State Representative Mike Marron has filed a bipartisan resolution creating a Coal Ash Task Force to look into concerns surrounding coal ash located near the National Scenic Middle Fork River and other Illinois rivers. Marron wants the task force to include representatives from various parties….
Representative Marron notes there currently are 3.3 million cubic yards of coal ash stored in three pits at the site of the former Vermilion Power Station. The abandoned power station sits above the Middle Fork of the Vermilion River. And Marron notes the river is vitally important to this area’s economy….
Coal ash contaminants can include arsenic, boron, iron, lead, nickel, sulfate and others, which are known to cause birth defects, cancer and neurological damage in humans and can also harm and kill wildlife, especially fish.
The Illinois Environmental Protection Agency has scheduled a public hearing at Danville Area Community College on Tuesday, March 26th. The hearing will focus on Dynegy’s proposal to stabilize the banks along the river and keep the coal ash in place.
