Madigan
SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (Legal Newsline) - Illinois Attorney General Lisa Madigan filed a four-count lawsuit on Wednesday against a Franklin County man who allegedly operated an open dump.
Floyd Burns allegedly ran a salvage yard on a 10-acre site located on Hill City Rd. west of Benton. The Illinois Environmental Protection Agency says it inspected the property and uncovered wood scraps, discarded furniture, scrap metal, approximately 100 used tires, approximately 100 cars and other refuse scattered throughout the area.
The site allegedly violated multiple state environmental safety regulations. The IEPA referred the case to Madigan's office for prosecution after multiple inspections.
"This open dump is not just an eyesore, but it poses a potential health hazard in violation of Illinois law," Madigan said.
Each of the four counts could carry a potential civil penalty of $50,000 and $10,000 per day the violations continue.
"We value the vast natural resources we have here in Illinois," Madigan said. "It is critical that we protect our water and wildlife and ensure that these precious resources are restored whenever they have been polluted."