EPA to keep watch over the former Cargill/Pillsbury demolition
State environmental officials plan to monitor work at the former Cargill/Pillsbury plant after tests determined several years ago there is asbestos at the site.
An inspector from the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency visited the property this week after residents in the area raised concern about initial work at the site, but found no violations, agency spokeswoman Maggie Carson said.
“They were removing items, but none of the items were asbestos-containing items,” said Carson, referring to a crew from Ley Metals Recycling Inc., the Springfield company that bought the plant from Cargill Corp.
The state also called in outside experts in 2005 to evaluate the site for assistance through a “brownfield” program for environmental cleanups, but Carson said it is up to the new owner to apply for that aid.
She added that the state EPA will have to be notified if asbestos is disturbed by the site work.
“Anytime you’re going through a demolition process, a business like this would have to document that the asbestos is being managed properly, or that it is being removed in an appropriate way,” Carson said. “The asbestos that is there is contained and is not considered a public health issue.”
|
Linear Mode
