The intersection of 5th and Hill in Champaign is the site of a former manufactured gas plant. From Champaign County Healthcare Consumers:
“Gas was manufactured from coal, through a process that involved heating coal and reacting it with steam. The gas was then processed to remove coal tar and other chemical compounds before it was piped to homes and businesses. The coal tar and other production wastes were left on the site until the closing of the plant.”
There are still toxic chemicals present at the site, which are contaminating soil and water in the neighborhood, which is a predominantly Black neighborhood.
Tonight at 6 p.m., Illinois Student Government and Black Students for Revolution are holding a 5th and Hill Environmental Racism Teach-In for those wanting to learn more about it. You can find the Zoom link in the Facebook event.
Photo from Facebook event page.