10/19/2026
Big story developing this weekend. The Vermilion River has been CLOSED to the public from Potomac (Middle Fork Branch) to the IL/IN State Line.
The restriction covers the Middle Fork Vermilion River from the town of Potomac downstream to its confluence with the Vermilion River proper, and continues on the Vermilion River to the Illinois-Indiana state line. According to IDNR, significant seepage from a neighboring lake embankment has increased the instability of the riverbank. Officials say this makes navigation significantly more dangerous should the bank fail.
IDNR made the decision after consulting with its Office of Mines and Minerals. The closure is in effect under the department’s authority to designate restricted boating areas when conditions pose a substantial risk to the public.
Our newsroom is continuing to gather more details. A separate, more limited restriction has been in place since mid-September near the former Dynegy (now Vistra) power plant for planned streambank stabilization work, and erosion and coal-ash concerns have been ongoing in that area for years. At this time, it is unclear whether Friday’s broader closure is directly related to that project or to one of the numerous other lakes and tributaries along the river.
Recent reporting has focused on the ongoing crisis regarding toxic coal ash pits along the Middle Fork of the Vermilion River near the former Dynegy power station in Oakwood. We’ll update this story as more information becomes available.
