Site Specific History and Operations

Looking north/northwest along the eastern fence line [09/07/1950]

Historic public records, photographs, maps, previous investigation reports and other documents were researched in preparation for upcoming site investigation activities. These resources were reviewed to establish the dates of operation, types of gas manufacturing processes, and any additional background information associated with the Skokie site.

In the first half of the 20th Century, the energy needs of the Village of Skokie and the surrounding communities were partially supplied by manufactured gas produced at the Skokie site.

Looking north/northeast along the western fence line [09/07/1950]

Construction and operation of the Skokie manufactured gas plant (MGP) facility began in approximately 1910. The Skokie facility occupied an irregular parcel of land, encompassing approximately 35 acres in size. The western portion of the Skokie facility did not contain significant manufactured gas process structures or activities. The western portion is currently occupied by the Skokie Park District's recreational facility and has received an environmental release letter from the Illinois EPA confirming successful completion of remedial action.

The eastern portion of the Skokie facility, and the focus of the upcoming investigation activities,

Aerial photograph of the site [03/26/1958]

contained gas manufacturing structures and operations. Some of the structures present on the Skokie site included gas holders and various process buildings.

Skokie MGP Facility Layout

Gas production occurred from 1910 through the 1940s. The facility may have been maintained in a standby condition during the 1950s. By 1963, the gas holder and some of the other MGP structures had been dismantled. The site has remained undeveloped since this time. Ownership of the Skokie facility was transferred in portions to the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago in September 1965, June 1966 and December 1992.

Looking north along the western fence line [09/07/1950]

Prior investigations were conducted at the Skokie MGP site in August 1995 and in December 1998 to determine the nature and extent of possible impacted soil associated with the former MGP activities. The investigation found by-products associated with prior facility operations. These results indicated a need for further investigation.


In 2002, the MWRD filed a lawsuit against the Utilities in federal court. MWRD v. Nicor, et. al., No. 02 C 1930 (Judge Nordberg; Magistrate Judge Schenkier). Shortly after the lawsuit was filed, the parties began negotiations concerning an investigation of the Skokie site. With court approval, the parties have agreed to suspend further litigation activities while the investigation is conducted.