The Illinois Environmental Protection Agency is holding a public hearing to take comments on the Pond Creek Mine Discharge permit.
Pond Creek Mine owner Williamson Energy wants to build a 12-mile pipeline from east of Johnston City to the Big Muddy River for the discharge of millions of gallons of mine waste.
There’s a public concern over the amount of chlorides and sulfates in the water that could affect the Big Muddy River and the environment.
Attorney for the Sierra Club Albert Ettinger says public comments can change the IEPA’s decision.
“In most cases there’s at least been some modification to the permit and in other cases the permit was effectively dropped.”
Sierra Club member Joyce Blumenshine thinks the Big Muddy River shouldn’t be a dumping ground for the mine’s pollution.
“They should treat that water on site and find a viable way to do that and pay for it.”
Blumenshine says the mine should find a more sustainable way to deal with the waste they’re creating.
“They really should be able to deal with their pollution or deal with what it cost to do their business or they should change their practice.”
The public meeting will be held at the Diamond Club, at Rent One Park at 6pm.
