Legal Action Over Asbestos Violations in Glen Ellyn

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News Summary

The Illinois Attorney General’s office has filed action against Go Glen Ellyn Two LLC and others for asbestos mismanagement during a demolition project.

Legal Action Over Asbestos Violations in Glen Ellyn

The Illinois Attorney General’s office has taken significant action against Go Glen Ellyn Two LLC, Burdi Custom Builders Inc., and Concrete Construction Company for gross mismanagement of asbestos during the demolition of the former America’s Best Value Inn located at 677 Roosevelt Road in Glen Ellyn, Illinois. The Attorney General obtained a preliminary injunction against the defendants, who now face serious scrutiny for their actions.

Improper Demolition Practices Exposed

Concerns over safety were raised when a vigilant citizen notified the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) regarding the improper handling of asbestos at the demolition site. Following this complaint, inspectors uncovered a multitude of violations under the Illinois Environmental Protection Act. Among these infractions was the alarming sight of demolition debris, including asbestos, recklessly mixed with other rubble and left exposed without any protective coverings, significantly raising health risks to both workers and the public.

Immediate Compliance Required

The injunction mandates that the defendants devise an approved asbestos removal plan within 21 days. This plan must ensure safety protocols are in place for both workers and bystanders throughout the removal and demolition processes. The companies involved have committed to adhering strictly to federal and state regulations in all future demolitions, reflecting an intense pressure to rectify their practices in light of such public health concerns.

Public Health at Stake

The threats posed by asbestos exposure cannot be overstated. Asbestos fibers released into the environment can lead to a variety of health issues, including serious respiratory diseases. The Attorney General has highlighted the critical importance of following laws regarding asbestos removal, aiming to protect the health and safety of the community.

Future Plans for Community Engagement

Adding to the local discourse on asbestos management, a public meeting is scheduled regarding the McKee House Project on February 22 at 2 p.m. at the Glen Ellyn Historical Center. This initiative aims to transform the McKee House into a Native American Cultural and Environmental Center after being unoccupied for over 20 years. The building is one of Illinois’s top 10 endangered historic places, and prior plans awarded a grant in 2018 for roof work will now also address the removal of asbestos and restoration of critical structural components.

Proposed upgrades will not only involve improvements to the building’s electricity, heating, and plumbing, but they will also include addressing the existing asbestos in a safe and compliant manner, thus preventing further environmental and health issues.

Schools Addressing Asbestos Concerns

In related news, Hinsdale Central High School has reported findings of asbestos in the gymnasium lobby and athletic locker rooms. However, school officials have stated that the asbestos is currently undisturbed and presents no immediate hazard to students or staff. Plans are set for removal between September 9 and 12, with Environmental Services, Inc. overseeing the process, conducted by a licensed local firm. This proactive approach underlines the necessity for continuous vigilance regarding asbestos risks in aging educational facilities.

Despite ongoing remediation efforts over the past 20 years, some asbestos remains in older buildings across the state, emphasizing the importance of following stringent safety and environmental regulations. As demolition activities proceed in Glen Ellyn and other parts of Illinois, strict adherence to protocols is paramount for safeguarding public health and preserving the community’s well-being.