Illinois EPA Seals Murphysboro Site
For Immediate Release
October 6, 1999 |
Contact: Dennis McMurray
217-785-1871
TDD: 217-782-9143 |
Springfield, Ill. -- Illinois Environmental Protection
Agency Director Tom Skinner has issued a "seal order" barring
anyone from entering the former Greenberg Salvage Property in Murphysboro
(Jackson County), as a result of recent investigations of contamination on
the site.
"Due to the hazardous levels of lead and arsenic in the soil on this
property, it is necessary to secure this site from public access so that it
no longer presents an imminent hazard, pending the final mitigation or
remediation of the site," the order states.
A new fence around the property was completed and the seal order signs
were erected at the 2.3 acre site today. Previously access to the property
was not restricted and much of the site is located adjacent to private
residences.
Investigations of the property in June and August were conducted,
including taking several soil samples. An analysis of those samples
indicated the presence of hazardous levels of lead and arsenic on the site.
"Sealing this site is not only a safeguard for the public but will
enable Illinois EPA and its designees to continue investigation of this
site," Skinner added.
The Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) and the Jackson County
Health Department have joined with Illinois EPA in the investigation of the
former salvage yard contamination. Soil samples were taken from several
neighboring residents' yards and IDPH sent letters this week to homeowners
on the results.
Two public availability sessions with Illinois EPA, IDPH and Jackson
County Health Department representatives available to answer questions will
be held on Oct. 15 at Murphysboro City Hall, 202 N. 11th St., from 2 to 4
p.m. and from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. |
