FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 16, 2005

On Monday, October 17, from 1 p.m. – 4 p.m., the Student Environmental Action Coalition will be petitioning on the ISU quad outside of Schroeder Hall for the removal of ISU trustee Jay Bergman. Mr. Bergman's term expired in January 2005 and he continues to sit on the Board, pending a decision from the Governor. A year ago, Attorney General Lisa Madigan filed a 16-count complaint against Jay Bergman and Petco Petroleum to the Illinois Pollution Control Board citing numerous brine and crude oil spills.

Three new spills have occurred at Petco sites in Fayette and Jefferson County. According to the August 22 incident report, about 150 barrels of salt water contaminated land surrounding Petco's St. Elmo site. Another spill was discovered at the St. Elmo site four days later where 200 barrels of salt water contaminated a tributary of Little Creek and land surrounding the site. On June 22, the Illinois Department of Natural Resources discovered a brine and crude oil spill at Petco's Dix field.

SEAC has obtained documents showing that the incidents were reported in June and August, but the exact dates are unknown because of Petco's failure to immediately report the incidents to the proper authorities. Geoff Ower, SEAC President said, "It's not just that these incidents occur. Jay Bergman and his company really seem to believe they can get away with these things."

The Student Environmental Action Coalition will continue to petition until Governor Blagojevich agrees to meet with SEAC.

"I don't know what is more appalling," said SEAC member Amy Butterworth, "Mr. Bergman's dismissive attitude and lack of responsibility that has led to more spills, or Governor Blagojevich allowing him to remain on ISU's board?"

Documents related to the case and the online petition to remove Bergman are available at: http://seac.pabn.org/petition

Contact:
Amy Butterworth, 309-454-9229
Geoff Ower, 309-454-9229

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