The Illinois Environmental Protection Agency has turned its sights on three entities over improper asbestos handling at Joliet's historic Rialto Square Theatre. In a referral to the Illinois Attorney General's Office, the Will County Metropolitan Exposition & Auditorium Authority, along with R. Berti Building Solutions and Universal Asbestos Removal, Inc., stand accused of creating a scenario that potentially endangers both the environment and public health.

After a complaint prompted an EPA inspection on July 24, it was found that not only were there three bags of asbestos-containing materials improperly stored but also measures to contain the hazardous material were lacking. The aforementioned bags, unsealed and holding over a cubic meter of dry, regulated asbestos, posed a risk of contaminating the theatre's airspace. Despite the theatre's diverse uses, featuring a bank, university offices, and theatre offices, they affirmed in a statement that these areas, serviced by a separate HVAC system, were not affected.

As of five days post-discovery, on July 29, the theatre was made secure, which halted work indefinitely. The Illinois EPA has insisted on adherence to state and federal regulations concerning asbestos, particularly in the National Emission Standards for Hazardous Air Pollutants. This comes after the discovery pointed to substantial dangers due to the way asbestos-containing materials were managed.

The Illinois Attorney General's Office is being petitioned to enforce stringent measures, mandating that all activities at the venue cease immediately. According to the referral, this strict ban excludes Illinois-licensed asbestos professionals and workers, who the EPA must first approve, carrying out essential abatement procedures. These steps are critical to restoring safety to this shared community space, ensuring that further public exposure to hazardous materials will not contaminate the air breathed by citizens or lovers of the arts who frequent the theatre.