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Cook County News

30 Jun 2017

It All Flows Downstream

Omni Catamaran cleaning Chicago waterway (Photo: Elastec)

Oil spills, trash, debris, sediment, chemicals: how do we keep our waterways clean? If an oil spill happens on water, the Oil Pollution Act of 1990 (OPA90) has very clear rules on who is responsible for paying for cleanup costs. Most oil spills can be traced to the spiller – a pipeline owner, oil tanker, shipper, railroad or trucking company. “Pointing a finger” at the alleged party may be why this type of pollution is referred to as “point source.” If the oil spill is ruled an accident and the polluter is not legally responsible…

16 Sep 2015

‘Trash Boats’ Help Keep Waterways Clean

Photo: Elastec

Elastec, a U.S. based manufacturer of pollution control equipment, is producing trash and debris collection boats to assist local governments in meeting Clean Water Act standards, aid in the reduction of floating pollutants in waterways and help protect aquatic ecosystems. The trash and debris collection vessel, designed to skim floating litter from harbors and waterways, can also be used for various marine maintenance duties from its 8- by 11-foot work platform. Designed to be maneuverable in hard to reach areas…

23 Aug 2010

New Members, Deepwater Horizon Board

Deepwater Horizon Joint Investigation Co-Chairs J. David Dykes (Bureau of Ocean Energy Management, Regulation and Enforcement) and Captain Hung Nguyen (U.S. Coast Guard) announced that U.S. District Judge (Ret.) Wayne R. Andersen and U.S. Coast Guard Capt. Mark R. Higgins will be joining the Deepwater Horizon Joint Investigation Team. The addition of Judge Andersen and Capt. Higgins will increase the depth and diversity of the team, drawing on their vast expertise in managing and facilitating complex proceedings. The public hearings in this matter began on May 11, 2010, and have continued during the weeks of May 26 and July 19. The next hearings are scheduled to take place beginning on August 23, 2010, in Houston, Texas. “The addition of Judge Andersen and Capt.

28 Jul 1999

Possible Support for Riverboat Gaming

Illinois Gov. George Ryan signaled he may be willing to support the transfer of a dormant riverboat gaming license to Cook County, despite campaigning against the idea last year. While not explicitly endorsing a specific casino site, he acknowledged without the crucial support of legislators who want riverboat gaming in the county, no gambling package could move forward in the Illinois General Assembly. Cook County is the only Illinois county prohibited by law from having a riverboat casino. Rosemont Mayor Donald Stephens is pushing for a riverboat there, and Chicago Mayor Richard Daley has endorsed Stephens' bid for a casino. Daley said he is not interested in bringing riverboat gambling to Chicago, but if Rosemont wants the dormant Silver Eagle license, he won't raise objections

25 Aug 1999

Illinois Ensures City/County-Owned Casinos

Legislation introduced by Sen. Robert Molaro (D-Cook) provides if any riverboat gaming licenses are issued for Chicago or Cook County, they could go only to the county or municipal governing board. The governing board would then conduct an auction and grant the opportunity to manage the riverboat gaming operation to the highest qualified bidder. Senate Bill 1193 is intended to ensure if there are going to be riverboat casinos in Cook County, they are city- or county-owned so virtually all of the revenue generated by the gaming operations goes to the city or county. Additionally, House Bill 276, legislation to authorize the opening of an unspecified number of additional riverboat casinos, was returned to the House Rules Committee from the House Executive Committee.

23 Aug 1999

Major Bill Passed in Illinois

The Illinois General Assembly passed legislation eliminating the ban on riverboat gambling in Cook County, opening the way for a riverboat casino to be floated in a close-in suburb of Chicago, most likely Rosemont. Senate Bill (S.B.) 1017 also allows Illinois riverboat casino operators to operate permanently moored casinos. Under the bill, licensees may conduct gambling, whether on excursion cruises or on permanently moored platforms. Patrons are free to enter and exit permanently moored casinos as they please. The measure removes the ban on riverboat gaming in a county having a population of more than three million. Under Illinois gaming law…