IL HB1608

Amends the Environmental Protection Act to require owners and operators of coal combustion residual (CCR) surface impoundments at electric generating plants within 4,000 feet of Lake Michigan to close impoundments by removal and off-site disposal, with no alternative closure methods permitted.

Requires facility operators to conduct site investigations within one year, submit CCR removal and remediation plans within six months of approval, and remove all CCR not in surface impoundments while remediating contaminated soil and groundwater to meet the most stringent remediation objectives.

Mandates owners and operators post performance bonds or other financial security (trust fund, surety bond, or letter of credit) to ensure removal and remediation compliance, with the Agency authorized to collect on bonds if requirements are not met.

Requires public notification in English and Spanish via website posting and newspaper publication when submitting site investigation reports and removal plans, with 30-day public comment periods and Agency review within 90 days.

Establishes construction permit application deadline of one year after the law's effective date for Lake Michigan facilities and voids any existing permits allowing in-place closure; creates Coal Combustion Residual Surface Impoundment Financial Assurance Fund for forfeited bonds.