Dozens of Aurora families were ordered out of their homes at Fox Shore Apartments this spring after state inspectors concluded that renovation work likely released asbestos fibers inside the four-story building. The Illinois EPA issued a building-wide evacuation and halted all work while licensed professionals designed and carried out abatement and decontamination. Tenants were directed into temporary housing as contractors prepare the site for air-clearance testing, which must be completed before anyone can move back in.
State Inspectors Tie Asbestos To Renovation Work
According to an inspection report from the Illinois EPA, inspectors visited the Fox Shore Apartments on March 3 and confirmed that removal of acoustic ceiling texture and other renovation activities in vacant units disturbed asbestos-containing material. The report states that initial cleanup efforts were not enough to keep contaminated dust from spreading and that the agency ordered all renovation work to be stopped until an approvable abatement plan is in place. The four-story, 94-unit building at 430 North River Street in Aurora now sits in limbo while it waits for a state-approved cleanup plan before residents can return.
Dozens Displaced As Building Is Decontaminated
As reported by FOX 32 Chicago, state inspectors said unsafe renovation work may have exposed residents to asbestos, forcing dozens of families to temporarily move out while the building is cleaned and decontaminated. Video from the station showed tenants packing belongings and staff coordinating temporary housing. FOX 32 Chicago noted that state officials are overseeing the cleanup process and did not provide a firm timeline for when families might be able to return.
Relocation Plan And Enforcement Referral
According to a press release from the Illinois EPA, the property owner has prepared a relocation plan, and the agency has referred the case to the Illinois Attorney General’s Office for enforcement over alleged violations of the Illinois Environmental Protection Act, the federal Asbestos NESHAP, and state pollution rules. The agency stated that all work should remain halted until a project design plan is approved and that only licensed asbestos contractors are allowed to perform the abatement and clearance testing. State oversight will continue until air-clearance tests confirm the building is safe for residents to move back in.
Health Guidance And What Comes Next
The Illinois Department of Public Health urges anyone with possible asbestos exposure to seek medical evaluation and provides clinician guidance and FAQs for both providers and patients. Clearing a building of asbestos can take weeks to months, depending on the level of contamination and required testing, and officials say tenants should wait for formal air-clearance results and official notifications before returning to their units.
