This Smoke Management Plan (SMP) is based on Section VI Smoke Management Programs of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agencys (U.S.EPA) Interim Air Quality Policy on Wildland and Prescribed Fires (April 23, 1998). According to this policy, the purpose of a SMP is to mitigate the nuisance and public safety hazards posed by smoke intrusions into populated areas (including on roadways and at airports); prevent deterioration of air quality and National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS) violations; and address visibility impacts in mandatory Federal Class I Areas.
Press Release: The Illinois Department of Employment Security (IDES) announced today that Illinois unemployment rate in August declined to 5.6 percent and nonfarm payroll employment shed -900 jobs, based on preliminary data released by the Department and the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). The states job numbers dropped for a third consecutive month, keeping Illinois below the national average and further delaying Illinois economic recovery from the 2007-2009 recession.