News Releases - 2003

Illinois EPA Seeks Emergency Court Order to Restore Water Service at McDonough County Utility

Springfield, Ill. -- The Illinois Environmental Protection Agency today made an emergency referral to the Office of the Illinois Attorney General, requesting it seek an emergency preliminary injunction to compel the owner of a small McDonough County water supply to restore water service to his customers and to allow IEPA personnel access to the supply to inspect it.

Approximately 39 residents of a townhouse complex near Macomb served by Emmett Utilities Inc., have been without water for drinking, cooking or sanitary use since Wednesday when the pump failed at the well that provides drinking water for the utility. The utility is owned by Russell Thorell.

Residents complained to the IEPA that Thorell refused to repair or to replace the pump, and would not allow access to the well so that the pump could be repaired or replaced by the consumers or the registered operator. In addition, Thorell reportedly denied IEPA field personnel access to the site to inspect the supply that is regulated by the Agency. Thorell indicated he would take no action unless he receives Illinois Commerce Commission approval for a rate request he has pending.

"It is beyond understanding that anyone would withhold the basic necessity of drinking water from an entire population," said IEPA Director Renee Cipriano in seeking the emergency injunction. "The refusal of this operator to either make or allow the repairs necessary to restore water service to consumers is outrageous and I urge the Attorney General's Office and the courts to act quickly to address this injustice."

"It is even more reprehensible to realize he has taken such action on days when daytime temperatures have been in the upper 90s," she added.

The Agency has asked the Office of the Attorney General to seek an emergency preliminary injunction that will compel Thorell to repair or replace the pump, restore safe and adequate drinking water to the consumers, and allow representatives of the IEPA to complete an inspection of the utility's drinking water operation.

In referring the case to the Attorney General, the IEPA noted that referrals have been made twice in 1999 and again in August 2000 against Thorell for other violations at the public water supply, and has also previously brought actions against him for violations at the sewage treatment plant owned by Thorell and Emmett Utilities Inc.