November 1, 1999

Vol.8, No.4

Project reviews completed from September 15 to October 15 are listed below. These projects have been screened through the internal environmental review process for potential impacts on wetlands, threatened and endangered species, and cultural and archaeological resources etc. Through the review process it was determined that environmental impacts have been kept to a minimum and mitigated as necessary and that they do not meet the criteria for significant actions as defined in the environmental review process and may proceed. All of these projects are in compliance with the Endangered Species Protection Act, Natural Areas Preservation Act, Interagency Wetlands Policy Act and cultural resource statutes.

9901812 - This project entails the trimming of brush and cutting undesirable trees, the installation of four light poles with security lights at the entrance and lower parking lot, the installation of video surveillance cameras atop the light poles, trenching 650 feet of electric cable and the relocation of the main entrance gate to the north side of the bridge. Project was submitted for review on 9-1-99.

9901482 - This project entails the development of two wetland areas and an upland habitat site. Work will include the construction of two low level berms, site stripping, earthmoving, and final grading and seeding for the wetland areas. For the upland habitat site, work will include the site preparation of a 26 acre site for the drilling of seed. Project was submitted for review on

9-1-99.

9901395 - This project will include the demolition or sale of two residences and garages on the recently acquired Thompson and Johnson properties at the site. The buildings are less than 50 years old and an asbestos inspection will be completed on the structures prior to any demolition. Project was submitted for review on 8-12-99.

! Tunnel Hill State Trail

9900731 - This project involves the dredging of the boat cove to a depth of 5 feet and will include the construction of a silt basin for the dredged material from both the cove and the Ballard Island Channel. Project was submitted for review on 8-3-99.

9901399 - The low water crossing on Coffee Creek has some severe erosion occurring on the downstream side of the structure. Approximately 65 tons of riprap will be placed on the southeast corner and approximately 45 tons on the southwest corner to prevent further damage. Machinery and equipment will operate from the low water crossing to minimize site impacts. Project was submitted for review on 8-11-99.

9901475 - This project will correct several problems that have developed with the hiking and combined trails systems over the past several years. Work will replace 620 feet of trail stairways, landings, and benches; replace two 30' bridges on the hiking trails; install one 18' box culvert on a creek crossing on a new section of the equestrian trail; install 400' of retaining wall; install 100 treated timbers to be used for water bars; and apply of 250 tons of gravel for trail surface and fill. Project was submitted for review on 8-25-99.

rap along the inlet bank of Putney’s Landing. Project was submitted for review on 6-10-99.

63159 - This project involves the construction of a bridge over the Canal. The structure will be a clear span with no piers in the canal. The abutments will be constructed within the canal reserve property. Project was submitted for review on 3-1-99.

9900721 - This project will rehabilitate the existing pond for use as a new fish rearing pond. A new pond will also be constructed below the dam of the existing pond. Fill material for the work will be obtained on site. Project was submitted for review on 8-16-99.

9902104 - This project involves the repair of a levee break at the south end of Clear Lake. A backhoe will be used to fill the break with on-site material. Project was submitted for review on 9-28-99.

9901476 - Cass County Telephone Company is requesting ROW procurement for installation of new fiber optic cable to service the site. Installation on the north and east sides of the site will be with the plow boring method with an average depth of 45". The majority of the installation will occur in field borders along the road ROW. Project was submitted for review on 9-1-99.

9901401 - This project involves the construction of seven shallow water wetland subimpoundments for moist soil plant management at the site. Locations for the impoundments will be on reclaimed strip mined areas, an agricultural field, and a drainage area between two agricultural fields. Pools will vary from 1 to 20 acres with an approximate depth of 4 feet. Drop box structures will be installed for manipulating the water levels. Project was submitted for review on 8-11-99

9900154 - This project is a pilot study to mechanically screen sand-pile test-pits for potential asbestos-containing material at a dredge material sand-pile located west of South Beach at North Point Marina. This study will be used to ultimately develop a full-scale treatment operation of the sand pile. Project was submitted for review on 7-11-99.

9901400 - This project entails the construction of two small ponds to provide water for fish and wildlife. The first site is a renovation of an existing stock pond. At this site, accumulated silt will be dredged and placed on the dam area. The second site is an existing agricultural field and the pond will be constructed to help control erosion through a gully. Project was submitted for review on 9-12-99.

9901562 - This project involves the relocation of the site previously selected and approved for a new vault toilet building at the site. The new site selected for the building will now be at the Shelter # 5 area. Project was submitted for review on 9-1-99.

9901402 - This project will renovate the Valley Springs Hiking Trail, beginning at the trailhead, for a distance of approximately 750'. The project will include the replacement of wooden water bars with trail dips, applications of aggregate surfacing, realignment of approximately 100' of trail, and replacement of an existing bridge. Project was submitted for review on 8-11-99.

Questions and Comments

All questions and comments about the environmental review process or this newsletter should be directed to:

Illinois Department of Natural Resources

Div. of Natural Resource Review & Coordination

524 S. Second Street,

Springfield, IL 62701

Phone: 217/785-5500

Resources does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, sex, national origin, age or disability. If you believe you have been discriminated against in any program, activity or facility please contact the Equal Employment Opportunity Officer, Department of Natural Resources, One Natural Resource Way, Springfield, IL 62702-1271, (217) 782-7616, or the Office of Human Resources, U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service, Washington, D.C. 20240.

All public meetings conducted by the Department of Natural Resources will be accessible to handicapped individuals in compliance with Executive Order No. 5 and pertinent state and federal laws, upon notification of the anticipated attendance. Handicapped persons planning to attend and needing special accommodations should inform the Department of Natural Resources at least five days prior to the meeting by telephoning or writing the Equal Employment Opportunity Officer, Department of Natural Resources, One Natural Resource Way, Springfield, IL 62702-1271, phone (217) 782-7616.

The Illinois Department of Natural Resources receives federal financial assistance and therefore must comply with federal anti-discrimination laws. In compliance with the Illinois Human Rights Act, the Illinois Constitution, Title VI of the 1964 Civil Rights Act, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 as amended, and the U.S. Constitution, the Illinois Department of Natural