As you are aware, a coal mine has been proposed for a location which is across the railroad tracks from Hillsboro Hospital and the other health care facilities in that area. We have nothing against coal mining providing that it is done responsibly (with room and pillar extraction methods) and that the air and water resources in the vicinity of the mine are not polluted. After close examination of the permit application and with factual knowledge from other mine sites in Illinois, it is our opinion that a coal mine in this particular location will be hazardous to the health and well-being of the residents of both Hillsboro and Schram City.

The reasons for our opinion are based on factual scientific evidence and not emotional arguments, suppositions or innuendos. It is a fact that the water which will overflow into Central Park Creek will contain amounts of many toxic metals far in excess of EPA Standards. It is a fact that the dust that will blow from the waste impoundments into Schram City and Hillsboro contains all of the same toxic metals in addition to sulfur and toxic hydrocarbon compounds – ALL in excess of EPA Standards. The combination of the contaminated waste water and the polluted air amount to a "toxic cocktail" that will be unleashed on the citizens of Hillsboro and Schram City. As has occurred in other locations, the health of the residents will be adversely affected.

It is also a fact that the permit and water testing requirements stipulated by both the Illinois Department of Natural Resources and the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency are inadequate and will not protect the health of people living in close proximity to a coal mine. Factual scientific data from other mine sites in Illinois proves this beyond any doubt.

What is the solution to this dilemma? The first step is for the zoning board to deny the coal company request for rezoning of the property where the mine location has been proposed. The second step is for the coal company to relocate the mine in a rural area (like all other coal mines in Illinois). The third step is for the coal company to build a lake that will be used for their operation so that the toxic waste water from the mine will not be dumped into area creeks and streams.

If you agree with our position on this issue, attend the Zoning Board Hearing at 7:00 p.m. on January 12, 2009 in the Hillsboro City Offices and make your feelings known.

Illinois Citizens Opposed to Longwall Mining