After spending almost 9 months and close to $2 million, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) said their asbestos cleanup project failed. For 16 years, the site in question has been seeping dangerous asbestos into the town of Springfield, Illinois.
About Asbestos
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) identifies six types of asbestos minerals: chrysotile, amosite, crocidolite, tremolite, anthophyllite, and actinolite. Although all commercial forms of asbestos are carcinogenic, there are differences in their chemical compositions.
Asbestos once filled countless U.S. homes and businesses in the form of insulation and heat-protecting materials. Throughout the construction boom following WWII, asbestos was a key element in thousands of industrial and household products, including drywall, wiring, glues, and adhesives, ceiling tiles, cement, and shingles.
Some of these asbestos products remain in old structures and are usually harmless. This is as long as no one disturbs the substance. Workers usually were exposed to the harmful natural mineral while on the job, but others, including their family members, also faced secondary exposures at home and environmental exposures in communities that mined or processed asbestos.
Occupations that are at high risk for exposure in older buildings include firefighters, contractors, demolition workers, electricians, and plumbers.
Asbestos Dispute in Springfield
The site in question in Springfield Illinois, is the former location of a Pillsbury Mills plant. The original flour milling plant, which was built in 1929, has been closed since 2001. It was once a booming Pillsbury processing and distribution factory that produced a wide range of products, including cereals, breads, flours, cornmeal and grits. Joey Chernis, partner in P. Mills, LLC, owns the former Pillsbury Mills plant in Springfield that’s been sitting vacant since 2001.
The company currently faces a $500 daily fine retroactive to Sept. 9 for failure to contain asbestos and secure the 18-acre site, according to State Journal Register. The Illinois attorney general sued P. Mills and Midwest Demolition, owned by Chernis’ father, after the state’s Environmental Protection Agency inspectors discovered dozens of plastic bags filled with asbestos and asbestos-contaminated debris improperly disposed.
According to Chernis, the company already spent $15,000 to hire an environmental engineer, but it can’t afford to complete the entire cleanup.
Therefore, the EPA stepped in. They removed 2,200 tons of asbestos-contaminated debris and 1,160 cubic yards of bulk asbestos. Unfortunately, there were hard to reach asbestos locations within the buildings on the 18 acres. Without other options, local authorities fenced off the abandoned property to prevent trespassers from the danger spots.
This shows that asbestos is very dangerous even after lengthy cleanup efforts fail. Unfortunately, this city is still being exposed to the deadly material and governmental agencies are trying to wash their hands of continued efforts.
Get Help with a Complex Litigation Attorney
It is important if asbestos has been found in your local school, business or factory to read up on mesothelioma. If a doctor has already diagnosed you, you need a complex litigation attorney. A complex litigation attorney like those found at The Michael Brady Lynch Firm is critical when seeking help to cover your asbestos-related expenses. Identifying when and where you were exposed to asbestos is crucial to your lawsuit. Experienced lawyers are familiar with companies that used asbestos and know which job sites had a significant amount of asbestos use. Also, they know which products contained high concentrations of the toxic mineral. Consultations are completely free, confidential and have no obligation.
The Michael Brady Lynch Firm has successfully represented thousands of consumers and recovered millions of dollars for their clients. The industry has recognized our team of attorneys as some of the most experienced and successful in the country. Many seek out our award-winning staff for our knowledge on complex litigation, scientific evidence development, negotiation strategies and trial tactics.
Most of all, our law office is resourceful and dedicated to pursuing any compensation you are due. Because of this, we have received a high degree of peer recognition and professional achievement, such as inclusion on numerous Plaintiff Steering Committees. We will take whatever legal measures are necessary when fighting for your rights to damages.