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Six-Alarm Fire in Chemical Plant Results in Environmental Suit

  • Illinois AG Kwame Raoul sued chemical manufacturer Chemtool Inc. over allegations that a six-alarm fire in its chemical factory resulted in air and water pollution in violation of the Illinois Environmental Protection Act.
  • The complaint alleges that containers storing over 4 million gallons of crude oil and petroleum products were compromised by the fire in Chemtool’s factory, resulting in significant air and water pollution; that the fire released toxic ash into the air that landed on buildings, land, and water; and that firefighting foam containing a “forever chemical” was found in the nearby Rock River after a pump failure, among other things.
  • The complaint seeks declaratory and injunctive relief—including requiring Chemtool to contain and prevent further chemical discharges and runoffs—clean-up costs, civil penalties, and attorneys’ fees and costs, among other things.