Activities associated with the cleanup project are typical of large construction projects. Soils exceeding Illinois EPA standards and remnants of below-ground structures are being safely removed and disposed of at a licensed facility. The excavation is then filled with clean materials.

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• Trucks entering and leaving the project site are taking excavated soil and remnant structures to a licensed disposal facility and bringing clean backfill to the site. Trucks are covered and cleaned before leaving the site. A street sweeper is used on nearby streets, if needed. The truck routes have been developed with input from the City of Rochelle.

• Work is typically conducted on weekdays during daytime hours. Occasionally, work may occur on a Saturday. People who are nearby during active work at the site can expect to hear large excavating equipment.

• While the cleanup is in progress, you may also notice occasional odors similar to moth balls or road paving materials. These odors become noticeable at levels well below those that would present a health risk.

• An air monitoring program is used to demonstrate that there are no adverse impacts to air quality in the surrounding area. Dust and air emissions are monitored with portable devices in the immediate work area and by stationary air monitoring equipment located near the site’s perimeter. The monitors provide information to the site workers so abatement actions can be taken as work progresses, if needed.

• In keeping with standard federal health and safety procedures, workers performing activities on-site wear personal protective equipment which may include Tyvek coveralls to keep themselves clean.

 

After the cleanup work is completed and the property is restored, a report will be prepared to document the work and will be submitted to Illinois EPA for its review and approval.