Illinois EPA Grants Provisional Variance At Request Of Caterpillar Inc., Mossville, Illinois

Springfield, Ill. --- The Illinois EPA today granted a provisional variance to Caterpillar Inc. of Mossville in Peoria County.  The variance will temporarily allow Caterpillar to store hazardous waste beyond 90 days without having to obtain a permit and operate as a hazardous waste storage facility.  This Caterpillar facility performs heavy equipment research and development.

The waste is stored and managed on site consistent with the requirements of 35 Ill. Admin Code 722.134(a).  The wastes are stored in 5 gallon or smaller polyethylene containers designed to resist moisture and chemicals.  The wastes are all stored in the facility's 90-day storage area, which is located outside on a concrete pad with controlled access, roof and secondary containment.

The Illinois EPA is granting Caterpillar’s request for a provisional variance as extreme weather conditions delayed the scheduled removal of the wastes until after the 90-day accumulation period had expired and Caterpillar has demonstrated that an unreasonable hardship would result in the event of a denial.  The Illinois EPA action is based, in part, upon Caterpillar’s representation that no adverse environmental effect is expected as a result of the requested relief.