The Illinois Environmental Protection Agency has slashed its staff almost in half over the past 15 years, resulting in less monitoring of environmental health and safety throughout the state.

Illinois Environmental Protection Agency staff will be canvassing homes in rural Mahomet Monday, following reports last December of a natural gas leak from a nearby storage well owned by Peoples Gas.

Inspectors with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency were in Champaign recently, testing homes in one neighborhood for toxic vapors.  But they say even if those substances are found, it’s far too early to know whether they’re tied to a nearby site where a manufactured gas plant once operated. 

The agency says about 30 residents attended a public meeting last week for those living in the 5th and Hill area – near the site now owned by Ameren that once held a manufactured gas plant. At least 10 homes in the neighborhood will be tested for toxic vapors early next year, but On-Scene Coordinator Andy Maguire hopes to sign up more in the next few weeks. 

Residents living near a former manufactured gas plant in Champaign say utility company Ameren "won't lift a finger" to address concerns about toxic vapors in the neighborhood. So those in the 5th and Hill neighborhood have called upon the U.S. EPA, which is offering free inspections to those living in the area. The agency is hosting a public meeting Thursday to sign up those residents.