IDNR accepting public comment on planned mine reclamation projects

(25News Now) - The Illinois Department of Natural Resources is accepting public comments through May 22 about abandoned mine lands reclamation projects that have been selected through President Biden’s bipartisan Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act.

The IDNR’s Mine Land Reclamation Division was awarded $75.7 million for land and water reclamation work at 55 abandoned mine sites throughout the state.

A state release says the program addresses serious environmental and safety problems at coal and non-coal mines that were abandoned before August 3, 1977.

Comments will be accepted until May 22, 2023, and can be emailed to Lance.L.Range@illinois.gov or mailed to Lance Range, Illinois Department of Natural Resources, Office of Mines and Minerals, 1 Natural Resources Way, Springfield IL 62702.

Projects in Central Illinois proposed for the first year of the grant include:

Bureau County

1400 Avenue N. Sheffield Highwalls – Correction of a dangerous highwall to protect passing motorists.

Fulton County

Shields Chapel Cemetery Highwall – Correction of dangerous highwall and haul road to prevent the overflow of water and possible outwash of downstream land bridges.
Taylor Road Embankment – Reclamation of dangerous embankment to prevent vehicles from falling into the water-filled impoundment.
McKinley Road Embankments – Correct five dangerous embankments.

Knox County

Snakeden Hollow – Modifications to a dam are needed to accommodate water level fluctuations.
Sanchez Property – Dangerous slope and embankment will be addressed; site is located near a residential home.
Round House Dam – Reclamation of culverts to prevent future possible dam failure.
Hook and Bullet Club – Grading the barren waste areas to eliminate gullies and steep slopes, with acid mine drainage treatment.
Farmington Embankments – Reclamation of clogged stream, dangerous piles or embankments, and dangerous highwall to correct the extreme hazard to local farmers and residents.

LaSalle County

Worthington Mine – Reclaim vertical openings adjacent to residences.
Rutland Coal Co. – Reclaim vertical opening and debris; residential property abuts the north edge of the problem area.
LaSalle County Carbon Jones Mine – Reclamation of dangerous piles and embankments.
LaSalle Mine – Reclamation of vertical opening to prevent local youth from being injured.

Livington County

K W and B Group – Correct a vertical opening near a public road.

Marshall County

McKinley Kaer – Fill two portals close to town.

Peoria County

Midland Coal Co. Elm Mine – Culverts in this area may be increased and flare collars installed to help control runoff.
17308 W. Cottonwood Road – Reclamation of 200 linear feet of dangerous highwall to protect area motorists.

Stark County

Allendale Mine – Reclamation of dangerous highwall and piles or embankments will correct areas of 12-foot and 25-foot vertical drop near the road.

Tazewell County

Lake Erie Mining – Reclamation of vertical mine opening, gob material, and equipment or facility to prevent possible injuries to local youth exploring the area.