Illinois AG Filed Lawsuit against Coal Ash Polluter

On June 22, 2021, Illinois Attorney General Kwame Raoul filed a lawsuit against Dynegy Midwest Generation, LLC, for the unlawful and unsafe disposal of coal ash from the Vermillion Power Station. AG Raoul partnered with the State’s Attorney of Vermilion County, where the plant in question is located. Though the coal plant is now closed, the coal ash that remains on site poses a threat to public health through groundwater contamination. The lawsuit sought injunctive relief and damages of $50,000 for each violation of the Illinois Environmental Protection Act and an additional daily penalty. The company agreed to an interim order that outlines a safety emergency response plan with specific testing and reporting required.

On June 9, 2023, AG Raoul announced a consent order with Dynegy that resolved the lawsuit. The order required the company to close three of its ponds and clean up nearly 3 million cubic yards of dumped coal ash.

• Documents: ComplaintIL Press Release - Complaint FiledConsent OrderIL Press Release - Announcing Consent Order
• Document Type: Complaints Press Releases/Statements Settlements
• States: Illinois
• Issues: Coal Fossil Fuels Natural Resources Public Health Public Lands & Wildlife Water Water Pollution
• Era: Non-Federal
• Action Type: Environmental Enforcement Litigation