The state of Illinois is suing a company on Chicago’s south-east side for not containing harmful pet-coke ash.
Illinois Attorney General Lisa Madigan has filed a lawsuit against KCBX, a company owned by the wealthy Koch Brothers,
Madigan’s office alleges the company is violating state environmental laws.
KCBX is contracted by oil giant BP to handle tons of pet coke, a dust-like substance that is sold as a cheap fuel in foreign markets.
Huge piles of it are stored along the Calumet River.
In recent months, much of the dust has allegedly been landing around the homes of residents, affecting property and health.
Madigan spokeswoman Natalie Bauer.
BAUER: We’re looking to have the company put into place some controls and appropriate measures to put a stop to the serious health and environmental concerns
Last week some residents filed their own lawsuit against KCBX.
KCBX says it is investing 10 million dollars in a dust suppression system, but declined to comment on the lawsuits
State sues Chicago company for ash pollution
