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Coal ash pollution in the Arrowhead Landfill in Perry County, Alabama. (John Wathen)
Update June 16, 2023

Illinois Coal Ash Victory Models the Protections We Need Nationwide

A recent EPA proposal could finally ensure safeguards for the hundreds of unprotected, unregulated coal ash sites across the country.

document June 9, 2023

Settlement requiring Dynegy Midwest Generation to clean up coal ash at the former Vermilion Power Station

This settlement between the State of Illinois and Dynegy Midwest Generation requires Dynegy to clean up coal ash and resolve violations of the Illinois Environmental Protection Act at the former Vermilion Power Station.

Andrew Rehn looks at toxic coal ash waste seepage on the shore of the Middle Fork of the Vermilion River.
(Zbigniew Bzdak / Chicago Tribune / TNS via Getty Images)
Press Release: Victory June 8, 2023

Court Approves Plan to Clean Up Coal Ash at the Retired Vermilion Plant in Illinois

Consent order requires Dynegy Midwest Generation to move coal ash to a new on-site landfill to protect the Middle Fork of the Vermilion River

Press Release June 22, 2021

Interim Agreement Reached on Protecting the Middle Fork of the Vermilion

Environmental groups cautiously optimistic, remain vigilant

document November 11, 2020

Vermilion Coal Ash Appeal Brief

Request for Oral Argument and Complaint Brief

document November 11, 2020

Vermilion Coal Ash Dynegy Response

Vermilion Coal Ash Case – Dynegy Response Brief

document November 11, 2020

Vermilion Coal Ash Reply Brief to Dynegy

Vermilion Coal Ash Case — Earthjustice Reply Brief in response to Dynegy Brief

document April 2, 2019

Illinois Pollution Control Board Vermilion Plant Coal Ash Lawsuit

Dynegy, through its disposal and storage of coal ash at the Vermilion Power Station, has discharged contaminants into the environment and the Middle Fork and thereby caused, and continues to cause, water pollution in violation of 415 ILCS 5/12(a).

Pooling seeps of toxic coal ash waste, the red material in the river bank, from Dynegy’s Vermilion Power Plant in Oakwood, Illinois, can be seen leaking into the Middle Fork of the Vermilion River.
(Courtesy of Prairie Rivers Network)
Press Release May 30, 2018

Federal Lawsuit Filed to Force Dynegy to Clean Up Toxic Pollution of Vermilion River

Recent video documents continued coal ash contamination of Illinois’ only National Scenic River

document May 29, 2018

Vermilion Coal Ash Complaint

Plaintiff Prairie Rivers Network brings this citizen enforcement action against Defendant Dynegy Midwest Generation, LLC, for violations of the Clean Water Act, 33 U.S.C. §§ 1311 and 1342, at the Vermilion Power Station in Vermilion County, Illinois.

Toxic coal ash waste, the red material in the river bank, from Dynegy’s Vermilion Power Plant in Oakwood, Illinois, can be seen leaking into the Middle Fork of the Vermilion River.
(Courtesy of The Prairie Rivers Network)
Press Release January 31, 2018

Environmental Groups to Sue to Protect National Scenic River from Leaking Toxic Waste

Dynegy’s coal ash pits polluting Middle Fork of the Vermilion River

document January 30, 2018

Vermilion Power Plant Coal Ash Notice Letter

The Vermilion Power Station is a retired coal-fired power plant located approximately five miles north of the village of Oakwood, Illinois. The plant sits on the west bank of the Middle Fork of the Vermilion River (“Middle Fork”), in a 17-mile section designated as Illinois’ only National Scenic River and first State Scenic River. From the mid-1950s until 2011, the plant burned coal and generated millions of tons of coal combustion residuals (“coal ash”).