WATCH The Clinton Landfill
(We're Against Toxic CHemicals)
WATCH Clinton Landfill is a community-based grass-roots coalition organized to oppose the permitting of a Chemical Waste Landfill in Clinton, Illinois. If this is approved by the Federal EPA, the landfill will then be allowed to begin accepting highly concentrated toxic and carcinogenic PCB's. Additionally, the proposed site is located directly above the Mahomet Aquifer, a primary source of drinking water for many Central Illinois residents. WATCH believes turning a portion of the Clinton Landfill into a Toxic Waste Dump is not only a very bad idea, but also presents an unacceptable health risk to the public, and it must be opposed for that reason in addition to concerns related to airborne contamination, transportation of the waste to the landfill, and potential for contamination of nearby Illinois waterways such as Salt Creek which runs by the site.
Per the U.S. EPA, as of 2007 there are only 10 -- yes, only 10 -- active Chemical Waste Landfills permitted in the entire United States, that are allowed to store PCB's. There are also six incinerator sites that serve a similar disposal function, particluarly for liquid PCB wastes, without the risk of groundwater contamination. List of sites: http://www.epa.gov/epawaste/hazard/tsd/pcbs/pubs/stordisp.htm#ChemLF
To WATCH's knowledge none of the existing sites that are presently permitted sit on top of an aquifer.
Important Developments:
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11/7/08: WATCH will continue its efforts to make changes in DeWitt County Government until the Board properly addresses and fully opposes the permitting of a toxic Chemical Waste Landfill.
The election results on 11/4/08 have demonstrated a clear public mandate expressed by the people of DeWitt County for a second time in less than a year. This time 3 senior incumbents were removed from the DeWitt County Board and 68% of the voters also voted in favor of an advisory referendum question demonstrating their desire for the County to rescind the August 2007 Chemical Waste Landfill amendment made with Peoria Disposal. WATCH has demonstrated that the voting public fully backs the organization, the candidates we support, and also agrees with the mission to use every available option to oppose the permitting of a toxic Chemical Waste Landfill in DeWitt County. WATCH intends to continue our objectives of removing as many elected officials from public office as necessary and replacing them with individuals that will better represent the majority opinion of the public on this very important public policy issue facing DeWitt County.
11/6/08: The Bloomington Pantagraph has more: http://www.pantagraph.com/articles/2008/11/05/news/doc4911b2203e8cd518063887.txt
11/6/08: The Decatur Herald-Review also has the same article:
http://www.herald-review.com/articles/2008/11/06/news/local/1036828.txt
11/6/08: WJBC 1230AM Bloomington also has a follow up story on WATCH successful election results in DeWitt County: http://www.wjbc.com/TabId/7865/default.aspx?AID=977
11/5/08: VICTORY!!!
To Rescind the Landfill: YES 3,826 NO 1,827 (67.6% voted to rescind)
All 3 Incumbent Board Members Newberg, Moore, and Martin have been DEFEATED. Newly elected Members in District C David Taylor (Treasurer of WATCH), in District B Dana Evans, and District A Denny Rich will take their seats on 12/1/08.
11/4/08: Remember to vote "YES" today and to join the efforts of WATCH in working to vote incumbent DeWitt County Board members Moore, Martin, Newberg or Young out of their elected offices.
Volunteers and members of WATCH have been actively communicating with voters across DeWitt County in anticipation of the today's election. Most voters have received the DeWitt County Election Guide sent out by WATCH discussing the important issues facing DeWitt County.
10/4/08: WATCH has been focusing on the DeWitt County Board elections. There are 4 weeks remaining until Election Day on November 4, 2008. It is imperative that all voters who do not agree with a proposed Toxic Chemical Waste Landfill being placed above our water supply join WATCH in working to remove incumbent DeWitt County Board members from their elected offices.
Volunteers and members of WATCH have been actively communicating with voters across DeWitt County in anticipation of the upcoming DeWitt County Board elections on November 4th. The feedback WATCH has received indicates that many voters are still extremely concerned and upset about the dismissiveness and general degree of contempt demonstrated by the DeWitt County Board toward the public over the Toxic Chemical Waste Landfill issue even after 74% of voters clearly rejected a proposed Chemical Waste Landfill.
Due to the repeated failure of the majority of the DeWitt County Board to properly protect and represent the clear interests of the residents of DeWitt County, it is now imperative that all incumbents in contested board races get voted out of office. With your efforts and support, WATCH can continue its mission of changing the composition of who is representing the public in DeWitt County government. This effort has been undertaken in order to elect a majority of officials in all offices across the County who are opposed to the permitting and placement of a Toxic Chemical Waste Landfill above the Mahomet Aquifer. Although this process is time consuming and slow, the results from the February 5, 2008 primary election demonstrate that change can happen as was the likely case with the example set in the DeWitt County State's Attorney's race and other races over this important issue. More details will follow as election day draws closer.
9/4/08 Illinois Pollution Control Board ruling extends public comments on Peoria Disposal proposed Delisting by 2 weeks until September 25, 2008. However the IPCB has declined to hold a second hearing.
Today the Illinois Pollution Control Board ruled on case AS 2008-010 and declined holding a second hearing on the petition. However on the positive side, public comments have been extended by an additional 2 weeks due to the degree of public interest expressed in Peoria Disposal proposed delisting of K061 Electric Arc Furnace Dust Waste. Had WATCH, The Heart of Illinois Sierra Club, Peoria Families Against Toxic Waste, State Representative Bill Mitchell, and numerous other concerned citizens not spoken out on this important matter it is unlikely this result would have occurred. WATCH encourages concerned residents to submit their comments to the Illinois Pollution Control Board in reference to this case. Emails on case AS 2008-010 can be sent directly to the IPCB Clerk John Therriault via email at therriaj@ipcb.state.il.us or to this physical address:
Illinois Pollution Control Board
Re: Case AS 2008-010
James R. Thompson Center
100 W. Randolph
Suite 11-500
Chicago, Illinois 60601
Voice: (312) 814-3620
FAX: (312) 814-3669
TDD: (312) 814-6032
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9/4/08 WATCH discovers that IEPA Attorney William Ingersoll has submitted what appears to be a misrepresentation to the Illinois Pollution Control Board regarding what happened at the 8/18/08 IPCB de-listing hearing in Peoria.
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IEPA attorney William Ingersoll states in his filing for case 2008 AS 10 (PDF file above) that "At no point on August 18 did anyone indicate to Illinois EPA that Ms. Ryan's activities prevented them from participating fully in the process, nor did anyone request (either during the hearing or a break) that her activities cease."
This appears to be a false statement since Maggie Carson the IEPA press officer is quoted in the 8/31/08 edition of the Peoria Journal Star stating that: "I was told by our lead attorney that the hearing officer brought it to her attention and she stopped (knitting). From our perspective, the situation ended there." Here is the link to the article with the quote:
http://www.pjstar.com/news/x1886920382/Word-on-the-Street-Is-Schock-slacking-on-debates?view=print
Thus, WATCH asserts that the IEPA has not only condoned and reduced to writing what appears to be an opinion that their employee knitting during an IPCB hearing is an acceptable form of conduct, but also has made false statements in their filing in an effort to deflect criticism about the conduct of their employee and misrepresent the facts to the IPCB about what actually happened at the IPCB hearing in Peoria on 8/18/08.
Additionally at no time was it disclosed, made evident, or clear that any members of the public had any ability to object or interrupt during the public hearing in Peoria on 8/18/08. The only thing that was clear to WATCH at the 8/18/08 hearing in Peoria was that individuals were not supposed to interrupt or disrupt the proceedings taking place and that any person wishing to speak was required to sign the roster at the front of the room. Thus, due to the lack of instructions and lack of information presented about the right of the public to object during the hearing itself the only recourse available was to immediately respond in writing during the comment period following the 8/18/08 IPCB delisting hearing.
WATCH respectfully disagrees with Mr. Ingersoll's desperate and false arguments in defense of his employee's outrageous conduct and WATCH still asserts that the IEPA was not following proper procedures, not listening, and not paying attention during the public comment portions of the 8/18/08 IPCB hearing. Due to these above stated reasons (in addition to other submitted reasons) a second hearing is necessary to ensure the proper integrity of public input.
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8/31/08 Peoria Journal Star story about IEPA Attorney Michelle Ryan knitting during 8/18/08 IPCB delisting hearing in Peoria. Also quoted in the story is IEPA Press Officer Maggie Carson who indicates no discipline was issued to the employee for their conduct:
http://www.pjstar.com/news/x1886920382/Word-on-the-Street-Is-Schock-slacking-on-debates
8/31/08 Article:
Caught knitting
An Illinois Environmental Protection Agency attorney was caught on camera knitting during an Aug. 18 public hearing in Peoria on Peoria Disposal Co.'s proposed "de-listing" of hazardous waste it handles so it can be treated and shipped to landfills around the state.
As a result, a Clinton environmental group wants the Illinois Pollution Control Board (IPCB) to consider IEPA attorney Michelle Ryan's knitting as one of 21 reasons why the hearing should be redone. The IPCB will decide whether to redo the hearing during a Thursday meeting in Springfield.
Matt Varble, president of We're Against Toxic Chemicals (WATCH), a community group opposed to having the toxic material in Clinton, said Ryan's behavior was "outrageous" and she should be "terminated" from the state for knitting while the public presented comments during a hearing.
In an e-mail to IPCB members, Varble wrote about the knitting: "This is a concern I have as a citizen due to the apparent lack of seriousness that the state IEPA has toward public comments at an IPCB hearing."
Also submitted into the case files was a letter written by Mossville resident Lisa Offutt, who highlighted in bold print, "Are we to put our trust in the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency, whose attorney sat and knitted during public comments at the August 18 public hearing, oblivious to the concerns of the public?" A picture of Ryan knitting was also submitted into the files.
Maggie Carson, spokeswoman with the IEPA, said she was aware of the incident. She said Ryan is not the lead attorney in this particular case and that she was at the Aug. 18 meeting to "consult with the lead attorney" if her background expertise was needed.
Said Carson about whether Ryan faces any discipline related to the knitting, "I was told by our lead attorney that the hearing officer brought it to her attention and she stopped (knitting). From our perspective, the situation ended there." (J.S.)
This obviosuly demonstrates the general level of incompetence of the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency staff when they refuse to hold their employees accountable for unacceptable workplace conduct. Instead we see IEPA Press Officer Maggie Carson attempting to duck, dodge, cover up, and minimize the egregiousness of the situation through her comments. Thus, WATCH asserts that if there is a lack of accountability at the IEPA how can we as the public trust their opinions and trust that they will adequately protect us? Obviously the answer is that the IEPA is not able to be trusted to protect the environment based upon this example we have seen on full display.
8/22/08: WJBC 1230AM The Voice of McLean County runs radio press coverage of IEPA Attorney Michelle Ryan knitting during 8/18/08 IPCB delisting hearing in Peoria: http://www.wjbc.com/wire2/news/13635_WasteKnittingWEB_152042.htm
This clearly demonstrates the degree of contempt that the IEPA has toward public comments during a Pollution Control Board hearing. This action undermines those individuals who rely upon the IEPA to protect public health and safety. WATCH believes a second hearing is necessary to ensure proper procedure and input is received as it is clear that the IEPA was not listening or paying attention during the 8/18/08 IPCB hearing in Peoria.
8/22/08: Bloomington Pantagraph Story on IPCB hearing decision for DeWitt County:
http://www.pantagraph.com/articles/2008/08/22/news/doc48ae2eb3c0062283737222.txt
8/21/08: Illinois Pollution Control Board issues a memo that they will rule on 9/4/08 if a second hearing will be held regarding Peoria Disposal's proposed De-listing of Electric Arc Furnace Dust Waste K061:
As a direct result of the public pressure coming from WATCH, concerned citizens input at the 8/18/08 IPCB hearing in Peoria, and Illinois State Representative Bill Mitchell, the Illinois Pollution Control Board has issued a memo today stating they will rule on 9/4/08 if a second hearing will be scheduled. This is a significant development due to these public efforts to resist Peoria Disposal's proposed delisting. WATCH encourages members of the public to email us at inbox@watchclintonlandfill.com with comments that we can submit to the Illinois Pollution Control Board prior to them making a decision on 9/4/08. WATCH believes it is in the public's interest to hold a second hearing on PDC's proposed de-listing of treated hazardous K061 Electric Arc Furnace Dust Waste. WATCH also continues to assert a second hearing on the proposed de-listing is necessary due to a lack of public notice about the first hearing, and a material prejudice that exists toward residents of DeWitt County if the Illinois Pollution Control Board does not hold a second hearing on this very serious matter.
The IPCB memo from 8/21/08 is in the attached .PDF document below:
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Outrageous: Picture taken at 8/18/08 Illinois Pollution Control Board Hearing sent to WATCH shows IEPA Legal Council "knitting" instead of listening to the public:
Well, maybe after they finish their knitting the IEPA will actually pay attention to what the public has to say about Peoria Disposal's proposed delisting of hazardous K061 Electric Arc Furnace Dust Waste....
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| Illinois EPA Legal Council ( seen 2nd from right) is actually knitting instead of listening to the public during the Illinois Pollution Control Board hearing in Peoria on 8/18/08 concerning Peoria Disposal's petition for the de-listing of Electric Arc Furnace Dust Waste (KO61). Is the IEPA an agency that is really that concerned about the health and welfare of DeWitt County residents? |
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8/20/08 Updated: WATCH appears at 8/18/08 Illinois Pollution Control Board Hearing to demand a second hearing be scheduled in Dewitt County on PDC's proposed de-listing of Electric Arc Furnace Dust Waste (KO61) -
Representatives from WATCH appeared at the Illinois Pollution Control Board hearing in Peoria and made an oral motion for a second hearing to take place in DeWitt County. Many other speakers also requested a second IPCB hearing be held in DeWitt County as well. The IPCB hearing officer Ms. Webb indicated that the Pollution Control Board would make a decision on Thursday morning 8/21/08 to decide if a second hearing will be scheduled. WATCH cited statute 415 ILCS 5/28a as the relevant law to request this second hearing. Peoria Disposal attorneys chose to not follow the rules of the IPCB hearing and decided to object and interrupt WATCH President Matt Varble while he was addressing the IPCB hearing officer. Obviously Peoria Disposal was very concerned about WATCH's actions to the point of where their legal council decided to try an circumvent the rules of the hearing process by interrupting the speaker. Matt Varble was the only person (out of 27) who spoke at the hearing that was interrupted in such a manner by the attorneys representing Peoria Disposal Company. WATCH asserts that this type of behavior and actions by representatives of Peoria Disposal indicates how much they wish to deny and obstruct further public input on their petition to de-list Electric Arc Furnace Dust Waste (KO61).
"In the case of state-wide regulations hearings shall be held in at least two areas." WATCH believes KO61 De-listing is affecting statewide regulations based off Mr. Coulter's comments on 8/13/08 to the DeWitt County Board that the de-listed KO61 can be taken to any landfill in Illinois, thus triggering our search of this statute: http://www.ilga.gov/legislation/ilcs/documents/041500050K28.htm
8/20/08 Bloomington Pantagraph has more:
http://www.pantagraph.com/articles/2008/08/20/news/doc48ab90b375b7d920478572.txt
8/19/08 Peoria Journal Star has more: http://www.pjstar.com/news/x1892834545/Crowd-shows-opposition-to-PDC-landfill-proposal
8/14/08 DeWitt County Board declines (10-2 vote) to get involved in Hazardous Waste Delisting Process set to be held on 8/18/08 in front of the Illinois Pollution Control Board.
8/14/08 Bloomington Pantagraph has more: http://www.pantagraph.com/articles/2008/08/13/news/doc48a3b4d61c25f741019539.txt
After a 3 hour meeting by a 10-2 vote, the DeWitt County Board declined to pass a resolution requesting the Illinois Pollution Control Board hold a hearing in DeWitt County on Peoria Disposal's permit application to delist hazardous Electric Arc Furnace Dust waste (K061). Peoria Disposal made public claims that they would agree to allow DeWitt County to amend the landfill hosting agreement with DeWitt County. The public proposal made by Peoria Disposal allegedly would allow the DeWitt County Board to have the right to allow or deny the disposal of treated hazardous waste at the Clinton Landfill. Peoria Disposal indicated that they would allow the amendment as long as the DeWitt County Board did not get involved in the Illinois Pollution Control Board permitting process.
WATCH continues to express skepticism and concern over the DeWitt County Board's refusal to get engaged in this process in exchange for a nebulous and non-specific promise made by Peoria Disposal to allow the County Board to amend the County landfill hosting agreement to "give them greater control over this process". The actions taken by the DeWitt County Board this evening continue to demonstrate the disconnect with the vast majority of the public's expression of opinion on the landfill issue.
8/14/08 Update: Charter Bus trip has been canceled due to the refusal of the DeWitt County Board to become publicly engaged in this Pollution Control Board hearing process. However WATCH representatives still plan to attend the hearing in Peoria to represent concerns brought forward by the community.
8/13/08: Emergency Public Meeting of the full DeWitt County Board is to be held at 7PM tonight. The Board is meeting about the Clinton Landfill. The public is strongly encouraged to attend.
WATCH press release issued on 8/13/08:
The DeWitt County Board will have an emergency special meeting tonight, Wednesday, Aug. 13, 2008 at 7 p.m. at the DeWitt County Building, 201 W. Washington St., Clinton to discuss the filing of a petition with the Illinois Pollution Control Board (IPCB) by Peoria Disposal Company (PDC), owners of the Clinton Landfill, to bring treated hazardous waste for permanent storage at Clinton Landfill.
Listed on the meeting agenda is expected action on a resolution requesting the IPCB to hold a public hearing on the company's proposal in Clinton. The only hearing currently scheduled is for Monday, Aug. 18, at 3 p.m. at the downtown Peoria Public Library.
The board is also to consider retaining outside counsel for representation of DeWitt County's interests before the IPCB. County officials announced late Tuesday that representatives from PDC confirmed that they would be present to explain the company's proposal, which the petition indicates has been in development over the past year.
Matt Varble, President of WATCH Clinton Landfill, a community-based grass roots coalition organized to oppose the permitting of a Chemical Waste Landfill in Clinton, said the group would also make a presentation to the board. Also scheduled to speak at the meeting are representatives from the Central Illinois Sierra Club and Peoria Families Against Toxic Waste. Both groups have been involved in protesting PDC's attempts to expand its hazardous waste landfill in Peoria. That expansion was denied by the Peoria County Board and the IPCB, but PDC has appealed the denial to the Illinois Appellate Court.
8/14/08 Update: Charter Bus trip has been canceled due to the refusal of the DeWitt County Board to become publicly engaged in this Pollution Control Board hearing process. However WATCH representatives still plan to attend the hearing in Peoria to represent concerns brought forward by the community.
Varble added that WATCH has also arranged for a free charter bus for residents wanting to attend the Aug. 18 hearing in Peoria. "WATCH feels it is very important for DeWitt County to have a large presence at the hearing. It may be the only chance anyone has to express their concerns over PDC's plans to bring this treated toxic and lethal waste to Clinton," said Varble.
Anyone interested in reserving a seat for the Peoria trip can contact WATCH at (217) 935-5187 or by email at: inbox@watchclintonlandfill.com
8/8/08: WATCH discovers Peoria Disposal is attempting to reclassify (delist) Hazardous Electric Arc Furnace Dust Waste in order for them to treat and dump it at the Clinton Landfill (in addition to several other municipal waste landfills). A Public Hearing in front of the Illinois Pollution Control Board is at 3PM on 8/18/08 at the Peoria Public Library:
8/8/08 Bloomington Pantagraph Media Coverage: http://www.pantagraph.com/articles/2008/08/08/news/doc489cf69214b7e761893485.prt
The 8/3/08 Peoria Journal Star Has More: http://www.pjstar.com/news/x280666901/Get-a-big-whiff-of-landfill-debate
Electric Arc Furnace dust results from steel mill processes. It is a listed hazardous waste from the "derived from rule" and it contains known carcinogens and other highly toxic substances, including hexavalent chromium, mercury, arsenic, lead, zinc and cadmium. While some of the EAF waste treated at PDC comes from Keystone Steel and Wire in Bartonville, Peoria County, PDC accepts EAF wastes from other states. After trucking the hazardous waste to the PDC location at Peoria, PDC puts EAF waste through their "stabilization" processing.
The waste will then be tested daily to see that it meets landfill requirements. PDC then wants to ship the treated waste to one of their municipal waste landfills, instead of having to landfill it in their hazardous waste licensed landfill at Peoria, where they have been landfilling this waste for about 20 years.
This Cannot Be Allowed to be stored at the Clinton Landfill at any cost, as this yet again represents a very grave risk toward our community. WATCH is presently organizing and informing the public about this dangerous situation. More details will follow soon.
PDC responded to these initial hazardous waste concerns that were raised by WATCH on January 18, 2008 in the Clinton Journal. Their answers in January 2008 now conflict with the present actions taking place that WATCH has recently uncovered. See 1/18/08 Clinton Journal article excerpt below (underlining and coloring added for emphasis):
CLINTON – "After the Illinois Pollution Control Board voted last week to deny a request by Peoria Disposal to modify it hazardous waste permit for its Peoria facility, WATCH president Matt Varble said he feared such a situation might shift the company’s focus for hazardous waste to Clinton. But Chris Coulter, one of Peoria Disposal/Area Disposal’s owners, told The Journal this week that the Peoria decision would not affect the Clinton Landfill."
What PDC said publicly back on January 18, 2008 about the Clinton Landfill is not consistent with what is presently happening in front of the Illinois Pollution Control Board (as evidenced by the article excerpt above). The Peoria Disposal delisting application to try and allow treated hazardous Electric Arc Furnace Dust waste at the Clinton Landfill dates back to formal actions taking place from November 1, 2007 with the IEPA.
It is now clear to WATCH and WATCH also now believes that Peoria Disposal knew and had these intentions all along to bring treated Hazardous Waste to the Clinton Landfill. It also appears that PDC has intentionally not disclosed this information privately or publicly to the DeWitt County Board. These actions are now construed by many - including some DeWitt County Board Members - as an attempt to deceive the board and also deflect public opposition from PDC's plans to bring treated Hazardous Waste to the Clinton Landfill. The Coulter Family and PDC appear to choose their words very carefully and use technical definitions in an effort to mask their true intentions from the public.
7/22/08: $18,499.89 spent by Clinton Landfill PAC (owned by Peoria Disposal) in political campaign for the 2/5/08 DeWitt County Chemical Waste Landfill referendum question. 7/15/08 State Board of Elections campaign disclosure report has more detail: http://www.elections.il.gov/CampaignDisclosure/CommitteeDetail.aspx?id=21069
This once again affirms the position of WATCH that the Februrary 5, 2008 advisory referendum results did matter and were significant. If the advisory referendum results did not matter, it would have made no sense for Peoria Disposal to be spending tens of thousands of dollars through their Political Action Committee to try and manipulate public opinion in a political campaign. Despite being heavily outspent by a margin of what appears to be more than 6 to 1 WATCH Clinton Landfill was still successful in achieving victory. On 2/5/08, more than 74% of all voters voiced their opposition to the U.S. EPA permitting of a proposed toxic Chemical Waste Landfill in DeWitt County.
As an organization and as a community the work is not done, and we must continue our efforts to oppose the permitting of a toxic Chemical Waste Landfill in DeWitt County. WATCH wishes to remind everyone that another referendum question will appear on the ballot for the November 2008 General Election. The November 2008 referendum question will ask voters if the DeWitt County Board should take action and oppose the permitting of a Chemical Waste Landfill in DeWitt County. Your answer to this second referendum question in November 2008 should be YES.
7/2/08 A truck with contaminated soil tips over in front of Clinton Landfill on US Route 51. What if this had been PCB Toxic Chemical Waste? This is yet another example of the type of danger that would exist in the future for DeWitt County residents should a Toxic Chemical PCB Waste Landfill be permitted. A picture of the accident scene is below:
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| 7/2/08 Contaminated soil is spilled on U.S. 51 at Clinton Landfill; What if this had been Toxic Chemical PCB Contaminated Soil? |
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At 5PM on 7/2/08 WATCH President Matt Varble personally observed an overturned semi-truck with soil spilled out across U.S. Route 51 in front of the Clinton Landfill. WATCH immediately contacted the press in addition to other residents who also alerted the IEPA in order to gather more information on the situation. It appears that the accident resulted in contaminated soil being spilled out on to the highway according to later press reports. WATCH questions what could have happened if this had been Toxic Chemical PCB contaminated waste? This is yet another reason as to why we must stand firmly against the permitting of a Chemical Waste Landfill in DeWitt County:
7/3/08 Bloomington Pantagraph has more on the 7/2/08 accident in front of the Clinton Landfill:
http://www.pantagraph.com/articles/2008/07/02/news/doc486c50fa6b6a7771876816.txt
6/6/08 WATCH Continues to meet and communicate with our elected officials, public interest environmental attorneys, and government agencies. At this time WATCH is seeing more encouraging signs of progress (details forthcoming).
More details will be forthcoming and made public at the appropriate time. WATCH representatives have been extremely active and aggressively pursuing the organization's mission to better protect our enviroment from the threat of dangerous PCB Chemical Waste being stored above the Mahomet Aquifer. Fruitful discussions and progress have continued at this time in addition to the several local voter driven initiatives presently undertaken by WATCH. We also wish to thank all of our supporters who have been meeting and assisting the organization over the last several months through pursuing our strategic objectives.
4/29/08 Peoria Disposal receives 10 year permit on their Hazardous Waste Landfill near Peoria. Their Landfill is expected to run out of room in 2009, however they claim they can "treat" the hazardous waste and dump it at another landfill. Does disposal of treated hazardous waste at "another landfill" now mean the landfill in Clinton, IL?
PDC Attorney Brian Meginnes quoted on WEEK-25 News in Peoria:
We can treat the waste there and dispose it at another landfill. Some of the characteristics of this waste, we can make it non-hazardous and take it somewhere else," Meginnes says.
Why WATCH has concerns about this:
The fact that PDC can "treat" the hazardous waste and magically make it safe to dispose of in "another landfill" is disturbing. The concern is that this waste is still "toxic waste" even if it has been diluted/treated/mixed to be defined as "non-hazardous". It is still (in WATCH's view) a very unsafe type of waste to be potentially stored above the Mahomet Aquifer. This action also appears to WATCH to be another maneuver by PDC to legally work around the legal definitions and regulations of what is considered to be "hazardous waste" in order to work around this definition and increase their corporate profits at the expense of public health and safety. It is known that the process of treating hazardous waste is a legal and legitimate process, however few people outside of the industry realize how weak the definitions of "hazardous" and "non-hazardous" waste really are. WATCH has concerns that "treated" hazardous waste now defined as "non-hazardous" could certainly be destined to be placed at the Clinton Landfill based off these new developments.
WEEK-25 News in Peoria has more:
4/16/08 http://www.week.com/news/local/17825899.html
4/19/08 http://www.week.com/news/local/17946974.html
4/17/08 Peoria Journal Star newspaper has more : http://www.pjstar.com/stories/041708/TRI_BGC5URJD.009.php
Former chemist Bill Cook, for example, complimented the professionalism of the PDC staff. But, he said, the problem is - "location, location, location" - toxic materials above a major water supply.
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4/18/08 U.S. Senator Barack Obama D-IL and U.S. Senator Dick Durbin D-IL have issued a joint letter expressing strong concerns to the U.S. EPA regarding Peoria Disposal's proposed Toxic Chemical Waste PCB Landfill for DeWitt County. (click on link to .PDF copy of the letter below)
WATCH President Matt Varble said in an official press release that: "WATCH has worked for about six months with both Senators'
staff during their review of the landfill's proposal and the serious risks that WATCH feels it poses to the public's health."
Senator Obama and Senator Durbin stated they were both "troubled" about the proposed placement of the Chemical Waste Landfill above the Mahomet Aquifer. They have also requested that the U.S. EPA provide them a timeline of its evaluation and any preliminary findings and information that have been determined, including the potential impact on the Aquifer. They also asked for assurances that the U.S. EPA will conduct public hearings on the issue.
WATCH hopes that this strongly worded letter focuses everyone's attention on the health risks that the proposed chemical waste landfill poses, particularly for our groundwater.
With the senators' letter, we again see that when time is spent actually evaluating the risks that this PCB landfill poses to the public's health and our water resources, it clearly demonstrates that locating the landfill at this site is a ridiculous and unnecessary risk.
Bloomington Pantagraph press coverage:
http://pantagraph.com/articles/2008/04/19/news/doc480a22440e0e5085767564.txt
WJBC 1230AM McLean County press coverage: http://www.wjbc.com/wire2/news/06224_Obama_Durbin_Landfill_WEB_114949.htm
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4/18/08 A 5.4 Earthquake strikes Central Illinois at 4:37AM/CDT. A second Earthquake rated at 4.6 also happened at 10:14AM CDT. Both of the Earthquakes were felt in Clinton, IL. WATCH has previously raised concerns about an earthquake and its potential effects on a Chemical Waste Landfill containment system: http://www.watchclintonlandfill.com/newmadridfault.html
4/18/08 4:37AM Earthquake #1: http://pasadena.wr.usgs.gov/shake/cus/STORE/X2008qza6/ciim_display.html
4/18/08 10:14AM Earthquake #2: http://pasadena.wr.usgs.gov/shake/cus/STORE/X2008qzbw/ciim_display.html
WATCH President Matt Varble was awakened at 4:37AM this morning and quickly realized that an earthquake was occurring since his entire house (located in DeWitt County) was shaking to a considerable degree and also experienced a second earthquake at 10:14AM. WATCH has previously raised concerns about the possible effects of any seismic activity should a Toxic Chemical Waste Landfill be permitted and located above the Mahomet Aquifer in DeWitt County. Today is a perfect example of why WATCH and the majority of the public in DeWitt County have even further reason and evidence to be opposed to a Toxic Chemical Waste Landfill being proposed or permitted above the Mahomet Aquifer. Such seismic activity could potentially cause a Chemical Waste Landfill containment system to be ruptured or breached, raising the risk of PCB contaminated waste entering our primary drinking water supply. WATCH intends to present this information and keep the public informed about the risks associated with this event:
http://ap.google.com/article/ALeqM5gxPvXBa_kwldln7jw_kNT0EsoE1QD904786O0
4/13/08 Media Coverage: Decatur Herald & Review: "Opponents of chemical waste coming to DeWitt County landfill lining up second vote through townships":
http://www.herald-review.com/articles/2008/04/12/news/local/1031703.txt
4/12/08 Media Coverage: WATCH is on the front page of the Bloomington Pantagraph
"Opponents of landfill plan to get a 2nd vote": http://www.pantagraph.com/articles/2008/04/12/news/doc4800322f2bbdd065712711.txt
4/9/08 Thank you to all of the residents of the various townships in DeWitt County that placed a new referendum question on the ballot for the November 4, 2008 General Election during the annual township meetings on 4/8/08. At least 76% of DeWitt County Voters will be guaranteed to see the question on the 11/4/08 ballot
(8 of the 13 Townships have certified the referendum question so far and more are forthcoming--updates will be posted soon).
WATCH has successfully been able to certify another voter referendum question for the November 4, 2008 General Election ballot in most of DeWitt County. This was conducted through utilizing the procedures set forth during the annual township meetings that occurred last night and was made possible by our numerous volunteers and members who helped organize this concerted effort. WATCH wishes to state a sincere thank-you to everybody who made this possible.
November 4, 2008 referendum question: "Shall the DeWitt County Board rescind the amendment, approved on Aug. 23, 2007, with Clinton Landfill, Inc. for the permitting of a chemical waste landfill and related structures and oppose the permitting of a chemical waste landfill and related structures in DeWitt County?"
Partial list of participating Townships in DeWitt County ( this list is being updated and growing as WATCH receives more confirmations on certification of the referendum question):
Clintonia Township (encompasses the county seat (Clinton) and unicorporated areas)
Creek Township (encompasses the village of Lane and unicorporated areas)
DeWitt Township (village of DeWitt and unicorporated areas)
Texas Township (Southern portions of DeWitt County including a portion of the City of Clinton)
Tunbridge Township (encompasses Kenney and unicorporated areas)
Wapella Township (encompasses village of Wapella and unicorporated areas )
Waynesville Township (encompasses village of Waynesville and unicorporated areas )
Wilson Township (Northen unicorporated areas of DeWitt County)
All of these townships combined represent at least 76% of the voters of DeWitt County. WATCH will continue to update this list as we gather additional confirmations.
4/7/08 Why is Peoria Disposal allegedly going to speak at the DeWitt County quarterly Township Officials meeting on 4/28 when 3 out of 4 voters here have clearly rejected a proposed chemical waste landfill?
WATCH has been informed about this alleged meeting and wants to publicly point out that Peoria Disposal still doesn't get it, and has failed to understand that the people of DeWitt County have been very well educated about Peoria Disposal's proposed Toxic Chemical Waste Landfill (based upon the tens of thousands of dollars in expensive campaign literature that Peoria Disposal mailed out across DeWitt County). The public has resoundingly said "NO" to Peoria Disposal in the advisory referendum vote held on 2/5/08. This latest behind the scenes action by them appears to be a clear indication that Peoria Disposal has no intention of listening to or respecting the will of the people of DeWitt County and is attempting to conduct a clandestine end-run around what the people have said and what the people don’t want. The public will most likely not stand for any of this and WATCH will continue to bring this to the attention of the media and to all of the voters of DeWitt County so that we can collectively hold ALL of our locally elected officials accountable if they continue to not listen to the demands made by the public.
3/24/08 Media Coverage: "The Voice of McLean County" WJBC 1230AM Bloomington, IL follow up news coverage on IL House Bill 4231: http://www.wjbc.com/wire2/news/04629_Landfill-Reaction-2WEB_083352.htm3/19/08 Media Coverage: Peoria Disposal uses special interest lobbyists in Springfield and succeeds in killing Illinois House Bill 4231. (Legislation would have given the public a binding voice via voter referendum concerning the issuing of any Toxic Chemical Waste Landfill permits in Illinois) The Bloomington Pantagraph has more:http://www.pantagraph.com/articles/2008/03/19/news/doc47e0acb7b653b409991864.txt
WATCH again points out that Peoria Disposal contradicts itself as a self described "good neighbor" status when we examine their actions more closely. We now see the all too common actions of a ruthless Corporation utilizing the powers and influence of money and special interests in Springfield to subvert the will of the people. Essentially Peoria Disposal does not support allowing the public having a voice through a binding referendum concerning the permitting of Toxic Chemical Waste Landfills in Illinois. Obviously since the idea of a proposed Chemical Waste Landfill was rejected on 2/5/08 by 75% of the voters in an advisory referendum in DeWitt County Peoria Disposal has since used expensive lobbyists and fought against our interests in Springfield with the Illinois State Legislature. As of 3/12/08 Illinois HB4231introduced by State Representative Bill Mitchell (R-Forsyth) was defeated at the House Environment Committee by a 5-14 vote as a result of Corporate Special Interests winning out against the will of the people. WATCH is in the process of obtaining the tape and minutes of the 3/5/08 legislative hearing so that everybody in DeWitt County can see and hear what Peoria Disposal and their special interest lobbyist had to say at the State level in addition to the degree of contempt they have demonstrated toward the general public up to this point in time.
Although WATCH cannot control what happens in Springfield, we certainly can point out when our Government is listening to special interests instead of the public. WATCH will continue to focus our efforts locally in DeWitt County and is already on the path of representing the desire of the people to prohibit a Toxic Chemical Waste Landfill from being placed above the Mahomet Aquifer (our primary water supply).
IL HB4231 Bill Status Report is here: http://www.ilga.gov/legislation/BillStatus.asp?DocNum=4231&GAID=9&DocTypeID=HB&SessionID=51
2/22/08 Media Coverage: Bloomington Pantagraph: "Loud Clear "NO" Made to Chemical Storage at Clinton Landfill" (2/21/08 DeWitt County Board Meeting): http://www.pantagraph.com/articles/2008/02/22/news/doc47be69a60136f365415907.txtWATCH President Matt Varble and other WATCH members were present at the DeWitt County Board for their 2/21/08 meeting when the discussion about the referendum results came up about the proposed Toxic Chemical Waste Landfill. DeWitt County Board Chairman Steve Lobb has publicly acknowledged the results of the referendum and has indicated that the DeWitt County Board intends to respond to the public's wishes as described in the Pantagraph article. WATCH will continue working with our elected officials to help stop the permitting of the Toxic Chemical Waste Landfill in DeWitt County.
2/21/08 DeWitt County Board set to address Toxic Chemical Waste Landfill at their 2/21/08 Board Meeting:
WATCH President Matt Varble has been advised by certain Board Memebrs about their proposed and intended actions on the DeWitt County Board for their 2/21/08 meeting regarding the proposed Toxic Chemical Waste Landfill referendum results. Representatives from WATCH will be in attendance at the Board meeting this evening to observe and be available to answer questions from the Board and media. The DeWitt County Board is set to begin revisiting and addressing the Landfill issue this evening as a result of the overwhelming and continuing level of public outcry. WATCH intends to continue actively representing and conveying the voice of the vast majority of the public in DeWitt County that has conclusively stated their nearly universal opposition to the Chemical Waste Landfill on 2/5/08.
2/6/08 VICTORY! 2/5/08 DeWitt County, IL Toxic Chemical Waste Landfill Advisory Referendum:
Are you in favor of the United States Environmental Protection Agency approving Clinton Landfill Inc.'s application to site a chemical waste landfill in DeWitt County?
Official Results on 2/5/08: 3,531 NO (74.3%) 1,225 Yes (25.7%)
WATCH would like to sincerely thank everyone who came out to vote "NO" and state their opposition to the proposed Chemical Waste Landfill.
DeWitt County State's Attorney Race:
Dick Koritz: 1,682 (57.2%) Andrew Killian 1,258 (42.8%)
Clearly the Landfill issue impacted this race and was a key factor in Mr. Kortiz's victory. WATCH again thanks the public for their support of Mr. Koritz. WATCH has already met with and congratulated the DeWitt County State's Attorney Elect and has expressed our organization's position for the future regarding the proposed Chemical Waste Landfill.
2/6/08: WATCH wins major victory and impacts other DeWitt County political races:
Clearly the Landfill issue impacted most of the DeWitt County political races such as State's Attorney and County Board District C and was a key factor yesterday evening's overwhelming victory. WATCH again thanks the public for their support on this issue and will continue to pursue our mission and objectives. WATCH has met with and congratulated all candidates who were elected as a result of this and has expressed our organization's position and desire to work directly with these newly elected representatives in order to pursue our objectives in opposing the Chemical Waste Landfill. It now appears WATCH has now obtained the undivided attention of the DeWitt County Board and intends to immediately seek reversal of DeWitt County's support for a proposed Chemical Waste Landfill. Thank you to everyone who made this overwhelming victory possible and we look forward to what the future has in store.
VOTE "NO" TODAY! VOTE "NO" TODAY! VOTE "NO" TODAY!
2/5/08 Remember to turn over your ballots and vote "NO" on the landfill referendum today!
VOTE "NO" TODAY! VOTE "NO" TODAY! VOTE "NO" TODAY! 2/3/08 DeWitt County Assistant State's Attorney & Solid Waste Coordinator Andrew L. Killian's misrepresentation about the Clinton Landfill (an apparent attempt being made to misrepresent his way into office): WATCH has reviewed the insert placed in the Friday 2/2/08 edition of the Clinton Journal by Andrew Killian. WATCH has discovered that Mr. Killian is telling a major misrepresentation in a probable attempt to cover up and distort the facts. Mr. Killian refers to Clinton Landfill #2 in his literature in an attempt to refute our organization's position.
The fact is WATCH has made NO REFERENCE WHATSOEVER to Clinton Landfill #2 in our literature or this website. All of what WATCH has been talking about since September 2007 is referring to Clinton Landfill #3, which is the expansion of the regular landfill in addition to the section of Clinton Landfill #3 that Peoria Disposal wants to designate as a Chemical PCB Waste Landfill. This has absolutely nothing to do with Clinton Landfill #2 (the existing landfill which will close in 2008).
Mr. Killian states in his literature a response "Myth #3"that DeWitt County will be losing $23 Million in revenue on Clinton Landfill #2 over the next 24 years: "Clinton Landfill #2 will close in 2008. There will be no revenue generated or lost from it. The new agreement is for Clinton Landfill #3 which will open because #2 is closing."
Obviously since Mr. Kilian is the Solid Waste Coordinator and Assistant State's Attorney for DeWitt County (who was also part of the Clinton Landfill contract negotiations) we all know that he fully understands the difference between Clinton Landfill #2 and #3 but probably hopes that you (the public reader) doesn't . This is obviously an attempt by Mr. Killian to lie and cheat his way into being elected as the DeWitt County State's Attorney. WATCH's study about the $23 Million dollars in additional revenue loss over 24 years was in reference to Clinton Landfill #3 when compared to surrounding counties base rates charged per ton of waste received which are significantly higher.
This reflection upon the level of dishonesty and lack of integrity exhibited by Mr. Killian is very sad. The obvious misrepresentation and distortions he is telling us is a very good litmus test of why he has NO BUSINESS being elected into a position of trust and authority as the DeWitt County State's Attorney. Imagine what else he would do as our State's Attorney if he is willing to misrepresent facts in an attempt to "get his way" at any cost. We need a State's Attorney who will uphold our laws and justice system and exhibit a sense of integrity and truthfulness in dealing with the public, not somebody who will subvert it and misrepresent the situation to achieve political objectives; or even worse as an out of control overzealous and vindictive prosecutor burdening tax payers with frivolous pursuits and more poorly negotiated contracts that fleece DeWitt County.
Please remember to turn over your ballots to vote "NO" on the Landfill Question next Tuesday 2/5/08 if you declare a political party at the polls.
Just as a friendly reminder to all voters declaring a political party on election day on 2/5/08: You must TURN OVER your ballots in order to vote "NO" on the landfill referendum question since it will be located on the back of your ballot. You DO NOT need to declare a political party to vote if you just want to vote on the landfill question and any of the other referendum questions. People who ask for a "non-partisan" ballot should see the Landfill referendum question on the front of their ballot. Anyone with questions, please call the DeWitt County Clerk's office at 217-935-2119.
Anatomy of a PCB Spill: The Hudson River PCB Contamination Story
Take a look at a documented story about PCB contamination of the Hudson River in Upstate New York. This is one of many cases of where PCB contamination of a water supply had disasterous consequences to the environment and public health:
http://www.clearwater.org/pcbs/slideshow/slide1.html
1/25/08 Peoria Disposal decides to comply with the law after being exposed by WATCH and has formed a political action committee. They are spending between $20,000-$30,000 on the referendum in DeWitt County (yet they have previously claimed this is all irrelevant):
http://www.pantagraph.com/articles/2008/01/25/news/doc479921d903d76541282336.txt
WATCH wants to point out the exhorbitant amounts of cash that Peoria Disposal is dumping into this referendum and we are not surprised with the fact that Peoria Disposal had to be exposed as potentially violating State Election Laws for their total failure to disclose their campaign expenditures within the required timeline until our organization said something about it earlier this week. The hypocrisy that exists with Peoria Disposal is not surprising as they have claimed the referendum results are irrelevant, yet are spending tens of thousands of dollars to try and convince us otherwise.
Here is a link to their PAC that was formed: http://www.elections.il.gov/CampaignDisclosure/CommitteeDetail.aspx?id=21069
Question: Do you or your family or does anybody else you know drop $20,000-$30,000 on something irrelevant? Remember to vote NO on February 5th, 2008.
1/25/08 Champaign County Board votes unanimously (24-0) passing a resolution opposing proposed Chemical Waste Landfill
On Thursday evening 1/24/08 the Champaign County Board passed a resolution 24-0 opposing the proposed Chemical Waste Landfill for DeWitt County. They are sending their resolution to the U.S. EPA in Chicago once it is certified by the Champaign County Clerk. Peoria Disposal Vice President Ron Edwards was there to try and persuade the Board to send it back to the Environment and Land Use Committee, but the Board rejected those arguments and passed the resolution.
WATCH is very pleased with this result and now has Logan and Champaign Counties both expressing their opposition to the proposed Chemical Waste Landfill. We will continue to pursue this initiative and plan to keep our membership and the media informed of the latest developments as public opposition continues to build.
1/22/08 It Looks Like Peoria Disposal Company is Violating Illinois State Election Laws (To date they have not disclosed a campaign committee as required by state law). Yet another sign of why we shouldn't trust what they are saying or doing:
In WATCH's opinion, if it is determined that Peoria Disposal Company (owners of the Clinton Landfill) isn’t following or respecting the law already, why should we as a community believe that they are going to follow the laws for a proposed Chemical Waste Landfill in Dewitt County? This serves as yet another reason to vote “NO” on February 5.
Who must file campaign disclosure reports?
Any individual, trust, partnership, committee, association, corporation, or any other organization or group of persons which receives or spends more than $3,000 on behalf of or in opposition to a candidate or question of public policy, meets the definition of a political committee and must comply with all provisions of the Illinois Campaign Financing Act, including the filing of campaign disclosure reports
It is clear based off the 2 telephone polls if conducted by Peoria Disposal and the numerous mailings we have received in DeWitt County, that Peoria Disposal Company (the owners of the Landfill) would have already exceeded the $3,000 spending threshold requiring campaign disclosure within a 5 day window of hitting that limit since they have been lobbying the public in DeWitt County on a question of public policy (the advisory referendum).
Below is an electronic link to the Illinois State Board of Elections complaint form if anyone wishes to fill out and submit a complaint to the Illinois State Board of Elections against Peoria Disposal Company as it appears that they have failed to follow State campaign disclosure laws:
http://www.elections.illinois.gov/Downloads/CampaignDisclosure/PDF/d4.pdf
1/21/08 Media Coverage: follow up article in Bloomington Pantagraph:
http://www.pantagraph.com/articles/2008/01/21/news/doc4794e256c13db723593148.txt
This follow up article discusses how PDC is "campaigning" on the upcoming referendum, however according to prior articles as seen in other publications, Peoria Disposal Vice President Chris Coulter has asserted that this is "irrelevant" to whether or not a Chemical Waste Landfill permit is issued. WATCH is confused by the contradicting positions taken by PDC and it looks as though the referendum DOES matter or else we wouldn't see thousands of dollars being spent by out of town Peoria Disposal Company who is attempting to tell DeWitt County what's best for all of us.
1/21/08 Media Coverage: DeWitt County proposed Chemical Waste Landfill Referendum is featured in the Bloomington Pantagraph (DeWitt County Board Chairman Steve Lobb indicates DeWitt County may reverse and withdraw their support for proposed Chemical Waste Landfill if enough people vote 'NO'):
http://www.pantagraph.com/articles/2008/01/21/news/doc4793d688bacaf043605360.txt#blogcomments
The Bloomington Pantagraph has run a story in today's paper featuring the Feb. 5, 2008 landfill referendum question for voters in DeWitt County. The most significant detail is that County Board Chairman Steve Lobb indicates within the article that the DeWitt County Board may revisit and could withdraw their support for the proposed Chemical Waste Landfill should there be overwhelming opposition from the vote. Based upon this article WATCH again asserts that your vote DOES matter and could help prevent the Chemical Waste Landfill from being allowed into DeWitt County.
1/20/08 Media Coverage: WATCH is featured on the front page of Sunday Jan. 20, 2008 edition of the Champaign News-Gazette:
http://www.news-gazette.com/news/local/2008/01/20/squaring_off_residents_company_find
WATCH President Matt Varble was contacted last week by the Champaign News-Gazette (http://www.news-gazette.com/) and he discussed our organization's mission and purpose related to this issue of a proposed Chemical Waste Landfill possibly coming to DeWitt County. To our surprise and delight the News-Gazette also believed this issue was significant enough to feature it on the front page of their Sunday newspaper (with an additional article in section A-5 discussing Rep. Bill Mitchell's proposed legislation to address this issue). The articles are complete inclduing large color phtographs in the hard copy edition of the paper. It is the hope of WATCH that this degree of news coverage will continue to draw more support and keep building regional political pressure. This ultimately could result in a denial of Peoria Disposal Company's application to receive a Chemical Waste Landfill permit for the Clinton Landfill.
1/16/08 Response to Peoria Disposal's letter to the Editor in 1/15/08 Clinton Journal
As President of WATCH Clinton Landfill I believe that it is important to point out some very important facts in response to the letter written by Area Disposal Vice President Chris Coulter published in the Tuesday, Jan. 15, 2008 edition of the Clinton Journal.
First of all WATCH enjoys support from members across DeWitt County and Central Illinois who represent a broad cross section of our community and have committed themselves to WATCH through their volunteer efforts, financial contributions, or other such acts of kindness and support. WATCH is open to anybody who opposes locating a toxic Chemical Waste Landfill above the Mahomet Aquifer in DeWitt County, which puts the groundwater of ourselves and most all of Central Illinois at risk of contamination. Our mission, and our belief, is that a toxic PCB Chemical Waste Landfill has absolutely no business being placed above our groundwater supply at any price. For a company that purports to be so open and honest with the public, WATCH finds it a very questionable tactic that Mr. Coulter chose to single out individual supporters of our organization by name for the purposes of public criticism simply to further advance their financially motivated agenda.
There is no more need for WATCH to release a list of our membership than Mr. Coulter to disclose the millions of dollars of profit that his family's company expects to earn by placing our groundwater at risk of contamination forever.
The fact that The DeWitt County Constitution's publisher David Holt decided to write a critical editorial about the proposed Chemical Waste Landfill was his decision not WATCH's.
It appears that Mr. Coulter is confusing two different organizations. Mr. Holt is a newspaper publisher who has been publicly supportive of the mission and beliefs of WATCH (as evidenced by his editorial). WATCH certainly welcomes all individuals, newspapers, or other businesses who wish to publicly or privately support our mission and our beliefs while we continue to pursue this initiative. While WATCH may agree with much of the contents of Mr. Holt's editorial that Mr. Coulter criticizes, it did not come from our organization. WATCH and its members simply believe that locating a toxic Chemical Waste Landfill above the Mahomet Aquifer in DeWitt County and placing our groundwater at risk is not a good idea for our community as well as the rest of Central Illinois at any price.
Thank You,
Matt Varble
President
WATCH (We're Against Toxic CHemicals)
1/11/08 Peoria Disposal's Bid for their Hazardous Waste Landfill expansion denied again (in Peoria County). Peoria Disposal says that their Hazardous Waste Landfill site could fill up in 5 years. (Everybody get ready for a Hazardous Waste Landfill to come to DeWitt County)
WEEK- News 25 Has more: http://www.week.com/news/local/13689542.html
POTTSTOWN - The Illinois Pollution Control Board has checked another effort by Peoria Disposal Co. to expand the landfill.
Voting 4-0 on Thursday, the board upheld a decision by the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency, which denied PDC's proposal to modify its permit for the hazardous waste landfill.
The Peoria Journal Star also has more: http://www.pjstar.com/stories/011108/TRI_BFFADO67.009.php
WATCH has observed this story in today's Peoria Journal star and has the concern that it appears PDC is running out of space in Peoria, and that now their attention is turned toward DeWitt County. This is even further reason why ALL voters MUST VOTE NO. WATCH has already raised this concern about this possibility and with this recent development in Peoria County it is just more likely that we can expect PDC to probably start pursuing a Hazardous Waste Landfill in DeWitt County if they are successful in getting a Chemical Waste Landfill permitted here. Remember to vote NO on 2/5/08!
1/11/08 Why is PDC sending out expensive political junk mail all over DeWitt County if your vote is "irrelevant" according to them?
WATCH has received a copy of a mailed campaign flyer from the Clinton Landfill discussing the upcoming referendum (there were a lot of the discarded mailers thrown in the trash can near the post office last night). WATCH President Matt Varble also received many phone calls from concerned and upset residents of DeWitt County asking him more questions about the advertisement and the proposed Chemical Waste Landfill. The feedback that WATCH has received so far is that the flyer will increase turnout (which is good) and that voters were not persuaded to change their opinions about the proposed Chemical Waste landfill. Most residents stated to WATCH that DeWitt County cannot place a price on the safety of our groundwater and our environment and that more people are going to vote "NO" due to the fact that it appears PDC has now admitted in their own literature that a risk of contamination exists. WATCH again would like to point out that we expected and previously informed our supporters about what to expect over the next few weeks and as we have already stated: everybody needs to look at what PDC is doing, not what they are saying, as it clearly looks like their actions do not line up with their words. Obviously your vote on the referendum DOES matter or you wouldn't be seeing PDC spending thousands of dollars to send out expensive campaign flyers in the mail.
1/10/08 Why is PDC following WATCH around to meetings in other surrounding counties and trying to stop resolutions and additional public input if it is "irrelevant" according to them?
WATCH has learned that PDC appeared in front of the neighboring Piatt County Board on Tuesday January 8th at 9AM to discuss the proposed Chemical Waste Landfill in DeWitt County. What WATCH finds interesting is that it looks like what PDC is saying and what they are doing is 2 completely different things. In our opinion, this reflects upon their continued lack of public credibility and is further reason why what they say publicly should not be trusted.
Recall in the Clinton Daily Journal that Peoria Disposal Company Executive Chris Coulter was quoted as saying the 7-4 Logan County Board vote supporting a resolution against the proposed Chemical Waste Landfill was "irrelevant", yet he also said it was "disappointing". PDC still tried to persuade the Logan County Board to not pass the resolution opposing the proposed Toxic Chemical Waste Landfill. It is also noted that PDC is now following WATCH around to these meetings in surrounding counties for some unknown reason. Based upon this behavior exhibited by PDC it only further asserts that what is happening in the surrounding counties does matter, otherwise we wouldn't see PDC reacting in this manner, and we wouldn't see them showing up in surrounding counties. WATCH asserts that everybody needs to look at what PDC is doing, not what they are saying, as it clearly looks like their actions do not line up with their words.
1/7/08 IL State Representative Bill Mitchell (R-87th IL House District) introduces IL House Bill 4231 in response to public pressure and input received in addition to general concern about PCB Chemical Waste Landfills. Bill would require public approval through a binding referendum in any county where a PCB Chemical Waste Landfill is proposed:
The Bloomington Pantagraph & Decatur Herald & Review Have More:
http://www.herald-review.com/articles/2008/01/08/news/local/1029173.txt
http://www.pantagraph.com/articles/2008/01/08/news/doc4782faf756ce8042683692.tx
Illinois House Bill 4231 Synopsis As Introduced
http://www.ilga.gov/legislation/billstatus.asp?DocNum=4231&GAID=9&GA=95&DocTypeID=HB&LegID=34666&SessionID=51
Amends the Environmental Protection Act. Provides that any municipal solid waste landfill that, on or after October 1, 2007, has applied for a permit from the United States Environmental Protection Agency to accept wastes with a concentration of greater than 50 parts per million of polychlorinated biphenyls, as provided under the federal Toxic Substances Control Act, must also seek and obtain consent from the applicable county or municipality before accepting that waste. That consent may not be granted unless approved by referendum. Effective immediately.
WAND-TV also has more: http://www.wandtv.com/Global/story.asp?S=7588789
Remember that PDC's application to the U.S. EPA was made on or about October 19, 2007, thus if Rep. Mitchell's legislation passes it could effect the situation here in DeWitt County (since the proposed law says it would take effecton applications made after 10/1/07). So if the law is passed then DeWitt County residents could stop the Chemical Waste Landfill from being formed through a binding referendum!
WATCH would like to personally thank Representative Mitchell for aggressively pursuing these concerns via this legislation and his attempts to increase public input and increase the public's ability to protect OUR rights and OUR environment through a binding referendum regarding Chemical Waste Landfills. WATCH believes that our existence and grass roots efforts are directly responsible and the cause of this legislation being proposed and if passed could potentially stop the proposed Chemical Waste Landfill from becoming a reality in DeWitt County.
1/5/08 What you can probably expect to see in the next several weeks with the upcoming referendum vote:
In just 1 month from today it will be time to vote on the Landfill Question for the February 5, 2008 primary election in DeWitt County. It is important that EVERYBODY get out to vote. Voters who do not wish to declare a party can also vote by asking for a non-partisan ballot or by simply telling the election judges that you only want to vote on the Landfill question. There will be non-partisan ballots available specifically for that reason.
WATCH has observed that Peoria Disposal has already resorted to what we believe is deceptive behavior (as evidenced by the lack of public involvement or notification about what they were doing until WATCH formed) in addition to negative campaign tactics. Thus the public can expect to begin seeing more of the same nonsense coming from them in the next several weeks. WATCH has also spoken with our counterparts in Peoria (Peoria Families Against Toxic Waste) and has learned about how PDC is expected to behave in these situations. The reason why we believe PDC will become increasingly aggressive and negative and continue to distort the truth (in our opinion) is because the granting of a Chemical Waste Landfill permit to the Clinton Landfill by the U.S. EPA could represent millions of dollars worth of profits to PDC at the expense of our public health and safety. Thus it is likely that they have every incentive to stoop to the lowest levels and resort to the most atrocious campaign tactics due to their sole profit based motivations for those reasons and based upon how they have acted in similar circumstances in Peoria.
Our belief backed up by recent past history and examining the record suggests that PDC couldn't care less about you or about the general welfare of DeWitt County. However, WATCH fully expects PDC to continue to put up the false perception as a self-described "good neighbor" in order for them to achieve their financially motivated objectives. Expect to begin receiving more harassing push poll phone calls, slick mailing advertisements, or other forms of their slick and deceptive campaign junk mail. WATCH will immediately point this out to the media and on our website as it becomes more evident over the next several weeks in order to keep the public fully informed.
WATCH also intends to demonstrate that the residents of DeWitt County aren't going to be insulted or taken advantage of by a multi-million dollar company and their high priced lawyers from Peoria despite our more rural location in Central Illinois. We are intelligent and we respect OUR Ground Water, OUR Air, OUR Streams, OUR County, OUR Families, and OUR Health in addition to all of the family and small town rural American traditions that date back several generations in DeWitt County. We need to show solidarity and fully unify on Election Day by voicing our opinion at the ballot box and continue to publicly tell our elected representatives, PDC, and the media that the placement of a Toxic Chemical Waste Landfill above the Mahomet Aquifer is NOT an acceptable risk under any circumstances. Remember to Vote "NO" on February 5, 2008 to send PDC and the U.S. EPA a message!
Proposed Chemical Waste Landfill: A trainwreck waiting to happen? 12/27/07 Train derailment occurs near Monticello, Illinois in neighboring Piatt County (Yet another example of possible future risk to the public had this been Toxic Chemical Waste)
WATCH has observed that a train derailment occurred near Monticello, Illinois on 12/27/07 from a northbound locomotive. Fortunately the resulting spill was only corn and did not represent a major health or safety threat to the public. However should the proposed Chemical Waste Landfill for Peoria Disposal Company be permitted by the U.S. EPA in DeWitt County, this documented railroad accident could have very easily been toxic chemical waste. Recall that rail access to the Clinton Landfill is being enhanced and waste hauling rail cars will be coming through the main population center of DeWitt County (Clinton, IL). The Decatur Herald & Review has more on this rail accident:
(Click Link to see picture): http://www.herald-review.com/articles/2007/12/28/news/local/1028924.txt
WATCH asserts that this potential for transportation related accidents in addition to the many other reasons we have already presented is even further justification of why a Toxic Chemical Waste Landfill should not be permitted in DeWitt County
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12/18/07 Logan County Board votes 7-4 against proposed Chemical Waste Landfill
(Logan County Health Department also unanimously votes to oppose Chemical Waste Landfill)
The Logan County Board took a stand Tuesday December 18 voting 7-4 in favor of a resolution opposing the landfill which also tells the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency it doesn't want a chemical waste landfill constructed in neighboring DeWitt County. WATCH thanks the Logan County Board for taking a stand on this issue and publicly stating their opposition to the proposed Chemical Waste Landfill in addition to thanking the Logan County Health Department which is also unanimously opposed to it.
The Lincoln Courier has more:
http://www.lincolncourier.com/story.asp?SID=22184&SEC=8
Springfield State Journal Register also published the story on 12/20/07:
http://www.sj-r.com/News/stories/22248.asp
11/28/07 WATCH Discovers that Peoria Disposal Company is likely conducting a negative push poll (a negative type of smear tactic form of campaiging)
WATCH has been informed by more residents of DeWitt County that have been contacted for the likely PDC telephone poll asking their opinion on the proposed Chemical Waste Landfill. It has been determined that PDC is conducting a negative push poll.
A push poll is a political campaign technique in which an individual or organization attempts to influence or alter the view of respondents under the guise of conducting a poll. In a push poll, large numbers of respondents are contacted, and little or no effort is made to collect and analyze response data. Instead, the push poll is a form of telemarketing masquerading as a poll. Push polls are generally viewed as a form of negative campaigning. The term is also sometimes used inaccurately to refer to legitimate polls which test political messages, some of which may be negative. Push polling has been condemned by the American Association of Political Consultants. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Push_poll
Some of the questions WATCH has been informed about in this push poll are:
1. Do you realize a vote against the landfill is a vote against the HRC (recycling center)?
2. Do you have favorable or unfavorable support towards Chemical Waste Landfill, Matt Varble, PDC, HRC etc.
WATCH believes these type of smear tactics (negative push polling) are indicative of the type of character represented by PDC (a so called and self described "good neighbor"). WATCH will not engage in such negative campaigning and instead will rely upon facts and common sense in continuing our opposition to the permitting of a Toxic Chemical Waste Landfill in DeWitt County. We continue to believe and assert that DeWitt County should not become the nation's 11th toxic waste dumping ground for a variety of reasons.
WATCH has been invited to the 12/11/07 Clinton, IL Kiwanis Club meeting to speak.
WATCH President Matt Varble has been contacted and has agreed to meet and speak to the Kiwanis Club of Clinton, IL on 12/11/07. WATCH has been informed that PDC has already spoken to Kiwanis and they have asked for the other side of the story. WATCH has also learned that PDC was invited to the Clinton Rotary Club to speak and has yet to be invited to meet and present the other side of the story.
11/28/07 WATCH Discovers that Peoria Disposal Company is most likely conducting polling in DeWitt County. When questioned publicly on 11/27/07 at the Clinton public library PDC refused to answer the question:
WATCH has been informed by numerous residents of DeWitt County that have been contacted for a telephone poll asking their opinion on the proposed Chemical Waste Landfill in addition to whether or not they were aware of WATCH or heard of Matt Varble. When WATCH questioned PDC about this and the purpose of the poll they would not answer the question. WATCH suspects that PDC intends to try and present slanted data to the EPA or elsewhere in an attempt to offset the results of the upcoming February 5, 2008 public referendum taking place in DeWitt County on this issue as it is apparent that public sentiment is most likely opposed to the permitting of a Toxic Waste Dump. It is also suspected that PDC will engage in negative smear tactics and kick off their own campaign efforts to try and salvage this situation in an attempt to spin and confuse voters into thinking that a Toxic Waste Dump is a good idea.
Recall that PDC was opposed to allowing a public referendum to be placed on the ballot (as they showed up to one of the smallest Township meetings (of the 13 townships) in DeWitt County at 1PM on a Saturday afternoon this past fall to voice their opposition to the proposed referendum) and thus their past behavior indicates that they do not want negative exposure or publicity about their attempts to turn DeWitt County into the nation's 11th Toxic Chemical Waste dumping grounds. Due to the amount of profitability this permit probably represents to PDC, expect to start seeing all the stops being pulled out in an attempt for them to get their way at any cost.
(Media Coverage) 11/28/07 Decatur Herald & Review newspaper article about Representative Bill Mitchell public forum on the proposed Chemical Waste Landfill:
http://www.herald-review.com/articles/2007/11/28/news/local/1028202.txt
WATCH members attended the meeting held by Bill Mitchell and little if any new information was presented. One interesting development was Representative Bill Mitchell's refusal to take a position on this significant environmental concern in DeWitt County. Bill Mitchell has agreed to not accept campaign contributions from PDC and has said he has not accepted any past donations from the company to the best of his knowledge. WATCH is anxious to learn further details in January of proposed State legislation Rep. Mitchell is intending to present regarding further regulations of landfills in Illinois.
11/21/07 IL State Representative Bill Mitchell-R 87th House District (Forsyth, IL) discusses Chemical Waste Landfill questions with WATCH
WATCH President Matt Varble has personally spoken to Representative Mitchell several times about the concerns in DeWitt County about the proposed Chemical Waste Landfill and it appears at this time that Representative Mitchell will not take a position against this issue and is supportive of the proposed Chemical Waste Landfill. Representative Mitchell has instead stated that all questions presented to him from constituents must be in writing and he does not respond to verbal questions or phone calls with a verbal response. Representative Mitchell has scheduled a 11/27/07 public meeting at the Clinton Library with the IEPA which makes little sense to WATCH since the U.S. EPA has jurisdiction on the Chemical Waste Landfill (not the IEPA). When questioned about why the IEPA is involved and also questioned if Representative Mitchell accepted any campaign contributions from the Coulter Family, Peoria Disposal Company, any of their employees, or any subsidiary affiliated with ownership of the Clinton, IL Landfill, Representative Mitchell declined to respond at that time, however has since declared he has not.
11/1/07 WATCH has confirmed that PDC has put their Federal U.S. EPA permit application on file at the Vespasian Warner Public Library:
WATCH President Matt Varble has personally verified that the physical EPA permit application for the Chemical Waste Landfill is now on file at the Clinton Vespasian Warner public library. This rather rapid reaction by Peoria Disposal Company resulting in their disclosure of this information has (in our opinion) been made possible due to the united efforts of our organization and large degree of public support represented through the community towards WATCH. In the near future, WATCH will begin to review ALL of the documentation (contained in 4 large binders) that has been provided to the public and will have several working sessions inviting subject matter experts (who are also members of WATCH) in addition to other interested experts in the community who have relevant occupational experience to assist in independently reviewing the material.
Clinton Daily Journal reports on 10/31/07 that PDC has put their Federal U.S. EPA permit application on file at the Vespasian Warner Public Library:
Read in today's Clinton Daily Journal 10/31/07: CLINTON Vespasian Warner Public Library received a copy of the federal EPA permit application filed by owners of the Clinton Landfill, landfill co-owner Chris Coulter told The Journal Tuesday.
WATCH President Matt Varble was not contacted or informed about this apparent disclosure by PDC (and we are now in the process of verifying if the physical application is at the Clinton library). However if this is true, it is encouraging to see that this has happened as a result of WATCH's efforts. WATCH has still filed a Freedom of Information Act request through the staff of U.S. Senator Barack Obama's office and also with the U.S. EPA for the information in order to determine that whatever is voluntarily placed on file at the library by PDC matches any information we receive from the FOIA request.
(Media Coverage) WCIA 3-TV Champaign, IL Channel 3 News Clip & Video about 10/27/07 PDC open house:
http://illinoishomepage.net/content/fulltext/?cid=9371
10/27/07 PDC open house highlights:
Thank you to the several WATCH members who decided to attend the October 27 open house at the Clinton Landfill (hosted by PDC). One significant development was WATCH President Matt Varble inquiring if Peoria Disposal Company would place a copy of their EPA application for the Chemical Waste Landfill on file at the Vespasian Warner library in Clinton, IL for public access and inspection. At this time it appears PDC has refused to do this even though evidence exists that they have placed documents on file at the public library before. This again appears to reinforce a perception of not being open and honest with the general public about their intentions. ( | |
