EPA Says Illinois Can Weigh In On Northwest Indiana Quarry

KANKAKEE, Ill. (AP) — The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency says Illinois should get a chance to publicly object to a proposed northwest Indiana quarry on the Kankakee River.

The (Kankakee) Daily Journal reports an EPA official sent a letter to officials in both states and the Army Corps of Engineers, which has the final say on the quarry in Lake County, Indiana. Both Indiana and the Army Corps have issued permits for the project.

EPA spokesman Peter Cassell says the letter is a "notification to Illinois of its rights." U.S. Rep. Robin Kelly of Matteson had written the EPA requesting a public hearing.

Illinois officials have asked Indiana to halt its permit over potential impacts on the river that flows in both states. Army Corps spokeswoman Lynn Whalen says Illinois hasn't yet filed an objection over the federal permit.