The Past, Present, and Our Future

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 The McHenry County Sanitary Landfill is a 36-acre landfill located on the southern part of Crystal Lake. This landfill operated from 1972 to 1992 as a first-generation Illinois EPA permitted sanitary landfill and was abandoned by the owners shortly thereafter. McHenry County took ownership of the property yet failed to provide any maintenance and allowed the property to fall into major disrepair. The site has been plagued with insufficient closure maintenance throughout its history. Vandalism from neighborhood kids has been a long-term problem. The site is currently registered as an Archived superfund site by the EPA.

Since acquiring the property, conservation practices have been implemented to reduce erosion, improve water quality, and provide wildlife habitats. We have worked hard to correct violations from previous owners in order to remedy the risks to public health and the environment, but it has not been easy. We acquired this property well after the income stream from the landfill has ceased and all expenses are paid for personally as there is no post closure care fund to draw from. All moneys paid towards fees reduce the funds available to address site conditions. We are currently faced with permit fees and costs that exceed $10,000. All payable to McHenry County and consultants, none going to improve the property. We have worked diligently to address the health and safety factors on this property the best we can. Those familiar with the property can attest to the fact that it has substantially improved since taking ownership. We will continue to work diligently to improve conditions at the closed landfill in order to remedy the risks to public health and the environment. We thank everyone for your support. If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to reach out. We enjoy meeting local residents and those familiar with the property over the past 40+ years!