State EPA stands by ruling on well near Island Lake pig farm
State officials haven't changed their minds about forcing Island Lake to look elsewhere to build a new community water well because it's too close to a pig farm.
Island Lake's water superintendent, Cornelius DeYoung, sent a letter to the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency on Jan. 6 asking for reconsideration of its decision. One day later, the IEPA's permit section manager, Jerry Kuhn, issued reply stating the agency's position had not changed.
The village must find an alternate site for its community well because state law requires it to be at least 400 feet from the pig farm operated by Bob Wargaski, off Dowell Road in unincorporated Lake County in Wauconda Township.
Wargaski started his pig farm in an effort to stop Island Lake from constructing its well near his property. He contended the village would draw down water from his private well and negatively affect his property value.
The village had been running a test well off Dowell Road near Wargaski's land, but the IEPA found it couldn't be converted into a permanent one to serve the community because its casing pipe was used in previous projects.
DeYoung wrote Jan. 6 that the state was "splitting hairs" with its interpretation of new casing pipe, but Kuhn didn't retreat in his reply the next day.
"Illinois regulation required new casing pipe be used in a community water supply well," Kuhn said. "Therefore, our position has not changed."
Maggie Carson, an IEPA spokeswoman, confirmed the agency's receipt of the letter from Island Lake and the reply from Kuhn.
Island Lake Trustee Rich Garling reiterated Monday the village only has to move its well, and the IEPA's decision won't affect a planned water treatment facility and tower. He said he expects officials to discuss options with the village attorney.
Wargaski contends it's unlikely Island Lake will build its proposed new $5 million water project any time soon. He said he was pleased to learn the IEPA did not back off its order.
"I certainly would not see them recant on that decision," Wargaski said. "The law is very specific. It has to be new pipe."