Quantcast

LEGAL NEWSLINE

Friday, March 29, 2024

Ill. AG announces temporary closure of McHenry Co. company during explosion inquiry

Madigan

CHICAGO (Legal Newsline) - Illinois Attorney General Lisa Madigan announced Thursday that a Cary-based aerosol paint manufacturing company will stay closed until an inquiry can determine the cause of a recent explosion and fire.

The March 6 explosion and fire caused three injuries and led to the evacuation of the facility. Madigan's office filed a three-count lawsuit against Fox Valley Systems Inc. and FVMS Inc. alleging substantial danger to the environment, water pollution hazards and air pollution hazards resulting from the explosion and fire.

Each of the three counts seeks the maximum statutory civil penalty of $50,000 per violation and $10,000 per day for every day the company remains in violation.

Fox Valley Systems produces spray paints used in marking and striping surfaces.

"We must determine what circumstances led to this dangerous event, mitigate any environmental damage and ensure the facility is safe for workers to return," Madigan said.

On Thursday, the McHenry County Circuit Court entered an agreed order filed by Madigan's office with Fox Valley Systems Inc. and FVMS Inc. The order requires the defendants to conduct a complete analysis of the events leading up to the explosion and fire and present a plan to prevent future incidents. Fox Valley Systems cannot reopen the facility until meeting the requirements of the agreed order.

Additionally, the defendants must secure the damaged facility to prevent access, make sure chemicals and other materials at the site are removed safety, and provide the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency and Madigan's office with the names and quantities of chemicals released into sewer drains, the air and the ground surrounding the plant following the incident.

ORGANIZATIONS IN THIS STORY

More News