Vistra has submitted its permit application to close the E.D. Edwards power plant coal ash pond south of Bartonville.
The energy company wants to leave the coal ash in place on the site, but discharge the free liquids from the pond into the Illinois River.
Vistra says their plan will cost an estimated $24.3 million. Environmental regulations require the company to monitor the site's groundwater for at least the next 30 years following closure.
Environmental groups want the coal ash removed to an offsite landfill prevent groundwater contamination. But Vistra says moving the ash to a Hopedale facility is impractical, and no more safe than leaving the ash in place with precautions.
The Illinois EPA is now set to review the coal ash pond closure plan. The power plant is slated to close by the end of this year.
