News Releases - 2003

Vulcan Materials Shut Down Under Consent Order

Springfield, Ill. -- Illinois Environmental Protection Agency Director Renee Cipriano, announced Vulcan Construction Materials, LP, a lime manufacturing plant in McCook, ceased operation Friday, April 11, 2003 as part of a Consent Decree signed by the Illinois EPA, Illinois Attorney General's Office, and the Cook County State's Attorney's Office. The Consent Decree was filed in the Circuit Court of Cook County Monday.

Violations alleged in the complaint in this matter, which was filed on April 11, relate to nuisance air pollution regulations under the Environmental Protection Act, the Illinois Administrative Code and Cook County Environmental Control Ordinances.

"The air quality impact of Vulcan's lime plant in McCook had reached a level in recent weeks that warranted action against the company to prevent further harm to the community and the environment," said Director Cipriano.

Vulcan received a violation notice in early 2000 in response to numerous citizen complaints and observations by Illinois EPA staff of particulate matter emissions and odor nuisance. In response to the Violation Notice, Vulcan proposed to install scrubbers to resolve the nuisance complaints. After failing to timely install the scrubbers, the Illinois EPA referred the facility to the Illinois Attorney General's Office in March of 2002.

The company installed two scrubbers in late 2002, nonetheless concerns for nuisance particulate matter and odorous emissions continued.

"The Consent Order is necessary to protect the health, comfort and welfare of Cook County citizens who live and work in the area," said Cook County State's Attorney Richard A. Devine. "It is a victory for Cook County and the environment."

"Businesses have a responsibility to comply with laws that were written to protect people and the environment," Attorney General Lisa Madigan said. "Families who happen to live near a business should not be forced to smell or breathe polluted air."

Vulcan will pay a civil penalty in the amount of $110,000. The company must also pay $10,000 in administrative penalties to the Cook County Department of Environmental Control.

In addition to the cessation of operation and civil and administrative penalties, Vulcan must withdraw existing air pollution control permits and the pending Title V permit application within 28 days of entry of the Consent Decree.