Pat Quinn, Governor
|
|
|
||
|
Pat Quinn, Governor |
|||
|
|
Community Relations - Fact SheetsFormer Ocoya Landfill SiteFact Sheet #2
|
| What was done during the site investigation? | An environmental contractor evaluated the slopes of the surface of the landfill, the adequacy of the cap material, the lateral extent of waste, depth to waste, and the condition of the surface water and groundwater on-site. The contractor took soil, sediment and water samples to evaluate potential environmental threats. |
| What did the investigation work reveal? | Certain low areas exist on the surface and are causing water retention. Results from on-site sampling showed some very low levels of metal contaminants - lead, iron, manganese and mercury - and a few organic (man-made) compounds - benzene, atrazine and 4-methylphenol - in surface water, sediments, leachate and/or groundwater on the site. However, the concentrations of these compounds were, in general, below or slightly above state and federal cleanup values. The iron and manganese are likely naturally-occurring. For a couple of the organic chemicals that may be of concern, Illinois EPA may perform additional testing. |
| Did the ecological risk assessment show any threat to wildlife in the area? | Illinois EPA’s contractor performed a screening level ecological risk assessment (SLERA) to evaluate the potential for local wildlife to be exposed to site contamination. The assessment is based on physical site features (such as surface water and plant life) and on the site environmental data that is available at the time of the assessment. Results were inconclusive, due to limited sampling data at the time of the SLERA. Consequently, it is uncertain whether a threat exists to wildlife in the area. The site does contain more ecological diversity than one would expect, however, and there is ample evidence that the site provides habitat for a variety of animal species. |
| Will the nearby ponds be affected by contamination? | One quarry pond just south of the landfill may be affected by a seep of leachate from the landfill. The pond was sampled, and no contaminants were present at concentrations greater than the surface water standards for support of aquatic life. Currently, the pond is healthy and supports a variety of fish. |
| What work needs to be done at the site? | Currently, Illinois EPA is reviewing several options for a cover system and gas management system for the site. If funds for this site become available, Illinois EPA will conduct corrective actions at the site, but it is not expected that any construction will occur during 2007. A nearby source for cover soil needs to be found. It is important to obtain the soil as close as possible to the site to keep costs down, so that Illinois EPA can accomplish all of the necessary work. |
| Will the site work affect Rooks Creek? | During site work, the Illinois EPA contractor would take steps to make sure that no site runoff goes in the direction of the creek, which is east of the site. |
| Questions have come up about the new quarry planned for just west of the site. Will quarry blasting affect the safety of the landfill? | Illinois EPA is aware of the concern about the location of the quarry. Illinois EPA does not regulate the siting/location for such an operation. Meetings are occurring with the Vermillion County Board about that question. Illinois EPA does not see a reason for concern about the blasting operations affecting the safe construction of the planned corrective action for the landfill. |
| Carol
Fuller Community Relations Coord Illinois EPA (217) 524-8807 |
Vanessa Myers Project Manager Illinois EPA (217) 558-6046 |
In addition, an Information Repository for the Ocoya Sanitary Landfill will be established at the Pontiac Public Library at 211 E. Madison Street in Pontiac. The repository will contain technical documents for the site as well as public notices, fact sheets and news releases. Library hours are 9:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Monday through Thursday and 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. on Friday and Saturday.
Community Relations |
| About Community Relations |
| Staff Directory |
| Fact Sheets |
| Copyright © 1996-2011 Illinois EPA | Agency Site Map | Privacy Information | Kids Privacy | Web Accessibility | Agency Webmaster |
