Located Near Peoria Environmental Justice Neighborhoods.
Project Includes Gas Flare.

By Joyce Blumenshine

The May 1, 2025, Peoria Zoning Commission regular meeting included a public hearing that could move plans forward for a gas compression station at the Greater Peoria Sanitary District (GPSD) on Peoria’s Southside. This will be to support the conversion of biogas from the existing wastewater facility into methane and includes plans for a candlestick flare. A candlestick flare, also known as a utility flare or elevated flare, is a basic, open-air flare system designed to burn excess gas, often biogas from landfills or wastewater treatment plants. It features a visible flame within a stainless-steel chimney.

The project location is on GPSD property which is in a City Zoning Class I3 (General Industrial) District. Installation of an office building (8ft x 40ft Modified Metal Shipping Container) adjacent to the main entrance road and other construction will be within a fenced enclosure area. The Illinois Environmental Protection Agency (IEPA) is reviewing the application for a Joint Construction and Lifetime Operating Permit (for air releases) to construct and operate the gas upgrading unit and flare.

The project is in an Environmental Justice (EJ) area because the surrounding residential neighborhoods have a range of documented indicators including existing concerns for poor air quality and other environmental and socio-economic factors of concern. EJ impacts must be taking into full consideration for this project. More details are needed on how often the methane flare will be operating and air quality impacts. Zoning Commission recommendations go to the Peoria City Council for approval or other action.

At their November, 2024, meeting the GPSD Board of Trustees approved a Biogas Supply Agreement with Burnham Peoria, LLC. The GPSD collects domestic and industrial wastewater. The wastewater goes to their Darst Street facility for treatment to comply with state and federal regulations. GPSD currently serves an area of approximately 66 square miles and treats wastewater collected from 716 miles of sewer.  Municipalities served include Peoria, Peoria Heights, Bartonville, West Peoria and Bellevue, in addition to adjacent unincorporated areas.  An industrial area located near Mapleton is also served by agreement.