Cook County reviewing dumping at Palatine Twp. site
Recent revelations that Cook County Highway Department workers have long used a site near Palatine as a dumping ground for potentially environmentally hazardous waste has “highlighted a need for modernization and reforms,” according to Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle.
Cook County Inspector General Patrick Blanchard in a Dec. 20 report wrote that large mounds of dirt and debris from sewers and roads — accumulated over several years — were found at the district office at Meacham and Algonquin roads in Palatine Township, as well as at a maintenance facility in south suburban Riverdale.
The report was based on a series of site inspections in October and November.
The waste contains contaminants such as gasoline, oil, antifreeze and other chemicals removed from roads and drainage areas, the report states.
The mounds concentrate the materials, allowing runoff to potentially contaminate the surrounding soils and storm sewage systems. If not treated properly, stormwater runoff could adversely affect water quality.
“What we were trying to do is make is clear that a condition exists that could result in runoff and contamination as a natural result” of the accumulation, Blanchard said. However, he said that no water toxicity tests have been done.
His office recommends that the highway department seek technical assistance in handling sewage, debris and dirt by consulting with the county Department of Environmental Control and/or the state or federal Environmental Protection Agency.
Federal EPA guidelines call for street sweepings to be stored in a location equipped to prevent stormwater runoff.
“Reform initiatives have already begun in this department, including addressing equipment needs and reviewing policies, procedures and internal controls; however to truly bring about reform a change in leadership was needed,” Preckwinkle said in a statement.
Early next year, John Yonan, former Chicago Department of Transportation deputy commissioner, will take over as highway superintendent. Rupert Graham Jr., who served under Todd Stroger, resigned from the post last summer.
In addition to the debris dumping, Blanchard's report found that the highway department routinely operates vehicles with expired state safety inspection stickers and doesn't maintain adequate controls over supplies and equipment inventories. And due to an equipment shortage, staff uses tires and fire extinguishers from previously inspected vehicles to pass safety inspections.
Preckwinkle said the report revealed a pattern of waste and mismanagement at the highway department, and that she supports Blanchard's recommendations.