A 106 petrochemical Barge terminal on the Illinois River in an area zoned industrial
The Problem
Planning Commission Meeting 7-12-23 6 pm
Village of Seneca public officials plan to review and vote to amend the industrial zoning ordinance to allow for a barge terminal in an industrial-zoned district. Whereas such use under the current ordinance is currently prohibited. The existing zoning does not allow for this barge terminal. Changing the zoning would allow the barge terminal to move forward. The owner of the proposed barge terminal is the only property owner with a vacant industrial-zoned property that abuts the Illinois River.
Reasons to oppose barge terminal
- No public comment was allowed
- No scientific studies to assess potential impacts were done
- Current zoning conflicts with proposed zoning
- Increases risk of a catastrophic spill incident
- Displacement of public use from historical recreation area
- Industrial uses conflict with the recreational tourism-based economy of our local community
- Little to no tax revenue benefit to Seneca
- Financial impact in loss of tourism revenues to local businesses
- Decrease in home values
- Sets a precedent for more barge terminals in the area
- Lack of emergency response assets in the event of a spill or fire
Planning Commission Meeting Update
An announcement was made at the planning commission meeting on July 12, 2023, that the planning commission is not considering the text amendment at this time and canceled the public hearing. When asked for clarification, they stated that it is postponed indefinitely. Without this change, it is our understanding that the barge terminal will not be able to move forward at this time. To view the written statement from the Village of Seneca regarding Illinois & Michigan Oil Barge Terminal, click here. We had a great turnout with over 100 people in attendance. We thank you for your continued support. We consider this a victory, for now! In the coming days, we will be collecting the yard signs distributed throughout town. Hopefully these will not be needed in the coming years.
Potential Impact
Zoning changes will open the door for development and operation of a planned large scale barge operation accommodating a 106 petrochemical barge terminal stretching almost 2 miles on the Illinois river at Seneca. This would be the largest barge terminal in Illinois and be detrimental to recreational boating and tourism in our community with little to no benefit in tax revenue.
Save Our River
SAY NO to a 106 Petrochemical Barge Terminal in Seneca!
What Drives Us
Our Mission
Our mission is to provide advocacy and resources to conserve the recreational use and ecological importance of the Illinois River at Seneca, IL.
Get Involved
Learn how you can become an advocate and help educate the community on how our public officials are voting on this important issue that will radically change the fabric of our small community. You can help save our river!
Upcoming Events
July 12 - Seneca Planning Commission Meeting
6pm Your attendance is vital at the meeting. Tell Seneca village officials to not permit a petrochemical barge terminal at Seneca and to prevent this from ruining our community. Seneca Village Hall 340 N Cash St, Seneca, IL 61360.