Lebanon staff: Illinois EPA "green" permit applies to municipal tree disposal, city faces significant leaf-haul costs

Lebanon City staff told the council that the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency now issues a "green permit" for disposal of trees cut during municipal projects and that the fee applies to city projects rather than residents. "IEPA has a permit now. It's called a green permit," the staff member said, adding the permit typically carries a per-project charge.

The staff member said the city's street sweeping and leaf collection program generates substantial volumes: "I think we had just a touch under 200, 250 ton of, wet leaves that we were bringing off the street every 3 months." He described current disposal logistics — hauling material in 30- and 40-yard dumpsters — and urged the council to consider cost-saving alternatives.

Chair asked whether the green permit applied to residents who burn trees; staff replied, "It only applies to the municipal side of it... So we're free and clear" for private residents. The staff member also cautioned citizens against burning wet leaves because of air-quality concerns.

The conversation flagged several budget and operational questions for the council: where permit revenues are directed, whether leaf disposal could be handled differently to reduce expense, and how to account for recurring heavy volumes. The staff member invited council members or residents to bring additional ideas and said he would provide more information on the permit and its costs at a future meeting.

The council did not take formal action during this discussion; staff will follow up with permit details and disposal-cost estimates.