Illinois EPA Refers P. Mills, LLC, to Attorney General for Enforcement

SPRINGFIELD – Illinois Environmental Protection Agency Director Lisa Bonnett has referred an enforcement action to the Illinois Attorney General’s office against P. Mills, LLC, for causing, threatening or allowing the discharge or emission of asbestos fibers into the environment so as to cause air pollution.

P. Mills, LLC is the owner of the former Pillsbury Mills Complex is located at 1525 East Phillips in Springfield. Pre-demolition activities have been underway at the site as owners of the site are preparing structures for demolition.

In the referral, Illinois EPA asks the Attorney General to seek an Agreed Interim Order to include the State’s remediation expectations and secure the site to ensure no further work occur in contaminated areas except by those properly licensed to conduct such activities.

On August 4, 2015, IEPA received a complaint alleging the improper removal of asbestos-containing material. A notification of demolition and renovation form was filed for the Pillsbury Complex on September 9, 2014; however, the notice expired on February 14, 2015.

Illinois EPA staff visited the site on August 5 and found the site secure with no activity occurring. Illinois EPA inspectors returned to the site on August 6 and observed workers at the site. A partial inspection identified evidence of improper removal of asbestos-containing materials.

Arrangements were made with the property owner’s attorney for the site to be open for a follow-up inspection on August 7, 2015. Illinois EPA inspectors arrived at the site on August 7 to conduct a more thorough inspection, documenting areas where disturbed asbestos is present and obtained samples.

The Illinois EPA inspection identified numerous violations of State and Federal law. Through the referral, Illinois EPA is seeking prompt enforcement action and proper remediation of the site. The Agency requests a licensed project designer design and submit for acceptance, a program to determine the scope of asbestos contamination and the methods and procedures to be utilized to remediate asbestos contamination resulting from improper removal and disposal activities at the site. A licensed asbestos abatement contractor must also be retained to implement the program.