August 10, 2024 - The Illinois Department of Natural Resources has announced that until September 20 they will be accepting public comments about the abandoned mine lands reclamation projects that have been selected for work through President Biden's Bipartisan Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act.

Through IIJA, the IDNR is eligible to receive $75.7 million per year for a total of 15 years to address additional reclamation projects. During the first year, this amount was awarded in full to support land and water reclamation work at 55 abandoned mine sites throughout Illinois.

IDNR's Abandoned Mine Land program aims to address serious environmental and safety problems at coal and non-coal mines that were abandoned prior to August 3, 1977. This funding can be used to address a range of problems, including hazards resulting from legacy coal mining that pose a threat to public health, safety, and the environment; water supply restoration; and coal abandoned mine land emergencies.

For more information on abandoned mine reclamation in Illinois, click here.

Projects in the Local 6 region that have been proposed for the second year of the grant include:

Franklin:

- Ward Mine – Openings and hazardous equipment will be corrected.

Jackson:

- Tab Simco Bioretor Rebuild No. 2 – Reclamation work will improve the water affected by acid mine drainage.

Williamson:

- Veterans Airport – Reclamation work will address dangerous piles, embankments, and spoil areas.

- Wenezel Brothers Surface Mine – Dangerous highwalls and embankments will be addressed.

- Carterville Coal Co. – Reclamation activities will address openings.

- Amax Nixville Bridge – Reclamation will address bridge.

- Delta Collieries Tecumseh – Acid mine drainage and clogged stream lands will be addressed.

- Bluebird Turner – Hazardous equipment and facilities and remaining gob material will be reclaimed.

The list of second-year projects can be seen in full here.

Comments 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.