The Seal Order restricts public access to the site and prohibits entry by anyone except authorized personnel in the performance of official duties. Those entering the site must also comply with applicable OSHA regulations. A site is sealed in order to protect the public from potential environmental hazards, in this case, high levels of lead.

The Seal Order will remain in effect until rescinded by Illinois EPA Director Renee Cipriano.

Warning signs and caution tape have been placed at the site. If necessary, fences will be erected to prevent residents and passersby from entering the site.

Preliminary sample results show that drinking water wells were not impacted.

However, soil samples were heavily contaminated with both total lead and soluble lead, which could affect groundwater. The preliminary soil sample results showed that it contained approximately 11 percent lead.

Lead can affect almost every organ and system in your body. The most sensitive is the central nervous system, particularly in children. Lead also damages kidneys and the reproductive system. The effects are the same whether it is breathed or swallowed.

At high levels, lead may decrease reaction time, cause weakness in fingers, wrists, or ankles, and possibly affect the memory. Lead may cause anemia, a disorder of the blood. It can also damage the male reproductive system. The connection between these effects and exposure to low levels of lead is uncertain.

Illinois EPA will contact Illinois Department of Public Health and county health authorities to assess the need for testing blood lead levels of people who may have been exposed to the highly contaminated soils from this facility.

Illinois EPA will contact U.S.EPA for any assistance they can provide in removing contaminated soils or any other remedial efforts.