Will County Board approves proposed quarry in Wheatland Township, despite opposition

JOLIET, Ill. (WLS) -- The Will County Board voted "yes" to a proposed quarry in Wheatland Township. The approved special project allows the land owner to expand an already existing quarry.

It was a nearly six-hour meeting, with over 40 residents explaining that this expanded quarry would put their families in harm's way. Ultimately, the board decided the land petition of the quarry took the proper steps to ensure safety.

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There was a sea of red on high alert, as the Board voted in favor for the special permit for the quarry on the southeast corner of Essington Road and 127th Street near Bolingbrook.

Dozens of people lined up outside the Will County Office building to snag a seat at the highly attended board meeting.

"The message is put people over profit," Bolingbrook Mayor Alexander-Basta said. "The community has spoken. This is just a small portion you will see here today."

Concerned residents made it clear that they felt their children would be in jeopardy due to the explosions need for expansion.

"The conversations have been had, of when do we need to start looking at putting the house on the one foot?" Alex Deo said. "My main concern is both of my children being within 1,000, less than 1,000 feet from where this just passed."

The land petitioner already owns a nearby surface limestone quarry. He bought the adjacent property three years ago to expand operations.

Will County Board Member Joe VanDuyne was the tie-breaking vote.

"They are regulated by the federal government, state of Illinois and the county rules. And I believe them that the blasting is 100% safe," VanDuyne said.

Josh Weger with the Illinois Economic Policy Institute is in favor of the quarry expansion, and says he wants to protect jobs that come with it.

"It's really all about jobs that make a middle-class wage, and that's what these jobs are at the quarry," Weger said. "I realize that people who live in the area of the quarry don't like the quarry, don't want to see it expanded. I get that; it's understandable. But I think Will County is a place that works."

The land petitioner did not comment after the vote.

The Village of Plainfield also filed an objection.

The property sits 200 feet from District 202's Liberty Elementary School.

The Superintendent Glenn Wood said he's worried for students' safety.

"We have strong concerns around not only foundational and environmental concerns, but also air debris, silicone debris," Superintendent Wood said.

"We have a bunch of children here today to show our board members that this is a safety issue unlike none other," Mike Cavalco, who lives near the site, said. "I almost can't believe that we've gotten this far."

The International Union of Operating Engineers, Local 150 released a statement, saying:

"The International Union of Operating Engineers, Local 150 continues to express strong support for AZ Hardrock's property zoning request. The Union further committed its position by having a Union representative share remarks at this morning's board meeting. Local 150 is dedicated to ensuring the highest standards of safety for our members working in the mining industry. These safety standards are critical not only to the work performed onsite, as well as for surrounding community members. We recognize the importance of rigorous oversight and regulation to maintain safe working conditions. The expansion of the AZ Hardrock quarry would mean their operations are subject to continuous monitoring by several governmental agencies, including the Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA), which plays a vital role in safeguarding miners and the surrounding communities. These regulations ensure that our skilled professionals can work safely and efficiently, contributing positively to the community while supporting their families. Local 150 remains dedicated to upholding these safety standards, fostering a secure and safe environment for all involved."