Peotone resident tells Will County board dust from nearby grain facility is making her ill; board asks staff to follow up

“Hi. My name is Tracy Henning. I've been a Will County resident since I was 4,” Henning told the board during public comment, then described repeated heavy dust fallout from a nearby grain elevator in unincorporated Peotone near a small community called Andres.

Henning said the dust has been falling daily for years and described physical and environmental effects: blackened cars, damaged garden foliage and “very substantial” dust that she says has contributed to serious health problems. She said she has been diagnosed with conditions she described as “toxic brain dust syndrome” and, more recently, lupus, and that symptoms worsen after dust events: “Every time the dust falls, it causes me serious debilitating symptoms. I can't even get out of bed,” she said.

Board members acknowledged the complaint and urged Henning to provide information to county staff so officials could pursue follow‑up. Julie Berkowitz, speaking as a board member, said she would ask county staff to gather Henning’s address and other details and suggested the matter may need review by the county land use department. “If you will provide Mr. Pelkey your address and all of the information he needs so we can proceed with this,” Berkowitz said.

Henning said she has contacted federal and state environmental authorities. A board member referenced an EPA or Illinois agency action and an apparent letter of intent to sue, but department staff did not provide a resolution at the meeting.

The board did not take formal action. Members asked staff to coordinate among the health department and land use staff and to follow up with Henning after the meeting.