(WBBM NEWSRADIO) --"Ducks not dumps" is what 10th ward residents and local environmental organizations are saying in response to a planned toxic waste dump on the Southeast Side of Chicago.
The residents joined members of the Alliance of the Southeast and Friends of the Parks to protest the 25-foot-tall waste dump U.S. Army Corps of Engineers wants to build on the existing confined disposal facility off of Steelworkers Park.
Lifelong southeast side resident Linda Gonzalez said the area is between two well-loved birding locations and park areas.
"It's really dangerous for us, because there's toxic waste that's stored there and it would be right where we're seeing a lot of shoreline erosion from climate change."
Matt Igleski lives across the border in Hammond, Indiana but often comes to the southeast side of Chicago to birdwatch.
"I think that's what a lot of people view it is, it's already polluted... it's already going to be toxic on this side of town. So there's really no reason to add to it- to make it worse."
The rally comes amid a lawsuit against the Army Corps. Amalia NietoGomez is the executive director of Alliance of the Southeast- one of the plaintiffs.
"We urge the city to oppose the expansion of the CDF for this dump right across the river from us and to find another location outside the 10th Ward and outside of any environmental justice community, because no other committee should have to fight like we've had to fight."
Listen to our new podcast Looped In: Chicago
Listen to WBBM Newsradio now on Audacy!
Sign up and follow WBBM Newsradio
Facebook | Twitter | Instagram