Press Release - Monday, October 17, 2005
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Illinois EPA Seals Cairo Property Due to Asbestos Contamination and Other Public Health Hazards
SPRINGFIELD --- An unoccupied hospital and the property on which it is located in Cairo, formerly known both as St. Mary's Hospital and Southern Medical Center, was ordered sealed to the public today by Illinois Environmental Protection Agency Director Doug Scott.
After receiving reports that the public was freely entering the property, and that public health and safety concerns were present in the building, Illinois EPA conducted an inspection of the property on Wednesday, October 12. The agency identified numerous instances of possible asbestos containing materials and collected confirmatory samples. Once the results were received on Friday, the Illinois EPA took the necessary steps to order the property sealed to prohibit public access.
During the inspection, Illinois EPA observed what appeared to be old medical records covered with asbestos, as well as other medical items of concern. The Illinois Department of Public Health was notified and is working with state agencies, the Alexander County State's Attorney and the Attorney General's office to determine the appropriate cleanup objectives to ensure the public's health and safety.
The Illinois EPA has also been working with Alexander County State's Attorney, Jeffery Farris to ensure enforcement of the seal order. The state's attorney's office is notifying local law enforcement agencies.
"The owner of this property has a responsibility to obey the law and safely handle asbestos containing materials," said Director Scott. "The failure to do so and the failure to restrict access to the property and building have posed a threat to public health."
The Illinois EPA and other state agencies are discussing options available to ensure that the site is secure and that the health and safety of the public is protected.
According to information received by the Illinois EPA, the building has been unoccupied since 1996 since it was acquired by the present owners, and has been allowed to deteriorate.
The seal order is in effect until the Director of the Illinois EPA determines the contamination has been removed. The order prohibits entrance into the building without approval of the Director and violating it is punishable as a Class A misdemeanor. IDPH officials will be allowed to enter the building in order to secure medical and public health documents, as well as other remaining medical items.
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