Attorney General Kwame Raoul has secured an immediate and preliminary injunction against the Will County Metropolitan Exposition & Auditorium Authority. This development is part of an ongoing lawsuit concerning the alleged improper handling and storage of asbestos-containing materials during renovations at the Rialto Square Theatre in Joliet, Illinois.
The injunction mandates that the Authority implement an approved asbestos remediation plan at the theatre, ensuring worker and public safety. Within 30 days, the Authority must submit a report detailing prior demolition activities, waste materials collected, and other relevant data. Furthermore, written approval from the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency (IEPA) is required before resuming any demolition work.
"The agreed injunction will ensure asbestos remediation can continue at the theatre with safety protocols in place and oversight by the Illinois EPA," Raoul stated. He emphasized that mishandling asbestos poses significant health risks to workers and the public.
In September, Raoul filed a lawsuit against several parties including R. Berti & Son Contractor Inc., operating as R. Berti Building Solutions, and Universal Asbestos Removal Inc., alleging unsafe renovation practices involving asbestos at the historic site. Exposure to asbestos fibers can lead to severe illnesses such as lung cancer and mesothelioma.
Raoul's action follows a referral from IEPA due to concerns raised during their inspection of the facility. IEPA Acting Director James Jennings remarked on the risks posed by improper handling of asbestos: "Those activities at the facility created an unacceptable risk to public health and the environment."
An IEPA inspection revealed improperly sealed bags containing dry asbestos material on-site, posing environmental hazards due to potential fiber release. The investigation also found inadequate isolation measures during removal operations.
The court-approved work plan requires comprehensive remediation of all contaminated areas before reopening for safe occupancy.
Senior Assistant Attorney General Christopher Grant and Assistant Attorney General Cara Sawyer are managing this case within Raoul’s Environmental Bureau.