Attorney General Kwame Raoul is taking a Sauget company to court over claims of hazardous waste mismanagement, jeopardizing both the environment and public health. The lawsuit, filed in St. Clair County Circuit Court, hits JET Enterprises & Holding Company LLC with allegations related to its storage of dangerous chemicals and improper waste disposal methods. In a hard-nosed push for legal accountability, Raoul has called for an immediate preliminary injunction to prevent the facility from continuing operations that could further damage the area.
Decades of industrial activity have left a significant mark on Sauget, Illinois. Launching operations as a zinc refining site in 1929, the location has seen various owners and expansions, including a cadmium plant and cooling towers. JET, the latest company to own the site, failed to properly stow hazardous waste and allowed illegal dumpings that threaten nearby residents, according to the Illinois Attorney General's Office. "Illinois law is clear – companies that own and operate industrial facilities have a legal obligation to properly store dangerous chemicals and safely dispose of waste," Raoul stated, putting the spotlight on corporate environmental responsibility.
The legal action spearheaded by Raoul seeks to force JET to immediately hire an environmental consultant. The consultant's task would be to draft a plan to survey and resolve site contamination under the watchful eye of the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency (IEPA). Furthermore, the lawsuit could mean the company faces civil penalties pending a court decision, with exact figures to be set by statute. The Attorney General's move is backed by a referral from the IEPA; Carol Wong, the reporting Assistant Attorney General from Raoul's Environmental Law Bureau, championed the enforcement of civil environmental laws, aiming to reclaim millions from polluting entities.
Environmental justice is at the epicenter of Raoul's crusade, especially since the troubled site dwells within a community at higher risk of environmental hazards. "Illinois EPA referred this matter to the Attorney General’s Office to ensure no additional work would be conducted at the site that could negatively impact the environment and nearby properties," said Illinois EPA Director John J. Kim, as per the Illinois Attorney General's Office.
While the attorney general's office puts pressure on JET, they also encourage the public to remain vigilant. Community participation is essential, with Raoul's office asking residents to report environmental concerns by emailing [email protected].
