Chicago–(ENEWSPF)–April 17, 2013. Attorney General Lisa Madigan today announced a lawsuit against a Bureau County food processor for discharging high concentrations of wastewater into the village of Walnut’s sewer system and illegally dumping dairy waste on public property.
In November 2011, an Illinois Environmental Protection Agency (IEPA) inspector observed a tank truck from Avanti Foods discharging dairy waste from the plant in a field just north of the village. After issuing a violation notice to Avanti as a result of that incident, in March 2012, the IEPA inspected the facility, which is located at 108 Depot St. in Walnut, and observed dairy residue in and near floor drains and sewer inlets that posed a threat of contamination if the waste materials were to wash into the storm sewer system.
“Our office will pursue this case to ensure the company is held accountable for violating state public health and environmental laws,” said Madigan.
Allegations of water pollution, open dumping on public property and permit violations are contained in the complaint filed in Bureau County Circuit Court. Madigan’s lawsuit seeks the statutory maximum civil penalty on all 10 counts.
Assistant Attorney General Evan McGinley is handling the case for Madigan’s Environmental Bureau.
Source: illinoisattorneygeneral.gov
