Elgin company cited for paint found in Tyler Creek

Elgin-based A C Pavement Stripping Co. has been cited with illegal dumping in connection with a yellow substance found last week in Tyler Creek, according to city officials.

The paving and asphalt business was cited with “illegally dumping paint into the stormwater system and ultimately Tyler Creek and the Fox River,” according to a citation, which was viewed through the Freedom of Information Act.

Colby Basham, Public Works Department superintendent in charge of the water distribution system and sewer divisions, said legally, nothing is supposed to go into the storm drains except stormwater.

“Technically, you’re not even supposed to be flushing tap water,” Basham said.

Yellow paint was seen March 30 in Tyler Creek near Davis Road and Route 31 and again last week before it was traced to the company.

The ticket for illegal dumping in Elgin is $50 and fines could be levied up to $750 based on the result of an adjudication hearing, according to Basham. A C Pavement Stripping is due in Elgin’s adjudication court May 2.

A representative from A C Pavement Stripping declined to comment for this story.

The Illinois Environmental Protection Agency is also following the case. While IEPA attorney Mike Roubitchek said he could not comment on this case specifically, he said fines vary based on the severity of the illegal action. Generally when the IEPA refers a case to the attorney general or a local state’s attorney it recommends a civil penalty at the same time, Roubitchek said.

Enforcement action is expected against A C Pavement Stripping but the process could take up to a couple months.