Will County Committee Delays Decision on Hydro-Excavation Business Proposal

The Will County Land Use and Development Committee postponed a recommendation concerning a proposed hydro-excavation business in Homer Township. Officials need time to negotiate with Homer Glen and Homer Township, who oppose the plan.

Badger Daylighting Corporation presented its proposal to build an office on 38 acres at 15202 W. 159th St. They seek a zoning change to a highway commercial classification. Over 500 residents signed a petition against the proposal, and local officials expressed concerns.

Committee members acknowledged the company’s willingness to collaborate with local leaders to address residents’ concerns. Badger, operating in the U.S. and Canada, plans to move from Channahon to the larger site in Homer Township.

Concerns Over Water Usage

Badger uses a high-pressurized water and vacuum system, consuming 20,000 gallons of water daily, said Kevin North, general manager for the Upper Midwest region. Residents worry about their water supply, as nearby homeowners rely on wells.

“Pumping industrial volumes of water could lower the water table, drawing contaminants into our drinking water,” said resident Raymond Halper. He called for assurances to safeguard residents.

Attorney Cass Wennlund, representing Badger, stated the company might annex into Homer Glen or obtain water off-site to address water concerns.

Impact on Local Community

Rezoning worries homeowners in Cedar Glen and Windmill Estates and along 159th Street. The site would park 30 trucks, generating 80 to 120 trips daily. Resident Joyce Hale voiced concerns about noise, emissions, and traffic near schools.

Currently zoned residential, most of the land in question is proposed for commercial use by Badger. County Board member Judy Ogalla noted neighboring property zoned industrial to house boats and RVs in 2022, prompting questions about future zoning changes.

Vision for 159th Street

Resident Mark Gawron emphasized the local vision for 159th Street doesn’t include an industrial area. Homer Township Supervisor Sue Steilen warned against creating an unintended industrial corridor.

“You are creating an industrial corridor unplanned by the community,” Steilen said, citing the community’s 40,000 residents.

Badger proposes using only 12.5 acres, potentially donating or selling the rest to the Forest Preserve District. North emphasized collaboration and being a good neighbor.

Will County Board suggested Badger coordinate with the forest district on land agreements within a month. Homer Glen Mayor Christina Neitzke-Troike seeks collaboration to find a more suitable location.

The Homer Township site offers over 50 union jobs. Badger assures no contaminated materials will return to the site. A legal objection triggers a three-fourths supermajority of County Board for final project approval.