The Justice Department, the Environmental Protection Agency, and the State of Illinois announced on Apr. 9 that they have reached an interim agreement with the City of East St. Louis to address violations of the Clean Water Act.
The issue is significant because it concerns public health and environmental safety in East St. Louis, where untreated sewage has been discharged into local waterways and recreational areas.
A complaint was filed by the Justice Department’s Environment and Natural Resources Division’s Environmental Enforcement Section in December 2024, alleging that East St. Louis failed to operate its sewer system in compliance with federal law. This failure resulted in hundreds of unlawful discharges of untreated sewage into various locations, including the Mississippi River and Whispering Willow Lake at Frank Holten State Park.
On March 11, 2026, a stipulation was entered between the United States, Illinois officials, and city representatives acknowledging liability on nine counts outlined in the complaint. United States District Judge David W. Dugan approved this stipulation on March 19. The agreement includes a stay of litigation while parties work together to prepare a Long-Term Control Plan for addressing these issues.
Under this plan, East St. Louis must submit a revised Long-Term Control Plan by June 30, 2027. In addition, all parties will provide bi-monthly status reports to keep the court informed during this period.
“This interim agreement shows a shared commitment between the parties to continue working towards the improvement of health and safety in the local community,” said U.S. Attorney Steven D. Weinhoeft.
EPA investigators as well as attorneys from both federal and state offices are managing enforcement efforts as they move forward.
