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What's New at the Illinois EPA Web Site

1998

18 December 1998

Operator Certification Exam Schedules for 1999

The Drinking Water Operator and Wastewater Operator certification exam schedules have been updated for 1999.

News Release - Protection of Drinking Water Taking New Direction

The Illinois Source Water Protection Technical and Citizens Advisory committee chaired by the Illinois EPA is readying a plan for the assessment of the surface and groundwater sources that provide potable water to Illinois consumers. Over the next three weeks, prior to submission of the draft to U.S. EPA, the Illinois EPA is seeking public input on whether the draft achieves the federal specifications for content and provides a way to successfully communicate that information to the public.

15 December 1998

Source Water Assessment and Protection - Program Application

Illinois' draft Source Water Assessment and Protection Program (SWAP) application is being developed  with input from the Source Water Technical and Citizen Advisory Committee (SWAP Committee) and you.  We are required to submit this formal application to the United States Environmental Protection Agency no later than February 1999. Please feel free to provide Illinois EPA with any comments you may have via the online feed-back form linked to the draft SWAP application.

News Release - 535 Illinois Schools Sign Up To Show Their Environmental Commitment

Curriculum packets have gone into the mail to 535 schools around Illinois, kicking off the 12th edition of the Illinois EPA’s environmental awareness program. The 1998-99 "Air, Land & Water" packets focus on "The Air We Breathe" and mark the second year that sixth graders as well as fifth graders will be eligible to participate.

Public Notice

A public hearing notice has been posted.

7 December 1998

Public Notice

A public hearing notice has been posted.

Conservation 2000 Activity Report for December 1998

The new monthly activity report for the Conservation 2000 program is now available. These monthly reports update the status of the Illinois Clean Lakes Program, technical assistance, monitoring/research, and education assistance.

25 November 1998

EPA Contract Labs Invitation for Bid

The Illinois EPA is seeking the services of qualified laboratories to perform chemical analytical analyses on hazardous waste field samples for organic and inorganic contaminants. Samples may be water or soil and will be generated from hazardous waste site remediation, investigation and emergency response activities. Bids will be accepted until 2:00 p.m. CST (1400 hours) on January 29, 1999.

Infrastructure Financial Assistance - Water Loan Priority Lists for 1999

The final lists for fiscal year 1999 have replaced the draft lists which were posted earlier. The Illinois EPA offers low interest loans to units of local government to construct wastewater and drinking water projects. Interested communities must apply annually for either a wastewater or drinking water loan in order to appear on the appropriate priority list. Projects are funded from the published priority list in accordance with the Agency’s administrative rules subject to the availability of funds.

Illinois Waste Management Fees

Updated information is now available about Illinois waste management fees, including non-hazardous solid waste fees, hazardous waste fees, and special waste transportation and manifest fees.

Illinois Local Solid Waste Enforcement Grantees

An updated list is now available showing the local governments that have received funding for the state fiscal year of July 1, 1998 - June 30, 1999.The Illinois EPA provides grant funding to local governments for oversight, inspection, and enforcement programs.

16 November 1998

News Release - Enhanced Protection Being Sought For Pleasant Valley Water Source

In the first action of its kind, the Illinois EPA is seeking to expand protection boundaries for three drinking water wells serving Peoria County's Pleasant Valley Public Water District. At the request of the water district, the Illinois EPA has asked the state Pollution Control Board to designate the area surrounding the wells as a regulated recharge area.

12 November 1998

News Release - 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

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.

News Release - Illinois EPA Delays Air Emissions Trading Program in Chicago Metro Area

Because of unanticipated delays which are occurring nationwide in issuing federal Clear Air Act Permit Program (CAAPP) permits, the start of a new trading system to achieve cleaner air in the Chicago metro area will be delayed for a year.

Enhanced Vehicle Emissions Testing

The Illinois EPA will enhance the current vehicle emission test program to improve air quality and to implement pollution reductions required by the federal Clean Air Act Amendments of 1990. Although Illinois has made significant strides to clean its air over the past 10 years, levels of air pollution in the Chicago and Metro-East St. Louis metropolitan areas still exceed safe standards. Compared to the current program, the enhanced program’s procedures are expected to be more than twice as effective in reducing emissions from vehicles.

Conservation 2000 Activity Report for November 1998

The new monthly activity report for the Conservation 2000 program is now available. These monthly reports update the status of the Illinois Clean Lakes Program, technical assistance, monitoring/research, and education assistance.

Vehicle Emissions Test Stations - More Closings and Openings

The vehicle emissions test station in Lincolnshire on Old Half Day Road has temporarily closed for renovation, and the station in Waukegan on Northwestern Avenue has reopened. Check the updated pages to locate the station nearest you.

News Release - State Finalizes Historic "Clean Water Action Plan" Watershed Assessment, Restoration Proposals

The Illinois EPA and the Natural Resources Conservation Service have completed assessments and final watershed restoration priorities mandated under a unique federal strategy to restore and protect water quality nationwide.

News Release - Waukegan Harbor Citizens Advisory Group Honored

The Waukegan Harbor Citizens Advisory Group, formed by Illinois EPA in 1990, was honored as a SOLEC 98 Success Story during a conference in Buffalo, New York.

27 October 1998

I/M 240 "Start-up" Seminars

If you are going to repair I/M emissions failures, plan on attending the free I/M 240 Start-Up Workshops. These high-tech workshops are designed for top-level technicians, service writers, and managers.

8 October 1998

News Release - First Illinois Brownfields Redevelopment Grant Awarded to Lockport

The city of Lockport has been awarded the first grant from the Illinois Brownfields Redevelopment Grant program. The $115,976 will be used primarily by the city to do the preparation necessary to complete cleanups of two long abandoned gas stations in the downtown area, and a former fast food restaurant and gas station.

News Release - Illinois EPA Reports Air Quality Improvements

Illinois EPA Director Mary A. Gade announced that air quality in Illinois was healthy on 98.6 percent of the days in 1997, according to the Agency's latest summary of air quality statistics, the 1997 Annual Air Quality Report, issued this week.

Conservation 2000 Activity Report for October 1998

The new monthly activity report for the Conservation 2000 program is now available. These monthly reports update the status of the Illinois Clean Lakes Program, technical assistance, monitoring/research, and education assistance.

Public Notices

Two public notices have been posted.

7 October 1998

Illinois Annual Air Quality Report

This 27th Annual Air Quality Report highlights information obtained in 1997 from the Bureau of Air’s statewide air monitoring network, which incorporates more than 300 monitors that track the measurements of a variety of pollutants and air toxic compounds, and has a 90 percent efficiency in collecting data.

Open Dumps

Abandoned piles of household garbage, bags of yard waste, appliances, old barrels, used tires, and demolition debris such as lumber, shingles, pipes and asbestos can threaten the health of humans, wildlife, and the environment. Known as open dumps, these sites can be found throughout Illinois -- heaped at the bottom of ravines, in empty lots and pastures, and along roadsides. An open dump is an illegal waste disposal site and should not be confused with a permitted municipal solid waste landfill or a recycling facility. If allowed to remain, open dumps often grow larger, and may attract dumping of both solid and hazardous wastes.

Municipal Wastewater Assistance

Under the Municipal Wastewater Assistance Program the Illinois EPA steps out of its enforcement role to serve as facilitator to provide innovative, cost-effective methods of improving plant performance. To date, dozens of Illinois communities have utilized the program to bring, and keep, their facilities in compliance.

28 September 1998

Vehicle Emissions Test Stations - More Closings and Openings

The vehicle emissions test station in Chicago on West Forest Preserve is being temporarily closed for renovation, and a new station in Chicago on West Wrightwood has opened. Check the updated pages to locate the station nearest you.

18 September 1998

News Release - Top Professional Awards to Three Water Plant Operators

Three Illinois drinking water plant operators have been honored for their work by the Illinois Potable Water Supply Operators Association (IPWSOA). The professional organization each year selects an "Operator of the Year" in groundwater, surface water and distribution categories, from operators serving nearly 1,800 public water supplies in the state. Nearly 1,000 members and guests attended the annual event.

News Release - Multi-County Landfill Anti-Pollution Work Nearly Done

Cleanup work and capping is nearly complete on an abandoned 30-acre landfill towering over the Douglas County landscape that has caused foul odors and has exposed rotting garbage and potentially hazardous industrial waste. The more than $4 million remediation project is one of the most ambitious ever undertaken at an abandoned landfill in Illinois and included pumping out a 40-million gallon lake of storm water created within the site.

15 September 1998

Household Hazardous Waste Collection - Fall 1998 Schedule

The Fall 1998 collection schedule is now online. You can safely dispose of common household hazardous wastes at these collections, which are scheduled on Saturdays, from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m., for greatest convenience to working families. Citizens are asked to bring harsh chemical cleaners, paints, thinners, antifreeze, weed killers, insecticides and pesticides, and similar household hazardous products.

Lake Education Assistance Program (LEAP) - New Application Form

The Lake Education Assistance Program provides funding up to $500 for school and other not for profit organization participation in lake/lake watershed related educational field trips and activities. It might also fund the attendance of individuals at lake/lake watershed related seminars and workshops. Application deadlines are September 30 and January 31.

14 September 1998

News Release - Ten Plants Join Environmental Management Project

Ten Illinois industrial plants were recognized by the Illinois EPA today for volunteering to participate in a major pilot project that will help evaluate the effectiveness of environmental management systems in reducing pollution and working with their communities. Based on the ISO (International Standardization Organization) 14000 system, the participants will provide comprehensive information for two or three years on their facilities' impacts on the environment, and document changes through implementing ISO 14000 approaches.

11 September 1998

Conservation 2000 Activity Report for September 1998

The new monthly activity report for the Conservation 2000 program is now available. These monthly reports update the status of the Illinois Clean Lakes Program, technical assistance, monitoring/research, and education assistance.

P2 Links Updated

Additional links to pollution prevention information on the web have been added to the P2 Links page.

10 September 1998

How to Manage Used Fluorescent and High-Intensity-Discharge Lamps as Universal Wastes

Fluorescent lamps illuminate countless businesses, stores, schools and homes. HID lamps (mercury-vapor, metal-halide and high-pressure sodium) are used for street lights, floodlights and industrial lighting. Unfortunately, most of these lamps have been improperly collected as municipal waste and dumped in ordinary sanitary landfills. When broken, these lamps release mercury and other metals that damage the environment. Used fluorescent and HID lamps may be classified as hazardous waste due to their mercury content and are thus regulated under the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA). These regulations provide for management of hazardous wastes.

28 August 1998

Regulatory Innovation Pilot Program for Illinois

The Illinois Environmental Protection Act was amended in 1996 to give the Illinois EPA authority to implement a voluntary regulatory innovation pilot program (RIPP). This program creates an opportunity for the Agency to enter into agreements to implement "innovative environmental measures." In this manner, we hope to develop and try out better ways of achieving environmental protection.

Partners News - Spring 1998 issue

The Spring issue of Partners News, the newsletter of the Partners for Clean Air, includes articles about the 1998 recognition luncheon, the ozone season, a new public service announcement, and pollution-free buses being used in Chicago.

27 August 1998

Landfill Capacity Report - Tenth Annual Report

The Illinois EPA is required to publish an annual report "regarding the projected disposal capacity available for solid waste in sanitary landfills". The Tenth Annual Report (1996 data) is now available online.

News Release - Corrective Efforts Underway at Abandoned Landfill Site

Efforts to correct problems from odor, erosion and uncovered waste at an abandoned landfill site south of Belleville are well under way. Work was begun in July to properly cap and cover the J&R Landfill site, and is expected to be completed, weather permitting, by mid-October.

News Release - Lake Festival Set at Carlinville

A Lake Festival will be held from 8:30 a.m. to noon on Sept.12 on the shores of Lake Carlinville, just south of Carlinville in Macoupin County.

News Release - Carroll County Dairy Farmers Third Farm Stewardship Honorees

Lee and Debbie Heeren, who operate a dairy farm at Lanark, in Carroll County, have been named the 1998 recipients of the Environmental Farm Stewardship Award.

26 August 1998

Unified Watershed Assessment

The Unified Watershed Assessments provide the foundation for a cooperative approach to restoring and protecting water quality, and support the setting of watershed restoration priorities. The objective of the Unified Watershed Assessments is to combine assessments and build on current, cooperative efforts to identify common priorities -- not to create a new activity that competes with existing processes. As indicated in the Clean Water Action Plan, final assessments and final watershed restoration priorities are scheduled to be completed by October 1, 1998.

17 August 1998

Accidental Release Prevention

Section 112(r) was added to the amended Clean Air Act following several catastrophic explosions and other releases of toxic chemicals which resulted in loss of life and property due to the lack of proper safety precautions. Its objective is to prevent accidental releases of regulated substances and other extremely hazardous substances to the air and to minimize the consequences of such releases if they do occur by emphasizing preventative measures for those chemicals which are believed to pose the greatest risk.

12 August 1998

Vehicle Emissions Test Stations - More Closings and Openings

The vehicle emissions test station in East St. Louis is being temporarily closed for renovation, and a new station in Collinsville has opened. Check the updated pages to locate the station nearest you.

11 August 1998

Dry Cleaners and Perchloroethylene

These pages provide a general overview of the environmental regulations affecting dry cleaners which use perchloroethylene (perc) in dry-to-dry systems.

5 August 1998

News Release - Public Input Sought For Watershed Assessment, Restoration Proposals

As part of an intensified effort to restore and protect water quality, Illinois watersheds are being evaluated and draft watershed restoration priorities are being developed by the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency and the Natural Resource Conservation Service.

4 August 1998

News Release - Lake Protection Grants Awarded

The Illinois Environmental Protection Agency has recently allocated a total of $125,000 among five inland lakes projects through the Priority Lake and Watershed Implementation Program.

Conservation 2000 Activity Report for August 1998

The new monthly activity report for the Conservation 2000 program is now available. These monthly reports update the status of the Illinois Clean Lakes Program, technical assistance, monitoring/research, and education assistance.

27 July 1998

Clean Fuel Fleet Program

The Clean Fuel Fleet Program (CFFP) is a requirement of the Clean Air Act Amendments of 1990 for certain areas of the country not meeting the federal air quality standards. In Illinois, the CFFP is required to be implemented in the Chicago area. The CFFP requires affected fleets to acquire vehicles certified to one of the federal low emission certification standards: Low Emission Vehicle, Inherently Low Emission Vehicle, Ultra-Low Emission Vehicle, or Zero Emission Vehicle.

22 July 1998

Leaking Underground Storage Tanks

An overview of the Leaking Underground Storage Tank program, information about the Illinois Underground Storage Tank Fund, and Frequently Asked Questions about leaking underground storage tanks.

17 July 1998

Drinking Water Operator Certification - Exam Schedule for 1998

The schedule of examination dates was inadvertantly not updated for 1998. This has now been corrected.

Vehicle Emissions Test Stations - More Closings and Openings

The vehicle emissions test station in Mitchell is being temporarily closed for renovation, while the station in Wood River has reopened. Check the updated pages to locate the station nearest you.

15 July 1998

News Release - Hearing Set for July 22 on Illinois EPA Water Programs

The public will be given an opportunity to comment on three Illinois EPA water programs during a hearing on July 22. The hearing will provide an opportunity for the public to comment on the drinking water and waste water revolving loan funds, the proposed phase-out of Facility Planning Areas as part of the annual Water Quality Management Plan, and the two-year schedule for Total Maximum Daily Loads for waters identified on the state’s 1998 Clean Water Act Section 303 (d) list.

Environmental Progress - Summer 1998 issue

The latest issue of the Illinois EPA's quarterly newsletter is now available online. Features in this issue include articles about the Illinois EPA's continuing exchanges with Mexico, the Graduate Intern P2 Program, the Volunteer Lake Monitoring Program, and the Illinois River Watershed Conservation Reserve Enhancement Program.

13 July 1998

Public Hearing

A notice of public hearing has been posted on proposed amendments to motor vehicle emissions inspections procedures.

7 July 1998

Financial Assistance for Water Projects Updated

The drinking water and wastewater loan priority lists for fiscal year 1999 are now online. The Illinois EPA offers low interest loans to units of local government to construct wastewater and drinking water projects. Interested communities must apply annually for either a wastewater or drinking water loan in order to appear on the appropriate priority list. Projects are funded from the published priority list in accordance with the Agency’s administrative rules subject to the availability of funds.

1 July 1998

News Release - Nearly 90 Percent of State Water Supplies Meeting Standards

During 1997, 1,592 or 88 percent of the community water supplies in Illinois were complying with all state and federal standards to protect public health, Illinois EPA data shows.

26 June 1998

Vehicle Emissions Test Stations - Several Closings and Openings

Several vehicle emissions test stations are being temporarily closed for renovation, while several new stations will be opening. Check these updated pages to locate the station nearest you.

24 June 1998

Four Public Notices

Four public notices have been posted. One concerns the Bureau of Water Annual Hearing. The other three concern proposed Clean Air Act permits.

22 June 1998

Wellhead Protection for New Community Water Supply Wells

The Illinois EPA is expanding procedures for gathering driller's logs and safe yield information during the development of new community water supply wells. This document outlines a step-by-step approach for obtaining this information when installing new wells.

Use of Tritium in Assessing Aquifer Vulnerability

A fact sheet providing background information on tritium, information on the applicability of tritium analysis in assessing aquifer vulnerability, guidance on the interpretation of tritium results from public water supply wells, and a list of laboratories that provide analysis for tritium. Tritium concentrations in groundwater provide a useful method for determining the degree of confinement of an aquifer and are identified by the U.S. EPA and Illinois EPA as an acceptable means of assessing the vulnerability of groundwater systems.

News Release - Clean Lakes Program Applications Due

The Illinois EPA is currently accepting applications for funding assistance offered through the Conservation 2000-Illinois Clean Lake Program (ICLP). Through the ICLP, Illinois EPA provides technical and financial assistance primarily to governmental entities that manage publicly-owned lakes with extensive public access and utilization.

19 June 1998

Environmental Progress - Spring 1998 issue

This issue of the Illinois EPA's quarterly newsletter includes articles about zero emission buses, enhanced vehicle testing, the Source Water Protection Mentor Initiative Program, the Clean Break program, and more!

17 June 1998

Public Hearing - Section 112(g) Program and Proposed Amendments to Air Permit Program Public Hearing Rules

The Illinois EPA Bureau of Air will hold a public hearing on July 21 in Springfield to notify the public that its Section 112(g) Program will be effective on August 15,1998 and to gather comments on the proposed amendments to the "Public Participation in the Air Pollution Permit Program" Rules at 35 Ill. Adm. Code 252.

10 June 1998

1998 Countywide Waste Tire Collections Schedule

Our annual waste tire collections allow you to safely dispose of accumulated old tires. The 1998 schedule of collections is now available online.

9 June 1998

Conservation 2000 Activity Report for June 1998

The new monthly activity report for the Conservation 2000 program is now available. These monthly reports update the status of the Illinois Clean Lakes Program, technical assistance, monitoring/research, and education assistance.

8 June 1998

Changes at Vehicle Emissions Test Stations

The Schaumburg station will be temporarily closed for renovation, starting June 9, while a new station will be opening in Palatine.

5 June 1998

News Release - Demolition Work Begins at Refinery

Illinois EPA and U.S. EPA announced today that demolition work will begin during the week of June 8 at the former American Western/Texaco refinery in Lawrenceville.

1 June 1998

Public Hearing - Transportation Conformity State Implementation Plan Memorandum of Agreements

The Illinois EPA Bureau of Air will hold a public hearing on July 2 at the Illinois Department of Transportation's Regional Office in Collinsville for the purpose of gathering comments on transportation conformity Memorandum of Agreements, which Illinois EPA proposes to submit to the U.S. EPA as a SIP revision.

Public Hearing - Transportation Conformity State Implementation Plan Memorandum of Agreements

The Illinois EPA Bureau of Air will hold a public hearing on July 6 at the office of the Chicago Area Transportation Study for the purpose of gathering comments on transportation conformity Memorandum of Agreements, which Illinois EPA proposes to submit to the U.S. EPA as a SIP revision.

15 May 1998

1998 Poster, Poetry, and Prose Exhibit

Each year, thousands of Illinois students take part in the Illinois EPA's environmental education program, "Air, Land and Water", studying environmental concepts. Many round out the classroom program by creating posters, poems or prose works to illustrate what they have learned. Forty-eight Illinois fifth and sixth grade artists and writers were honored at the Illinois State Museum in Springfield with a month-long exhibit of their works.

14 May 1998

News Release - May 21 Field Day Will Promote Groundwater Protection

Seventeen state, municipal, health, and environmental groups will join the Northern Regional Groundwater Protection Planning Committee in sponsoring fifth annual Winnebago/Boone/McHenry Counties Field Day on May 21 to promote groundwater protection.

News Release - Emissions Test Van Coming to Metro-East Area

Citizens in the Metro-East area whose cars are subject to vehicle emissions testing can utilize the Illinois EPA's vehicle emissions test van starting May 13. The test van will operate in Cahokia each Wednesday through Oct. 28. The mobile test van contains all equipment necessary for the required emissions checks and is designed for citizens who find it inconvenient to take their vehicles to the permanent testing stations.

7 May 1998

News Release - Informational Meeting on Salt Creek Watershed Set for May 20

A public information meeting will be held in Wood Dale to discuss results of a recent study to define water quality problems in the Salt Creek Watershed and to develop water quality control strategies.

Conservation 2000 Activity Report for May 1998

The new monthly activity report for the Conservation 2000 program is now available. These monthly reports update the status of the Illinois Clean Lakes Program, technical assistance, monitoring/research, and education assistance.

6 May 1998

Pollution Prevention

Promoting pollution prevention (P2) as the preferred strategy for environmental protection is the mission of the Illinois EPA's Office of Pollution Prevention (OPP). On these pages, you can learn about P2 and about the activities of OPP.

27 April 1998

Ninth Annual Pollution Prevention Conference -- Call for Speakers

This year's conference will be held on October 6 in Oak Lawn, Illinois. Individuals who are interested in giving presentations are asked to send a brief 2-3 paragraph abstract on their topic.

News Release - Illinois EPA to Honor Lake Volunteers

Eighty-one recipients will be recognized for their volunteer lake monitoring efforts during the 13th annual conference of the Illinois Lake Management Association on April 30 - May 2 in Rockford, Ill. Honorees are all participants in the Volunteer Lake Monitoring Program sponsored by the Illinois EPA.

24 April 1998

News Release - Eight Lakes Awarded State Clean Lakes Program Grants

Five new Illinois lake study and improvement projects will receive nearly $560,000 through the Illinois EPA's Clean Lakes Program. The program, now in its second year, is funded by Conservation 2000, a $100 million state initiative protecting Illinois' natural resources and expanding outdoor recreation.

Public Hearing - Ortek, Incorporated

Ortek, Incorporated has requested permits to construct new equipment at its oil distillation facility located in McCook. The Illinois EPA will hold a public hearing on June 3 in Lyons, Illinois.

14 April 1998

Financial Assistance for Water Projects

The Illinois EPA offers low interest loans to units of local government to construct wastewater and drinking water projects. Interested communities must apply annually for either a wastewater or drinking water loan in order to appear on the appropriate priority list. Projects are funded from the published priority list in accordance with the Agency’s administrative rules subject to the availability of funds.

Teachers' Tools - An Earth Day Story

A play adapted from Charles Dickens' A Christmas Carol. Educators are encouraged to use this play as part of their Earth Day activities.

9 April 1998

Public Hearing - DynaChem, Inc.

The Illinois EPA will hold a public hearing on April 30, 1998 in Georgetown, Illinois, to receive public comments on a proposed National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System permit for DynaChem, Inc.

6 April 1998

Conservation 2000 Activity Report for April 1998

The new monthly activity report for the Conservation 2000 program is now available. These monthly reports update the status of the Illinois Clean Lakes Program, technical assistance, monitoring/research, and education assistance.

27 March 1998

News Release - 50 Young Artists, Writers Honored For Outstanding Environmental Works

Fifty Illinois fifth and sixth grade artists and writers are being honored at the Illinois State Museum in Springfield, with a month-long exhibit of their works.

13 March 1998

Digester/Over the Spillway - Winter issue

The Illinois EPA's quarterly newsletter for water supply operators is now online!   Topics in this issue include coverage of the 66th annual Illinois Potable Water Supply Operators Association, the annual Small Systems Conference, operator news, and hiring a certified operator, including a sign-up form for the water supply contract operator resource list.

6 March 1998

Partners News - Winter issue

The Winter issue of Partners News, the quarterly newsletter of the Partners for Clean Air, features articles about citizen support for Ozone Action Days, a new ozone exhibit being planned at the Museum of Science and Industry, the plans to produce real-time ozone maps for use as early as this summer.

3 March 1998

Conservation 2000 Activity Report for March 1998

The new monthly activity report for the Conservation 2000 program is now available. These monthly reports update the status of the Illinois Clean Lakes Program, technical assistance, monitoring/research, and education assistance.

Governor's Environmental Corps - Information and Application Forms for 1998 Program

Governor Jim Edgar and the Illinois EPA are sponsoring the seventh annual Governor's Environmental Corps (GEC) summer internship program, funded through donations from Illinois' corporations. We are searching for students with a variety of academic backgrounds including: biological sciences, physical sciences, chemistry, engineering, pre-law, personal computer science, communications, and human resource development, who are looking for a unique and comprehensive summer internship experience.

27 February 1998

News Release - Bedford Park and Wood River Emissions Test Stations To Temporarily Close

The vehicle emissions test stations at 5231 West 70th Place, Bedford Park, Ill. and at 1710 Vaughn Road, Wood River, Ill., will close for renovation beginning March 3, 1998, and will remain closed for approximately four months.

26 February 1998

GreenTalk - Winter 1998 issue

The Illinois EPA's newsletter for high school students and educators. Topics featured in this issue include an Eagle Scout's environmental project, the Lake Education Assistance Program, the Governor's Environmental Corps, videos available from the Illinois EPA, and our poster/prose contest.

18 February 1998

Public Hearing - Extension of Comment Period - Section 303(d) of the Federal Clean Water Act

The deadline for written comments for the above hearing has been extended to March 7, 1998.

Public Hearing - Phase II Ozone Attainment State Implementation Plan submittal for the Chicago ozone nonattainment area

The Illinois EPA will hold a public hearing on March 25 in Chicago for the purpose of gathering comments on the Phase II Ozone Attainment State Implementation Plan submittal for the Chicago ozone nonattainment area.

Public Hearing - Clark Refining and Marketing

The Illinois EPA will hold a public hearing on March 24 in Blue Island, Illinois, to receive public comments on a proposed National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System permit for Cleark Refining and Marketing.

2 February 1998

News Release - Illinois EPA Schedules 13 Household Hazardous Waste Collections

The Illinois Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is cosponsoring 13 household hazardous waste collections, from mid-March to mid-June 1998. Six events are planned in central, western and southern Illinois, and seven in the metropolitan Chicago area. Citizens are asked to bring harsh chemical cleaners, paints, thinners, antifreeze, weed killers, insecticides and pesticides, and similar household hazardous products.

News Release - Public Hearing Set on State Water Programs

A public hearing will begin at 10 a.m. on Thursday, Feb. 5, 1998, in Springfield to encourage public review and comment on steps the Illinois EPA is taking to meet certain federal clean water mandates. As a preliminary step in meeting these requirements the Illinois EPA has drafted a report, "Clean Water Act Section 303 (d) List -- Illinois' Submittal for 1998," copies of which are available for public review and comment.

Conservation 2000 Activity Report for February 1998

The new monthly activity report for the Conservation 2000 program is now available. These monthly reports update the status of the Illinois Clean Lakes Program, technical assistance, monitoring/research, and education assistance.

30 January 1998

Household Hazardous Waste Collection Schedule Updated for Spring 1998

Every spring and fall, collections are scheduled to allow citizens to safely dispose of harsh chemical cleaners, paints, thinners, antifreeze, weed killers, insecticides and pesticides, and similar household hazardous products.

29 January 1998

Public Hearing - General Permit for the Discharge of Industrial Storm Water in Illinois

The Illinois EPA will hold a public hearing on March 16, 1998, to receive public comments on a proposed permit that will cover all storm water associated with industrial activity other than construction sites.

26 January 1998

Fall 1997 issue of Environmental Progress

This issue of the Illinois EPA's quarterly newsletter features articles about recent environmental laws, "America Recycles Day" activities, lake programs, Brownfields, the Ohio and Rock river cleanups, and more!

13 January 1998

News Release - Decatur Company Earns Environmental Recognition

ZEXEL USA Corporation, a manufacturer of automobile air conditioning components, received an award today from the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency for helping the Agency carry out a special training program for its field inspectors.

8 January 1998

1998 Poetry, Prose, and Poster Contest

Each year, Illinois students create posters, poems or prose works to illustrate what they have learned in the Illinois EPA's environmental education program. Learn about this year's contest, and see the results from previous years.

7 January 1998

Illinois Volunteer Lake Monitoring Program

The Volunteer Lake Monitoring Program, established by the Illinois EPA in 1981, serves as an educational program for citizens to learn about lake ecosystems, as well as a cost-effective method of gathering fundamental information on Illinois inland lakes.

6 January 1998

Site Remediation Program

Background information and application forms for participating in the Site Remediation Program (SRP). The SRP fosters environmental restoration and reuse of "Brownfield" properties and other industrial/commercial sites. It establishes a voluntary, risk-based system of remediation based on protection of human health and the environment relative to current and future uses of a particular site. Remediation Applicants who successfully complete the SRP receive from the Illinois EPA a No Further Remediation Letter signifying release from further responsibilities under the Environmental Protection Act for the conduct of approved remedial actions at the site.

5 January 1998

Conservation 2000 Activity Report for January 1998

The new monthly activity report for the Conservation 2000 program is now available. These monthly reports update the status of the Illinois Clean Lakes Program, technical assistance, monitoring/research, and education assistance.

Previous Year's "What's New" Page

The "What's New" page for the previous year is still available.