Rockton Chemical Fire: EPA Cites Air Pollution Violations

ROCKTON, IL — The Illinois Environmental Protection Agency has cited Chemtool Inc., a chemical plant in Rockton that continues to burn after a Monday explosion, for violating environmental regulations regarding air pollution.

The IEPA asked the attorney general's office to require Chemtool, which is owned by Lubrizol Company, to immediately stop the release of pollution and identify the cause of the fire. These estimations would help officials know exactly the amount of emissions that may linger in the air. Some of these chemicals include sulfuric acid mist, nitrogen and other particulate matter.

Additional violations could be added, according to state officials.

Chemtool Inc. is a grease manufacturing plant. The fire triggered a plume of smoke large enough to be seen for 30 miles.

A disaster proclamation, which will allow for additional state help and potentially federal assistance, is also in effect at least until June 21 across Winnebago County, according to WIFR.

As of Tuesday afternoon, a private firefighting company from Louisiana was pumping foam onto the remains of the fire. Concerns about water shortage and chemical runoff into the nearby Rock River caused fire personnel to rethink their strategy.

Fire officials announced plans to protect the nearby river beginning at 11 a.m. Tuesday so that emergency crews could suppress the fire in a more "offensive" attack instead of defensive, according to Rockton Fire Chief Kirk Wilson.

Wilson said the fire, which has caused roughly 1,000 residents to evacuate their homes, still has to burn off about half a million gallons of oil before officials can begin investigating what caused the fire.

Smoke and debris from the fire, which started at around 7 a.m. Monday, have made air conditions dangerous for those living near the plant. Many who live within a one-mile radius have been evacuated and village officials are asking those who live within a three-mile radius of the plant to wear masks outside and limit exposure to outdoor air.

No injuries have been reported among Chemtool's approximately 50 employees working at the plant. One of the first firefighters on scene was taken to the hospital and evaluated for breathing difficulty, but was later sent home.

Winnebago County public health officials said at a press conference the main goal was life-saving and monitoring environmental concerns such as air quality and water contamination. Dr. Sandra Martell, a public health administrator for the county, said onlookers and curious residents should refrain from being anywhere near the "hot-zone" unless absolutely necessary.

Martell also stressed the importance of not handling any debris that may blow from the chemical plant into yards or other property.

Alicia Tate-Nadeau, director of the Illinois Emergency Management Agency, said during a Monday night press conference some chemicals the response team is monitoring for include lead, antifreeze, sulfuric acid and nitrogen. Knowing the exact combination of substances, she said, will help officials determine the best way to attack the fire.

"Please understand this is one of the largest facilities in the nation that has different oils," Tate-Nadeau said. "So, when there's a bunch of different chemicals in there and one of the things the chief looks at is what is in there and how do they work together?"

On Monday, Gov. J.B. Pritzker said he had deployed the National Guard to help fight the blaze.

Residents can call 815-972-7300 or email rocktonchemfire@wchd.org for questions related to the fire, waste and debris, said Martell.