Illinois EPA to hold hearing on Buffalo Grove landfill
The Illinois Environmental Protection Agency has granted Buffalo Grove Trustee Lisa Stone's request for a hearing before ending monitoring of the Land and Lakes Landfill.
Since late last year, Stone has raised concerns about environmental issues at the landfill, located at 1300 Milwaukee Avenue. That site was annexed a few years ago by the village and targeted for development.
Recently, her concerns have centered on possible groundwater contamination, particularly from phenol.
The deadline is Oct. 8 for the IEPA to decide whether to continue monitoring the site. This is the last year for the 15-year post closure period for the landfill.
The original deadline of July 27 was extended so the IEPA could examine two outstanding issues, including the levels of phenol at the landfill.
Where and when the hearing will be held has yet to be determined. According to the IEPA, the earliest date would be toward the end of October. That means that Land and Lakes would have to agree to extend the Oct. 8 deadline so the hearing could be held. The state expects the company to approve the extension, a state official said.
Mara McGinnis, IEPA community relations coordinator, said that Stone made the request for the hearing. She said that to her knowledge no one else made a request.
McGinnis said the hearing gives anyone who has a concern a chance to raise it before the IEPA.
"Our management is very sensitive to the concerns of the community," she said.
Village President Elliott Hartstein said the IEPA is doing its job in responding to the request. He added, however, "This is not at all any indication that there is anything wrong."
Stone applauded the decision to hold the hearing. "As an elected official, my sole concern is to safeguard the health and safety of Buffalo Grove residents," she said in a news release. She reiterated concerns about information in a 2005 environmental report by Shaw Environmental that was started but not completed by the village when it was considering purchasing the land along with the Buffalo Grove Park District.