Illinois has finalized its coal ash rules and has begun implementation. Coal ash impoundment owners across the state are now applying for permits to operate and, in many cases, begin closure of their coal ash impoundments. The new rules create multiple opportunities for members of the public to engage with the coal ash impoundment closure process. 

This page will help you understand the new rules, learn about the impact of coal ash in Illinois, and identify opportunities for public input that may be happening in your community regarding coal ash.  

Take action, and hear testimonials from impacted communities:

Waukegan Generating Station
 E.D. Edwards Station in Peoria
Vermilion Power Station near Danville
 Dallman Station in Springfield
Panel 1

Understanding the Rules

Illinois’s new coal ash rules provide many opportunities for the public to engage in the regulatory process. These opportunities provide critical oversight of power companies and the agency.

The following slides outline the contents of the new rules, including many timelines of interest to the public, including public meetings, comment periods, and availability of documentation. Thank you to Earthjustice for preparing and sharing these slides.

IL CCR PP 11.11.21Download
Panel 2

Upcoming Public Hearings

The new rules allow for public meetings and public comment periods:

  • Public Meetings are hosted by the coal ash owners. At these meetings, the owners of coal ash impoundments present their proposed plans for closing a coal ash impoundment to the public for their input. After this meeting, the owner may consider the feedback of the public and then submit an application for a permit to the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency.
  • Public Comment Periods happen after the Illinois EPA reviews a coal ash owner’s permit application and then proposes a draft permit. The public can submit written comments to the Illinois EPA during this time, and also request a public hearing.
  • Public Hearings are hosted by the Illinois EPA, held at the public’s request after a comment period closes. At these official hearings, the Illinois EPA will take input on a permit they are proposing and is required to consider the comments.

The following coal ash impoundments have scheduled public meetings:

CWLP-Dallman (Springfield) – Thursday, December 2, 2021, 2-4pm, 5:30-7:30pm (Notice)

  • Location: Municipal Center West City Council Chambers,
    3rd Floor 300 S. Seventh St. Springfield, IL
  • Relevant documentation found here.

Duck Creek (Canton) – December 7, 2021, at 3:00pm and 5:30pm CST (Notice)

  • Location: 23 W. Pine Street, Canton, Illinois
  • Relevant documentation found here.

Hennepin – Wednesday, December 8, 2021, at 3:00pm and 5:30pm CST (Notice)

  • Location: Chapel Hill Golf Course and Events Center
    12927 Highway 26, Princeton, IL
  • Relevant documentation found here.

Joliet 29 – Dec. 8, 2021, 10am to 12pm and Dec. 9, 2021, 6pm to 8pm CT (Notice)

  • Location: online/phone only
  • Relevant documentation found here.

Lincoln Stone Quarry – Dec. 8, 2021, 6pm to 8pm CT and Dec. 9, 2021, 10am to 12pm CT (Notice)

  • Location: online/phone only
  • Relevant documentation found here.

Vermilion – Thursday, December 9, 2021, at 3:00pm and 5:30pm CST (Notice)

  • Location: Palmer Arena
    100 W. Main St, Danville, IL
  • Relevant documentation found here.
  • Online: sign-up required 24hrs in advance at prairierivers.org/signup

Waukegan – Dec. 15, 2021, 6pm to 8pm CT and Dec. 16, 2021, 10am to 12pm CT (Notice)

  • Location: online/phone only
  • Relevant documentation found here.

You can sign up for updates from Illinois EPA for one or more coal ash sites by clicking this link and filling out the form on the page.

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