State looks into fluid spill in Long Grove

The Illinois Environmental Protection Agency is looking into a case of spilled drilling fluid that ended up in a stormwater detention pond in Long Grove.

IEPA inspectors visited the pond located in the Sunset Grove area Tuesday in the wake of a water quality complaint. They are preparing a report that will determine if any enforcement action is needed, spokeswoman Maggie Carson said Wednesday.

The village is drilling a new public well on property it owns on Route 83. When completed, it will serve the Sunset Grove development and other properties on Route 83, Village Superintendent Robert Block said.

IEPA officials said it appeared the drilling fluid traveled from the site to the pond. The fluid is used to lubricate the drill and push pieces of rock to the surface.

Carson said the spill did not pose a drinking water concern but noted that the fluid can be harmful to aquatic life.

Block said the village couldn't comment on the issue in detail until it had talked to the IEPA and heard a report from the subcontractor working on the well.