MORRIS, Ill. (WBBM NEWSRADIO) -- The Illinois Environmental Protection Agency is asking for legal action against the battery company in far southwest suburban Morris where a large fire continues to burn.
The Illinois EPA has referred an enforcement action to the Illinois Attorney General’s Office against Superior Battery Inc., located at 919 E. Benton St., in Morris, following a massive lithium battery fire.
The referral cites violations of the Illinois Environmental Protection Act and Illinois Pollution Control Board Regulations related to the release or potential release of pollutants to the atmosphere and water, and to improper waste handling.
On Tuesday, June 29, a fire broke out at the building owned and operated by Superior Battery Inc. Initial reports to the Morris Fire Department indicated the building contained approximately 180,000 to 200,000 pounds of lithium batteries. The fire produced smoke containing potentially dangerous substances. The smoke plume prompted an evacuation order by local authorities of a one-square mile radius around the facility, affecting approximately 1,000 homes.
In the referral, Illinois EPA alleges Superior Battery Inc. has caused, threatened, or allowed the discharging of contaminants to the air and water, and disposed or abandoned waste at an unregulated facility.
The referral asks the Attorney General to pursue legal action and require Superior Battery Inc. to take a number of actions.
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