Across the nation, Superfund sites are known to be some of the most polluted and dangerous sites for anybody to live or work near. Their deadly chemicals can cause a number of adverse health effects to anybody exposed to them. As an environmental attorney in Illinois, OnderLaw is dedicated to seeking justice for the communities and families who have suffered as a result of the contamination at this site.
The Acme Solvent Reclaiming Inc. Superfund Site in Illinois has a long and sordid history of contamination that has had a severe impact on the surrounding communities. This 20-acre site was used as a drum storage and disposal area from 1960 to 1970, and it was only after it was abandoned that the full extent of the contamination was revealed.
Subsequent testing of groundwater found it to contain volatile organic compounds (VOCs) such as trichloroethylene (TCE), and soil sampling identified VOCs, phthalates, polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), and metals including lead and chromium. This contamination posed significant health risks to those living nearby, and many were left suffering from a range of serious illnesses and health conditions.
To address the contamination, the site is being addressed through federal, state, and potentially responsible party (PRP) actions. This includes providing an alternate water supply to affected neighbors and implementing institutional controls to prohibit contact with the contaminated groundwater.
The remedy for the contamination has involved a range of measures, including installation of on-site fencing, low-temperature thermal stripping of excavated soil, operation of a soil vapor extraction system, tank content disposal and tank removal, installation and operation of a groundwater pump-and-treat system, and provision of an alternate water supply to affected homes.
While construction has been completed, site monitoring and operation of the groundwater pump-and-treat system have continued. Overall, the Acme Solvent Reclaiming Inc. Superfund Site remains a significant environmental and health risk to the surrounding communities, and continued efforts will be necessary to mitigate these risks in the years to come.
When Illinois corporations fail to adhere to regulations and put communities at risk, victims have the right to contact an environmental attorney in Illinois. At OnderLaw, we are dedicated to protecting and seeking justice for anybody living near a Superfund site, and the Acme Solvent Reclaiming site is no exception.
If you live or have worked near this site, it’s important to know the dangers associated with the site.
The Acme Solvent Reclaiming Inc. Superfund Site in Illinois is known for its dangerous chemicals that pose a significant threat to the environment and the health of nearby communities. The chemicals found at the site include PCB, TCE, heavy metals, and other hazardous substances.
PCB (polychlorinated biphenyl) is a synthetic chemical compound used extensively in the manufacturing of electrical equipment, insulation, and hydraulic fluids. PCBs are highly toxic, and long-term exposure can cause cancer, immune system problems, and reproductive disorders.
TCE (trichloroethylene) is a common industrial solvent used to clean metal parts and electronic components. TCE is highly volatile and easily evaporates into the air, causing severe respiratory problems, liver damage, and nervous system disorders.
In addition to these two dangerous chemicals, heavy metals such as lead, mercury, and chromium have also been found at the site. These heavy metals are known to cause severe health problems, including neurological disorders, developmental delays, and reproductive problems.
To remediate the site, a plan was developed to remove and treat contaminated soil and groundwater. The plan included installing a groundwater treatment system, a vapor extraction system, and a landfill cap to contain contaminated materials.
The remediation process was lengthy and challenging, requiring careful planning, execution, and monitoring. But, despite these efforts, there are still potential risks associated with the site, and the communities nearby may continue to be exposed to harmful chemicals.
That’s why it’s crucial for Illinois environmental attorneys to stay vigilant and hold the responsible parties accountable for any harm caused. Legal action can help compensate victims, hold polluters accountable, and raise awareness of environmental issues that threaten public health and safety.
As the communities around the Acme Solvent Reclaiming Inc. Superfund Site continue to deal with the health risks associated with the chemicals found at the site, there may be options for legal action.
One potential avenue for seeking justice is through a toxic tort lawsuit. This type of lawsuit is designed to hold companies accountable for exposing individuals to dangerous chemicals, and seeks to compensate victims for the harm caused.
Another possibility is a class action lawsuit, which could be brought on behalf of a group of people who have been affected by the contamination. This type of lawsuit allows multiple individuals to come together to pursue legal action against a common defendant, and can be an effective way to pool resources and share the costs of litigation.
The OnderLawyers are well-equipped to help those affected by the Acme Solvent Reclaiming Superfund Site navigate the complex landscape of environmental law and pursue legal action. With their extensive experience in this area, they can provide guidance and support every step of the way.
Ultimately, the goal of any legal action would be to hold the responsible parties accountable for their actions, and to help ensure that those affected receive the compensation they deserve for the harm caused. With the help of skilled environmental lawyers, this can be achieved, and the communities impacted by the Acme Solvent Reclaiming Superfund Site can move towards a brighter future.
To speak with an experienced environmental attorney in Illinois, contact us today.
