CHICAGO (Legal Newsline) - Illinois Attorney General Lisa Madigan filed a new lawsuit on Tuesday against a Chicago-based material storage company for allegedly violating water pollution and open dumping laws at its north terminal.
This is the second lawsuit filed by Madigan against KCBX Terminals Company. Madigan's second suit alleges KCBX violated state law by insufficiently storing piles of petroleum coke and coal, allowing storm water runoff to contaminate the Calumet River.
"In the course of our efforts to address pollution violations associated with the refinery materials storage sites on Chicago's southeast side, we have uncovered additional violations of state environmental protection laws that must be addressed," Madigan said. "My office is continuing to work on several fronts, both in the courtroom and in the legislature, to force these companies to clean up their act in the interest of the surrounding community's health and safety."
Madigan filed her first lawsuit against KCBX in November, alleging air pollution violations at the company's other facility on South Burley Avenue. Madigan's office received complaints from nearby residents alleging that mounting piles of pet coke and coal were sending black dust clouds into their residential neighborhood.
A case management hearing for the second lawsuit was scheduled for July 2.
Pet coke is dangerous if inhaled and can contribute to respiratory health problems. The substance is particularly harmful for individuals suffering from asthma, lung disease and heart disease.
Ill. AG files additional lawsuit against KCBX Terminals over pet coke
