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Residents press Homer Glen trustees on BP pipeline tree clearing and flood risks; subcommittee to be formed
Summary
Residents urged the board to change the village tree ordinance and create a BP pipeline subcommittee after concerns that planned tree clearing in easements could cause erosion and flooding; trustees said they met with BP, will require a site-development plan and will convene a subcommittee to review next steps.
Several residents used the public-comment period at the Oct. 24 Homer Glen Board of Trustees meeting to press officials over BP pipeline work and local tree protections.
"Our present tree ordinance covers 5 acres or larger," resident Joe Therese said, urging the board to lower the threshold so protections would apply to smaller properties. Therese told trustees that he and other neighbors have repeatedly seen trees removed and asked the board to strengthen local protections and to form the BP pipeline subcommittee proposed earlier by trustees.
Mike McGee, who said he has property with a BP easement, warned of environmental consequences if trees along easements are cleared. "Any clear cutting of those BP easements will cause erosion and flooding of Long Run Creek," McGee said, and asked whether BP would cover damages if flooding occurs.
Trustees and staff responded that the village has been meeting with BP and that some property owners have signed agreements allowing tree work. Trustee Reinders said the village asked BP to submit a site-development plan for review and permitting, and that trustees and the village arborist, Jen Vitori, will walk easement areas with BP representatives to identify individual trees proposed for removal. "Once they submit that plan, then we will review it," Reinders said.
Several trustees said the village will follow its ordinances and noted that trustees do not intend to intervene between consenting private property owners and BP. The mayor and trustees said they will pursue mitigation measures in talks with BP, including replacement plantings and beautification; officials said some residents already have private contracts with BP and the village will not override those private agreements.
Trustees also agreed to place an item on a future agenda to formally appoint an environmental subcommittee to review BP plans and provide oversight. The village attorney and staff said they will continue to update residents on meetings and next steps.
What happens next: BP has been asked to provide a site-development plan and permit application; trustees plan field walks with the arborist and will place a subcommittee appointment on an upcoming agenda to review BP's plans and mitigation measures.
