SAVE OUR RIVER

 

 

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A 106 petrochemical Barge terminal on the Illinois River in an area zoned industrial

Public Information Meeting

Your Attendance is Crucial!

The Village of Seneca has scheduled a Public Information Meeting regarding the proposed petro chemical barge terminal at Seneca. The meeting will take place on December 16, 2024 at 5:30PM  at Seneca Village Hall.

The Problem

Illinois Michigan Oil (IMO) procured US Army Corp of Engineers and Illinois Department of Natural Resources approval to develop a 106 barge petro chemical terminal at Seneca downriver of the railroad bridge. These approvals were granted without either agency allowing a public meeting regarding the proposal. The proposed operation would span up to four barges wide for more than one mile. The proposed operation is believed to include a petrochemical barge cleaning operation.

• The proposed facility is in an area zoned Waterfront Development by The Village of Seneca. This zoning along with the Village of Seneca 30 year comprehensive plan prohibits barge terminal operations within this zoning.

• July 12, 2023, The Village of Seneca refused to amend its ordinances to accommodate IMO.

• In early 2024, IMO proceeded to install five (5) steel mooring pilings in the left descending side of the Illinois River without a Village permit.

• On December 16, 2024 IMO will be presenting as a Public Information Meeting with a stated intent to explain their plan for this proposed petro chemical barge terminal. They will be available to answer questions and concerns.

• Mayor Olson and council members will be present to listen to the presentation and answer questions as they arise.

• Mayor Olson has respectively requested that all attendees act cordially, recommending we identify spokespersons if possible, to present the public’s concerns. He also stated that anyone in attendance is welcome to ask questions they may have.

Your opposition to this proposed barge terminal and Your presence at the meeting on December 16 are crucial in protecting our community and preserving our beautiful river!!

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.

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.