SAUGET, Ill. – Illinois Attorney General Kwame Raoul has filed a lawsuit against a Sauget facility owner, accusing the company of negligence in storing hazardous chemicals and dumping chemical waste.
Raoul announced the lawsuit Friday against JET Enterprises & Holding Company LLC. His office says the litigation is based on a referral from the IEPA.
The lawsuit claims that JET improperly stored numerous hazardous chemicals, illegally and openly dumped dangerous metal and chemical waste, and contaminated some sources or standing water.
The lawsuit is pushing to require JET to retain a qualified environmental consultant to prepare a plan to investigate the extent of contamination and complete remedial work under Illinois EPA oversight.
“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 said. “The lawsuit against JET is an important step toward accountability. I am also seeking an order against JET to ensure its facility no longer poses a threat to the environment and the health of the residents nearby.”
Raoul’s office says that JET’s facility opened as a zinc refining facility in 1929. Throughout the years, a cadmium plant, a melt and casting plant and cooling towers all were constructed on the site to assist in operations. The facility served as a zinc refining facility under various owners until 2005.
Raoul filed a motion for an immediate and preliminary injunction with the lawsuit.
“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. “Through an injunction, the company will have to obtain Illinois EPA approval before proceeding with remediation efforts and will ultimately be required to address any contamination caused by construction activities.”
FOX 2 was unable to reach JET Enterprises & Holding Company LLC for comment.
