Illinois EPA Closes Former School Laden with Asbestos

November 15, 2006 - The former Roach School in Decatur, Illinois, which will soon become a small townhouse development, has been sealed off by the state Environmental Protection Agency due to concerns over asbestos contamination.

The Herald and Review reports that the former elementary school was ordered sealed until the asbestos contamination can be removed.  Any violation of the seal order will be punishable as a misdemeanor.

The owners of the school, Affordable Property and Construction LLC, say the property has been abandoned for years and asbestos should have been a concern during that time.  However, it was only recently that an unidentified person reported concerns about loose asbestos fibers and abundant asbestos dust escaping into the nearby neighborhood.

"From a safety standpoint, we're pleased to see that the building appears to have been secured by the state, as from day one, neighborhood safety has been our biggest concern," said assistant city manager, Billy Tyus. "We will continue to pursue action against the owner in court in an effort to find a permanent solution to the problem."

The Oklahoma City group that now owns the former Roach School has been working to bring the property up to city code. They are being fined $250 each day until the roof is repaired and all openings are secured, reports the city.

The EPA was alerted to the problem when they received a phone call which reported that crumbling asbestos floor tiles had been disturbed.  EPA representatives had been denied entry to the building earlier this month but did speak with workers who noted that they “were sweeping crumbled floor tiles and that the building was dusty,” reports the Herald and Review.