415 ILCS 5/ Environmental Protection Act.

(415 ILCS 5/57.17)

Sec. 57.17. (Repealed).

(Source: P.A. 88-496. Repealed by P.A. 98-822, eff. 8-1-14.)

(415 ILCS 5/57.18)

Sec. 57.18. Additional remedial action required by change in law; Agency's duty to propose amendment. If a change in State or federal law requires additional remedial action in response to releases for which No Further Remediation Letters have been issued, the Agency shall propose in the next convening of a regular session of the current General Assembly amendments to this Title to allow owners and operators to perform the additional remedial action and seek payment from the Fund for the costs of the action.

(Source: P.A. 96-908, eff. 6-8-10.)

(415 ILCS 5/57.19)

Sec. 57.19. Costs incurred after the issuance of a No Further Remediation Letter. The following shall be considered corrective action activities eligible for payment from the Fund even when an owner or operator conducts these activities after the issuance of a No Further Remediation Letter. Corrective action conducted under this Section and costs incurred under this Section must comply with the requirements of this Title and Board rules adopted under this Title.

(1) Corrective action to achieve residential property remediation objectives if the owner or operator demonstrates that property remediated to industrial/commercial property remediation objectives pursuant to subdivision (c)(3)(A)(ii) of Section 57.7 of this Act is being developed into residential property.

(2) Corrective action to address groundwater contamination if the owner or operator demonstrates that action is necessary because a groundwater ordinance used as an institutional control pursuant to subdivision (c)(3)(A)(iii) of Section 57.7 of this Act can no longer be used as an institutional control.

(3) Corrective action to address groundwater contamination if the owner or operator demonstrates that action is necessary because an on-site groundwater use restriction used as an institutional control pursuant to subdivision (c)(3)(A)(iv) of Section 57.7 of this Act must be lifted in order to allow the installation of a potable water supply well due to public water supply service no longer being available for reasons other than an act or omission of the owner or operator.

(4) The disposal of soil that does not exceed industrial/commercial property remediation objectives, but that does exceed residential property remediation objectives, if industrial/commercial property remediation objectives were used pursuant to subdivision (c)(3)(A)(ii) of Section 57.7 of this Act and the owner or operator demonstrates that (i) the contamination is the result of the release for which the owner or operator is eligible to seek payment from the Fund and (ii) disposal of the soil is necessary as a result of construction activities conducted after the issuance of a No Further Remediation Letter on the site where the release occurred, including, but not limited to, the following: tank, line, or canopy repair, replacement, or removal; building upgrades; sign installation; and water or sewer line replacement.

(5) The disposal of water exceeding groundwater remediation objectives that is removed from an excavation on the site where the release occurred if a groundwater ordinance is used as an institutional control pursuant to subdivision (c)(3)(A)(iii) of Section 57.7 of this Act, or if an on-site groundwater use restriction is used as an institutional control pursuant to subdivision (c)(3)(A)(iv) of Section 57.7, and the owner or operator demonstrates that (i) the excavation is located within the measured or modeled extent of groundwater contamination resulting from the release for which the owner or operator is eligible to seek payment from the Fund and (ii) disposal of the groundwater is necessary as a result of construction activities conducted after the issuance of a No Further Remediation Letter on the site where the release occurred, including, but not limited to, the following: tank, line, or canopy repair, replacement, or removal; building upgrades; sign installation; and water or sewer line replacement.

(Source: P.A. 96-908, eff. 6-8-10.)

(415 ILCS 5/Tit. XVII heading) TITLE XVII: SITE REMEDIATION PROGRAM

(415 ILCS 5/58)

Sec. 58. Intent. It is the intent of this Title:

(1) To establish a risk-based system of remediation based on protection of human health and the environment relative to present and future uses of the site.

(2) To assure that the land use for which remedial action was undertaken will not be modified without consideration of the adequacy of such remedial action for the new land use.

(3) To provide incentives to the private sector to undertake remedial action.

(4) To establish expeditious alternatives for the review of site investigation and remedial activities, including a privatized review process.

(5) To assure that the resources of the Hazardous Waste Fund are used in a manner that is protective of human health and the environment relative to present and future uses of the site and surrounding area.

(6) To provide assistance to units of local government for remediation of properties contaminated or potentially contaminated by commercial, industrial, or other uses, to provide loans for the redevelopment of brownfields, and to establish and provide for the administration of the Brownfields Redevelopment Fund.

(Source: P.A. 90-123, eff. 7-21-97; 91-36, eff. 6-15-99.)

(415 ILCS 5/58.1)

Sec. 58.1. Applicability.

(a) (1) This Title establishes the procedures for the investigative and remedial activities at sites where there is a release, threatened release, or suspected release of hazardous substances, pesticides, or petroleum and for the review and approval of those activities.

(2) Any person, including persons required to perform investigations and remediations under this Act, may elect to proceed under this Title unless (i) the site is on the National Priorities List (Appendix B of 40 CFR 300), (ii) the site is a treatment, storage, or disposal site for which a permit has been issued, or that is subject to closure requirements under federal or State solid or hazardous waste laws, (iii) the site is subject to federal or State underground storage tank laws, or (iv) investigation or remedial action at the site has been required by a federal court order or an order issued by the United States Environmental Protection Agency. To the extent allowed by federal law and regulations, the sites listed under items (i), (ii), (iii), and (iv) may utilize the provisions of this Title, including the procedures for establishing risk-based remediation objectives under Section 58.5.

(b) Except for sites excluded under subdivision (a) (2) of this Section, the Remediation Applicant (RA) for any site that has not received an Agency letter under subsection (y) of Section 4 of this Act may elect to proceed under the provisions of this Title by submitting a written statement of the election to the Agency. In the absence of such election, the RA shall continue under the provisions of this Act as applicable prior to the effective date of this amendatory Act of 1995.

(c) Except for sites excluded under subdivision (a) (2) of this Section, agrichemical facilities may elect to undertake corrective action in conformance with this Title and rules promulgated by the Board thereunder and land application programs administered by the Department of Agriculture as provided under Section 19 of the Illinois Pesticide Act, and shall be eligible for the relief provided under Section 58.10.

(Source: P.A. 89-431, eff. 12-15-95; 89-443, eff. 7-1-96.)

(415 ILCS 5/58.2)

Sec. 58.2. Definitions. The following words and phrases when used in this Title shall have the meanings given to them in this Section unless the context clearly indicates otherwise:

"Agrichemical facility" means a site on which agricultural pesticides are stored or handled, or both, in preparation for end use, or distributed. The term does not include basic manufacturing facility sites.

"ASTM" means the American Society for Testing and Materials.

"Area background" means concentrations of regulated substances that are consistently present in the environment in the vicinity of a site that are the result of natural conditions or human activities, and not the result solely of releases at the site.

"Brownfields site" or "brownfields" means a parcel of real property, or a portion of the parcel, that has actual or perceived contamination and an active potential for redevelopment.

"Class I groundwater" means groundwater that meets the Class I Potable Resource groundwater criteria set forth in the Board rules adopted under the Illinois Groundwater Protection Act.

"Class III groundwater" means groundwater that meets the Class III Special Resource Groundwater criteria set forth in the Board rules adopted under the Illinois Groundwater Protection Act.

"Carcinogen" means a contaminant that is classified as a Category A1 or A2 Carcinogen by the American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists; or a Category 1 or 2A/2B Carcinogen by the World Health Organizations International Agency for Research on Cancer; or a "Human Carcinogen" or "Anticipated Human Carcinogen" by the United States Department of Health and Human Service National Toxicological Program; or a Category A or B1/B2 Carcinogen by the United States Environmental Protection Agency in Integrated Risk Information System or a Final Rule issued in a Federal Register notice by the USEPA as of the effective date of this amendatory Act of 1995.

"Licensed Professional Engineer" (LPE) means a person, corporation, or partnership licensed under the laws of this State to practice professional engineering.

"Licensed Professional Geologist" means a person licensed under the laws of the State of Illinois to practice as a professional geologist.

"RELPEG" means a Licensed Professional Engineer or a Licensed Professional Geologist engaged in review and evaluation under this Title.

"Man-made pathway" means constructed routes that may allow for the transport of regulated substances including, but not limited to, sewers, utility lines, utility vaults, building foundations, basements, crawl spaces, drainage ditches, or previously excavated and filled areas.

"Municipality" means an incorporated city, village, or town in this State. "Municipality" does not mean a township, town when that term is used as the equivalent of a township, incorporated town that has superseded a civil township, county, or school district, park district, sanitary district, or similar governmental district.

"Natural pathway" means natural routes for the transport of regulated substances including, but not limited to, soil, groundwater, sand seams and lenses, and gravel seams and lenses.

"Person" means individual, trust, firm, joint stock company, joint venture, consortium, commercial entity, corporation (including a government corporation), partnership, association, State, municipality, commission, political subdivision of a State, or any interstate body including the United States Government and each department, agency, and instrumentality of the United States.

"Regulated substance" means any hazardous substance as defined under Section 101(14) of the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act of 1980 (P.L. 96-510) and petroleum products including crude oil or any fraction thereof, natural gas, natural gas liquids, liquefied natural gas, or synthetic gas usable for fuel (or mixtures of natural gas and such synthetic gas).

"Remedial action" means activities associated with compliance with the provisions of Sections 58.6 and 58.7.

"Remediation Applicant" (RA) means any person seeking to perform or performing investigative or remedial activities under this Title, including an owner or operator of the site or a person authorized by law or consent to act on behalf of or in lieu of an owner or operator of the site.

"Remediation costs" means reasonable costs paid for investigating and remediating regulated substances of concern consistent with the remedy selected for a site.

For purposes of Section 58.14, "remediation costs" shall not include costs incurred prior to January 1, 1998, costs incurred after the issuance of a No Further Remediation Letter under Section 58.10 of this Act, or costs incurred more than 12 months prior to acceptance into the Site Remediation Program.

For the purpose of Section 58.14a, "remediation costs" do not include any costs incurred before January 1, 2007, any costs incurred after the issuance of a No Further Remediation Letter under Section 58.10, or any costs incurred more than 12 months before acceptance into the Site Remediation Program.

"Residential property" means any real property that is used for habitation by individuals and other property uses defined by Board rules such as education, health care, child care and related uses.

"River Edge Redevelopment Zone" has the meaning set forth under the River Edge Redevelopment Zone Act.

"Site" means any single location, place, tract of land or parcel of property, or portion thereof, including contiguous property separated by a public right-of-way.

"Regulated substance of concern" means any contaminant that is expected to be present at the site based upon past and current land uses and associated releases that are known to the Remediation Applicant based upon reasonable inquiry.

(Source: P.A. 103-172, eff. 1-1-24.)

(415 ILCS 5/58.3)

Sec. 58.3. Site Investigation and Remedial Activities Program; Brownfields Redevelopment Fund.

(a) The General Assembly hereby establishes by this Title a Site Investigation and Remedial Activities Program for sites subject to this Title. This program shall be administered by the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency under this Title XVII and rules adopted by the Illinois Pollution Control Board.

(b) (1) The General Assembly hereby creates within the State Treasury a special fund to be known as the Brownfields Redevelopment Fund, consisting of 2 programs to be known as the "Municipal Brownfields Redevelopment Grant Program" and the "Brownfields Redevelopment Loan Program", which shall be used and administered by the Agency as provided in Sections 58.13 and 58.15 of this Act and the rules adopted under those Sections. The Brownfields Redevelopment Fund ("Fund") shall contain moneys transferred from the Response Contractors Indemnification Fund and other moneys made available for deposit into the Fund.

(2) The State Treasurer, ex officio, shall be the custodian of the Fund, and the Comptroller shall direct payments from the Fund upon vouchers properly certified by the Agency. The Treasurer shall credit to the Fund interest earned on moneys contained in the Fund. The Agency shall have the authority to accept, receive, and administer on behalf of the State any grants, gifts, loans, reimbursements or payments for services, or other moneys made available to the State from any source for purposes of the Fund. Those moneys shall be deposited into the Fund, unless otherwise required by the Environmental Protection Act or by federal law.

(3) Pursuant to appropriation, all moneys in the Fund shall be used by the Agency for the purposes set forth in subdivision (b)(4) of this Section and Sections 58.13 and 58.15 of this Act and to cover the Agency's costs of program development and administration under those Sections.

(4) The Agency shall have the power to enter into intergovernmental agreements with the federal government or the State, or any instrumentality thereof, for purposes of capitalizing the Brownfields Redevelopment Fund. Moneys on deposit in the Brownfields Redevelopment Fund may be used for the creation of reserve funds or pledged funds that secure the obligations of repayment of loans made pursuant to Section 58.15 of this Act. For the purpose of obtaining capital for deposit into the Brownfields Redevelopment Fund, the Agency may also enter into agreements with financial institutions and other persons for the purpose of selling loans and developing a secondary market for such loans. The Agency shall have the power to create and establish such reserve funds and accounts as may be necessary or desirable to accomplish its purposes under this subsection and to allocate its available moneys into such funds and accounts. Investment earnings on moneys held in the Brownfields Redevelopment Fund, including any reserve fund or pledged fund, shall be deposited into the Brownfields Redevelopment Fund.

(5) The Agency is authorized to administer funds made available to the Agency under federal law, including but not limited to the Small Business Liability Relief and Brownfields Revitalization Act, related to brownfields cleanup and reuse in accordance with that law and this Title.

(Source: P.A. 95-331, eff. 8-21-07.)

(415 ILCS 5/58.4)

Sec. 58.4. Permit waiver. A State permit or permit revision which is not otherwise required by federal law or regulations shall not be required for remedial action activities undertaken pursuant to the provisions of this Title that occur entirely on the site.

(Source: P.A. 89-431, eff. 12-15-95; 89-443, eff. 7-1-96.)

(415 ILCS 5/58.5)

Sec. 58.5. Risk-based remediation objectives.

(a) Determination of remediation objectives. This Section establishes the procedures for determining risk-based remediation objectives.

(b) Background area remediation objectives.

(1) Except as provided in subdivisions (b)(2) or (b)(3) of this Section, remediation objectives established under this Section shall not require remediation of regulated substances to levels that are less than area background levels.

(2) In the event that the concentration of a regulated substance of concern on the site exceeds a remediation objective adopted by the Board for residential land use, the property may not be converted to residential use unless such remediation objective or an alternate risk-based remediation objective for that regulated substance of concern is first achieved.

(3) In the event that the Agency has determined in writing that the background level for a regulated substance poses an acute threat to human health or the environment at the site when considering the post-remedial action land use, the RA shall develop appropriate risk-based remediation objectives in accordance with this Section.

(c) Regulations establishing remediation objectives and methodologies for deriving remediation objectives for individual or classes of regulated substances shall be adopted by the Board in accordance with this Section and Section 58.11.

(1) The regulations shall provide for the adoption of a three-tiered process for an RA to establish remediation objectives protective of human health and the environment based on identified risks and specific site characteristics at and around the site.

(2) The regulations shall provide procedures for using alternative tiers in developing remediation objectives for multiple regulated substances.

(3) The regulations shall provide procedures for determining area background contaminant levels.

(4) The methodologies adopted under this Section shall ensure that the following factors are taken into account in determining remediation objectives:

(A) potential risks posed by carcinogens and noncarcinogens; and

(B) the presence of multiple substances of concern and multiple exposure pathways.

(d) In developing remediation objectives under subsection (c) of this Section, the methodology proposed and adopted shall establish tiers addressing manmade and natural pathways of exposure, including, but not limited to, human ingestion, human inhalation, and groundwater protection. For carcinogens, soil and groundwater remediation objectives shall be established at exposures that represent an excess upper-bound lifetime risk of between 1 in 10,000 and 1 in 1,000,000 as appropriate for the post-remedial action use, except that remediation objectives protecting residential use shall be based on exposures that represent an excess upper-bound lifetime risk of 1 in 1,000,000. No groundwater remediation objective adopted pursuant to this Section shall be more restrictive than the applicable Class I or Class III Groundwater Quality Standard adopted by the Board. At a minimum, the objectives shall include the following:

(1) Tier I remediation objectives expressed as a table of numeric values for soil and groundwater. Such objectives may be of different values dependent on potential pathways at the site and different land uses, including residential and nonresidential uses.

(2) Tier II remediation objectives shall include the formulae and equations used to derive the Tier II objectives and input variables for use in the formulae. The RA may alter the input variables when it is demonstrated that the specific circumstances at and around the site including land uses warrant such alternate variables.

(3) Tier III remediation objectives shall include methodologies to allow for the development of site-specific risk-based remediation objectives for soil or groundwater, or both, for regulated substances. Such methodology shall allow for different remediation objectives for residential and various categories of non-residential land uses. The Board's future adoption of a methodology pursuant to this Section shall in no way preclude the use of a nationally recognized methodology to be used for the development of site-specific risk-based objectives for regulated substances under this Section. In determining Tier III remediation objectives under this subsection, all of the following factors shall be considered:

(A) The use of specific site characteristic data.

(B) The use of appropriate exposure factors for the current and currently planned future land use of the site and adjacent property and the effectiveness of engineering, institutional, or legal controls placed on the current or future use of the site.

(C) The use of appropriate statistical methodologies to establish statistically valid remediation objectives.

(D) The actual and potential impact of regulated substances to receptors.

(4) For regulated substances that have a groundwater quality standard established pursuant to the Illinois Groundwater Protection Act and rules promulgated thereunder, site specific groundwater remediation objectives may be proposed under the methodology established in subdivision (d)(3) of this Section at values greater than the groundwater quality standards.

(A) The RA proposing any site specific groundwater remediation objective at a value greater than the applicable groundwater quality standard shall demonstrate:

(i) To the extent practical, the exceedance of the groundwater quality standard has been minimized and beneficial use appropriate to the groundwater that was impacted has been returned; and

(ii) Any threat to human health or the environment has been minimized.

(B) The rules proposed by the Agency and adopted by the Board under this Section shall include criteria required for the demonstration of the suitability of groundwater objectives proposed under subdivision (b) (4) (A) of this Section.

(e) The rules proposed by the Agency and adopted by the Board under this Section shall include conditions for the establishment and duration of groundwater management zones by rule, as appropriate, at sites undergoing remedial action under this Title.

(f) Until such time as the Board adopts remediation objectives under this Section, the remediation objectives adopted by the Board under Title XVI of this Act shall apply to all environmental assessments and soil or groundwater remedial action conducted under this Title.

(Source: P.A. 103-605, eff. 7-1-24.)

(415 ILCS 5/58.6)

Sec. 58.6. Remedial investigations and reports.

(a) Any RA who proceeds under this Title may elect to seek review and approval for any of the remediation objectives provided in Section 58.5 for any or all regulated substances of concern. The RA shall conduct investigations and remedial activities for regulated substances of concern and prepare plans and reports in accordance with this Section and rules adopted hereunder. The RA shall submit the plans and reports for review and approval in accordance with Section 58.7. All investigations, plans, and reports conducted or prepared under this Section shall be under the supervision of a Licensed Professional Engineer (LPE) or, in the case of a site investigation only, a Licensed Professional Geologist in accordance with the requirements of this Title.

(b) Site investigation and Site Investigation Report.

(1) The RA shall conduct a site investigation to determine the significant physical features of the site and vicinity that may affect contaminant transport and risk to human health, safety, and the environment and to determine the nature, concentration, direction and rate of movement, and extent of the contamination at the site.

(2) The RA shall compile the results of the investigations into a Site Investigation Report. At a minimum, the reports shall include the following, as applicable:

(A) Executive summary;

(B) Site history;

(C) Site-specific sampling methods and results;

(D) Documentation of field activities, including quality assurance project plan;

(E) Interpretation of results; and

(F) Conclusions.

(c) Remediation Objectives Report.

(1) If an RA elects to determine remediation objectives appropriate for the site using the Tier II or Tier III procedures under subsection (d) of Section 58.5, the RA shall develop such remediation objectives based on site-specific information. In support of such remediation objectives, the RA shall prepare a Remediation Objectives Report demonstrating how the site-specific objectives were calculated or otherwise determined.

(2) If an RA elects to determine remediation objectives appropriate for the site using the area background procedures under subsection (b) of Section 58.5, the RA shall develop such remediation objectives based on site-specific literature review, sampling protocol, or appropriate statistical methods in accordance with Board rules. In support of such remediation objectives, the RA shall prepare a Remediation Objectives Report demonstrating how the area background remediation objectives were determined.

(d) Remedial Action Plan. If the approved remediation objectives for any regulated substance established under Section 58.5 are less than the levels existing at the site prior to any remedial action, the RA shall prepare a Remedial Action Plan. The Remedial Action Plan shall describe the selected remedy and evaluate its ability and effectiveness to achieve the remediation objectives approved for the site. At a minimum, the reports shall include the following, as applicable:

(1) Executive summary;

(2) Statement of remediation objectives;

(3) Remedial technologies selected;

(4) Confirmation sampling plan;

(5) Current and projected future use of the property; and

(6) Applicable preventive, engineering, and institutional controls including long-term reliability, operating, and maintenance plans, and monitoring procedures.

(e) Remedial Action Completion Report.

(1) Upon completion of the Remedial Action Plan, the RA shall prepare a Remedial Action Completion Report. The report shall demonstrate whether the remedial action was completed in accordance with the approved Remedial Action Plan and whether the remediation objectives, as well as any other requirements of the plan, have been attained.

(2) If the approved remediation objectives for the regulated substances of concern established under Section 58.5 are equal to or above the levels existing at the site prior to any remedial action, notification and documentation of such shall constitute the entire Remedial Action Completion Report for purposes of this Title.

(f) Ability to proceed. The RA may elect to prepare and submit for review and approval any and all reports or plans required under the provisions of this Section individually, following completion of each such activity; concurrently, following completion of all activities; or in any other combination. In any event, the review and approval process shall proceed in accordance with Section 58.7 and rules adopted thereunder.

(g) Nothing in this Section shall prevent an RA from implementing or conducting an interim or any other remedial measure prior to election to proceed under Section 58.6.

(h) In accordance with Section 58.11, the Agency shall propose and the Board shall adopt rules to carry out the purposes of this Section.

(Source: P.A. 103-605, eff. 7-1-24.)

(415 ILCS 5/58.7)

Sec. 58.7. Review and approvals.

(a) Requirements. All plans and reports that are submitted pursuant to this Title shall be submitted for review or approval in accordance with this Section.

(b) Review and evaluation by the Agency.

(1) Except for sites excluded under subdivision (a)(2) of Section 58.1, the Agency shall, subject to available resources, agree to provide review and evaluation services for activities carried out pursuant to this Title for which the RA requested the services in writing. As a condition for providing such services, the Agency may require that the RA for a site:

(A) Conform with the procedures of this Title;

(B) Allow for or otherwise arrange site visits or other site evaluation by the Agency when so requested;

(C) Agree to perform the Remedial Action Plan as approved under this Title;

(D) Agree to pay any reasonable costs incurred and documented by the Agency in providing such services;

(E) Make an advance partial payment to the Agency for such anticipated services in the amount of $2,500; and

(F) Demonstrate, if necessary, authority to act on behalf of or in lieu of the owner or operator.

(2) Any moneys received by the State for costs incurred by the Agency in performing review or evaluation services for actions conducted pursuant to this Title shall be deposited in the Hazardous Waste Fund.

(3) An RA requesting services under subdivision (b) (1) of this Section may, at any time, notify the Agency, in writing, that Agency services previously requested are no longer wanted. Within 180 days after receipt of the notice, the Agency shall provide the RA with a final invoice for services provided until the date of such notifications.

(4) The Agency may invoice or otherwise request or demand payment from an RA for costs incurred by the Agency in performing review or evaluation services for actions by the RA at sites only if:

(A) The Agency has incurred costs in performing response actions, other than review or evaluation services, due to the failure of the RA to take response action in accordance with a notice issued pursuant to this Act;

(B) The RA has agreed in writing to the payment of such costs;

(C) The RA has been ordered to pay such costs by the Board or a court of competent jurisdiction pursuant to this Act; or

(D) The RA has requested or has consented to Agency review or evaluation services under subdivision (b)(1) of this Section.

(5) The Agency may, subject to available resources, agree to provide review and evaluation services for response actions if there is a written agreement among parties to a legal action or if a notice to perform a response action has been issued by the Agency.

(c) Review and evaluation by a RELPEG. An RA may elect to contract with a Licensed Professional Engineer or, in the case of a site investigation report only, a Licensed Professional Geologist, who will perform review and evaluation services on behalf of and under the direction of the Agency relative to the site activities.

(1) Prior to entering into the contract with the RELPEG, the RA shall notify the Agency of the RELPEG to be selected. The Agency and the RA shall discuss the potential terms of the contract.

(2) At a minimum, the contract with the RELPEG shall provide that the RELPEG will submit any reports directly to the Agency, will take his or her directions for work assignments from the Agency, and will perform the assigned work on behalf of the Agency.

(3) Reasonable costs incurred by the Agency shall be paid by the RA directly to the Agency in accordance with the terms of the review and evaluation services agreement entered into under subdivision (b)(1) of Section 58.7.

(4) In no event shall the RELPEG acting on behalf of the Agency be an employee of the RA or the owner or operator of the site or be an employee of any other person the RA has contracted to provide services relative to the site.

(d) Review and approval. All reviews required under this Title shall be carried out by the Agency or a RELPEG contracted by the RA pursuant to subsection (c).

(1) All review activities conducted by the Agency or a RELPEG shall be carried out in conformance with this Title and rules promulgated under Section 58.11.

(2) Subject to the limitations in subsection (c) and this subsection (d), the specific plans, reports, and activities that the Agency or a RELPEG may review include:

(A) Site Investigation Reports and related activities;

(B) Remediation Objectives Reports;

(C) Remedial Action Plans and related activities; and

(D) Remedial Action Completion Reports and related activities.

(3) Only the Agency shall have the authority to approve, disapprove, or approve with conditions a plan or report as a result of the review process including those plans and reports reviewed by a RELPEG. If the Agency disapproves a plan or report or approves a plan or report with conditions, the written notification required by subdivision (d)(4) of this Section shall contain the following information, as applicable:

(A) An explanation of the Sections of this Title that may be violated if the plan or report was approved;

(B) An explanation of the provisions of the rules promulgated under this Title that may be violated if the plan or report was approved;

(C) An explanation of the specific type of information, if any, that the Agency deems the applicant did not provide the Agency;

(D) A statement of specific reasons why the Title and regulations might not be met if the plan or report were approved; and

(E) An explanation of the reasons for conditions if conditions are required.

(4) Upon approving, disapproving, or approving with conditions a plan or report, the Agency shall notify the RA in writing of its decision. In the case of approval or approval with conditions of a Remedial Action Completion Report, the Agency shall prepare a No Further Remediation Letter that meets the requirements of Section 58.10 and send a copy of the letter to the RA.

(5) All reviews undertaken by the Agency or a RELPEG shall be completed and the decisions communicated to the RA within 60 days of the request for review or approval of a single plan or report and within 90 days after the request for review or approval of 2 or more plans or reports submitted concurrently. The RA may waive the deadline upon a request from the Agency. If the Agency disapproves or approves with conditions a plan or report or fails to issue a final decision within the applicable 60-day or 90-day period and the RA has not agreed to a waiver of the deadline, the RA may, within 35 days, file an appeal to the Board. Appeals to the Board shall be in the manner provided for the review of permit decisions in Section 40 of this Act.

(e) Standard of review. In making determinations, the following factors, and additional factors as may be adopted by the Board in accordance with Section 58.11, shall be considered by the Agency when reviewing or approving plans, reports, and related activities, or the RELPEG, when reviewing plans, reports, and related activities:

(1) Site Investigation Reports and related activities: Whether investigations have been conducted and the results compiled in accordance with the appropriate procedures and whether the interpretations and conclusions reached are supported by the information gathered. In making the determination, the following factors shall be considered:

(A) The adequacy of the description of the site and site characteristics that were used to evaluate the site;

(B) The adequacy of the investigation of potential pathways and risks to receptors identified at the site; and

(C) The appropriateness of the sampling and analysis used.

(2) Remediation Objectives Reports: Whether the remediation objectives are consistent with the requirements of the applicable method for selecting or determining remediation objectives under Section 58.5. In making the determination, the following factors shall be considered:

(A) If the objectives were based on the determination of area background levels under subsection (b) of Section 58.5, whether the review of current and historic conditions at or in the immediate vicinity of the site has been thorough and whether the site sampling and analysis has been performed in a manner resulting in accurate determinations;

(B) If the objectives were calculated on the basis of predetermined equations using site specific data, whether the calculations were accurately performed and whether the site specific data reflect actual site conditions; and

(C) If the objectives were determined using a site specific risk assessment procedure, whether the procedure used is nationally recognized and accepted, whether the calculations were accurately performed, and whether the site specific data reflect actual site conditions.

(3) Remedial Action Plans and related activities: Whether the plan will result in compliance with this Title, and rules adopted under it and attainment of the applicable remediation objectives. In making the determination, the following factors shall be considered:

(A) The likelihood that the plan will result in the attainment of the applicable remediation objectives;

(B) Whether the activities proposed are consistent with generally accepted engineering practices; and

(C) The management of risk relative to any remaining contamination, including, but not limited to, provisions for the long-term enforcement, operation, and maintenance of institutional and engineering controls, if relied on.

(4) Remedial Action Completion Reports and related activities: Whether the remedial activities have been completed in accordance with the approved Remedial Action Plan and whether the applicable remediation objectives have been attained.

(f) All plans and reports submitted for review shall include a Licensed Professional Engineer's certification that all investigations and remedial activities were carried out under his or her direction and, to the best of his or her knowledge and belief, the work described in the plan or report has been completed in accordance with generally accepted engineering practices, and the information presented is accurate and complete. In the case of a site investigation report prepared or supervised by a Licensed Professional Geologist, the required certification may be made by the Licensed Professional Geologist (rather than a Licensed Professional Engineer) and based upon generally accepted principles of professional geology.

(g) In accordance with Section 58.11, the Agency shall propose and the Board shall adopt rules to carry out the purposes of this Section. At a minimum, the rules shall detail the types of services the Agency may provide in response to requests under subdivision (b)(1) of this Section and the recordkeeping it will utilize in documenting to the RA the costs incurred by the Agency in providing such services.

(h) Public participation.

(1) The Agency shall develop guidance to assist RAs in the implementation of a community relations plan to address activity at sites undergoing remedial action pursuant to this Title.

(2) The RA may elect to enter into a services agreement with the Agency for Agency assistance in community outreach efforts.

(3) The Agency shall maintain a registry listing those sites undergoing remedial action pursuant to this Title.

(4) Notwithstanding any provisions of this Section, the RA of a site undergoing remedial activity pursuant to this Title may elect to initiate a community outreach effort for the site.

(i) Notwithstanding any other provision of this Title, the Agency is not required to take action on any submission under this Title from or on behalf of an RA if the RA has failed to pay all fees due pursuant to an invoice or other request or demand for payment under this Title. Any deadline for Agency action on such a submission shall be tolled until the fees due are paid in full.

(Source: P.A. 103-172, eff. 1-1-24; 103-605, eff. 7-1-24.)

(415 ILCS 5/58.8)

Sec. 58.8. Duty to record; compliance.

(a) The RA receiving a No Further Remediation Letter from the Agency pursuant to Section 58.10, shall submit the letter to the Office of the Recorder or the Registrar of Titles of the county in which the site is located within 45 days of receipt of the letter. The Office of the Recorder or the Registrar of Titles shall accept and record that letter in accordance with Illinois law so that it forms a permanent part of the chain of title for the site.

(b) A No Further Remediation Letter shall not become effective until officially recorded in accordance with subsection (a) of this Section. The RA shall obtain and submit to the Agency a certified copy of the No Further Remediation Letter as recorded.

(c) (Blank).

(d) In the event that a No Further Remediation Letter issues by operation of law pursuant to Section 58.10, the RA may, for purposes of this Section, file an affidavit stating that the letter issued by operation of law. Upon receipt of the No Further Remediation Letter from the Agency, the RA shall comply with the requirements of subsections (a) and (b) of this Section.

(Source: P.A. 94-272, eff. 7-19-05; 94-314, eff. 7-25-05.)

(415 ILCS 5/58.9)

Sec. 58.9. Liability.

(a) Cost assignment.

(1) Notwithstanding any other provisions of this Act to the contrary, including subsection (f) of Section 22.2, in no event may the Agency, the State of Illinois, or any person bring an action pursuant to this Act or the Groundwater Protection Act to require any person to conduct remedial action or to seek recovery of costs for remedial activity conducted by the State of Illinois or any person beyond the remediation of releases of regulated substances that may be attributed to being proximately caused by such person's act or omission or beyond such person's proportionate degree of responsibility for costs of the remedial action of releases of regulated substances that were proximately caused or contributed to by 2 or more persons.

(2) Notwithstanding any provisions in this Act to the contrary, including subsection (f) of Section 22.2, in no event may the State of Illinois or any person require the performance of remedial action pursuant to this Act against any of the following:

(A) A person who neither caused nor contributed to in any material respect a release of regulated substances on, in, or under the site that was identified and addressed by the remedial action taken pursuant to this Title.

(B) Notwithstanding a landlord's rights against a tenant, a landlord, if the landlord did not know, and could not have reasonably known, of the acts or omissions of a tenant that caused or contributed to, or were likely to have caused or contributed to, a release of regulated substances that resulted in the performance of remedial action at the site.

(C) The State of Illinois or any unit of local government if it involuntarily acquires ownership or control of the site by virtue of its function as a sovereign through such means as escheat, bankruptcy, tax delinquency, or abandonment, unless the State of Illinois or unit of local government takes possession of the site and exercises actual, direct, and continual or recurrent managerial control in the operation of the site that causes a release or substantial threat of a release of a regulated substance resulting in removal or remedial activity.

(D) The State of Illinois or any unit of local government if it voluntarily acquires ownership or control of the site through purchase, appropriation, or other means, unless the State of Illinois or the unit of local government takes possession of the site and exercises actual, direct, and continual or recurrent managerial control in the operation of the site that causes a release or substantial threat of a release of a regulated substance resulting in removal or remedial activity.

(E) A financial institution, as that term is defined in Section 2 of the Illinois Banking Act and to include the Illinois Housing Development Authority, that has acquired the ownership, operation, management, or control of a site through foreclosure, a deed in lieu of foreclosure, receivership, by exercising of an assignment of rents, as mortgagee in possession or otherwise under the terms of a security interest held by the financial institution, or under the terms of an extension of credit made by the financial institution, unless the financial institution takes actual physical possession of the site and, in so doing, directly causes a release of a regulated substance that results in removal or remedial activity.

(F) A corporate fiduciary that has acquired ownership, operation, management, or control of a site through acceptance of a fiduciary appointment unless the corporate fiduciary directly causes a release of a regulated substance resulting in a removal or remedial activity.

(b) In the event that the State of Illinois seeks to require a person who may be liable pursuant to this Act to conduct remedial activities for a release or threatened release of a regulated substance, the Agency shall provide notice to such person. Such notice shall include the necessity to conduct remedial action pursuant to this Title and an opportunity for the person to perform the remedial action.

(c) In any instance in which the Agency has issued notice pursuant to subsection (b) of this Section, the Agency and the person to whom such notice was issued may attempt to determine the costs of conducting the remedial action that are attributable to the releases to which such person or any other person caused or contributed. Determinations pursuant to this Section may be made in accordance with rules promulgated by the Board.

(d) The Board shall adopt, not later than January 1, 1999, pursuant to Sections 27 and 28 of this Act, rules and procedures for determining proportionate share. Such rules shall, at a minimum, provide for criteria for the determination of apportioned responsibility based upon the degree to which a person directly caused or contributed to a release of regulated substances on, in, or under the site identified and addressed in the remedial action; procedures to establish how and when such persons may file a petition for determination of such apportionment; and any other standards or procedures which the Board may adopt pursuant to this Section. In developing such rules, the Board shall take into consideration any recommendations and proposals of the Agency and the Site Remediation Advisory Committee established in Section 58.11 of this Act and other interested participants.

(e) Nothing in this Section shall limit the authority of the Agency to provide notice under subsection (q) of Section 4 or to undertake investigative, preventive, or corrective action under any other applicable provisions of this Act. The Director of the Agency is authorized to enter into such contracts and agreements as may be necessary to carry out the Agency's duties and responsibilities under this Section as expeditiously as possible.

(f) This Section does not apply to any cost recovery action brought by the State under Section 22.2 to recover costs incurred by the State prior to July 1, 1996.

(Source: P.A. 89-443, eff. 7-1-96; 90-484, eff. 8-17-97.)

(415 ILCS 5/58.10)

Sec. 58.10. Effect of completed remediation; liability releases.

(a) The Agency's issuance of the No Further Remediation Letter signifies a release from further responsibilities under this Act in performing the approved remedial action and shall be considered prima facie evidence that the site does not constitute a threat to human health and the environment and does not require further remediation under this Act, so long as the site is utilized in accordance with the terms of the No Further Remediation Letter.

(b) Within 30 days of the Agency's approval of a Remedial Action Completion Report, the Agency shall issue a No Further Remediation Letter applicable to the site. In the event that the Agency fails to issue the No Further Remediation Letter within 30 days after approval of the Remedial Action Completion Report, the No Further Remediation Letter shall issue by operation of law. A No Further Remediation Letter issued pursuant to this Section shall be limited to and shall include all of the following:

(1) An acknowledgment that the requirements of the Remedial Action Plan and the Remedial Action Completion Report were satisfied;

(2) A description of the location of the affected property by adequate legal description or by reference to a plat showing its boundaries;

(3) The level of the remediation objectives, specifying, as appropriate, any land use limitation imposed as a result of such remediation efforts;

(4) A statement that the Agency's issuance of the No Further Remediation Letter signifies a release from further responsibilities under this Act in performing the approved remedial action and shall be considered prima facie evidence that the site does not constitute a threat to human health and the environment and does not require further remediation under the Act, so long as the site is utilized in accordance with the terms of the No Further Remediation Letter;

(5) The prohibition against the use of any site in a manner inconsistent with any land use limitation imposed as a result of such remediation efforts without additional appropriate remedial activities;

(6) A description of any preventive, engineering, and institutional controls required in the approved Remedial Action Plan and notification that failure to manage the controls in full compliance with the terms of the Remedial Action Plan may result in voidance of the No Further Remediation Letter;

(7) The recording obligations pursuant to Section 58.8;

(8) The opportunity to request a change in the recorded land use pursuant to Section 58.8;

(9) Notification that further information regarding the site can be obtained from the Agency through a request under the Freedom of Information Act (5 ILCS 140); and

(10) If only a portion of the site or only selected regulated substances at a site were the subject of corrective action, any other provisions agreed to by the Agency and the RA.

(c) The Agency may deny a No Further Remediation Letter if fees applicable under the review and evaluation services agreement have not been paid in full.

(d) The No Further Remediation Letter shall apply in favor of the following persons:

(1) The RA or other person to whom the letter was issued.

(2) The owner and operator of the site.

(3) Any parent corporation or subsidiary of the owner of the site.

(4) Any co-owner, either by joint-tenancy, right of survivorship, or any other party sharing a legal relationship with the owner of the site.

(5) Any holder of a beneficial interest of a land trust or inter vivos trust, whether revocable or irrevocable, involving the site.

(6) Any mortgagee or trustee of a deed of trust of the owner of the site or any assignee, transferee, or any successor-in-interest thereto.

(7) Any successor-in-interest of the owner of the site.

(8) Any transferee of the owner of the site whether the transfer was by sale, bankruptcy proceeding, partition, dissolution of marriage, settlement or adjudication of any civil action, charitable gift, or bequest.

(9) Any heir or devisee of the owner of the site.

(10) Any financial institution, as that term is defined in Section 2 of the Illinois Banking Act and to include the Illinois Housing Development Authority, that has acquired the ownership, operation, management, or control of a site through foreclosure or under the terms of a security interest held by the financial institution, under the terms of an extension of credit made by the financial institution, or any successor in interest thereto.

(11) In the case of a fiduciary (other than a land trustee), the estate, trust estate, or other interest in property held in a fiduciary capacity, and a trustee, executor, administrator, guardian, receiver, conservator, or other person who holds the remediated site in a fiduciary capacity, or a transferee of such party.

(e) The No Further Remediation Letter shall be voidable if the site activities are not managed in full compliance with the provisions of this Title, any rules adopted under it, or the approved Remedial Action Plan or remediation objectives upon which the issuance of the No Further Remediation Letter was based. Specific acts or omissions that may result in voidance of the No Further Remediation Letter include, but shall not be limited to:

(1) Any violation of institutional controls or land use restrictions, if applicable;

(2) The failure of the owner, operator, RA, or any subsequent transferee to operate and maintain preventive or engineering controls or comply with a groundwater monitoring plan, if applicable;

(3) The disturbance or removal of contamination that has been left in place in accordance with the Remedial Action Plan;

(4) The failure to comply with the recording requirements of Section 58.8;

(5) Obtaining the No Further Remediation Letter by fraud or misrepresentation;

(6) Subsequent discovery of contaminants, not identified as part of the investigative or remedial activities upon which the issuance of the No Further Remediation Letter was based, that pose a threat to human health or the environment; or

(7) The failure to pay the No Further Remediation Assessment required under subsection (g) of this Section.

(f) If the Agency seeks to void a No Further Remediation Letter, it shall provide notice by certified letter to the current title holder of the site and to the RA at his or her last known address. The notice shall specify the cause for the voidance and describe facts in support of that cause.

(1) Within 35 days of the receipt of the notice of voidance, the RA or current title holder may appeal the Agency's decision to the Board in the manner provided for the review of permits in Section 40 of this Act. If the Board fails to take final action on the petition within 120 days, unless such time period is waived by the petitioner, the petition shall be deemed denied and the petitioner shall be entitled to an Appellate Court order pursuant to subsection (d) of Section 41 of this Act. The Agency shall have the burden of proof in any such action.

(2) If the Agency's action is not appealed, the Agency shall submit the notice of voidance to the Office of the Recorder or the Registrar of Titles for the county in which the site is located. The notice shall be filed in accordance with Illinois law so that it forms a permanent part of the chain of title for the site.

(3) If the Agency's action is appealed, the action shall not become effective until the appeal process has been exhausted and a final decision reached by the Board or courts.

(4) Upon receiving notice of appeal, the Agency shall file a notice of lis pendens with the Office of the Recorder or the Registrar of Titles for the county in which the site is located. The notice shall be filed in accordance with Illinois law so that it becomes a part of the chain of title for the site. However, if the Agency's action is not upheld on appeal, the notice of lis pendens shall be removed in accordance with Illinois law within 45 days of receipt of the final decision of the Board or the courts.

(g) Within 30 days after the receipt of a No Further Remediation Letter issued by the Agency or by operation of law pursuant to this Section, the recipient of the letter shall forward to the Agency a No Further Remediation Assessment in the amount of the lesser of $2,500 or an amount equal to the costs incurred for the site by the Agency under Section 58.7. The assessment shall be made payable to the State of Illinois, for deposit in the Hazardous Waste Fund. The No Further Remediation Assessment is in addition to any other costs that may be incurred by the Agency pursuant to Section 58.7.

(Source: P.A. 89-431, eff. 12-15-95; 89-443, eff. 7-1-96; 89-626, eff. 8-9-96.)

(415 ILCS 5/58.11)

Sec. 58.11. Regulations and Site Remediation Advisory Committee.

(a) There is hereby established a 10-member Site Remediation Advisory Committee, which shall be appointed by the Governor. The Committee shall include one member recommended by the Illinois State Chamber of Commerce, one member recommended by the Illinois Manufacturers' Association, one member recommended by the Chemical Industry Council of Illinois, one member recommended by the Consulting Engineers Council of Illinois, one member recommended by the Illinois Bankers Association, one member recommended by the Community Bankers Association of Illinois, one member recommended by the National Solid Waste Management Association, and 3 other members as determined by the Governor. Members of the Advisory Committee may organize themselves as they deem necessary and shall serve without compensation.

(b) The Committee shall:

(1) Review, evaluate, and make recommendations regarding State laws, rules, and procedures that relate to site remediations.

(2) Review, evaluate, and make recommendations regarding the review and approval activities of the Agency and Review and Evaluation Licensed Professional Engineers and Geologists.

(3) Make recommendations relating to the State's efforts to implement this Title.

(4) Review, evaluate, and make recommendations regarding the procedures for determining proportionate degree of responsibility for a release of regulated substances.

(5) Review, evaluate, and make recommendations regarding the reports prepared by the Agency in accordance with subsection (e) of this Section.

(c) Within 9 months after the effective date of this amendatory Act of 1995, the Agency, after consideration of the recommendations of the Committee, shall propose rules prescribing procedures and standards for its administration of this Title. Within 9 months after receipt of the Agency's proposed rules, the Board shall adopt, pursuant to Sections 27 and 28 of this Act, rules that are consistent with this Title, including classifications of land use and provisions for the voidance of No Further Remediation Letters.

(d) Until such time as the rules required under this Section take effect, the Agency shall administer its activities under this Title in accordance with Agency procedures and applicable provisions of this Act.

(e) By July 1, 1997 and as deemed appropriate thereafter, the Agency shall prepare reports to the Governor and the General Assembly concerning the status of all sites for which the Agency has expended money from the Hazardous Waste Fund. The reports shall include specific information on the financial, technical, and cost recovery status of each site.

(Source: P.A. 92-735, eff. 7-25-02.)

(415 ILCS 5/58.12)

Sec. 58.12. Severability. The provisions of this Title XVII are severable under Section 1.31 of the Statute on Statutes.

(Source: P.A. 89-431, eff. 12-15-95; 89-443, eff. 7-1-96.)

(415 ILCS 5/58.13)

Sec. 58.13. Municipal Brownfields Redevelopment Grant Program.

(a) (1) The Agency shall establish and administer a program of grants, to be known as the Municipal Brownfields Redevelopment Grant Program, to provide municipalities in Illinois with financial assistance to be used for coordination of activities related to brownfields redevelopment, including but not limited to identification of brownfields sites, including those sites within River Edge Redevelopment Zones, site investigation and determination of remediation objectives and related plans and reports, development of remedial action plans, and implementation of remedial action plans and remedial action completion reports. The plans and reports shall be developed in accordance with Title XVII of this Act.

(2) Grants shall be awarded on a competitive basis subject to availability of funding. Criteria for awarding grants shall include, but shall not be limited to the following:

(A) problem statement and needs assessment;

(B) community-based planning and involvement;

(C) implementation planning; and

(D) long-term benefits and sustainability.

(3) The Agency may give weight to geographic location to enhance geographic distribution of grants across this State.

(4) Except for grants to municipalities with designated River Edge Redevelopment Zones, grants shall be limited to a maximum of $240,000, and no municipality shall receive more than this amount under this Section. For grants to municipalities with designated River Edge Redevelopment Zones and grants to municipalities awarded from funds provided under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009, grants shall be limited to a maximum of $2,000,000 and no municipality shall receive more than this amount under this Section. For grants to municipalities awarded from funds provided under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009, grants shall be limited to a maximum of $1,000,000 and no municipality shall receive more than this amount under this Section.

(5) Grant amounts shall not exceed 70% of the project amount, with the remainder to be provided by the municipality as local matching funds.

(b) The Agency shall have the authority to enter into any contracts or agreements that may be necessary to carry out its duties or responsibilities under this Section. The Agency shall have the authority to adopt rules setting forth procedures and criteria for administering the Municipal Brownfields Redevelopment Grant Program. The rules adopted by the Agency may include but shall not be limited to the following:

(1) purposes for which grants are available;

(2) application periods and content of applications;

(3) procedures and criteria for Agency review of grant applications, grant approvals and denials, and grantee acceptance;

(4) grant payment schedules;

(5) grantee responsibilities for work schedules, work plans, reports, and record keeping;

(6) evaluation of grantee performance, including but not limited to auditing and access to sites and records;

(7) requirements applicable to contracting and subcontracting by the grantee;

(8) penalties for noncompliance with grant requirements and conditions, including stop-work orders, termination of grants, and recovery of grant funds;

(9) indemnification of this State and the Agency by the grantee; and

(10) manner of compliance with the Local Government Professional Services Selection Act.

(c) Moneys in the Brownfields Redevelopment Fund may be used by the Agency to take whatever preventive or corrective action, including but not limited to removal or remedial action, is necessary or appropriate in response to a release or substantial threat of a release of:

(1) a hazardous substance or pesticide; or

(2) petroleum from an underground storage tank.

The State, the Director, and any State employee shall be indemnified for any damages or injury arising out of or resulting from any action taken pursuant to this subsection (c) and subsection (d)(2) of Section 4 of this Act. The Agency has the authority to enter into such contracts and agreements as may be necessary, and as expeditiously as necessary, to carry out preventive or corrective action pursuant to this subsection (c) and subsection (d)(2) of Section 4 of this Act.

(Source: P.A. 96-45, eff. 7-15-09.)

(415 ILCS 5/58.14)

Sec. 58.14. Environmental Remediation Tax Credit review.

(a) Prior to applying for the Environmental Remediation Tax Credit under Section 201 of the Illinois Income Tax Act, Remediation Applicants shall first submit to the Agency an application for review of remediation costs. The application and review process shall be conducted in accordance with the requirements of this Section and the rules adopted under subsection (g). A preliminary review of the estimated remediation costs for development and implementation of the Remedial Action Plan may be obtained in accordance with subsection (d).

(b) No application for review shall be submitted until a No Further Remediation Letter has been issued by the Agency and recorded in the chain of title for the site in accordance with Section 58.10. The Agency shall review the application to determine whether the costs submitted are remediation costs, and whether the costs incurred are reasonable. The application shall be on forms prescribed and provided by the Agency. At a minimum, the application shall include the following:

(1) information identifying the Remediation Applicant and the site for which the tax credit is being sought and the date of acceptance of the site into the Site Remediation Program;

(2) a copy of the No Further Remediation Letter with official verification that the letter has been recorded in the chain of title for the site and a demonstration that the site for which the application is submitted is the same site as the one for which the No Further Remediation Letter is issued;

(3) a demonstration that the release of the regulated substances of concern for which the No Further Remediation Letter was issued were not caused or contributed to in any material respect by the Remediation Applicant. After the Pollution Control Board rules are adopted pursuant to the Illinois Administrative Procedure Act for the administration and enforcement of Section 58.9 of the Environmental Protection Act, determinations as to credit availability shall be made consistent with those rules;

(4) an itemization and documentation, including receipts, of the remediation costs incurred;

(5) a demonstration that the costs incurred are remediation costs as defined in this Act and its rules;

(6) a demonstration that the costs submitted for review were incurred by the Remediation Applicant who received the No Further Remediation Letter;

(7) an application fee in the amount set forth in subsection (e) for each site for which review of remediation costs is requested and, if applicable, certification from the Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity that the site is located in an enterprise zone;

(8) any other information deemed appropriate by the Agency.

(c) Within 60 days after receipt by the Agency of an application meeting the requirements of subsection (b), the Agency shall issue a letter to the applicant approving, disapproving, or modifying the remediation costs submitted in the application. If the remediation costs are approved as submitted, the Agency's letter shall state the amount of the remediation costs to be applied toward the Environmental Remediation Tax Credit. If an application is disapproved or approved with modification of remediation costs, the Agency's letter shall set forth the reasons for the disapproval or modification and state the amount of the remediation costs, if any, to be applied toward the Environmental Remediation Tax Credit.

If a preliminary review of a budget plan has been obtained under subsection (d), the Remediation Applicant may submit, with the application and supporting documentation under subsection (b), a copy of the Agency's final determination accompanied by a certification that the actual remediation costs incurred for the development and implementation of the Remedial Action Plan are equal to or less than the costs approved in the Agency's final determination on the budget plan. The certification shall be signed by the Remediation Applicant and notarized. Based on that submission, the Agency shall not be required to conduct further review of the costs incurred for development and implementation of the Remedial Action Plan and may approve costs as submitted.

Within 35 days after receipt of an Agency letter disapproving or modifying an application for approval of remediation costs, the Remediation Applicant may appeal the Agency's decision to the Board in the manner provided for the review of permits in Section 40 of this Act.

(d) (1) A Remediation Applicant may obtain a preliminary review of estimated remediation costs for the development and implementation of the Remedial Action Plan by submitting a budget plan along with the Remedial Action Plan. The budget plan shall be set forth on forms prescribed and provided by the Agency and shall include but shall not be limited to line item estimates of the costs associated with each line item (such as personnel, equipment, and materials) that the Remediation Applicant anticipates will be incurred for the development and implementation of the Remedial Action Plan. The Agency shall review the budget plan along with the Remedial Action Plan to determine whether the estimated costs submitted are remediation costs and whether the costs estimated for the activities are reasonable.

(2) If the Remedial Action Plan is amended by the Remediation Applicant or as a result of Agency action, the corresponding budget plan shall be revised accordingly and resubmitted for Agency review.

(3) The budget plan shall be accompanied by the applicable fee as set forth in subsection (e).

(4) Submittal of a budget plan shall be deemed an automatic 60-day waiver of the Remedial Action Plan review deadlines set forth in this Section and its rules.

(5) Within the applicable period of review, the Agency shall issue a letter to the Remediation Applicant approving, disapproving, or modifying the estimated remediation costs submitted in the budget plan. If a budget plan is disapproved or approved with modification of estimated remediation costs, the Agency's letter shall set forth the reasons for the disapproval or modification.

(6) Within 35 days after receipt of an Agency letter disapproving or modifying a budget plan, the Remediation Applicant may appeal the Agency's decision to the Board in the manner provided for the review of permits in Section 40 of this Act.

(e) The fees for reviews conducted under this Section are in addition to any other fees or payments for Agency services rendered pursuant to the Site Remediation Program and shall be as follows:

(1) The fee for an application for review of remediation costs shall be $1,000 for each site reviewed.

(2) The fee for the review of the budget plan submitted under subsection (d) shall be $500 for each site reviewed.

(3) In the case of a Remediation Applicant submitting for review total remediation costs of $100,000 or less for a site located within an enterprise zone (as set forth in paragraph (i) of subsection (l) of Section 201 of the Illinois Income Tax Act), the fee for an application for review of remediation costs shall be $250 for each site reviewed. For those sites, there shall be no fee for review of a budget plan under subsection (d).

The application fee shall be made payable to the State of Illinois, for deposit into the Hazardous Waste Fund.

Pursuant to appropriation, the Agency shall use the fees collected under this subsection for development and administration of the review program.

(f) The Agency shall have the authority to enter into any contracts or agreements that may be necessary to carry out its duties and responsibilities under this Section.

(g) Within 6 months after July 21, 1997, the Agency shall propose rules prescribing procedures and standards for its administration of this Section. Within 6 months after receipt of the Agency's proposed rules, the Board shall adopt on second notice, pursuant to Sections 27 and 28 of this Act and the Illinois Administrative Procedure Act, rules that are consistent with this Section. Prior to the effective date of rules adopted under this Section, the Agency may conduct reviews of applications under this Section and the Agency is further authorized to distribute guidance documents on costs that are eligible or ineligible as remediation costs.

(Source: P.A. 94-793, eff. 5-19-06; 94-1021, eff. 7-12-06; 95-454, eff. 8-27-07.)

(415 ILCS 5/58.14a)

Sec. 58.14a. River Edge Redevelopment Zone Site Remediation Tax Credit Review.

(a) Prior to applying for the River Edge Redevelopment Zone site remediation tax credit under subsection (n) of Section 201 of the Illinois Income Tax Act, a Remediation Applicant must first submit to the Agency an application for review of remediation costs. The Agency shall review the application. The application and review process must be conducted in accordance with the requirements of this Section and the rules adopted under subsection (g). A preliminary review of the estimated remediation costs for development and implementation of the Remedial Action Plan may be obtained in accordance with subsection (d).

(b) No application for review may be submitted until a No Further Remediation Letter has been issued by the Agency and recorded in the chain of title for the site in accordance with Section 58.10. The Agency shall review the application to determine whether the costs submitted are remediation costs and whether the costs incurred are reasonable. The application must be on forms prescribed and provided by the Agency. At a minimum, the application must include the following:

(1) information identifying the Remediation Applicant, the site for which the tax credit is being sought, and the date of acceptance of the site into the Site Remediation Program;

(2) a copy of the No Further Remediation Letter with official verification that the letter has been recorded in the chain of title for the site and a demonstration that the site for which the application is submitted is the same site as the one for which the No Further Remediation Letter is issued;

(3) a demonstration that the release of the regulated substances of concern for which the No Further Remediation Letter was issued were not caused or contributed to in any material respect by the Remediation Applicant. Determinations as to credit availability shall be made consistent with the Pollution Control Board rules for the administration and enforcement of Section 58.9 of this Act;

(4) an itemization and documentation, including receipts, of the remediation costs incurred;

(5) a demonstration that the costs incurred are remediation costs as defined in this Act and its rules;

(6) a demonstration that the costs submitted for review were incurred by the Remediation Applicant who received the No Further Remediation Letter;

(7) an application fee in the amount set forth in subsection (e) for each site for which review of remediation costs is requested and, if applicable, certification from the Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity that the site is located in a River Edge Redevelopment Zone; and

(8) any other information deemed appropriate by the Agency.

(c) Within 60 days after receipt by the Agency of an application meeting the requirements of subsection (b), the Agency shall issue a letter to the applicant approving, disapproving, or modifying the remediation costs submitted in the application. If the remediation costs are approved as submitted, then the Agency's letter must state the amount of the remediation costs to be applied toward the River Edge Redevelopment Zone site remediation tax credit. If an application is disapproved or approved with modification of remediation costs, then the Agency's letter must set forth the reasons for the disapproval or modification and must state the amount of the remediation costs, if any, to be applied toward the River Edge Redevelopment Zone site remediation tax credit.

If a preliminary review of a budget plan has been obtained under subsection (d), then the Remediation Applicant may submit, with the application and supporting documentation under subsection (b), a copy of the Agency's final determination accompanied by a certification that the actual remediation costs incurred for the development and implementation of the Remedial Action Plan are equal to or less than the costs approved in the Agency's final determination on the budget plan. The certification must be signed by the Remediation Applicant and notarized. Based on that submission, the Agency is not required to conduct further review of the costs incurred for development and implementation of the Remedial Action Plan, and it may approve the costs as submitted. Within 35 days after the receipt of an Agency letter disapproving or modifying an application for approval of remediation costs, the Remediation Applicant may appeal the Agency's decision to the Board in the manner provided for the review of permits under Section 40 of this Act.

(d) A Remediation Applicant may obtain a preliminary review of estimated remediation costs for the development and implementation of the Remedial Action Plan by submitting a budget plan along with the Remedial Action Plan. The budget plan must be set forth on forms prescribed and provided by the Agency and must include, without limitation, line-item estimates of the costs associated with each line item (such as personnel, equipment, and materials) that the Remediation Applicant anticipates will be incurred for the development and implementation of the Remedial Action Plan. The Agency shall review the budget plan along with the Remedial Action Plan to determine whether the estimated costs submitted are remediation costs and whether the costs estimated for the activities are reasonable.

If the Remedial Action Plan is amended by the Remediation Applicant or as a result of Agency action, then the corresponding budget plan must be revised accordingly and resubmitted for Agency review.

The budget plan must be accompanied by the applicable fee as set forth in subsection (e).

The submittal of a budget plan is deemed to be an automatic 60-day waiver of the Remedial Action Plan review deadlines set forth in this Section and its rules.

Within the applicable period of review, the Agency shall issue a letter to the Remediation Applicant approving, disapproving, or modifying the estimated remediation costs submitted in the budget plan. If a budget plan is disapproved or approved with modification of estimated remediation costs, then the Agency's letter must set forth the reasons for the disapproval or modification.

Within 35 days after receipt of an Agency letter disapproving or modifying a budget plan, the Remediation Applicant may appeal the Agency's decision to the Board in the manner provided for the review of permits under Section 40 of this Act.

(e) Any fee for a review conducted under this Section is in addition to any other fees or payments for Agency services rendered under the Site Remediation Program. The fees under this Section are as follows:

(1) the fee for an application for review of remediation costs is $250 for each site reviewed; and

(2) there is no fee for the review of the budget plan submitted under subsection (d).

The application fee must be made payable to the State of Illinois, for deposit into the Hazardous Waste Fund. Pursuant to appropriation, the Agency shall use the fees collected under this subsection for development and administration of the review program.

(f) The Agency has the authority to enter into any contracts or agreements that may be necessary to carry out its duties and responsibilities under this Section.

(g) The Agency shall adopt rules prescribing procedures and standards for its administration of this Section. Prior to the effective date of rules adopted under this Section, the Agency may conduct reviews of applications under this Section. The Agency may publish informal guidelines concerning this Section to provide guidance.

(Source: P.A. 102-444, eff. 8-20-21.)

(415 ILCS 5/58.15)

Sec. 58.15. Brownfields Programs.

(A) Brownfields Redevelopment Loan Program.

(a) The Agency shall establish and administer a revolving loan program to be known as the "Brownfields Redevelopment Loan Program" for the purpose of providing loans to be used for site investigation, site remediation, or both, at brownfields sites. All principal, interest, and penalty payments from loans made under this subsection (A) shall be deposited into the Brownfields Redevelopment Fund and reused in accordance with this Section.

(b) General requirements for loans:

(1) Loans shall be at or below market interest rates in accordance with a formula set forth in regulations promulgated under subdivision (A)(c) of this subsection (A).

(2) Loans shall be awarded subject to availability of funding based on the order of receipt of applications satisfying all requirements as set forth in the regulations promulgated under subdivision (A)(c) of this subsection (A).

(3) The maximum loan amount under this subsection (A) for any one project is $1,000,000.

(4) In addition to any requirements or conditions placed on loans by regulation, loan agreements under the Brownfields Redevelopment Loan Program shall include the following requirements:

(A) the loan recipient shall secure the loan repayment obligation;

(B) completion of the loan repayment shall not exceed 15 years or as otherwise prescribed by Agency rule; and

(C) loan agreements shall provide for a confession of judgment by the loan recipient upon default.

(5) Loans shall not be used to cover expenses incurred prior to the approval of the loan application.

(6) If the loan recipient fails to make timely payments or otherwise fails to meet its obligations as provided in this subsection (A) or implementing regulations, the Agency is authorized to pursue the collection of the amounts past due, the outstanding loan balance, and the costs thereby incurred, either pursuant to the Illinois State Collection Act of 1986 or by any other means provided by law, including the taking of title, by foreclosure or otherwise, to any project or other property pledged, mortgaged, encumbered, or otherwise available as security or collateral.

(c) The Agency shall have the authority to enter into any contracts or agreements that may be necessary to carry out its duties or responsibilities under this subsection (A). The Agency shall have the authority to promulgate regulations setting forth procedures and criteria for administering the Brownfields Redevelopment Loan Program. The regulations promulgated by the Agency for loans under this subsection (A) shall include, but need not be limited to, the following elements:

(1) loan application requirements;

(2) determination of credit worthiness of the loan applicant;

(3) types of security required for the loan;

(4) types of collateral, as necessary, that can be pledged for the loan;

(5) special loan terms, as necessary, for securing the repayment of the loan;

(6) maximum loan amounts;

(7) purposes for which loans are available;

(8) application periods and content of applications;

(9) procedures for Agency review of loan applications, loan approvals or denials, and loan acceptance by the loan recipient;

(10) procedures for establishing interest rates;

(11) requirements applicable to disbursement of loans to loan recipients;

(12) requirements for securing loan repayment obligations;

(13) conditions or circumstances constituting default;

(14) procedures for repayment of loans and delinquent loans including, but not limited to, the initiation of principal and interest payments following loan acceptance;

(15) loan recipient responsibilities for work schedules, work plans, reports, and record keeping;

(16) evaluation of loan recipient performance, including auditing and access to sites and records;

(17) requirements applicable to contracting and subcontracting by the loan recipient, including procurement requirements;

(18) penalties for noncompliance with loan requirements and conditions, including stop-work orders, termination, and recovery of loan funds; and

(19) indemnification of the State of Illinois and the Agency by the loan recipient.

(d) Moneys in the Brownfields Redevelopment Fund may be used as a source of revenue or security for the principal and interest on revenue or general obligation bonds issued by the State or any political subdivision or instrumentality thereof, if the proceeds of those bonds will be deposited into the Fund.

(B) Brownfields Site Restoration Program.

(a)(1) The Agency must establish and administer a program for the payment of remediation costs to be known as the Brownfields Site Restoration Program. The Agency, through the Program, shall provide Remediation Applicants with financial assistance for the investigation and remediation of abandoned or underutilized properties. The investigation and remediation shall be performed in accordance with this Title XVII of this Act.

(2) For each State fiscal year in which funds are made available to the Agency for payment under this subsection (B), the Agency must, subject to the availability of funds, allocate 20% of the funds to be available to Remediation Applicants within counties with populations over 2,000,000. The remaining funds must be made available to all other Remediation Applicants in the State.

(3) The Agency must not approve payment in excess of $750,000 to a Remediation Applicant for remediation costs incurred at a remediation site. Eligibility must be determined based on a minimum capital investment in the redevelopment of the site, and payment amounts must not exceed the net economic benefit to the State of the remediation project. In addition to these limitations, the total payment to be made to an applicant must not exceed an amount equal to 20% of the capital investment at the site.

(4) Only those remediation projects for which a No Further Remediation Letter is issued by the Agency after December 31, 2001 are eligible to participate in the Brownfields Site Restoration Program. The program does not apply to any sites that have received a No Further Remediation Letter prior to December 31, 2001 or for costs incurred prior to the Agency approving a site eligible for the Brownfields Site Restoration Program.

(5) Brownfields Site Restoration Program funds shall be subject to availability of funding and distributed based on the order of receipt of applications satisfying all requirements as set forth in this Section.

(b) Prior to applying to the Agency for payment, a Remediation Applicant shall first submit to the Agency its proposed remediation costs. The Agency shall make a pre-application assessment, which is not to be binding upon future review of the project, relating only to whether the Agency has adequate funding to reimburse the applicant for the remediation costs if the applicant is found to be eligible for reimbursement of remediation costs. If the Agency determines that it is likely to have adequate funding to reimburse the applicant for remediation costs, the Remediation Applicant may then submit to the Agency an application for review of eligibility. The Agency must review the eligibility application to determine whether the Remediation Applicant is eligible for the payment. The application must be on forms prescribed and provided by the Agency. At a minimum, the application must include the following:

(1) Information identifying the Remediation Applicant and the site for which the payment is being sought and the date of acceptance into the Site Remediation Program.

(2) Information demonstrating that the site for which the payment is being sought is abandoned or underutilized property. "Abandoned property" means real property previously used for, or that has the potential to be used for, commercial or industrial purposes that reverted to the ownership of the State, a county or municipal government, or an agency thereof, through donation, purchase, tax delinquency, foreclosure, default, or settlement, including conveyance by deed in lieu of foreclosure; or privately owned property that has been vacant for a period of not less than 3 years from the time an application is made to the Agency. "Underutilized property" means real property of which less than 35% of the commercially usable space of the property and improvements thereon are used for their most commercially profitable and economically productive uses.

(3) Information demonstrating that remediation of the site for which the payment is being sought will result in a net economic benefit to the State of Illinois. The "net economic benefit" must be determined based on factors including, but not limited to, the capital investment, the number of jobs created, the number of jobs retained if it is demonstrated the jobs would otherwise be lost, capital improvements, the number of construction-related jobs, increased sales, material purchases, other increases in service and operational expenditures, and other factors established by the Agency. Priority must be given to sites located in areas with high levels of poverty, where the unemployment rate exceeds the State average, where an enterprise zone exists, or where the area is otherwise economically depressed as determined by the Agency.

(4) An application fee in the amount set forth in subdivision (B)(c) for each site for which review of an application is being sought.

(c) The fee for eligibility reviews conducted by the Agency under this subsection (B) is $1,000 for each site reviewed. The application fee must be made payable to the Agency for deposit into the Brownfields Redevelopment Fund. These application fees shall be used by the Agency for administrative expenses incurred under this subsection (B).

(d) Within 60 days after receipt by the Agency of an application meeting the requirements of subdivision (B)(b), the Agency must issue a letter to the applicant approving the application, approving the application with modifications, or disapproving the application. If the application is approved or approved with modifications, the Agency's letter must also include its determination of the "net economic benefit" of the remediation project and the maximum amount of the payment to be made available to the applicant for remediation costs. The payment by the Agency under this subsection (B) must not exceed the "net economic benefit" of the remediation project.

(e) An application for a review of remediation costs must not be submitted to the Agency unless the Agency has determined the Remediation Applicant is eligible under subdivision (B)(d). If the Agency has determined that a Remediation Applicant is eligible under subdivision (B)(d), the Remediation Applicant may submit an application for payment to the Agency under this subsection (B). Except as provided in subdivision (B)(f), an application for review of remediation costs must not be submitted until a No Further Remediation Letter has been issued by the Agency and recorded in the chain of title for the site in accordance with Section 58.10. The Agency must review the application to determine whether the costs submitted are remediation costs and whether the costs incurred are reasonable. The application must be on forms prescribed and provided by the Agency. At a minimum, the application must include the following:

(1) Information identifying the Remediation Applicant and the site for which the payment is being sought and the date of acceptance of the site into the Site Remediation Program.

(2) A copy of the No Further Remediation Letter with official verification that the letter has been recorded in the chain of title for the site and a demonstration that the site for which the application is submitted is the same site as the one for which the No Further Remediation Letter is issued.

(3) A demonstration that the release of the regulated substances of concern for which the No Further Remediation Letter was issued was not caused or contributed to in any material respect by the Remediation Applicant. The Agency must make determinations as to reimbursement availability consistent with rules adopted by the Pollution Control Board for the administration and enforcement of Section 58.9 of this Act.

(4) A copy of the Agency's letter approving eligibility, including the net economic benefit of the remediation project.

(5) An itemization and documentation, including receipts, of the remediation costs incurred.

(6) A demonstration that the costs incurred are remediation costs as defined in this Act and rules adopted under this Act.

(7) A demonstration that the costs submitted for review were incurred by the Remediation Applicant who received the No Further Remediation Letter.

(8) An application fee in the amount set forth in subdivision (B)(j) for each site for which review of remediation costs is requested.

(9) Any other information deemed appropriate by the Agency.

(f) An application for review of remediation costs may be submitted to the Agency prior to the issuance of a No Further Remediation Letter if the Remediation Applicant has a Remedial Action Plan approved by the Agency under the terms of which the Remediation Applicant will remediate groundwater for more than one year. The Agency must review the application to determine whether the costs submitted are remediation costs and whether the costs incurred are reasonable. The application must be on forms prescribed and provided by the Agency. At a minimum, the application must include the following:

(1) Information identifying the Remediation Applicant and the site for which the payment is being sought and the date of acceptance of the site into the Site Remediation Program.

(2) A copy of the Agency letter approving the Remedial Action Plan.

(3) A demonstration that the release of the regulated substances of concern for which the Remedial Action Plan was approved was not caused or contributed to in any material respect by the Remediation Applicant. The Agency must make determinations as to reimbursement availability consistent with rules adopted by the Pollution Control Board for the administration and enforcement of Section 58.9 of this Act.

(4) A copy of the Agency's letter approving eligibility, including the net economic benefit of the remediation project.

(5) An itemization and documentation, including receipts, of the remediation costs incurred.

(6) A demonstration that the costs incurred are remediation costs as defined in this Act and rules adopted under this Act.

(7) A demonstration that the costs submitted for review were incurred by the Remediation Applicant who received approval of the Remediation Action Plan.

(8) An application fee in the amount set forth in subdivision (B)(j) for each site for which review of remediation costs is requested.

(9) Any other information deemed appropriate by the Agency.

(g) For a Remediation Applicant seeking a payment under subdivision (B)(f), until the Agency issues a No Further Remediation Letter for the site, no more than 75% of the allowed payment may be claimed by the Remediation Applicant. The remaining 25% may be claimed following the issuance by the Agency of a No Further Remediation Letter for the site. For a Remediation Applicant seeking a payment under subdivision (B)(e), until the Agency issues a No Further Remediation Letter for the site, no payment may be claimed by the Remediation Applicant.

(h)(1) Within 60 days after receipt by the Agency of an application meeting the requirements of subdivision (B)(e) or (B)(f), the Agency must issue a letter to the applicant approving, disapproving, or modifying the remediation costs submitted in the application. If an application is disapproved or approved with modification of remediation costs, then the Agency's letter must set forth the reasons for the disapproval or modification.

(2) If a preliminary review of a budget plan has been obtained under subdivision (B)(i), the Remediation Applicant may submit, with the application and supporting documentation under subdivision (B)(e) or (B)(f), a copy of the Agency's final determination accompanied by a certification that the actual remediation costs incurred for the development and implementation of the Remedial Action Plan are equal to or less than the costs approved in the Agency's final determination on the budget plan. The certification must be signed by the Remediation Applicant and notarized. Based on that submission, the Agency is not required to conduct further review of the costs incurred for development and implementation of the Remedial Action Plan and may approve costs as submitted.

(3) Within 35 days after receipt of an Agency letter disapproving or modifying an application for approval of remediation costs, the Remediation Applicant may appeal the Agency's decision to the Board in the manner provided for the review of permits in Section 40 of this Act.

(i)(1) A Remediation Applicant may obtain a preliminary review of estimated remediation costs for the development and implementation of the Remedial Action Plan by submitting a budget plan along with the Remedial Action Plan. The budget plan must be set forth on forms prescribed and provided by the Agency and must include, but is not limited to, line item estimates of the costs associated with each line item (such as personnel, equipment, and materials) that the Remediation Applicant anticipates will be incurred for the development and implementation of the Remedial Action Plan. The Agency must review the budget plan along with the Remedial Action Plan to determine whether the estimated costs submitted are remediation costs and whether the costs estimated for the activities are reasonable.

(2) If the Remedial Action Plan is amended by the Remediation Applicant or as a result of Agency action, the corresponding budget plan must be revised accordingly and resubmitted for Agency review.

(3) The budget plan must be accompanied by the applicable fee as set forth in subdivision (B)(j).

(4) Submittal of a budget plan must be deemed an automatic 60-day waiver of the Remedial Action Plan review deadlines set forth in this subsection (B) and rules adopted under this subsection (B).

(5) Within the applicable period of review, the Agency must issue a letter to the Remediation Applicant approving, disapproving, or modifying the estimated remediation costs submitted in the budget plan. If a budget plan is disapproved or approved with modification of estimated remediation costs, the Agency's letter must set forth the reasons for the disapproval or modification.

(6) Within 35 days after receipt of an Agency letter disapproving or modifying a budget plan, the Remediation Applicant may appeal the Agency's decision to the Board in the manner provided for the review of permits in Section 40 of this Act.

(j) The fees for reviews conducted by the Agency under this subsection (B) are in addition to any other fees or payments for Agency services rendered pursuant to the Site Remediation Program and are as follows:

(1) The fee for an application for review of remediation costs is $1,000 for each site reviewed.

(2) The fee for the review of the budget plan submitted under subdivision (B)(i) is $500 for each site reviewed.

The application fee and the fee for the review of the budget plan must be made payable to the State of Illinois, for deposit into the Brownfields Redevelopment Fund.

(k) Moneys in the Brownfields Redevelopment Fund may be used for the purposes of this Section, including payment for the costs of administering this subsection (B). Total payments made to all Remediation Applicants by the Agency for purposes of this subsection (B) must not exceed $1,000,000 in State fiscal year 2002.

(l) The Agency is authorized to enter into any contracts or agreements that may be necessary to carry out the Agency's duties and responsibilities under this subsection (B).

(m) Within 6 months after July 23, 2002 (the effective date of Public Act 92-715), the Department of Commerce and Community Affairs (now Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity) and the Agency must propose rules prescribing procedures and standards for the administration of this subsection (B). Within 9 months after receipt of the proposed rules, the Board shall adopt on second notice, pursuant to Sections 27 and 28 of this Act and the Illinois Administrative Procedure Act, rules that are consistent with this subsection (B). Prior to the effective date of rules adopted under this subsection (B), the Department of Commerce and Community Affairs (now Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity) and the Agency may conduct reviews of applications under this subsection (B) and the Agency is further authorized to distribute guidance documents on costs that are eligible or ineligible as remediation costs.

(Source: P.A. 102-444, eff. 8-20-21; 103-616, eff. 7-1-24.)

(415 ILCS 5/58.16)

Sec. 58.16. Construction of school; requirements. This Section applies only to counties with a population of more than 3,000,000. In this Section, "school" means any public school located in whole or in part in a county with a population of more than 3,000,000. No person shall commence construction on real property of a building intended for use as a school unless:

(1) a Phase I Environmental Audit, conducted in accordance with Section 22.2 of this Act, is obtained;

(2) if the Phase I Environmental Audit discloses the presence or likely presence of a release or a substantial threat of a release of a regulated substance at, on, to, or from the real property, a Phase II Environmental Audit, conducted in accordance with Section 22.2 of this Act, is obtained; and

(3) if the Phase II Environmental Audit discloses the presence or likely presence of a release or a substantial threat of a release of a regulated substance at, on, to, or from the real property: (i) the real property is enrolled in the Site Remediation Program, and (ii) the remedial action plan is approved by the Agency, if a remedial action plan is required by Board regulations.

No person shall cause or allow any person to occupy a building intended to be used as a school for which a remedial action plan is required by Board regulations unless all work pursuant to the remedial action plan is completed.

(Source: P.A. 98-756, eff. 7-16-14.)

(415 ILCS 5/58.17)

Sec. 58.17. Environmental Land Use Control. No later than 2 months after July 7, 2000, the Agency, after consideration of the recommendations of the Regulations and Site Remediation Advisory Committee, shall propose rules creating an instrument to be known as the Environmental Land Use Control (ELUC). Within 6 months after receipt of the Agency's proposed rules, the Board shall adopt, pursuant to Sections 27 and 28 of this Act, rules creating the ELUC that establish land use limitations or obligations on the use of real property when necessary to manage risk to human health or the environment arising from contamination left in place pursuant to the procedures set forth in Section 58.5 of this Act or 35 Ill. Adm. Code 742. The rules shall include provisions addressing establishment, content, recording, duration, and enforcement of ELUCs.

(Source: P.A. 91-909, eff. 7-7-00; 92-574, eff. 6-26-02.)

(415 ILCS 5/58.18)

Sec. 58.18. (Repealed).

(Source: P.A. 92-486, eff. 1-1-02. Repealed by P.A. 92-715, eff. 7-23-02.)

(415 ILCS 5/Tit. XVIII heading) TITLE XVIII: CARBON CAPTURE AND SEQUESTRATION (Source: P.A. 103-651, eff. 7-18-24.)

(415 ILCS 5/59)

Sec. 59. Definitions. As used in this Title:

"Carbon dioxide capture project" mean a project or facility that:

(1) uses equipment to capture a significant quantity of carbon dioxide directly from the ambient air or uses a process to separate carbon dioxide from industrial or energy-related sources, other than oil or gas production from a well; and

(2) produces a concentrated fluid of carbon dioxide.

"Carbon dioxide stream" means carbon dioxide, any incidental associated substances derived from the source materials and process of producing or capturing carbon dioxide, and any substance added to the stream to enable or improve the injection process or the detection of a leak or rupture.

"Carbon sequestration activity" means the injection of one or more carbon dioxide streams into underground geologic formations under at least one Class VI well permit for long-term sequestration.

"Criteria pollutants" means the 6 pollutants for which the United States Environmental Protection Agency has set National Ambient Air Quality Standards under Section 109 of the Clean Air Act, together with recognized precursors to those pollutants.

"Project labor agreement" means a prehire collective bargaining agreement that covers all terms and conditions of employment on a specific construction project and must include the following:

(1) provisions establishing the minimum hourly wage for each class of labor organization employee;

(2) provisions establishing the benefits and other compensation for each class of labor organization employee;

(3) provisions establishing that no strike or disputes will be engaged in by the labor organization employees;

(4) provisions establishing that no lockout or disputes will be engaged in by the general contractor building the project; and

(5) provisions for minorities and women, as defined under the Business Enterprise for Minorities, Women, and Persons with Disabilities Act, setting forth goals for apprenticeship hours to be performed by minorities and women and setting forth goals for total hours to be performed by underrepresented minorities and women.

"Project labor agreement" includes other terms and conditions a labor organization or general contractor building the project deems necessary.

"Sequestration facility" means the carbon dioxide sequestration reservoir, underground equipment, including, but not limited to, well penetrations, and surface facilities and equipment used or proposed to be used in a carbon sequestration activity. "Sequestration facility" includes each injection well and equipment used to connect surface activities to the carbon dioxide sequestration reservoir and underground equipment. "Sequestration facility" does not include pipelines used to transport carbon dioxide to a sequestration facility.

(Source: P.A. 103-651, eff. 7-18-24.)

(415 ILCS 5/59.1)

Sec. 59.1. Carbon capture permit requirements. For air construction permit applications for carbon dioxide capture projects at existing sources submitted on or after the effective date of this amendatory Act of the 103rd General Assembly, no permit may be issued unless all of the following requirements are met:

(1) The permit applicant demonstrates that there will be no net increase in the individual allowable potential annual criteria pollutant emissions at the source. If the Agency determines that it is technically infeasible for an applicant to demonstrate that there will be no net increase in the individual allowable potential annual criteria pollutant emissions at the source, the Agency shall allow an alternative demonstration.

(2) The Agency has complied with the public participation requirements under 35 Ill. Adm. Code 252.

(3) The permit applicant submits to the Agency in its permit application, a Greenhouse Gas Inventory Analysis, as set forth in guidance from the United States Environmental Protection Agency, that includes all emissions at the stack or emissions source from which carbon dioxide is captured and a demonstration that the total greenhouse gas emissions associated with capture, including, but not limited to, (i) the emissions at the stack or emissions source from which the carbon dioxide is captured, (ii) the additional emissions associated with additional electricity generated, whether on-site or off-site, used to power any capture equipment, and (iii) any increased emissions necessary for the operation of the capture facility as compared to before the installation and operation of the capture equipment at the facility, do not exceed the total amount of greenhouse gas emissions captured. This comparison shall be made on an annual basis, projected across the proposed life span of the capture project.

(4) The permit applicant provides a water impact assessment report. The report must have been submitted to Department of Natural Resources and to the Soil and Water Conservation District in the county in which the project will be constructed. The report shall identify the following:

(A) each water source to be used by the project;

(B) the pumping method to be used by the project;

(C) the maximum and expected average daily pumping rates for the pumps used by the project;

(D) the impacts to each water source used by the project, such as aquifer drawdown or river reductions; and

(E) a detailed assessment of the impact on water users near the area of impact.

The water impact assessment shall consider the water impacts (i) immediately following the project's initial operations, (ii) at the end of the project's expected operational life, and (iii) during a drought or other similar event.

The permit applicant shall submit a certification to the Agency that the applicant has submitted its initial water use impact study and the applicant's ongoing water usage to the Department of Natural Resources. This requirement may be satisfied by submitting to the Agency copies of documents provided to the United States Environmental Protection Agency in accordance with 40 CFR 146.82 if the applicant satisfies the requirements of this Section.

(Source: P.A. 103-651, eff. 7-18-24.)

(415 ILCS 5/59.2)

Sec. 59.2. Report on minimum carbon capture standards and the deployment of carbon capture and sequestration technology. By December 1, 2028, the Agency, in consultation with Illinois Emergency Management Agency and Office of Homeland Security, the Illinois Commerce Commission, the Commission on Environmental Justice, and the Department of Natural Resources, shall submit to the Governor and General Assembly, a report that reviews the progress on the implementation of carbon dioxide capture, transport, and storage projects in this State. The Agency may also obtain outside consultants to assist with the report. The report shall include, at minimum:

(1) a review of federal and other State statutory or regulatory actions to establish and implement a minimum carbon capture efficiency rate at the stack or emission point;

(2) a review of active and proposed capture projects, including the types of technology and capture rates used by various industry subsectors to capture and store carbon;

(3) an assessment of the technical and economic feasibility of carbon capture in various industries and various rates of capture; and

(4) an environmental justice analysis which includes, but is not limited to:

(A) an assessment of capture, transport, and sequestration projects that present potential impacts on environmental justice communities and economically disadvantaged rural communities;

(B) how public participation processes associated with the permitting of carbon capture, transport, and storage projects provide transparency and meaningful participation for environmental justice communities, rural communities, minority populations, low-income populations, tribes, or indigenous peoples; and

(C) options for State agencies and decision-makers to improve environmental, public health, and economic protections for environmental justice communities and economically disadvantaged rural communities in permitting and regulatory enforcement of permit provisions of carbon capture, transport, and sequestration proposals.

(Source: P.A. 103-651, eff. 7-18-24.)

(415 ILCS 5/59.3)

Sec. 59.3. Minimum carbon dioxide capture efficiency rulemaking authority. The Agency may propose, and the Board may adopt, rules to establish a minimum carbon capture efficiency rate for carbon capture projects. The Agency may propose, and the Board may adopt, a minimum carbon capture efficiency rate that is applicable to all carbon capture projects or individual efficiencies applicable to distinct industries.

(Source: P.A. 103-651, eff. 7-18-24.)

(415 ILCS 5/59.4)

Sec. 59.4. Report on the status and impact of carbon capture and sequestration. Beginning July 1, 2029, and every 5 years thereafter, the Agency shall submit a report to the Governor and General Assembly that includes, for each carbon dioxide capture project in this State:

(1) the amount of carbon dioxide captured on an annual basis;

(2) the means for transporting the carbon dioxide to a sequestration or utilization facility;

(3) the location of the sequestration or utilization facility used;

(4) the electrical power consumption of the carbon dioxide capture equipment; and

(5) the generation source or sources providing electrical power for the carbon dioxide capture equipment and the emissions of CO2 and criteria pollutants of the generation source or sources.

(Source: P.A. 103-651, eff. 7-18-24.)

(415 ILCS 5/59.5)

Sec. 59.5. Prohibitions.

(a) No person shall conduct a carbon sequestration activity without a permit issued by the Agency under Section 59.6. This prohibition does not apply to any carbon sequestration activity in existence and permitted by the United States Environmental Protection Agency on or before the effective date of this amendatory Act of the 103rd General Assembly or to any Class VI well for which (1) a Class VI well permit has been filed with the United States Environmental Protection Agency and a completeness determination had been received prior to January 1, 2023, and (2) the sequestration activity will occur on a contiguous property with common ownership where the carbon dioxide is generated, captured, and injected.

(b) No person shall conduct a carbon sequestration activity in violation of this Act.

(c) No person shall conduct a carbon sequestration activity in violation of any applicable rules adopted by the Pollution Control Board.

(d) No person shall conduct a carbon sequestration activity in violation of a permit issued by the Agency under this Act.

(e) No person shall fail to submit reports required by this Act or required by a permit issued by the Agency under this Act.

(f) No person shall conduct a carbon sequestration activity without obtaining an order for integration of pore space from the Department of Natural Resources, if applicable.

(Source: P.A. 103-651, eff. 7-18-24.)

(415 ILCS 5/59.6)

Sec. 59.6. Sequestration permit; application contents. An application to obtain a carbon sequestration permit under this Act shall contain, at a minimum, the following:

(1) A map and accompanying description that clearly identifies the location of all carbon sequestration activities for which a permit is sought.

(2) A map and accompanying description that clearly identifies the properties overlaying the carbon sequestration activity.

(3) Copies of any permit and related application materials submitted to or issued by the United States Environmental Protection Agency in accordance with 40 CFR 146.82.

(4) A report describing air and soil gas baseline conditions at properties potentially impacted by a release from the carbon sequestration activity to determine background levels of constituents of concern present before the commencement of the carbon sequestration activity for which a permit is sought. The report must:

(A) contain sampling data generated within 180 calendar days prior to the submission of the permit application;

(B) identify the constituents of concern for which monitoring was conducted and the method for selecting those constituents of concern;

(C) use and describe the sampling methodology employed to collect and test air and soil samples in a manner consistent with standards established by a national laboratory accreditation body;

(D) identify the accredited laboratory used to conduct necessary testing; and

(E) include the sampling results for the identified constituents of concern.

(5) The permit application must include an air monitoring plan containing, at a minimum, the following elements:

(A) sufficient surface and near-surface monitoring points based on potential risks of atmospheric carbon dioxide and any other identified constituents of concern attributable to the carbon sequestration activity to identify the nature and extent any release of carbon dioxide or other constituents of concern, the source of the release, and the estimated volume of the release;

(B) a monitoring frequency designed to evaluate the nature and extent of any release of carbon dioxide or other constituents of concern, the source of the release, and the estimated volume of the release;

(C) a description of the monitoring network components and methods, including sampling and equipment quality assurance methods, that comply with applicable testing and laboratory standards, established by a national laboratory accreditation body;

(D) confirmation monitoring protocols to address any monitoring results that reflect a statistically significant increase over background levels; and

(E) development and submission of quarterly air monitoring reports to the Agency.

This requirement may be satisfied by the submission of copies of documents provided to the United States Environmental Protection Agency in accordance with 40 CFR 146.82 if the applicant satisfies the requirements of this Section.

(6) The permit application must include a soil gas monitoring plan containing, at a minimum, the following elements:

(A) sufficient soil sampling points and sampling depths to identify the nature and extent of any release of carbon dioxide or other constituents of concern, the source of the release, and the estimated volume of the release;

(B) a monitoring frequency designed to identify the nature and extent of any release of carbon dioxide or other constituents of concern, the source of the release, and the estimated volume of the release;

(C) a description of the monitoring network components and methods, including sampling and equipment quality assurance methods, that comply with applicable testing and laboratory standards, established by a national laboratory accreditation body;

(D) confirmation monitoring protocols to address any monitoring results that reflect a statistically significant increase over background levels; and

(E) development and submission of quarterly soil gas monitoring reports to the Agency.

This requirement may be satisfied by the submission of copies of documents provided to the United States Environmental Protection Agency in accordance with 40 CFR 146.82 if the applicant satisfies the requirements of this Section.

(7) The permit application must include an emergency response plan designed to respond to and minimize the immediate threat to human health and the environment from a release from the carbon sequestration activity. The plan must have been submitted to the Illinois Emergency Management Agency and Office of Homeland Security for review and input on the emergency preparedness activities prior to submitting in a permit application to the Agency. Proof of this submission must be included with the permit application. The plan must:

(A) identify the resources and infrastructure near carbon sequestration activity;

(B) identify potential risk scenarios that would result in the need to trigger a response plan. Potential risk scenarios must include, at a minimum:

(i) injection or monitoring well integrity failure;

(ii) injection well monitoring equipment failure;

(iii) fluid or carbon dioxide release;

(iv) natural disaster; or

(v) induced or natural seismic event;

(C) describe response actions necessary to prepare for and address each risk scenario identified in the emergency response plan. These actions should include, but are not limited to, identification and maintenance of sensors and alarms to detect carbon dioxide leaks, an internal and external communications plan accounting for external communications to the public in the primary languages of potentially impacted populations, a training program that includes regular training for employees and emergency responders on how to handle carbon dioxide, public safety, and evacuation plans, and post-incident analysis and reporting procedures;

(D) identify personnel and equipment necessary to comprehensively address the emergency;

(E) describe emergency notification procedures, including notifications to and coordination with State and local emergency response agencies;

(F) describe the process for determining the nature and extent of any injuries or private or public property damage attributable to the release of carbon dioxide;

(G) include an air and soil gas monitoring plan designed to determine the nature and extent of any air or soil gas impacts attributable to a release from the permitted carbon sequestration activity; and

(H) provide any additional information or action plans requested by the Agency or the Illinois Emergency Management Agency and Office of Homeland Security.

This requirement may be satisfied by the submission of copies of documents provided to the United States Environmental Protection Agency in accordance with 40 CFR 146.82 if the applicant satisfies the requirements of this Section.

(8) The permit applicant must include a water impact assessment report. The report must have been submitted to the Department of Natural Resources and to the Soil and Water Conservation District in the county in which the project will be constructed. The report shall identify the following:

(A) each water source to be used by the project;

(B) the pumping method to be used by the project;

(C) the maximum and expected average daily pumping rates for the pumps used by the project;

(D) the impacts to each water source, such as aquifer drawdown or river reductions; and

(E) a detailed assessment of the impact of the project on water users near the area of impact.

The impact assessment shall consider the water impacts (i) immediately following the project's initial operations, (ii) at the end of the project's expected operational life, and (iii) during a drought or other similar event.

The permit applicant shall submit a certification to the Agency from the Department of Natural Resources that the applicant has submitted its initial water use impact study and is submitting to the Department of Resources the applicant's ongoing water usage. This requirement may be satisfied by the submission of copies of documents provided to the United States Environmental Protection Agency in accordance with 40 CFR 146.82 if the applicant satisfies the requirements of this Section.

(9) The permit application must include a remedial action plan designed to address the air and soil impacts of a release from the carbon sequestration activity. The remedial action plan must, at a minimum:

(A) identify all necessary remedial actions to address air and soil impacts from a release from the sequestration activity, consistent with Title XVII. Soil impacts from a release of carbon dioxide must be addressed through (i) the installation of an appropriate treatment system designed to remove contaminants of concerns emplaced by, or the increase in any contaminants of concern that result from, the carbon sequestration activity or (ii) the removal of all impacted soils and transportation of those soils to an appropriately permitted facility for treatment, storage or disposal;

(B) include a demonstration of the performance, reliability, ease of implementation, and potential impacts, including safety, cross-media impacts, and control of exposure of any residual contamination, of the selected corrective actions; and

(C) identify a reasonable timeline and describe the procedure for implementation and completion of the remedial action plan, consistent with Title XVII, following a release attributable to the sequestration activity.

(10) The permit application must include a closure plan that addresses the post-injection site care and closure. The closure plan must include:

(A) the pressure differential between preinjection and predicted post-injection pressures at all injection zones;

(B) the predicted position of the carbon dioxide plume and associated pressure front at site closure;

(C) a description of post-injection monitoring locations, methods, and proposed frequency;

(D) a proposed schedule for submitting post-injection site care monitoring results to the Agency; and

(E) the duration of the post-injection site care period that ensures nonendangerment of groundwater, as specified in 35 Ill. Adm. Code 620, or to human health or the environment. The post-injection site care period shall be no less than 30 years from the last date of injection.

This requirement may be satisfied by the submission of copies of documents provided to the United States Environmental Protection Agency in accordance with 40 CFR 146.93 if the applicant satisfies the requirements of this Section.

(11) The permit application must contain a written estimate of the cost of all air monitoring, soil gas monitoring, emergency response, remedial action, and closure activities required by this Section.

The cost estimate must be calculated in terms of reasonable actual remedial, construction, maintenance, and labor costs that the Agency would bear if contracting to complete the actions set forth in an air monitoring, soil gas monitoring, emergency response, remedial action, and closure plans set forth in an Agency-approved permit.

The owner or operator must revise the cost estimate whenever there is a change in the air monitoring, soil gas monitoring, emergency response, remedial action, or closure plans that would result in an increase to the cost estimate.

The owner or operator must annually revise the cost estimate to adjust for inflation.

Revisions to the cost estimate must be submitted to the Agency as a permit modification.

(12) Proof that the applicant has financial assurance sufficient to satisfy the requirements set forth in Section 59.10.

(13) Proof of insurance that complies with the requirements set forth in Section 59.11.

(Source: P.A. 103-651, eff. 7-18-24.)

(415 ILCS 5/59.7)

Sec. 59.7. Sequestration permit application fee. Upon submission of a sequestration facility permit application, and in addition to any other fees required by law, the sequestration operator shall remit to the Agency an initial, one-time permit application fee of $60,000. One-third of each sequestration facility permit application fee shall be deposited into the Water Resources Fund, the Emergency Planning and Training Fund, and the Carbon Dioxide Sequestration Administrative Fund.

(Source: P.A. 103-651, eff. 7-18-24.)

(415 ILCS 5/59.8)

Sec. 59.8. Public participation. Prior to issuing a permit for carbon sequestration activity, the Agency shall issue a public notice of the permit application and draft permit. The public notice shall include a link to a website where copies of the permit application or draft permit, and all included attachments that are not protected under the Freedom of Information Act are posted, and shall provide information concerning the comment period on the permit application or draft permit and instructions for how to request a hearing on the permit application or draft permit. The Agency shall provide an opportunity for public comments on the permit application or draft permit, and shall hold a public hearing upon request. The Agency will make copies of all comments received available on its website and consider those comments when rendering its permit decision.

(Source: P.A. 103-651, eff. 7-18-24.)

(415 ILCS 5/59.9)

Sec. 59.9. Closure. The owner or operator of a carbon sequestration activity permitted in accordance with this Act shall monitor the site during the post-injection site care period, which shall be no less than 30 years after the last date of injection, as well as following certification of closure by United States Environmental Protection Act to show the position of the carbon dioxide and pressure front to ensure it does not pose an endangerment to groundwater, as specified in 35 Ill. Adm. Code 620, or to human health or the environment, unless and until the Agency certifies that a carbon sequestration facility is closed. Air and soil gas monitoring required by a carbon sequestration activity permit issued by the Agency must continue until the Agency certifies the carbon sequestration facility as closed. The Agency shall certify a carbon sequestration facility as closed if:

(1) the owner or operator submits to the Agency a copy of a closure certification issued for the carbon sequestration facility in accordance with 40 CFR 146.93; and

(2) the owner or operator demonstrates to the Agency that no additional air or soil gas monitoring is needed to ensure the carbon sequestration facility does not pose an endangerment to groundwater, as specified in 35 Ill. Adm. Code 620, or to human health or the environment.

This demonstration must include location-specific monitoring data. The certification of closure does not relieve an operator of any liabilities from the carbon sequestration activity or carbon sequestration facility.

(Source: P.A. 103-651, eff. 7-18-24.)

(415 ILCS 5/59.10)

Sec. 59.10. Financial assurance.

(a) The owner or operator of a sequestration activity permitted in accordance with this Act shall maintain financial assurance in an amount equal to or greater than the cost estimate calculated in accordance with paragraph (11) of Section 59.6.

(b) The owner or operator of the sequestration activity must use one or a combination of the following mechanisms as financial assurance:

(1) a fully funded trust fund;

(2) a surety bond guaranteeing payment;

(3) a surety bond guaranteeing performance; or

(4) an irrevocable letter of credit.

(c) The financial assurance mechanism must identify the Agency as the sole beneficiary.

(d) The financial assurance mechanism shall be on forms adopted by the Agency. The Agency must adopt these forms within 90 days of the date of the effective date of this amendatory Act of the 103rd General Assembly.

(e) The Agency shall release a trustee, surety, or other financial institution holding a financial assurance mechanism when:

(1) the owner or operator of a carbon sequestration activity substitutes alternative financial assurance such that the total financial assurance for the site is equal to or greater than the current cost estimate, without counting the amounts to be released; or

(2) the Agency determines that the owner or operator is no longer required to maintain a permit.

(f) The Agency may enter into contracts and agreements it deems necessary to carry out the purposes of this Section, including, but not limited to, interagency agreements with the Illinois State Geological Survey, the Department of Natural Resources, or other agencies of the State. Neither the State nor any State employee shall be liable for any damages or injuries arising out of or resulting from any action taken under paragraph (11) of Section 59.6.

(g) The Agency may order that a permit holder modify the financial assurance or order that proceeds from financial assurance be applied to the remedial action at or closure of an injection site. The Agency may pursue legal action in any court of competent jurisdiction to enforce its rights under financial instruments used to provide the financial assurance required under Section 59.10.

(h) An owner or operator of a carbon sequestration activity permitted in accordance with this Act that has a closure plan approved by United States Environmental Protection Agency in accordance with 40 CFR 146.93 may satisfy the financial assurance requirements for any portion of the cost estimates for closure costs required by the Agency by submitting to the Agency true copies of the financial assurance mechanism required by 40 CFR 146.85, if those mechanisms are compliant with Section 59.10.

(Source: P.A. 103-651, eff. 7-18-24.)

(415 ILCS 5/59.11)

Sec. 59.11. Insurance.

(a) The owner or operator of a carbon sequestration facility permitted in accordance with this Act shall maintain insurance to cover wrongful death, bodily injuries, property damages, and public or private losses related to a release from the carbon sequestration facility from an insurer holding at least an A- rating by an AM Best or equivalent credit rating agency. Such insurance shall be in an amount of at least $25,000,000.

(b) The owner or operator of a carbon sequestration activity permitted in accordance with this Act must maintain insurance required by this Section throughout the period during which carbon dioxide is injected into the sequestration site, throughout the post-injection time frame, and until the Agency certifies that the carbon sequestration facility is closed.

(c) The insurance policy must provide that the insurer may not cancel or terminate, except for failure to pay the premium.

(d) The insurance policy must allow for assignment to a successor owner or operator. The insurer shall not unreasonably withhold consent to assignment of the insurance policy.

(Source: P.A. 103-651, eff. 7-18-24.)

(415 ILCS 5/59.12)

Sec. 59.12. Ownership of carbon dioxide; liability.

(a) The owner or operator of a sequestration activity permitted in accordance with this Act may be subject to liability for any and all damage, including, but not limited to, wrongful death, bodily injuries, or tangible property damages, caused by a release attributable to the sequestration activity, including, but not limited to, damage caused by carbon dioxide or other fluids released from the sequestration facility, regardless of who holds title to the carbon dioxide, the pore space, or the surface estate.

Liability for damage caused by a release attributable to the sequestration activity that is within a sequestration facility or otherwise within a sequestration operator's control, including carbon dioxide being transferred from a pipeline to the injection well, may be joint and several with a third party adjudicated to have caused or contributed to such damage.

A claim of subsurface trespass shall not be actionable against an owner of operator of a sequestration facility conducting carbon sequestration activity in accordance with a valid Class VI permit and a permit issued by the Agency for a sequestration facility, unless the claimant proves that injection or migration of carbon dioxide:

(1) substantially interferes with the claimant's reasonable use and enjoyment of their real property; or

(2) has caused wrongful death or direct physical injury to a person, an animal, or tangible property.

The State shall not be liable for any damage caused by or attributable to the sequestration activity.

(b) The owner or operator of a sequestration activity permitted in accordance with this Act is liable for any and all damage that may result from equipment associated with carbon sequestration, including, but not limited to, operation of the equipment. Liability for harms or damage resulting from equipment associated with carbon sequestration, including equipment used to transfer carbon dioxide from the pipeline to the injection well, may be joint and several with a third party adjudicated to have caused or contributed to such damage.

(c) Title to carbon dioxide sequestered in this State shall be vested in the operator of the sequestration facility. Sequestered carbon dioxide is a separate property independent of the sequestration pore space.

(Source: P.A. 103-651, eff. 7-18-24.)

(415 ILCS 5/59.13)

Sec. 59.13. Carbon Sequestration Long-Term Trust Fund. The Carbon Dioxide Sequestration Long-Term Trust Fund is hereby created as a State trust fund in the State treasury. The Fund may receive deposits of moneys made available from any source. All moneys in the Fund are to be invested and reinvested by the State Treasurer. All interest accruing from these investments shall be deposited into the Fund to be used under the provisions of this Section. Moneys in the Fund may be used by the Agency to cover costs incurred to:

(1) take any remedial or corrective action necessary to protect human health and the environment from releases, or threatened releases, from a sequestration facility;

(2) monitor, inspect, or take other action if the sequestration operator abandons a sequestration facility or injection site, or fails to maintain its obligations under this Act;

(3) compensate any person suffering any damages or losses to a person or property caused by a release from a sequestration facility or carbon dioxide pipeline who is not otherwise compensated from the sequestration operator; or

(4) any other applicable costs under the Act.

Nothing in this Section relieves a sequestration operator from its obligations under this Act, from its liability under Section 59.12, or its obligations to maintain insurance and financial assurances under Sections 59.10 and 59.11.

(Source: P.A. 103-651, eff. 7-18-24.)

(415 ILCS 5/59.14)

Sec. 59.14. Water Resources Fund. The Water Resources Fund is hereby created as a special fund in the State treasury to be administered by the Department of Natural Resources. The Fund shall be used by the Department of Natural Resources for administrative costs under obligations under the Water Use Act of 1983, the Environmental Protection Act, or related statutes, including, but not limited to, reviewing water use plans and providing technical assistance to entities for water resource planning.

(Source: P.A. 103-651, eff. 7-18-24.)

(415 ILCS 5/59.15)

Sec. 59.15. Environmental Justice Grant Fund. The Environmental Justice Grant Fund is hereby created as a special fund in the State treasury to be administered by the Agency. The Fund shall be used by the Agency to make grants to eligible entities, including, but not limited to, units of local government, community-based nonprofits, and eligible organizations representing areas of environmental justice concern, to fund environmental projects benefiting areas of the State that are disproportionately burdened by environmental harms. Eligible projects include, but are not limited to, water infrastructure improvements, energy efficiency projects, and transportation decarbonization projects.

(Source: P.A. 103-651, eff. 7-18-24.)

(415 ILCS 5/59.16)

Sec. 59.16. Carbon Dioxide Sequestration Administrative Fund. The Carbon Dioxide Sequestration Administrative Fund is hereby created as a special fund within the State treasury to be administered by the Agency. Moneys in the fund may be used:

(1) for Agency administrative costs incurred for the regulation and oversight of sequestration facilities during their construction, operation, and post-injection phases; and

(2) to transfer moneys to funds outlined in Sections 59.13, 59.14, and 59.15 for the purpose of implementing and enforcing the Act.

The Fund may receive deposits of moneys made available from any source, including, but not limited to, fees, fines, and penalties collected under this Act, investment income, and moneys deposited or transferred into the Fund.

(Source: P.A. 103-651, eff. 7-18-24.)

(415 ILCS 5/59.17)

Sec. 59.17. Sequestration annual tonnage fee.

(a) Beginning July 1, 2025, and each July 1 thereafter, each sequestration operator shall report to the Agency the tons of carbon dioxide injected in the prior 12 months.

(b) If the sequestration operator does not possess a project labor agreement, the sequestration operator shall be assessed a per-ton sequestration fee of $0.62.

(c) If the sequestration operator does possess a project labor agreement, the sequestration operator shall be assessed a per-ton sequestration fee of $0.31.

(d) The fee assessed to the sequestration operator under subsection (b) shall be reduced to $0.31 for every ton of carbon dioxide injected into a sequestration facility in that fiscal year if the sequestration operator successfully demonstrates to the Department that the following types of construction and maintenance were conducted in the State during that fiscal year by the sequestration operator and were performed by contractors and subcontractors signatory to a project labor agreement used by the building and construction trades council with relevant geographic jurisdiction:

(1) construction and maintenance of equipment associated with the capture of carbon dioxide, including, but not limited to, all clearing, site preparation, concrete, equipment, and appurtenance installation;

(2) construction and maintenance of carbon dioxide pipelines used to transport carbon dioxide streams to the sequestration facility, including, but not limited to, all clearing, site preparation, and site remediation. For purposes of this paragraph (2), a national multi-craft project labor agreement governing pipeline construction and maintenance used in the performance of the work described in this subsection shall satisfy the project labor agreement requirement;

(3) construction and maintenance of compressor stations used to assist in the transport of carbon dioxide streams via carbon dioxide pipeline, including, but not limited to, all clearing, site preparation, concrete, equipment, and appurtenance installation; and

(4) construction of carbon dioxide injection wells used at the sequestration facility, including, but not limited to, all clearing, site preparation, drilling, distribution piping, concrete, equipment, and appurtenance installation.

(e) Sequestration fees shall be deposited into the Carbon Dioxide Sequestration Administrative Fund.

(f) The per-ton fee for carbon dioxide injected shall be increased by an amount equal to the percentage increase, if any, in the Consumer Price Index for All Urban Consumers for all items published by the United States Department of Labor for the 12 months ending in March of the year in which the increase takes place. The rate shall be rounded to the nearest one-hundredth of one cent.

(g) For the fiscal year beginning July 1, 2025, and each fiscal year thereafter, at the direction of the Agency, in consultation with the Illinois Emergency Management Agency and Office of Homeland Security, and the Department of Natural Resources, the State Comptroller shall direct and the State Treasurer shall transfer from the Carbon Dioxide Sequestration Administrative Fund the following percentages of the amounts collected under this Act by the Agency during the previous fiscal year:

(1) 2% to the Water Resources Fund;

(2) 6% to the Oil and Gas Resource Management Fund;

(3) 20% to the Emergency Planning and Training Fund;

(4) 28% to the Carbon Dioxide Sequestration Long-Term Trust Fund;

(5) 10% to the General Revenue Fund; and

(6) 24% to the Environmental Justice Grant Fund.

(Source: P.A. 103-651, eff. 7-18-24.)