ALL HAIL Illinois Sentinel Cindy Skrukrud and allies with Prairie Rivers Network for training citizen scientists to monitor water quality before a proposed coal strip mine is built in the watershed of their drinking water supply, and to check if closed mines in the area are polluting waterways.

From the article:

'To help keep their guard up against a proposed strip coal mine northeast of the city, an environmental group will host a seminar Saturday on how property owners can test water quality on their land.

Objections filed by a group of residents to the surface mine planned for 1,084 acres near Canton Lake, the city’s main water supply, still await administrative review by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources.

The seminar “will help us keep on top” of the potential impact of that mine, but the public can also learn whether other mines in Fulton County are producing pollutants in area streams, ponds and lakes even after they’ve been closed, Brenda Dilts said Friday.’ _________________________________

http://www.pjstar.com/news/x1145631179/Water-testing-seen-as-proactive

Water testing seen as proactive

Group opposing mine proposal will host seminar in Canton

By Michael Smothers

Peoria Journal Star

Posted Jan 28, 2011