November 18, 2024
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Attorney general and Winnebago state’s attorney file lawsuit related to Rockton chemical plant fire

By Sauk Valley Media staff report

The Mt. Morris Fire Department was one of several fire crews are at the scene of a structure fire at Chemtool on Prairie Hill Road in Rockton Monday morning. Smoke from the fire could be seen from Ogle County prompting the sheriff to issue a warning to residents living east of Meridian Road. (RG Hough)

CHICAGO – The state attorney general and the Winnebago County state’s attorney filed a lawsuit in Winnebago County Circuit Court on Friday related to the June 14 fire at the Chemtool facility in Rockton that burned for several days and required evacuations.

Kwame Raoul, attorney general, and J. Hanley, state’s attorney in Winnebago County, allege that Chemtool’s actions pose a substantial danger to the public’s health and welfare and the environment. The lawsuit also includes allegations of air and water pollution, creating a water pollution hazard, and unauthorized waste disposal. Raoul and Hanley allege that Chemtool is liable for damages and for the costs the state and Winnebago County have incurred in responding to the incident.

Chemtool’s Rockton plant manufactures grease, lubricating oil and fluids. More than 4 million gallons of crude oil were stored at the facility, which is located near residences and the Rock River.

Raoul’s lawsuit is based on referrals from the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency and the Illinois Emergency Management Agency.

The lawsuit would require Chemtool to assess the extent of the contamination, and take immediate corrective actions to address the release of pollutants to air, water and land. Other civil penalties are addressed in the lawsuit.

In related news, the IEPA said samples it and the Illinois National Guard collected have confirmed that air and water quality have not been affected by efforts to extinguish the fire. Samples were taken of ash, runoff and the Rock River. All but one, which was taken close to the Chemtool property, tested below the residential exposure limit. Wells in the vicinity that provide drinking water were tested and were found to be in compliance.

Only one sample in the Rock River exceeded water quality standards. The IEPA said the increased level of carbon disulfide would decrease through streamflow.

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency began collecting air samples on June 14. State and local health officials are encouraging area residents to participate in an online survey to see if there were any related medical issues develop. The survey will continue until Thursday, July 15.


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