Dan Kenney
Chair of Stop the Mega-Dump
5/20/10

We met with the attorney, George Mueller, on 5/20/10. We have some important facts about the process to share with you and we have some very hopeful information to share as well.

First of all Mr. Mueller told us the last two cases in which he represented a citizens’ group before the Illinois Pollution Board both case were won on the issue of fundamental fairness. He said the 5 member Illinois Pollution Control board is very sensitive to issues where the citizens have not been treated fairly in the process. He said that the proof of unfairness is “built one brick at a time” meaning that many examples of how the public was kept from the process or where the citizens were hindered in any way is considered unfairness.

He said he will file the appeal around June 10th. The hearing with the hearing officer from the Illinois Pollution Control board will be held here in DeKalb County probably in early August.

What we need from you to help win this appeal.

1) If you tried to get a copy of the WMI application please write up about what that experience was like for you. Also let us know if you talked with a CB member about the expansion. Please contact us with any other information related to access problems or instances when you felt the county had already made up its mind. When you felt it was a “done deal.”

2) KEEP THE SIGNS UP! Continue to spread the word. The hearing with the hearing officer is a public hearing. Everyone will have at some point a time to talk about issues related to the application process and to the first public hearing.

3) We want to pack the hearing room, so start spreading the word. We would like to get over 200 out for the hearing. Mr. Mueller said that large numbers of citizens upset about this will get back to the board. It does make a difference.

4) Thank you to everyone who has made a financial contribution. Please consider making a contribution if you haven’t made on yet. And pass the word to others as well.

Together lets make this the summer we beat Waste management and averted an ecological disaster for our county and for our children.