The Prairie Rivers Network, the Illinois Chapter of the Sierra Club and the Environmental Law and Policy Center have lodged the appeal.

“This mine has one of the worst environmental track records in the entire country,” resident Ramona Cook said in support of the groups.

“This case cries out for justice.

“Our water protection agency is handing out permits to proven bad actors. Business as usual should stop here.”

Springfield’s active Industry operation near Peoria faced up to $64 million in civil penalties for past violations, the Sierra Club said, but the Illinois EPA granted a water discharge permit in April anyway.

The groups said there had been no evidence the mine had updated its treatment systems or altered its operations to effectively manage and treat wastewater.

“Since 2004, this mine has only been in compliance for one month,” Prairie Rivers Network water resources scientist Traci Barkley said.

“If our regulators do not demand the law is followed here and now, will they ever?”

The groups and the Illinois Attorney General’s office, will convene for a hearing before the Illinois Pollution Control Board on August 20 and 21 to determine the operator’s appropriate fines stemming from the violations.

Springfield Coal did not issue public comment on the appeal.