Some Illinois environmental groups are calling on state officials to put more protections in place to permanently stop pollution from coal ash storage sites. The groups released a report Wednesday revealing what they describe as widespread pollution of the groundwater surrounding 90 percent of the state’s coal ash dump sites.
Prairie Rivers Network, the Sierra Club, Environmental Integrity Project and Earthjustice took their concerns to the state capitol in Springfield. One area where they are raising concern is along the National Scenic Middle Fork of the Vermilion River, north of Kickapoo State Park.
Attorney Abel Russ is with Environmental Integrity Project….
The groups are concerned that coal ash stored in pits near the Middle Fork River will cause more pollution to the river. They say coal ash contains a toxic brew of pollutants including arsenic, boron, lead and others.
