Water pollution in Montgomery County is an issue of great concern. The Asarco Taylor Springs Superfund site is a zinc smelting plant that has been linked to the severe contamination of the area’s water supply. This pollution has caused widespread negative health effects and environmental damage throughout the region.
Located in Montgomery County, Illinois, near Hillsboro, The ASARCO Taylor Springs Superfund Site was originally established in 1912 by the American Zinc, Lead, and Smelting Company as a metals plant. Over the years, the plant was home to mining operations and zinc production, as well as sulfuric acid production.
Sadly, the waste generated from these practices was improperly disposed of throughout a widespread area. Coal ash and heavy metals were left strewn throughout the soil and surface water, contaminating the local environment and creating significant health concerns for those living and working in the area.
All operations at the plant ceased in 2004, and all processing equipment was removed. However, the damage was already done. The discovery of significant water pollution in Montgomery County led the ASARCO site to be added to the National Priorities List of Superfund hazardous waste sites in September 2006.
The ASARCO Taylor Springs Superfund Site has left a trail of dangerous chemicals and contaminants in its wake. The Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry has concluded that the site and adjacent residential areas are public health hazards in addition to being a designated Superfund site.
In June 2006, investigations led by the EPA revealed alarming amounts of lead, arsenic, cadmium, and zinc. These elements are incredibly dangerous to humans when exposed, and the removal of them from the area is a heavy task.
The water pollution in Taylor Springs and the presence of zinc in Montgomery County poses a serious risk to anybody in the area, and the likelihood of possible lawsuits is high. At OnderLaw, we believe it is crucial that negligent corporations are held accountable for the harm they have caused to the environment and human health.
The chemicals and heavy metals found at the ASARCO Taylor Springs Superfund site have been linked to a number of serious health problems. Arsenic, lead, and zinc can cause both short-term and long-term medical effects for anybody who comes into contact with significant levels of these materials.
Exposure to arsenic can result in skin problems, such as thickening and discoloration, as well as cancer of the bladder, lung, and skin. Lead exposure can cause damage to the nervous system, developmental delays in children, and reproductive problems. Zinc can affect the gastrointestinal system, causing nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.
Unfortunately, these contaminants have seeped into the local groundwater, posing a risk to those who use it for drinking and other purposes. The water pollution in Taylor Springs and Montgomery County is a major concern for residents, as exposure to these chemicals can have detrimental effects on their health.
In light of these dangers, the environmental lawyers at OnderLaw are investigating possible lawsuits against those responsible for the contamination. We believe that those who have been harmed by the toxic substances at the ASARCO Taylor Springs Superfund site deserve compensation for their suffering.
The effects of the ASARCO Taylor Springs Superfund Site reach far beyond the boundaries of the town. The contaminated soil at the site has managed to spread far and wide, creating approximately 600 acres of ground and water pollution in Montgomery County. Due to the years of mining, smelting, and refining heavy metals, and improperly disposing of the waste created during these processes, the area surrounding the plant has become dangerous as well.
The EPA has reported that the drinking water in Taylor Springs is safe today with the help of a water treatment plant. However, any of the Montgomery County residents who rely on well water could be at risk of exposure. Soil contamination in the area could also pose a risk to agricultural activities.
Given the widespread impact of the pollution, residents and businesses may consider pursuing legal action against Asarco for their actions that resulted in water pollution in Taylor Springs and Montgomery County.
At OnderLaw, we are well aware of the water pollution in Taylor Springs and the overwhelming levels of Zinc in Montgomery County. Our mission is to hold corporations accountable for their negligence, and this case is no exception.
Those who were tragically affected by the chemicals in this area have a few options. One of them would be to file a case in a mass tort, which involves multiple plaintiffs filing individual lawsuits against one defendant. Mass torts can provide a more efficient way for victims to seek compensation for damages, and allow for each case to be evaluated based on its own merit.
Another potential option is a class action lawsuit, which allows a large group of people who have suffered similar harm to sue a defendant as a single entity. This can be a more cost-effective approach, as it allows plaintiffs to pool resources and share legal fees. It also increases the strength of their case by presenting a united front against the defendant.
While no amount of compensation can undo the damage caused by toxic pollutants, legal action can help provide victims with the resources they need to move forward. At OnderLaw, our experienced team of environmental attorneys is familiar with what it takes to pursue environmental lawsuits in Illinois, and aim to do just that.
If you feel you or your community has been impacted by the pollution found at this site, or any Superfund site, contact us for a free consultation today.
