Residents Allege Health Crises, Violations from Peotone Grain Facility

Two residents of unincorporated Peotone delivered emotional testimony to the Will County Land Use and Development Committee Thursday, alleging that a neighboring grain facility is causing severe health problems and environmental damage with little to no oversight from county or state agencies.

Tracy Henning and Chris Strabel, residents at a property next to a Scoular grain elevator on Route 45, detailed a litany of issues they attribute to the facility. Henning, who was visibly emotional, told the committee she has been diagnosed with toxic grain dust syndrome, which has developed into lupus and fibromyalgia.

“I am sick every time the wind blows and we get the massive grain fallout dust,” Henning said. “I can’t even get out of bed half of the time. You’re not doing anything.”

She described the dust as so thick it covers cars and makes it hard to see, stating it is a direct trigger for her autoimmune symptoms.

Strabel, the property owner, claimed the facility is operating as an “intermodal transport hub” in violation of its I-2 (General Industrial) zoning. He alleged numerous unaddressed violations, including improper buffering, illegal storage of cargo containers, and operating for 10 years without a required EPA permit.

“The EPA has contacted them. They have no EPA operating permit for the last 10 years,” Strabel stated. “The Illinois Attorney General is now going after them for the pollution.”

The residents also claimed the facility raised its property elevation by several feet, causing their property to flood and leaving an “oil slick” on their wellhead. They expressed frustration with what they described as a lack of action from the Land Use Department.

Land Use Director Brian Radner responded, “I know that our staff has responded to complaints regarding the matter out there and we have addressed the situations that are under our purview.” He noted that other issues fall under the jurisdiction of the Illinois EPA.

Committee Chair Frankie Pretzel assured the residents the committee would look into the matter.