Say no to this paradise lost
The proposed Paradise Lake sand and gravel mine in Spring Grove is being presented as a routine land-use decision. It is not. It’s one of the most consequential environmental decisions our community will face.
This project sits directly on a sensitive aquifer recharge area, where water — and any contaminants — move quickly through highly permeable soils. Nearly the entire site has a high potential for groundwater contamination. Yet, there’s no comprehensive hydrogeologic study showing how nearby wells, families and drinking water will be protected. That alone should give every decision-maker pause.
Even more troubling, county staff have already confirmed the application is incomplete. Key requirements are missing, including updated environmental review, groundwater data and critical engineering details. At the same time, proposed construction impacts wetlands — raising the necessity of federal oversight under the Clean Water Act, which hasn’t been resolved.
The project is also troubling from a basic infrastructure standpoint. There’s no approved traffic study, no finalized access permit and even the proposed water and sewage systems haven’t been properly designed or approved. These are not minor technicalities — they’re fundamental requirements.
Despite these enormous gaps, the developer claims there will be no harm to public health, property values or the environment. Those claims are not supported by the data. In fact, they’re contradicted by the site’s known environmental vulnerabilities.
This isn’t a temporary use. It’s a 15+ year industrial mining operation that will permanently alter the land, reshaping the future of this area.
The public deserves complete information, independent analysis and full transparency. Anything less is a decision made in the dark.
Ask your County Board member to say NO to the Paradise[ LOST] Earth Extraction proposal and to prohibit all future sand and gravel mining in McHenry County. Protecting our natural resources isn’t a choice, it’s our duty.
Gerri Songer
Spring Grove