Middle Fork Under Siege Second Time
The first major battle for the Middle Fork in its over 10,000-year history occurred in the early 1970s, when farmhouses were razed to dam the river for recreation.
The first major battle for the Middle Fork in its over 10,000-year history occurred in the early 1970s, when farmhouses were razed to dam the river for recreation.
A record February 2018 storm in east-central Illinois scoured the banks of Illinois’ National Scenic River next to Dynegy’s coal ash pits, elevating concerns over stability.
Today, the Middle Fork of the Vermilion was named as one of America’s Most Endangered Rivers® of 2018 because of the threat toxic coal ash poses to Illinois’ only Wild and Scenic River. This designation showcases the battery of threats from the Trump administration, and calls on allies in Congress to clean water and rivers nationwide.
The power of the Middle Fork of the Vermilion River in flood is depicted in this short video. Riverbank erosion next to three coal ash pits has been a concern for decades.
The addendum to the Frequently Asked Questions includes a list of Dynegy’s reports, submitted to the Illinois EPA as part of their coal ash closure plan.
The Frequently Asked Questions documents problems associated with permanently storing toxic coal ash in the floodplain of Illinois’ National Scenic River.
Join the campaign and join thousands who are advocating for Dynegy to move its coal ash out of the floodplain of the Middle Fork of the Vermilion River, Illinois’ only National Scenic River!
When you paddle the Middle Fork River, you know why advocates worked so hard to have it designated a State and National Scenic River nearly 30 years ago.
This short video was taken by EJC while kayaking past Dynegy’s three toxic coal ash pits.
Work with us! Healthy community requires advocacy and action on urgent environmental issues in ways that connect with social and economic justice. – Dieter T. Hessel