IL SR0755

U.S. Army Corps of Engineers constructed the Lucas-Berg Confined Dredged Material Disposal Facility in the early 1980s to dump sediments dredged from the Cal-Sag Channel into the Lucas-Berg Pit in the Village of Worth.

Previous studies found dredged materials from the Cal-Sag Channel contained dangerous levels of toxins that pose potential hazards to groundwater, air quality, and drinking water in the surrounding area.

The Lucas-Berg Pit is located near schools, churches, homes, public transportation, food establishments, and elderly housing, creating risks of serious illnesses including mercury poisoning, lead poisoning, brain damage, and birth defects.

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers has identified 20 potential alternative sites and is attempting to dispose of 17,250 cubic yards of contaminated sediment per year into the Lucas-Berg Pit.

Illinois Senate opposes use of the Lucas-Berg facility and urges the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to find an alternative, safe disposal site for Cal-Sag Channel sediments.