Illinois AG announces consent order against salvage business

CHICAGO (Legal Newsline) - Illinois Attorney General Lisa Madigan announced a consent order Thursday against an Iroquois County automotive and salvage operation to resolve allegations of illegally storing and disposing of used tires.

Under the terms of a consent order, Milford Auto Parts must pay a civil penalty of $20,750 to resolve allegations that the company violated tire storage and disposal regulations which led to significant risks of pollution. The company must also transfer thousands of used tires and automotive waste to a facility with a permit to accept the debris.

"The facility was operating in violation of state laws that ensure the public's health and safety," Madigan said. "In addition to paying a considerable penalty, the company has agreed to remove the dangerous materials from the site as part of a comprehensive plan to clean up the area."

Madigan's office filed a lawsuit against Milford Auto Parts after the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency allegedly observed thousands of tires heaped into piles on the property in violation of state regulations. Large piles of tires can constitute a health and safety risk increasing the likelihood of runoff pollution, potential fires and the spread of West Nile virus. Milford Auto Parts also allegedly failed to pay annual storage site fees required by state law.

Madigan's office previously filed a lawsuit against Milford Auto Parts in 2006 for similar allegations.