SB3073 Summary

• Amends the Environmental Protection Act to establish comprehensive regulation of coal combustion residuals (CCR) surface impoundments in Illinois, requiring permits for construction, operation, closure, and post-closure care with standards at least as protective as federal EPA regulations.

• Requires owners/operators of CCR surface impoundments to post performance bonds or other financial security for closure, post-closure care, and remediation of releases, with cost estimates based on a 30-year post-closure care period.

• Mandates the Illinois Pollution Control Board adopt rules within one year establishing construction/operating permit requirements, design standards, reporting, meaningful public participation procedures, and environmental justice considerations for CCR impoundments.

• Requires owners/operators of electric generating plants within 4,000 feet of Lake Michigan with CCR surface impoundments to close all CCR impoundments by complete removal and off-site disposal, without option for closure-in-place.

• Creates new Section 22.59a requiring electric generating plants near Lake Michigan to conduct site investigations, submit removal and remediation plans, and achieve complete removal of all CCR and remediation of contaminated soil and groundwater within specified timelines.