Illinois House OKs Avelar’s bill to protect groundwater supply from contamination

The Illinois House of Representatives passed a bill sponsored by State Rep. Dagmara Avelar which she argued aims to protect groundwater supply from contamination.

The bill, H.B. 653, would increase the state fee for clean construction demolition debris such as concrete, brick and stone from being disposed of in quarry sites, according to a news release. The House overwhelmingly passed the measure with bipartisan support from 100 representatives voting for it.

Existing law does not require quarries that contain CCDD to be lined or for groundwater to be tested for contamination.

The issue has been especially prevalent in Will County with some residents in unincorporated areas relying on groundwater near quarries. A 2018 report from environmental groups found a majority of samples from groundwater near quarries, including multiple in Will County, contained unsafe levels of pollutants.

“It is our job as legislators and residents of Illinois, to make sure our groundwater stays safe and clean,” Avelar, D-Bolingbrook, said in the release. “Our Earth is slowly deteriorating so it is critical that legislators throughout the country find legislation that benefits both the environment and state.”

Avelar argued her bill would allow counties to raise their respective fees for CCDD disposal. The extra revenue will allow municipalities and the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency to complete more regular inspections of quarry sites for contamination.

The bill moves to the Senate for consideration.