Marathon Petroleum to Cover Contaminated Soil Removal Costs During New Lenox Water Plant Construction

New Lenox Village Board of Trustees Meeting | April 13, 2026

Article Summary: The New Lenox Village Board heard the first reading of an ordinance prohibiting potable water wells near a local Speedway gas station. The legislative move is the first step in a broader indemnity agreement ensuring Marathon Petroleum takes full financial responsibility for remediating any contaminated soil discovered during the Village’s water plant expansion.

Environmental Agreement Key Points:

• Well Ban: The ordinance bans the installation or use of potable groundwater wells on seven parcels surrounding the Speedway at 301 W. Maple Street, including the nearby wastewater treatment plant.

• Underground Leaks: The ban is required due to leaking underground storage tanks at the gas station.

• Financial Protection: Marathon Petroleum (Speedway’s parent company) will assume financial liability for removing any contaminated soil encountered when the Village constructs the next phase of its Water Resource Recovery Facility.

The New Lenox Village Board on Monday, April 13, 2026, took the first legislative step to shield taxpayers from potential environmental cleanup costs associated with a local gas station’s leaking underground storage tanks.

The Board reviewed the first reading of an ordinance prohibiting the use of potable water supply wells on seven parcels surrounding the Speedway gas station located at 301 West Maple Street. Operations Director Brian Williams reported the affected properties include the gas station itself, adjacent parcels to the east and west, the Metra tracks, Haines Park, and the Village’s Wastewater Treatment Plant No. 1.

The ordinance was specifically requested by Marathon Petroleum, Speedway’s parent company, to comply with environmental regulations stemming from leaking underground storage tanks on their property.

Williams explained that the well prohibition is a prerequisite for entering into an environmental indemnity agreement with Marathon. This agreement is critical, as the Village is preparing to begin construction on the next phase of its water resource facilities near the site.

“This ordinance is the first step of entering into an environmental indemnity agreement with Marathon, which will allow them to take responsibility for moving any contaminated soils if we run across any while doing construction,” Williams said.

Under the pending agreement, the Village will provide Marathon with a 30-day notice prior to breaking ground. As excavation begins, the Village will test the soil. If contaminants from the leaking tanks are discovered, Marathon will assume full financial responsibility for the remediation and removal, ensuring the pollution does not hinder or inflate the cost of the Village’s municipal project.

Because this was a first reading, no vote was taken. The ordinance, alongside a required highway authority agreement and the final indemnity contract, will be brought back for approval at the Board’s next regular meeting.