The Will County Land Use and Development Committee postponed its recommendation on a hydro-excavation business proposal for Homer Township. This decision allows time for Badger Daylighting Corporation to address opposition from local officials in Homer Glen and Homer Township. The company seeks a zoning change for approximately 38 acres at 15202 W. 159th St. to establish an office and house its trucks.
Over 500 residents signed a petition against the proposal. Local officials from Homer Glen, Lockport, and Homer Township expressed their concerns. Kevin North, general manager for Badger’s Upper Midwest region, indicated the company uses about 20,000 gallons of water daily for its operations, which involves exposing buried infrastructure using a water and vacuum system.
Residents, including Raymond Halper, voiced concerns over potential impacts on the water supply. Nearby homes rely on wells, and the extraction of industrial water volumes could lower the water table or draw contaminants into drinking water. Halper requested provisions to prevent negative effects on residents.
“Pumping industrial volumes of water from the source could drastically lower the water table for neighboring families, while simultaneously drawing existing surface contaminants deeper into our drinking water,” Raymond Halper said. “I have a material concern about that. They are pulling the water for pumping. I’m pulling the water for my children to drink.”
Badger’s attorney, Cass Wennlund, stated that the company is prepared to make concessions to address these concerns, including potential annexation into Homer Glen and obtaining water from Illinois American Water or off-site sources.
County Board member Frankie Pretzel emphasized the need for definitive plans to assure residents about their aquifers. Concerns from homeowners in the Cedar Glen and Windmill Estates subdivisions and along 159th Street were also raised due to potential impacts from the rezoning and increased traffic from the 30 trucks expected on site.
Joyce Hale, a resident, pointed out that the business might generate 80 to 120 trips daily, increasing noise, diesel emissions, and traffic near residential areas and local schools. She noted most of the land Badger plans to use is currently zoned residential.
“The applicant is asking the county to drastically change the zoning,” Hale said.
Judy Ogalla, a County Board member, mentioned that neighboring property housing a self-service storage facility is zoned industrial, which was necessary for certain uses, raising concerns about potential future industrial applications.
Residents like Mark Gawron advocated for a vision of the 159th Street corridor that excludes industrial zones. Homer Township Supervisor Sue Steilen criticized the self-storage facility’s zoning, warning it could lead to unwanted developments.
“You are going to create this industrial corridor that wasn’t planned by the community, the 40,000 people that live in (Homer Township),” Steilen said.
Badger officials offered to partner with the Forest Preserve District of Will County over potentially donating or selling part of the land not needed for their business. North emphasized their desire to be a good neighbor.
Homer Glen Mayor Christina Neitzke-Troike expressed her intention to collaborate with Badger to explore alternative locations. The proposed site could bring over 50 high-paying union jobs without dealing in contaminated materials.
The legal objections require a 3/4 supermajority of County Board members to approve the project at the final stage. The negotiations and proposed land use changes remain under discussion.