In a decisive legal move, Attorney General Kwame Raoul secured a preliminary injunction against the Will County Metropolitan Exposition & Auditorium Authority over questionable practices in the removal and storage of asbestos at Joliet’s iconic Rialto Square Theatre. This development is part of an ongoing lawsuit that implicates the Authority along with two other defendants, according to the Illinois Attorney General's Office.
The injunction lays down stringent conditions, mandating that the Authority stick to an approved asbestos removal plan, and within 30 days, they are to submit a comprehensive report on demolition activities and waste materials removed. Additionally, the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency (IEPA) must green-light any future demolition before it takes off. "The agreed injunction will ensure asbestos remediation can continue at the theatre with safety protocols in place and oversight by the Illinois EPA," Raoul stated, underscoring the essence of worker and public safety.
Originally prompted by a referral from the IEPA, Raoul's lawsuit alleges that unsafe renovation practices were followed by the Authority, R. Berti & Son Contractor Inc., and Universal Asbestos Removal Inc., resulting in the mishandling of asbestos materials - a serious public health hazard. Attorney General Raoul stressed the gravity of the situation, noting that asbestos exposure at any level is unsafe and linked to severe diseases like lung cancer, mesothelioma, and asbestosis.
In a statement given by IEPA Acting Director James Jennings, he conveyed, "Illinois EPA referred this case because of the concerns raised by our inspection of the facility, which clearly indicated improper removal, handling, and disposal of asbestos-containing material." These insufficient practices posed an unacceptable risk to public health and the environment. Observations during the IEPA’s investigation revealed inadequately sealed bags of asbestos and lacking containment measures that could allow airborne fibers to spread.
Per the IEPA-approved work plan enacted by the injunction, the Authority is compelled to remove all asbestos contamination adequately. Moreover, the spaces must be confirmed safe before the theatre doors can reopen to the public. This case is being managed by Senior Assistant Attorney General Christopher Grant and Assistant Attorney General Cara Sawyer from Raoul’s Environmental Bureau.
