News Releases - 1998

Illinois EPA, U.S. EPA and U.S. Army Sign Superfund Agreement Finalizing Cleanup Plans for Joliet Arsenal, Enabling Conversion to Tallgrass Prairie and Other Public Uses

Springfield, Ill. -- Lengthy efforts to restore native Illinois prairie and to create a veterans cemetery passed a major milestone when state and federal agencies endorsed an $88.5 million environmental cleanup plan, with the work to be spread over several years.

Illinois EPA, U.S. EPA and U.S. Army officials have now begun the final chapter in the decontamination of the Joliet Army Ammunition Plant by signing a remedial-action plan known as a Superfund Record of Decision. Soil and groundwater remediation projects described in the plan will clean up toxic byproducts remaining from wartime production of millions of tons of bombs, artillery shells, and high explosives. The worst contamination affects only a small portion of the 23,542-acre arsenal; most of the land has been in agricultural use for years.

The Army, which is responsible for the cleanup, has already addressed less serious pollution at the site and is now preparing the remedial design to address the most serious contamination. The remedial design will be reviewed in stages by the Illinois EPA and U.S. EPA prior to final signoff. Some remedial actions are expected to begin before the end of 1998.

Illinois EPA Director Mary Gade said: "Our Agency has provided its expertise and technical oversight to this project since the late 1980s, and will continue to dedicate significant resources and work in close cooperation with the U.S. Army and U.S. EPA until the project is completed. We're proud to be part of this important restoration that will offer countless recreational opportunities to millions of Americans, and at the same time honor the sacrifices made by our nation's military veterans."

Replacing the arsenal will be a 19,100-acre native prairie, a 982-acre veterans cemetery, and two industrial parks totaling 3,000 acres and a 455-acre landfill. The U.S. Army has already transferred 15,080 acres to the U.S. Department of Agriculture for establishing the Midewin National Tallgrass Prairie. Midewin (pronounced mid-AY-win) is a Potawatomi word signifiying healing.

The acreage needed for the veterans cemetery has been transferred to the Department of Veterans Affairs. A future landfill, which will be constructed to the strictest federal and state environmental standards, will serve Will County residents and will also handle the Army's disposal needs as the arsenal cleanup progresses.

The goal of the cleanup is to protect human health and the environment by eliminating, reducing or controlling hazards posed by the site. Selected remedies include excavation and bioremediation for explosives, metals, PCBs (polychlorinated biphenyls), organic compounds and sulfur will also be properly managed and disposed. Explosives, metals, volatile organic compounds and other contaminants in groundwater will be addressed through deed and zoning restrictions, long-term monitoring and natural attenuation. A contingency plan for groundwater remediation is included in the Record of Decision.

The arsenal, where peak employment during World War II reached 14,000 workers, lies about 17 miles south of Joliet and immediately east of Interstate Route 55. It is bisected by Illinois Route 53.

Restoration to achieve proper balance of flora and fauna may take decades to accomplish. To date, 16 of 24 animal species listed as threatened or endangered in Illinois are found at the arsenal. Eventually, bison, elk, wolves and bears may be reintroduced to the area. Some 37 miles of existing 8-foot-high chain-link security fencing will help keep them there.

The site contains pre-settlement oak savannas, three relatively high-quality streams, and wetlands areas. Its 166 miles of railway and 200 miles of road could be converted to trails to enhance the enjoyment of activities such as hiking, biking, wildlife observation, hunting, fishing and camping. West of the arsenal are the Des Plaines Conservation Area, Goose Lake Prairie State Natural Area and McKinley Woods Forest Preserve. The Illinois and Michigan Canal National Heritage Corridor is nearby. In all, the area will become a 40,000-acre ecosystem macrosite unmatched in the Upper Midwest.