The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the Department of Justice (DOJ), and the state of Illinois filed a lawsuit Wednesday against East St. Louis for allowing untreated sewage to discharge into local waterways, including the Mississippi River and Whispering Willow Lake, despite multiple EPA orders in 2022 and 2023. The lawsuit claims these actions violate the Clean Water Act and threaten public health.
The complaint alleges sewage overflows from the city’s infrastructure, particularly during heavy rains, with 246 recorded spills into the Mississippi River, some occurring without precipitation. EPA inspections also found toilet paper along the shores of Whispering Willow Lake. The city is accused of lacking proper monitoring systems and allowing sewage to back up into streets and buildings, posing a health risk.
Federal and state authorities seek a court order to force East St. Louis to pay penalties and improve its infrastructure, similar to a recent settlement with Cahokia Heights. The agreement with Cahokia Heights includes a $30,000 fine and $30 million in repairs.
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