Press Release - Monday, November 21, 2005
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Illinois EPA Seals Rockford Property Due to Asbestos Contamination
SPRINGFIELD --- An apartment building and the property on which it is located at 225 Smith Avenue, Rockford, was ordered sealed to the public today by Illinois Environmental Protection Agency Director Doug Scott.
The building, a three-story apartment complex, was partially occupied and has been evacuated by Rockford officials.
The Illinois EPA conducted an inspection of the property after receiving complaints that there might be asbestos containing materials, or ACM, in the building. During the inspection, pipes covered with suspected ACM were observed at the rear of the building. Samples of the suspect material were collected and analysis confirmed that the materials contained asbestos.
The Illinois EPA believes that recent renovation of the building included improper removal of pipes covered with asbestos-containing thermal insulation. The owner of the property, JFS, LLC, of Rockford, has retained the services of a consultant to conduct further sampling to determine if residual contamination exists.
"The owner of this property has a responsibility to obey the law and see that asbestos containing materials are handled safely," said Director Scott. "The failure to do so has posed a threat to public health."
The seal order will remain 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 of the Illinois EPA and violating it is punishable as a Class A misdemeanor. The Illinois EPA will work with local law enforcement agencies to ensure enforcement of the seal order.
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