EPA Announces Start of Asbestos Cleanup at the Illinois Cabinet Site in Rockford, Illinois

EPA Announces Start of Asbestos Cleanup at the Illinois Cabinet Site in Rockford, Illinois

September 30, 2024

CHICAGO (September 30, 2024) - Today, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency began a cleanup at the Illinois Cabinet Co. site in Rockford, Illinois. EPA crews will remove asbestos-contaminated debris at the defunct company site at 2525 11th St. and will transport the waste to an EPA-approved facility. It will take about 4 months to complete the work.

EPA will remove unstable buildings and spray water on debris to control any dust. The agency will also monitor the air to ensure asbestos fibers do not leave the cleanup area.

The sidewalk outside the site on 11th Street will be closed off with temporary fencing throughout work activities. Residents could see more traffic and hear noise around the cleanup area.

From 1906-1973, the Illinois Cabinet Co. manufactured wooden furniture. Since then, the site has been primarily used as a storage warehouse for a variety of companies or sat mostly vacant. In 2023, the property owner hired a salvage company to extract valuable building materials which resulted in severely weakening the five-story building's structure.

A December 2023 fire at the site caused damage throughout the 1.6-acre site that was extensive enough for the city of Rockford to condemn the building. Earlier this year, the city requested EPA's assistance to clean up the site. EPA confirmed that materials containing asbestos are among the piles of debris from the fire. The agency also found evidence of trespassing and vandalism and concluded that there is a risk of asbestos-containing materials moving off-site from a building collapse, weather or by trespassers.

Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral that has a fibrous form which makes it a strong and heat-resistant material. It was historically used in many products and is still present in older homes and buildings.

Breathing in fibers from the breakdown or disposal of old asbestos products can cause harmful health effects. Potential health issues can include shortness of breath and a persistent cough. Long-term exposure is linked to mesothelioma and lung cancer. As a result, EPA has banned most uses of asbestos.

Please visit EPA's website for more information.