Prairie State Wire

Illinois Environmental Protection Agency issued the following announcement on Dec. 2.

The Illinois Environmental Protection Agency Director John J. Kim has referred an enforcement action to the Illinois Attorney General's office against Mayco Manufacturing, LLC, doing business as Mayco Industries. The company operates a lead melting and refining facility located at 1200 16th Street, Granite City (Madison County). The referral cites violations of the Illinois Environmental Protection Act and Illinois Pollution Control Board Regulation related to increased lead emissions in Granite City near the facility.

Beginning in October 2018, monthly lead emissions averages began to increase at a lead monitor located approximately 0.3 miles from the facility. Concentrations had not been measured as high in nearly six years, indicating the elevated readings are due to lead emissions originating from an emission source in the area. Lead emissions continued to be monitored, and in early 2019, lead levels in the ambient air began measuring near or above the National Ambient Air Quality Standard for lead. Meteorology from the high-concentration days indicated Mayco was the likely source.

Illinois EPA initiated an investigation and issued a violation notice to Mayco on August 8, 2019. During oversight of recent testing, Illinois EPA also identified several other areas of noncompliance. Mayco temporarily halted facility refining operations on November 19, 2019 but has not committed to fully address all identified concerns prior to restarting operations.

In the referral, the Agency cited numerous violations of the Illinois Environmental Protection Act and asked the Attorney General to seek immediate injunctive relief against the company. It also requests that Mayco continue to cease and desist from all operations until such time as it can operate in compliance with applicable requirements.

Original source can be found here.