Bruce Nathanson asked a question that made me scamper around to dig up an answer.
“I live in the northern suburbs–I have never seen more rabbits,” he emailed. “The good news is that there are no chipmunks this year. Normally we are overrun with chipmunks. Please ask your experts what happened to the chipmunks.”
Illinois State Biologist Eric Schauber suggested I reach out to Robert Schooley, head of the Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Sciences at the University of Illinois.
I broadened Nathanson’s question out to be chipmunks and ground squirrels. Ground squirrels caught my eye last spring during the lockdown period for the pandemic when I saw a 13-lined ground squirrel flitting between our flower and vegetable pots on our small back patio.
First some refining of the definitions seemed important.
“Strictly speaking, we just have Franklin’s ground squirrels and thirteen-lined ground squirrels,” Schooley emailed. “More broadly, if you group `ground squirrels’ versus `tree squirrels,’ then the ground squirrels include eastern chipmunks and woodchucks.”
I was surprised to find woodchucks (groundhogs) lumped with chipmunks. Growing up, I assumed groundhogs were related to bears because they look similar. By the way, Illinois has four species of tree squirrels: fox, eastern gray, red and southern flying.
As to how our two ground squirrels are doing, Schooley broke it down like this, “Franklin’s ground squirrel is state listed as a Threatened species in Illinois. They are also an Endangered species in Indiana and a Species of Concern in other Midwest states. They have suffered from the tremendous loss and fragmentation of tallgrass prairies and now occur in small patches of grasslands including along roadsides and railroads. However, research by a former PhD student of mine, Dr. Jenny Duggan, showed that Franklin’s in Illinois were not necessarily a prairie obligate species. For instance, they also occur in smooth brome grasslands but only if they are not mowed regularly.
“Thirteen-lined ground squirrels seem to be doing fine. Unlike Franklin’s, they inhabit mowed areas including roadsides, lawns, parks, and such.”
So the 13-lined ground squirrel I had spotted last spring was not that unusual.
As to chipmunks, Schooley emailed, “I am not aware of any recent monitoring of chipmunks in Illinois. But in general, they occur throughout most of the state and are not a species of concern.”
Nathanson’s question made me wonder if there was a natural cycle of ups and downs in populations. I was thinking of the nine- or 10-year population cycles of ruffed grouse.
But Schooley emailed, “To my knowledge, grounds squirrels and chipmunks do not have regular population fluctuations (aka population cycles) like voles do in some regions where they might irrupt every four years. But abundances of ground squirrels and chipmunks can vary a lot from year-to-year, probably due to weather affecting their food resources.”
Because it helps people to take conservation seriously, I asked what role they play in the ecosystem.
“Chipmunks and ground squirrels are prey for many predators, so they are an important part of food webs,” Schooley explained. “Their burrows provide microhabitat for other species of vertebrates and invertebrates. Also, their burrowing activity can help with soil aeration and water infiltration.”
Many of our lesser known animals seem to be impacted by the modern world in an unfavorable way, so I asked if any ground squirrels disappeared in the last couple hundred years?
“I do not think so in the United States,” Schooley emailed. “There currently is one federally endangered ground squirrel that is in danger of going extinct–the northern Idaho ground squirrel.”
Lollapalooza officially returned to Grant Park this week for four days of music and good times despite concerns about how bringing together over 100,000 people each day will affect the ongoing pandemic.
The festival, which opened Thursday with vaccination or proof of a negative COVID-19 test required for entry, represents the largest public event to date held in Chicago since the emergence of the coronavirus last March. Despite worries over the virus’ Delta variant and rising caseloads nationally, the show will go on this weekend.
Starting her Lollapalooza headlining set with “We Can’t Stop” (preaching the general theme of “it’s my party and I’ll do what I want to”), Miley Cyrusset the tone early on: It would be one helluva time and she would be making all the rules. In following those two tenets, the genre-bending star dominated the festival’s opening night.
There were fireworks, some memorable covers, a motley crew of guests, moments of nearly flashing the videofeed cameras, and the artist taking a stand on the important of freeing Britney Spears. During Cyrus’ performance Thursday of her hit “SMS (Bangerz),” which features Spears, the jumbo screens next to the stage broadcast the trending #freebritney message superimposed with caricatures of handcuffs. (Cyrus recently championed Spears’ conservatorship emancipation at a show in Vegas too.)
Miley Cyrus performs at the T-Mobile stage, Thursday, July 29, 2021.Tyler LaRiviere/Sun-Times
Black Pumas performs at the T-Mobile stage, Thursday.Tyler LaRiviere/Sun-Times
Lightfoot takes the stage: ‘Thank you for masking up and vaxing up’
Mayor Lori Lightfoot, who has been outspoken about her decision to keep Lollapalooza as scheduled despite the uptick in cases of COVID-19 and numerous variants spreading around the country, made a not-so-surprise appearance on the festival’s opening day.
Wearing a Black Pumas T-shirt, she introduced the group’s midday set at the T-Mobile Stage and hailed the Pumas as one of the greatest rock bands of today.
“The rate of vaccination in this crowd is off the charts,” she said.
First Lolla fans optimistic as 2021 festival kicks off amid COVID-19 precautions
Thousands of fans streamed into Grant Park Thursday marking the return of Lollapalooza after COVID-19 halted last year’s iteration of the 30-year-old music festival. While some fans said they were slightly worried about COVID-19, many expressed confidence in Lollapalooza’s new protocols.
But not everyone knew about the vaccine mandate in order to attend the music festival.
Lolla signs warn attendees they assume risk for COVID-19
The thousands of people entering Lollapalooza on Thursday are being greeted by signs explaining something that’s not included on their public health and safety website: By attending the festival, “you voluntarily assume all risks related to exposure to COVID-19,” which they mention “can lead to severe illness and death.”
Some of the names on the Lolla lineup are a lot bigger than others. Selena Fragassi parses through the dozens of bands and artists to break down 10 must-see acts that attendees won’t want to miss this weekend. Here’s what Fragassi says about one of the festival’s earliest performers, Orville Peck:
No one exactly knows who this incognito Canadian country singer is (his trademark look is a long, fringed mask and cowboy hat) but the boudoir-looking John Wayne has heaped tons of due praise in his few years on the scene. Both for crafting a highly contagious psychedelic outlaw sound that refreshes the genre and for being an LGBTQ iconoclast whose work with Trixie Mattel and Gaga will soon put him in a new league.
With coronavirus case figures rising across the country amid lagging vaccination rates and the emergence of the Delta variant, Lollapalooza put in place security measures to help make the festival safer.
YOKOHAMA, Japan — Megan Rapinoe converted the deciding penalty in a shootout and the United States advanced to the semifinals of the women’s Olympic soccer tournament 4-2 following a 2-2 draw with the Netherlands on Friday.
United States goalkeeper Alyssa Naeher stopped Vivianne Miedema’s opening attempt in the shootout and then saved a shot from Aniek Nouwen before Rapinoe put her penalty away.
After Rapinoe scored, she turned to her teammates, folded her arms and grinned in triumph.
Miedema scored a pair of goals in regulation time for the Netherlands, giving her 10 goals for the tournament — an Olympic record.
Miedema put the Netherlands ahead in the 18th minute but the Americans equalized when Sam Mewis headed in a goal off a feed from Lynn Williams in the 28th. Williams then gave the Americans the lead in the 31st.
Miedema, who was playing in her 100th game for the Netherlands, made it 2-2 in the 54th.
The United States will next face Canada in Kashima on Monday. The Canadians advanced to the semifinals 4-3 on penalties after a scoreless draw with Brazil in Rifu.
The Americans were playing in a shootout for the fifth time in a major tournament. The last time was at the 2016 Rio de Janeiro Olympics, when the U.S. was bounced by Sweden in the quarterfinals.
Friday’s game at the International Stadium brought together the two teams that played in the World Cup final two years ago in France. The U.S. women won that 2-0 and afterward the crowd chanted “Equal Pay!” in support of the team’s legal fight for equity with the men’s national team.
United States coach Vlatko Andonovski tinkered with his lineup for Friday’s match, with Rapinoe, Alex Morgan, Christen Press and Rose Lavelle on the bench at the start.
The grueling game was the latest hurdle in what has been a particularly uncharacteristic tournament for the United States. The normally stalwart Americans lost to Sweden 3-0 in its opener before beating New Zealand 6-1. They then advanced to the knockout round following a 0-0 draw with Australia.
The United States hadn’t been shutout since 2017.
The Netherlands, meanwhile, poured on the offense in the group stage with an Olympic record 21 goals — smashing the previous record of 16 set by the United States in 2012.
Miedema, who plays for English club Arsenal, is only 25 and is already the all-time scoring leader for the Netherlands with 82 goals in 100 appearances. She is also the leading scorer in the Women’s Super League in England.
The United States also played the Netherlands in Breda in November, winning 2-0. The Americans were unbeaten in 44 straight matches before the loss to Sweden at the Tokyo Games.
In Rifu, Canada goalkeeper Stephanie Labbe stopped Rafaelle’s attempt and was rushed by her teammates. Canada has won bronze medals at the last two Olympics.
Australia earned its first trip to the semifinals by beating Britain 4-3 in extra time in Kashima. The Matildas will face Sweden, who beat host Japan 3-1 in Saitama.
ICYMI, one of the world’s largest music festivals is in Chicago this weekend. We’ll be at Lollapalooza all weekend long. You don’t need to feel like you’re missing out—check out the scene right here.Read More
You may be soaking up every last bit of summer by taking family weekend trips, spending afternoons at the beach, and enjoying later bedtimes. But back-to-school season will be here soon! And let’s face it: new school supplies, backpacks, and textbooks add up fast. So this year, instead of buying all new threads for the kids, consider purchasing your supplies and materials at thrift shops in the city. Not only will you save money, but you’ll also be helping save the planet and reducing waste. Check out these top Chicago thrift stores to score some dope gear.
Looking for a solid alternative and sustainable way to dress your little ones? Look no further than The Second Child! Owner Amy Helgren was inspired to open the thrift shop in Chicago after the birth of her second daughter and the over abundance of baby and child gear. Head to Lincoln park to check out her awesome selection!
This adorable thrift shop located in North Center stocks gently used children’s clothing, infant accessories, and upscale toys. The thrift store offers popular kids labels such as Ivivva, Tea, Crew Cuts, Hanna Andersson, Mini Boden, Janie and Jack, Peek, Ralph Lauren, Vineyard Vines, North Face, Patagonia and more.
A light-filled corner shop that’s the epitome of bold, colorful, and fun? Say no more! Cloud and Bunny is a social enterprise children’s boutique in Chicago featuring luxury products at affordable prices. Owner and Mother, Maja Haraslic, offers a rotating selection of clothing from ages newborn to 12 years.
This Avondale thrift store is a place where the community can come together to support programs for addiction recovery, reintegration, HIV/AIDS, and other vulnerable populations. Stop by this thrift store in Chicago on Fridays for 50% off your purchase! Just a heads up, face masks are still required inside of the store.
Address: 3311 North Halsted St, Chicago, IL 60657 Want your money to go towards an amazing cause? When you shop at Out of the Closet, $0.96 of every dollar collected goes directly to helping people living with HIV and AIDS.
Portage Park’s newest shop is the boutique experience with thrift store prices. Regular discounts are offered each week. Stop by for kids’ clothing, shoes, and fun finds left and right!
First Seconds Resale
Address: 4266 N Milwaukee Ave, Chicago, IL 60641
This no-frills, straightforward corner thrift store, just north of Portage Park, sells used children’s clothing, shoes, toys & games. Find great bargain merch or sell your secondhand items.
This popular Chicagoland thrift store with 11 locations spanning Chicago, the burbs, and Indiana sells vintage, retro style clothing and household goods at amazing prices. Check out this staple for hidden gems the kids will love.
Going into the 2021 NBA Draft, the Chicago Bulls only held one pick, and they would have to wait a long time before making that selection.
Vice President Arturas Karnisovas and his front office mates would have to make this one count, too, as it came all the way back at pick no. 38. Without a first-round pick due to the Nikola Vucevic trade, the Bulls had only their second-round pick to work with.
Needless to say, Karnisovas made that pick a meaningful one.
The Bulls selected Illinois guard and Chicago native Ayo Dosunmu, creating a dream come true for the reigning Bob Cousy Award winner. Yes, the Bulls were able to snag the kid who won the award for the nation’s top point guard in the second round.
The Chicago Bulls couldn’t have made a better pick than Ayo Dosunmu in the 2021 NBA Draft.
With everything considered, Ayo was the perfect pick for the Bulls. First and foremost, they needed depth at point guard. They need to find their true point guard of the future, and while Ayo may not be that exact guy, he certainly helps their quest.
He also believes this may have been destiny.
Ayo Dosunmu is a Chicago Bull! How about that for the hometown kid and love the reaction from family and friends @WGNNewspic.twitter.com/lzkqCmQ8xa
The reason he dropped to the second round is simply due to his game being a bit unpolished. Ayo isn’t the best athlete in the world and he could use some refining in his game when it comes to three-point shooting as well as taking care of the basketball.
However, his strengths are exactly what the Bulls need at this time. The 6-foot-4 guard has an enormous wingspan that allows him to comfortably guard positions 1-3, so he immediately brings a strong defensive presence to Chicago.
Ayo is as well-rounded a point guard as any in this draft, too. He is one of just four players to ever average 20 or more points, six or more rebounds and five or more assists per game in an entire season. Last year, he posted a line of 20.1 points, 6.3 rebounds, 5.3 assists and 1.1 steals per game while shooting 48.8 percent from the field.
This was an incredibly smart pick by the Bulls, who not only needed help at point guard, but a defensive-minded guy who can facilitate. It’s no wonder Chicago is going to be in on Lonzo Ball when it comes time for free agency to begin. They need bigger guards with plus defense, and they got that in Ayo.
The obvious fact here is also that Ayo will be part of selling tickets. No matter what his role ends up being, Chicago is excited to have a hometown kid get drafted again. He will draw more fans than probably any other player they could have taken at that pick, therefore Ayo was as wise a pick as Karnisovas could have made.
Firing 72 pitches over 5 innings, Justin Steele looks extremely comfortable and confident in his transition back to a starting pitcher. The same aggressive mentality which suited him so well out of the Chicago pen earlier this year (along with the new slider) has continued to work for him in the Iowa rotation. He’s also maintained his velocity jump (touching 97) with the move. Should the Cubs trade a starting pitcher at the deadline today, Steele looks ready for the challenge of returning to Chicago. He’s still not fully stretched out, but he should start throwing 80-90 pitches next time through, be it in Iowa or Chicago.
Final line for Justin Steele: 5 IP, 4 H, 0 R, 5 K, 0 BB
His longest start of the season. And if you are worried about him maintaining his velocity and stuff, he retired his last eight hitters.
I missed Tony Cingrani‘s one inning of work, just as I have missed all of his outings since he joined Iowa earlier this month. I need to make sure I catch one soon. The veteran has not allowed an earned run in his first 6 games (5 IP).
Ben Leeper has bounced back after a couple of outings where he gave up solo homers last week. The fastball is sitting around 96-97 with carry and cut. He’s been improving his command of his upper-80s slider with hard downward tilt, and mixing in some high-70s curves as well. The Cubs will likely give 40-man roster members Manuel Rodriguez, Trevor Megill, and Tommy Nance opportunities during the second half as they look to replace Ryan Tepera, Andrew Chafin and Craig Kimbrel at the back of the Chicago bullpen, but it is likely a couple of 40-man spots are opened up as well, giving Leeper a chance to grab one, even if he will not be Rule 5 eligible for some time. My guess is though the Cubs might prioritize an opportunity for Ethan Roberts, Dakota Mekkes, Michael Rucker, and perhaps even Cingrani, who will be Rule 5 eligible or free agents at the end of the season.
Greg Deichmann made his debut in RF and the leadoff spot for Iowa.
I don’t know what’s gotten into Luis Lugo, but after being perhaps the worst pitcher in the org over the first month of the season, he’s maybe been their best since mid-June. Over his last 8 outings (30 IP) he’s allowed just 5 runs (3 earned) on 19 hits and 14 walks, while punching out 37. That’s a 0.90 ERA.
His 15.2 inning scoreless streak may have been snapped last time out, but Ethan Roberts got right back on track in this one, to earn his 4th save. As relievers begin filtering up from Iowa to replace traded bullpen arms in Chicago, I would expect Roberts to be the first callup to Iowa.
South Bend figures to receive some starting pitching help soon in the form of recently acquired LHP Bailey Horn and RHP Alexander Vizcaíno. Vizcaíno is 24-years old and already on the 40-man roster, so I would expect the Cubs would like to push him to AA at some point, but he had just gotten on the hill for the Yankees High-A affiliate after battling a shoulder issue this spring, so for the time being the Cubs may send him to the equivalent level as he works his way back.
Alberto Sojo: 3 IP, 2 H, 0 R, BB, 0 K (W, 1-0, 4.40)
Carlos Ocampo: 2 IP, H, 0 R, 0 BB, 0 K (S, 3, 5.29)
Injuries, Updates, and Trends
You aren’t going to find many starker contrasts in physical makeup than the two guys who homered for the Pelicans last night. Matt Warkentin is a mountainous 6’6″ 250 right handed first baseman. While Ezequiel Pagan (.315/.368/.480) is a wiry 6’1″ ~170 pound center fielder who swings from the left side. Warkentin is a former two-way Indy ball signing who isn’t much in the field. Pagan is a former 13th round sleeper prospect out of Puerto Rico who has been pretty good at the plate for Myrtle Beach out of the leadoff spot (and he lit up the AZL in a short stint). The 21-year old spent both 2018 and 19 in Mesa as he improved his size and strength. He didn’t hit much the first year, but picked up the pace the next season, and now looks even a little stronger now. He’s also a pretty good defender with above average speed.
After reaching in all 5 of his plate appearances Wednesday (a homer and 4 walks), Jordan Nwogu (.212/.327/.400) doubled and singled on Thursday. His overall numbers still appear kinda paltry, but his .280/.398/.585 line in July is among the best in the org. He’s really started to get dialed in. He’s on time with his bat through the hitting zone and being more selective at the plate. He’s an exciting athlete and one of the strongest guys in the system so it is nice to see him battle through the issues he had the first 6 or 7 weeks of the season.
Lollapalooza officially returned to Grant Park this week for four days of music and good times despite concerns about how bringing together over 100,000 people each day will affect the ongoing pandemic.
The festival, which opened Thursday with vaccination or proof of a negative COVID-19 test required for entry, represents the largest public event to date held in Chicago since the emergence of the coronavirus last March. Despite worries over the virus’ Delta variant and rising caseloads nationally, the show will go on this weekend.
Starting her Lollapalooza headlining set with “We Can’t Stop” (preaching the general theme of “it’s my party and I’ll do what I want to”), Miley Cyrusset the tone early on: It would be one helluva time and she would be making all the rules. In following those two tenets, the genre-bending star dominated the festival’s opening night.
There were fireworks, some memorable covers, a motley crew of guests, moments of nearly flashing the videofeed cameras, and the artist taking a stand on the important of freeing Britney Spears. During Cyrus’ performance Thursday of her hit “SMS (Bangerz),” which features Spears, the jumbo screens next to the stage broadcast the trending #freebritney message superimposed with caricatures of handcuffs. (Cyrus recently championed Spears’ conservatorship emancipation at a show in Vegas too.)
Black Pumas performs at the T-Mobile stage, Thursday.Tyler LaRiviere/Sun-Times
Thousands of people fill out the lawn in front of the Lake Shore and T-Mobile stages.Tyler LaRiviere/Sun-Times
Lightfoot takes the stage: ‘Thank you for masking up and vaxing up’
Mayor Lori Lightfoot, who has been outspoken about her decision to keep Lollapalooza as scheduled despite the uptick in cases of COVID-19 and numerous variants spreading around the country, made a not-so-surprise appearance on the festival’s opening day.
Wearing a Black Pumas T-shirt, she introduced the group’s midday set at the T-Mobile Stage and hailed the Pumas as one of the greatest rock bands of today.
“The rate of vaccination in this crowd is off the charts,” she said.
First Lolla fans optimistic as 2021 festival kicks off amid COVID-19 precautions
Thousands of fans streamed into Grant Park Thursday marking the return of Lollapalooza after COVID-19 halted last year’s iteration of the 30-year-old music festival. While some fans said they were slightly worried about COVID-19, many expressed confidence in Lollapalooza’s new protocols.
But not everyone knew about the vaccine mandate in order to attend the music festival.
Lolla signs warn attendees they assume risk for COVID-19
The thousands of people entering Lollapalooza on Thursday are being greeted by signs explaining something that’s not included on their public health and safety website: By attending the festival, “you voluntarily assume all risks related to exposure to COVID-19,” which they mention “can lead to severe illness and death.”
Some of the names on the Lolla lineup are a lot bigger than others. Selena Fragassi parses through the dozens of bands and artists to break down 10 must-see acts that attendees won’t want to miss this weekend. Here’s what Fragassi says about one of the festival’s earliest performers, Orville Peck:
No one exactly knows who this incognito Canadian country singer is (his trademark look is a long, fringed mask and cowboy hat) but the boudoir-looking John Wayne has heaped tons of due praise in his few years on the scene. Both for crafting a highly contagious psychedelic outlaw sound that refreshes the genre and for being an LGBTQ iconoclast whose work with Trixie Mattel and Gaga will soon put him in a new league.
With coronavirus case figures rising across the country amid lagging vaccination rates and the emergence of the Delta variant, Lollapalooza put in place security measures to help make the festival safer.
More than 100 drinking water systems across Illinois, including some in the Chicago area, have tested positive for measurable levels of harmful contaminants known as “forever chemicals” that are linked to cancer, liver damage, high blood pressure and other health threats.
In the Chicago area, Lake Forest, Waukegan, North Chicago, South Elgin and Crest Hill near Joliet are among the water systems that are showing readings of a class of chemicals known as PFAS, short for perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances. In most cases, the levels are very low though the widespread presence is a concern, environmental and health advocates say.
“These findings confirm our fears that drinking water is a source of PFAS exposure for thousands of Illinois residents,” said Sonya Lunder, a Sierra Club toxics expert who has worked on the issue nationally. “The state needs to urgently address these harmful exposures.”
While state officials say most of these levels are trace amounts, every water system manager showing even small sources is required to regularly test and monitor the levels while Illinois determines safe limits for the chemicals, said Sonjay Sofat, who heads the water bureau for Illinois Environmental Protection Agency. His agency, which is doing the testing as a step toward determining rules on controlling the contamination, ideally will finish testing by the end of October, he said.
PFAS chemicals have been around for decades and are ubiquitous, used in stain-resistant clothing, waterproof products, non-stick pans, polishes, waxes and fire-fighting foam (above).STOCK.ADOBE.COM
Although local officials can’t pinpoint exactly where the contamination is entering their water systems, PFAS chemicals have been around for decades and are ubiquitous, used in stain-resistant clothing, waterproof products, non-stick pans, polishes, waxes and fire-fighting foam.
It’s a complex problem that potentially can cost some local water departments millions of dollars to correct to protect public health. The chemicals are so prevalent that federal officials say most people have some level of them in their bodies. Nicknamed “forever chemicals,” they don’t break down and remain an environmental and human health threat indefinitely.
“If they’re dropped into a volcano, they will fall apart. Otherwise, they are very stable,” said David Andrews, a senior scientist with the Washington-based advocacy organization Environmental Working Group. “That’s why we need to keep testing water [and] cleaning up contamination.”
Chemicals not fully understood
Research continues on the class of chemicals as scientists admit they still don’t have a full grasp of the danger. Human testing suggests the chemicals may decrease infant birth weights, inhibit vaccine response in children, increase the risk of kidney or testicular cancer, lead to high blood pressure and cholesterol levels and cause liver damage. Animal testing found the chemicals can cause birth defects and developmental issues.
Tests of the water in some Chicago-area water systems, including Lake Forest and Waukegan, found the chemical at just above 2 parts per trillion, the level the Illinois EPA says needs monitoring. Much higher levels are seen outside Chicago and the collar counties, including in Winnebago County where Rockford is the county seat.
The state’s findings are the first time Illinois has examined the prevalence of the contaminants. It’s a first step in writing guidelines for safe levels of the chemicals in water. Illinois lags other Midwest states, including Michigan which determined it had high levels of PFAS contamination statewide only after extensive testing. Indeed, there was little evidence in the past that PFAS was so abundant in drinking water in Illinois.
“That’s what triggers the action. If the state’s not looking for it, then it seems like no issue,” said Jeremy Orr, a senior attorney with Natural Resource Defense Council in Chicago.
Illinois EPA set the low 2 parts per trillion measure to get a broad understanding of the chemicals’ presence as officials try to determine a standard for safe drinking water. There is no agreement nationally on what level of PFAS is safe. Last year, Michigan set a limit of 8 parts per trillion on one often-detected chemical, known as PFOA. Conversely, the U.S. EPA has recommended a health advisory if water tests at 70 parts per trillion.
Some Rockford residents forced to drink bottled water
In some cases, Illinois water systems are showing extremely high levels of the chemical, forcing immediate actions.
In Rockford, a trailer park community water system serving more than 200 people had to be shut down earlier this year because the contamination levels were more than double the national EPA advisory level. Residents are drinking bottled water until the park can be connected to the Rockford water system.
Rockford itself is home to three hazardous waste sites in various stages of cleanup under the federal government’s Superfund program, including one close to the trailer park. In Winnebago County, groundwater drawn from wells is the primary source of drinking water.
“They should stop those companies who are producing the chemicals,” said Raksha Soneji, the trailer park’s manager. “It’s frustrating.”
Said Orr: “It’s very feasible they’ve been drinking this water and that community has been contaminated for a very long time.”
Illinois and other states are discovering only after widespread testing that drinking water contains PFAS chemicals, said Jeremy Orr, a senior attorney with the Natural Resources Defense Council. Provided
Dr. Sandra Martell, the public health administrator for Winnebago County, said the discovery at the trailer park led officials to contact private well owners in the area to test their water. At least two property owners in the area tested at high levels and they are now addressing the problem, she said.
Another system serving more than 35,000 people south of Rockford, North Park Public Water District, found high levels in one backup well. The well, which officials say has not been used since 2013, has been sealed.
Chicago clear for now
After state testing, Chicago’s water system showed no detectable amounts. However, a decade ago, Chicago’s water showed small amounts of PFAS. In a statement to the Sun-Times, water department officials blamed the earlier readings on less sophisticated testing.
“The extremely low levels detected early on would be considered within the margin of error today,” the statement said.
Some area suburbs, including Evanston, Wilmette and Winnetka have yet to report results, according to the latest state data. In all, more than 1,000 water systems have been tested and there are still several hundred more to test, according to the Illinois EPA.
The state EPA also is asking water departments to make the PFAS readings public, though some water managers say they may only put those results up on an existing state website that tracks drinking water quality.
Among the water system managers contacted by the Sun-Times, none of them could identify the culprit causing the contamination.
Environmental Working Group, which has been studying the contamination issue for years, identifies more than 1,700 potential sources across Illinois, mostly industrial sites but also sewage treatment facilities and landfills.
Illinois lawmakers took a step toward addressing part of the problem by passing a bill that phases out firefighting foam containing PFAS. That bill, the result of two years of negotiations between Illinois fire chiefs and environmentalists, was sent to Gov. J.B. Pritzker at the end of June along with a separate bill that bans incineration of the foam.
The test results have already stirred federal lawsuits. Moline and South Elgin are each suing the companies who have made the products, including 3M Co. and DuPont. The same group of lawyers, multiple firms across the country bringing multiple suits, have also been retained by Crest Hill and East Alton. Separately, Galesburg, in western Illinois, also is suing the companies. The lawsuits, which are being filed across the country, are being consolidated in a South Carolina federal court.
Gulledge, the water plant chief in Lake Forest, is worried about the costs of removing PFAS, even low levels like the trace amounts found in his city’s water supply.Pat Nabong/Sun-Times
Cleanup costs not cheap
The lawsuits aim to defer what’s potentially very expensive fixes to water systems.
“We don’t have to have this burden borne by our taxpayers,” said former Crest Hill City Administrator Heather McGuire. “We want to make sure this gets corrected.”
Some states, including Michigan, also have sued the manufacturers. A DuPont spokesman said the complaints have no merit and will be defended “vigorously.” A 3M spokesman said the company wants to work with communities on a “collaborative path forward.”
That potential cleanup bill is concerning to a number of municipal water officials.
“It costs a lot to do plant improvements,” said John Gulledge, water plant chief at Lake Forest. “Our level is still low. I’m interested to see what kinds of guidelines the state would give for removal.”
Like every other water system official interviewed, Gulledge said he had no idea where the contamination may have occurred.
“It’s a bit of a new adventure,” he said.
Brett Chase’s reporting on the environment and public health is made possible by a grant from The Chicago Community Trust.
From Wellington Ave in Lakeview to North Ave in Wicker Park; the Farmheads Group and Piece Brewing are two staples in the Chicago restaurant scene. So let’s go ahead and straight away call this the crossover event of the century. The Chicago-based Farmheads Group, including Farm Bar Lakeview and Farmhouse Evanston announced a new beer collaboration with Piece Brewing celebrating the 20th anniversary of the beloved Wicker Park brewery and pizzeria.
The ‘20’ brew features honey from Brown Dog Farm—Farmheads exclusive farm run by co-owner TJ Callahan in Mineral Point, Wisconsin—alongside Mosaic and Ekuanot hops. The resulting beer is 7.5% ABV and presents hints of stone fruit, grapefruit peel, orange marmalade and essence of honey—a flavor that keeps people coming back for more.
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The beer by Piece Brewing and Farmheads Group will be available for a limited-time at Piece Brewery in tulips ($8), crowlers ($15) and growlers ($30) as well as Farm Bar Lakeview and Farmhouse Evanston. At both Farmheads restaurants the brew is included on their July ‘Buzz Menu’, a full menu of food and libations that feature Brown Dog Farm’s honey.
“Our partnership with Piece for this special brew is a natural extension of our continued efforts to provide Chicagoian’s sustainable, local farm-to-table dining experiences,” shared TJ Callahan. “After a difficult year for restaurants and bars, it feels great to come together and raise a glass to milestone moments like Piece Brewing’s anniversary!”
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Founded in 2001 by Bill Jacobs and Cheap Trick guitarist and songwriter Rick Nielsen, Piece Brewery and Pizzeria has been recognized as Chicago’s most award-winning brewpub. Piece Brewery has earned an impressive 28 medals at the World Beer Cup and the Great American Beer Festival.
Originating in 2011 with the opening of Farmhouse Tavern in Chicago’s River North neighborhood, Farmheads is a hospitality group with the mission of offering affordable, approachable Midwestern fare based on locally sourced and sustainable ingredients. Since opening our doors to Farmhouse Chicago, operating partners Ferdia Doherty and TJ Callahan have grown that first location into a series of concepts, including Farmhouse Evanston and Farm Bar Lakeview, with a shared vision of utilizing the bounty available within a four state footprint of Illinois, Indiana, Wisconsin and Michigan.
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“Our partnership with Piece for this special brew is a natural extension of our continued efforts to provide Chicagoian’s sustainable, local farm-to-table dining experiences,” shared TJ Callahan. “After a difficult year for restaurants and bars, it feels great to come together and raise a glass to milestone moments like Piece Brewing’s anniversary!”
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