Farm group wants improved safety measures for pipelines running through Illinois

by Terri Dee
Illinois News Connection

A pipeline project to transport carbon dioxide captured from ethanol and fertilizer production to a permanent storage site in Illinois is raising concerns about safety and potential damage to surrounding land.

Last month, members of the Illinois Farm Bureau adopted policies supporting a temporary moratorium on the project until the Hazardous Materials Safety Administration can update its safety regulations. They include automatic notifications for pipeline leaks and training for emergency first responders.

Bill Bodine, the Farm Bureau's director of business and regulatory affairs, said his group opposes another condition.

"They expressed concerns about the use of eminent domain for these projects and do not support the use of eminent domain," he said, "and then want to see the developers reaching willing agreements, making some progress in reaching those willing agreements before the pipeline portions of those projects are approved."

Landowners are not willing to give up their land so easily. In 2006, the Illinois General Assembly passed a bill to limit the takeover of private property for private development. However, critics of the legislation have claimed it included exceptions that undermine any benefits to property owners.

Two more pipeline proposals to connect Iowa and Illinois are also being reviewed by the Illinois Commerce Commission, the agency that oversees these projects.

The Hazardous Materials Safety Administration hopes to have its safety revisions completed this year. If this happens, Bodine said, the Farm Bureau would lift its support of a temporary moratorium. But he isn't sure whether these other pipeline projects are on state lawmakers' minds.

"Our legislative session in the state of Illinois begins again in January and usually runs through the end of May," he said. "So, we may see some action during that timeline associated with some of these issues."

Developers say any future pipelines would help farmers by boosting the ethanol industry. The state Agriculture Department has said Illinois uses 274 million bushels of corn to produce more ethanol than any other state.

CUPHD Justice Coalition to present panel discussion on Black health, wealth & wellness

CHAMPAIGN - The Champaign-Urbana Public Health District will host a panel discussion on Black Health, Wealth & Wellness on February 22 during Black History Month. The main focus of the conversation will be on the advancement and evolution of Black health, wealth, and wellness within the Champaign-Urbana community.

The CUPHD's Justice Coalition will moderate the discussion. The doors at 201 West Kenyon Road in Champaign will open at 5:30 p.m. for light refreshments, with speakers starting at 6 p.m.

The panel's primary goal is to "provide a space for the community to share information and discuss mutual obstacles."

Attendees are encouraged to park in the north entrance lot and enter the building through the main conference room door.

Ducking winter's toughest punch, avoiding potential health issues

by Paul Arco
OSF Healthcare

Every year, thousands of people end up in an emergency department due to things happening when they’re shoveling snow

ROCKFORD - It’s that time of the year when winter can really show its teeth. For adults, snow – especially the heavy stuff – also means lots of shoveling, which can lead to an assortment of health-related problems if you’re not careful and properly prepared for the winter season.

Photo: Serkan Gönültaş/PEXELS

“Every year, thousands of people end up in an emergency department due to things happening when they’re shoveling snow," says Amy Henderson, a family practice physician assistant for OSF HealthCare. "These include falls, sometimes people experience heart attacks from extraneous activities, back injuries amongst other things. So it’s really important to take some caution when you are going to be shoveling snow, and the snow is coming.”

Among the people at the greatest risk of experiencing potential issues while shoveling are the elderly, people with a history of back problems as well as people who have suffered a heart attack or other serious illness. Henderson says to check with your doctor first if you have any concerns about your health.

“If a person develops any chest pain, sharp, radiating arm pain, jaw pain, those are all signs and symptoms of a possible heart attack," says Henderson. "If those symptoms do not improve with rest after a short amount of time, it’s concerning. My advice would be to seek immediate medical attention if you’re concerned at all about a cardiac event or a heart attack; in this case it’s always good to play it safe than sorry.”

Safety is key when it comes to snow and ice. Henderson offers a few basic tips before getting started with shoveling your sidewalk or driveway.

“One of the most important things to do is wear the appropriate clothing to stay warm and avoid frostbite," says Henderson. "Also, stretching prior to going out and doing this activity is important so I recommend stretching 5 to 10 minutes before you go out in the cold. I also recommend staying hydrated because you’re doing physical activity.”

Other important tips include:

Lift with your legs, not your back

Push (don’t) lift the snow

Stay low to the ground

Shovel more frequently

Take breaks if you feel winded

Be aware of ice

Go inside to warm up in order to avoid frostbite

The same suggestions apply when using a snow blower. Many people are injured every year by pushing their snow blower, twisting their body or reaching into the snow blower.

The bottom line when it comes to snow shoveling, Henderson says, is play it safe, take your time and be sure to let your loved ones and friends know what you’re up to in the event something does happen. And don’t be afraid to ask for help.

Key Takeaways:

Every year, thousands of people visit the emergency department due to snow-related injuries or events.
People at the greatest risk are the elderly, those with back issues or a history of heart problems.
Wear appropriate clothing to stay warm and avoid frostbite.
Other tips include lifting with your legs, push (don't) lift the snow, take breaks, and be aware of ice.
If you experience a medical emergency, call 911.

“If you really should not be shoveling snow, or you’re at higher risk, I recommend trying to find someone else who can do it for you, whether that’s a neighbor or a family member. I highly recommend that," adds Henderson. "It’s not worth the broken hip or the hospital follow up. Another thing for people who are at higher risk is to bring a cellphone. If you do fall, you’re able to call somebody.”

Before you bundle up and head outside to shovel your driveway, make sure you follow proper safety measures to avoid injury. If you or a loved one experiences severe injury, heart attack, or other medical emergencies while shoveling snow, call 911.