AURORA, Ill. – Continuing her efforts to protect the environment, legislation supported by state Rep. Stephanie Kifowit, D-Oswego, to increases the oversight of the storage of large quantities of car tires was signed into law last week.
“Negligence and irresponsibility are no excuse for putting lives and the environment in danger,” Kifowit said. “This new law will help protect both the environment and residents who leave near tire storage facilities.”
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The new law, Senate Bill 2671, requires tire storage sites that contain used tires totaling more than 10,000 tires, or process more than 500 tons of used tires in a calendar year, to submit documentation to the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency (IEPA) by January 1, 2015 showing compliance with the rules of the Pollution Control Board. Additionally, such tire storage facilities will be required to receive a permit from the IEPA. The permit will allow the IEPA to impose additional conditions including requiring period reports, access to records, and inspections.
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This legislation was introduced in response to a tire fire in the downstate Illinois community of Hoopeston which occurred last year and burned intermittently for a month. The resulting pollution caused the small town of Hoopeston to experience pollution problems that are still being addressed. In addition to the pollution problems, the town was forced to replace much of their fire equipment due to overuse caused by the fire.
“Environmental tragedies like the Hooperston fire are unacceptable and must be avoided in the future,” Kifowit said. “Tire fires harm the environment and create numerous health risks.”
For more information, please contact Rep. Kifowit’s constituent service office at 630-585-1308, email Stephanie.Kifowit@att.net, or visit www.ILDistrict84.com.
