Environmental Progress - Summer 1999

Environment Got Legislators' Attention In Spring '99 Session

Diesels, dumping, livestock waste dealt with.

Illinois lawmakers took up a variety of environmental issues this year, passing new laws involving diesel truck exhaust, open dumping, livestock waste and loans for water system improvements.

Under HB 2031 introduced by House Speaker Michael Madigan, larger diesel-powered vehicles in the Chicago metropolitan area will have to undergo annual diesel emissions inspections for particulates (soot) coming out of their tailpipes. The vehicles would have to meet opacity standards set by the Illinois Pollution Control Board or face penalties. The testing will be conducted at stations certified by the Illinois Department of Transportation.

Open dumping rules broadened

Two bills cracking down on open dumpers also passed. HB 251, introduced by Rep. Raymond Poe, provides a $500 fine for dumping garbage or a minimum 100 hours of community service, if the defendant is indigent.

HB 909, introduced by Rep. Mike Giglio, adds dumping of construction and demolition debris (both clean and general) to the violations that are eligible for an administrative citation for open dumping. The new law will provide a more expedient means of penalizing violators.

Broader livestock management regulations

SB 1199, the Livestock Management Facilities Act, resulted from extensive negotiations lead by Gov. George Ryan that included environmental and farm organizations, the Illinois Department of Agriculture and Illinois EPA.

Among the new provisions are requirements that the Department of Agriculture review and approve new livestock management or waste handling facilities before they are constructed, and hold a public informational meeting if requested by the county board or local residents. The new law also includes construction standards for waste lagoons and requires owner/operators to report to Illinois EPA a release of waste from a livestock handling facility within 24 hours. New penalties are also included for failure to make the required reports.

Loan availability expanded

HB 1893, introduced by Rep. Phil Novak, makes privately owned community water systems eligible for loans through Illinois EPA's Water Revolving Fund. Previously, only municipally-owned systems could apply for the low-interest revolving loans.

HB 2636, introduced by Rep. Brent Hassert, implements a requirement of the federal Safe Drinking Water Act that all community water supplies employ a certified water operator and that they meet continuing education requirements.

HB 2023, introduced by Rep. Sonja Silva, requires environmental audits of school construction sites in Cook County.

HB 2631, introduced by Rep. Michael Smith, amends the Dry cleaner Environmental Response Trust Fund Act to extend the remediation tax until Jan. 1, 2010, and requires site investigations of soil and groundwater contamination from the release of dry-cleaning solvents to be completed by June 30, 2004, as well as other technical changes.

Conservation 2000 extended to 2009

HB 1746, introduced by Rep. Phil Novak, extends the Conservation 2000 Fund until June 30, 2009. Illinois EPA is one of the state agencies that provides grants under the program, such as funding for lake education.

SB 1088, introduced by Sen. David Sullivan, authorizes Illinois EPA to implement a nitrogen oxide trading program, consistent with a federal mandate. The Agency is authorized to propose regulations to the Pollution Control Board to set forth the procedures and criteria for administering the trading program.