
				Pat Quinn, Governor

Agency Links

Info Centers

To report
environmental
emergencies
only, call the
Illinois Emergency
Management Agency
800-782-7860
217-782-7860
(24 hrs/day)

Community Relations - Fact Sheets

Western Lion and Service Disposal Landfill Sites

Controlled Prairie Burn
March 2007

Charleston, Illinois

Illinois EPA has scheduled the first controlled prairie burn for early to mid-April 2007 (dependent on certain weather conditions) at the former Western Lion/Service Disposal Landfill site. A burn was scheduled for spring of 2005, but was cancelled due to lack of adequate vegetation. The site is located at the intersection of Coles County roads 1100E (Loxa Road) and 900N (Route 316) about 1 ½ miles northeast of Mattoon. The controlled burn, which may take one to three days, is necessary to eliminate accumulated dead vegetation and to stimulate new growth and diversity in the plant life. It will also eliminate invasive plant species, which have shallower root systems than the mix of prairie plants on the landfill cap.

Prior to the construction of the new landfill cap, erosion was obvious over much of the landfill, waste was exposed, and rainwater moved freely through the waste materials to create leachate that threatened the area groundwater and Riley Creek, a Class A stream. Water ponded on the site and allowed leachate to concentrate, making for unsafe conditions for area wildlife or any persons who might trespass onto the site. (Leachate forms from water traveling through the landfill and contacting waste material).

Western Lion Landfill and Service Disposal Landfill are among the 33 abandoned landfills identified by Illinois EPA in 1998 as having environmental problems that needed immediate attention. The Illinois State Legislature responded in 1999 by appropriating funds to investigate and conduct corrective actions, if necessary, on these landfills. Illinois EPA has spent approximately $4.5 million on repairs to the Service Disposal Landfill and Western Lion Landfill.

Why is it necessary to burn the plants on top of the landfill?	By burning the old vegetation, the prairie plants are strengthened and become better established on the soil landfill cap. These hardy plants have spreading root systems that hold the soil in place so that erosion does not damage the cap and lead to problems such as those (mentioned above) that existed before the extensive site work. Additionally, the burn assists in the removal of thatch (dead plant material) and benefits the soil through the addition of potash, a fertilizer.
Under what authority will Illinois EPA conduct the burn?	An Open Burning Permit has been issued by the Illinois EPA for this burn.
Will the local fire department be involved with the burn?	Yes, the Loxa and the Mattoon Fire Departments have been notified about this burn. The Illinois EPA’s contractor has provided a copy of the protocol for the burn, and we expect fire department staff to be present and will monitor all safety factors
Will the gas vents on the landfill be a problem?	Access to the site will be restricted to essential burn project personnel. While arrangements will be made for members of the news media to observe the burn from a distance, Illinois EPA does not encourage members of the general public to visit the site during the burn due to safety concerns and a lack of parking.
Can anyone view the burn, or will access be restricted?	Initially, burning is usually necessary each year or so for the first three years after the prairie plants are put in. Once the plants become established, burning is recommended approximately every three years to eliminate invasive species.
Who has been notified that the burn is taking place?	Besides the site contact list, which includes area residents, local, state and federal officials, Illinois EPA has notified the following: Coles County Sheriff and Highway Engineer Mattoon and Loxa Fire Departments Allied Services (Operator for Coles County Landfill) Coles County Airport.
Once the burn is complete, how long will it be before the vegetation grows back?	Vegetation should grow back to a lush cover within two to four weeks.
How often does the burn need to take place?	Initially, burning is usually necessary each year or so for the first three years after the prairie plants are put in. Once the plants become established, burning is recommended approximately every three years to eliminate invasive species.
Who has been involved in planting and maintaining the native grasses on the landfill cap?	Illinois EPA’s contractor planted seed on the landfill cap in 2001. Further work was done in 2002 to repair typical first year erosion. The Agency appreciates the commitment of the Embarras Volunteer Stewards who planted many native trees and shrubs along the shore of Riley Creek to help stabilize the banks and have agreed to assist in future control of invasive plant species on the landfill caps.

For more information, you may contact:

Carol Fuller, Community Relations Coordinator Illinois EPA, Office of Community Relations 1021 N. Grand Ave. E., P.O. Box 19276 Springfield, Illinois 62794-9276 (217) 524-8807
Jody Kershaw, Project Manager Illinois EPA, State Sites Unit 1021 N. Grand Ave. E., P.O. Box 19276 Springfield, Illinois 62794-9276 (217) 554-3285

Community Relations

About Community Relations

Staff Directory

Fact Sheets

Agency Site Map | Privacy Information | Kids Privacy | Web Accessibility | Agency Webmaster