Facility Posed West Nile Virus Threat
Chicago–(ENEWSPF)–September 6, 2013. Attorney General Lisa Madigan yesterday announced that an Iroquois County automotive and salvage operation will pay a substantial civil penalty for illegally storing and disposing of used tires. The company also has been ordered to transfer thousands of used tires and automotive waste to a facility with a permit to accept the debris.
As part of a consent order entered this week in Iroquois County Circuit Court, Milford Auto Parts must pay a civil penalty of $20,750 to resolve a six-count complaint Madigan’s office previously filed. The Attorney General’s complaint alleged, among many violations, that the company violated tire storage and disposal regulations at its facility at 902 N. State Route 1, Milford, and its faulty operations posed considerable risks of pollution.
“The facility was operating in violation of state laws that ensure the public’s health and safety,” Madigan said. “In addition to paying a considerable penalty, the company has agreed to remove the dangerous materials from the site as part of a comprehensive plan to clean up the area.”
Madigan’s complaint noted that her office previously filed suit against Milford Auto Parts in 2006 for similar violations. The Illinois Environmental Protection Agency initiated new inspections at the business beginning in 2010, and inspectors observed thousands of tires heaped in piles on the property in violation of state regulations that aim to minimize health and safety risks, including potential fires, runoff pollution and the spread of the West Nile Virus. Additionally, Milford Auto Parts was delinquent in paying annual storage site fees mandated by state law.
Assistant Attorney General Kelly Phelps is handling the case for Madigan’s Environmental Bureau.
Source: illinoisattorneygeneral.gov
