Illinois EPA Refers Tactical Cleaning Acquisition LLC to the Illinois Attorney General for Enforcement

SPRINGFIELD - The Illinois Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has referred an enforcement action to the Illinois Attorney General's office against Tactical Cleaning Acquisition LLC, following complaints from the Danville Fire Department and a concerned citizen regarding black smoke and a large flame coming from the flaring of railcars. Illinois EPA promptly investigated the allegations raised by the complaints, resulting in the referral.

Tactical Cleaning operates mobile railcar flaring businesses at 3401 East Lynch Creek Drive and 2313 Cannon Street in Danville (Vermilion County). Tactical Cleaning flares the chemical contents of railcars to prepare them for reuse. Tactical Cleaning has individually registered both locations under the Illinois EPA's Registration of Smaller Sources (ROSS) program, and both facilities are located in an area of environmental justice concern.

During Illinois EPA's investigation at the Lynch Creek facility, Agency representatives observed flames and significant black smoke being emitted from the flare attached to a railcar. Tactical Cleaning representatives informed Illinois EPA personnel that operations at the Lynch Creek facility have recently increased due to the consolidation of operations from the Cannon Street facility to the Lynch Creek facility. Illinois EPA's investigation determined that the company failed to properly conduct the flaring process, which resulted in flame and black smoke discharge into the atmosphere.

The Illinois EPA is citing violations of the Illinois Environmental Protection Act and Illinois Pollution Control Board regulations by Tactical Cleaning Acquisition including causing or allowing the release of smoke or other particulate matter into the atmosphere. The referral asks the Attorney General to obtain immediate injunctive relief requiring Tactical Cleaning immediately cease the discharge of flame and smoke from its flare.  The company will also be required to apply for and obtain required operating permits.