News Releases - 2001

Intergovernmental Action Team to Coordinate Response to Groundwater Contamination in Downers Grove Vicinity

Springfield, Ill. -- At the request of Governor George H. Ryan, local and state governmental agencies have been asked to participate on an Action Team that will coordinate response to the groundwater contamination issues resulting from sampling of private wells by the Illinois EPA in unincorporated areas near Downers Grove.

"Through the Action Team, we will pool the resources and expertise of all our agencies and local governments and insure that information is provided to citizens in a timely manner," said Governor Ryan.

Governor Ryan has also asked the Action Team to examine the broader issues of groundwater contamination and protection in Illinois and whether additional services or legislation is needed on the local or state level to assist private well owners in having a safe drinking water supply.

"We appreciate the assistance that local governments have been providing in this effort. By formalizing a coordinated response we can build on our efforts to date to address the groundwater contamination issues," said Illinois EPA Director Renee Cipriano.

The Action Team will include, in addition to Illinois EPA, the Village of Downers Grove, DuPage County, the Illinois Department of Public Health, the Illinois Attorney General and U.S. EPA, she said.

Cipriano said the goal is for the Action Team to hold its first meeting in early January 2002.

"In addition, we will be asking the Action Team to help in forming a Citizens Advisory Group composed of citizens whose wells have been impacted by contamination. We look forward to getting input from that Group as well, and for their help in getting timely and accurate information to the public," Director Cipriano said.

Although Illinois EPA does not have any regulatory authority over private drinking water wells, in response to citizen concerns the agency has sampled 471 private wells in unincorporated Downers Grove since July. Of these, 199 had levels of trichloroethylene (TCE) and tetrachloroethylene (PCE) at or above the federal drinking water standard of 5 parts per billion.

Throughout the sampling, affected residents have been provided information about their sample results and interested persons on a mailing list maintained by the Agency are regularly notified of activities relating to the investigation. Anyone wishing to be added to the mailing list should contact Carol Fuller at 217/524-8807.

Related Information

• Downers Grove Groundwater Investigation Fact Sheets