IEPA tells Ameren what needs to be done before resuming work

TAYLORVILLE, Ill. (WAND) — The Illinois EPA has laid out what it will take for Ameren to resume work at a controversial site in Taylorville in Christian County. In the 1980s and 90s the site was linked to cases of a rare cancer in children, neuroblastoma.

The property, located adjacent to Manner’s Park, was the site of a gas manufacturing plant in the early 1900s. It produced gas to heat homes and businesses. A previous owner, Central Illinois Public Service (CIPS), was digging on the site in the mid-1980s to remove a tank which left behind toxic coal tar.

Seven Taylorville children developed neuroblastoma. Four of those eventually died. Lawsuits were filed and some of the parents made financial recoveries.

This past summer (2023) the current owner, Ameren, began digging on the site and performed some drilling as part of a pilot project. While conducting those operations residents complained of odors coming from a large open pit. In the fall, IEPA issued a stop work order after numerous complaints from residents.

In a letter dated December 21, 2023 IEPA raised a number of issues with Ameren stating they must be answered and/or completed. Among the items IEPA is seeking answers to is how a benzene-specific monitor was noted as being “unable to be calibrated” yet Ameren was providing readings showing benzene concentrations. Normally, no reading would have been taken.

IEPA also stated another public hearing will be held before Ameren is permitted to resume working at the site.