EPA Investigates Asbestos Violations at Peru Powerhouse
The demolition and asbestos abatement at Peru’s old powerhouse on Water Street have been halted following the investigation conducted by the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) on possible asbestos violations.
The building was inspected by the agency on June 28. According to Illinois EPA spokeswoman Maggie Carson, they found some apparent violations and are looking into the specifics of the matter to decide the further steps.
A-Unified LLC of Cincinnati (OH) took deed of the 120-year-old plant this spring at no cost. Under contract with the city, it agreed to demolish the building, pay for asbestos abatement, and once the property was empty, give the parcel back to the city. The contract allowed A-Unified to remove and sell any metals such as aluminum, copper and steel. For asbestos removal, A-Unified hired Chicago-based Colfax Corp.
According to Carson, the agency asked the contractor to voluntarily discontinue work and hire a licensed asbestos designer to put together a design cleanup plan for the building before any more work proceeding at this site.
