CLINTON - The leader of a DeWitt County watchdog group has asked the Clinton City Council to oppose the storage of chemical wastes at a landfill south of Clinton.

On Monday, Matt Varble, president of We're Against Toxic Chemicals, or WATCH, asked the council to oppose an application from Peoria Disposal Co., owners of Clinton Landfill.

The Illinois Environmental Protection Agency will make the final decision in 12 to 18 months. A public hearing is expected in April or May.

"I think that it is time the city of Clinton became engaged in this issue," Varble said. "Other governmental bodies, such as the Champaign County Board and Logan County Board, have passed resolutions opposing this application. Also, DeWitt County has had two referendums in which the voters have overwhelmingly opposed this application."

Finance Commissioner Tom Edmunds said he would prefer to have more information before passing such a resolution. Commissioner Jerry Milton and Mayor Ed Wollet also reserved comment.

"What this council is saying is that we want additional information," Wollet said. "We can't deal in speculation. The fact is that the two referendums were held at the county level and not at the local level."

In the absence of an opposition, Varble said his group would take a stance that the city refused to take a position.

"We will take this under advisement, and if we feel a resolution is necessary, we can have it for the April 6 meeting," Wollet said.

kbarlow@pantagraph.com