Illinois EPA Blocks Army Corps’ Toxic Waste Facility Expansion

State opposition halts federal toxic waste site expansion in Chicago, marking a major environmental justice victory.

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The Illinois Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has rejected the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers’ proposed expansion of a toxic waste disposal site on Chicago’s Southeast Side. The agency’s recent federal court filing asserts that the expansion violates Illinois state law, which bans new landfill construction or expansion in Cook County. Illinois Attorney General Kwame Raoul has also opposed the project, further complicating federal efforts to increase the facility’s capacity by 1 million cubic yards over the next 20 years.

Environmental Justice and Community Concerns

The 45-acre facility, located along Lake Michigan, has been used to store toxic sediment dredged from the Calumet River since 1984. Hazardous substances such as mercury, arsenic, and PCBs are contained within the site, which was initially slated for conversion into parkland once it reached full capacity. However, decades later, the land remains under federal control, continuing to burden the predominantly Black and Latino community. The area already faces severe environmental pollution, with high asthma and cancer rates linked to industrial activity and some of the worst air quality in Chicago.

Industrial Pollution vs. Great Lakes Shipping Needs

The Army Corps argues that the expansion is crucial for maintaining commercial shipping routes between the Great Lakes and the Mississippi River basin, ensuring continued urban development and economic activity. However, the Illinois EPA has proposed alternative solutions, including using permitted landfills or repurposing dredged materials for habitat restoration and construction. Environmental advocates, including the Environmental Law and Policy Center, claim the Army Corps failed to fully evaluate other sites or consider the risks associated with climate change, such as increased storms and fluctuating lake levels.

Recent legal decisions, including a Supreme Court ruling that limits federal agency discretion, could strengthen the case against the expansion. With growing momentum for environmental regulations and corporate sustainability, community groups continue to push for the land’s promised redevelopment into parkland, aligning with broader urban development and environmental justice goals.

Environment + Energy Leader