(415 ILCS 55/2) (from Ch. 111 1/2, par. 7452)
Sec. 2.
(a) The General Assembly finds that:
(i) a large portion of Illinois' citizens rely on groundwater for
personal consumption, and industries use a significant amount of groundwater;
(ii) contamination of Illinois groundwater will adversely impact the
health and welfare of its citizens and adversely impact the economic
viability of the State;
(iii) contamination of Illinois' groundwater is occurring;
(iv) protection of groundwater is a necessity for future economic
development in this State.
(b) Therefore, it is the policy of the State of Illinois to
restore, protect,
and enhance the groundwaters of the State, as a natural and public
resource. The State recognizes the essential and pervasive role of
groundwater in the social and economic well-being of the people of
Illinois, and its vital importance to the general health, safety, and
welfare. It is further recognized as consistent with this policy that the
groundwater resources of the State be utilized for beneficial and
legitimate purposes; that waste and degradation of the resources be prevented;
and that the underground water resource be managed
to allow for maximum benefit of the people of the State of Illinois.
(Source: P.A. 85-863.)
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