Area environmental groups want stricter pollution controls on a proposed permit for the Ameren coal plant in Bartonville. The groups say the state Environmental Protection Agency needs to limit the discharge of heavy metal pollutants in the permit. Traci Barkley is a water scientist with a National Wildlife Federation affiliate. She says the proposed permit limitations don’t go far enough.
“Considering that this river is already considered impaired due to high levels of mercury and that this river is heavily fished and hunted for both recreational and commercial interests, we feel it's imperative that mercury and other heavy-metal pollution is monitored and limited at this power plant,” Barkley says.
The IEPA is holding a public hearing on Ameren’s new draft permit. It’s at six o’clock this evening at the Pekin Public Library. Ameren says the plant discharges cleaner water than it takes in, and the proposed permit increases water monitoring.
Those interested in weighing in on Ameren’s permit request can mail or e-mail comments to the state through September 6th.