Report: Millions of Gallons of Toxic Pollution in IL Waterways

(Undated) -- Many of Illinois’ streams, rivers, and lakes are brewing with toxic chemicals, according to a new report. Environment Illinois found that in 2012, industrial facilities dumped over six million pounds of chemicals into Illinois waterways - the 13th highest amount among states. Spokeswoman Lisa Nikodem says the sources of the chemicals include industrial agricultural facilities, power plants and petroleum refineries. Nikodem says the largest offender in Illinois was Tyson Fresh Meats in Hillsdale, which disposed of over two-and-a-half million pounds of polluted materials into the Lower Rock River watershed. The report found that nationally, industry dumped 206-million pounds of chemicals into waterways in 2012.