Wilmette No Permit?

Here's the update on the developer's removal of fuel tanks from the old Ford dealership on Wilmette's Green Bay Rd. Tuesday morning. I still do not have a report from the Wilmette Fire Dept. on their call Tuesday night along with Nicor to inspect the site. See earlier post Fumes Reported at Wilmette Site. The developer on this project is Wilmette Village Center LLC. Story in Wilmette Life here, quoting Brooks Kellogg of the consortium, whose firm also manages the Chase bank building.

I called the State Fire Marshall, Bill Alderson, to ask for the facts and left a message, as he was on the phone and is following up locally. In the meantime I was able to reach Illinois EPA Emergency Inspector Jim Clark, based in Des Plaines. He had spoken to Mr. Alderson and confirmed that there was no permit issued for the fuel tank or tanks removal. The State Fire Marshall, according to the law, needs to issue a permit and be present on-site at the removal to certify no contamination or supervise any cleanup of contamination if necessary. Mr. Clark also said that it would be unlikely there was no contamination as this was an older facility and pre-1998 tanks were constructed in such a way that it was difficult to avoid some spillage as they were being filled. He said if there was contamination at a site there is a lengthy process that the EPA must supervise to be sure the site is clean.

I asked Mr. Alderson about the possibility that the fuel could have leaked into the sewer line. He said that sewer pipes are put in a trench with gravel and are designed to have water migrate to it, they are not designed to be waterproof. He said if there was a spillage the fuel would normally travel along the trench until it could find a place to migrate in, and as it floats on top of the water it would flow in fairly easily. Depending on whether it was gas or diesel would affect flammability.

If anyone saw these tanks being removed Tuesday morning, please comment or email me at backyardconservative@gmail.com.

I would point out though, who had a great view of this illegal activity---Wilmette Village Hall, right across the street. (Pix is front view, back faces Green Bay Rd.)

UPDATE: I just spoke with Bill Alderson of the State Fire Marshall's office and he confirmed they have no record of a permit for tank removal. He is sending an inspector over in the morning.