Will County Committee Delays Decision on Hydro-Excavation Business in Homer Township

A Will County committee has postponed a decision regarding a proposed hydro-excavation business in Homer Township. The delay allows the company to engage with Homer Glen and Homer Township officials, who oppose the project. The Will County Land Use and Development Committee reviewed plans from Badger Daylighting Corporation. The company aims to establish an office and house its trucks on approximately 38 acres at 15202 W. 159th St. They are seeking a zoning change to a highway commercial classification.

More than 500 residents signed a petition against the proposal. Officials from Homer Glen, Lockport, and Homer Township expressed their concerns to the county. Committee members appreciated the company’s willingness to collaborate with local leaders to address residents’ concerns.

Badger Daylighting Corporation, with several locations in the U.S. and Canada, plans to relocate from Channahon to a larger site in Homer Township. The company uses a high-pressure water and vacuum system to excavate or expose buried infrastructure, consuming about 20,000 gallons of water daily, explained Kevin North, general manager of Badger’s Upper Midwest region.

Residents raised concerns about their water supply since neighboring homes rely on wells. Raymond Halper, a resident, stated, “Pumping industrial volumes of water from the source could drastically lower the water table for neighboring families, while simultaneously drawing existing surface contaminants deeper into our drinking water.” He emphasized the need for measures to prevent negative impacts on residents.

The company’s attorney, Cass Wennlund, said the company is open to making concessions to ease water concerns. Options include annexing into Homer Glen and sourcing water from Illinois American Water or an off-site location.

Homer Glen Mayor Christina Neitzke-Troike shared the village’s objection to the Badger proposal with the committee. Committee Chairman Frankie Pretzel stressed that the plan must include clear measures to reassure residents about their aquifers’ safety. Residents also argued that the rezoning would significantly impact local homeowners, especially in the Cedar Glen and Windmill Estates subdivisions and along 159th Street between Gougar and Cedar roads.

The proposed business will park approximately 30 trucks on the property, mostly under cover, and expects to generate 80 to 120 trips daily. Resident Joyce Hale expressed concerns about increased noise, diesel emissions, and traffic near residential areas and schools. She highlighted that the land is currently zoned residential.

County Board member Judy Ogalla noted that neighboring properties, like a self-service storage facility, have industrial zoning. She warned that if not managed, more intensive industrial uses could petition the county. Resident Mark Gawron emphasized that local leaders envision a 159th Street corridor that avoids industrial areas.

Homer Township Supervisor Sue Steilen echoed opposition to the proposal, warning of an unplanned industrial corridor in the community. Badger officials suggested that they might use only 12.5 acres of the property, considering donating or selling the rest to the Forest Preserve District of Will County.

Kevin North, representing Badger, conveyed their desire to be good neighbors. County Board members requested that Badger work with the forest district on a land agreement within the next month. Mayor Neitzke-Troike expressed interest in collaborating to find a better location for the company.

The proposed site in Homer Township could offer over 50 high-paying union jobs. Badger assures that no contaminated materials will return to the site. A legal objection filed with the county means that a supermajority of County Board members needs to approve the project in the final stage.

Freelance reporter Michelle Mullins contributed to this article for the Daily Southtown.