Environmental Cleanup Information for the Rochelle Manufactured Gas Plant in Rochelle, Illinois
Rochelle MGP
Frequently Asked Questions
A – Nicor Gas is working to clean up the former Rochelle MGP to current environmental standards by participating in the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency’s (Illinois EPA) voluntary Site Remediation Program. Nicor Gas has evaluated soil and groundwater conditions at the Rochelle MGP at 208 2nd Avenue in Rochelle, Illinois.
Q – What is the Rochelle Manufactured Gas Plant (MGP) Environmental Cleanup Project?
A – Contractors will remove MGP residuals and soils that exceed applicable Illinois EPA cleanup objectives using a combination of excavation methods. The remnants of below-ground structures and foundations will also be removed as part of this effort. The work will begin in December 2025 and is expected to last approximately one year. After the objectives have been met, the excavation will be backfilled with clean material and the property will be restored.
Q – What are the next steps in the project?
A – The work will be conducted in accordance with applicable local requirements. People in the vicinity may notice odors similar to roofing tar or moth balls. Although odors may become noticeable at times, they are not considered a health risk. An air monitoring program will be used to demonstrate that there are no adverse impacts to air quality in the area. The site will be secured with fencing and access is limited to properly trained workers. Trucks will be covered and cleaned before they leave the site and a street sweeper is used on nearby streets, if needed. Work typically will be conducted during weekday daytime hours.
Q – What steps are being taken to minimize impacts from the project on the surrounding community?
A – Prior to the mid-1900s, MGPs provided gas for lighting, cooking, heating and industrial applications. The Rochelle MGP was active from 1906 until 1947. Rochelle Gas Company and Allied Gas Company owned the property before it was acquired by Nicor Gas in December 1965. The property is currently fenced and vacant.
Q – What is the history of the Rochelle MGP?
A – Manufactured gas typically created byproducts such as ashes, cinders and tar. Tar was typically stored in underground structures at plant sites and sold for use in road paving, roofing materials and other commercial products.
Q – What were the byproducts and residuals?
A – Tar and other MGP residuals can contain polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), such as naphthalene; volatile organic compounds (VOCs), such as benzene and toluene; and metals and other inorganic materials. PAHs are commonly found in the environment, because they form as a result of combustion, such as from vehicle exhaust. VOCs are often found in fuels and solvents. More information about these compounds is available from the federal Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry website: http://www.atsdr.cdc.gov/.
Q – What is the chemical makeup of the residuals?
A – PAHs and VOCs associated with MGP residuals have been detected in soils and groundwater. Because the MGP residuals are beneath the ground and are covered by asphalt, people are not in contact with them. The community’s drinking water supply is not affected.
Q – How have the residuals impacted the environment?
A – Environmental studies have been completed. Nicor Gas is working with the City of Rochelle and has developed a plan for cleanup of the MGP residuals.
MGP residuals and soils which exceed applicable Illinois Environmental Protection Agency (Illinois EPA) cleanup levels will be removed using a combination of excavation methods. This work will begin in December 2025 and is anticipated to last approximately one year.
Q – What actions has Nicor Gas taken to address MGP residuals?
A – The project is being conducted in cooperation with, and with oversight by, Illinois EPA through its voluntary Site Remediation Program. The Illinois EPA reviews, evaluates and approves actions and reports associated with the project. For more information on the Illinois EPA’s role in the Rochelle MGP Environmental Cleanup Project, please contact Sabrina Bailey, Community Relations Coordinator, Illinois EPA, at 847-294-4394 or sabrina.bailey@illinois.gov.
Q – What is the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency’s role in the project?
A – This website will be updated periodically to include additional information on the site for the duration of the project. The Flagg-Rochelle Public Library District, 619 4th Avenue, has a collection of documents about the project. If you have questions about the Rochelle MGP Environmental Cleanup Project, please email the project team at info@rochellesite.info, click here or call Kevin Gadzala, Nicor Gas Regional Manager, Community Affairs at 224-227-5594.