Chicago area church under investigation for asbestos material

(June 17, 2011)The Chapel on the Green in Yorkville, Illinois is in the news this week as a roof replacement has turned controversial after an investigation was cited for improper handling of asbestos material. The Illinois Environmental Protection Agency announced this past week that it will move forward in an attempt to enforce a citation against Advanced Roofing, who worked on the roof repair at the chapel.

The EPA inspector claimed that the workers from Advanced Roofing had been carrying material with asbestos using open wheelbarrows, then dumping the asbestos into unlined trash containers. Investigators said that pieces of the asbestos material were essentially being tossed on the ground, as well as altered by being driven or walked over.

This violates the strict rules that are required for asbestos removal, mainly because of the severe risks that come with friable or altered asbestos. If asbestos exposure occurs while the fibers are in friable or disheveled form, risk of developing debilitating cancer such as mesothelioma and asbestosis is present. Usually asbestos must be removed using specialized gear, as well as wetting agents, breathing respirators and containers among other things.

The case will likely be turned over to the attorney general, because the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency has little authority to enforce consequences. In Illinois, its setup so that the attorney general’s office handles most of the enforcement relating to environmental issues. In the coming weeks, the attorney general’s office will decide to either seek possible fines or penalties against one or both the Chapel on the Green and Advanced Roofing.

The Illinois Environmental Protection Agency is suggesting that the chapel retain a licensed asbestos removal contractor to begin remediation of the area, which would help to eliminate future instances of asbestos exposure risk.  Moving forward, the chapel has a new roof, but along with Advanced Roofing, they will continue to wait on a ruling from the attorney general on any future citations and enforcements.