Project reviews completed from October 15 to November 15 are listed below. These projects have been screened through the internal environmental review process for potential impacts on wetlands, threatened and endangered species, and cultural and archaeological resources etc. Through the review process it was determined that environmental impacts have been kept to a minimum and mitigated as necessary and that they do not meet the criteria for significant actions as defined in the environmental review process and may proceed. All of these projects are in compliance with the Endangered Species Protection Act, Natural Areas Preservation Act, Interagency Wetlands Policy Act and cultural resource statutes.

57026 - The Trans-Montaigne Pipeline Co. has proposed to install an 8" petroleum pipeline under the I & M Canal. The pipeline will be installed using the directional drill method and will not disrupt any portion of the canal or its adjacent land. Project was submitted for review on 8-4-98.

56157 - Siebert Engineers Inc. have submitted a conceptual plan for the installation of two storage tank loading/filling line easements across the canal property. The easements are approximately 75' in width and will be backfilled with clean material. Project was submitted for review on 7-13-98.

56633 - This project consists of the installation of a prefabricated campground cabin adjacent to an existing campsite at the Shady Oak Campground. The cabin is a wood log structure and is approximately 13' x 20' in size. The cabin will sit on a concrete pad with an associated sidewalk and gravel parking area. Project was submitted for review on 7-23-98.

50369 - To correct deficiencies noted by Public Health and to protect the quality of the water in the Kankakee River, the existing sewage treatment facilities at the site must be replaced. In doing so, the existing facilities will be removed and a 8" force main collection and conveyance system will be connected to the Kankakee regional wastewater treatment facility via the Village of Bourbonnais sewers. Lateral connections from the main line will service the various day use area in the park. Project was submitted for review on 1-27-98.

58240 - This project entails the addition of two 12' x 24' bay extensions onto the existing pole building at the shop building site. Project was submitted for review on 9-17-98.

58243 - This project is an extension of a previously approved project and is part of an ongoing effort to stabilize stream channels and reduce bank erosion at the site. Work entails the construction of six rock riffles (typically 25'L x 45'W x 1.5'H) for grade control and in stream habitat enhancement. A maximum of 50' of bank shaping on the east side of the stream will be required at each riffle for placement of materials. Native grasses will be established in all disturbed areas. Project was submitted for review on 9-17-98.

58463 - This project involves the grading of a small area (5' wide x 25' long) of the bank of Doza Creek to facilitate hunter access to adjacent lands. The disturbed area will be mulched and seeded. Project was submitted for review on 9-24-98.

50588 - This project involves improvements and rehabilitation activities to the Giant City hiking trail. Work will include repair of the bridge at the trail entrance and replacement of several of the existing bridges on other parts of the trail system. Other improvements include filling gullies, application of aggregate material to the trail tread, and installation of water diversions. Approximately 200-300' of the trail will be slightly realigned. Project was submitted for review on 2-4-98.

57893 - This project involves the erection of a small cabin for the Rent-A-Cabin program at the site. Work will include the removal of an old camp pad, erection of the cabin, construction of a parking area, sidewalk and patio work, and the rip-rapping of 100' of shoreline. In addition, a 5-7 car parking lot will be constructed at the campground for visitor use. Project was submitted for review on 9-10-98.

45176 - This project involves the construction of a new one lane boat ramp upriver from the existing ramp and a new 30 car parking lot to accommodate visitors. The access road and three existing parking lots will also be reshaped and upgraded. Shoreline protection will be required along the existing footbridge, new ramp, and handicapped fishing area. The existing vault toilets will be removed and replaced with standard handicapped accessible vault toilets. All areas disturbed by construction will be seeded and landscaped. Project was submitted for review on 5-6-97.

59546, 59547, 59548 - Activities in these Nature Preserves/Natural Area will involve the replacement of woven wire fencing around the perimeter of the sites. Projects were submitted for review on 10-29-98.

Letters received from our constituents during the public comment period were supportive of the Department's proposal for the environmental enhancement of Horseshoe Lake. Based on this positive response, the Department has decided to forgo the scheduling of a public meeting and will proceed with the project as planned.

The public may appeal this decision to proceed with the proposal during a 15 day appeal period. Any comments must be received by the Department by the close of business on December 15, 1998.

Comments may be sent to:

Mr. Kenneth L. Litchfield
Illinois Department of Natural Resources
CERP Program
524 S. Second Street
Springfield, Ill. 62701
Phone: (217) 785-5500

Questions and Comments

All questions and comments about the environmental review process or this newsletter should be directed to:

Illinois Department of Natural Resources
Div. of Natural Resource Review & Coordination
One Natural Resource Way
Springfield, IL 62702-1271
Phone: 217/785-5500

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