SPRINGFIELD, Ill. — The Illinois Department of Natural Resources is looking for public feedback regarding abandoned mines throughout the state.
The Biden administration's Bipartisan Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act has awarded $75.7 million per year for a total of 15 years to the state's land and water reclamation work at 55 abandoned mines across Illinois.
IDNR's Abandoned Mine Land Reclamation program works to address serious environmental and safety problems at mines abandoned prior to Aug. 3, 1977. The state agency is seeking public comment until Sept. 20 on the next round of mine reclamation projects.
Locally, that includes a project to seal vertical openings and prevent human exposure at Oaks Coal Mine in Henry County. A full project list can be found here.
Comments can be sent through email to lance.l.range@illinois.gov or by mail to Lance Range, Illinois Department of Natural Resources, Office of Mines and Minerals, 1 Natural Resources Way, Springfield, Illinois 62702.
More information on IDNR's work with abandoned mine lands can be found on its website.