Illinois EPA Seeks Expedited Cleanup at Tire Facility
in Aurora
For Immediate Release
Oct. 22, 1999 |
Contact: Dennis McMurray
217-785-1871
TDD: 217-782-9143
Internet: www.epa.state.il.us |
Springfield, Ill. -- The Illinois Environmental
Protection Agency has asked Attorney General Jim Ryan's office to seek
an injunction ordering an Aurora chipped tire facility to promptly take
steps to remove lingering environmental hazards from an Oct. 14 fire.
Extinguishing any recurring fires, managing runoff of water used to
extinguish the fire and proper disposable of wastes at Tire Grinders
Transporters Inc. (TGTI) need to occur within a short time frame, the
IEPA said in making an enforcement referral to the Attorney General.
"Allowing the fire residue and tire chips to remain at this site
for an extended period of time increases the risk of additional toxic
air pollution," said Illinois EPA Director Tom Skinner.
A fire began at the huge tire chip pile, estimated to contain more
than 3,000 tons, on the afternoon of Oct. 14. Although the fire was
substantially put out by the Aurora Fire Department that day, parts of
the pile were observed smoldering on the weekend of Oct.16-17.
The Illinois EPA recommended that the case be filed against TGIT and
owner James Huizinga in Kane County Circuit Court and understands that
the Kane County State's Attorney plans to join in this action.
The Agency requests that any order entered against TGTI and Huizinga
include a strict schedule of corrective activities to be performed. |
