The office of the Illinois Attorney General is taking legal action against the proprietors’ operators of Lake Behavioral Hospital located in Waukegan and its subcontractors over claims of incorrect handling and disposal of asbestos laden materials while tearing down a property. The legal action was initiated by Attorney General Kwame Raoul in Lake County court and involves V. Covington Realty LLC, V. Covington LLC, Reed Illinois Corporation, K.L.F. Enterprises Inc., and Alliance Environmental Control Inc.

Lawsuit Information

Raoul is pressing for an immediate order that mandates the firms to propose a strategy to clean the area and safely wrap up the property teardown. Raoul stated that those who run Lake Behavioral Hospital recruited contractors who jeopardized public health by exposing individuals to harmful asbestos laden materials. He pledged his commitment to holding these parties responsible for creating this risk as well as preventing any further harm to civic health or the environment.

Results from Federal Investigation

The legal case follows a federal probe that discovered 36 safety and health protocol breaches during demolishing the previous hospital building. OSHA declared that K.L.F Enterprises, a demolition subcontractor based in Chicago, got cited for knowingly laying bare employees and others to severe risks associated with asbestos during knocking down former Lake Behavioral Hospital.

Hospital Background

The structure was once Vista Medical Center West then St Therese Medical Center before its current existence. The hospital premises at issue contains three structures now out of use but linked to an existing medical campus accessible by public visitors. Demolition work stopped abruptly on site in November 2023 after fully demolishing one edifice but only partially another whereas no demolition had started on a third one.

Claims in Lawsuit

Allegations in the lawsuit cover that the companies neglected due inspection for asbestos before beginning any demolition work and this failure resulted in releasing asbestos into the air. They are also accused of not properly disposing asbestos laden materials, starting the demolition without giving appropriate prior notice, and managing asbestos laden substances without qualified personnel on ground. The dangers of having no safe level of being exposed to asbestos include serious illnesses like malignant lung cancer, mesothelioma, and asbestosis.

Reaction from Illinois Environmental Protection Agency (IEPA)

Raoul’s case is built upon a referral made by IEPA. “On receiving complaints about this site, we executed a comprehensive inspection and found there had been incorrect handling of asbestos during demolishing”, IEPA director John Kim remarked. “The investigation compelled us to halt rest of work at site then refer matter to Attorney General’s office for strict enforcement. Plans to secure facility have already been submitted with 24hrs security along with ongoing watering down of demolished material.”

Commitment towards Public Safety

Raoul plans to obtain an agreed order requiring defendants continue maintaining the facility as per requirements set down by IEPA which includes preventing removal or discharge anything particularly of dangerous asbestos compound.

The idea is also that hospital should commit following,

• Write an assurance letter addressed to IEPA ensuring full compliance with all requisite policies when going ahead with future demolitions or renovations
• Appointing an expert certified by Illinois state over checking of possible infection due to any existence asbestos across facility.
• Put together a plan designating cautious demolition plan at site seeking complete approval from IEPA.
• Keep records regarding asbestos incidence accessible across facility.

Support from Lake County State’s Attorney’s Office

During legal prosecution, Lake County State’s Attorney’s Office added its support. “Every person should live within safe surroundings and being exposed to asbestos at the Lake Behavioral Hospital is an environmental hazard,” claimed local State’s Attorney Eric Rinehart. “Our office plan is to work closely with the IEPA and Attorney General team in order to keep businesses responsible, ensure that sites are properly cleaned and prevent any further asbestos exposure.”

It’s highlights grave concern of Illinois officials towards safeguarding public health-giving precedence towards overall protection from hazardous materials such as asbestos.