AG Madigan announces settlement with Atkinson landfill

Attorney General Lisa Madigan today announced a settlement with a Henry County landfill that will prevent it from operating until numerous environmental violations are corrected.

The settlement was entered today in Henry County Circuit Court with the operators of the Atkinson Landfill Co., based in Atkinson, Ill. The settlement implements requirements that the company must undertake, including upgrades and repairs to the landfill.

The Illinois Environmental Protection Agency(EPA) referred the case to Madigan’s office after inspections revealed numerous alleged violations of state environmental laws and regulations of Atkinson Landfill’s permit.

“This settlement will ensure that the company operates in accordance with state laws that protect the surrounding communities from landfill contamination,” Madigan said.

Under the consent order, the company is required to apply for a permit to properly close a portion of the landfill known as Phase I and II; repair all erosion channels, cracks, rills, gullies and depressions in a portion of the landfill known as Cell A; apply for an operating permit to develop a portion of the landfill known as Cell B; submit a work plan for the management of storm water at the landfill; repair a groundwater monitoring well; comply with requirements for the use of wood chips and fiber cement production waste as cover or temporary road base at the landfill; apply for a permit to repair an exposed liner adjacent to Cell A at the landfill; conduct an emission rate calculation; submit outstanding air and water reports, and employ a licensed landfill operator and sufficient personnel to manage the day-to-day operations. The company must also pay a civil penalty of $98,000.