News Releases - 2003

Illinois EPA Seeks Enforcement Action From Attorney General for Improper Asbestos Removal

Springfield, Ill. -- The Illinois Environmental Protection Agency has requested that Illinois Attorney General Lisa Madigan seek enforcement action against the owner of Sully’s Irish Pub, located in Peoria, Illinois, resulting from the improper removal, handling and disposal of regulated asbestos-containing material generated during renovation activities within the building.

The Illinois EPA alleges the owner of Sully’s Irish Pub caused or allowed the improper removal of pipe insulation resulting in the discharge of asbestos into the environment. The Illinois EPA determined the activities occurred without proper notification to the Illinois EPA or measures to properly control and contain the material in apparent violation of the National Emission Standards for Hazardous Air Pollutants (NESHAP) administered by the Illinois EPA and the Illinois Environmental Protection Act.

“The Illinois EPA works to ensure that laws pertaining to the safe removal of asbestos materials are followed,” said Director Cipriano. “Property owners must take responsibility for their failure to follow such laws.”

Illinois EPA officials received an anonymous complaint on September 29, 2003 alleging improper asbestos removal within the building, located at 121 SW Adams. An inspection by the Illinois EPA the same day revealed improper removal of pipe insulation in the facility’s basement and the presence of seventeen 55-gallon bags containing suspect asbestos containing waste material apparently removed from the pipes. Testing confirmed the material contained asbestos.

The Illinois EPA promptly requested the facility voluntarily close due to possible asbestos contamination from the improper removal. Further, the Agency requested the owner retain a licensed asbestos abatement contractor to conduct air sampling and design a clean up plan to ensure the proper removal of all asbestos contamination.

The Illinois EPA is currently evaluating a design plan for the remediation of asbestos from the basement.