Board Approves Joliet Township Clean Fill Facility Despite Environmental Objections

Will County Board Meeting | February 19, 2026

Article Summary: The Will County Board approved a map amendment and special use permit for a Clean Construction and Demolition Debris (CCDD) facility in Joliet Township, despite environmental concerns raised by residents. The approval allows for the grading and filling of approximately 11.5 acres of currently vacant land.

Brandon Road CCDD Key Points:

• Location: 11.52 acres at vacant property on Brandon Road, south of Zurich Road, Joliet Township (District 6).

• Action: Rezoning from A-1 (Agricultural) to I-2 (Industrial) and a Special Use Permit for a CCDD fill operation.

• Vote: Passed 13-6.

• Concerns: Residents raised issues regarding potential impact on the underlying karst aquifer and the removal of trees during restricted times.

The Will County Board on Thursday, February 19, 2026, voted 13-6 to approve a zoning map amendment and a special use permit allowing for a Clean Construction and Demolition Debris (CCDD) fill operation on Brandon Road in Joliet Township.

The applicant, Brandon Road CCDD LLC, requested to rezone the approximately 11.5-acre parcel from A-1 (Agricultural) to I-2 (Industrial) to facilitate the filling and grading of the property for future industrial development. The site is located in an area heavily concentrated with industrial uses, including a coal ash plant and a quarry.

During public comment, Kathy Helina of the Will County Environmental Network urged the board to deny the request, citing concerns about the region’s geology and protected species. Helina noted that the Illinois State Geological Survey identified the region as a “karst aquifer with sinkholes.”

Helina also alleged that the applicant had violated recommendations from the Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) regarding the clearing of trees.

“As of November 17, 2025, staff photos captured the woods, the wooded area. By December 3, 2025, the woods were clear-cut,” Helina stated. She argued this violated IDNR recommendations to perform work only between April 1 and October 1 to protect the Rusty-Patched Bumble Bee and the Osprey.

Attorney Nathaniel Washburn, representing the applicant, acknowledged a “timing gaff” regarding the tree removal.

“My client acquired the property in May, reached out to Homer Tree Service to cut down the trees… it just happened to be outside of the window,” Washburn said. He noted that the client had offered to increase landscaping or make a donation to the Forest Preserve District to mitigate the error.

Board Member Frankie Pretzel (R-New Lenox) supported the project, emphasizing the industrial nature of the surrounding area.

“This is literally 30 feet, not yards, 30 feet away from some of the most industrial land in all of Will County,” Pretzel said. “Also, clean construction debris isn’t subjective. It’s monitored… This is safe debris.”

Board Member Judy Ogalla (R-Monee) questioned the topography of the site, noting that CCDD operations typically involve filling large holes, such as quarries, while photos of the site appeared to show ground-level terrain.

Land Use staff clarified that there is an approximately 30-foot grade change from the front of the lot to the back, which the applicant intends to level. Staff confirmed that CCDD material consists of “dirt, rocks, concrete with no rebar” and is regulated by the state.

Board Member Herbert Brooks Jr. (D-Joliet), who represents District 6, opposed the measure.

“I am holding out hope with the residents in that area,” Brooks said. “I am here to represent the residents of my district. So I will be a deny.”

The measure passed with 13 yes votes and 6 no votes. Voting against were members Ogalla, Williams, Brooks, Winfrey, Ortiz, and Costa.