Congressman Lipinski Brings Together Key Players to Show Problems Lucas-Berg Pit Poses to Community

CONGRESSMAN LIPINSKI BRINGS TOGETHER KEY PLAYERS TO SHOW PROBLEMS LUCAS-BERG PIT POSES TO COMMUNITY

CHICAGO, IL - Today, Congressman Dan Lipinski brought Congressman Peter Visclosky (D-IN), Ranking Member of the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Energy & Water, to the proposed Lucas-Berg dredging site in Worth in order to show the environmental and safety concerns for the community created by the proposed dumping of dredgings into the pit. At the meeting were also Mayor Ed Guzdziol, Metropolitan Water Reclamation District President Terrence O'Brien, representatives from the Army Corps of Engineers, and community residents.

As the Ranking Member of the Subcommittee on Energy & Water, Congressman Visclosky plays a key role in Army Corps projects and funding for dredging sites such as Lucas-Berg. Visclosky's visit came at the request of Congressman Lipinski who has been working with all the principals who oversee the site in order to stop the future dumping of dredging for the Cal-Sag Channel.

"It is important that Congressman Visclosky see firsthand the impact this dredging facility would have on the community in Worth," stated Lipinski. "We are grateful to the Congressman for visiting Lucas-Berg and appreciate the attention he has given to this matter."

The Lucas-Berg Confined Dredged Disposal Facility (CDF) was constructed by the Army Corps of Engineers (Chicago District) in the early 1980s for the dumping of dredgings from the Cal-Sag Channel about 1200 feet from the pit in the heart of Worth.

"After convening these meetings with the Army Corps, Water Reclamation, Worth, and now Congressman Visclosky, I am hopeful that we can find an alternative option for the Cal-Sag dredgings," said Lipinski. "This community deserves better than to have these dredging dumped so close to their homes, schools, playgrounds, and businesses."

"It is a unique opportunity to have Congressman Visclosky here today," continued Lipinski, "I am happy that we now have him onboard as we work towards a resolution."

http://www.house.gov/apps/list/press/il03_lipinski/lbpit.html