BLOOMINGTON — Neighbors concerned about Henson Disposal’s plan to recycle construction and demolition waste at their facility on Tri Lakes Road in Bloomington spoke Wednesday during a meeting with Illinois Environmental Protection Agency officials at the Tri-Lakes Banquet Hall.

About 50 people attended the meeting, with more than half indicating they live near the facility, which was approved in February by the McLean County Board. The IEPA granted its permit in July.

McLean County Board member Paul Segobiano, who served as moderator of Wednesday’s meeting, said the purpose of the gathering was to give residents a chance to ask questions.

“The citizens felt like they didn’t have input,” Segobiano said afterward.

Two representatives from the IEPA answered pre-submitted questions and fielded a few additional from the audience.

Inez Mott, who lives next to the Tri-Lakes Banquet Hall, was concerned with the dust the facility could generate. She said it’s already a problem with Henson’s mulching operation.

“I can see the dust, and I’m concerned about the kids and elderly who fish,” Mott said after the meeting.

Paul Purseglove, manager of field operations for the IEPA, told residents there would be dust and noise, but each is regulated under the permit and periodic inspections would be done to ensure compliance.

After the meeting, Tom Kirk, one of Henson’s owners, said the facility will begin accepting roofing shingles on Monday. Other construction waste recycling operations will begin in late October.

via Illinois EPA hears from residents on Tri Lakes waste plan.