The small town of Streator, Illinois, has been plagued by a toxic legacy that has spanned decades. At the center of the controversy is the LaSalle Streator waste incinerator, a facility that has been burning hazardous waste since the 1970s. Despite numerous complaints and concerns raised by local residents, the incinerator remains in operation, leaving behind a trail of environmental and health problems.
A History of Pollution
The LaSalle Streator incinerator was first built in 1972, with the intention of burning hazardous waste from industrial and commercial sources. Over the years, the facility has been owned and operated by several different companies, including LaSalle Streator, Inc. and most recently, Veolia Environmental Services. Despite changes in ownership, the incinerator has consistently been the source of complaints and concerns from local residents, who have reported a range of problems including noxious odors, particulate matter, and hazardous air pollutants.
Environmental Concerns
The LaSalle Streator incinerator has been the subject of numerous environmental concerns, including the release of toxic chemicals into the air and water. According to data from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the incinerator has released a range of hazardous pollutants, including dioxins, furans, and heavy metals. These pollutants have been linked to a range of health problems, including cancer, neurological damage, and reproductive issues. Additionally, the incinerator has been cited for numerous environmental violations, including exceedances of particulate matter and sulfur dioxide emissions.
Health Impacts
The health impacts of the LaSalle Streator incinerator have been a major concern for local residents. Studies have shown that people living near the incinerator are at a higher risk of developing a range of health problems, including respiratory diseases, cancer, and neurological disorders. Additionally, the incinerator has been linked to birth defects and reproductive problems in the local community. Despite these concerns, the incinerator remains in operation, with many residents feeling that their health and well-being are being sacrificed for the sake of profit.
Community Response
The community response to the LaSalle Streator incinerator has been intense, with many local residents and organizations calling for the facility to be shut down. In recent years, there have been numerous protests and rallies, as well as petitions and letter-writing campaigns. Local residents have also formed their own organizations, including the Streator Citizens for Environmental Justice, to fight for their rights and demand action from government officials. Despite these efforts, the incinerator remains in operation, leaving many to feel frustrated and disenfranchised.
Government Response
The government response to the LaSalle Streator incinerator has been slow and inadequate, with many feeling that regulators have failed to take adequate action to protect the health and well-being of local residents. The EPA has issued numerous citations and fines to the incinerator’s owners, but the facility remains in operation. State and local officials have also been criticized for their failure to take action, with many feeling that they have been too quick to prioritize the interests of the incinerator’s owners over the needs of the local community.
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The LaSalle Streator waste incinerator is a toxic legacy that continues to plague the small town of Streator, Illinois. Despite numerous complaints and concerns raised by local residents, the incinerator remains in operation, leaving behind a trail of environmental and health problems. It is time for government officials and regulators to take action, and to prioritize the health and well-being of the local community. The people of Streator deserve better, and it is time for the LaSalle Streator incinerator to be shut down for good.
Sources:
- Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). (2020). LaSalle Streator Incinerator.
- Illinois Environmental Protection Agency (IEPA). (2019). LaSalle Streator Incinerator: Compliance History.
- Streator Citizens for Environmental Justice. (2020). About Us.
Contact:
If you are concerned about the LaSalle Streator waste incinerator and want to get involved, you can contact the Streator Citizens for Environmental Justice at [email protected] or (815) 672-4444.
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