Emergency Removal of Several Thousand Tires in Abandoned South Side Chicago Building is Underway

Springfield, Ill. -- The Illinois Environmental Protection Agency, using its emergency authority and the Used Tire Management Fund, has started removing an estimated 20,000 to 30,000 used tires left in an apparently abandoned building at 8119 S. Racine, Chicago.

Working in close cooperation with the Chicago Department of the Environment and other city agencies, Illinois EPA's contractor, Tire Shredders Unlimited, is expected to complete removal of the abandoned tires by Friday.

"Removal of these tires will eliminate a potential fire and health hazard in this neighborhood," said Illinois EPA Director Thomas Skinner.

"It is a rare but significant use of the Agency's broad legal authority to immediately remove tires that pose a potential imminent environmental hazard. The City of Chicago has been an excellent partner in carrying out this task as quickly as possible," he added.

A resident of the neighborhood recently tipped off the contractor of the existence of the tires in the building. The contractor was already in the area removing some tires on an adjacent vacant lot.

The cost of removing and safely disposing of the tires will be paid for through the fees that are collected on the sale of tires in Illinois. While the law provides for cost recovery from responsible parties for emergency removal costs, in this case, state and city officials have so far been unable to determine the current owner of the building or who was responsible for placing the tires there.

The building had been boarded up and parts of it appear to be in danger of collapsing. The City of Chicago has initiated condemnation procedures for the property.

It is located in a heavily populated area, including a daycare center and a church directly across the street and another daycare facility and community center nearby.

Editor's Note - Photo/video opportunity: Tire removal is expected to resume Thursday (Sept. 23) at 8 a.m. and continue until at least 10 a.m. A representative of Illinois EPA will be on site and available to answer questions.