Press Release - Tuesday, December 27, 2005
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Illinois Environmental Protection Agency (IEPA) authorized removal of a seal order
SPRINGFIELD -- The Director of the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency (IEPA) authorized removal of a Seal Order, issued November 19, 2005, to a three-story apartment complex located at 225 Smith Avenue in Rockford, IL .The removal lifts the seal for everything but the basement.
In November, the three-story partially occupied apartment building was sealed after the IEPA discovered, through dust sampling, that extensive asbestos contamination from the improper removal of pipes, were present in the basement of the facility. The Seal Order restricted public access to the site, and prohibited entry by anyone except specified personnel in the performance of their duties.
The contamination within the building, coupled with the agency's conclusion that there existed an immediate danger to human health for the resident's of the building, caused concern for the IEPA.
The owner of the property hired a consultant and asbestos abatement contractor implemented a remediation plan, which was reviewed and found acceptable by the IEPA. Furthermore, air sampling performed by the consultant at the conclusion of the remediation confirmed that the building was safe for re-occupancy.
"I am pleased the hazards in this building have now been addressed and residents could move back but this situation again illustrates the importance of properly handling asbestos in the first place to avoid the need for evacuations and Seal Orders," said Illinois Environmental Protection Agency Director Doug Scott.
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