis that fully considers harmful impacts to the Middle Mississippi, its people, and its wildlife. In the meantime, the court should prohibit the Corps from building any new river training structures. Despite the harm caused by over a century of Army Corps mismanagement, the Middle Mississippi River remains a biologically rich, though threatened, ecosystem. The river still supports a multitude of species including birds, mammals, amphibians, reptiles, fish, plants, and mussels. For those who may not know, mussels play a vital role in maintaining healthy aquatic ecosystems, providing food, filtration, and river bed stabilization. Now more than ever, all of these species need our protection. It’s unfortunate, but it seems the Corps must be dragged, kicking and screaming, into a 21st century approach to managing and caring for the river that works with-and not against-nature. We aim to help them get there.

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Kim Knowles leads our efforts to promote resilient rivers and communities through the protection and restoration of natural floodplain functions, and through the promotion of renewable energy, with a particular focus on low income community solar programs.]]> May 21, 2020 | Blog Post The Army Corps of Engineers has put out another faulty plan for managing the Middle Mississippi River that will cause real harm if left unchecked. PRN’s Kim Knowles tells us why the Corps’ plan will be devastating for the Middle Mississippi.]]> 33790 0 77 0 https://prairierivers.org/uncategorized/2020/05/riverweb-news-may-21/ Thu, 21 May 2020 17:30:46 +0000 https://prairierivers.org/?p=33888 Read our RiverWeb News for May 21, 2020 with stories on:

• PRN Joins Lawsuit to Protect the Mississippi
• More Flooding. Less Habitat.
• As Rivers Rise, You Can Take Action
• Pass CEJA Now!
• 5,700+ Signatures!
• Get Your Rural Well Tested for Nitrates

 

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]]> 33888 0 78 0 https://prairierivers.org/uncategorized/2020/05/go-solar-with-a-solar-group-buy-in-illinois/ Fri, 29 May 2020 15:03:24 +0000 https://prairierivers.org/?p=33804 Solar Urbana-Champaign program and the inaugural Solarize Southern Illinois program. The Solar U-C program is offered throughout Champaign and Piatt Counties, and for the first time this year, also Vermillion County. The Solarize Southern Illinois program is offered to Jackson, Perry, Franklin, Williamson, and Union counties in southern Illinois. Programs are typically sponsored by local municipalities and organizations in cooperation with the Midwest Renewable Energy Association. There is also a Grow Solar Metro East program and a Solarize Chicagoland program.

What is a solar group buy?

[caption id="attachment_33815" align="alignright" width="300"] Photo credit: Straight Up Solar, the selected installer for the 2020 Urbana-Champaign and Solarize Southern Illinois Group-buys.[/caption] Solar group buys take the guess-work out of going solar! A solar group buy is an education and group purchasing program for solar on homes and businesses. The more participants that go solar through the program, the more everyone saves!

What makes a Solar Group Buy Special?

Program sponsors use a competitive request for proposals to select a solar installer. Through this process, program participants are ensured a competitive price and the simplicity of working with a single installer. Most individuals purchasing a solar system through a group buy will receive a lower price per watt than what they would pay on the open market. As more people buy in and various benchmarks are achieved, prices go down even more. These additional savings are realized at the end of the program in the form of a group buy rebate. Participants are welcome to consider all their options before signing a contract to ensure they are receiving the best price available for their system. Solar group-buys are only available for a short time! You will have until September 30, 2020 to become a part of the Solar Urbana-Champaign Group Buy and until August 31, 2020 to join the Solarize Southern IL program.

Why is solar so affordable right now?

In addition to the savings you would realize through the group buy’s reduced pricing offers, savings may also be realized in three ways by: 1) claiming the federal tax credit, 2) selling solar renewable energy credits (SRECS), and 3) utilizing net metering. The federal Residential Renewable Energy Tax Credit is currently 26%. So if you have a sizable income tax bill, you can claim a tax credit up to 26% of your solar expenditures. SRECS are financial incentives that were created by Illinois law and are intended to foster growth in solar power. You will receive cash payments based on projections of future energy production for your solar project. Your installer will help you sell these SRECs. Further savings can be realized through a process called net metering. If your system is connected to your utility’s grid, there will be times when excess energy not used by your home or business is sent back to the grid. Through net metering, your utility provider will keep track of that electricity and in exchange you’ll receive bill credits on your electric bill. Those credits then help offset the cost of electricity when your panels aren’t producing electricity. Be sure to check with your utility company to learn more about their net metering policy. You can see project cost examples of how these savings add up by attending a Virtual Solar Power Hour, described below.

How do I learn more?

Community outreach and education are crucial to the success of these programs. The program sponsors work with local organizations to facilitate a number of 1-hour-long “Solar Power Hours.” These educational events cover the basics of solar, costs and financing, your property’s solar readiness, and how to participate in the group buy. This year, in the interests of safety, the Solar Power Hours will be held online. Solar U-C Solar Power Hours can be found here and Solarize Southern Illinois Solar Power Hours can be found here.

A few more fun facts about these solar group buys!

The Solarize Southern Illinois group buy program creates an opportunity to train new solar installers and establishes a Low Income Renewable Energy Fund to assist buyers typically left out of the solar market. The Solar Urbana-Champaign group buy program will include Community Solar this year, with options for low-income households. Remember, these programs are limited time offers, learn more by attending a Virtual Solar Power Hour or by visiting the websites for more information!

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Amanda Pankau coordinates our campaign to bring information to communities about the benefits of renewable energy and the costs of non-renewable sources, such as coal.   

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Kim Knowles leads our efforts to promote resilient rivers and communities through the protection and restoration of natural floodplain functions, and through the promotion of renewable energy, with a particular focus on low income solar programs.]]> May 29, 2020 | Blog Post Prairie Rivers Network is a proud sponsor of two solar group buys this year. Learn more about them in our latest blog!]]> 33804 0 76 0 https://prairierivers.org/uncategorized/2020/06/supreme-court-decision-allows-middle-fork-lawsuit-to-move-forward/ Mon, 01 Jun 2020 11:00:02 +0000 https://prairierivers.org/?p=33846 Two years ago, Prairie Rivers Network, represented by Earthjustice, filed a lawsuit against Dynegy/Vistra for their toxic coal ash seeping pollution into the Middle Fork. For a while, that lawsuit has been on hold while we waited for a decision from the US Supreme Court that would shape the direction of our Middle Fork lawsuit. On April 23rd this year, the Supreme Court decided that discharges to navigable waters (like the Middle Fork) through groundwater are regulated under the Clean Water Act. This is a major victory for the Clean Water Act, and it also means that our lawsuit will no longer be on hold. We've already taken steps to move the lawsuit forward again and force Dynegy to clean up its ash on the Middle Fork.

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Andrew Rehn provides technical expertise in support of Prairie River’s coal pollution programs.]]> June 1, 2020 | Blog Post The Clean Water Act scored a major victory on April 23rd, and it has huge ramifications for the Middle Fork of the Vermilion River and our lawsuit against Dynegy/Vistra.]]> 33846 0 75 0 https://prairierivers.org/uncategorized/2020/06/solidarity-for-racial-justice/ Thu, 04 Jun 2020 21:01:40 +0000 https://prairierivers.org/?p=33859 Black communities and communities of color disproportionately feel the effects of pollution and other health and environmental harms because racial oppression has never ended in America. These injustices manifest themselves in many of the issues we work on, and so we must commit ourselves to addressing issues of justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion within our organization and strive to center those principles in our work. We have to listen, learn, and take action as we work collectively toward a more just and equitable society. There are steps all of us can take right now:

• Learn more. Check out this list of anti-racism resources.
• Call your state legislators and members of Congress to demand action on police brutality and racial injustice.
• Support Black causes by signing petitions and donating.
• Support black-owned businesses in your community. If you’re in the Champaign-Urbana area, check out this directory.

In solidarity, The Prairie Rivers Network Team]]> June 4, 2020 | Blog Post Prairie Rivers Network stands in solidarity with Black communities demanding justice.]]> 33859 0 74 0 https://prairierivers.org/uncategorized/2020/06/podcast-long-live-the-great-lakes-republic/ Tue, 09 Jun 2020 18:36:05 +0000 https://prairierivers.org/?p=33866 June 9, 2020 | Blog Post We sit down with Dr. Rachel Havrelock, founder of the Freshwater Lab, to discuss why the US EPA is failing in its duty to enforce environmental protections.]]> 33866 0 73 0 https://prairierivers.org/uncategorized/2020/06/riverweb-news-june-11/ Thu, 11 Jun 2020 17:30:56 +0000 https://prairierivers.org/?p=33891 Read our RiverWeb News for June 11, 2020 with stories on:

• Major Victory on Clean Water Act
• Dicamba Ruling
• Stories from the Floodplain
• Go Solar with a Solar Group Buy
• Bulldog Mine Call for Action
• Climate Change and Southern IL Agriculture

 

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]]> 33891 0 72 0 https://prairierivers.org/uncategorized/2020/06/riverweb-news-june-25/ Thu, 25 Jun 2020 19:19:19 +0000 https://prairierivers.org/?p=33894 Read our RiverWeb News for June 11, 2020 with stories on:

• Happy National Pollinator Week!
• “We’ve got it everywhere.”
• Sprouts Sprouts Habitat in C-U
• Stories from the Floodplain
• The Day After Tomorrow

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]]> 33894 0 71 0 https://prairierivers.org/uncategorized/2020/07/reclaim-act-passes-the-house/ Thu, 02 Jul 2020 18:21:11 +0000 https://prairierivers.org/?p=33905 RECLAIM Act Passes the House as part of H.R. 2, The Moving Forward Act

This bill could mean a large boost of funds for Illinois mine clean up.

On Thursday, July 2nd, the RECLAIM Act (HR 2156) passed the U.S. House of Representatives as part of The Moving Forward Act (H.R. 2), a bill to address America’s infrastructure needs and create jobs in the wake of the economic and health crisis caused by COVID-19. The RECLAIM Act would invest $1 billion in projects that clean up abandoned coal mines and their polluted waters and catalyze community economic development projects on or near reclaimed sites. These funds would be invested in over twenty states across the country, including Illinois. In addition to the RECLAIM Act, the Moving Forward Act includes H.R.4248 to reauthorize the fee supporting the Abandoned Mine Land (AML) Reclamation Fund. For more than 140 years, Illinois’ coal mining communities have helped power the state and the nation. While many communities have a proud history of mining and reclamation, thousands of acres of abandoned mined lands still exist throughout Illinois’ coal country. The Office of Surface Mining estimates that Illinois has $153 million in remaining AML liabilities. Under the RECLAIM Act, Illinois would be poised to access $102 million over 5 years to complete reclamation and spur economic development. This could create an estimated 1300 jobs in the state. For years, coal communities and organizations have advocated for these bills as job creation measures to support coal communities as they faced job loss and economic decline due to a disappearing coal industry. However, these jobs are even more critical for coalfield communities as they grapple with further economic decline due to the COVID-19 crisis. Illinois is one of the nation's success stories in terms of redevelopment of reclaimed coal sites and the area around Gillespie, in south central Illinois, is the epicenter of much of this redevelopment. “From the early 1900’s to the mid 1960's coal mining was the dominant industry around Gillespie,” said Dan Fisher, Gillespie City Treasurer and President of the community’s economic development group, Grow Gillespie. “But over the years all of the mines closed and beginning in the 1970’s the former mine sites were reclaimed thanks to funds from AML. Within a 10 mile radius of my house there are now soccer fields, a steel tubing plant, a carpet retailer, a vineyard-winery, and a manufacturer of industrial trash containers, all of whom are operating on lands that were once abandoned coal mines. These businesses are proof that jobs can be created in former coal communities and reclamation is a fundamental catalyst for that job creation.” “Reclamation efforts seek to restore topography and drainage, rectify acidic soils and waters, and return soil to abandoned coal mines that were disturbed prior to a 1977 federal law that required clean-up,” said Amanda Pankau, Energy Campaign Coordinator with Prairie Rivers Network and member of the Reclaim Working Group. “Illinois has countless examples of economic development projects on reclaimed mined lands including farms, vineyards, recreational opportunities, businesses, state parks, and industrial parks. Opportunities to reclaim land with an eye to economic development is especially important in areas where coal economies continue to decline amid a transitioning energy economy. The RECLAIM Act will focus on those areas and will also allow community members to play a role in determining what areas and projects receive support.” This legislation is a critical step for coal community recovery after the decline of the coal industry and the economic effects of COVID-19. The RECLAIM Act and reauthorization of the abandoned mine reclamation fee was recently endorsed by over 100 organizations across the United States in a letter to congressional leadership. “Now that the bill has reached the Senate, we look forward to working with Senators Durbin and Duckworth so that this crucial legislation can finally become law and provide funds that will both erase the environmental scars of abandoned coal mines and provide jobs in those communities that depended upon coal mining for their economic livelihood,” Fisher said. “COVID continues to wreak havoc on our social and economic structures. Fold the economic uncertainties that the continued decline of coal mining has wrought and you can clearly see that coal communities are experiencing a one-two punch to the gut right now. It’s time to pass RECLAIM and provide needed hope to coal country families.”

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]]> July 2, 2020 | Press Release The RECLAIM Act has passed the House and could mean a large boost of funds for Illinois mine clean up.]]> 33905 0 69 0 https://prairierivers.org/uncategorized/2020/07/the-dismantling-of-nepa/ Wed, 22 Jul 2020 15:39:50 +0000 https://prairierivers.org/?p=33950 As the Natural Resources Defense Council simply puts it, “Before the government can take any major action, it needs to assess the impact of the project, inform the public of its plans, consider other options, and open up its proposal to public comment.” Those sequential steps for federal agencies have been around for years, but on Wednesday, July 15th, the Trump administration finalized its plan to drastically change and undermine the core principles of NEPA. The administration says they are committed “to slashing the web of needless bureaucracy.” But as the United States grapples with a global pandemic and systemic racism, this is not the time to dismantle one of our oldest environmental laws. Doing so will put more people in harm’s way during and after this public health crisis. Among other things, the administration's new rule includes provisions that:

• alter and limit the types of projects that can be reviewed under NEPA;
• change the type of environmental impacts considered for a project, all but eliminating the need to study how it could exacerbate climate change and other issues;
• shorten the deadline of some environmental reviews to no more than two years; and
• modify how people comment on proposed projects near their homes and families, severely limiting the ability of low-income communities and communities of color to oppose dangerous projects.

Fortunately, long legal battles are expected in the coming months to slow or completely halt the rule. PRN will continue to monitor where the rule stands and reach out to you, our members and supporters, if there is a way you can help us defend the National Environmental Policy Act. (Photo credit: Jeremy Atherton / Creative Commons / North Branch of the Chicago River)]]> July 22, 2020 | Blog Post For more than 50 years, the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) has stood in the way of dangerous and damaging federal infrastructure projects. The Trump administration finalized its plan to drastically change and undermine the core principles of NEPA. PRN’s Ryan Grosso takes us through what the changes mean and what we can expect moving forward. ]]> 33950 0 66 0 https://prairierivers.org/uncategorized/2020/07/take-action-on-the-mississippi-river/ Thu, 23 Jul 2020 14:08:44 +0000 https://prairierivers.org/?p=33958 33958 0 65 0 https://prairierivers.org/uncategorized/2020/07/the-next-step-in-the-fight-for-strong-coal-ash-protections/ Mon, 27 Jul 2020 19:39:35 +0000 https://prairierivers.org/?p=34002 Click here for the printable guidance document on the coal ash rulemaking.

Public Participation in the Coal Ash Rulemaking

Last year, Illinois passed the Coal Ash Pollution Prevention Act - SB9 - which put us on a path to having strong protections for coal ash in Illinois through a rulemaking on coal ash. This year, we're working to make sure that hard-fought victory is secured. The Coal Ash Pollution Prevention Act is being translated into regulations in a process called a rulemaking. Everyone gets a voice in that rulemaking - environmental groups, the public, even the companies that own all the toxic coal ash. The rulemaking hearing is three days - August 11th, 12th, and 13th starting at 9am each day - and it will include extensive expert testimony and questioning from lawyers. At this hearing, the Illinois EPA will testify in defense of their proposed coal ash rules; but Illinois can do better than what is being proposed.

Sign-Up to Speak on August 12th or 13th at the Hearing

The public participation will occur on August 12th from 5pm-7pm and August 13th from 12pm-1pm. The public participation section gives space for the public to make comment on the rulemaking (you won't be asked any questions). Your voice can help shape the coal ash rules and demonstrates the real stakes of the issue.

Join the July 30 Training!

On Thursday, July 30th at 6pm, join PRN's Andrew Rehn and other experts to learn about the proposed coal ash rules and how you can add your voice to the rulemaking. The proposed rules need to be improved. Illinois can do better. Click the button below to sign up and go to Facebook to 'like' our event.

Click Here to Sign-Up for the July 30th Training Webinar

Written Comment

You can also submit written comments via email until October 30th, and they are weighed equally to spoken comments. To submit written comments, write to Clerk of the Board Don Brown by email (don.brown@illinois.gov). If you have any issues or questions regarding submission of comments, Don has said you can call him at 312-814-3461, or you can ask Andrew Rehn with Prairie Rivers Network for help (arehn@prairierivers.org). We still encourage you to sign up to attend the hearing virtually to just watch & listen, either for the public comment at the times above or for the opening of the hearing at 9am on August 11th. The public agencies should know that the people of Illinois are watching.

What is the Rulemaking?

The Coal Ash Rulemaking is the process by which the Illinois Pollution Control Board decides on the rules that Illinois EPA will follow for regulating coal ash. By law, the rules must follow guidelines set by the Coal Ash Pollution Prevention Act, but those guidelines alone will not make for a strong rule. The Illinois Pollution Control Board is the rulemaking body. They are who we’re trying to convince. The Illinois EPA has proposed rules to the Board, but this is a starting point that will shape the conversation. The rule can change from here, and it is up to the Illinois Pollution Control Board to make the final decision. The Illinois EPA, industry, environmental groups, and the public are all participants in the rulemaking. At the first hearing, we will hear from experts at Illinois EPA as they defend their proposed rule. They will be subject to questions from industry, environmental groups, and others. Additionally, we will hear from the public during public comment. The public will not be subject to questions.

Background

Learn more here.

Coal Ash - A Toxic Threat to Water and Health

• Coal ash is a waste byproduct of burning coal, and contains toxic metals that cause serious health problems, including cancer.
• Coal ash is stored on-site at power plants in coal ash impoundments, which are often referred to as “coal ash ponds” because they resemble man-made ponds filled with coal ash mixed with water.
• Coal ash is also stored in landfills or dumped as “fill” at power plant sites and elsewhere around the state.
• Illinois EPA identified 73 coal ash ponds at dozens of power plant sites across the state, nearly all of which are next to rivers and lakes. Groundwater at 22 of 24 coal ash sites tested in Illinois, including impoundments and landfills, had unsafe concentrations of toxic coal ash pollutants.
• Safe closure of coal ash impoundments is critically important to protecting human health, drinking water, and the environment.
• Where coal ash has already contaminated the land and water, clean-up of the contamination is a major issue facing Illinois. We need to stop further contamination AND cleanup the pollution already in our water.

Timeline

• Summer 2019 – The Coal Ash Pollution Prevention Act becomes law.
• Fall 2019 - Illinois EPA holds listening sessions across the state to develop their draft proposed rules.
• Winter 2019 - Illinois EPA releases first draft of proposed rules for comment.
• January 2020 - Illinois EPA holds stakeholder meeting in Springfield on draft proposed rules.
• March 2020 - Illinois EPA sends final proposed rules to Illinois Pollution Control Board, rulemaking begins.
• August 2020 – Illinois Pollution Control Board holds first hearing in coal ash rulemaking.
• September 2020 – Illinois Pollution Control Board holds second hearing in coal ash rulemaking.
• October 30th 2020 – IPCB will close the proceeding to deliberate internally on the rule.
• March 30th 2021 – Illinois Pollution Control Board must, by law, finalize the coal ash rules.

]]> July 27, 2020 | Blog Post Last year's Coal Ash Pollution Prevention Act created a rulemaking process for coal ash regulation. Learn about the upcoming coal ash rulemaking hearing and how you can participate.]]> 34002 0 64 0 https://prairierivers.org/uncategorized/2020/08/the-great-american-outdoors-act-is-a-victory-for-illinois/ Tue, 04 Aug 2020 18:18:35 +0000 https://prairierivers.org/?p=34027 The Great American Outdoors Act is a Victory for Illinois Landmark Legislation Protects Public Lands and Expands Recreation Opportunities for Decades to Come The Great American Outdoors Act, which was officially signed into law at a White House ceremony, is the most significant conservation legislation in a generation. It will protect wildlife habitat, conserve public lands and waters, and expand outdoor recreation opportunities across our state – and across the nation. The law, which was passed by overwhelming bipartisan majorities in Congress earlier this summer, will permanently fund the Land and Water Conservation Fund and will provide up to $1.9 billion a year to address deferred maintenance issues at our national parks, forests, wildlife refuges and other public lands. “For over 50 years, the Land and Water Conservation Fund has helped maintain such beloved recreation areas as the Lincoln Home National Historic Site, the Shawnee National Forest, and the Cypress Creek and Emiquon National Wildlife Refuges. It has helped connect families with nature, increased access for hunting and fishing, and fueled a burgeoning outdoor recreation economy,” said Elliot Brinkman, executive director of Prairie Rivers Network. “The Great American Outdoors Act now guarantees that our public lands and recreation areas will thrive for future generations to enjoy.” “The Great American Outdoors Act is a truly historic, bipartisan conservation accomplishment that will protect wildlife habitat, expand recreational opportunities, restore public lands and waters, and create good jobs,” said Collin O’Mara, president and CEO of the National Wildlife Federation. “Time and again, our leaders have shown that conservation can not only bridge the partisan divide, but also put American back to work and safeguard wildlife and our way of life for future generations. Congress should build on this bipartisan achievement by jumpstarting our post-COVID 19 economic recovery by passing additional job creating measures such as a 21st Century Conservation Corps and the Recovering America’s Wildlife Act.” The Land and Water Conservation Fund, which is often called America’s most effective land conservation program, has been a top priority of Prairie Rivers Network and the National Wildlife Federation. Fifty-six years ago, the National Wildlife Federation worked closely with Interior Secretary Stewart Udall and leaders in Congress to secure the initial passage of the program, and then worked to increase funding and programmatic impact in 1968, 1970 and 1977. For the past six years, Prairie Rivers Network and the National Wildlife Federation have called on decisionmakers to fully fund the Land and Water Conservation Fund. The bipartisan triumph of the Great America’s Outdoors Act is very much the result of the hard work of our members, affiliates, and partners, who spoke with their elected officials, wrote letters, and kept up a steady stream of advocacy for this important program. At Prairie Rivers Network (PRN), we protect water, heal land, and inspire change. Using the creative power of science, law, and collective action, we protect and restore our rivers, return healthy soils and diverse wildlife to our lands, and transform how we care for the earth and for each other. PRN is the Illinois affiliate of the National Wildlife Federation.

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]]> August 4, 2020 | Press Release The Great American Outdoors Act, which was officially signed into law at a White House ceremony, is the most significant conservation legislation in a generation.]]> 34027 0 63 0 https://prairierivers.org/uncategorized/2020/08/groups-applaud-u-s-house-for-passage-of-the-water-resources-development-act/ Wed, 05 Aug 2020 11:00:13 +0000 https://prairierivers.org/?p=34029 Environmental and Conservation Groups Applaud U.S. House of Representatives for Passage of the Water Resources Development Act

Groups ask the Senate to adopt House provisions that will reduce flood risk and improve the environment of the Upper Mississippi River.

LaCrosse, WI – Earlier this year, American Rivers named the Upper Mississippi River America’s Most Endangered River® of 2020, citing the grave threat that climate change and poor river and watershed management pose to public safety. The Water Resources Development Act (WRDA) recently passed by the U.S. House of Representatives takes important steps to address these threats on the Upper Mississippi River. Environmental groups throughout the Upper Midwest commend the House version of WRDA and strongly encourage the U.S. Senate to maintain these important conservation measures in the final version to be passed by Congress and signed by the President. “The House version of the Water Resources Development Act includes many provisions that will improve river ecosystems and prioritize natural infrastructure,” said Olivia Dorothy, Upper Mississippi River Director for American Rivers. “There are two provisions that will really help the Upper Mississippi River and Upper Midwest Region in the face of climate change. Those provisions include Sections 211 and 308 that would authorize a Watershed Study on flooding in the basin and increase available funding for restoration, science and monitoring on the Upper Mississippi.” “We thank Chairman Peter DeFazio, Ranking Member Sam Graves, and all of the members of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee for their work on this bill,” said David Stokes with Great Rivers Habitat Alliance in St. Louis. “Ranking Member Graves' efforts to include the Upper Mississippi River Watershed Study are greatly appreciated.” “We also want to thank Congressman Ron Kind and Congresswoman Angie Craig,” said Barry Drazkowski, Mississippi River Specialist for the Izaak Walton League. “Their work to expand the Upper Mississippi River Restoration Program will improve habitat rehabilitation, science and monitoring on the Upper Mississippi River.” “The bipartisan support for this important bill is truly inspiring," said Jim Karpowicz, River Advocate for the Missouri Coalition for the Environment. “It proves that even in these difficult times, it is possible to work together to solve problems, problems that affect us all. We are looking forward to watching the programs roll out on the ground, particularly on the Upper Mississippi, an area of great significance for our Missouri members.” House WRDA Increases Available Funding for the Upper Mississippi River Restoration Program The Upper Mississippi River Restoration (UMRR) Program was the first environmental restoration and monitoring program undertaken on a large river system in the United States, authorized by the Water Resources Development Act of 1986. The UMRR Program has come to be recognized as the single most important effort committed to ensuring the viability and vitality of the Upper Mississippi River System's (UMRS) diverse and significant fish and wildlife resources since establishment of the National Wildlife Refuges on that system in the 1920's. The UMRR Program has improved critical fish and wildlife habitat on 106,000 acres through 56 projects, accounting for more than 50 percent of the Corps’ reported wetland acres restored nationally between 2005 and 2015. "For the first time in a long time, the UMRR Program is getting a much-needed boost," said Ryan Grosso of Prairie Rivers Network. "It has a great record of success, and we hope these changes will continue that pattern and open doors to more critical habitat restoration projects. In the midst of a changing climate, a healthy River and scientific research are crucial to the safety of the environment and communities along the Upper Mississippi." Since the UMRR Program’s last appropriation adjustment in 1999 to $33 million annually, the spending power of the Program has diminished significantly. If Section 308 of the House version is adopted, it will authorize an additional $22 million for the program annually. House WRDA Authorizes a Watershed Study to evaluate flooding on the Upper Mississippi River To adequately offset the flood risk impacts of climate change and development, the Upper Mississippi River needs a water management plan that will provide more predictability and security during disasters. “The ‘everyone for themselves’ flood management approach along the Upper Mississippi River has left us vulnerable,” said Christine Favilla of the Sierra Club. “Climate disruption is driving extreme weather patterns that will lead to more frequent and prolonged flood events along the Upper Mississippi River, like what the Midwest experienced in 2019, and the region is unprepared for this new reality.” “The pandemic is already shining a grim light on our over-reliance on resource intensive flood control infrastructure,” said Kelly McGinnis of the Mississippi River Network. “Instead of fighting nature, let’s get people out of harm’s way and build out nature’s defenses, like wetlands and floodplains.” “The Upper Mississippi River Watershed Study will help provide the resources we need to address flooding at its source,” said Trevor Russell of Friends of the Mississippi River. “This includes advancements in on-farm solutions that hold more water back on the land and protect those who live downstream.” In American Rivers’ Most Endangered River© listing, environmental and conservation groups asked state and federal management agencies to create a planning framework that

1. Coordinates river and watershed management actions. Most Upper Mississippi River floods start in the uplands. Agriculture, natural resource and civil works agencies must start working together to develop effective solutions for farmers to slow the flow of water coming off the land.
2. Ensures all river communities are involved in the decision-making process. Everyone needs to be part of the solution. We need to stop pitting neighbor against neighbor and make sure our most vulnerable citizens have a voice in the process.
3. Accounts for climate change. Not only is climate disruption causing more frequent flood events, but it is also driving flood events that are longer duration, like the unprecedented 2019 Flood.
4. Gives rivers room to flood safely. The most effective flood risk reduction strategy is to move people and infrastructure out of the floodplain and prohibit future development.
5. Restores lost habitat. Floodplains do not just convey flood water, they are a critical component of river habitat. River habitat continues to degrade faster than restoration projects can be implemented and any development activities along the Mississippi must mitigate past environmental harms and rehabilitate habitat.

Section 211 in the House Water Resources Development Act authorizes a watershed study for the Upper Mississippi River that can accomplish these goals.

# # #

American Rivers protects wild rivers, restores damaged rivers, and conserves clean water for people and nature. Since 1973, American Rivers has protected and restored more than 150,000 miles of rivers through advocacy efforts, on-the-ground projects, and an annual America’s Most Endangered Rivers® campaign. Headquartered in Washington, DC, American Rivers has offices across the country and more than 200,000 members, supporters, and volunteers.

Friends of the Mississippi River is a Minnesota-based environmental organization dedicated to protecting and restoring the Mississippi River and its watershed through land conservation, river corridor stewardship, community education, and clean water advocacy. Great Rivers Habitat Alliance is a Missouri-based floodplain and wetlands conservation organization dedicated to preserving the Confluence floodplain of the Mississippi, Missouri, and Illinois rivers. Izaak Walton League is one of America’s oldest and most successful conservation organizations – and we are the only organization training, equipping, and coordinating volunteer water quality monitors on a national scale. These volunteers are the heart and soul of our common-sense conservation mission. Through member-driven bottom-up governance, the Izaak Walton League is protecting outdoor America in communities across the country, while working strategically at the national level to win critical conservation battles. Mississippi River Network is a coalition of over 50 nonprofit organizations and businesses from the headwaters to the Gulf all working together to protect the land, water, wildlife, and people of our greatest River – the Mississippi. The Network implements a national public program for the River, called “1Mississippi” that is designed to educate, engage, and inspire people to take action to protect the Mississippi River. Since 2009, 1Mississippi has recruited 20,000 River Citizens and inspired thousands of actions. Missouri Coalition for the Environment is Missouri’s independent, citizens’ environmental organization for clean water, clean air, clean energy, and a healthy environment. We are a trusted, non-partisan, 501(c)(3) state-level environmental advocacy organization, an informed educator, a passionate advocate, and a state-wide partner supporting allied organizations and initiatives around the state. We deliver vital information to thousands of Missourians on issues that affect our water, air, food, health, and the environment. Prairie Rivers Network is an Illinois-based river conservation and clean water advocacy organization. Our mission is to protect water, heal land, and inspire change. With the support of over 1,200 members throughout Illinois and the country, Prairie Rivers Network strives to use science and collective action to protect and restore the health of lands and waters throughout the state. Sierra Club is the most enduring and influential grassroots environmental organization in the United States. We amplify the power of our 3.8 million members and supporters to defend everyone’s right to a healthy world. In addition to helping people from all backgrounds explore nature and our outdoor heritage, the Sierra Club works to promote clean energy, safeguard the health of our communities, protect wildlife, and preserve our remaining wild places through grassroots activism, public education, lobbying, and legal action.]]> August 5, 2020 | Press Release The Water Resources Development Act takes important steps to address threats to the Upper Mississippi River.]]> 34029 0 62 0 https://prairierivers.org/uncategorized/2020/08/a-win-for-conservation/ Thu, 06 Aug 2020 11:00:40 +0000 https://prairierivers.org/?p=34039 Photo credit: Rob Kanter[/caption] On August 4, the president signed the Great American Outdoors Act (H.R. 1957), solidifying what is arguably the most important conservation legislation we’ve seen in decades. The Great American Outdoors Act (GAOA) will permanently fund the Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) while providing up to $1.9 billion a year to address the backlog of essential maintenance at forests, wildlife refuges, and other public lands. As the state affiliate of the National Wildlife Federation, full funding for the LWCF has been a significant priority for Prairie Rivers Network for many years. It aligns with our mission to heal land and to ensure that wildlife and people have access to healthy natural spaces.

History and Summary of the Land and Water Conservation Fund

First considered by Congress in 1964, the Land and Water Conservation Fund has been a staple for conservation in the United States since it was enacted. The premise of the Fund is simple yet effective: collect money from fees paid by offshore drilling companies and dedicate it to the restoration and preservation of natural areas. In theory, $900 million is deposited into the LWCF account every year, but billions of dollars have been diverted away from the program. The program has also experienced inaction from Congress over the past decade. Lawmakers allowed the LWCF to expire in 2015 and 2018 and had to temporarily reauthorize it each time. Despite this and many other obstacles, the LWCF has been essential to conservation practices in all 50 states and has supported over 41,000 state and local park projects. Finally, in February of 2019, the Senate and the House of Representatives permanently reauthorized the Land and Water Conservation Fund. While this bill didn’t include permanent funding, it was a step in the right direction. Environmental groups across the country continued to push legislators to come up with a solid foundation for the Land and Water Conservation Fund. With the Great American Outdoors Act now signed into law, the LWCF has received full, permanent funding, and billions of dollars will be available to address the backlog of maintenance projects on public lands across the country.

Implications for Illinois

Permanent funding for the LWCF is significant news for Illinois. Since the program’s creation and subsequent grant opportunities, the state has received more than $223 million. These funds have been used to protect some of Illinois’ most pristine places like Emiquon National Wildlife Refuge and Shawnee National Forest. You can use this map to see all of the projects that have been completed and funded in your county with the help of the Land and Water Conservation Fund.

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Read PRN's press release on the Great American Outdoors Act issued on August 4th.]]> August 6, 2020 | Blog Post The Great American Outdoors Act will permanently fund the Land and Water Conservation Fund while providing up to $1.9 billion a year to address the backlog of essential maintenance at forests, wildlife refuges, and other public lands.]]> 34039 0 61 0 https://prairierivers.org/uncategorized/2020/08/report-dicamba-herbicide-harming-more-than-just-weeds/ Thu, 06 Aug 2020 11:05:43 +0000 https://prairierivers.org/?p=34049 Serious Risks of Unchecked Herbicide Impacts Highlighted on Wildlife, People

WASHINGTON, D.C. — As the Environmental Protection Agency prepares to determine whether to renew dicamba product registrations for the 2021 growing season, a new report details how the herbicides pose serious threats to wild plants and the wildlife that depend upon them. The report from the National Wildlife Federation, Prairie Rivers Network and the Xerces Society for Invertebrate Conservation Drifting Toward Disaster: How Dicamba Herbicides are Harming Cultivated and Wild Landscapes, reviews the state of the science on the potential far-reaching impacts of dicamba use.

“Dicamba herbicides pose significant threats to wild plants and the wildlife that depend upon them — even when used as prescribed on their labels,” said Lekha Knuffman, agriculture program specialist at the National Wildlife Federation. “Widespread use of dicamba throughout the growing season is harming other crops as well as wild and native plants, degrading food sources for wildlife and pollinators. This is a crossroads in being able to limit the destructive effects of dicamba. The EPA must deny permission for the continued use of this damaging herbicide across millions of acres.” Dicamba is a highly volatile herbicide in use across the country. Despite strong evidence of herbicide damage, the EPA’s research is wholly inadequate regarding impacts to other plants, trees, pollinators and other wildlife. “In Illinois we’ve seen firsthand the effect that herbicide drift has on public and private lands, wildlife habitat, and farms that grow sensitive crops.” said Kim Erndt-Pitcher, habitat and agriculture programs specialist at Prairie Rivers Network. “It is the invisible threat. You can tell it’s been there, but you can’t see it happen, and in many cases, you can’t tell where it came from. Meanwhile, the EPA seems more concerned with the needs of industry and manufacturers than those of farmers and the environment." As part of the registration determination, the EPA is likely to be considering extending in-crop dicamba use to corn. “Opening millions of additional acres of wild, ornamental, and crop plants to off-target dicamba injury would be very alarming,” said Emily May, pollinator conservation specialist with the Pesticide Program at The Xerces Society for Invertebrate Conservation. “We need to seek long-term solutions to reduce reliance on herbicides and build more ecologically and economically resilient farm landscapes.” The report advocates for diversifying weed management strategies to improve resilience, including choosing crop varieties that are competitive with weeds, adjusting planting dates and depths of crops to help get ahead of weed growth, and managing nutrients in ways that give crops the competitive edge. Mounting evidence suggests that current dicamba products and uses are causing unreasonable adverse effects on the environment, even when used exactly as specified on the labels. Based on what is known of the impacts of dicamba on off target species, the report issues the following recommendations for any future decisions on reregistering dicamba for agricultural use:

• The EPA should not renew over-the-top product registrations unless and until independent research shows with certainty that dicamba formulations will not cause off-target injury to crops and wild plants, including from vapor drift.
• The EPA should include a full risk assessment for animal and plant species listed under the Endangered Species Act, migratory birds, native pollinators, and aquatic life that includes direct and indirect effects from exposure to dicamba due to drift, volatilization, and runoff.
• States should improve transparency in the injury reporting process and make data on pesticide use and distribution publicly available in a timely manner, to better ensure public health and environmental protection.
• Greater investment is needed to support research on integrated weed management and the ecological impacts of herbicide use. Investments are also needed to develop economic and behavioral drivers that will increase adoption of these multi-tactic approaches to weed management.
•  Increased investments are needed in technical service providers and financial and technical assistance programs that facilitate the shift to agro-ecological systems that regenerate the soil and protect air and water for people and biodiversity.

Contact: Kim Erndt-Pitcher, Prairie Rivers Network, kerndt-pitcher@prairierivers.org, 217.344.2371  Ext 212]]> August 6, 2020 | Press Release A report by the National Wildlife Federation, Prairie Rivers Network and the Xerces Society for Invertebrate Conservation reviews the state of the science on the potential far-reaching impacts of dicamba use.]]> 34049 0 58 0 https://prairierivers.org/uncategorized/2020/08/summer-2020-newsletter/ Wed, 19 Aug 2020 15:25:06 +0000 https://prairierivers.org/?p=34081 Read Prairie Rivers Network’s Summer 2020 Newsletter featuring articles on:

• A Movement to Meet the Moment
• Director's Notes
• Why I Give
• Testing Rural Wells for Nitrate
• Drifting Toward Disaster
• Illinois Solar for All
• Annual Dinner @Home
• Thank You for Taking Action
• The Dismantling of NEPA

]]> August 19, 2020 | Blog Post Read Prairie Rivers Network’s Summer 2020 Newsletter!]]> 34081 0 56 0 https://prairierivers.org/uncategorized/2020/08/34108/ Thu, 20 Aug 2020 18:25:51 +0000 https://prairierivers.org/?p=34108 Read our RiverWeb News for August 20, 2020 with stories on:

• A Movement to Meet the Moment
• Stop Herbicide Drift
• Public Speaks Up on Coal Ash Rules
• 2020 Gulf Dead Zone
• 5 Food & Farm Entrepreneurs
• Volunteer Opportunity
• A Call for Transparency

Sign Up for RiverWeb Today!

]]> August 20, 2020 | Blog Post Read our RiverWeb News for August 20, 2020!]]> 34108 0 55 0 https://prairierivers.org/uncategorized/2020/07/riverweb-news-july-9/ Thu, 09 Jul 2020 18:32:51 +0000 https://prairierivers.org/?p=34112 Read our RiverWeb News for July 9, 2020 with stories on:

• Good News for Mine Reclamation
• Toxic Algal Bloom Strikes
• National Economic Transition
• Low Income Solar on Chicago’s South Side
• Round Up for Good
• Wildlife of the Week

Sign Up for RiverWeb Today!

]]> July 9, 2020 | Blog Post Read our RiverWeb News for July 9, 2020!]]> 34112 0 67 0 https://prairierivers.org/uncategorized/2020/07/riverweb-news-july-23/ Thu, 23 Jul 2020 18:36:10 +0000 https://prairierivers.org/?p=34115 Read our RiverWeb News for July 23, 2020 with stories on:

• The Dismantling of NEPA
• Rob Kanter’s Run for Wildlife Recap
• Annual Dinner @Home
• Act Today to Protect the Mississippi!
• Give at the Register
• Wildlife of the Week

Sign Up for RiverWeb Today!

]]> July 23, 2020 | Blog Post Read our RiverWeb News for July 23, 2020!]]> 34115 0 60 0 https://prairierivers.org/uncategorized/2020/08/riverweb-news-august-6/ Thu, 06 Aug 2020 18:40:57 +0000 https://prairierivers.org/?p=34118 Read our RiverWeb News for August 6, 2020 with stories on:

• Permanent Funding a Big Win!
• Dicamba Report Released
• Call for Nominations
• Thank You for Taking Action!
• Clean Energy Jobs Act 3.0
• Speak Up for Coal Ash Protections
• Stop the Mine

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]]> August 6, 2020 | Blog Post Read our RiverWeb News for August 6, 2020!]]> 34118 0 59 0 https://prairierivers.org/uncategorized/2020/09/riverweb-news-september-3/ Thu, 03 Sep 2020 13:00:58 +0000 https://prairierivers.org/?p=34144 Read our RiverWeb News for September 3, 2020 with stories on:

• Last Chance to Nominate Your River Hero!
• Take Action on the Clean Energy Jobs Act!
• Fighting for Our Present
• Get Outdoors in September!
• 5 Food & Farm Entrepreneurs
• Charleston Mayor Takes the Pledge

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]]> September 3, 2020 | Blog Post Read our RiverWeb News for September 3, 2020.]]> 34144 0 53 0 https://prairierivers.org/uncategorized/2020/09/youre-invited-prn-annual-dinner-home/ Tue, 15 Sep 2020 20:05:23 +0000 https://prairierivers.org/?p=34157 For the past 20+ years, PRN has hosted an annual dinner fundraiser to celebrate our victories, look ahead to challenges we face, hear from a distinguished keynote speaker, and visit with our members.

This year’s dinner will look a little different.

Join us for a unique PRN ANNUAL DINNER @Home virtual event on 10-23-20!

You can still enjoy our recap of the year’s accomplishments, celebrate our award winners, bid on fun silent auction items, hear from our keynote speaker Mustafa Santiago Ali and share a meal together from local restaurants/farms… all from the comfort of your own home!

CLICK HERE TO VISIT OUR ANNUAL DINNER @Home Virtual Event Website

Register now to receive a free small, digital gift as thanks for registering. The silent auction is open!

Check out the website now and make your donation today. Every dollar you donate will be doubled by our Member Challenge Match. Click here to find out more...  ]]> September 15, 2020 | Blog Post Join us on Oct. 23rd for our Annual Dinner @Home Event!]]> 34157 0 45 0 https://prairierivers.org/uncategorized/2020/09/proposed-coal-ash-rules-in-illinois-face-criticism-as-public-hearings-continue/ Tue, 29 Sep 2020 22:38:03 +0000 https://prairierivers.org/?p=34215 Proposed Coal Ash Rules in Illinois Face Criticism as Public Hearings Continue The second round of hearings on new coal ash regulations in Illinois will proceed this week with strong participation from public demanding stronger protections CHICAGO, IL — The final public hearings to gather feedback and comments on Illinois’ proposed coal ash rules will conclude this week. While the proposed rules have some strong provisions, they must do more to protect future generations by prohibiting ash pond owners from leaving coal ash in contact with water or in the floodplain. “This rulemaking process has the potential of being an agent of change. It’s an opportunity to provide my community and other environmental justice communities with a vision of a brighter future,” said Dulce Ortiz with Clean Power Lake County. It is clear from feedback delivered during the first hearings that the rules fall short on public participation. Communities deserve the opportunity to review and weigh in on all aspects of coal ash impoundments operation, clean-up, and closure. It is communities, not ash pond owners, that must live with the consequences if coal ash ponds are operated, maintained, remediated, or closed in an unsafe manner. “Public participation shouldn’t be an afterthought when it comes to handing out state permits for coal ash pollution,” said Kiana Courtney, Staff Attorney at the Environmental Law & Policy Center. “Illinois law guarantees that public health must be protected from coal ash pollution and requires a meaningful public participation process to achieve that goal. This means the public must get access to all necessary documentation in the permitting process and enough time to review it so they can voice concerns about what’s happening in their communities.” The public, as well as the Illinois EPA, must also have the opportunity to weigh in on who is assessing and guaranteeing their safety. Illinois must not — as the Illinois EPA proposes — rely solely on third-party engineers hired by industry to protect the integrity of the many ash pits around the state. Catastrophic collapses of ash ponds can and do happen. Illinois must not risk our waters nor residents’ lives by failing to review whether coal ash ponds are at risk of failure. “Illinois has a real opportunity to make a difference by protecting our treasured waters for generations to come. These rules go part of the way, but they must go further,” said Jennifer Cassel, Staff Attorney at Earthjustice. “There must be no doubt: coal ash cannot be left in water. I hope the Board chooses to make Illinois residents proud by committing to a future of clean water for our state.” "The communities of faith represented by Faith in Place are looking toward the Illinois Pollution Control Board to make the strongest coal ash rules,” said Celeste Flores, Faith in Place. “The time to stand with community members is in this process. These rules must protect our groundwater and not continue to allow corporate polluters to make decisions without community input."

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Background

The Coal Ash Pollution Prevention Act, passed last year, set up a rulemaking process for the development of regulations for coal ash sites. Coal ash is a waste byproduct of burning coal, and contains toxic metals that cause serious health problems, including cancer. Coal ash is stored on-site at power plants in coal ash impoundments, which are often referred to as “coal ash ponds” because they resemble man-made ponds filled with coal ash mixed with water. Illinois EPA identified 73 coal ash ponds at dozens of power plant sites across the state, nearly all of which are next to rivers and lakes. A report from 2018 shows that groundwater at 22 of 24 coal ash sites tested in Illinois, including impoundments and landfills, had unsafe concentrations of toxic coal ash pollutants. Safe closure of coal ash impoundments is critically important to protecting human health, drinking water, and the environment. Where coal ash has already contaminated the land and water, clean-up of the contamination is a major issue facing Illinois. We need to stop further contamination and clean up the pollution already in our water.]]> September 29, 2020 | Press Release The second round of hearings on new coal ash regulations in Illinois proceeded this week with strong participation from public demanding stronger protections.]]> 34215 0 52 0 https://prairierivers.org/uncategorized/2020/10/coal-ash-rulemaking-update/ Tue, 06 Oct 2020 21:43:19 +0000 https://prairierivers.org/?p=34227 Between the two hearings, over one hundred members of the public offered public comments. The commenters navigated the Covid-safe online format of the hearing while delivering powerful comments about the need for strong rules in Illinois. The Illinois Pollution Control Board, which is the rulemaking body, will continue to accept written comments until the official record closes on October 30th. Then the IPCB will begin deliberating on a final rule that won't be released until March 2021. You can sign our petition or write your own comments and submit them as public comments to Clerk of the Board Don Brown vis email (don.brown@illinois.gov). Please include coal ash rulemaking in the title of your email.

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Andrew Renn, water resources engineer, provides technical expertise in support of Prairie River’s coal pollution programs.]]> October 6, 2020 | Blog Post PRN's Andrew Rehn gives us an update on the coal ash rulemaking process and what actions you can take to ensure the strongest coal ash rules possible.]]> 34227 0 48 0 https://prairierivers.org/uncategorized/2020/10/plant-closures-leave-communities-without-a-plan/ Wed, 07 Oct 2020 20:10:24 +0000 https://prairierivers.org/?p=34232 Vistra announced plans to shutter its remaining Illinois based coal-fired power plants over the next seven years. Planned closures include the Edwards plant near Peoria slated to close before 2022, the Joppa and Baldwin plants closing no later than 2025, and the Newton and Kincaid plants closing no later than 2027. Vistra cited uneconomic conditions, upcoming environmental filing deadlines, and a commitment to “transition to clean power generation sources and advance efforts to significantly reduce its carbon footprint” as reasons for the closures The recent announcement comes just one year after Vistra shuttered four other plants, leaving those communities reeling from layoffs, loss of significant tax revenue, and questions about site remediation, including what to do with the remaining coal ash. While the recent closure announcements match our vision for addressing air and water pollution and fighting climate change, Vistra’s plans ignore the devastating impacts on the communities, workers, and economies that depend on the power plants. The Illinois Clean Jobs Coalition (ICJC), of which PRN is a leading member, has noted the announcement creates “an urgent call for Gov. Pritzker and the General Assembly to take action to help workers who face lay-offs and local plant communities that will lose significant tax revenue.” Over the last three years, Prairie Rivers Network has been hosting and participating in community conversations, town halls, press conferences, and meetings with coal community members and leaders to better understand the impacts and challenges of coal plant closure and examine how state policy and community planning can help alleviate some of those impacts.

Clean Energy Jobs Act

With input from coal communities and our partners at the ICJC, we’ve developed policy solutions in the Clean Energy Jobs Act that provide real support to coal communities and workers in the transition to cleaner energy. The Energy Community Reinvestment Act provides tax base replacement, secure worker benefits and retraining, incentives for new investment in clean energy projects, and support for new economic opportunities in transitioning coal communities. Vistra continues to push its own self-interested legislative agenda, known as the Coal to Solar and Energy Storage Act that uses ratepayer money and grants to keep some of Vistra’s existing plants online through 2025 and to fund solar and battery projects exclusively on a limited number of Vistra-owned coal plant sites. While Vistra talks about their bill as a “transition” bill, it does little to support energy workers and communities. The energy transition underway in Illinois and throughout the nation impacts many communities beyond those hosting Vistra’s plants. The transition is wide reaching and it is inevitable, affecting coal mining towns, cities with nuclear plants, and other coal plant communities, like Waukegan. Ratepayers statewide should not be paying for a solution that’s essentially a bailout for Vistra, improperly extending the life of its plants and directing renewable energy funding to a single company. The Clean Energy Jobs Act offers comprehensive solutions that support and uphold the dignity of energy transitioning communities and workers. Together we can make this transition equitable and economically successful.

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Amanda Pankau coordinates our campaign to bring information to communities about the benefits of renewable energy and the costs of non-renewable sources, such as coal. ]]> October 7, 2020 | Blog Post Vistra announced plans to shutter its remaining Illinois based coal-fired power plants leaving communities without a plan.]]> 34232 0 47 0 https://prairierivers.org/uncategorized/2020/10/prn-recognizes-2020-award-winners/ Fri, 23 Oct 2020 23:00:58 +0000 https://prairierivers.org/?p=34242 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Jeff Kohmstedt, Prairie Rivers Network, jkohmstedt@prairierivers.org, 217-344-2371 ext. 207

PRN AWARDS OUTSTANDING PUBLIC SERVANTS, RIVER STEWARD AND VOLUNTEERS OF THE YEAR

CHAMPAIGN, IL – Prairie Rivers Network (PRN) will celebrate the conservation activities of several award winners from across Illinois at the PRN Annual Dinner @Home virtual event on October 23rd beginning at 7:00pm.

[caption id="attachment_34092" align="alignright" width="300"] Middle Fork of the Vermilion River[/caption]

Dr. Ngozi Ezike, Director of the Illinois Department of Public Health and Julie Pryde, public health administrator of Champaign County will accept this year’s Outstanding Public Service award on behalf of Illinois Public Health Professionals. The COVID-19 pandemic has brought into sharp focus the importance of public health and those who are on the front lines protecting us from this devastating virus. Officials in Illinois recognized early the threat this virus posed and made tough decisions under incredibly difficult circumstances.

Pat Lawlor of Marengo, Illinois will receive the River Steward award for her work on the Kishwaukee River Water Trail in McHenry County in Northeastern Illinois. Lawlor established a volunteer organization called the Paddle the Kish in Marengo to work on the water trail. She has recruited, organized, and led volunteers, and she has worked with stakeholders, municipalities, and property owners to build broad support for her efforts.

Finally, Chris Main of Champaign, Toni Oplt of Edwardsville, and Dulce Ortiz of Waukegan will receive this year’s award for Volunteers of the Year for going above and beyond in the fight to stop coal ash pollution and stand up for impacted communities.

“This year’s award winners represent the very best in protecting communities and in restoring our natural spaces for all to enjoy,” PRN Executive Director Elliot Brinkman said. “Their work embodies what it means to be a steward for the environment.”

The keynote speaker will be Dr. Mustafa Santiago Ali. A renowned thought leader, Dr. Ali is an internationally known speaker, policy maker, and the National Wildlife Federation Vice President of Environmental Justice, Climate, and Community Revitalization.

This virtual event is free and open to the public. Watch live at https://www.youtube.com/PrairieRivers on October 23rd at 7:00 PM CT.

At Prairie Rivers Network (PRN), we protect water, heal land, and inspire change. Using the creative power of science, law, and collective action, we protect and restore our rivers, return healthy soils and diverse wildlife to our lands, and transform how we care for the earth and for each other. PRN is the Illinois affiliate of the National Wildlife Federation.

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]]> October 23, 2020 | Press Release PRN is excited to celebrate this year's award winners at our Annual Dinner @Home vitrual event!]]> 34242 0 44 0 https://prairierivers.org/uncategorized/2020/10/annual-dinner-home/ Sat, 24 Oct 2020 00:00:15 +0000 https://prairierivers.org/?p=34246 ]]> October 23, 2020 | Annual Dinner The PRN Annual Dinner @Home virtual event is happening now! Catch it on YouTube!]]> 34246 0 43 0 https://prairierivers.org/uncategorized/2020/10/2020-annual-dinner-home-round-up/ Tue, 27 Oct 2020 18:22:49 +0000 https://prairierivers.org/?p=34249 We had an amazing turnout for our @Home virtual dinner. Over 135 people tuned into the premiere on our YouTube channel, and in the days following, an additional 200+ people caught up on what they missed! That is truly an overwhelming outpouring of support! Thank you!

You Went Local

Also, we want to thank the scores of folks that ordered local Champaign-Urbana food for the dinner. Michael’s Catering and Prairie Fruits Farm & Creamery delivered delicious meals to your homes. Thank you for supporting local businesses!

River Steward of the Year

This year’s River Steward Award went to Pat Lawlor of Marengo, Illinois for her work on the Kishwaukee River Water Trail in McHenry County in Northeastern Illinois. Pat was nominated by Cindy Skrukrud and the Environmental Defenders of McHenry County, who described Pat as a "force of nature" for her efforts to create a new water trail on the Kishwaukee River. Pat established a volunteer organization called Paddle the Kish in Marengo and has recruited, organized, and led volunteers to work on the water trail. She tirelessly brought together a broad coalition of stakeholders to protect the Kishwaukee River watershed. She led efforts to fund the development of launch sites on the water trail in order to create areas for family-friendly paddling in the Marengo area. Getting people out on the river is one of the best ways to build the next generation of river and conservation advocates. Her stewardship has made the Kishwaukee Water Trail a reality.

Volunteers of the Year

Our victories are often made possible due to the dedication and passion of people volunteering their money, time, and talents. This year’s Volunteer of the Year award goes to a trio of committed activists—Chris Main, Toni Oplt, and Dulce Ortiz—who have gone above and beyond in the fight to stop coal ash pollution and stand up for impacted communities. Chris Main is a long time member of Prairie Rivers Network and advocate for the Middle Fork River. In addition to her volunteer work around coal ash, she has volunteered countless hours behind the scenes coordinating outreach for Stand Up to Coal to stop the Bulldog Mine. Chris attended rally days in Springfield on important environmental issues including getting petition signatures and delivering them to Senator Bennett in support of CEJA. She has attended public hearings and founded the all volunteer organization Citizens for a Greener Illinois. She brings energy into everything she works on in a no-nonsense manner and is a strong voice in the environmental movement in Illinois. Toni Oplt is part of the Metro East Green Alliance, a community organization with a mission to hold polluters accountable and support the advancement of a clean energy economy. Toni has been a long time leader in addressing pollution from the now shuttered Wood River coal plant near Alton, IL. Recent efforts include a demand for public transparency around the demolition and remediation of the plant. In addition to her coal ash work, she is an active participant in downstate efforts to advance a clean energy economy and pass the Clean Energy Jobs Act. You can always count on Toni to volunteer to help behind the scenes or stand out in front, and her home-baked treats make every event better! Dulce Ortiz is co-chair of Clean Power Lake County, a community driven coalition committed to local action to secure environmental, economic, and racial justice. She is also the executive director of the Mano a Mano Family Resources Center, which empowers immigrants and their families to become full participants in their communities. Dulce is a leader for environmental justice in coal ash work, as well as clean energy work with the Illinois State Climate Table. She has worked to protect Waukegan, IL from NRG's coal plant, which has two coal ash ponds on the shores of Lake Michigan. Last year, she testified before the house legislative committee in support of the Coal Ash Pollution Prevention Act, and this year, she testified before the Illinois Pollution Control Board for the coal ash rulemaking. Dulce is a tireless voice for protecting her community and the environment.

Outstanding Public Servants

[caption id="attachment_34259" align="alignright" width="175"] Dr. Ngozi Ezike[/caption] The COVID-19 pandemic has brought into sharp focus the importance of public health. Officials in Illinois recognized early the threat this virus posed and made science-based decisions under incredibly difficult circumstances. Our public health professionals are on the front lines protecting us from this devastating virus. We appreciate their unabashed commitment to science and telling us the hard truths. We owe them our gratitude for their efforts to keep us safe. That is why we are so honored and humbled to recognize Illinois’ Public Health Professionals as this year’s recipient of our Outstanding Public Servant Award. Our local public health administrator of Champaign County, Julie Pryde exemplifies these professionals. [caption id="attachment_34258" align="alignright" width="175"] Julie Pryde[/caption] On behalf of all of us at Prairie Rivers Network, we are happy to have Julie Pryde and Dr. Ngozi Ezike, Director of the Illinois Department of Public Health accept this award in honor of all of Illinois’ Public Health Professionals.

Keynote Speaker

This year’s keynote speaker was Dr. Mustafa Santiago Ali. A renowned thought leader, Dr. Ali is an internationally known speaker, policy maker, and the National Wildlife Federation Vice President of Environmental Justice, Climate, and Community Revitalization. [caption id="attachment_34260" align="alignright" width="300"] Dr. Mustafa Santiago Ali[/caption] Dr. Ali echoed the words of Dr. Martin Luther King: we are all in the same boat. Our partners, staff, board, public health officials, and award winners voiced similar thoughts -- that we are all in this together. This is the only planet we have. We must all work together to protect it.

You Gave Big!

2020 has been fraught with challenges, and we are appreciative and so thankful of all of you who have given during our Annual Dinner @Home event. This year a generous group of PRN members came together to offer a Member Challenge Match for the dinner. They matched every dollar donated up to $15,000. With this extra $15,000 combined with donations received, the silent auction, and additional pledges promised, we surpassed our fundraising goal for the Annual Dinner and raised $80,000+. Our generous members and your contributions will have a huge impact on the work we do now and into 2021! Thank you!]]> October 27, 2020 | Blog Post October 23rd’s PRN Annual Dinner @Home virtual event was a resounding success! ]]> 34249 0 42 0 https://prairierivers.org/uncategorized/2020/11/shock-to-the-food-system-new-episode-of-the-podcast/ Mon, 16 Nov 2020 16:05:27 +0000 https://prairierivers.org/?p=34285 Stories from the Floodplain

Shock to the Food System

Prairie Rivers Network talks with people from three different organizations on the front lines of food in Illinois, each with a unique perspective: PrairiErth Farm, Illinois Stewardship Alliance, and Men of Power-Women of Strength. We discuss how the COVID-19 pandemic has exposed severe vulnerabilities in our food system, and how this is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to change the system for the better. Links: Prairie Rivers Network (http://www.prairierivers.org/) PrairiErth Farm (https://www.prairierthfarm.com/PrairiErth_Farm/Home.html) Illinois Stewardship Alliance (https://www.ilstewards.org/) Men of Power-Women of Strength (https://www.facebook.com/mopwosinc/) Take Action: Become a member of Prairie Rivers Network and connect with a community dedicated to protecting water. And sign up for our emails so you don’t miss new podcast episodes. Music: https://www.purple-planet.com/  ]]> November 16, 2020 | Podcast Prairie Rivers Network talks with people from three different organizations on the front lines of food in Illinois, each with a unique perspective in this latest episode of Stories from the Floodplain.]]> 34285 0 40 0 https://prairierivers.org/uncategorized/2020/11/middle-fork-update/ Mon, 16 Nov 2020 17:13:27 +0000 https://prairierivers.org/?p=34290 Last Friday, the Seventh Circuit Court of Appeals had a hearing on our Clean Water Act lawsuit against Dynegy. Our case reached the appeals court over a year ago when the district court in Urbana ruled that the Clean Water Act does not apply to the coal ash seeps along the Middle Fork from the Vermilion Power Station. We appealed that decision. At the hearing, our attorney Thom Cmar with Earthjustice argued that the Supreme Court's Maui decision requires that our case go back to the district court, where we would argue our case that the Clean Water Act applies to Dynegy’s pollution of the Middle Fork. Our opponents argued that the case should be dismissed entirely. We do not yet have (and were not expecting) a decision from the hearing's panel of three judges, who will take time to deliberate on their decision. Check back with us for updates. You can listen to the entire hearing here, which is roughly 40 minutes long. Thank you to our partners at Earthjustice for working so hard with us to protect the Middle Fork.

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  Andrew provides technical expertise in support of Prairie River’s coal pollution programs.]]> November 16, 2020 | Blog Post Last Friday, the Seventh Circuit Court of Appeals had a hearing on our Clean Water Act lawsuit against Dynegy. Here's what we know!]]> 34290 0 39 0 https://prairierivers.org/uncategorized/2020/12/victory-for-rooftop-solar/ Thu, 03 Dec 2020 19:27:40 +0000 https://prairierivers.org/?p=34327 Ameren Must Restore Full Retail Net Metering to Solar Customers In a much anticipated ruling from the Illinois Commerce Commission (ICC), Ameren IL has been ordered to reinstate full retail net metering for its residential customers that have solar systems. Under net metering programs, utility customers with solar are compensated for excess generation (energy the solar system generates in excess of what is used by the household) with monetary credits on their utility bills. Residential solar systems provide multiple benefits not only to households hosting the systems, but to the electrical grid and to our warming planet. Net metering policies compensate solar customers for these benefits while also making solar more affordable to low and moderate income families. And more affordable solar means more solar projects and more jobs! In early October, Ameren IL made a misfortunate and ill-guided decision to end full retail net metering for solar customers coming online after October 1st. Using fuzzy math, the utility declared that it had met a threshold that allowed it to end the program and instead offer new solar customers a much-reduced net metering benefit that would have made solar unaffordable to many families and threatened the viability of Illinois’ low income solar program. Fortunately, our partners in the Illinois Clean Jobs Coalition brought legal action in the ICC challenging Ameren’s calculations. Prairie Rivers Network sent out an action alert to our members and supporters, and many of you answered our call, sending in letters and even speaking before the Commission. The ICC agreed with us that Ameren’s numbers just don’t add up. The decision buys us much needed time to determine a just and equitable replacement for full retail net metering in full accordance with the law. Thank you for taking action and continuing to support Prairie Rivers Network!]]> December 3, 2020 | Blog Post The Illinois Commerce Commission has ordered Ameren IL to reinstate full retail net metering for its residential customers that have solar systems.]]> 34327 0 36 0 https://prairierivers.org/uncategorized/2020/12/riverweb-news-december-3-2020/ Thu, 03 Dec 2020 20:00:29 +0000 https://prairierivers.org/?p=34330 Read our RiverWeb News for December 3, 2020 with stories on:

• A Victory for Rooftop Solar
• Tune in This Sunday!
• Our Award Winners
• Unlock $10,000 with Your Donation
• Campus Charitable Fund Drive
• Missing Donation Checks?

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]]> December 3, 2020 | Blog Post Read our RiverWeb News for December 3, 2020.]]> 34330 0 35 0 https://prairierivers.org/uncategorized/2020/12/riverweb-news-november-12-2020/ Thu, 03 Dec 2020 20:05:27 +0000 https://prairierivers.org/?p=34332 Read our RiverWeb News for November 12, 2020 with stories on:

• A Huge Success
• Oral Arguments This Friday
• Latest Podcast Released
• Youth Creative Action Workshop
• Illinois State Water Plan Update
• Volunteer of the Year

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]]> November 12, 2020 | Blog Post Read our RiverWeb News for November 12, 2020.]]> 34332 0 38 0 https://prairierivers.org/uncategorized/2020/12/riverweb-news-october-30-2020/ Thu, 03 Dec 2020 20:08:29 +0000 https://prairierivers.org/?p=34335 Read our RiverWeb News for October 30, 2020 with stories on:

• Virtual Lobby Day
• A Win for Rivers
• That's a Wrap
• Election Deadline 2020
• Comments Due October 30
• Impact of Asian Carp

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]]> October 30, 2020 | Blog Post Read our RiverWeb News for October 30, 2020.]]> 34335 0 41 0 https://prairierivers.org/uncategorized/2020/12/riverweb-news-october-8-2020/ Thu, 03 Dec 2020 20:12:28 +0000 https://prairierivers.org/?p=34338 Read our RiverWeb News for October 8, 2020 with stories on:

• Vistra Plant Closure
• Take Action on Coal Ash Protections
• Just Transition Town Hall
• Annual Dinner @Home
• Virtual Fly-in a Success
• Fighting Social Media Misinformation

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]]> October 8, 2020 | Blog Post Read our RiverWeb News for October 8, 2020.]]> 34338 0 46 0 https://prairierivers.org/uncategorized/2020/12/riverweb-news-september-17-2020/ Thu, 03 Dec 2020 20:16:29 +0000 https://prairierivers.org/?p=34341 Read our RiverWeb News for September 17, 2020 with stories on:

• Speak Up for Coal Ash Protections
• Sangamon Turned Orange
• Annual Dinner @Home
• Re-envision and Re-invest
• Vote for PRN!
• Be Counted!

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]]> September 17, 2020 | Blog Post Read our RiverWeb News for September 17, 2020.]]> 34341 0 50 0 https://prairierivers.org/uncategorized/2020/12/fall-winter-2020-newsletter/ Mon, 14 Dec 2020 17:34:08 +0000 https://prairierivers.org/?p=34375 Read Prairie Rivers Network’s Fall/Winter 2020 Newsletter featuring articles on:

• Healthy Democracy, Healthier Environment
• Director's Notes
• $21 to Confront Climate Change
• A Year of Accomplishments
• To Care for Land is to Care for Water
• You Took Action to Achieve So Much
• Annual Dinner @Home
• 2020 River Steward Award
• Listen to the Podcast

]]> December 14, 2020 | Blog Post Read Prairie Rivers Network’s Fall/Winter 2020 Newsletter!]]> 34375 0 34 0 https://prairierivers.org/uncategorized/2020/12/protect-water-a-year-of-accomplishments/ Mon, 21 Dec 2020 16:09:50 +0000 https://prairierivers.org/?p=34385 While this year has been fraught with a number of challenges in our efforts to protect water, there have been amazing bright spots. This is just a taste of some of the progress we have made in safeguarding Illinois’ water resources. [caption id="attachment_34386" align="alignright" width="300"] Kaskaskia River[/caption] Following last year’s win with the Coal Ash Pollution Prevention Act, our energy team has been working hard to ensure the rules that regulate coal ash are as strong and protective as possible. The rulemaking process has continued despite the COVID-19 crisis with virtual hearings in August and September. Scores of folks signed our petition, and over a hundred people spoke at the online hearing.

Is Your Water Safe?

In May, PRN Agricultural Programs Specialist Catie Gregg began a survey of rural wells to raise awareness of the dangers of nitrate in our drinking water. Elevated levels of nitrates in drinking water could mean you or your family are at a higher risk for certain health conditions (i.e., blue baby syndrome, certain cancers, and thyroid issues). Sixty-five nitrate test kits were sent across Illinois while additional educational materials were sent to many others. We joined partners in several lawsuits challenging the harmful practices of several federal agencies. We are working together against the Trump administration’s EPA, the Fish & Wildlife Service, and the Army Corps of Engineers to ensure better protection for wetlands and headwater streams, Lake Sturgeon, and the Mississippi River. Our Clean Water Act lawsuit against Dynegy for illegal discharges on the Middle Fork of the Vermilion River has made progress this year after some initial setbacks. The lawsuit has received national attention as one of the first applications of an important US Supreme Court decision on a similar Clean Water Act case in Maui. PRN is currently fighting another attempt by Dynegy to have the case dismissed, and we’ll continue fighting to protect the Middle Fork, Illinois’ only National Scenic River.

Plan for the Future

The Illinois State Water Plan is being updated for the first time in 40 years. The plan provides guidance on how the state manages water resources, covering issues from water quality and climate change to recreation and equity of access. This is a tremendous opportunity for Illinois to create a bold, inclusive vision for Illinois’ water resources, and PRN has several staff working with state agency personnel to ensure that the plan protects public health and the environment. American Rivers designated the Upper Mississippi as America’s #1 Most Endangered Rivers®. This the second year in a row it landed on the list. PRN Water Resources Associate Ryan Grosso helped rally support from our membership to take action to protect the river. PRN also joined with the National Wildlife Federation and three other conservation groups in filing a lawsuit against the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers over the impacts of its plan for managing a 195-mile section of the Mississippi River between St. Louis, Missouri and Cairo, Illinois. None of this work would be possible without the continued support of our dedicated members. Thank you for helping us protect water across Illinois!]]> December 21, 2020 | Blog Post While this year has been fraught with a number of challenges in our efforts to protect water, there have been amazing bright spots.]]> 34385 0 33 0 https://prairierivers.org/uncategorized/2020/12/to-care-for-land-is-to-care-for-water/ Mon, 21 Dec 2020 16:27:34 +0000 https://prairierivers.org/?p=34391 If COVID-19 has taught us anything in 2020, it has shown us just how vulnerable our food system is to disruptions. We have taken for granted yeast, canned goods, fresh fruits and vegetables, but all are produced in a system that is not sustainable.

Reporting on Damage

In August, PRN, the National Wildlife Federation, and the Xerces Society published a report titled Drifting Toward Disaster: How Dicamba Herbicides are Harming Cultivated and Wild Landscapes. “In Illinois we’ve seen firsthand the effect that herbicide drift has on public and private lands, wildlife habitat, and farms that grow sensitive crops,” said Kim Erndt-Pitcher, PRN Habitat and Agriculture Programs Specialist. “The EPA seems more concerned with the needs of industry and manufacturers than those of farmers and the environment.” We also released the 2018-2019 Tree and Plant Health Monitoring Report, the findings of which came from the hundreds of hours PRN members and partners such as Mary Kemper, Lou Nelms, and Seth Swoboda volunteered. The report revealed that symptoms of off-target herbicide injury were frequent, widespread, and present in a wide variety of plant types in the regions that were monitored. [caption id="attachment_34396" align="alignright" width="300"] Photo credit Rob Kanter[/caption] PRN was active on the ground with farmers in southern Illinois. With the plants we grew from our seed collecting efforts, we helped create three “pollination stations” or pollinator gardens on local farms. We also maintained pollinator plant seed plots on farms across the state.

Working with Partners

We provided input along with our partners on Illinois’ Soil Health Strategy. This is a nationwide effort by the Natural Resources Conservation Service to include soil health as a goal of their programs and policies. We continue to work with our partners in Regenerate IL, a statewide network with a mission to cultivate an equitable food system. Together we are connecting all groups and individuals working to create a food and farming system for Illinois that is just, fair, and based on regenerative agriculture. Our work with farmers is also drawing connections to the ways they are fighting climate change and benefiting from renewable energy. With partners we featured a small farm’s solar array on a video tour and co-hosted a webinar on climate change and its impact on southern Illinois farming.

Your Support Matters

The work PRN does around healing land is a direct result of the dedicated support of volunteers, advocates, and our members. We cannot change industrial agriculture overnight. It takes years of hard work and dedication if we are to form a system on which the entire community of life depends.]]> December 27, 2020 | Blog Post The work PRN does around healing land is a direct result of the dedicated support of volunteers, advocates, and our members. We cannot change industrial agriculture overnight. It takes years of hard work and dedication]]> 34391 0 31 0 https://prairierivers.org/uncategorized/2020/12/you-took-action-to-achieve-so-much/ Mon, 21 Dec 2020 16:31:32 +0000 https://prairierivers.org/?p=34398 Inspiring change in 2020 was made more challenging with the inability to meet, advocate in Springfield, and talk with legislators in person. As with so much of our work this year, engaging the community and those that represent it moved online. [caption id="attachment_34400" align="alignright" width="300"] Clean Energy Lobby Day in Springfield in early March[/caption]

The Power of One Voice

Before the COVID-19 restrictions were put in place, PRN helped plan two major events in Springfield. With the help of longtime PRN member Chris Main and her group of volunteers, we gathered signatures on an important petition in support of the Clean Energy Jobs Act (CEJA). In total, Illinois Clean Jobs Coalition groups gathered more than 23,000 signatures for CEJA, which we helped deliver to the Governor in January. In early March, over 700 advocates from across the state descended on the Capitol to push for CEJA passage. Due to COVID, we couldn’t hold another in-person lobby day, but in November, over 1,000 people participated in a Virtual Lobby Day for CEJA! Many took part in a week of action that culminated with legislator meetings over Zoom and then a virtual rally. [caption id="attachment_34401" align="alignright" width="300"] Virtual Lobby Day in November[/caption] After COVID-19 restrictions were instituted, we continued to make progress in building relationships in coal communities facing plant closures, albeit virtually. PRN also helped organize several virtual town halls and meetings on the importance of a Just Transition. With additional plant closures announced by Vistra, the need for ongoing dialogue with these communities is high.

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

This summer, PRN worked with partners to develop policies that advance racial and socioeconomic justice, helping shape workforce and Black, Indigenous and People of Color (BIPOC) contractor development programs, and a policy that increases funding for Illinois’ low income solar program. We continue to advocate for a comprehensive energy bill that centers on equity and brings all Illinoisans into a clean energy future. We are helping the IDEA Farm Network (IFN) grow and improve. The Network now has over 500 members, up from 425 last year. During the pandemic, the IFN has held virtual field days and tailgate conversations to help farmers connect with each other when they would otherwise meet in person, walk fields, and share their stories of regenerative farming together. Despite COVID-19, the group continues to share and grow. We are hopeful that 2021 will once again bring us together, so that the power of our collective voice can move our cause forward in Springfield, in Washington, and in communities across Illinois.]]> December 31, 2020 | Blog Post As with so much of our work this year, engaging the community and those that represent it moved online. Yet we accomplished so much! ]]> 34398 0 30 0 https://prairierivers.org/uncategorized/2020/12/a-win-for-the-upper-mississippi/ Tue, 22 Dec 2020 20:04:13 +0000 https://prairierivers.org/?p=34414 As part of the crucial year-end stimulus package, the House and Senate passed this year's Water Resources Development Act (WRDA). The bill provides an important roadmap for water-focused projects across the country, and while it is far from perfect, there are reasons to celebrate. This time around, it increases available funding for restoration, research, and monitoring efforts along the Upper Mississippi River. And it authorizes a watershed study for the UMR that will help us understand the causes and impacts of flooding that will only get worse with climate change. We applaud this bipartisan effort!

Read more!

For more on WRDA, check out our August 5, 2020 press release that American Rivers, PRN, and six other organizations issued applauding the U.S. House passing WRDA.]]> December 22, 2020 | Blog Post The Mississippi River scored a big win with passage of the Water Resources Development Act (WRDA)!]]> 34414 0 32 0 https://prairierivers.org/action-items/2021/02/petition-to-stop-illinois-last-new-coal-mine/ Mon, 01 Feb 2021 23:04:54 +0000 https://prairierivers.org/?p=33496 ]]> February 1, 2021 | Action Alert | The proposed Bulldog Mine is now one step away from having it's mining permit in hand. Find out how you can help!]]> 33496 0 23 0 https://prairierivers.org/uncategorized/2021/01/run-walk-for-your-rivers-in-2021/ Mon, 04 Jan 2021 13:00:32 +0000 https://prairierivers.org/?p=34420 January 4, 2021 | Blog Post Get fit in the New Year and help protect our rivers in 2021! Join our Run/Walk for Your Rivers team today!]]> 34420 0 29 0 https://prairierivers.org/uncategorized/2021/01/the-transition/ Tue, 19 Jan 2021 20:35:40 +0000 https://prairierivers.org/?p=35923 Stories from the Floodplain

The Transition (1/19/2021)

Prairie Rivers Network sits down to talk with Collin O’Mara, president and CEO of the National Wildlife Federation. We discuss what the Biden administration and a new Congress mean for the environment and climate, the intense divide in the US, and how environmental groups and advocates are rethinking their identities at a time of social and political turbulence. Links: Prairie Rivers Network (http://www.prairierivers.org/) National Wildlife Federation (https://www.nwf.org/) Take Action: Become a member of Prairie Rivers Network and connect with a community dedicated to protecting water. And sign up for our emails so you don’t miss new podcast episodes. Music: https://www.purple-planet.com/]]> January 19, 2021 | Blog Post PRN sits down to talk with Collin O’Mara, president and CEO of the National Wildlife Federation.]]> 35923 0 26 0 https://prairierivers.org/uncategorized/2021/01/2020-annual-report/ Tue, 26 Jan 2021 20:04:17 +0000 https://prairierivers.org/?p=37170 The 2020 Annual Report is here! Check out the message from PRN Director Elliot Brinkman, our financial snapshot, and the ways your support is protecting water, healing land, and inspiring change.

Prairie Rivers Network Staff

 ]]> January 26, 2021 | Blog Post Check out the 2020 Annual Report with a message from PRN Director, our financial snapshot, and the ways your support is protecting water, healing land, and inspiring change.]]> 37170 0 25 0 https://prairierivers.org/uncategorized/2021/02/states-coal-ash-proposal-a-good-start/ Thu, 11 Feb 2021 16:16:45 +0000 https://prairierivers.org/?p=39028 Environmental Groups: State’s Coal Ash Proposal a Good Start

Proposed changes to Illinois Coal Ash Rule incorporate groups’ input on monitoring, public participation, environmental justice

The Illinois Pollution Control Board’s February 5th revisions to coal ash regulations proposed by the Illinois EPA make progress towards rectifying coal's dirty legacy in Illinois, but more can be done, said several environmental groups. [caption id="attachment_39031" align="alignright" width="300"] Coal ash pond at the E.D. Edwards Power Plant near Peoria[/caption] Coal ash, the waste from burning coal, has contaminated groundwater in Illinois around both active and closed coal plants with arsenic, boron, sulfate, and other chemicals. A 2018 report by Environmental Integrity Project, Earthjustice, Prairie Rivers Network and Sierra Club found widespread pollution in groundwater around 22 of the state’s 24 coal ash plants. The Illinois Pollution Control Board must obtain the approval of the Joint Committee on Administrative Rules, a legislative body charged with reviewing state regulations, and finalize these new rules for monitoring and remediating these health hazards no later than March 31, 2021. The proposed rules create a comprehensive framework for the detection and clean up of coal ash contamination of groundwater. A coalition of environmental groups - Earthjustice, the Environmental Law & Policy Center, Little Village Environmental Justice Organization, Prairie Rivers Network, and Sierra Club - has been involved in the process every step of the way, filing more than 200 pages of technical recommendations for protecting communities from coal’s dirty legacy. Community groups, such as Clean Power Lake County and Metro East Green Alliance, and members of the public across the state provided 120 oral comments at virtual public hearings as well as hundreds of written comments. The Pollution Control Board incorporated many of the environmental groups’ recommendations, including:

• Public Participation, Transparency, and Environmental Justice. The Board’s changes improve public participation opportunities by extending deadlines for public involvement, requiring translation services as needed, and allowing the public to comment on coal ash pond owners’ requests to be exempted from cleanup requirements. The Board’s changes improve transparency by ensuring permitting documents will be available online by the start of public comment periods. Together, these changes demonstrate a commitment to environmental justice by allowing these communities greater access to the process.
• Environmental Protection. The Board’s changes improve environmental protection by requiring more rigorous analysis of groundwater impacts from proposed permitting decisions, imposing location restrictions on coal ash ponds in floodplains, ordering that costs cannot be a basis for supporting or opposing closure and clean up options, and requiring an analysis of transportation alternatives for coal ash removal (including rail, barge, and low-emission trucks).
• Opening New Dockets on Other Coal Ash Issues. The Board agreed with Environmental Groups that additional protections are needed for historic coal ash disposal (fill) areas, coal ash piles, and coal ash dust and ordered that a new docket be opened to address those issues.

However, the Board did not make several changes necessary to ensure the rules follow the legislature’s mandate in the 2019 Coal Ash Pollution Prevention Act, the legislation that triggered these rules. Therefore, the groups urge the Joint Committee on Administrative Rules to seek additional changes to the rule before its adoption at the end of March, including:

• Require the Illinois EPA to provide written responses to concerns raised during public comment periods so that the Agency’s decisions are clearly documented;
• Require the Illinois EPA hold a public hearing about a coal ash pond in a community when it is requested by residents; and
• Protect public health and communities by mandating that ash from one pond is not simply dumped in another pond, but rather disposed of in a safe, modern landfill.

By incorporating these suggestions, the Joint Committee on Administrative Rules can ensure a rulemaking process that is healthier, safer and more just.

PARTNER QUOTES

“We, at Clean Power Lake County are heartened to see the proposed rules give more voice to environmental justice communities like Waukegan and expand opportunities for non-english speaking community members to have a say in what happens to coal ash in our communities. Additionally, the Board's rules start an important conversation about historic ash dumps on power plant properties, which is one of the many problems with coal ash at the Waukegan Power Plant that continue to plague my community,” said Dulce Ortiz with Clean Power Lake County. "We applaud the Illinois Pollution Control Board for taking important steps to ensure that Illinois residents have meaningful opportunities to weigh in on safe closure of coal ash ponds in their communities. We encourage the Board to go farther in protecting communities by making sure coal ash is disposed of in safe, modern landfills, rather than moved from one ash pond to another," said Jennifer Cassel, Staff Attorney with Earthjustice’s Coal Program. “The Illinois Pollution Control Board’s second notice rules demonstrate the power of meaningful public participation in regulatory decisions. The Board was responsive to the community calling for more opportunities for their voices to be heard. The proposed rules are not perfect, but this is a step forward,” said Andrew Rehn with Prairie Rivers Network. "These changes open the door for greater community involvement,” said Environmental Law & Policy Center Staff Attorney Kiana Courtney. “Having more time to comment on a larger number of issues in their own language lets the people who have been hurt the most by this pollution get involved in ways previously unavailable to them.” “Both the Illinois Pollution Control Board and Illinois EPA put in a tremendous amount of work and made great headway on addressing the coal ash pollution problem in the State through the course of this rulemaking. The Board made critical additions enhancing public participation avenues in the Rule. The Sierra Club and our members in Illinois communities impacted by coal ash are anxious to engage in the new docket opened by the Board and secure adequate protections from legacy coal ash pollution, fugitive dust impacts, and other issues that were left unaddressed in these rules,” said Faith E. Bugel, an attorney representing Sierra Club.]]> February 11, 2021 | Press Release PRN and partners say revisions to coal ash regulations proposed by the Illinois EPA make progress towards rectifying coal's dirty legacy in Illinois, but more can be done, said several environmental groups.]]> 39028 0 20 0 https://prairierivers.org/uncategorized/2021/02/upper-mississippi-river-states-lose-millions/ Mon, 22 Feb 2021 19:32:35 +0000 https://prairierivers.org/?p=39045 Upper Mississippi River States Lose Millions in Federal Funding for Flood Risk Reduction Planning Environmental and conservation groups are dismayed by the governors of the Upper Mississippi River states for failing to secure millions in federal dollars to address climate change fueled flood issues along the Upper Mississippi River. The Upper Mississippi River was listed as America’s #1 Most Endangered River in 2020 due to poor watershed planning in the face of climate change. The river is critical to the nation’s economy and is a globally significant ecosystem. However, climate change is driving more intense rain storms, leading to more frequent and prolonged flooding in the Upper Midwest. This new reality puts people, habitat, and infrastructure at risk—and communities along the Upper Mississippi are dangerously unprepared. These risks are greatly exacerbated by two centuries of shortsighted floodplain—and watershed—development decisions that are cutting the river off from hundreds of thousands of acres of its floodplain, dangerously constricting the Upper Mississippi River, and degrading vital fish and wildlife habitat. The 2020 Most Endangered River© designation came on the heels of the 2019 Flood, one of the worst floods in history. Not only was the water high, but the Upper Mississippi River was at flood stage for over 100 days. Few of our flood management systems, and indeed none of our flood control methods like levees and floodwalls, are designed to withstand these new climate-change fueled, long-duration flood events. It is critical, and indeed, long over-due, that we start planning for the future, in a coordinated way, along the Upper Mississippi River. And Congress responded. The coronavirus relief package that was signed into law in December 2020 included a provision to incentivize the states to develop a Watershed Study and Integrated Water Management Plan for the Upper Mississippi River to respond to climate change and guide community and state decision-making. Representatives of the Upper Mississippi River Basin governors, which include Illinois, Missouri, Iowa, Minnesota, and Wisconsin, have been working with the US Army Corps of Engineers over the past year to pull together a proposal that could bring millions to the basin for flood risk management planning. But talks disintegrated when the basin governors insisted the study focus on maintaining the 9-foot navigation channel and be limited to activities in the Mississippi River floodplain. “This attempt by the five Upper Mississippi River governors to divert federal funding, for what is essentially a massive public safety and green infrastructure planning effort, to support the river navigation industry, defies all logic,” said Olivia Dorothy, Upper Mississippi Basin Director for American Rivers. “The Upper Mississippi governors are leaving millions on the table and putting people’s lives at risk.” Thanks to Congress’ efforts to pass the new authority, federal funding could have been available as early as this year. But since the Upper Mississippi River governors tried to push forward a planning effort that is not in line with the study authority, the federal funding was not approved. “Every drop of water that falls in the basin is on a rocket ship to the Gulf of Mexico,” said Jill Crafton of the Izaak Walton League. “And with that water is pollution and soil. We need to be working with farmers to slow water down through soil health measures across the landscape, and a Watershed Plan would help us get that done.” “We need a Watershed Study that works across the federal and state agencies to guide policies and actions in a coordinated way,” said Christine Favilla, Three Rivers Project Coordinator of the Sierra Club. “Where we are now, every time it floods, it’s a war between neighbors, communities and states. Instead of trenches and bombs, we are using levees and floodwalls to hurl the Mighty Mississippi River at each other – a river whose discharge can exceed one-million cubic feet per second during large flood events.” “A Watershed Study and subsequent Integrated Watershed Plan would help us end these flood fights and advance green infrastructure solutions that will restore and protect habitat,” said Ryan Grosso of Prairie Rivers Network. “These solutions would help us manage water and land development in ways that work with nature, promote healthy natural ecosystems, and ultimately protect communities on the frontline.” “State representatives are meeting with the Corps of Engineers tomorrow. We sincerely hope the governors of Illinois, Missouri, Iowa, Minnesota and Wisconsin realize that it is the best interest of their states to put forward a request that is in line with the Watershed Study authority,” said Dorothy. “As someone who lives on the banks of the Mississippi River, we need the states to start working together to plan and develop in the Upper Mississippi River Watershed to protect people and the Mississippi River ecosystem.” “The failure of the Upper Mississippi River governors to bring these federal dollars to help people deal with the impacts of climate change is worrisome,” said Kelly McGinnis, Executive Director of the Mississippi River Network. “Our network, of over 50 environmental organizations, is exploring options to serve as the non-federal sponsor for the much-needed Watershed Study and Integrated Water Management Plan.” As a “new start,” the Upper Mississippi River Watershed Study could have brought as much as $200,000 in federal funding to the basin this year. The Corps estimates the Watershed Study for the Upper Mississippi River Basin would cost approximately $3 million and take 3 years.

***

For Reference:

1. Planning assistance request letter of intent to sponsor from the basin governors.
2. Keys to the River Report Draft outlining the Governors’ Watershed Study Proposal.
3. Full comments from environmental organizations on the Keys to the River Report.
4. American Rivers 2020 Most Endangered Rivers © Report on Upper Mississippi River.

Watershed Studies are authorized under Section 729 of WRDA 1986, as amended, and other specifically authorized watershed planning authorities, which allow the Corps to work with non-federal partners to evaluate water resources and develop comprehensive watershed plans with an Integrated Water Resource Management focus. The purpose of a watershed study is to collaboratively work with partners, beyond the Corps traditional mission areas, to identify a broad range of solutions for multiple stakeholders. A key difference between watershed planning study and other Corps specifically authorized studies is that a watershed study does not specifically evaluate the feasibility of a federally-funded Corps action. Rather, the Corps, along with their non-federal partners, can evaluate a series of strategies, alternatives, and actions across a broad range of stakeholders’ authorities. Although a watershed study does not conduct a feasibility study for a new Corps project, the watershed study can be used to identify and justify the need for potential future studies and projects that the Corps may wish to pursue under separate authorities. The primary documents describing the Corps’ watershed planning approach are CECW-P Planning Bulletin No. PB2016-03 and CECW-P Engineering Circular No. EC 1105-2-411. Corps studies follow the Corps six step planning process. The steps include: 1) Identify problems and opportunities, 2) Inventory existing resources and forecast future conditions, 3) Identify management measures and screen them for effectiveness, 4) Formulate an initial array of strategies for addressing problems and needs. 5) Refine the initial array of strategies and evaluate a focused array of strategies, and 6) Compare strategies and make a selection. For a watershed study, these steps can be simplified into three primary milestones: (a) creating a collaborative and shared vision for the watershed, (b) conducting a holistic watershed assessment to identify specific strategies to be analyzed, and (c) developing a watershed strategy. The Shared Vision milestone is a critical first step because it will define the overall vision for the stakeholder group, presents the study scope/framework, and identifies how the framework and associated activities support the collaborative watershed vision. In order for these steps to be successfully executed the team must continually work to ensure the study area/watershed is clearly defined, the watershed is treated as a system, existing resources are being properly leveraged, and public involvement and collaboration is continuous throughout the project.]]> February 22, 2021 | Press Release PRN and partners are dismayed by the governors of the Upper Mississippi River states for failing to secure millions in federal dollars to address climate change fueled flood issues along the Upper Mississippi River.]]> 39045 0 19 0 https://prairierivers.org/uncategorized/2021/01/prairie-rivers-network-news-january-14-2021/ Thu, 14 Jan 2021 19:41:08 +0000 https://prairierivers.org/?p=39057 Read our PRN News for January 14, 2021 with stories on:

• Neonicotinoid Pesticides and Ethanol
• Take Action Before Friday
• Invasive Carp Prevention Project
• Thank You!

Sign Up for News Today!

]]> January 14, 2021 | Blog Post Read our RiverWeb News for January 14, 2021.]]> 39057 0 28 0 https://prairierivers.org/uncategorized/2021/01/prairie-rivers-network-news-january-29-2021/ Fri, 29 Jan 2021 19:42:14 +0000 https://prairierivers.org/?p=39058 Read our PRN News for January 29, 2021 with stories on:

• Our 2020 Annual Report
• Illinois' Clean Energy Future
• Concern Over Smokestack Demolition
• Solar for All
• New Episode of the Podcast
• Run for Your Rivers

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]]> January 29, 2021 | Blog Post Read our RiverWeb News for January 29, 2021.]]> 39058 0 24 0 https://prairierivers.org/uncategorized/2021/02/prairie-rivers-network-news-february-11-2021/ Thu, 11 Feb 2021 19:43:00 +0000 https://prairierivers.org/?p=39059 Read our PRN News for February 11, 2021 with stories on:

• Your Mark on the Water Plan!
• Learn About Sandhill Cranes
• Tell Illinois' Leaders to Pass CEJA!
• Power Plant Demolition
• Make a Tax Free Gift From Your IRA

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]]> February 11, 2021 | Blog Post Read our RiverWeb News for February 11, 2021.]]> 39059 0 21 0 https://prairierivers.org/uncategorized/2021/02/prairie-rivers-network-news-february-25-2021/ Thu, 25 Feb 2021 19:59:24 +0000 https://prairierivers.org/?p=39060 Read our PRN News for February 25, 2021 with stories on:

• Upper Mississippi River States Lose Millions
• Environmental Action Roundtable Tonight
• A New Paradigm
• In Case You Missed It!
• Know Your Stuff?

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]]> February 25, 2021 | Blog Post Read our RiverWeb News for February 25, 2021.]]> 39060 0 18 0 https://prairierivers.org/uncategorized/2021/03/is-this-solar-offer-too-good-to-be-true/ Fri, 05 Mar 2021 14:54:53 +0000 https://prairierivers.org/?p=39085 Your “Community Solar” Questions Answered! We’ve kept you updated on Illinois’ community solar program with past blog posts. But we still get questions regularly about this exciting new program. So we’re happy to give you an update with some commonly asked questions! Para aprender más de comunidad solar en español. To ensure that the community solar program continues to bring solar opportunities to everyone, we must pass Illinois’ Clean Energy Jobs Act (CEJA). Take action with us today and tell your legislator to pass CEJA this Spring! [caption id="attachment_39087" align="aligncenter" width="1024"] Nexamp Community Solar mailer[/caption]

Is the community solar offer I got in the mail (from Nexamp, Clearway, US Solar, etc.) "too good to be true"?

Community solar allows you to save money and help Illinois meet its renewable energy goals! That sounds too good to be true, but it's not! Community solar is a legitimate program that was created by the Future Energy Jobs Act (FEJA) and is offered to Ameren and ComEd customers. Community solar allows households that may not have an opportunity for a solar project on their own property, such as renters and those with shaded roofs or limited incomes, to come together as subscribers in a community solar project. There are solar lease opportunities and alternative retail electric suppliers that offer solar and these should not be confused with community solar projects.

How do I save money with community solar?

You pay a subscription fee to a company to help fund the construction and operation of a solar farm. The solar farm then sells the power to the utility and in return, you receive a credit on your electric bill for your share of the electricity generated. The credit received on your bill is usually greater than your subscription fee, and savings of 10-20% are usually realized. For most, but not all, community solar offers you’ll have two bills, your solar subscription bill for your share in the farm, and you’ll keep getting your regular electric bill, with monetary credits for the solar energy your subscription generates.

What company has the best offer?

Our partners at the Citizens Utility Board (CUB) have prepared a comparison chart of eight different company’s community solar offers. CUB recommends comparing multiple offers and understanding all the terms before signing up for community solar. Always read your contract thoroughly. Thank you to CUB for their continued work providing details on the program and these offers!

What should I look for in a contract?

Here are some questions you should think about when looking at and comparing community solar offers.

• What is the subscription fee and how is it paid (kw/hr, monthly, yearly, etc.)?
• What are the estimated savings and are they guaranteed?
• What is the contract length and are there cancellation fees?
• How will they bill you (electronically, paper bill)?
• Does the community solar company require access to and control over your utility account?

How is the Solar For All community solar program different?

The Solar for All community solar program was also created by FEJA in order to promote equitable access to the solar economy through program incentives that help low-income and environmental justice communities get access to solar. Households with annual income equal to 80% or less of the median area income can subscribe to a community solar project in their utility territory and earn monetary credits on their electricity bills. There is a Solar for All community solar project in Urbana that is currently taking subscribers in Ameren territory. Go here to learn more and see if you qualify! Also, feel free to contact Kim Knowles on our staff for more information about Illinois Solar for All, kknowles@prairieirivers.org.

Does the power generated at the solar farm provide the electricity to my home and does the project need to be in my community?

No, the power generated at the solar farm is sent to the grid. As described above, you receive the monetary credit for the power produced. In fact, the solar farm you subscribe to might be in a different county. The only limitation is that Ameren customers must subscribe to projects in Ameren territory and ComEd customers must subscribe to projects in ComEd territory.

If I don’t sign up soon, will there be more chances in the future?

In 2019, over 900 potential projects competed to receive the state credits available for community solar, and just 112 were selected. Many of those projects are now under construction and are on a timeline to be energized by early 2021. While subscriptions are still available, the program capacity is filled, and new community solar applications are currently being put on a waitlist. To ensure that the community solar program continues to bring solar opportunities to everyone, we must pass Illinois’ Clean Energy Jobs Act. Take action with us today and tell your legislator to pass CEJA this Spring!]]> March 5, 2021 | Blog Post Here are some of the most commonly asked questions we receive about Community Solar!]]> 39085 0 16 0 https://prairierivers.org/action-items/2021/03/ask-your-legislators-to-expand-conservation-funding/ Thu, 18 Mar 2021 20:43:43 +0000 https://prairierivers.org/?p=39122 ]]> March 18, 2021 | Action Alert | If you care about conservation in Illinois, you should take action today on the Partners for Nutrient Loss Reduction Act!]]> 39122 0 13 0 https://prairierivers.org/front-page/2021/04/spring-2021-newsletter/ Wed, 14 Apr 2021 13:00:02 +0000 https://prairierivers.org/?p=39131 Spring 2021 Newsletter featuring articles on:

• CEJA: An Equitable, Clean Energy Future for Illinois
• Director’s Notes
• Why I Give
• The "Kar-r-r-r-o-o-o" in Central Illinois
• Regulating Coal Ash: Vision to Reality
• 2020 PRN Members & Supporters
• Stories from the Floodplain
• Take Action
• A Remembrance: Nan Ehrlich
• Love's Rivers

]]> April 14, 2021 | Blog Post Read Prairie Rivers Network’s Spring 2021 Newsletter!]]> 39131 0 11 0 https://prairierivers.org/uncategorized/2021/03/prairie-rivers-network-news-march-9-2021/ Tue, 09 Mar 2021 18:00:57 +0000 https://prairierivers.org/?p=39137 Read our PRN News for March 9, 2021 with stories on:

• What is Community Solar?
• It’s Slipping Season!
• Communities Deserve Voice on Plant Demolitions
• Reclaiming Abandoned Mines

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]]> March 9, 2021 | Blog Post Read our RiverWeb News!]]> 39137 0 17 0 https://prairierivers.org/uncategorized/2021/03/39140/ Thu, 25 Mar 2021 17:00:11 +0000 https://prairierivers.org/?p=39140 Read our PRN News for March 25, 2021 with stories on:

• CEJA Moves Forward in Springfield
• We Are the Champions? Nope.
• Take Action!
• Virtual Geo Power Hour!
• Prairie State: IL's Biggest Boondoggle
• Go Solar and Save!

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]]> March 25, 2021 | Blog Post Read our RiverWeb News!]]> 39140 0 15 0 https://prairierivers.org/front-page/2021/04/spreading-poison-stories-from-the-floodplain/ Thu, 08 Apr 2021 16:32:57 +0000 https://prairierivers.org/?p=39146 Stories from the Floodplain

Spreading Poison (4/7/2021)

The natural world is under multiple threats, many of which are complex and difficult to measure. Landowners, farmers, municipalities, and industries across the country apply pesticides at an alarming rate, attempting to conquer nature, maximize yields, and eliminate “pests” and “weeds.” These invisible chemicals often do not just harm the intended pests, they can cause enormous harm to native plant and wildlife species and can pose real threats to human health and water quality. In this episode of Stories from the Floodplain, we talk with Dr. Nathan Donley, a senior scientist at the Center for Biological Diversity about the overuse of pesticides and the complexity of this problem. Dr. Donley describes how the regulatory system is rigged on behalf of the chemical companies and calls for environmental and public health advocates to have a say in setting the rules for whether and how poisons are applied to the land and water. Links: Prairie Rivers Network (www.prairierivers.org/) Center for Biological Diversity (www.biologicaldiversity.org/)

Take Action

Keep an eye out for symptoms of pesticide drift in your area this spring and summer. Learn about the symptoms of pesticide drift at our Monitoring Tree And Plant Health page on our website. And if you see unusual damage to trees, curling, cupped leaves, e.g., contact us at info@prairierivers.org. You can also post the podcast on your Facebook timeline. Retweet it to your followers. Tell people what you’re listening to and why! Help us get the word out about Stories from the Floodplain!]]> April 7, 2021 | Podcast We talk with Dr. Nathan Donley at the Center for Biological Diversity about the overuse of pesticides and the complexity of this problem.]]> 39146 0 12 0 https://prairierivers.org/uncategorized/2021/04/illinois-coal-ash-rule-will-clean-up-coals-dirty-legacy/ Fri, 16 Apr 2021 15:20:23 +0000 https://prairierivers.org/?p=39167 Illinois Coal Ash Rule Will Clean Up Coal’s Dirty Legacy

The final rule adopted yesterday ensures a safer, healthier future for Illinoisans

Springfield, IL - The Illinois Pollution Control Board’s finalization of coal ash regulations makes significant strides to rectify coal's toxic footprint in Illinois. The rules create a comprehensive framework for the detection and clean up of coal ash contamination of groundwater -- the first in the state’s history to specifically address this pollution. Not only do the new rules create a new precedent for cleaning up coal ash and restoring the environment, they make necessary improvements to public participation and environmental justice. In finalizing these rules, the Board rejected utility demands to exclude certain ash ponds from the rules and expanded transparency, demonstrating its commitment to a more fair and open process. A coalition of environmental groups - Earthjustice, the Environmental Law & Policy Center, Little Village Environmental Justice Organization, Prairie Rivers Network, and Sierra Club - has been involved in the creation of these rules every step of the way, filing more than 200 pages of technical recommendations for protecting communities from coal ash. Community groups, such as Clean Power Lake County and Metro East Green Alliance, and members of the public across the state provided 120 oral comments at virtual public hearings as well as hundreds of written comments. “These robust coal ash rules ensure that those that have borne the brunt of environmental injustice in Illinois will have a voice in the future cleanup of these sites and the protection of their communities,” says Andrew Rehn, Water Resources Engineer with Prairie Rivers Network. “These rules show the power of our collective voices to make change happen and to hold energy companies responsible for their dirty coal legacy.” "The rules adopted today mandate opportunities for the public to have their concerns heard and addressed throughout the contamination clean-up process," said Environmental Law & Policy Center Staff Attorney Kiana Courtney. "It should continue to be the norm in all regulatory processes that frontline communities' voices are centered and that their input has weight.” “We’re thrilled to see that the Board took seriously the legislature’s mandate that Illinois’ safeguards be no less protective or comprehensive than federal requirements, and in fact went above and beyond federal requirements. All ash ponds in Illinois must meet essential safeguards, protecting communities such as Waukegan, Peoria, Joliet, and our capital Springfield against continued leaching of dangerous pollutants,” said Jennifer Cassel, Staff Attorney with Earthjustice’s Coal Program. “These new coal ash rules enhance protections for vulnerable communities while allowing the public to be better informed and involved. The new protections charge coal plants with making decision-making on how toxic coal ash will be cleaned up more accessible and understandable. While this is amazing, we have to keep going! We have to continue to take action that will protect at-risk communities,” said Nia Mcfarland-Drye Peoria NAACP Executive Committee Member. There is still room for improvement. As the Illinois EPA (IEPA) works to implement these rules, it is imperative that it prioritizes the protection of public health and the environment by ensuring that ash is not left exposed to rising groundwater or flooding, threatening continued leaching of dangerous contaminants for decades. IEPA must also ensure that neither workers nor communities are harmed by airborne ash dust. Finally, IEPA must make sure that residents’ concerns are not only heard, but truly considered to ensure their voices count in determining the best way to keep their communities safe. The Illinois EPA can, and must, take seriously its obligation to protect Illinois communities and its treasured waters from the toxic legacy of coal burning.

Background

Coal ash, the waste from burning coal, has contaminated groundwater in Illinois around both active and closed coal plants with arsenic, boron, sulfate, and other chemicals. A 2018 report by Environmental Integrity Project, Earthjustice, Prairie Rivers Network and Sierra Club found widespread pollution in groundwater around 22 of the state’s 24 coal ash plants. The Pollution Control Board incorporated many of the environmental groups’ recommendations, including:

• Public Participation, Transparency, and Environmental Justice. The Board sets out extensive public participation opportunities by requiring responses to public comments, extending deadlines for public involvement, requiring translation services as needed, and allowing the public to comment on coal ash pond owners’ requests to be exempted from cleanup requirements. The Board’s changes improve transparency by ensuring permitting documents will be available online by the start of public comment periods. Together, these changes demonstrate a commitment to environmental justice by allowing these communities greater access to the process.
• Environmental Protection. The Board requires rigorous analysis of groundwater impacts from proposed permitting decisions, imposes location restrictions on coal ash ponds in floodplains, makes clear that costs cannot be a basis for supporting or opposing closure and clean up options, and requires an analysis of transportation alternatives for coal ash removal (including rail, barge, and low-emission trucks).
• Opening New Dockets on Other Coal Ash Issues: The Board agrees with Environmental Groups that additional protections are needed for historic coal ash disposal (fill) areas, coal ash piles, and coal ash dust and ordered that a new docket be opened to address those issues.

]]> April 16, 2021 | Press Release The Illinois Pollution Control Board’s finalization of coal ash regulations makes significant strides to rectify coal's toxic footprint in Illinois.]]> 39167 0 10 0 https://prairierivers.org/uncategorized/2021/04/earth-day-2021/ Mon, 19 Apr 2021 14:28:02 +0000 https://prairierivers.org/?p=39171 plogging runs and more! We’ve rounded up some of the fun and unique ways that people are celebrating Earth Day this April 22nd across Illinois. Some are virtual events that you can join no matter where you are and we also hope you’ll find ideas that will inspire you to organize something in your backyard or community this Earth Day or next! *Event on Earth Day, April 22nd, unless otherwise noted.

Statewide

• Make sure you are outfitted for future Earth Days and support Prairie Rivers Network with your limited edition “Let Rivers Run Wild” t-shirt. On sale now through April 23rd.
• Zona Abierta – Environmental and Climate Justice: Youth Leaders in Action, 12-1pm. Virtual, Little Village Environmental Justice Organization and UIC Latino Cultural Center, Registration required.
• ELPC Earth Day Celebration LIVESTREAM with state and federal leaders, 4pm, Virtual, Environmental Law and Policy Center Facebook page.
• Sierra Club Phone Bank for the Clean EnergyJobs Act

Get your PRN "Let Rivers Run Wild" for a limited time!

Southern IL

• Prayer and Action at the Fuller Dome, 12pm, Virtual and In-person, Edwardsville.
• Glen Carbon Library Earth Day Celebration, Sat April 24, 1pm, Registration required. Glen Carbon.
• Earth Day Glow Paint Night, 6pm, Tickets required. Carbondale.

Central IL

• Seeding Change Film Screening, 7pm, Virtual, Hosted by ISU, Registration required.
• Climate Strike: UIUC Campus, 1pm, Main Quad Champaign-Urbana. More Earth Week activities.
• Festival of Spring/Earth Day, Sat April 24, 9am, Rock Springs Nature Center, Decatur.
• Fleet Feet Weekend Plogging Run, Sunday, April 25, 11:30am, Decatur.
• Party for the Planet, Miller Park Zoo, All month long, Bloomington.
• Heyworth Community Clean up Day, April 18, 10am. Register for a free t-shirt! Heyworth.
• Peoria Parks Earth Day Events. All week long. Peoria.
• Earth Day Planting, Douglas-Hart Nature Center, Sat April 24, 9am-12pm. Registration required. Mattoon.
• Earth Day Garlic Mustard Pull Extravaganza, 1-3pm. Prairie Land Conservancy, Stony Hills Nature Preserve. Registration required. Niota.

Northern IL

• Plogging Run! Celebrate Earth Day with Fleet Feet, 5:30pm, Rockford.
• Joliet Public Library Earth Day Celebration, 7pm. Virtual. Registration required.
• Earth Day Event, Woodland Trails Park, Sat April 24, 1-4pm, Mount Prospect.
• Community Conversation, Neighbors for Environmental Justice, 6:30pm, Virtual, Neighbors for Environmental Justice. Registration required.
• Celebrate Earth Day with the Forest Preserves of Cook County, Multiple events all week long.
• Waukegan Harbor Earth Day Clean Up, Sat April 24, 8am-12pm. Waukegan.
• The Sixth Fest, April 22 through May 2. Various dates, times, and locations in the Chicago area and virtually.

We of course know that “Earth Day is Every Day” and our efforts don’t begin or end on April 22nd. In fact, on the Monday after Earth Day, April 26, we’ll be lobbying and rallying for environmental justice during our Virtual Lobby Day. Learn more and register here. Sign up for PRN updates to learn about events all year round.]]> April 19, 2021 | Blog Post There are plenty of ways to celebrate Earth Day on April 22nd! Check out some of what's happening around Illinois!]]> 39171 0 8 0 https://prairierivers.org/action-items/2021/04/gov-pritzker-to-expand-his-climate-action-approach/ Fri, 23 Apr 2021 13:20:24 +0000 https://prairierivers.org/?p=39238 ]]> April 23, 2021 | Action Alert Urge Gov. Pritzker to expand his climate action approach to include farmers and sustainable agriculture practices that protect our climate!]]> 39238 0 7 0 https://prairierivers.org/front-page/2021/04/legislation-restores-damaged-lands-creates-jobs-in-rural-communities/ Thu, 29 Apr 2021 18:56:05 +0000 https://prairierivers.org/?p=39292 Legislation Restores Damaged Lands, Creates Jobs in Rural Communities WASHINGTON, D.C. (April 29, 2021) — New legislation would provide jobs, public health improvements, and habitat restoration in coal communities. The RECLAIM Act, introduced today by Senator Joe Manchin (D-W.Va.), would create jobs throughout rural communities by investing in abandoned coal mine lands and recovering these lands for community economic development, recreation and habitat. Senator Manchin also introduced a reauthorization of the Abandoned Mine Land Reclamation Fund, which would require coal producing companies to help offset the costs of reclaiming abandoned mines. “Communities that have powered our nation for generations should not left behind as our nation transitions to net-zero emissions,” said Collin O’Mara, president and CEO of the National Wildlife Federation. “We applaud Senator Manchin’s leadership in advancing the RECLAIM Act and reauthorizing the Abandoned Mine Land Reclamation Fund as a critical means to revitalizing coal country rural economies, creating jobs and restoring wildlife habitat across the nation.” “These bills would invest in the rural communities hit hardest by coal decline by creating jobs and preventing future disasters. Our communities need jobs, environmental health improvements and new opportunities to grow the outdoor recreational economy — all fronts this legislation would help deliver on,” said Angie Rosser, executive director of West Virginia Rivers Coalition. “We applaud Senator Manchin’s leadership in prioritizing the clean-up of abandoned mine lands and investing in the economic revitalization of coal country.” “The RECLAIM Act could create impetus for long-term sustainable change for communities impacted by and dependent on coal mining as they grapple with the transition to cleaner energy and their place in that future," said PennFuture President and CEO Jacquelyn Bonomo. "Restoration of abandoned mine lands will benefit people and landscapes in so many ways — from the jobs and skills needed to do the reclamation, to land that can now support viable use — be it small business ventures, larger development, or for conservation and climate resilience purposes. The time has come for this program to become a reality.” “These investments in abandoned mine lands are a win-win. We can protect and restore the health of our environment while caring for communities hardest hit by the declining coal industry,” said Elliot Brinkman, executive director of Prairie Rivers Network. “Reclamation and redevelopment will provide many communities the opportunity to re-imagine their rural economies while improving the condition of their lands and waters.” Visit the National Wildlife Federation Media Center at NWF.org/News.

***

The National Wildlife Federation is America's largest conservation organization uniting all Americans to ensure wildlife thrive in a rapidly-changing world. At Prairie Rivers Network (PRN), we protect water, heal land, and inspire change. Using the creative power of science, law, and collective action, we protect and restore our rivers, return healthy soils and diverse wildlife to our lands, and transform how we care for the earth and for each other. PRN is the Illinois affiliate of the National Wildlife Federation.  ]]> April 29, 2021 | Press Release The RECLAIM Act, introduced today, would provide jobs, public health improvements, and habitat restoration in coal communities.]]> 39292 0 6 0 https://prairierivers.org/?post_type=priorities&p=19261 Wed, 27 Jul 2016 17:37:57 +0000 https://prairierivers.org/?post_type=priorities&p=19261 Grain loading facility and barges along the Illinois River, in Illinois[/caption]

The Problem: Full Implementation of the Clean Water Act

The State of Illinois, through the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency (IEPA), is responsible for implementing and enforcing many CWA programs; however, we are still far short of meeting the original goals of the Clean Water Act. Much work remains. A key component of CWA programs is citizen involvement. The Act reflects a belief that protecting and restoring our waters will require vigilance and engagement on the part of the people who know those waters.

The Solution: You and Prairie Rivers Network

Prairie Rivers Network fights to protect the Clean Water Act from those in Congress that want to gut it and for the effective implementation of the Clean Water Act at the state level. But we need your help too. This section provides information on how citizens can help enforce the CWA as well as resources for a more thorough understanding of the Clean Water Act.

Opportunities for citizen engagement in the Clean Water Act:

Strengthening Water Pollution Permits (NPDES Program) – Water pollution permits (National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System or NPDES permitting) are required for anyone who discharges pollution into Illinois rivers or streams and require that discharges will not violate water quality standards set by the CWA.  Wetland and Stream Fill permits – Under Section 404 of the CWA, those seeking to fill a wetland or stream or channelize a waterbody, must obtain a “404 permit” from the US Army Corps of Engineers (Corps). The Corps is supposed to ensure that each permit it issues complies with federal statutes and regulations as well as guidelines developed by the Corps and the US Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA). Stormwater Pollution – The water pollution permitting program of the CWA requires that dirt be maintained on construction sites to the extent possible and states that construction sites may not contribute to stream impairments. To comply with the law, each construction site must develop and implement a Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan that describes the techniques the contractor will use to prevent soil from leaving the site. Degraded Waters (TMDL Program) – The CWA Total Maximum Daily Load (TMDL) program requires that states and the EPA identify impaired waters and develop clean-up plans (TMDLs) for those waters. Improving Water Quality Standards – The CWA requires water quality standards to be defined to insure “water quality which provides for the protection of fish, shellfish, and wildlife and provides for recreation in and on the water…” At least once every three years, the IEPA is required by law to conduct a review of the standards and solicit public input on the standards. This rarely occurs. ADDITIONAL RESOURCES USEPA Water Quality Standards Database (Numeric Criteria for Priority Pollutants) http://water.epa.gov/lawsregs/rulesregs/ntr.cfm Priority Pollutants (You can click on any of the pollutants to find human health hazards, chemical use profile, hazard rankings, and more) http://www.scorecard.org/chemical-groups/one-list.tcl?short_list_name=pp Clean Water Network provides a number of great tools to help you participate in several programs of the CWA. You can find laws and regulations in place to achieve these goals in the Illinois Pollution Control Act and Title 35 of the Illinois Administrative Code: http://www.ilga.gov/commission/jcar/admincode/035/035parts.html  ]]> 19261 0 37 0 https://prairierivers.org/?post_type=priorities&p=19264 Wed, 27 Jul 2016 17:40:57 +0000 https://prairierivers.org/?post_type=priorities&p=19264 The Problem: Lead and Toxic Algae Pollution While we have access to some of the cleanest drinking water supplies in the world, each location and type of water source has its own threats from pollution. Some current threats to drinking water supplies include lead and cyanotoxins (algae). After the lead-contaminated drinking water crisis in Flint, Michigan, the nation has focused increased attention on this very real threat to our health, particularly the health of our children. Drinking water sources are also suffering increased threats from cyanobacteria that can produce highly potent cyanotoxins such as microsystins. Nutrient pollution is a known contributor to the creation of cyanobacterial blooms. Links:

• US EPA’s Learn About Lead Webpage
• Basic Information About Lead in Drinking Water
• Chicago Tribune on Lead Risk in Illinois Drinking Water
• EPA webpage on Cyanobacteria/Cyanotoxins
• EPA’s Safe Water Query Form for IL
• Check the annual drinking water quality reports for IL
• How Safe is Bottled Water? The Natural Resources Defense Council answers all your questions about bottled water.

The Solution: You and Prairie Rivers Network

Working with our members, partners, and funders, Prairie Rivers Network works to protect our water on many fronts. From reducing nutrient pollution that causes to toxic algae blooms, to calling on our lawmakers to #gettheleadout, to fighting for common sense toxic coal ash pollution laws, we are fighting for clean water for all the people, fish, and wildlife of Illinois.    ]]> 19264 0 34 0 https://prairierivers.org/?post_type=priorities&p=19267 Wed, 27 Jul 2016 17:45:09 +0000 https://prairierivers.org/?post_type=priorities&p=19267 Image courtesy of http://www.cop.noaa.gov/images/GOMhypoxia_map.jpg[/caption] The Gulf of Mexico is over 500 miles south of Illinois, yet we are very connected to it via our rivers and streams. Most of Illinois’ waterways flow into the Mississippi River, and the Mississippi River flows to the Gulf of Mexico. As such, water pollution that originates in Illinois can and often does pollute the Gulf.

The Problem: Nitrogen and Phosphorus Pollution

In fact, nitrogen and phosphorus pollution from Illinois and other states in the Mississippi River Basin contributes to the Gulf of Mexico Dead Zone, which is a vast area that forms off the coast of Louisiana each summer that is so depleted of oxygen that fish and other water species cannot breathe. Those species that are not capable of escaping the Dead Zone, such as shrimp and crab, perish.  The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration estimates that the Dead Zone costs US seafood and tourism industries $82 million dollars/year. Scientists have determined that nitrogen and phosphorus pollution are the leading causes of the Dead Zone. When there are too many of these pollutants in the ocean, algae that feed on the nitrogen and phosphorus become excessively abundant, forming noxious algal blooms. When these blooms die, the process of decomposition robs the water of oxygen, creating the Dead Zone. Recent studies by the U.S. Geological Survey have concluded that of all states whose rivers flow into the Gulf of Mexico, Illinois is the largest contributor of nitrogen and phosphorus pollution. Some of this pollution comes from sewage treatment plants and agriculture, including factory farms. [caption id="attachment_19460" align="aligncenter" width="300"] Algae in the Mississippi River floodplain[/caption]

The Solution: Reducing Nutrient Pollution

Prairie Rivers Network has joined forces with sister organizations along the Mississippi River to reduce the amount of pollution entering this great river and the Gulf of Mexico. The Mississippi River Water Quality Collaborative consists of 12 environmental and legal partners devoted to clean water and river protection. Our work with the Collaborative includes pushing Illinois to adopt numeric criteria for nitrogen and phosphorus, challenging water pollution permits, and promoting conservation practices on agricultural lands.]]> 19267 0 33 0 https://prairierivers.org/?post_type=priorities&p=19270 Wed, 27 Jul 2016 17:47:53 +0000 https://prairierivers.org/?post_type=priorities&p=19270 The Problem: Nutrient Pollution & Toxic Algae Blooms Too much phosphorus and nitrogen in water can be very harmful to aquatic life and to people. Phosphorus and nitrogen pollutants fuel the growth of algae, which at excessive levels leaves us with the green gunk-infested waters we’re all too familiar with in Illinois. These waters are nasty, and they stink. No one wants to swim in them, and when the algae decomposes, it robs the water of oxygen, making life difficult for fish and other aquatic creatures that depend on that oxygen. Nitrogen and phosphorus pollution from Illinois (and other states in the Mississippi River basin) has helped create a dead zone as large as the states of Connecticut and Rhode Island combined in the Gulf of Mexico where the oxygen is so depleted by decomposing algae that fish and other aquatic life can no longer live. Certain forms of algae can also be toxic, as we saw in Toledo when algal toxins shut down that city’s drinking water supply in the summer of 2014. Many of Illinois’ rivers, lakes and streams are polluted by phosphorus and algae. For example, in 2014 at least 57% of Illinois lakes were suffering pollution problems due to phosphorus and/or algae. Where does all this nitrogen and phosphorus pollution come from? In Illinois, the sources are almost equally split between sewage treatment plants and corn and soybean farms.

The Solution: Reducing Nutrient Pollution

At Prairie Rivers Network we are working with multiple partners to achieve, over the long term, reductions in nitrogen and phosphorus pollution through enhanced sewage treatment (like this agreement with the City of Joliet) and improved farming practices. Enhanced sewage treatment technologies, reduced fertilizer use and better farming practices can go a long way to significantly reducing these harmful pollutants and clean up the algae both at home and in downstream waters.]]> 19270 0 32 0 https://prairierivers.org/?post_type=priorities&p=19273 Wed, 27 Jul 2016 17:49:53 +0000 https://prairierivers.org/?post_type=priorities&p=19273 When Clear Water Isn't Clean Water Most people do not realize that their medicine chests, bathrooms and kitchen sinks are the starting point for water contaminants entering our rivers and streams. The culprits? Pharmaceutical and personal care products (PPCPs). Pharmaceuticals include both prescription and over-the-counter medications, and nutritional supplements. Personal care products with harmful ingredients or by-products range from soap and shampoo, to cosmetics and fragrances.

The Problem: Pharmaceuticals Entering our Rivers and Streams

Every time you flush medicine down your toilet or sink, you are sending it to your local waterway. While your wastewater typically goes into a municipal wastewater treatment plant, wastewater treatment cannot remove most of the chemicals and other compounds in pharmaceuticals that pollute the water and that can cause harm to aquatic species. Unfortunately at this time, most people dispose of medicines by flushing them down their toilets or sink, or just throwing them into the trash In one study, almost 90 percent of the participants said they dispose their unused and/or unwanted medicines via the toilet, sink, trash, or by simply not disposing them at all. Health care facilities or providers such as clinics, labs and pharmacies can also be sources of improperly disposed pharmaceuticals. Pharmaceuticals also enter our water indirectly as waste from humans and animals. The source problem isn't just limited to humans; we bathe our pets with soap, we treat their illnesses with medication. Outside urban areas livestock operations frequently use medications or other compounds such as steroids in producing meat, dairy products and eggs. Approximately two-thirds of the beef cattle raised in the United States are given growth hormones; up to 75 percent of the hormones and other drugs given to animals end up being eliminated through their urine and manure. Harmful ingredients from pharmaceuticals are becoming more common in our rivers and streams. Studies on the presence and levels of pharmaceutical chemicals have been conducted for a number of years, with recent studies confirming the persistence of these compounds in rivers. A 2002 study by the U.S. Geological Study tested 139 streams nationwide for 95 different chemicals; 80 percent of the stream water samples contained at least one-third or more of these chemicals. Land use upstream from the sampling sites was predominantly developed. Another USGS study, published in 2006, found that levels of pharmaceutical chemicals, including endocrine disrupting compounds, increased dramatically in water samples taken downstream from a wastewater treatment plant. The hydrological connection of water sources also means that the presence of pharmaceutical agents is not be limited to rivers and streams, and that impacts from these chemicals can spread to aquatic species which live in other water bodies. As a receiver of river and creek water, pharmaceuticals can enter lakes and wetlands. Groundwater quality can also be impacted by the quality of the river waters recharging an aquifer.

Effects of Pharmaceuticals on Aquatic Organisms

There are a number of active ingredients found in medications and personal care products that can impact the quality of our rivers and aquatic habitats, but two in particular are receiving increased attention: estrogens or other endocrine disruptors (see below) and anti-depressant and obsessive-compulsive medications. A 2006 USGS study specifically notes native fish populations downstream of the wastewater treatment plant showed symptoms of endocrine disruption, or a "feminization effect;" these impacts include fish developing both female and male reproductive organs and decreased numbers of males in the population. Ultimately reproductive and gender imbalances within a species can lead to population declines or worse.

Endocrine systems include both glands and hormones that regulate body functions such as growth and maturation, as well as the normal functioning of organs, including the pituitary, thyroid, and reproductive organs. This system works by a complex series of hormonal messages. Endocrine disruptors alter normal hormonal levels, creating breakdowns in the body's chemical message system by: 1) mimicking the function of a particular hormone (like estrogen); 2) blocking normal hormonal signals; and 3) stimulating or inhibiting endocrine receptor, causing overproduction or underproduction of a hormone.

Studies on the effects of anti-depressants and obsessive-compulsive regulators on aquatic life note the chemicals contained in these medications are likely the primary cause of other aquatic species disorders, including premature spawning in shellfish and the inability of damaged fish fins to heal. They also cause slower heart rates in the Daphnia water flea; a lowered heart rate is one indicator of potentially broad physiological effects. Smaller aquatic organisms like water fleas have a short lifespan, which means that multiple generations will be exposed to a contaminant. This could have a catastrophic impact on a species' sustainability. In addition, reduced numbers or the loss of species at the bottom of the food chain impacts higher level species that depend on these organisms for food or other benefits.

Why care?

It is not a new story that chemically induced changes in natural hormonal functioning have disastrous impacts on wildlife. Beginning in the 1960s researchers began studies that eventually confirmed the relationship between the pesticide DDT and reproductive failures in eagles and sea gulls (due to extreme thinning of the birds' eggshells). In the 1980s alligators in Florida's Lake Apopka suffered reproductive abnormalities, including feminization effects and a high egg mortality rate; these impacts were attributed to pollutants, including DDT in the lake water. What has changed in the more than forty years since those early studies is the number and type of different chemicals entering our waterways, including those contained in pharmaceuticals and personal care products. A 2004 report by the National Center for Health Statistics (NCHS) indicates prescription drugs use has been increasing. It further reports that over half of U.S. citizens use prescription medication, with 1 out of 6 people using three or more drugs. Much of the increase in use is due to a significant rise in the number of prescriptions for a few drug types: antidepressants, blood sugar/glucose regulators, and cholesterol lowering statins. Although not mentioned in the study, the reality of the aging baby boomer generation is also a factor in current and future increases in pharmaceutical use. As stated previously, water treatment processes are not able to eliminate most of the harmful chemicals contained in pharmaceuticals and personal care products. In fact, some pharmaceuticals, such as antibiotics, actually kill bacteria used in wastewater treatment to break down organic waste materials. Some water, such as storm water or sewer overflow resulting from heavy rain, never reaches a treatment facility. While a few treatment techniques are available to destroy a small number of the chemicals in pharmaceuticals, they are not being put into place because of the cost and because the treatment is effective only for a single or small range of contaminants.

The Solution: Proper Pharmaceutical Disposal

The best way to keep pharmaceutical and harmful personal care products from entering our rivers and streams is to prevent them from getting into the water. How can we do this? Permanent collection and take-back programs are the best way to keep contaminants out of our rivers and streams. Places in Illinois that have been used for permanent collection program include hazardous waste facilities, pharmacies, county health departments, and police stations. The advantage of permanent collection facilities is that they: 1) offer a continuous, known place for people to return their unused and unwanted pharmaceuticals; 2) offer a secure site for storage; and 3) guarantee that pharmaceuticals they receive will be destroyed. One-day collection events are held in a variety of places with different groups acting as sponsors. These may be general hazardous waste collections which include pharmaceuticals or events that are specifically collecting unused, unwanted medications. Like permanent collection facilities, one-day events offer a secured location for collection, with the items collected being destroyed. However, they may not be held on a day or at a time that is convenient. In Illinois, permanent facilities and collection days are not available in most parts of the state. As awareness of this problem is growing, and public demand increases for these services, additional programs will be started. However, adequately addressing the problem of improper pharmaceutical disposal requires a comprehensive statewide program that ensures accessibility, security, and safe, permanent destruction of collected contaminants.

What can I do today to protect rivers and streams from pharmaceutical contamination?

Other states have adopted comprehensive take-back and/or collection programs that provide all residents with the opportunity to safely dispose of unwanted and unused medications. During the 2007-2008 Illinois legislative session, the House unanimously passed a bill to establish a cancer drug repository program; the bill was close to passage in the Senate, but was stalled in the Rules Committee before the final reading and vote. Until Illinois has a comprehensive statewide program for pharmaceutical collections, individuals will have to rely on what facilities or programs are in their area. If there are no collection sites available to you, there are steps you can take to properly dispose of your unused, expired, or unwanted medications:

• Do not flush pharmaceuticals down the toilet or sink
• Put the medication into a leak-proof bag; add a small amount of water to a solid drug or some absorbent material such as kitty litter or coffee grounds to liquid drugs to make them unpalatable to animals and humans
• Place the medication in a second bag and seal it securely before throwing in the trash
• Remove the labels from the original medication container or mark out any personal and content information on the label.

Prevention is always the best strategy for reducing contamination, so consider how you can also reduce the amount of pharmaceuticals and personal care products that eventually enter the waste stream:

• only purchase what you need
• put all your pharmaceuticals in one location so you know what and how much you have
• don't take samples unless you are going to use them
• support organic methods in livestock and dairy product production

Visit a compilation of websites, research studies, and news articles on pharmaceuticals in the environment at our Pharmaceuticals Resource Library.]]> 19273 0 30 0 https://prairierivers.org/?post_type=priorities&p=19276 Wed, 27 Jul 2016 19:16:16 +0000 https://prairierivers.org/?post_type=priorities&p=19276 Click to view our coal ash map[/caption] Behind Illinois' coal-fired power plants lies a dirty secret: coal ash, the solid byproduct that is left over after coal is burned for electricity. Coal ash is full of heavy metals like mercury, arsenic, selenium, chromium and cadmium, which can cause cancer and brain damage in humans and are harmful to fish and wildlife. Check out our COAL ASH MAP and see if there is a toxic coal ash dump near you.

The Problem: Coal Ash Dumps Leaking into our Waters

Shockingly, there are fewer safeguards on coal ash disposal than household garbage. Perhaps it's no surprise then that with coal-fired power plants and industries in Illinois generating 4.4 million tons of coal ash each year in addition to coal ash imports from at least 6 other states, Illinois leads the nation in coal ash damage cases. Since 2009, Illinois EPA has found groundwater contamination from coal ash pollution at every site investigated - that's 22 out of 24 coal-fired power plants! Read about the threat of coal ash to the Middle Fork of the Vermilion River from the Dynegy coal ash pits.

The Solution: Better Laws for Coal Ash Disposal

For these reasons, Prairie Rivers Network is working to empower local residents to let decision makers know that Illinois communities support commonsense, federally enforceable safeguards to protect our land and water from coal ash pollution. We are also working to stop coal ash pollution in individual communities by appealing permits, and forcing power plants to comply with the law and protect clean water by phasing out dangerous coal ash ponds and requiring coal companies to switch to safer coal ash disposal methods.]]> 19276 0 23 0 https://prairierivers.org/?post_type=priorities&p=19279 Wed, 27 Jul 2016 19:17:03 +0000 https://prairierivers.org/?post_type=priorities&p=19279 employing fewer people than ever - and the consequences for Illinois‘ land and water are mounting.

The Problem: Coal Mining Destroys our Rich Farmland and Threatens Clean Water

Strip mining destroys thousands of acres of farmland, forests and streams as coal companies blast and dig through solid rock to reach coal. Unfortunately, mining companies in Illinois are usually granted permission by regulatory agencies to mine through streams and wetlands - this loss threatens water quality downstream. Coal mines in Illinois still rely on outdated pollution control technologies, if any, that do not remove the harmful pollution in mine wastewater and site runoff before it is discharged into rivers, streams and lakes. Most mines in Illinois process coal onsite, which generates millions of gallons of coal slurry, a mixture of water, coal, waste rock and chemicals, including harmful salts and metals. When runoff from slurry pits and "reclaimed" mine sites is discharged, it often contains elevated levels of sediments, salts and metals, threatening clean drinking water as well as the health of hunters and anglers that rely on healthy wildlife.

The Solution: Protecting Clean Water in Illinois from Coal Mining

Prairie Rivers Network fights to strengthen or oppose permits that threaten clean water in Illinois. We also provide technical and organizing assistance to local communities to help them protect their clean water supply from coal pollution.]]> 19279 0 27 0 https://prairierivers.org/?post_type=priorities&p=19281 Wed, 27 Jul 2016 19:22:21 +0000 https://prairierivers.org/?post_type=priorities&p=19281 Tile Outlet[/caption] Illinois is one of the top national producers of corn, soybeans, and swine, with approximately 75% of the state’s land area dedicated to agriculture. The economic and nutritional benefits afforded by agriculture are undeniably important. However, the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency found that pollution from crop production impairs approximately 20% of the state’s streams. Such impairment denies Illinois citizens and wildlife the right to clean, safe water. The most common pollutants from agriculture are sediment, nitrogen, and phosphorus. Illinois farmland is among the best in the world because it used to be nutrient-rich, wetland prairie habitat. However, unlike prairie, agricultural fields typically contain a protective cover of plants for only about half of the year, and the rest of the time bare soil is exposed to the elements and erodes into rivers and lakes during rainfalls and snowmelt, taking with it remaining fertilizer nutrients. Even during the growing season, soil loss is greater from agricultural fields than natural land cover. This erosion of land into water results in the sedimentation of our waterways, which means that fish have fewer places to spawn and rivers have less capacity to store water.

The Problem: Nutrient Pollution Runoff

Fertilizers applied to agricultural fields contain the nutrients nitrogen and phosphorus. Nutrients are great for crop growth, but a large percent of what is applied eventually winds up in nearby waterways and becomes pollution. Too much nitrogen and phosphorus in water can result in excessive algal growth, which is often aesthetically unpleasing and causes the loss of dissolved oxygen with subsequent stress on aquatic species. Phosphorus gets into our waterways with eroded soil during heavy rains and snowmelt, whereas nitrogen typically enters via the thousands of miles of underground pipes (i.e., tile drains and drainage outlets) that drain Illinois’ agricultural fields.

The Solution: Conservation Practices and Advanced Technologies

Important strides have been made in the last 25 years to reduce the amount of agricultural runoff polluting Illinois’ waterways. These reductions have been achieved with a variety of conservation practices and advanced technologies. For example, soil testing and GPS technology allow farmers to precisely apply fertilizer to the areas where it is needed. Conservation practices that effectively keep soil and nutrients on the land include drainage water management, wetlands, riparian buffer strips, and spring fertilizer application. Easement programs retire sensitive lands from agricultural production and restore wildlife habitat. Fortunately, the United States Department of Agriculture and Illinois Department of Natural Resources offer a number of cost-share programs that help landowners install these practices and technologies. Prairie Rivers Network has joined with other conservation groups, agriculture industry groups, government agencies and researchers to develop Illinois Nutrient Loss Reduction Strategy. This strategy identifies targeted reductions in nitrogen and Phosphorus in Illinois 8 major rivers. Each state along the Mississippi River is striving to reduce the flow of nutrients to the Gulf of Mexico in order to reduce the size of the nutrient fueled dead zone. To protect Illinois’ waterways from polluted agricultural runoff, Prairie Rivers Network is working to accelerate the implementation by farmers of agricultural best management practices to reduce]]> 19281 0 21 0 https://prairierivers.org/?post_type=priorities&p=19284 Wed, 27 Jul 2016 19:24:49 +0000 https://prairierivers.org/?post_type=priorities&p=19284 Thousands of chickens inside a factory farm building[/caption] Factory farms are designed to produce meat, eggs, and milk as quickly and cheaply as possible. As farms become increasingly specialized and larger, more and more animals are being raised on factory farms. These large, industrial-scale farms are also known as "animal factories" or "animal feeding operations." Factory farms are characterized by:

• Confinement for at least 45 days out of the year, usually within buildings
• No access to naturally growing vegetation during confinement
• Health and growth is achieved with high doses of antibiotics and hormones
• Very little space between individuals and limited mobility
• Animals stand in or directly above their excrement.

[caption id="" align="alignright" width="300"] Dairy cows inside a factory farm[/caption] Some factory farms are called confined animal feeding operations (CAFOs). CAFOs have a certain number of animals and a potential to pollute nearby waterways (see www.epa.gov/npdes/pubs/sector_table.pdf).

The Problem: Water Pollution Risks

The animals housed in factory farms produce millions of tons of manure and urine each year. For example, dairy cows produce approximately 6 gallons of milk a day, and 18 gallons of manure! Animal waste is temporarily stored in pits, tanks, or lagoons and is then spread onto nearby agricultural fields as fertilizer. But when factory farms do not manage animal waste properly, streams, lakes, and groundwater can be contaminated. Water pollution from factory farms is a common, significant, and largely ignored problem. [caption id="" align="aligncenter" width="448"] A large factory farm with barns containing thousands of hogs. Waste is stored in the rectangular lagoons and later applied onto nearby agricultural fields (credit: Diane Baldwin, Neuse Riverkeeper Foundation)[/caption] Animal waste contains nitrogen and phosphorus as well as pharmaceutical products and pathogens such as Escherichia coli and Cryptosporidium. When enough of these substances enter water, harm can occur. The effects of this pollution on streams and lakes include loss of oxygen, harmful algal blooms, and fish kills. Human recreationalists may be at risk of illness if ingestion or submersion occurs. Drinking water supplies contaminated with animal waste can be unsafe or even deadly to people and livestock. Some factory farms are required to develop and follow a management plan that ensures proper storage and disposal of waste products. However, waterways become contaminated when:

• Waste is deliberately or accidentally discharged into a waterway
• Waste is spilled during transportation
• Animals have access to or are kept adjacent to waterways
• Rain or snow carries waste downhill from where animals are kept
• Rain or snow carries waste downhill from where manure is applied to agricultural fields
• Manure is applied to fields that are directly adjacent to waterways
• Flooding inundates factory farms.

The Solution: Public Participation

For more information and  how you can help, check out these pages:

• Factory Farm Discharge Permits
• Public Participation
• Facing New Factory Farms
• How to Report Pollution
• Grassroots Organizations
• Publications
• Websites
• IL Factory Farm Factsheet

]]> 19284 0 19 0 https://prairierivers.org/?post_type=priorities&p=19287 Wed, 27 Jul 2016 19:25:24 +0000 https://prairierivers.org/?post_type=priorities&p=19287 The Problem: Soil Degradation & Water Pollution Current, wide scale use of conventional farming practices is stripping Illinois farmland of its vital, rich soil. Nutrient loss from the soil due to runoff and erosion means less nutrients available for plant intake. The nutrient runoff ends up in rivers, lakes, drinking water supplies, and finally oceans. With concerns about the growing hypoxia dead zone in the Gulf of Mexico, agriculture is stepping up to find new ways to evaluate and address the impacts of nitrogen and phosphorus loss. Research on farm trials indicates soil health and capturing water runoff are significant parts of the answer. Supporting active microbial life in the soil and diversity on the landscape can improve the value and sustainability of your farm while ensuring that aquatic life thrives in nearby streams and lakes and drinking water supplies are safe and secure. And the good news is that enrolling in conservation practices for erosion control and wildlife habitat, using cover crops in the planting rotation to enhance soils and capture nutrients, and spring fertilizer application can all help reduce costs and boost profitability.

The Solution: Farming Practices that Protect Soil Health & Water

Curtailing nutrient loss is one way to help protect soil health, farmers, and our water because nutrient loss is both costly to farm operations and damaging to water supplies.

By farming using soil health principles and systems that include no-till, cover cropping and diverse rotations, more and more farmers are actually increasing their soil’s organic matter and improving microbial activity. As a result, farmers are sequestering more carbon, increasing water infiltration, improving wildlife and pollinator habitat—all while harvesting better profits and often better yields. -  http://www.nrcs.usda.gov/wps/portal/nrcs/detail/national/soils/health/

Prairie Rivers Network are active partners with the Soil and Water Conservation Districts, conservation groups and agriculture producer groups to encourage adoption of conservation best  management practices by Illinois farmers. Conservation practices, like cover crops, that protect and retain soil and its nutrients on farm fields – a farm’s most important asset – also benefit wildlife and protect water, which benefits us all.  ]]> 19287 0 18 0 https://prairierivers.org/?post_type=priorities&p=19290 Wed, 27 Jul 2016 19:26:02 +0000 https://prairierivers.org/?post_type=priorities&p=19290 The Problem: Business as Usual In Illinois, we’re intimately familiar with a very particular type of farm and farming. The parcels of land are often very large and they usually produce a single crop. Illinois is dominated by corn and soybeans. These are crops that must be planted every year, and many farmers use prodigious amounts of chemical inputs (in combination with genetically modified seeds) in order to maximize yield and prevent other species, whether plant or animal, from invading the vast territory claimed by corn and beans. And it is often said that this is the way farming must be done if 1. the world’s population is to be fed, and 2. the farmer is to make a profit. Unfortunately, this leads to soil degradation and nutrient loss, both of which are a threat to water quality.

The Solution: Sustainable Farming

Alternate ways of farming, including organic, cover crops, and other conservation practices must demonstrate that ethical, sustainable farming is not just possible, but will allow family farmers to thrive. Prairie Rivers Network are active partners with the Soil and Water Conservation Districts, conservation groups and agriculture producer groups to encourage adoption of conservation best  management practices by Illinois farmers. Some of the Illinois Nutrient Loss Reduction Strategy’s Best Management Practices (BMPs) encouraged by the Champaign County Soil & Water Conservation District for farmers to implement on their farmland include: • Develop a nutrient management plan for each field; • Utilize the Maximum Return to Nitrogen (MRTN) Calculator; • Split application of nitrogen; • Practice the 4 R’s (Right Source, Right Rate, Right Time, Right Place) of Nutrient Use; • Apply all fall nitrogen above 50 degrees with a nitrogen stabilizer; • Do not apply phosphorus or manure on frozen ground; • Ensure all conservation practices needed are in place to prevent water runoff; • Make use of spring soil sampling; • Consider the use of Triple Super 0-46-0; and • Plant a cover crop on every field.]]> 19290 0 17 0 https://prairierivers.org/?post_type=priorities&p=19473 Wed, 27 Jul 2016 19:19:37 +0000 https://prairierivers.org/?post_type=priorities&p=19473 Coal is big business in Illinois.

The Problem: Big Coal Costs Illinois' Taxpayers in Health and Dollars

The numbers behind coal's impact on the health of Illinois' lands, waters and people are sobering:

• Nearly 1,000 miles of the 21.8% of streams assessed by the Illinois EPA are considered impaired for either public drinking water supply or aquatic life due to impacts from mining activities.

• In Illinois alone, emissions from coal-fired power plants are responsible for 621 premature deaths and 1,018 heart attacks annually (Clean Air Task Force).

• At each Illinois coal-fired power plant investigated (22 of 24), groundwater contamination has been found due to coal ash disposal.

• In the last 40 years over 36,000 acres have been subsided by longwall mining, and 3 of the largest new mines opening in the state are longwall mines that will destroy thousands of acres each year.

And the Coal Industry drains $20 million from the Illinois state budget annualy.

The Solution: Exposing the True Cost of Coal

In spite of coal's devastating impacts on Illinois communities, our state continues to subsidize polluting coal mines and power plants with millions of dollars in grants and tax benefits. Prairie Rivers Network worked with our partners to release a report documenting the True Cost of Coal to Illinois' Taxpayers.]]> 19473 0 28 0 https://prairierivers.org/?post_type=priorities&p=19475 Wed, 27 Jul 2016 19:20:03 +0000 https://prairierivers.org/?post_type=priorities&p=19475 The Problem: Big Coal Economy is a Threat to our Land, Water, and Communities The big coal industry in Illinois is no only a treat to the health of our land and water, the Illinois coal basin economy is in trouble as well. By most measures, coal companies are in poor financial shape. Stocks have stumbled during a period of otherwise moderate, sustained economic growth. Shares of Peabody Energy alone have lost more than 90 percent of their value in the last year. Coal prices have continued to drop through 2014 and 2015, forcing companies to reconcile with tight – or negative – margins. Meanwhile, aging coal plants continue to retire throughout the U.S, while global coal consumption is down in 2015. The near future likely holds a shrinking market for coal, where old corporate mantras of expansion and growth are no longer viable business  options. It would seem that Big Coal is on the ropes, with nowhere to go but down… but what about Illinois? In the near-term, we seem to face a different story. Nationwide installation of modern pollution controls at power plants has opened a market for Illinois’ cheap, high-sulfur coal. Since 2008, production from the Illinois Basin has increased by 17.2 million tons, while Central Appalachia and the Powder River Basin have fallen 49.4 and 31.7 million tons, respectively. Today, Illinois communities are facing a critical question: Are we willing to bet our economy and its workers on an industry that can’t last the long-haul?

The Solution: Building a Grassroots Movement

Because we know it takes a network to save a river and even more to protect clean air, land and communities, Prairie Rivers Network has led the formation of the Heartland Coalfield Alliance, a collaborative movement that brings together advocacy and community groups in order to fight for a just transition from a coal economy to a sustainable, clean-energy economy in the Illinois Coal Basin. We also work on the ground in coalfield communities with groups like these to help protect clean water from coal pollution: Canton Area Citizens for Environmental Issues, Citizens Against Longwall Mining, Stand Up To Coal.

Staff Contacts:

• Andrew Rehn, Water Resources Engineer, arehn @ prairierivers.org
• Kim Erndt-Pitcher, Water Resources Specialist, kerndt-pitcher @ prairierivers.org

Resources:

(1) Toolkit for Developing and Managing Partnerships in Coal-Impacted Watersheds (2) Illinois Coal Country Teams Volunteer Handbook for Monitoring Mine-Impacted Streams ### Please support our coal work with your membership.]]> 19475 0 25 0 https://prairierivers.org/?post_type=priorities&p=27753 Wed, 27 Jul 2016 19:18:57 +0000 https://prairierivers.org/?post_type=priorities&p=27753 Quick Facts: Listen to an Interview or Download a Flyer

Contents

1. Overview
2. What is Coal Ash?
3. What are the Ash Pits?
4. Middle Fork River; What is at Risk?
5. What is Dynegy’s Plan for the Pits?
6. Groundwater Violation Timeline
7. History of the Site
8. Vermilion County Passes Resolution
9. US EPA Coal Ash Rules and Vermilion

 

Overview

[caption id="attachment_18467" align="alignright" width="300"] Aerial view of the Dynegy ash pits from the north; Top Left: Illinois Power Company Lake and Power Plant; Left: Middle Fork of Vermilion River; Center: North Ash Pit (partially vegetated) + Sedimentation Pond (dark blue)[/caption] Community members have long been concerned about the coal ash stored at the Dynegy Vermilion Power Plant in Oakwood, Illinois. The coal-fired power plant operated from 1955 through December 2011, dumping coal ash (a toxic by-product from burning coal) in three ash pits — all located in the western floodplain of the Middle Fork of the Vermilion River, Illinois’ only National Scenic River. The site presents three major issues: (1) ongoing pollution of groundwater that runs beneath the pits, and at points running through the pits; (2) pollution of the Middle Fork through seeps and hydrologically connected waters; and (3) the risk of a catastrophic breach, where massive amounts of coal ash could inundate the Middle Fork. The two oldest ash pits (constructed in the mid-1950′s and 1970′s, respectively) were built without liners to protect underlying groundwater. Adding additional risk, the pits are now breaking down as a result of flooding and erosion from the river. Leakage of coal ash pollutants (including boron, sulfates, iron, and manganese) has already been noted in the groundwater, while discolored seeps can be readily seen from the river. The third newest pit (constructed in the 1980′s) presents problems of its own. Polluted wastewater discharges from the ash pit into the river have been permitted for decades, but critically important monitoring from common coal ash pollutants of concern was never required. Like the two older ash pits, the third pit has been worn by the force of the river, presenting a risk to its stability. This risk is compounded by the location of the pit over old coal mine voids — presenting the potential for subsidence (sinking of the land). Dynegy has proposed to simply cap these pits and walk away from the liabilities. This proposal would leave the coal ash in place at the dump site, with only a cap over the pits to prevent additional water from getting in. This plan would allow groundwater contamination and seepage to the river to continue in perpetuity, while failing to address the threat of a catastrophic breach.

[caption id="attachment_18468" align="alignright" width="300"] Bald Eagles reside on the Middle Fork of the Vermilion River[/caption]

Leaving coal ash in the floodplain, vulnerable to the force of the river, with the proposed “cap closure option” for the impoundments is not sufficient to protect local residents, businesses, and Illinois taxpayers from the burden of ongoing pollution and a potential breach. In order to support the integrity of the vibrant Middle Fork river system and the communities that rely on it, complete removal of this dangerous waste from the floodplain is necessary. Moreover, complete removal and responsible closure would allow for the long-term conversion of this land away from a waste dump, completing the 17-mile river coordinator and connecting protected recreational lands for the benefit of Illinois’ citizens and wildlife.  

What is Coal Ash?

Coal ash is the solid by-product that is left over after coal is burned for electricity — much like ash is left over after burning wood in a fire. Coal ash, also referred to as “Coal Combustion Residuals” (or CCRs), broadly refers to several by-products:

• Fly Ash: a very fine, powdery material composed mostly of silica made from the burning of finely ground coal in a boiler
• Bottom Ash: a coarse, angular ash particle that is too large to be carried up into the smoke stacks, so it forms in the bottom of the coal furnace
• Boiler Slag: molten bottom ash
• Flue Gas Desulfurization Material: leftover from the process of reducing sulfur dioxide emissions from a coal-fired boiler that can be a wet sludge consisting of calcium sulfite or calcium sulfate or a dry powdered material that is a mixture of sulfites and sulfates

When coal is mined, it already contains carbon alongside a number of heavy metals and minerals — including mercury, arsenic, selenium, chromium, and cadmium, which can cause cancer and brain damage in humans and are harmful to fish and wildlife. When coal is burned, much of the carbon burns off (combining with oxygen to produce Carbon Dioxide, or CO2). What’s left (coal ash) has these same metals that were there all along, but now at 10-100x higher concentrations.  

What are the Ash Pits?

There are three ash pits at the Dynegy Vermilion facility: (1) the Old East Ash Pond; (2) the North Ash Pond System; and (3) the New East Ash Pond System. Also called “ash ponds” or “ash impoundments,” these are disposal sites formed by perimeter earthen embankments. These pits contain a mix of coal ash materials (including fly ash, bottom ash, boiler slag, and other materials) with different chemical compositions (because of different types of coal burned over the power plant’s lifetime). (1) The Old East Ash Pond was put into service in the mid-1950′s and operated until the mid-1970′s.

• Unlined
• In the Middle Fork floodplain (subject to erosion)
• Total Volume: 1,183,413 cubic yards

(2) The North Ash Pond System (one large pit for disposal, another smaller pit for sedimentation of overflow) was utilized from the mid-1970′s to 1989.

• Unlined
• In the Middle Fork floodplain (subject to erosion)
• Total Volume: 1,618,335 cubic yards

(3) The New East Ash Pond System (one large pit for disposal, another smaller pit for sedimentation of overflow) was utilized from 1989 until the plants closure.

• Clay liner
• In the Middle Fork floodplain (subject to erosion)
• Located over mine void (subject to subsidence: sinking of the land)
• Total Volume: 534,013 cubic yards

The total volume of the pits is 3,335,761 cubic yards. For some context, the total volume could fill New York City’s Empire State Building 2.4 times, or over 1000 Olympic swimming pools. Dynegy’s own reports state that the pits are now contaminating the groundwater and that groundwater is flowing toward the Middle Fork. There are already visible seeps along the bank, and detectable impacts in the water and aquatic life. This means that heavy metals in coal ash are currently placing the Middle Fork and adjacent groundwater at risk. As the Middle Fork of the Vermilion River continues to wear away at the sides of these pits, the threat of a catastrophic breach continues to increase.  

Middle Fork River: What is at Risk?

River otters swimming in the Middle Fork

The Middle Fork of the Vermilion River is a unique and cherished resource. The river been was the first state-designated State Scenic River, and is the only nationally-designated Scenic River in the state of Illinois. In legislation, the Illinois General Assembly stated that it “recognizes the outstanding natural, scenic, recreational, ecological, historical and archaeological values of the middle fork of the Vermilion River in Vermilion County, Illinois, and deems the middle fork of the Vermilion River to be a natural resource of Statewide significance such that its natural and recreational values should be permanently preserved for the enjoyment of the people of the State of Illinois.” The Middle Fork River Valley is home to 24 State threatened or endangered species, and supports a diverse and healthy population of 57 types of fish, 45 kinds of mammals, and 190 different birds. The river system also provides the benefits of a strong recreation economy to Vermilion County. Kickapoo State Recreation Area, Kennekuk Cove County Park, and the Middle Fork State Fish and Wildlife Area stand as key destinations for local residents and visitors , enjoyed for canoeing, kayaking, wildlife viewing, photography, hunting, angling, hiking, and horseback riding. According to a publication of the University of Illinois Springfield, in 2009 Kickapoo State Recreation Area, alone, hosted 1,458,491 visitors. Kickapoo Landing alone puts over 10,000 people on the Middle Fork River in canoes, kayaks and tubes each year. It is clear that the unstable and polluting Dynegy ash pits are putting this unique resource at risk. As the state of Illinois recognized in its Corridor Management Plan, it must “work toward abatement of activities within the river area which are degrading water quality.”  

What is Dynegy’s Plan for the Pits?

Visible seeps and torn lining along the Middle Fork

Dynegy Inc. is currently proposing to leave the ash in its current location and cover the site with a “cap” (2.5 inches of a geomembrane and 15 inches of a geocomposite, then 3 feet of soil). This method attempts to address just one source of ongoing pollution: as rainwater and snowmelt continues to enter the pits, it contributes to the movement and leaching (seeping) of contaminants. This fails to acknowledge:

1. That seeps and pollution are already occurring because of contact with groundwater (which runs through and saturates the pits, connecting to the river),
2. That flash flood pressure and erosion from the meandering river can wear away at the pits from the outside, and
3. That the river pushes water into the pits during flood events, which slowly seeps back out with contaminants

Slumping gabion walls around the ash pits

In the meantime, Dynegy also plans to install gabion walls (cages filled with rocks) to armor a portion of the river bank. The gabions that Dynegy installed years ago are now sitting neglected and in ruin. This has proven to be a minimal impact “band-aid” and cannot provide stability over the long term. Acknowledging these threats, and the risks to the Middle Fork ecosystem and local economy, Dynegy should move the ash to a location out of the floodplain, out of contact with groundwater, and install modern pollution controls and monitoring.  

Groundwater Violation Timeline

2012 - July - Dynegy receives a notice of groundwater violation

• Illinois EPA issues a violation notice to Dynegy indicating that groundwater quality samples at the at the Vermilion Power Station (and many other sites) have violated multiple groundwater standards.
• The letter and violation notice.

2012 - September - Dynegy responds to groundwater violation

• Dynegy responds to the violation notice with a Compliance Commitment Agreement which, in this case, consists of a closure plan for the Old East Ash Pond and North Ash Pond System. Additionally, Dynegy proposes a Groundwater Management Zone, which would give them permission to violate groundwater standards while they implement a solution.
• Links to Dynegy's letter to Illinois EPA, closure action plans for OEAP and NAPS, as well as the Groundwater Management Zone application.

2012 - October - Dynegy's proposed compliance commitment agreement is rejected

• The letter.

2013 - March - Dynegy proposes a geotechnical study

• The proposed study would assess the stability of the coal ash impoundments and the erosion rate of the river bank.

2013 - May - Dynegy is given permission to move forward with the geotechnical study

• The letter giving permission for the study, which also reference the letter in which Dynegy proposes the study (which is missing).

2013 - November - Dynegy sends the geotechnical study to Illinois EPA

• The study concludes that the North Ash Pond System will fail in 86 years.
• The letter and the geotechnical report.

2014 - September - Dynegy's study is found to be insufficient

• Illinois EPA finds Dynegy's geotechnical study to be insufficient and requests more studies to address erosion concerns.
• The letter.

2015 - June - Dynegy refuses to do further studies until riverbank stabilization is approved

• Dynegy refuses to do further studies until riverbank stabilization projects are approved. At this point, Dynegy has only applied for stabilization at the New East Ash Pond, which is the one coal ash impoundment at the site that is not part of the closure plans, so the refusal seems unrelated.
• The letter.

2016 - November - Dynegy completes a bank stabilization project on the New East Ash Pond

• Dynegy is given permission from the US Army Corps of Engineers, Illinois EPA, Illinois DNR, and the National Park Service, to complete a bank stabilization project on the New East Ash Pond due to alarming amounts of erosion. This project does not impact the Old East Ash Pond or North Ash Pond System.
• Dynegy's completion report for the stabilization project.

2017 - February - Dynegy is again requested to do additional studies

• Illinois EPA circles back to Dynegy now that they have had an approved bank stabilization project. They are asked to address the bank erosion problems and prepare a new closure alternatives assessment.
• The letter.

2017 - May - Dynegy submits a new plan for studies to Illinois EPA

• Dynegy submits a new plan and timeline for studies to Illinois EPA. They will re-assess the closure plans and the groundwater study, as well as the bank stabilization. The reports will be submitted near the end of 2017.
• The 2012 groundwater violation is still unresolved.
• The letter.

 

History

1950′s

• The Vermilion Power Station was built and put into operation by the Illinois Power Company in 1955
• The Old East Ash Pond (OEAP) was part of the original construction of the plant.

1970′s

• The OEAP remained in operation until the mid-1970′s when the North Ash Pond System (NAPS) was brought online

1980′s

• Gabions were installed in 1981 to protect the Old East Ash Pond impoundment
• The NAPS was actively receiving waste from the mid-1970′s to 1989, when the New East Ash Pond System (NEAP) was brought online

2000′s

• Dynegy purchased Illinois Power in 2000, and acquired the Vermilion Power Station as part of the purchase
• Dynegy applied for a bank stabilization permit to install gabions along the east side of the NEAP in 2009, which was not approved

2010′s

• The plant closed on November 19, 2011, and the NEAP became inactive
• All ash ponds are now “out-of-service,” but not fully “closed”

 

Vermilion County Passes Unanimous Resolutions

In the absence of existing rules to regulate the comprehensive closure of sites like Dynegy Vermilion, Vermilion County groups stepped up to encourage stronger rules at the state level and additional consideration for closure of ash pits at the Dynegy Vermilion facility. In 2014, a series of resolutions passed unanimously by the Vermilion County Board, Soil & Water Conservation District, Vermilion County Conservation District, Vermilion County Conservation Foundation, and the Lake Vermilion Water Quality Coalition, calling on the Illinois Pollution Control Board to address regulatory shortcomings, and on the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency to address management and public participation issues as they apply to the Dynegy Vermilion closure plan.  

What about the U.S. EPA Coal Ash Rules?

On October 19th, the U.S. EPA’s new safeguards on the disposal of coal ash went into effect nationwide. The rules are targeted to prevent impoundment failures (like the massive Kingston, Tennessee spill in 2008), protect groundwater beneath coal ash disposal sites, and establish basic requirements for maintaining these massive waste storage pits. Unfortunately, legacy impoundments — the old, polluting pits like Dynegy Vermilion, storing tons of coal ash next to our rivers, lakes, and streams — are left largely unregulated. Illinois is home to 91 coal ash pits, many of which are located at now-shuttered power generating facilities. These pits will need Illinois-specific rules to protect the surrounding communities and water ways. These rules are in motion, but at risk from industry attacks (i.e., power plant operators who could easily leave the damages for communities to pay).

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Back to Top]]> 27753 0 4 0 https://prairierivers.org/front-page/2021/04/the-kar-r-r-r-o-o-o-in-central-illinois/ Fri, 30 Apr 2021 13:43:18 +0000 https://prairierivers.org/?p=39297 Sandhill Crane (Photo Credit: Rolland Swain)[/caption] The goal of the Annual Midwest Crane Count has been to use citizen science and data collection to study the success of sandhill cranes. Healthy wetlands throughout Illinois and Wisconsin are critical for migratory populations and safe, successful nesting areas. As of now, many organized crane count efforts have been confined to the northern counties in Illinois. But we know that migratory and nesting pairs have been spotted further south.

Protecting Water Protects Wildlife

This year will be an opportunity to lay the foundation of a focused crane count in central Illinois. Our goal is to gather data at some of the most pristine, treasured areas along the Illinois River, like Dixon Waterfowl Refuge near Hennepin or Emiquon National Wildlife Refuge. George Archibald, co-founder of the International Crane Foundation, says about the effort: “It’s the start of a citizens’ science project that I hope will be repeated annually perhaps leading to rigorous scientific research to provide information upon which sound crane conservation practices can be developed.”

Bringing the Count to Central Illinois

On a dark and chilly April morning, Carol Beatty found herself in one of Illinois’ northernmost counties, patiently waiting to see or hear the distinct call of a sandhill crane. Carol has been a birder for many years, sharing her passion for ornithology with several Audubon chapters scattered throughout Illinois. She has participated in Christmas and Spring bird counts for more than two decades, but for the first time on that April day in 2019, Carol ventured into new territory. She was a first-time counter in the Annual Midwest Crane Count. While her focus was confined to a natural area in Stephenson County, more than a thousand people across five states in the Midwest were diligently watching and listening for cranes. This is all part of a far-reaching effort by the International Crane Foundation, headquartered near Baraboo, Wisconsin, to survey midwestern wetlands for sandhills and the rarer whooping crane. There is a good reason why this annual event draws so many participants. Besides years of partnership and development, many are naturally drawn to the incredible nature of a sandhill or whooping crane. Their calls are loud and distinct. Sandhills produce “a loud rattling kar-r-r-r-o-o-o” that has the ability to echo for miles. On average, sandhill cranes stand around 4 feet tall, with a wingspan that can range from 5 to 6 feet. There aren’t many more obvious, natural sights than seeing a flock of sandhills soaring above or the sound of a breeding pair calling to each other in a marsh. The Annual Midwest Crane Count is another step toward supporting the goals of Prairie Rivers Network in the Illinois River Valley. Our coalitions strive to preserve habitat and to support the diversity of life in the heart of Illinois. As simple as it sounds, a citizen science effort like this will give us insight into the success of cranes and the important habitat they rely on. We look forward to sharing more information with you in the future as we develop the program and work with partners.]]> April 30, 2021 | Blog Post For the past few months, PRN has been working with the International Crane Foundation to bring the Midwest Crane Count to the Illinois River Valley. What is the count, and why is it important?]]> 39297 0 5 0 https://prairierivers.org/action-items/2021/05/deadline-approaches-for-climate-action-in-springfield/ Wed, 05 May 2021 18:21:46 +0000 https://prairierivers.org/?p=39340 ]]> May 5, 2021 | Action Alert There’s not much time left. The legislative session ends in just 3 weeks, and it’s essential that we pass a comprehensive and equitable energy bill this spring.]]> 39340 0 3 0 https://prairierivers.org/action-items/2021/05/tell-your-state-senator-to-oppose-bill-hb3404-sb2393/ Wed, 12 May 2021 14:54:01 +0000 https://prairierivers.org/?p=39350 ]]> May 12, 2021 | Action Alert Pembroke’s black farming community needs your help to keep Nicor Gas from building a gas line through their land.]]> 39350 0 2 0 https://prairierivers.org/uncategorized/2021/05/prairie-rivers-network-news-april-8-2021/ Mon, 17 May 2021 15:55:35 +0000 https://prairierivers.org/?p=39355 Read our PRN News for April 8, 2021 with stories on:

• Got Their Animal Habitat Badge!
• How Did They Become Barge Highways?
• A Week of Action
• Don't Miss This Podcast Episode!
• 50,000 Acres Enrolled

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]]> April 8, 2021 | Blog Post Read our RiverWeb News!]]> 39355 0 9 0 https://prairierivers.org/uncategorized/2021/05/prairie-rivers-network-news-april-22-2021/ Mon, 17 May 2021 15:59:34 +0000 https://prairierivers.org/?p=39358 Read our PRN News for April 22, 2021 with stories on:

• Read Our Spring Newsletter!
• Big Win on Coal Ash
• Lobby and Rally for Environmental Justice
• Get Your Limited Edition T-shirt Today!
• Save the Date for Our Annual Dinner!
• Round Up in April

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]]> April 22, 2021 | Blog Post Read our RiverWeb News!]]> 39358 0 4 0 https://prairierivers.org/uncategorized/2021/05/prairie-rivers-network-news-may-6-2021/ Mon, 17 May 2021 16:02:52 +0000 https://prairierivers.org/?p=39361 Read our PRN News for May 6, 2021 with stories on:

• Hundreds Took Action. You Can, Too!
• New Podcast Episode
• Thank You, Common Ground Food Co-op!
• The RECLAIM Act Introduced
• More Good News
• The “Kar-r-r-r-o-o-o” in Central Illinois

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]]> May 6, 2021 | Blog Post Read our RiverWeb News!]]> 39361 0 0 0 https://prairierivers.org/?post_type=priorities&p=19293 Wed, 27 Jul 2016 19:27:32 +0000 https://prairierivers.org/?post_type=priorities&p=19293 Asian Carp in Illinois A century ago the Chicago Sanitary and Ship Canal was hailed as an engineering masterpiece. Built to carry sewage and ships, the canal created an artificial connection between the Great Lakes basin to the Mississippi River Valley – two ecosystems that evolved separately for millennia. Today the canal has become a superhighway that allows plants and animals from one ecosystem to invade the other. Zebra mussels from Lake Michigan have spread through the Mississippi River and its tributaries, clogging water pipes and causing millions of dollars worth of damage to industrial facilities. Now two species of Asian carp threaten to devastate the Great Lakes and inflict irreversible damage on sport fisheries, wildlife, regional economies and the people that rely on them.

The Problem: Invasive Species

Asian carp are voracious plankton feeders that can quickly dominate aquatic ecosystems by gobbling up the same food that sustains native fish populations. They have already overtaken the Illinois River, where they grow so large they have no natural predators. They are rapidly approaching the Great Lakes, which have already been weakened by other invasive species. The threat is serious: plankton is the foundation of the Great Lakes food web. Bighead carp grow to more than 4 feet long and weigh up to 100 pounds. Silver carp leap when disturbed and injure river users. Cuts, bruises, and broken bones have been reported from silver carp collisions along the Illinois River. If Asian carp invade the Great Lakes, they could also devastate the region's $7 billion fishing industry and permanently alter how recreational boaters, anglers, and tourists use and enjoy the lakes and their many tributaries. They are already overtaking and out-competing native fish in the Mississippi and Illinois Rivers. Many US and Canadian rivers feeding the Great Lakes could also be at risk, as shown on the map for a few adjacent states.

The Solution: Re-visioning the Chicago Waterways

Connecting the Great Lakes to the Mississippi River system seemed like a good idea at the time. By the 1890’s Chicago’s sewage, dumping into the Chicago River and draining naturally into Lake Michigan, was beginning to pollute its drinking water supply. By digging the canal, the State of Illinois caused the Chicago River to reverse direction, allowing Lake Michigan to serve as a giant toilet tank flushing sewage into the Illinois River and on to the Mississippi River. Today, of course, we have options available to us that weren’t available a hundred years ago. Most other cities around Great Lakes employ modern sewage treatment technologies that allow them to dump treated sewage into the Great Lakes without poisoning their drinking water. And our extensive networks of railroads and highways provide viable alternatives to waterborne commerce within the Chicago metropolitan area. The obvious long term solution is to permanently close the connection between the Great Lakes and the Mississippi River basin to prevent invasions in either direction via the canals. Four possible locations for such a barrier have already been identified (see Alliance for the Great Lakes report here). Unfortunately, state and federal agencies have spent most of their time and effort on stopgap measures that have failed to stop the steady movement of Asian carp.]]> 19293 0 15 0 https://prairierivers.org/?post_type=priorities&p=19296 Wed, 27 Jul 2016 19:43:50 +0000 https://prairierivers.org/?post_type=priorities&p=19296 The Problem: Loss of habitat The lands and waters of Illinois face many challenges, including: habitat destruction, pollution, invasive species, climate change, and more. We work to address some of these most pressing issues.

• Invasive species – Non-native, plants and animals threaten the ecological health and integrity of the high-quality habitats that remain within the state.

• Lack of conservation funding – Since 2009, Illinois has ranked among the lowest in terms annual open-space acquisition spending. Over the past 5 years, many dedicated sources of conservation funding have been underfunded, or completely unfunded.

• Habitat fragmentation – With the expansion of agriculture and development, contiguous habitats are becoming increasingly fragmented and isolated, causing problems for species mobility and adaptation.

• Climate change – Unprecedented changes in climate throughout the Midwest will likely place additional stress on terrestrial habitats and water resources. Increases in temperature and drought frequency will likely impact populations of plants and animals.

The Solution: Working with Partners for Conservation Impact

Prairie Rivers Network works to improve the condition of land along rivers and streams that will result in cleaner water and healthier environments for people, fish, and wildlife. We partner with individuals, organizations, and agencies to promote land protection, habitat restoration, and resource stewardship. In addition to promoting on-the-ground impact, Prairie Rivers also champions local, state, and federal policies that support conservation work and healthy habitat throughout the state. We work with many partners to identify and execute strategic conservation activities along rivers and streams throughout the state. In many cases, we serve as coordinator and strategic planner, helping partners identify and execute conservation priorities. Through this work, we have produced strategic conservation plans for the Upper Mississippi River and Vermilion River. Recently, we have convened a group of conservation organizations to plan for and execute floodplain restoration along the Illinois River.

Influencing Policy to Promote Conservation

Prairie Rivers Network advocates for local, state, and federal policies that promote habitat conservation. Much of this work revolves around advocating for important conservation funding.]]> 19296 0 11 0 https://prairierivers.org/?post_type=priorities&p=19299 Wed, 27 Jul 2016 19:54:56 +0000 https://prairierivers.org/?post_type=priorities&p=19299 The Problem: Loss of Monarch & Pollinator Habitat Pollinators like the Monarch butterfly face multiple threats, including habitat destruction, disease, parasites, and insecticides.  By understanding these threats and seeking to minimize them, we can better protect the health of pollinators and ourselves. The future of our food supply is not the only thing at risk here. Insects also pollinate plants that are not crops, and make the world as we know it possible. Alarmingly, Eastern Monarch butterfly populations have plummeted by almost 90% due to the loss of habitat from urban sprawl and intensive agriculture. Monarchs cannot survive without milkweed; they lay their eggs on milkweed and the monarch caterpillar only eats milkweed plants. Unfortunately, we have lost much of the milkweed and native flowering plants that Monarchs and other pollinators need to survive.

The Solution: Restoring Habitat

Prairie Rivers Network is partnering with the National Wildlife Federation and the Illinois Department of Natural Resources to promote the planting of milkweed and other pollinator plants throughout Illinois. The North American Monarch Conservation Plan has a goal for 10 million acres of monarch habitat to be created or restored in the United States, and Illinois will be an important contributor. The most important message we can convey to you is that pollinators need safe habitats and food to be healthy. In Illinois, pollinators are faced with a largely unfriendly, unpalatable environment dominated by corn, soybeans, turfgrass, and asphalt. Pollinators need flowering forbs, shrubs, and trees. Different pollinators have different needs, and just like people, pollinators benefit from a diverse diet. Therefore, plant diversity is key to creating good pollinator habitat. Any landowner can help pollinators by adding flowering plants to their properties. Even a small flower bed can be a significant contribution. The more people who do something, the greater our collective impact! For ideas about what to plant, visit Extension’s website on pollinator pockets. Rain gardens can also be designed to attract pollinators; visit our rain garden page for more information!]]> 19299 0 10 0 https://prairierivers.org/?post_type=priorities&p=19302 Wed, 27 Jul 2016 19:55:46 +0000 https://prairierivers.org/?post_type=priorities&p=19302 The Problem: No Outstanding Resource Waters in Illinois Unfortunately, Illinois is yet to designate any of our rivers, lakes, or wetlands as Outstanding Resource Waters.

The Solution: You

Fortunately, any citizen or organization may petition the Illinois Pollution Control Board to designate specific water bodies as Outstanding Resource Waters. Details on what must be contained in the petition can be found in 35 Ill. Adm. Code 102.820. Nominees should have exceptional ecological and/or recreational significance, and petitions must contain documentation of this significance.]]> 19302 0 13 0 https://prairierivers.org/?post_type=priorities&p=19305 Thu, 28 Jul 2016 19:54:21 +0000 https://prairierivers.org/?post_type=priorities&p=19305 The Importance of Floodplains Floodplains are the low-lying areas adjacent to rivers that are formed by sediment deposited by rivers and subject to flooding. The floodplain is an integral part of a river and is essential for a healthy functioning river system. Floodplains provide a variety of benefits for people, fish and wildlife.

• Fish & Wildlife Habitat - Floodplains provide biologically diverse and productive habitats for fish, plants, and countless forms of wild species. They provide vital resting and feeding grounds for migratory birds, critical spawning and rearing areas for fish, and food for a diverse array of wildlife. 

• Clean Water - Rivers carry an array of pollutants like sediment and chemicals, particularly after storms. Floodplains provide space for flood waters to spread and slow, thereby allowing pollutant laden water to filter through the soil. This keeps river water cleaner for fish and wildlife, for drinking water, and for recreation. Trees in floodplains can also help keep water cooler through shading.

• Flood Protection - When connected to rivers, floodplains can provide flood protection by holding water that has overflown a river’s banks during and after storms. Floodplains can hold great quantities of flood waters, preventing floods from damaging nearby communities. They are a natural and effective line of defense. The United States spends billions of dollars each year on flood and crop insurance, flood control structures, flood fighting, and flood damage clean-ups.  Protecting floodplains and natural flood storage would significantly reduce these costs.

• Ground Water Recharge - Groundwater is the water found underground in the cracks and spaces between soil and rock. It is stored in geologic formations called aquifers. We depend on groundwater for much of our drinking water and for irrigation. Groundwater is also an important source of water for rivers, lakes and wetlands during drier periods. Floodplains allow flood waters to percolate through the soil and replenish aquifers.

• Recreation - Floodplains provide a rich array of recreational opportunities like fishing, paddling, hiking and wildlife viewing.

• Fertile Soil for Farming - Thanks to rivers, floodplains contain rich, fertile soils making them productive areas for growing crops. Sustainable agriculture practices, such as the production of flood tolerant biofuel crops can be highly compatible with healthy floodplains.

The Problem: Disconnected Rivers

Despite the many benefits of floodplains, rivers across the United States have been disconnected from their floodplains on a grand scale, largely through river channelization and levees. A levee is typically an earthen wall built along a river to keep high flows within the river and away from the land and structures behind the levee. The levee severs the connection between river and floodplain.  The Mississippi River alone has more than 2200 miles of identified levees, with many more that are unmapped and unidentified. Stream channelization in smaller rivers also leads to river floodplain disconnection because water flows more quickly in channelized streams, leading to downward erosion and incision that leaves the stream bed so deep it can no longer overtop its banks and reach the floodplain area. Once a river becomes disconnected from its floodplain, the benefits noted above cannot be realized. In addition, levees can and often do fail, and when they do lives, homes and businesses suffer. Levees (and other engineered structures) also make floods worse because they force flood waters into a narrower river channel, making the water flow higher, faster and with greater force, which can cause more powerful floods both up and downstream.

The Solution: Reconnecting Rivers & Floodplains

Floodplains are an essential part of both healthy river systems and healthy communities. A growing number of flood managers, scientists, conservation groups and communities are recognizing the importance of river-floodplain reconnection. One effective method for achieving reconnection is through levee setbacks or removals. Setting a levee further back from a river can allow for greater floodplain connection while still protecting buildings or crops behind the relocated levee. In some situations, total removal of the levee may be warranted, or what’s known as notching or openings in the existing levee that allow floodwaters to reach the floodplain.  Levees have been altered to allow greater river floodplain connection on the Missouri, Maquoketa and Iowa rivers in Iowa, and on many other rivers in the west.

Importance of Protecting Wetlands

A wetland is a land area that is covered with water, either permanently or seasonally. The primary thing that distinguishes wetlands from other land forms or water bodies is the presence of aquatic plants specifically adapted to the hydric, or very wet, soils found there. Wetlands are considered the most biologically diverse of all ecosystems. As such they provide habitat for thousands of plant and animal species. Migrating birds use wetlands to rest and feed and as nesting sites. Wetlands provide other important benefits, such as filtering water pollutants, storing flood waters, recharging ground water supplies, and providing recreational spaces.

The Problem: Wetland Destruction

For too long, wetlands were viewed as wastelands to be filled in and built upon. As a result, extensive losses have occurred and more than half of the country’s original wetlands have been drained and converted to other uses. By the 1980s, Illinois had lost 85% of its wetlands. Wetland destruction has serious consequences like increased flooding and species extinction.

The Solution: Restore and Protect Wetlands

Prairie Rivers Network and a coalition of partners is fighting one particularly destructive project called the St Johns New Madrid Floodway project. The project includes building a new levee that would cut off a very critical area of wetlands on the Middle Mississippi River from the river’s water, thereby destroying more than 50,000 acres of wetlands. Learn more about the campaign to #stopthelevee.  ]]> 19305 0 5 0 https://prairierivers.org/?post_type=priorities&p=19430 Wed, 27 Jul 2016 19:56:48 +0000 https://prairierivers.org/?post_type=priorities&p=19430 The Mighty Mississippi Illinois has a longer border with the Mississippi River than any other state. The Mississippi is one of the longest rivers in the world, and is an essential part of our national heritage. The Upper Mississippi River flows about 1,300 miles from its source to the confluence with the Ohio River at the southern tip of Illinois. The Upper Mississippi River Basin (UMRB) encompasses 189,000 square miles within portions of 5 states: Minnesota, Wisconsin, Iowa, Illinois and Missouri. Over 30 million people live within the UMRB, the vast majority in urban areas. More than 60% of the land area within the basin is cropland, the majority growing corn and soybeans.

The Problem: Man-made Navigation and Flood Control Projects

Our big rivers have suffered over a century of degradation due to human-caused environmental impacts. Much of this degradation is a result of the proliferation of river navigation infrastructure (e.g., locks and dams), extensive leveeing, and conversion of floodplain habitats to row-crop agriculture.

The Solution: Restoring the Natural State of Big Rivers

Prairie Rivers Network seeks to address these problems by opposing destructive navigation projects and policies, while promoting river and floodplain restoration. To accomplish our goals, we partner with the Nicollet Island Coalition, a group of organizations that works to protect and restore the Upper Mississippi River by advocating for reforms to the navigation system. For more information on the Nicollet Island Coalition, please visit: http://www.nicolletislandcoalition.org]]> 19430 0 8 0 https://prairierivers.org/?post_type=priorities&p=29622 Tue, 22 Aug 2017 18:40:11 +0000 https://prairierivers.org/?post_type=priorities&p=29622 Now you can get your own NWF/PRN co-branded wildlife habitat sign for your property. A Certified Wildlife Habitat sign lets passersby know that you have provided a safe haven for Illinois wildlife. These habitats provide food, water, and shelter to wildlife that resides in your area or that migrates through. These habitats bring joy and beauty to your life and your community and inform the public of the requirements wildlife have to survive. Providing habitat for wildlife is more important today than ever. Illinois wildlife is threatened by habitat destruction, climate change, and pesticide use. By growing native plants in your home garden, on your farm, at your place of worship, in a park, or in a schoolyard, you provide a safe haven for wildlife to forage, live, reproduce, and shelter. For certification, habitat must provide:

• Food resources: such as native flowering plants that provide nectar, seeds, forage, and pollen for direct consumption. These plants also serve as structure for small invertebrates that are eaten by many animals.
• Water resources: such as creeks, ponds, or untreated water fountains or pools.
• Cover for wildlife: such as fallen trees, brush piles, fence rows, and pollinator strips.
• Places to raise young: such as fallen trees, brush piles, areas of undisturbed native vegetation, places to burrow, and large trees with cavities.
• Sustainable and ecologically sound management: including organic practices, minimal or no pesticide (herbicide, fungicide, insecticide) use, and proper use of fire or mowing practices.

Learn how to certify your habitat here. Learn how you can incorporate habitat for pollinators and monarch butterflies into your certified wildlife habitat here. For more information, or to speak with a staff person about pollinator habitat or certified wildlife habitat on your property, please contact Kim Erndt-Pitcher at kerndt-pitcher [at] prairierivers [dot] org.]]> 29622 0 3 0 https://prairierivers.org/?post_type=priorities&p=30990 https://prairierivers.org/?post_type=priorities&p=30990 Introductory text.

The Problem

Text...

The Solution

Text... : XYZ (what PRN is working on)

How you can Help

Text... (if appropriate)]]> 30990 0 2 0 https://prairierivers.org/priorities/wetlands-floodplains/ Mon, 19 Apr 2021 19:18:04 +0000 https://prairierivers.org/?post_type=priorities&p=33295 Rivers Protect Us Nature has ways of protecting people, property, and wildlife. Let nature protect all of us. The importance of floodplains and wetlands cannot be overstated. Floodplains are the low-lying areas adjacent to rivers that are formed by sediment deposited by rivers. The floodplain is an integral part of a river and is essential for a healthy functioning river system. A wetland is a land area that is covered with water, either permanently or seasonally. They include aquatic plants specifically adapted to the hydric, or very wet, soils found there. Floodplains and wetlands provide a myriad of benefits including habitat for fish and other wildlife, pollution filtration, flood protection, groundwater recharge, and rich, fertile soils for farming.

Problem: Disconnected Rivers & Levees

Despite the many benefits of floodplains, rivers across the United States have been disconnected from their floodplains on a grand scale, largely through river channelization and levees. Once a river becomes disconnected from its floodplain, the benefits they provide are lost. Levees also make floods worse because they force flood waters into a narrower river channel, making the water flow higher, faster, and with greater force, which can cause more powerful floods both up and downstream. For too long, wetlands have been viewed as wastelands to be filled in and built upon. As a result, extensive losses have occurred. Illinois has lost 85% of its wetlands.

Solution: Reconnecting Floodplains and Restoring Wetlands

Prairie Rivers Network supports levee setbacks or removals as an effective method of reconnecting rivers and their natural floodplains. Setting a levee further back from a river can allow for greater floodplain connection while still protecting buildings or crops behind the relocated levee. We share the stories of the effects on communities when levees along the Mississippi River are misused in our podcast Stories from the Floodplain. We work with partners to restore wetlands along the Illinois River, as wetlands are considered the most biologically diverse of all ecosystems. As such they provide habitat for thousands of plant and animal species. Migrating birds use wetlands for feeding, resting, and nesting. Fish, amphibians, and other aquatic species depend on healthy floodplains as well. Reconnecting rivers with their floodplains can restore vital ecological functions that have been lost over a century of degradation. Key actions that we are working on include:

• Reform laws and policies governing levee districts and drainage districts to support floodplain reconnection and headwater stream restoration
• Educate the public and decision-makers about the benefits of natural river, wetland, and floodplain functions
• Advocate for the funding of restoration programs that establish healthy aquatic and riparian habitats along rivers and streams
• Assess social vulnerability related to flood risk management policy

]]> 33295 0 6 0 https://prairierivers.org/priorities/river-management/ Mon, 19 Apr 2021 19:21:08 +0000 https://prairierivers.org/?post_type=priorities&p=33298 Natural Flowing Rivers are Best Illinois has a longer border with the Mississippi River than any other state. The Mississippi is one of the longest rivers in the world, and it is an essential part of our national heritage.

Problem: Man-made Navigation and Flood Control Projects

Our big rivers have suffered over a century of degradation due to human-caused environmental impacts. Much of this degradation is a result of the proliferation of river navigation infrastructure (e.g., locks and dams) and extensive use of levees at the hands of the United States Army Corps of Engineers, as well as the conversion of floodplain habitats to row-crop agriculture.

Solution: Restoring the Natural State of Big Rivers

Prairie Rivers Network addresses these problems by opposing destructive navigation projects and policies while promoting river and floodplain restoration. We work with partners to protect and restore the Upper Mississippi River by advocating for reforms to the navigation system. Key actions that we are working on include:

• Reform laws and policies governing levee districts and drainage districts to support floodplain reconnection and headwater stream restoration
• Educate the public and decision-makers about the benefits of natural river, wetland, and floodplain functions
• Advocate for the funding of restoration programs that establish healthy aquatic and riparian habitats along rivers and streams
• Assess social vulnerability related to flood risk management policy

]]> 33298 0 7 0 https://prairierivers.org/priorities/monarch-butterflies-pollinators/ Mon, 19 Apr 2021 19:25:13 +0000 https://prairierivers.org/?post_type=priorities&p=33301 Embrace the Dandelion to Protect Our Pollinators We rely on pollinators like bees and butterflies to give us the food we need to live. The iconic black and orange monarch butterfly, for example, has long captured our imagination. Their unique annual migratory journey from Mexico across the Midwest to Canada and back and their noble metamorphosis from caterpillar to beautiful butterfly inspire us with Mother Nature’s amazing powers. Monarchs are important pollinators that help keep our ecosystems thriving.

Problem: Loss of Monarch & Pollinator Habitat

Pollinators face multiple threats, including habitat destruction, disease, parasites, and pesticides used in agriculture and urban settings. By understanding these threats and seeking to minimize them, we can better protect the health of pollinators and ourselves. The eastern monarch butterfly populations have plummeted by almost 90% due to the loss of habitat from urban sprawl and intensive agriculture. Population losses in many other native pollinators such as bees, wasps, moths, butterflies, and others may be equal to or greater than those of the charismatic and well studied monarch. We simply don’t know the status of many pollinators, but many studies have documented wide-spread decline in pollinators and invertebrates in general.

Solution: Creating New, Restoring Existing, and Protecting All Habitat

Prairie Rivers Network works with partners such as the National Wildlife Federation, farmers, and private landowners to ensure that we create more spaces for pollinators and insects to live. Any landowner can help pollinators by adding flowering plants to their properties. Let diversity thrive in your yard, “Embrace the dandelion!” and don’t use lawn chemicals or insecticides. For ideas about what to plant, visit Extension’s website on pollinator pockets. Rain gardens can also be designed to attract pollinators; visit our rain garden page for more information! Key actions that we are working on include:

• Establish and protect contiguous habitats that allow for the uninterrupted movement of plants and wildlife—north-south riparian corridors will be critical migration routes for climate adaptation
• Increase state and federal funding for land conservation
• Promote policies that enhance biodiversity on public and private lands
• Promote changes to tax and land use policies to foster or demand better behavior by private landowners
• Curb use of and strengthen regulations on dangerous herbicides and pesticides

]]> 33301 0 9 0 https://prairierivers.org/priorities/habitat-restoration-land-conservation/ Mon, 19 Apr 2021 19:29:56 +0000 https://prairierivers.org/?post_type=priorities&p=33306 A Healthy Ecosystem Relies on Abundant Habitat A healthy ecosystem includes diverse species all living in an interconnected system or life. Illinois is home to over 50,000 different species including 400 bird, 200 fish, and 60 mammal species. Forests along rivers in Illinois are home to more overwintering bald eagles than any other state outside of Alaska, and over 320 bird species use the Mississippi River corridor for spring and fall migrations.

Problem: Loss of Habitat

The lands and waters of Illinois face many challenges, including habitat destruction, pollution, invasive species, climate change, and more. Prairie Rivers Network works to address some of these most pressing issues.

Solution: Working with Partners for Conservation Impact

Prairie Rivers Network works on improving the condition of land along rivers and streams that will result in cleaner water and healthier environments for people, fish, and wildlife. We partner with individuals, organizations, and agencies to promote land protection, habitat restoration, and resource stewardship. In addition to promoting on-the-ground impact, Prairie Rivers Network also champions local, state, and federal policies that support conservation work and healthy habitat throughout the state. Key actions that we are working on include:

• Establish and protect contiguous habitats that allow for the uninterrupted movement of plants and wildlife—north-south riparian corridors will be critical migration routes for climate adaptation
• Increase state and federal funding for land conservation
• Promote policies that enhance biodiversity on public and private lands
• Promote changes to tax and land use policies to foster or demand better behavior by private landowners

]]> 33306 0 12 0 https://prairierivers.org/priorities/asian-carp-invasive-species/ Mon, 19 Apr 2021 19:37:00 +0000 https://prairierivers.org/?post_type=priorities&p=33309 Native Species Must be Protected A century ago, the Chicago Sanitary and Ship Canal was hailed as an engineering masterpiece. Built to carry sewage and ships, the canal created an artificial connection between the Great Lakes basin and the Mississippi River Valley – two ecosystems that evolved separately for millennia. Today the canal has become a superhighway that allows plants and animals from one ecosystem to invade the other. Several species of Asian carp threaten to devastate the Great Lakes and inflict irreversible damage on sport fisheries, wildlife, regional economies, and the people that rely on them.

Problem: Invasive Species

If Asian carp invade the Great Lakes, they could devastate the region’s $7 billion fishing industry and permanently alter how recreational boaters, anglers, and tourists use and enjoy the lakes and their many tributaries.

Solution: Restoring The Natural Divide

Connecting the Great Lakes to the Mississippi River system seemed like a good idea at the time. By digging the canal, the State of Illinois caused the Chicago River to reverse direction, allowing Lake Michigan to serve as a giant toilet tank flushing sewage into the Illinois River and on to the Mississippi River. Prairie Rivers Network advocates for the permanent closure of the connection between the Great Lakes and the Mississippi River basin to prevent invasions in either direction via the canals. Key actions that we are working on include:

• Advocate for policies to prevent the transfer of any and all aquatic invasive species between water systems
• Defend and strengthen endangered species protections

]]> 33309 0 14 0 https://prairierivers.org/priorities/regenerative-agriculture/ Mon, 19 Apr 2021 18:48:06 +0000 https://prairierivers.org/?post_type=priorities&p=33317 A Healthy Land Means a Healthy Ecosystem Food production and conservation can go hand-in-hand.

Problem: Business As Usual Threatens Water Quality and Degrades Soil

Illinois is dominated by corn and soybeans. These crops are planted every year with the use of large quantities of chemical fertilizers, herbicides, fungicides, insecticides, (in combination with genetically modified seeds), in order to maximize yield and prevent other species, whether plant or animal, from invading fields. This type of farming harms wildlife, pollutes drinking water resources, and destroys important organisms in soil that keep it productive. Soil isn’t dirt. Good, healthy soil is a living natural resource essential to farming and food production. Healthy soil is not just about keeping it in place. Soil is an ecosystem, and a healthy soil is a robust ecosystem full of a diverse range of soil organisms. Current, wide scale use of conventional farming practices strip Illinois farmland of its vital, rich soil.

Solution: Regenerative and Organic Farming Practices

Whether it’s a small farm or a large one, there are many ways to have a productive farm and be aligned with nature. The use of regenerative agricultural practices is on the rise. More and more farmers are using cover crops and keeping the soil covered year-round. They are increasing the number of and types of crops they grow in a year, adding livestock to the land, using alternative methods of weed and pest control, and using native habitat on their farms to improve productivity and to protect water quality. By farming with soil health principles and systems, farmers increase their soil’s organic matter and improve microbial activity. As a result, farmers are sequestering more carbon, increasing water infiltration, improving wildlife and pollinator habitat—all while harvesting better profits and often better yields. Investing in soil health is an essential step to transition to a regenerative farming system. Prairie Rivers Network is an active partner with the Soil and Water Conservation Districts, conservation groups, our partners in ReGenerate Illinois, the IDEA Farm Network, and agriculture producer groups around the state and the nation. Additionally, there are numerous research institutions, farmer-led learning networks (such as the IDEA Farm Network, Practical Farmers of Iowa, and MOSES), and NGOs that are working hard to help farmers of all types share information, improve productivity, protect resources such as air, water, and soil, and improve their own lives, as well as those in their community. We strive to find ways to build a more resilient food system, one that protects the environment, rebuilds healthy rural communities, provides healthy, nutritious food, and provides farmers with a just and fair wage for the hard work they do. For more information about what we are doing with some of our partners please visit www.regenerateillinois.org. Key actions that we are working on include:

• Work with farmers and agricultural purchasers to promote the benefits of regenerative agricultural systems that improve soil health and water quality, and capture carbon
• Develop and implement certification programs for conservation farmers that are based on rigorous metrics and reflect real water quality improvements
• Push major agricultural purchasers to develop programs to buy from certified farmers, and to market new “conservation certified" products
• Reform tax, land-use, environmental, and farm-subsidy policies to reduce the unfair economic advantages enjoyed by conventional industrial production methods

]]> 33317 0 16 0 https://prairierivers.org/priorities/factory-farm-watch/ Mon, 19 Apr 2021 18:57:49 +0000 https://prairierivers.org/?post_type=priorities&p=33319 Rivers are Not Dumping Grounds Animal waste does not belong in our water. Polluters must be held responsible for their pollution. It is plain and simple. Large scale animal feeding operations are called Confined Animal Feeding Operations (CAFOs), and they have the potential to pollute nearby waterways. Factory farms are designed to produce meat, eggs, and milk as quickly and cheaply as possible. As farms have become increasingly specialized and larger, more and more animals are being raised on factory farms. (see the EPA) [caption id="" align="alignright" width="300"] Thousands of chickens inside a factory farm building[/caption]

Problem: Factory Farms are Polluting Our Rivers

The animals housed in factory farms produce millions of tons of manure and urine each year. Animal waste is temporarily stored in pits, tanks, or lagoons and is then spread onto nearby agricultural fields as fertilizer. But when factory farms do not manage animal waste properly, streams, lakes, and groundwater can be contaminated. Water pollution from factory farms is a common, significant, and largely ignored problem. Animal waste contains nitrogen and phosphorus as well as pharmaceutical products and other pathogens. These cause harm when they enter our waterways and groundwater. They can cause loss of oxygen in the water, harmful algal blooms, and fish kills. People may be at risk of illness if they ingest or come into contact with contaminated water. Drinking water supplies with animal waste can be unsafe or even deadly to people and livestock. [caption id="" align="alignright" width="300"] Dairy cows inside a factory farm[/caption] Key actions that we are working on include:

• Strengthen Illinois’ laws on Concentrated Animal Feeding Operations (CAFO) siting, permitting, and pollution
• Promote a nature-respecting view of responsible land ownership
• Transforming public perception and values, linking human well-being and happiness to nature’s health and diversity
• Educating and empower people to stand up for their local lands, waters, and wildlife

]]> 33319 0 20 0 https://prairierivers.org/priorities/agricultural-runoff-nutrient-pollution/ Mon, 19 Apr 2021 19:05:19 +0000 https://prairierivers.org/?post_type=priorities&p=33322 Farmers are Partners in Protecting Water Quality [caption id="attachment_19282" align="alignright" width="210"] Tile Outlet[/caption] Illinois is one of the top national producers of corn, soybeans, and swine, with approximately 75% of the state’s land area dedicated to agriculture. The economic contributions of agriculture are undeniably important. However, the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency found that pollution from crop production impairs approximately 20% of the state’s streams. Such impairment denies Illinois citizens and wildlife the right to clean, safe water. The most common pollutants from agriculture are sediment, nitrogen, and phosphorus.

Problem: Nutrient Runoff

Conventional farming practices allow large amounts of nutrients, both applied and in the soil, to be washed off the field and into our waterways. Fertilizers applied to agricultural fields contain nitrogen and phosphorus. Nutrients are great for crop growth, but a large percent of what is applied eventually winds up in nearby waterways and becomes pollution.

Solution: Conservation Cropping Systems

Reducing nutrient pollution will require fixing a leaky system. It can’t be just one practice, but a system of practices that work together. And it’s not enough to just apply less fertilizer, but a combination of in-field and edge of field practices that slow the movement of water and soil and create an opportunity for them to be held or taken up by plants. Conservation practices that effectively keep soil and nutrients on the land include cover crops, riparian buffers, grassed waterways, drainage water management, wetlands, and spring only fertilizer application. Prairie Rivers Network has joined with other conservation groups, agriculture industry groups, government agencies, and researchers to develop Illinois Nutrient Loss Reduction Strategy. This strategy identifies targeted reductions in nitrogen and phosphorus in Illinois’ eight major rivers. Each state along the Mississippi River is striving to reduce the flow of nutrients to the Gulf of Mexico in order to reduce the size of the nutrient fueled dead zone and to protect Illinois’ waterways from polluted agricultural runoff. Prairie Rivers Network works to accelerate the implementation by farmers of agricultural best management practices. Key actions that we are working on include:

• Develop broad coalition of stakeholders to advance policies to reduce nutrient pollution
• Educate the public and local leaders about nutrient pollution as a drinking water and public health problem
• Leverage IL Nutrient Loss Reduction Strategy to spotlight industrial agriculture’s role in polluting streams and rivers, and to find solutions to reduce nutrient loadings in our waters
• Curb use of and strengthen regulations on dangerous herbicides and pesticides
• Develop and distribute myth busting information on agriculture in Illinois, targeting key NGO staff, journalists, and government officials; develop and implement a rapid response communications team to challenge the biased media narrative surrounding farming in America
• Promote a recognition that lax pollution standards unwisely subsidize destructive practices, undercut healthier farming practices, and impose high costs on public water suppliers and taxpayers
• Promote a nature-respecting view of responsible land ownership

]]> 33322 0 22 0 https://prairierivers.org/priorities/nutrient_pollution/ Thu, 15 Apr 2021 15:51:25 +0000 https://prairierivers.org/?post_type=priorities&p=33325 Healthy Rivers Need Clean Water Nutrients are good, right? Not always. Too much of a good thing can be very bad for people, fish, and clean water. The rivers and lakes of Illinois should have clean water flowing through them.

Problem: Nutrient Pollution & Algal Blooms

Too much phosphorus and nitrogen in water can be very harmful to aquatic life and to people. Phosphorus and nitrogen pollutants fuel the growth of algae, which at excessive levels leaves us with the green, gunk-infested waters that robs water of oxygen, making life difficult for fish and other aquatic creatures. While the Gulf of Mexico is over 600 miles south of Illinois, we are very connected to it via our rivers and streams. Most of Illinois’ waterways flow into the Mississippi River, which in turn flows to the Gulf of Mexico. As such, water pollution that originates in Illinois is a major contributor to the Gulf of Mexico Dead Zone, a vast area that forms off the coast of Louisiana each summer that is so depleted of oxygen that fish and other water species cannot breathe. Where does all this nitrogen and phosphorus pollution come from? In Illinois, 80% of nitrogen comes from farms. The sources for phosphorus are almost equally split between sewage treatment plants and corn and soybean farms.

Solution: Reducing Nutrient Pollution

Prairie Rivers Network works in collaboration with our partners to achieve reductions in nitrogen and phosphorus pollution through enhanced sewage treatment, habitat enhancement, and improved farming practices. These approaches can go a long way in reducing harmful pollutants and cleaning up algae both at home and in downstream waters. Key actions that we are working on include:

• Develop broad coalition of stakeholders to advance policies to reduce nutrient pollution
• Educate the public and local leaders about nutrient pollution as a drinking water and public health problem
• Leverage Illinois Nutrient Loss Reduction Strategy to spotlight industrial agriculture’s role in polluting streams and rivers, and to find solutions to reduce nutrient loadings in our waters
• Develop and distribute myth busting information on agriculture in Illinois, targeting key NGO staff, journalists, and government officials; develop and implement a rapid response communications team to challenge the biased media narrative surrounding farming in America
• Promote a recognition that lax pollution standards unwisely subsidize destructive practices, undercut healthier farming practices, and impose high costs on public water suppliers and taxpayers
• Promote a nature-respecting view of responsible land ownership

]]> 33325 0 31 0 https://prairierivers.org/priorities/threats-to-drinking-water/ Thu, 15 Apr 2021 15:54:51 +0000 https://prairierivers.org/?post_type=priorities&p=33328 Water is Precious. Let’s Keep it Safe! We all need safe drinking water to thrive. 72% of drinking water in Illinois comes from surface water such as rivers, lakes, and reservoirs. Many Illinois residents also depend on ground water sources such as aquifers (ie. the Mahomet Aquifer which serves much of east central Illinois) or private wells. While Illinois has access to some of the cleanest drinking water supplies in the world, we face threats to our drinking water, including health risks from lead, nitrates, and cyanotoxins.

Problem: Lead, Nitrates, and Polluted Drinking Water

As drinking water passes through lead piping or comes in contact with lead plumbing fixtures it can pick up that lead and contaminate what comes out of our faucets, and the faucets and drinking fountains in our schools, daycares, and parks. To really protect ourselves, we need to remove the lead from our drinking water systems. Nitrate is one of the most prevalent water contaminants in the U.S, especially in highly agricultural areas that can cause Blue Baby Syndrome. Drinking water sources are also suffering increased threats from toxins found in certain types of algal blooms known as cyanobacterial blooms, which contain cyanotoxins.

Solution: Remove Contamination from Our Drinking Water

airie Rivers Network worked with partners to develop legislation requiring Illinois schools and daycare centers to perform lead testing. Solving this health crisis will require a long term plan for continued testing and for the removal of lead service lines and lead fittings and plumbing fixtures. Prairie Rivers Network is working in coalition to advance a bill to require lead service line replacement throughout Illinois. 80% of the nitrate in our water comes from agricultural runoff, and it is this nitrate that fuels algal blooms. We are working to reduce the amount of nitrate flowing off farm fields. Nitrate is water soluble and therefore moves with water on the landscape. Farming practices that help capture nitrate by having living roots in the ground include cover crops, riparian buffers and wetlands. By reducing nutrient runoff into our lakes and rivers, we can prevent toxic algae from growing out of control. Links:

• US EPA’s Learn About Lead Webpage
• Basic Information About Lead in Drinking Water
• Chicago Tribune on Lead Risk in Illinois Drinking Water
• EPA webpage on Cyanobacteria/Cyanotoxins
• EPA’s Safe Water Query Form for IL
• Check the annual drinking water quality reports for IL
• How Safe is Bottled Water?

Key actions that we are working on include:

• Develop broad coalition of stakeholders to advance policies to reduce nutrient pollution
• Educate the public and local leaders about nutrient pollution as a drinking water and public health problem
• Leverage Illinois Nutrient Loss Reduction Strategy to spotlight industrial agriculture’s role in polluting streams and rivers, and to find solutions to reduce nutrient loadings in our waters
• Develop and distribute myth busting information on agriculture in Illinois, targeting key NGO staff, journalists, and government officials; develop and implement a rapid response communications team to challenge the biased media narrative surrounding farming in America
• Promote a recognition that lax pollution standards unwisely subsidize destructive practices, undercut healthier farming practices, and impose high costs on public water suppliers and taxpayers

]]> 33328 0 35 0 https://prairierivers.org/?post_type=priorities&p=33336 https://prairierivers.org/?post_type=priorities&p=33336 Insert Fancy Header Here

Coal mining and coal ash pollution is a threat to our farmland, our water, and our communities. As coal reserves dwindle in Appalachia and overseas demand for coal is surging, Illinois Coal Basin communities are faced with a surge of new coal mining. Unfortunately, today’s coal mines use bigger machines to dig more coal while employing fewer people than ever – and the consequences for Illinois’ land and water are mounting.

Problem: Big Coal Economy is a Threat to Our Land, Water, and Communities

The big coal industry in Illinois is not only a threat to the health of our land and water, the Illinois coal basin economy is in trouble as well. Illinois coal companies have fared relatively well compared to their colleagues mining other coal basins, but the economic future of coal in Illinois is dim. That’s a good thing for the environment. [caption id="attachment_32847" align="alignright" width="300"] Havana Power Station[/caption] Coal mines in Illinois still rely on outdated pollution control technologies, if any, that do not remove the harmful pollution in mine wastewater and site runoff before it is discharged into rivers, streams, and lakes. Most mines in Illinois process coal onsite, which generates millions of gallons of coal slurry, a mixture of water, coal, waste rock, and chemicals, including harmful salts and metals. When runoff from slurry pits and “reclaimed” mine sites is discharged, it often contains elevated levels of sediments, salts, and metals, threatening clean drinking water as well as the health of hunters and anglers that rely on healthy wildlife. Today, Illinois communities are facing a critical question: Are we willing to bet our economy and its workers on an industry that can’t last the long-haul, or are we ready to look to new opportunities and support communities in transition away from fossil fuels?

Solution: Change This

Because we know it takes a network to save a river and even more to protect clean air, land and communities, Prairie Rivers Network fights to strengthen or oppose permits that threaten clean water in Illinois. We also provide technical and organizing assistance to local communities to help them protect their clean water supply from coal pollution. Links:

• Toolkit for Developing and Managing Partnerships in Coal-Impacted Watersheds
• Illinois Coal Country Teams Volunteer Handbook for Monitoring Mine-Impacted Streams
• Coal Ash Advocacy Guide by Earthjustice
• Coal Plant Redevelopment Roadmap by Delta Institute

]]> 33336 0 29 0 https://prairierivers.org/priorities/clean-water-laws/ Thu, 15 Apr 2021 15:57:38 +0000 https://prairierivers.org/?post_type=priorities&p=39152 Clean Water is an Essential Basic Need In the 1970s, America passed landmark legislation demonstrating our commitment to healthy rivers and safe drinking water. Since then, the Clean Water Act and the Safe Drinking Water Act have allowed us to make remarkable progress in cleaning up our waters and improving the safety of our drinking water. Alarmingly, attacks on environmental protection at the federal and state level and specific attempts to roll back the Clean Water Act have threatened the health and safety of our waters.

Problem: Our Streams, Wetlands, and Drinking Water are Under Attack

Along with many other attacks on our environmental laws, the previous Administration curtailed the protections afforded to streams and wetlands in the Clean Water Act by illegally narrowing the class of waters that receive protection under the Act. The smaller streams and the wetlands that have been singled out are vital to the health of our larger streams and rivers and also to the health of our drinking water, and we must fight to protect them.

Solution: Fight the Rollbacks

Consider becoming a member of Prairie Rivers Network so you can help our experts continue the fight to protect landmark legislation like the Clean Water Act. We have to speak louder…fight harder…and do everything we can to protect our right to clean water. Take action when called upon. Let your government representatives know how important clean water is to you and your loved ones. Key actions that we are working on to help the public defend the Clean Water Act include:

• Transforming public perception and values, linking human well-being and happiness to nature’s health and diversity
• Educating and empower people to stand up for their local lands, waters, and wildlife

]]> 39152 0 36 0 https://prairierivers.org/slides/hello-world/ Wed, 16 May 2018 17:58:12 +0000 https://prairierivers.org/uncategorized/2018/05/hello-world/ 30966 0 0 0 https://prairierivers.org/slides/hello-world/hello-world/ Wed, 16 May 2018 17:58:12 +0000 https://prairierivers.org/uncategorized/2018/05/hello-world/ 30967 30966 0 0 Hello World!";}}]]> by the seoslides team";}}]]> Even if all you are saying is "hello", notes are a great way to add additional SEO rich keywords.

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]]> https://prairierivers.org/slides/hello-world/welcome-to-seoslides/ Wed, 16 May 2018 17:58:12 +0000 https://prairierivers.org/uncategorized/2018/05/welcome-to-seoslides/ 30968 30966 1 0 Hello World!";}}]]> This is your first presentation.

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]]> https://prairierivers.org/priorities/coal-ash/ Mon, 19 Apr 2021 20:01:48 +0000 https://prairierivers.org/?post_type=priorities&p=33333 Clean Up Your Pollution [caption id="attachment_12245" align="alignright" width="230"] Click to view our coal ash map[/caption] Behind Illinois’ coal-fired power plants lies a dirty secret: coal ash, the solid byproduct that is left over after coal is burned for electricity. Coal ash is full of heavy metals like mercury, arsenic, selenium, chromium, and cadmium, which can cause cancer and brain damage in humans and are harmful to fish and wildlife.

Problem: Toxic Coal Ash Leaking Into Our Waters

Shockingly, there are fewer safeguards on coal ash disposal than household garbage. Perhaps it’s no surprise then that Illinois leads the nation in coal ash damage cases. A 2018 report by Prairie Rivers Network and others found unsafe concentrations of dangerous coal ash pollutants in groundwater at 22 of 24 reporting coal ash dump sites in Illinois. In Illinois, our only National Scenic River, the Middle Fork of the Vermilion River, is threatened by 3.3 million cubic yards of coal ash sitting on its river bank. Read about the threat of coal ash on the Middle Fork from the Dynegy/Vistra’s coal ash pits.

Solution: Better Laws For Coal Ash Disposal

Prairie Rivers Network is working to empower local residents to let decision makers know that Illinois communities support commonsense, federally enforceable safeguards to protect our land and water from coal ash pollution. We worked with partners to get the 2019 Coal Ash Pollution Prevention Act passed, which set Illinois on a path to strong coal ash regulation. We are pressing with the Illinois Pollution Control Board to ensure the rule is as strong as possible. We are also working to stop coal ash pollution in individual communities by appealing permits, forcing power plants to comply with the law to protect clean water by phasing out dangerous coal ash ponds and requiring coal companies to switch to safer coal ash disposal methods. Key actions that we are working on include:

• Require owners of fossil fuel infrastructure to properly clean up wastes from fossil fuel extraction, processing, and power production
• Strengthen regulation and enforcement of discharges to surface and groundwater from fossil fuel infrastructure
• Deter investment in new fossil fuel infrastructure
• Support environmentally sound programs for renewables including robust recycling of renewable components, responsible mineral sourcing, and siting that protects and enhances biodiversity
• Support reforms to federal biofuels policies to eliminate reliance on annual crops like corn and soy

]]> 33333 0 24 0 https://prairierivers.org/priorities/renewable-energy/ Mon, 19 Apr 2021 20:22:56 +0000 https://prairierivers.org/?post_type=priorities&p=33341 The Energy of the Future is Now As the coal industry continues to decline, renewable energy offers a clear path to a cleaner, brighter future.

Problem: Burning Fossil Fuel Contributes to Global Warming

Producing energy by burning fossil fuels like coal, gasoline, diesel, and oil, creates carbon dioxide emissions that are a major contributor to the rising temperatures that causes climate change. Among the fifty states, Illinois is the seventh largest emitter of carbon dioxide from energy production and the fifth largest from transportation. As a state, we are a large part of the problem, and we must be a major part of the solution.

Solution: Just Transition to Clean Energy

Renewable energy is energy that is collected from renewable sources like sunlight and wind that are naturally replenished and emit no carbon dioxide. As such, they do not contribute to climate change and have far fewer adverse environmental impacts. Prairie Rivers Network works with a strong coalition of organizations that is spearheading an exponential growth in Illinois’ renewable energy sector as a viable and essential solution to climate change. With beneficial electrification, instead of using fossil fuels, we use electricity produced by renewable energy, for instance, to run our cars and heat our homes. Prairie Rivers Network supports beneficial electrification policies that will result in the removal of carbon emissions equivalent to that produced by 1 million gas and diesel powered vehicles. Decarbonization of the electric power sector involves switching our sources of electric power from carbon-based fossil fuels to electricity generated by renewable energy sources like wind and solar. Prairie Rivers Network works to prevent the development of new coal mines, fracking, and oil and gas infrastructure, and to speed the transition from carbon-based electric power to renewable-based electrification. Prairie Rivers Network supports solutions that ensure that justice and equity are at the heart of Illinois’ clean energy future. The growing clean energy economy is about more than just fighting climate change. It is an opportunity for a just transition, to expand equitable access to public health, a safe environment, and quality jobs and economic opportunity, especially for economically disadvantaged communities, communities of color, environmental justice communities, and communities that will be hit the hardest by the changing energy economy and by climate change. Key actions that we are working on include:

• Advocate for sufficient funding to allow Illinois to meet Renewable Portfolio Standard goals (e.g., 100% renewable energy by 2050)
• Organize support for policies that decarbonize Illinois’ electricity sector by 2030
• Ensure just transition policies and programs are adequate and responsive to frontline fossil fuel community needs through engaging those communities
• Aid traditionally underserved communities through expanded access to energy efficiency programs, low-income solar incentives, workforce and business development efforts, and reformed electric rate structure
• Support beneficial electrification and the electrification of state and municipal fleets
• Incentivize smart technologies and energy storage

]]> 33341 0 38 0 https://prairierivers.org/priorities/ethanol/ Mon, 19 Apr 2021 20:32:10 +0000 https://prairierivers.org/?post_type=priorities&p=33344 Corn Is Not the Answer Growing corn to fuel our vehicles is not sustainable in ensuring the health of our water and wildlife.

Problem: Renewable Fuel Standard

Congress created the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) with the intent to spur production of biofuels as an alternative to non-renewable fossil fuels. But the RFS has been a failure and a disaster for the environment. The RFS mandates that gasoline is mixed with ethanol, derived from corn. This federal mandate has incentivized the production of corn on millions of acres across the Midwest, including on ecologically valuable grasslands and wetlands. Corn production is intensive, stripping soil of its nutrients, requiring the use of chemicals that poison water and wildlife, and using much valuable water. We should not be subsidizing harmful corn production for a fuel that still produces significant air pollution and is not particularly fuel-efficient.

Solution: Repeal the Mandate

Federal subsidies of ethanol, including the mandate that gasoline be blended with ethanol, should end. And we should reject any attempts to increase the amount blended into gasoline at the pump. Increasing ethanol blends would only lead to more carbon emissions, more toxic algae blooms, and higher water and food bills. Key actions that we are working on include:

• Support reforms to federal biofuels policies to eliminate reliance on annual crops like corn and soy

]]> 33344 0 39 0 https://prairierivers.org/wpephpcompat_jobs/slideshare/ Wed, 03 Feb 2021 05:24:30 +0000 https://prairierivers.org/wpephpcompat_jobs/slideshare/ 39007 0 0 0 https://prairierivers.org/wpephpcompat_jobs/slideshow-gallery/ Wed, 03 Feb 2021 05:24:30 +0000 https://prairierivers.org/wpephpcompat_jobs/slideshow-gallery/ 39008 0 0 0 https://prairierivers.org/wpephpcompat_jobs/speakup-email-petitions/ Wed, 03 Feb 2021 05:24:30 +0000 https://prairierivers.org/wpephpcompat_jobs/speakup-email-petitions/ 39009 0 0 0 https://prairierivers.org/wpephpcompat_jobs/ubermenu-3-the-ultimate-wordpress-mega-menu/ Wed, 03 Feb 2021 05:24:30 +0000 https://prairierivers.org/wpephpcompat_jobs/ubermenu-3-the-ultimate-wordpress-mega-menu/ 39010 0 0 0 https://prairierivers.org/wpephpcompat_jobs/video-user-manuals/ Wed, 03 Feb 2021 05:24:30 +0000 https://prairierivers.org/wpephpcompat_jobs/video-user-manuals/ 39011 0 0 0 https://prairierivers.org/wpephpcompat_jobs/wp-fastest-cache/ Wed, 03 Feb 2021 05:24:30 +0000 https://prairierivers.org/wpephpcompat_jobs/wp-fastest-cache/ 39012 0 0 0 https://prairierivers.org/wpephpcompat_jobs/wp-rollback/ Wed, 03 Feb 2021 05:24:30 +0000 https://prairierivers.org/wpephpcompat_jobs/wp-rollback/ 39013 0 0 0 https://prairierivers.org/wpephpcompat_jobs/wps-hide-login/ Wed, 03 Feb 2021 05:24:30 +0000 https://prairierivers.org/wpephpcompat_jobs/wps-hide-login/ 39014 0 0 0 https://prairierivers.org/wpephpcompat_jobs/wp-video-lightbox/ Wed, 03 Feb 2021 05:24:30 +0000 https://prairierivers.org/wpephpcompat_jobs/wp-video-lightbox/ 39015 0 0 0 https://prairierivers.org/wpephpcompat_jobs/yoast-seo/ Wed, 03 Feb 2021 05:24:30 +0000 https://prairierivers.org/wpephpcompat_jobs/yoast-seo/ 39016 0 0 0 https://prairierivers.org/wpephpcompat_jobs/thesis/ Wed, 03 Feb 2021 05:24:30 +0000 https://prairierivers.org/wpephpcompat_jobs/thesis/ 39017 0 0 0 https://prairierivers.org/wpephpcompat_jobs/twenty-twenty-one/ Wed, 03 Feb 2021 05:24:31 +0000 https://prairierivers.org/wpephpcompat_jobs/twenty-twenty-one/ 39018 0 0 0 https://prairierivers.org/priorities/coal-mining/ Mon, 19 Apr 2021 20:11:33 +0000 https://prairierivers.org/?post_type=priorities&p=39214 No New Coal Mines Illinois doesn’t need any new coal mines. Coal mining and coal ash pollution is a threat to our farmland, our water, and our communities. As coal reserves dwindle in Appalachia and overseas demand for coal is surging, Illinois coal basin communities are faced with a surge of new coal mining. Unfortunately, today’s coal mines use bigger machines to dig more coal while employing fewer people than ever – and the consequences for Illinois’ land and water are mounting.

Problem: Big Coal Economy is a Threat to Our Land, Water, and Communities

The big coal industry in Illinois is not only a threat to the health of our land and water, the Illinois coal basin economy is in trouble as well. The economic future of coal in Illinois is dim. That’s a good thing for the environment. Coal mines in Illinois still rely on outdated pollution control technologies, if any, that do not remove the harmful pollution in mine wastewater and site runoff before it is discharged into rivers, streams, and lakes. Most mines in Illinois process coal onsite, which generates millions of gallons of coal slurry, a mixture of water, coal, waste rock, and chemicals, including harmful salts and metals. When runoff from slurry pits and “reclaimed” mine sites is discharged, it often contains elevated levels of sediments, salts, and metals, threatening clean drinking water as well as the health of hunters and anglers that rely on healthy wildlife. Today, Illinois communities face a critical question: Are we willing to bet our economy and its workers on an industry that can’t last the long-haul, or are we ready to look to new opportunities and support communities in transition away from fossil fuels?

Solution: Just Transition to Clean Energy

Because we know it takes a network to save a river and even more to protect clean air, land, and communities, Prairie Rivers Network fights to strengthen or oppose permits that threaten clean water in Illinois. We also provide technical and organizing assistance to local communities to help them protect their clean water supply from coal pollution. Links

• Toolkit for Developing and Managing Partnerships in Coal-Impacted Watersheds
• Illinois Coal Country Teams Volunteer Handbook for Monitoring Mine-Impacted Streams
• Coal Ash Advocacy Guide by Earthjustice

Key actions that we are working on include:

• Deter investment in new fossil fuel infrastructure
• Advocate for sufficient funding to allow Illinois to meet Renewable Portfolio Standard goals (e.g., 100% renewable energy by 2050)
• Organize support for policies that decarbonize Illinois’ electricity sector by 2030
• Ensure just transition policies and programs are adequate and responsive to frontline fossil fuel community needs through engaging those communities
• Aid traditionally underserved communities through expanded access to energy efficiency programs, low-income solar incentives, workforce and business development efforts, and reformed electric rate structure
• Support beneficial electrification and the electrification of state and municipal fleets
• Incentivize smart technologies and energy storage

]]> 39214 0 26 0 https://prairierivers.org/priorities/climate-change/ Mon, 19 Apr 2021 20:29:22 +0000 https://prairierivers.org/?post_type=priorities&p=39222 We All Can Be Part of the Solution Inspiring change to the status quo is hard, but together we can address climate change to make a difference.

Problem: Fossil Fuels, Coal, Gas-Pollution and Climate Change

Earth’s climate is changing at a rate and in a way that is not explainable by natural factors. Human influences, namely the emission of greenhouse gases, have already caused an estimated 1.8℉ of warming. The evidence and impacts of a changing climate are already prevalent and include rising temperatures, acidifying and warming oceans, sea level rise, melting glaciers, shifting rainfall patterns, flooding, and more. These impacts increase the risks related to health, livelihoods, food security, water supply, and economic growth. July of 2019 was the hottest July in the 140-year record, and nine of the ten hottest Julys have occurred since 2005. Wet conditions from July 2018 through June 2019 resulted in a new 12-month precipitation record in the U.S. In 2019, the USDA declared an agricultural disaster in all 102 Illinois counties due to near record breaking flooding. Climate change is already here.

Solution: Limit Global Warming

Climate related risks can be mitigated if we limit global warming to 2.7℉ (1.5℃) compared to 3.6℉ (2.0℃). Rapid and far reaching solutions that either reduce emissions or sequester carbon from the atmosphere must occur in every sector, including energy, land use, transportation, manufacturing, etc. Those solutions include the Renewable Energy Solutions mentioned above. Prairie Rivers Network is working to advance nature based climate solutions through our work on regenerative agriculture and floodplains, and we are working to put Illinois on a path to 100% renewable energy. Our multifaceted and interconnected program work confronts many of the root causes of environmental degradation in our state while addressing the sources and impacts of climate change. In doing so, they nurture ecologically-grounded cultural values and understandings that uphold the entire community of life. Our program work to confront climate change include:

• Advancing regenerative agriculture as an economically viable alternative to industrial agriculture, occupying a growing share of the overall Illinois landscape.
• Holding industrial agriculture accountable for its many harms—to waterways, lands, wildlife, the atmosphere, public health, and rural life—with its costs internalized by the industry and, over time, greatly reduced.
• Protecting lands, waters, and wildlife from the environmental harms of energy production.
• Mitigating climate change by a just and equitable transition to renewable energy.
• Creating more abundant and higher quality habitat and open space to support human, plant, and animal communities.
• Ensuring rivers and the communities along them are healthier and more resilient.

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