Kankakee Times

During a recent Manteno Planning Commission meeting, attorney Robby Dube, an associate at Eckland & Blando, addressed concerns about the proposed Gotion lithium-ion battery plant.

Dube, who was hired by several Manteno residents who oppose the Gotion plant, questioned the Gotion representatives about the use of specific materials such as lithium carbonate, iron phosphate, synthetic graphite, and hydrochloric acid in the battery production process. He emphasized the highly toxic nature of synthetic graphite, which is not water-soluble and can pose risks to natural bodies of water and soil. Dube said by the Village of Manteno ordinance, the plant is disallowed due to the fact it will be handling toxic materials.

“That very specifically says that you cannot – expressly prohibited use any use such as emitting an external odor, smoke, dust, noise or glare or that involves the use of any radioactive or highly toxic materials as determined by the code enforcement officers,” Dube said.

“So it is not whether there is a risk of external use. If it is using highly toxic materials at all under 9-9-A-7 you cannot have that zoning use.”

“So I want to be very clear that synthetic graphite is a highly toxic material. It is not water-soluble, so the fine graphite particles are suspended in natural bodies of water and that is harmful to organisms. It can also embed in the natural soil better than any body of water.”

Furthermore, Dube raised concerns about the potential use of NMP (N-methylpyrrolidone), which according to Dube is known to cause birth defects, cancer, and toxicity to the immune system. He urged the Planning Commission not to approve the use of zoning that involves highly toxic materials until the Illinois EPA confirms their safety.  The attorney also highlighted potential dangers associated with lithium-ion phosphate, mentioning the risk of chemical burns and toxic fumes if punctured. He questioned the effectiveness of the claimed closed-loop system and expressed worries about the impact of potential leaks on nearby watersheds and residential communities. Dube also noted the number of jobs promised by Gotion may be smoke and mirrors.

“The actual jobs that are supposed to be created for the exact same kind of plant in Michigan have decreased month on month,” he said.

“It is well known that any sort of zoning decision has been made by Zoning Planning Commission that the actual economic effect of the change needs to be considered. And so Gotion whatever job members Gotion is presenting need to be compared against the actual Michigan numbers, which have reduced month to month to month.”

Dube referenced a letter from his law firm, Eckland & Blando, sent to the Planning Commission on Nov. 6, outlining detailed concerns. He emphasized the need for the Planning Commission to follow the city charter and not approve the use of highly toxic materials, citing legal risks associated with violating city code.

“Choosing to rezone to use as stated by Gotion of highly toxic materials is a per se violation of law and exposing the Village of Manteno to legal risks that is unnecessary at this time,” he said.

The Gotion Battery Plant re-zoning hearing was held on Nov. 21. The Planning Commission is expected to gather additional testimony before a vote on Monday, Nov. 27, according to a previous report from Kankakee Times.

Award-winning teacher and environmental activist Shannyn Dockery has voiced significant concerns about the potential environmental impact of the proposed Gotion lithium-ion car battery plant on the Kankakee River and local endangered species. Known as the "Monarch Lady" for her dedication to ecology education, Dockery stresses the importance of spreading factual information about the potential ecological impact on endangered species in the Kankakee County area, according to another Kankakee Times report.

Recalls of pro-Gotion officials in Green Township, Michigan revealed resistance to the Chinese company echoing efforts in Manteno. Gotion initially faced rejection in Muscle Shoals, Ala., citing national security concerns but proceeded with projects in Michigan and Illinois. Concerns over Gotion’s ties to the CCP led to a review by the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States, and controversy peaked when the company sought $8 billion in taxpayer subsidies for a $2 billion Manteno battery facility, according to a recent report from Kankakee Times.