IL Attorney General sues JET for environmental violations at its Sauget facility, demands cleanup.
May 8, 2024
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IL Attorney General sues JET for environmental violations at its Sauget facility, demands cleanup.
In recent news, the Illinois Attorney General's office has filed a lawsuit against JET Enterprises & Holding Company LLC (JET), alleging several violations related to the improper storage of hazardous chemicals, illegal dumping of metal and chemical waste, and contamination of standing water at their facility in Sauget, Illinois. This case highlights the importance of enforcing environmental regulations to safeguard public health and the environment and the ensuing complexity that can follow.
The lawsuit, filed in St. Clair County Circuit Court, accuses JET of negligent operations that have failed to prevent releasing hazardous waste into the environment. The facility, which has a long history dating back to 1929 as a zinc refining facility, has undergone various operations over the years, including construction of additional plants and cooling towers. Despite changes in ownership, the facility remained operational as a zinc refining facility until 2005, when it came under the ownership of JET.
The Attorney General's office alleges that JET's improper storage practices and illegal dumping have posed significant risks to the environment and the health of nearby residents. The lawsuit seeks to compel JET to engage a qualified environmental consultant to assess the extent of contamination at the site and to undertake necessary remedial actions under the oversight of the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency (IEPA).
Furthermore, the lawsuit requests an immediate and preliminary injunction to address the ongoing environmental threats posed by JET's facility. These legal actions aim to hold JET accountable for its actions, ensure the cleanup of contamination, prevent further environmental harm, and provide additional environmental benefits to affected communities.
The JET case is just one example of the Illinois Attorney General's efforts to enforce environmental laws and regulations in the state. The Attorney General's Environmental Enforcement Division plays a crucial role in civil environmental litigation, with over 25 attorneys working across Illinois to protect the environment.
State agencies, including the IEPA and the Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR), are vital in referring environmental enforcement matters to the Attorney General's office. These referrals may involve violations of statutes aimed at protecting air, land, water, and natural resources. The Attorney General's office works closely with these agencies to investigate violations, file civil actions, and ensure compliance with environmental laws.
In addition to enforcing existing environmental laws, the Illinois Attorney General collaborates with other state attorneys general and governmental entities to advocate for effective federal environmental regulations. These efforts include opposing federal government and energy agencies' attempts to repeal or weaken regulations that protect air, land, water, and public health.
The Attorney General's office strives to uphold environmental protections and ensure the well-being of Illinois residents and ecosystems through litigation in federal courts and public comment submissions to regulatory agencies.
The JET case highlights the importance of enforcing environmental regulations to address environmental violations and protect public health and the environment. While it is critical that government agencies fiercely pursue the law, businesses are entitled to vigorous defense. Litigation watches will have to wait and see how the case proceeds.
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