This blog is maintained for the sole purpose of allowing the people of Peru and those interested in the cities of the Illinois Valley to express their views.
“It doesn’t take a majority to win, just a tireless minority that will keep starting brush fires in the mind and hearts of their fellow men.” Samuel Adams
Are the Earlville residents looking at the same business that Peru is? Peru has no concerns and Earlville residents seem to have many.
54 comments:
Anonymous
said...
I think this is all being instigated by the anti-fracking groups. They want to prevent fracking and will put up road blocks everywhere they can. I think energy independence is key to the resurgence of our economy. There is nothing more vital to our economy than low cost fuel. We are now sitting on at least 100 years of natural gas - thanks to fracking! As we continue to become more efficient, this supply may last 300 years. For those opposed to using the latest technology and techniques used to extract natural resources from the Earth keep in mind that even if you are successful in stopping it - other countries will continue and we will pay them. I'd rather send my money to Texas, Oklahoma, South Dakota, Canada, or Mexico - anywhere in North America is better than sending our money to the Arabian Peninsula.
Lois: It is my understanding that the company approaching both towns is one in the same and is looking for the location that best suits their needs. Apparently the Earlville residents not only want answers but want proposals and promises in writing.
Fracking is an unsound practice period. Just because it is the latest technology does not mean it is not environmental rape.
But that aside, the real concerns of the massive silica trafficking being proposed are not being addressed in Peru. Even Dalzell may be affected, and property values will go down.
The pablum the other bloggers are feeding you about a completely enclosed transfer station have NEVER seen a facility like this in operation.
Good News, Good News! Illinois approved fracking rules yesterday. "Illinois lawmakers signed off Thursday on long-awaited rules regulating high-volume oil and gas drilling, clearing the way for companies to get "fracking" permits and unleash what they hope will be an energy boom in the southern part of the state."
This is the best news I have heard since Quinn was kicked out of office.
8:04 Read the minutes and what is happening. There is no enclosed transfer station in Peru! The process is transfer sand from truck to train. They are not mining sand, drying sand or storing sand in Peru. You have more environmental concerns in the Walmart parking lot than you will have from the practice of sand transportation! If they had a enclosed transfer station that would have less concerns to me than several chemical plants or factories in the area. The benefits of locating more jobs and more business in the Illinois Valley is needed.
I have never seen how a sand transfer station works and only know what I have heard and read about it regarding the possible Peru operation. I am sure this applies to almost all residents.
But I do expect that my city officials who will make the decision have seen it. Has the company offered to take them to Wisconsin by hired limo or air?. Not all but but the mayor and committee heads, perhaps. They are voting on something they have never seen and because of that, this whole project will be subject to more scrutiny and speculation with no definitive answer. Common sense needs to prevail.
Isn't it evident that our small village of Earlville is much more concerned with what is happening to us and our village than Peru is to its city. We are small and know we are small we also know that we are all directly involved and the present and future are here and we have to make our decisions as a whole, not sit back and enable all decisions to be made by our politicians and than complain when it is too late if that is the end result. Earlville may be looked upon as a bunch of red neck fighters but none of us are bashful about becoming involved when it concerns us and our future and our childrens future. I've personally followed two Peru city council decisions, the indoor swimming pool and the dog sled pulls and at both was astounded at the rapid decisions made without the background and know how needed. One decision made by fire and the other made and reconsidered. Both decisions sponsoring many non residents of your city with finances from Peru. Your city needs to learn that it is only as strong as the involvement of your citizens. Watch Earlville and we are showing you how.
If you are concerned about your future, just try one simple experiment. Shut off the electrical breaker to your house and shut off the main water valve. Then lock they keys to your car inside the trunk. Try to live like that for a month. No automobile, now electricity, and walking to the nearest well to get water. You can keep the inside toilet and use modern grocery stores for now. That is life without electricity and gasoline.
Nice try 10:51. You are one of the usuals and you are not from Earlville. Even if you were let's stop with how much more brilliant your citizenry is than ours. Please.
This is the most overhyped bunch of nonsense. People on hear actually think this is fracking? Lol! 11:15 is spot on.
9:53 I have news for you. Quinn is still in office for awhile!
Lois when will you or anyone else ever be able to offer anything but criticism? That is all you do. No solutions and no admitting when something is good. Everything the council does or that happens in Peru is wrong.
I truly feel sorry for you. We will just add this one to the long list of comments you don't allow who aren't in step with you and your 25 other bloggers. Pathetic.
1:42 PM Nice try, I do feel sorry for you and the others trying to put the blog down because it dares to question what is going on. On this subject, I have not put down the project I have asked questions that any intelligent and thinking elected official should be doing. Are you insinuating I write all the comments that come in. I hope you are smarter than that. If there is NO problem, why should I be offering solutions? This council has a history of not questioning at least not publicly and that is what we who live here want to see done and follow those questions with intelligent discussions so we know you are doing your job. Is that too much to ask of people who are being paid with taxpayer dollars.
It's easy to say Fracking is great, because I guarantee you know zero about it other than the economic implications SHORT TERM. Greatest thing in the world you say...just like DDT, chloroflorocarbons, mercury laden coal, non point source AG pollution, carbon emissions, landfilling solvents,Perk at dry cleaners, filling wetlands , and a host of other "greatest things in the world".
It is poorly regulated nationwide, pumps nasty chemicals into the shale and groundwater , effects seismic activity, skirts the CWA real nicely ... But does great with bringing more natural gas and energy independence from foreign oil.
Illinois has passed a benchmark regulation for fracking that the rest of the nation and Sierra club have studied. It s terrible, but better than nothing.
But the issue here is Airborne Silica, and the Company in question has got a very questionable rep at many facilities. That is FACT. If you have every seen sand trucks traveling in high winds, and think populated areas, cars, and even neighboring industries will not be effected, you need to head down to the old clinker tunnels at Illinois cement without scba while they are running.
It's so easy to listen to the FOX news and the three "scientists" left wordwide who still think humankind has no effect on the environment and global warming. get all your info from them and the industry in question. Blame tree buggers. Say it's for jobs. Whatever.
But if you don't think fracking is both untested AND unregulated, you are ill informed on the issue. And if you trust the Peru City Council to protect the citizens from silica environmental damage, just check out how they did the power plant demolition, see where all the debris went. And the non existent erosion control ordinances for new construction. And see where all the construction debris from water street ends up. Please let us know when you do.
Wake up. The "rubes" in the little towns know enough not to crap in their back yards for a buck. Industry knows where the politicians easily controlled and influenced. That's where they go.
2:18, almost everything you said has been repudiated by sources that actually know how fracking works. I challenge you to live 100% petrochemical free for one month.
I know people that hired an attorney to represent them regarding this issue, the people were very unhappy with representation they received. It all came down to the law firm basically collected money from the people and didn't do anything to benefit the people. Remember, attorneys are in the game to collect money, with knowing what the outcome is going to be before even starting the case of representation. People need to be smart and know this is happening and happens in many different cases. Think of all the court cases that are continued. Well, attorney's keep getting paid for showing up to court and case is continued, which in return more money is needed for the next court date and the hours supposedly spent preparing for the next court hearing. In my opinion I call it scam artists. Who would like to dispute my comment?
3:33PM Are you and 11:55 AM over emphasizing the importance of EOG Resources in Peru and fracking in this area. Many others have lived here for a long time without it, some before indoor plumbing, electricity and automobiles. Before recent articles in the daily fish wrapper I was not aware there was a EOG Resources and that my present life existed upon their presence. I do not care to backdate to the 18 and early 1900's but I assure you that fracking will not be the reason if I ever have to. Anon 1:42 PM Why are you so upset with people from Earlville? You should appreciate them for fighting your battle with more than kool aid and gusto!
2:18 well said. I am typically in favor of pro-business efforts, but I am with you on this one. While there is a clear difference between fracking and frack sand production, I can't help but sympathize with abutting property owners dealing with yards full of sand. We need to view the bigger picture.. Not the promise of a temporary jobs.
LOis - You feel sorry for me and the others trying to put the blog down because it "dares to question what is going on." I didn't say anything about daring to question anything. I question things all of the time. I'm just amazed that all you see is negative. No one follows negative.
2:18 - no one is talking about fracking with related to this post. This is seriously crazy.
Tell me what I said about it being negative. I have a problem with the presently proposed traffic pattern but several of the aldermen I have talked with said that will probably be changed. Are you surprised that I have talked with some of the aldermen and they are not who you think they are. Sounds like you are not used to brainstorming ideas where you end up talking about things you never thought would come up. This is all good whether you have a good opinion of it or not.
8:22PM I’m not sure you have the right information. You said you can’t help sympathize with “…abutting property owners dealing with yards full of sand.” A couple of points that are worth mentioning… First, the transfer facility will be in an industrial zone. Second, why do you think they will be so careless with their product? If “yards fill with sand” how are they supposed to make money? Many people are up in arms against this technology and they have no idea why. They listed to organizations like the Sierra Club and other anti-human, ultra-liberal groups that are hell bent on sending us back to the 1700’s. Well folks, you all know we will not let that happen.
Once the sand controversy is laid to rest, it will be time to start thinking about Illinois Coal. Illinois should sponsor more clean coal initiatives and research. We should be friendly to the coal mining industry. Of all the states, Illinois has the largest reported bituminous coal resources with almost 25% of our nation's reserves. Coal bearing rocks underlie about 65 percent of Illinois (36,806 out of a total of 56,500 square miles), including all or parts of at least 86 of the 102 counties in the state. According to the Illinois State Geological Survey (ISGS) there are 100 billion tons of recoverable coal beneath the borders of Illinois. This is enough coal to meet the country’s need for coal for the next 100 years. There is more energy content in the coal in Illinois than in the oil in Saudi Arabia and Kuwait combined!
There have been claims made that there will be no fracking in this area because there is no oil or natural gas here and we will only provide the sand for fracking. This arouses several questions such as what if any health issues can be created in the process of providing sand, and is land going to be farmable when the sand process is finished etc.? The next questions are the questions of more importance. These questions are:
Why do so many people of the Peru locality appear so eager to jump at a idea before they study and observe it?
Secondly why do a few consider anyone in question as being negative and label them as such?
Why when business practices which are questionable to the general public and have a long term affect aren't independent sources contacted for a opinion rather than only representatives of the corporations such as EOG Resources or simply conducting decisions on the unknowlegable practice of winging it? As a example I doubt if any of the Peru aldermen, city administrators or city attorney have any knowledge of the firm and it objectives further than a 3 hour meeting and at the council meeting voted 7-0 on a contract that was not yet signed and all the i's dotted and the t's crossed and the city attorney granted his opinions obtained through EOG Resources brainwashing in a professional position to a citizen as if he had a engineering sales job rather one in which he is to grant legal opinions.
To those who tend to criticize Lois and her fellow bloggers (and yes, I am one of them) I sincerely wonder if you attend meetings, talk to not only your aldermen, but all of them, FOIA info, read meeting minutes, talk to meeting members, make phone calls, etc. etc.? We are seeking answers, questioning decisions, and virtually interested in making our community a better place to live. Does it occasionally get misinterpreted by some? Of course. Do some disagree with our thinking? Of course. That's the American way and that's how progress is made.
Here is something to think about... sand mines, sand processing plants, sand transfer sights, don't really advertise their business in the local newspaper or on the radio station. Come to think about it, neither dose any industrial plant. However, tourist traps, restaurants, and nick knack stores do. Think about that when you read or listen to our local media "giant."
This is typical of the Illinois Progressive Democrats. Their view is that the savior of the local economy will be marijuana growing and distribution along with slot machines in every empty building. Meanwhile, they put up roadblocks to stop real business and industrial expansion. I guess the Dems want the electorate stoned and broke.
If you are a retired person, you need to send our new governor a letter. He is going to lower the income tax put in place by Governor Quinn. The state needs this money for things like the state worker pension and school pensions. Without this income tax, they are going to raise our property taxes to make up for it. This directly affects the retired community the worse because retired people don’t pay state income tax on social security and pensions but they do pay property tax. So tell the new governor that he needs to keep or possibly raise the income tax. Otherwise the retired people’s property tax will foot the bill for the teachers, schools, and state workers. I think everyone went nuts this election by voting for Republicans. We need to do something about that. The Tea Party People need to be put out of business for spreading lies.
As our country's age increases so does our governments responsibilities. This increase, which is our own fault, has made us too dependent on this same government. There is such a thing as too much government and we have reached that point and gone beyond it i.e. social security was created to be a supplemental income in retirement not the sole or major income. The government worker should have a pension but it should be in parallel with the industrial and retail employees and the same goes with all other benefits. Presently the government employee benefit are way better than the average taxpayers who is supporting it. The answer is not to increase taxes, print more money or create a larger debt but rather to make all expenditures accountable.
I think the citizens of Earlville are concerned because the size of our town isn't appropriate to support a 200+ acre transfer facility. We are also concerned that it will be placed less than a half a mile from the school which sits down wind across a very open field. I'm all for new businesses and all for energy independence, but I don't think the risks are a good fit for us.
From data I have read the Peru Facility will be less than 100 acres and I do not believe it is a appropriate for Peru. I'm all for new business and all for energy independence, but I don't think the risks are a good fit for either of us, Earlville or Peru. Until it is proven that sand storage cannot create a health problem it is wiser to not accept it than welcome it with open arms for a few bucks and than fill a cemetery. The world is full of unrecorded history similar to Loves Island which proves businesses goal is to make money not be a good caretaker of area health. If a wind barrier is what is needed to make sand storage safe I believe The Magnificent Seven Aldermen who voted aye and Peru City Attorney should but would not be willing to build their homes downwind from it. So why should you and me have to risk it?
2:35 - then we should definitely shutdown Carus Chemical, Huntsman, American Nickaloid, and James Hardie. After all, these CORPORATIONS are TOXIC. I look forward to a new career goal of becoming the Burgoo Meister or maybe the chief corn dog dipper at a tourist trap. I'll be happy that I only have to work in the summer because that is when the elite money from Chicago comes down to Starved Rock Country to spend their money on bangles and bells at the candle shops and book nooks.
1:10 200+ acres? The facility in Peru is interested in only 96 acres and has stated that only 40% of that will be used for the transfer facility. Wonder why the big discrepancy.
I don't think they will use 200+ acres solely for the plant. I just think that was what they needed to purchase to get all the land between route 34 and the rail line. I could be mistaken though.
2:18 here. I was addressing all the fracking comments the one blogger who said they think it is the greatest thing to happen in Illinois in a long time, and the blogger who stated that the state now has fracking rules.
I assure you I know a great deal about both Sierra Club and Fracking. I USED to be for it, then me and a whole bunch of other people started to see how it was damaging the aquifer AND the seismic stability of the region.. So unlike a sixties hippie hating the Corporations or a bought and paid for Petro Scientist saying there is no Global warming, I actually learned about it and CHANGED my mind. You think anything I said has been successfully refuted , I would challenge you to provide a single one of them. I know Sierra because I had to fight and negotiate with them when I was in the chemical industry for twenty years. I don't agree with them on many things.. But this nonsense about challenging someone to live petro free for a month or saying all the Chemical industries must shut down does nothing to enhance your debate position.
My post was about how I , and you, should have grave concerns about our current elected leaders to make ANY sound environmental decisions. The company in question has many possible negatives associated with them that deserved to be thoroughly checked out. Silica is hard to handle period, and this transfer will move much of it through Peru, and put huge amounts possibly in storage that can effect up to a five mile radius. The way it was silently shoved through for a minimal job impact smacks of Peru.
It stinks. Just like James Hardie when the wind blows the wrong way in summer. But I don't want to shut them down. And Carus makes more chemicals to enhance the environmental cleanup than you know. And Nickeloid has changed practices to be more friendly to the environment over the years. Nobody is saying they are bad. We are saying this shot through here without the necessary debate and is not just to NIMBY liberal issue. Its serious, and you need to wake up. And if you want to debate me on Environmental issues, leave tea party catch phrases at home and wade in with your big boy pants.
The sand transportation has no storage or blowing sand. The model is placing sand in a enclosed truck to transfer to a enclosed train car from a enclosed conveyer belt. It would be hard pressed to build a home down wind from the loading area. The area is fields! And even if you could build next to the plant, you wouldn't have any concerns with sand loss.
The Sierra Club is a radical organization. They actually advocate for world wide limits on birth rates, limiting families to one or two children in the United States. They believe that the number one contributor to greenhouse gases is the simple existence of people. The fact of the matter is that we need energy. For the next hundred or more years, fossil fuel will be the only method of producing this energy on scale needed to keep our economy and society moving forward. To extract these fossil fuels, we need to use all of our capabilities, including hydraulic fracturing. Also, keep in mind that everything we do is depended on energy. Not only that, modern agriculture would come to a scratching halt without petroleum. Imagine a world without fertilizers and pesticides made possible by petroleum. Not a pretty sight. So, we in LaSalle County Illinois must do our small part to provide inexpensive sand to be used in this process. If that means having a transfer facility in Peru, Earlville, Ottawa and other locations, then so be it. It is for the better and will actually improve the quality of life in the Illinois Valley by providing income to people that otherwise would not have it.
I can't imagine the business without some type of storage for loaded rr cars when we have days of wind (said they would not work) or storms especially in the winter.
Why do we put so much effort and useless conversation into stopping business development? Are people around here against change that much? It is not just this. It is everything! Well folks - I'm on the side of change. So much so that I think the best litmus test of any project is to ask the people of Peru what they think. If they resist the project - it should be automatically be approved! Now, I'm going down to the coffee shop to check my numbers. After that I think I'll cruise around the burger joint a few times. Then its off to "The Westclox" to reminisce about the good old days. Maybe put together a plan to re-open the Hawaiian Room on the empty lot that used to contain the Peru Hotel. This evening I'll try to find Jeopardy on the TV - they changed the channel a couple of years ago and I haven't been able to find it since. Then I'll complain about the cable office closing down. Not the one on Marquette, the one on Route 6 that turned into a bread store and now some other business that shouldn't be allowed. I'll finish my evening by wishing I could get a Sandy's Big Scott Burger - but I can't because they put a bank there. Can't even go get a Sandy Cream Cone because somebody opened an Italian Deli in the Ice Cream shop. Maybe this summer there will be a beer garden at Centennial Park so I can drink away my Peru is Changing Blues.
TV cable bldg was located at Peru St and Rte 6 and when it closed, it became a beauty shop and now is gone because the city tore it down. I'll take a Big Scott anytime you can find one and nothing every will replace the Hawaiian Room of Peru. Have to go to Chi Town, nothing local. Lot of your comment is true because what is gone has usually not been replaced by anything better and that in a nutshell is a part of the problem in the Illinois Valley.
Did you know that fracking has lowered your gas prices by .99 cents per gallon. 10:41 lets be grateful that we still have a few city council members that promote business and look for opportunities in our community.
Just to be sure - most of my 10:41 post was tongue in cheek. But I distinctly remember the cable company being in the building just to the west of the "triangle park." Picked up our first "Q" box there. It later became "the bread store." I always hated that building because the parking lot is small and people would back out onto Rt.6.
2:25 PM Don't want to start a disagreement about location but I have checked both a city directory from 1958 and from 1973 and in both the TV Cable Transmission is at 301 Peru Street. The other bldg is on 4th Street and is 701 and in the older book it was called Schulze Bakery and the more recent it is Interstate Bakeries. Anything more recent I am not aware of.
I see in the NT that Utica's tax base increased by a little over $3 million. Meanwhile, Peru's tax base has decreased - at least according to the school district which needs to raise the rate due to declining property values.
Desert has very little with the future of our country as the education of our childrens has. If consolidation is more efficient and increases our offsprings education in any manner than school administrators should give it serious consideration. If you firmly believe that consolidation is a positive aspect you will need sound facts and figures plus comparative historical data to sell your own efforts. Good Luck
54 comments:
I think this is all being instigated by the anti-fracking groups. They want to prevent fracking and will put up road blocks everywhere they can. I think energy independence is key to the resurgence of our economy. There is nothing more vital to our economy than low cost fuel. We are now sitting on at least 100 years of natural gas - thanks to fracking! As we continue to become more efficient, this supply may last 300 years.
For those opposed to using the latest technology and techniques used to extract natural resources from the Earth keep in mind that even if you are successful in stopping it - other countries will continue and we will pay them. I'd rather send my money to Texas, Oklahoma, South Dakota, Canada, or Mexico - anywhere in North America is better than sending our money to the Arabian Peninsula.
Lois: It is my understanding that the company approaching both towns is one in the same and is looking for the location that best suits their needs. Apparently the Earlville residents not only want answers but want proposals and promises in writing.
Fracking is an unsound practice period. Just because it is the latest technology does not mean it is not environmental rape.
But that aside, the real concerns of the massive silica trafficking being proposed are not being addressed in Peru. Even Dalzell may be affected, and property values will go down.
The pablum the other bloggers are feeding you about a completely enclosed transfer station have NEVER seen a facility like this in operation.
8:04, I disagree with you. The practice of Fracking is good for the country and for us.
Only time will tell if fracking is good for everyone.
Good News, Good News! Illinois approved fracking rules yesterday. "Illinois lawmakers signed off Thursday on long-awaited rules regulating high-volume oil and gas drilling, clearing the way for companies to get "fracking" permits and unleash what they hope will be an energy boom in the southern part of the state."
This is the best news I have heard since Quinn was kicked out of office.
8:04 Read the minutes and what is happening. There is no enclosed transfer station in Peru! The process is transfer sand from truck to train. They are not mining sand, drying sand or storing sand in Peru. You have more environmental concerns in the Walmart parking lot than you will have from the practice of sand transportation! If they had a enclosed transfer station that would have less concerns to me than several chemical plants or factories in the area. The benefits of locating more jobs and more business in the Illinois Valley is needed.
I have never seen how a sand transfer station works and only know what I have heard and read about it regarding the possible Peru operation. I am sure this applies to almost all residents.
But I do expect that my city officials who will make the decision have seen it. Has the company offered to take them to Wisconsin by hired limo or air?. Not all but but the mayor and committee heads, perhaps. They are voting on something they have never seen and because of that, this whole project will be subject to more scrutiny and speculation with no definitive answer. Common sense needs to prevail.
#sandtransfer
Remember to thank all the veterans you know.
Isn't it evident that our small village of Earlville is much more concerned with what is happening to us and our village than Peru is to its city. We are small and know we are small we also know that we are all directly involved and the present and future are here and we have to make our decisions as a whole, not sit back and enable all decisions to be made by our politicians and than complain when it is too late if that is the end result.
Earlville may be looked upon as a bunch of red neck fighters but none of us are bashful about becoming involved when it concerns us and our future and our childrens future.
I've personally followed two Peru city council decisions, the indoor swimming pool and the dog sled pulls and at both was astounded at the rapid decisions made without the background and know how needed. One decision made by fire and the other made and reconsidered. Both decisions sponsoring many non residents of your city with finances from Peru.
Your city needs to learn that it is only as strong as the involvement of your citizens. Watch Earlville and we are showing you how.
If you are concerned about your future, just try one simple experiment. Shut off the electrical breaker to your house and shut off the main water valve. Then lock they keys to your car inside the trunk. Try to live like that for a month. No automobile, now electricity, and walking to the nearest well to get water. You can keep the inside toilet and use modern grocery stores for now.
That is life without electricity and gasoline.
Nice try 10:51. You are one of the usuals and you are not from Earlville. Even if you were let's stop with how much more brilliant your citizenry is than ours. Please.
This is the most overhyped bunch of nonsense. People on hear actually think this is fracking? Lol! 11:15 is spot on.
9:53 I have news for you. Quinn is still in office for awhile!
Lois when will you or anyone else ever be able to offer anything but criticism? That is all you do. No solutions and no admitting when something is good. Everything the council does or that happens in Peru is wrong.
I truly feel sorry for you. We will just add this one to the long list of comments you don't allow who aren't in step with you and your 25 other bloggers. Pathetic.
1:42 PM
Nice try, I do feel sorry for you and the others trying to put the blog down because it dares to question what is going on. On this subject, I have not put down the project I have asked questions that any intelligent and thinking elected official should be doing. Are you insinuating I write all the comments that come in. I hope you are smarter than that. If there is NO problem, why should I be offering solutions? This council has a history of not questioning at least not publicly and that is what we who live here want to see done and follow those questions with intelligent discussions so we know you are doing your job. Is that too much to ask of people who are being paid with taxpayer dollars.
It's easy to say Fracking is great, because I guarantee you know zero about it other than the economic implications SHORT TERM. Greatest thing in the world you say...just like DDT, chloroflorocarbons, mercury laden coal, non point source AG pollution, carbon emissions, landfilling solvents,Perk at dry cleaners, filling wetlands , and a host of other "greatest things in the world".
It is poorly regulated nationwide, pumps nasty chemicals into the shale and groundwater , effects seismic activity, skirts the CWA real nicely ... But does great with bringing more natural gas and energy independence from foreign oil.
Illinois has passed a benchmark regulation for fracking that the rest of the nation and Sierra club have studied. It s terrible, but better than nothing.
But the issue here is Airborne Silica, and the Company in question has got a very questionable rep at many facilities. That is FACT. If you have every seen sand trucks traveling in high winds, and think populated areas, cars, and even neighboring industries will not be effected, you need to head down to the old clinker tunnels at Illinois cement without scba while they are running.
It's so easy to listen to the FOX news and the three "scientists" left wordwide who still think humankind has no effect on the environment and global warming. get all your info from them and the industry in question. Blame tree buggers. Say it's for jobs. Whatever.
But if you don't think fracking is both untested AND unregulated, you are ill informed on the issue. And if you trust the Peru City Council to protect the citizens from silica environmental damage, just check out how they did the power plant demolition, see where all the debris went. And the non existent erosion control ordinances for new construction. And see where all the construction debris from water street ends up. Please let us know when you do.
Wake up. The "rubes" in the little towns know enough not to crap in their back yards for a buck. Industry knows where the politicians easily controlled and influenced. That's where they go.
2:18, almost everything you said has been repudiated by sources that actually know how fracking works. I challenge you to live 100% petrochemical free for one month.
I know people that hired an attorney to represent them regarding this issue, the people were very unhappy with representation they received. It all came down to the law firm basically collected money from the people and didn't do anything to benefit the people. Remember, attorneys are in the game to collect money, with knowing what the outcome is going to be before even starting the case of representation. People need to be smart and know this is happening and happens in many different cases. Think of all the court cases that are continued. Well, attorney's keep getting paid for showing up to court and case is continued, which in return more money is needed for the next court date and the hours supposedly spent preparing for the next court hearing. In my opinion I call it scam artists. Who would like to dispute my comment?
3:33PM Are you and 11:55 AM over emphasizing the importance of EOG Resources in Peru and fracking in this area. Many others have lived here for a long time without it, some before indoor plumbing, electricity and automobiles. Before recent articles in the daily fish wrapper I was not aware there was a EOG Resources and that my present life existed upon their presence. I do not care to backdate to the 18 and early 1900's but I assure you that fracking will not be the reason if I ever have to.
Anon 1:42 PM Why are you so upset with people from Earlville? You should appreciate them for fighting your battle with more than kool aid and gusto!
6:06, there will be not fracking in this area. We provide sand the sand for facking. There is no oil or natural gas here, just sand .
2:18 well said. I am typically in favor of pro-business efforts, but I am with you on this one. While there is a clear difference between fracking and frack sand production, I can't help but sympathize with abutting property owners dealing with yards full of sand. We need to view the bigger picture.. Not the promise of a temporary jobs.
LOis - You feel sorry for me and the others trying to put the blog down because it "dares to question what is going on." I didn't say anything about daring to question anything. I question things all of the time. I'm just amazed that all you see is negative. No one follows negative.
2:18 - no one is talking about fracking with related to this post. This is seriously crazy.
10:17 PM
Tell me what I said about it being negative. I have a problem with the presently proposed traffic pattern but several of the aldermen I have talked with said that will probably be changed. Are you surprised that I have talked with some of the aldermen and they are not who you think they are. Sounds like you are not used to brainstorming ideas where you end up talking about things you never thought would come up. This is all good whether you have a good opinion of it or not.
8:22PM I’m not sure you have the right information. You said you can’t help sympathize with “…abutting property owners dealing with yards full of sand.”
A couple of points that are worth mentioning… First, the transfer facility will be in an industrial zone. Second, why do you think they will be so careless with their product? If “yards fill with sand” how are they supposed to make money?
Many people are up in arms against this technology and they have no idea why. They listed to organizations like the Sierra Club and other anti-human, ultra-liberal groups that are hell bent on sending us back to the 1700’s. Well folks, you all know we will not let that happen.
Once the sand controversy is laid to rest, it will be time to start thinking about Illinois Coal. Illinois should sponsor more clean coal initiatives and research. We should be friendly to the coal mining industry. Of all the states, Illinois has the largest reported bituminous coal resources with almost 25% of our nation's reserves. Coal bearing rocks underlie about 65 percent of Illinois (36,806 out of a total of 56,500 square miles), including all or parts of at least 86 of the 102 counties in the state. According to the Illinois State Geological Survey (ISGS) there are 100 billion tons of recoverable coal beneath the borders of Illinois. This is enough coal to meet the country’s need for coal for the next 100 years. There is more energy content in the coal in Illinois than in the oil in Saudi Arabia and Kuwait combined!
There have been claims made that there will be no fracking in this area because there is no oil or natural gas here and we will only provide the sand for fracking.
This arouses several questions such as what if any health issues can be created in the process of providing sand, and is land going to be farmable when the sand process is finished etc.?
The next questions are the questions of more importance.
These questions are:
Why do so many people of the Peru locality appear so eager to jump at a idea before they study and observe it?
Secondly why do a few consider anyone in question as being negative and label them as such?
Why when business practices which are questionable to the general public and have a long term affect aren't independent sources contacted for a opinion rather than only representatives of the corporations such as EOG Resources or simply conducting decisions on the unknowlegable practice of winging it? As a example I doubt if any of the Peru aldermen, city administrators or city attorney have any knowledge of the firm and it objectives further than a 3 hour meeting and at the council meeting voted 7-0 on a contract that was not yet signed and all the i's dotted and the t's crossed and the city attorney granted his opinions obtained through EOG Resources brainwashing in a professional position to a citizen as if he had a engineering sales job rather one in which he is to grant legal opinions.
To those who tend to criticize Lois and her fellow bloggers (and yes, I am one of them) I sincerely wonder if you attend meetings, talk to not only your aldermen, but all of them, FOIA info, read meeting minutes, talk to meeting members, make phone calls, etc. etc.? We are seeking answers, questioning decisions, and virtually interested in making our community a better place to live. Does it occasionally get misinterpreted by some? Of course. Do some disagree with our thinking? Of course. That's the American way and that's how progress is made.
Here is something to think about... sand mines, sand processing plants, sand transfer sights, don't really advertise their business in the local newspaper or on the radio station. Come to think about it, neither dose any industrial plant. However, tourist traps, restaurants, and nick knack stores do. Think about that when you read or listen to our local media "giant."
This is typical of the Illinois Progressive Democrats. Their view is that the savior of the local economy will be marijuana growing and distribution along with slot machines in every empty building. Meanwhile, they put up roadblocks to stop real business and industrial expansion. I guess the Dems want the electorate stoned and broke.
If you are a retired person, you need to send our new governor a letter. He is going to lower the income tax put in place by Governor Quinn. The state needs this money for things like the state worker pension and school pensions. Without this income tax, they are going to raise our property taxes to make up for it. This directly affects the retired community the worse because retired people don’t pay state income tax on social security and pensions but they do pay property tax. So tell the new governor that he needs to keep or possibly raise the income tax. Otherwise the retired people’s property tax will foot the bill for the teachers, schools, and state workers.
I think everyone went nuts this election by voting for Republicans. We need to do something about that. The Tea Party People need to be put out of business for spreading lies.
As our country's age increases so does our governments responsibilities. This increase, which is our own fault, has made us too dependent on this same government. There is such a thing as too much government and we have reached that point and gone beyond it i.e. social security was created to be a supplemental income in retirement not the sole or major income. The government worker should have a pension but it should be in parallel with the industrial and retail employees and the same goes with all other benefits. Presently the government employee benefit are way better than the average taxpayers who is supporting it. The answer is not to increase taxes, print more money or create a larger debt but rather to make all expenditures accountable.
I think the citizens of Earlville are concerned because the size of our town isn't appropriate to support a 200+ acre transfer facility. We are also concerned that it will be placed less than a half a mile from the school which sits down wind across a very open field. I'm all for new businesses and all for energy independence, but I don't think the risks are a good fit for us.
From data I have read the Peru Facility will be less than 100 acres and I do not believe it is a appropriate for Peru. I'm all for new business and all for energy independence, but I don't think the risks are a good fit for either of us, Earlville or Peru.
Until it is proven that sand storage cannot create a health problem it is wiser to not accept it than welcome it with open arms for a few bucks and than fill a cemetery. The world is full of unrecorded history similar to Loves Island which proves businesses goal is to make money not be a good caretaker of area health.
If a wind barrier is what is needed to make sand storage safe I believe The Magnificent Seven Aldermen who voted aye and Peru City Attorney should but would not be willing to build their homes downwind from it. So why should you and me have to risk it?
2:35 - then we should definitely shutdown Carus Chemical, Huntsman, American Nickaloid, and James Hardie. After all, these CORPORATIONS are TOXIC.
I look forward to a new career goal of becoming the Burgoo Meister or maybe the chief corn dog dipper at a tourist trap. I'll be happy that I only have to work in the summer because that is when the elite money from Chicago comes down to Starved Rock Country to spend their money on bangles and bells at the candle shops and book nooks.
1:10 200+ acres? The facility in Peru is interested in only 96 acres and has stated that only 40% of that will be used for the transfer facility. Wonder why the big discrepancy.
5:30
I don't think they will use 200+ acres solely for the plant. I just think that was what they needed to purchase to get all the land between route 34 and the rail line. I could be mistaken though.
2:18 here. I was addressing all the fracking comments the one blogger who said they think it is the greatest thing to happen in Illinois in a long time, and the blogger who stated that the state now has fracking rules.
I assure you I know a great deal about both Sierra Club and Fracking. I USED to be for it, then me and a whole bunch of other people started to see how it was damaging the aquifer AND the seismic stability of the region.. So unlike a sixties hippie hating the Corporations or a bought and paid for Petro Scientist saying there is no Global warming, I actually learned about it and CHANGED my mind. You think anything I said has been successfully refuted , I would challenge you to provide a single one of them. I know Sierra because I had to fight and negotiate with them when I was in the chemical industry for twenty years. I don't agree with them on many things.. But this nonsense about challenging someone to live petro free for a month or saying all the Chemical industries must shut down does nothing to enhance your debate position.
My post was about how I , and you, should have grave concerns about our current elected leaders to make ANY sound environmental decisions. The company in question has many possible negatives associated with them that deserved to be thoroughly checked out. Silica is hard to handle period, and this transfer will move much of it through Peru, and put huge amounts possibly in storage that can effect up to a five mile radius. The way it was silently shoved through for a minimal job impact smacks of Peru.
It stinks. Just like James Hardie when the wind blows the wrong way in summer. But I don't want to shut them down. And Carus makes more chemicals to enhance the environmental cleanup than you know. And Nickeloid has changed practices to be more friendly to the environment over the years. Nobody is saying they are bad. We are saying this shot through here without the necessary debate and is not just to NIMBY liberal issue. Its serious, and you need to wake up. And if you want to debate me on Environmental issues, leave tea party catch phrases at home and wade in with your big boy pants.
Another tried and true liberal tactic... offering unverifiable credentials to make people think they are "insiders."
Let's get back to what's happening in Peru! What's been happening. Are we seeking applicants for professionals for a Superintendant of Public Works?
The sand transportation has no storage or blowing sand. The model is placing sand in a enclosed truck to transfer to a enclosed train car from a enclosed conveyer belt. It would be hard pressed to build a home down wind from the loading area. The area is fields! And even if you could build next to the plant, you wouldn't have any concerns with sand loss.
The Sierra Club is a radical organization. They actually advocate for world wide limits on birth rates, limiting families to one or two children in the United States. They believe that the number one contributor to greenhouse gases is the simple existence of people.
The fact of the matter is that we need energy. For the next hundred or more years, fossil fuel will be the only method of producing this energy on scale needed to keep our economy and society moving forward. To extract these fossil fuels, we need to use all of our capabilities, including hydraulic fracturing.
Also, keep in mind that everything we do is depended on energy. Not only that, modern agriculture would come to a scratching halt without petroleum. Imagine a world without fertilizers and pesticides made possible by petroleum. Not a pretty sight.
So, we in LaSalle County Illinois must do our small part to provide inexpensive sand to be used in this process. If that means having a transfer facility in Peru, Earlville, Ottawa and other locations, then so be it. It is for the better and will actually improve the quality of life in the Illinois Valley by providing income to people that otherwise would not have it.
9:16 The original talk was no outside storage. Then the talk changed and I believe closed in storage areas were added as a possibility.
I can't imagine the business without some type of storage for loaded rr cars when we have days of wind (said they would not work) or storms especially in the winter.
so what exactly is the difference between "no outside storage" and "closed in storage"? It does not sound like the "talk has changed."
Why do we put so much effort and useless conversation into stopping business development? Are people around here against change that much? It is not just this. It is everything! Well folks - I'm on the side of change. So much so that I think the best litmus test of any project is to ask the people of Peru what they think. If they resist the project - it should be automatically be approved!
Now, I'm going down to the coffee shop to check my numbers. After that I think I'll cruise around the burger joint a few times. Then its off to "The Westclox" to reminisce about the good old days. Maybe put together a plan to re-open the Hawaiian Room on the empty lot that used to contain the Peru Hotel. This evening I'll try to find Jeopardy on the TV - they changed the channel a couple of years ago and I haven't been able to find it since. Then I'll complain about the cable office closing down. Not the one on Marquette, the one on Route 6 that turned into a bread store and now some other business that shouldn't be allowed. I'll finish my evening by wishing I could get a Sandy's Big Scott Burger - but I can't because they put a bank there. Can't even go get a Sandy Cream Cone because somebody opened an Italian Deli in the Ice Cream shop. Maybe this summer there will be a beer garden at Centennial Park so I can drink away my Peru is Changing Blues.
Correction to 10:41 AM
TV cable bldg was located at Peru St and Rte 6 and when it closed, it became a beauty shop and now is gone because the city tore it down. I'll take a Big Scott anytime you can find one and nothing every will replace the Hawaiian Room of Peru. Have to go to Chi Town, nothing local. Lot of your comment is true because what is gone has usually not been replaced by anything better and that in a nutshell is a part of the problem in the Illinois Valley.
Did you know that fracking has lowered your gas prices by .99 cents per gallon. 10:41 lets be grateful that we still have a few city council members that promote business and look for opportunities in our community.
Just to be sure - most of my 10:41 post was tongue in cheek. But I distinctly remember the cable company being in the building just to the west of the "triangle park." Picked up our first "Q" box there. It later became "the bread store." I always hated that building because the parking lot is small and people would back out onto Rt.6.
2:25 PM
Don't want to start a disagreement about location but I have checked both a city directory from 1958 and from 1973 and in both the TV Cable Transmission is at 301 Peru Street. The other bldg is on 4th Street and is 701 and in the older book it was called Schulze Bakery and the more recent it is Interstate Bakeries. Anything more recent I am not aware of.
I think it was the Colonial Bread Store back in the 1980's.
I see in the NT that Utica's tax base increased by a little over $3 million. Meanwhile, Peru's tax base has decreased - at least according to the school district which needs to raise the rate due to declining property values.
Schools we need, expense account desserts we don't need.
We don't need as many schools as we have though.
Anon 11:07 AM Take a look around and I am sure you will agree that we don't need as many deserts as we have either.
Yup, you are right. I'll give up dessert if the school administrators make a serious effort at consolidation.
Desert has very little with the future of our country as the education of our childrens has. If consolidation is more efficient and increases our offsprings education in any manner than school administrators should give it serious consideration.
If you firmly believe that consolidation is a positive aspect you will need sound facts and figures plus comparative historical data to sell your own efforts. Good Luck
Post a Comment