LaSalle planning commission recommends rezoning for Illinois Cement expansion after public health and dust concerns

The LaSalle Planning Commission voted unanimously to recommend that the City Council approve a rezoning and special use permit allowing Illinois Cement Company LLC to use four parcels owned by Frank Badenko for mining-related operations at the Dimock Quarry.

The recommendation, approved 7-0, came after a company presentation on reserve needs and reclamation rules and more than two hours of public comment from nearby residents who pressed company representatives and city staff for details about dust, well impacts, blasting notifications and road maintenance.

Why it matters: The parcels total about 70 acres and sit adjacent to a longstanding quarry operation. Illinois Cement said the additional land is needed to secure reserves and the long-term viability of the plant; residents said dust and vibration from blasting already affect their homes, wells and businesses and asked for enforceable commitments if the council approves the rezoning.

Company presentation and technical details Eric Lovren, optimization manager for Illinois Cement, said the Dimock Quarry supplies limestone — "one of the four main ingredients in cement making" — and described the ownership and operational context. He said Illinois Cement is a subsidiary of Eagle Materials and currently employs about 170 people at the site, with payroll of roughly $17,000,000 and annual real-estate taxes near $780,000; he also cited average annual tipping fees of about $98,000.

Lovren and plant manager Sean Majors explained permitting and reclamation rules administered by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR). They said mine permits are issued and inspected by IDNR, typically written in 10-year increments, with bonding and phased releases tied to reclamation milestones. Reclamation standards they cited include slopes…