SPRINGFIELD—The Illinois Environmental Protection Agency has issued violation notices to Southern Illinois Regional Landfill (Landfill) in DeSoto for violations of the Environmental Protection Act and Illinois Regulations; the alleged violations resulted in strong odors several miles away.

 

According to reports and information gathered during inspections, around midday on December 17, 2010, the landfill received approximately 4,345 gallons of liquid waste from Tri-Rinse for solidification.  The material was then solidified using fly ash.  By the end of the operating day, the material had not solidified adequately, so it was left in the solidification unit. 

 

Shortly after 5 p.m. that same day, Jackson County Emergency Services began receiving odor complaints.  Some nearby residents left their homes due to the odors, and some of them sought medical treatment. However, there is no indication that the odors caused physical harm.

 

Jackson County Sheriff’s Department, Emergency Services and Disaster Agency, Emergency Medical Service, the Desoto Fire Department and the Illinois EPA Emergency Response Unit all responded to the scene.  A Jackson County Health Department inspector was also on-site.  The Sheriff’s Department temporarily closed down Highway 149 between Murphysboro and DeSoto.

 

Landfill personnel quickly secured the odor-emitting material, and properly contained and covered it to prevent additional odors from escaping. llinois EPA continued to monitor the site for the next few days, and collected samples. Agency staff also met with Landfill personnel and the transporter, to suggest changes in procedures that would prevent a recurrence.

 

Laboratory sample results did not indicate the presence of contaminants at hazardous waste levels, and information received thus far does not indicate a risk to human health.

 

The Illinois EPA and the Jackson County Health Department will continue to provide technical guidance, as needed, and conduct regular inspections of the Landfill.