Press Release - Monday, July 17, 2006
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Illinois EPA Seals Harold's Pallets in East St. Louis and refers site to State's Attorney for additional enforcement
SPRINGFIELD--- Illinois Environmental Protection Agency Director Doug Scott has sealed the site known as Harold's Pallets, located at 922 North First Street, East St. Louis, in St. Clair County, due to public health and safety concerns, including repeated fires.
The Seal Order restricts public access to the site, and prohibits entry by anyone except authorized personnel in the performance of official duties. Those entering the site must also comply with applicable OSHA regulations.
In addition, the Illinois EPA has asked the St. Clair County State's Attorney to take immediate enforcement action against Harold's Pallets in order to remove the environmental and public health dangers presented on this site and protect the public.
Harold's Pallets is purportedly being operated as a pallet recycling business. In response to a complaint from the St. Clair County Board, the Illinois EPA inspected the facility on May 26, 2006, where the inspector observed stockpiles of pallets that have been onsite for an estimated five years. The waste on this and an adjacent property continues to build, as people have been driving by and dumping their trash, including mattresses, demolition debris and other wastes.
The Illinois EPA has significant concern for the public and believes the site is causing a substantial danger to the environment and public health in the form of numerous fires. At least four fires have been documented to date.
The Illinois EPA will continue to work with the St. Clair County State's Attorney and other officials to see that the danger to the public is abated.
The Seal Order will remain in effect until rescinded by Director Scott.
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