The Will County Land Use and Development Committee postponed a decision regarding a proposed hydro-excavation business by Badger Daylighting Corporation in Homer Township. The delay allows company officials to negotiate with Homer Glen and Homer Township representatives, who oppose the plan.
Badger Daylighting aims to establish an office and house trucks on 38 acres at 15202 W. 159th St. They seek a zoning change to classify the area as highway commercial. Over 500 residents signed a petition against the proposal, and officials from Homer Glen, Lockport, and Homer Township have expressed concerns to the county.
Committee members appreciate Badger’s willingness to collaborate with local leaders to address residents’ worries. Badger is relocating from Channahon to a larger site in Homer Township. The company uses a high-pressure water and vacuum system to excavate or expose buried infrastructure, consuming approximately 20,000 gallons of water daily, according to Kevin North, General Manager for Badger’s Upper Midwest region.
Residents fear that such water usage could deplete their water supply, as nearby homeowners rely on wells. Resident Raymond Halper stated, “Pumping industrial volumes of water from the source could drastically lower the water table for neighboring families, while simultaneously drawing existing surface contaminants deeper into our drinking water.” Halper called for measures to ensure no adverse effects on residents.
Attorney Cass Wennlund, representing Badger, indicated the company is open to compromises, such as annexing into Homer Glen or sourcing water off-site to address water concerns. Homer Glen Mayor Christina Neitzke-Troike communicated the village’s objection to the proposed site at a committee meeting.
County Board member Frankie Pretzel, Chair of the Land Use Committee, emphasized the need for clear plans to prevent uncertainty about water impacts. Residents also voiced concerns that rezoning would significantly impact homeowners in the Cedar Glen and Windmill Estates subdivisions along 159th Street.
Joyce Hale, a resident, argued that a fleet-based trucking operation would increase noise, diesel emissions, and traffic near residential areas and schools. Most of the property Badger is considering is zoned for residential use.
County Board member Judy Ogalla pointed out that neighboring properties, like a self-service storage facility, are zoned industrial due to past requirements for housing boats and recreational vehicles. There’s concern that more intense industrial proposals might arise.
Resident Mark Gawron mentioned that local leaders envision the 159th Street corridor as non-industrial. Homer Township Supervisor Sue Steilen expressed that allowing the proposal could lead to unintended industrial development.
Badger officials suggested they would require only about 12.5 acres and might donate or sell the rest to the Forest Preserve District of Will County. Kevin North from Badger stated, “We are here as partners. We want to be that good neighbor.”
County Board members requested Badger to engage with the forest district for a land agreement. Mayor Neitzke-Troike hopes to find a more suitable location for the company.
The proposed site in Homer Township would offer over 50 well-paying union jobs, with no contaminated materials returned to the site. A legal objection requires a supermajority of County Board members to approve the project.