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Attorney general acts in ExxonMobil chemical leak

JOLIET — The Illinois attorney general’s office and Will County prosecutors have filed a complaint against ExxonMobil for a hydrogen sulfide leak at a suburban Chicago oil refinery.

The complaint filed Thursday in Will County Circuit Court alleges a March equipment malfunction at the Channahon Township facility caused the release of hydrogen sulfide for more than 9 1/2 hours.

Hydrogen sulfide smells like rotten eggs, and if breathed in high concentrations can cause the loss of consciousness, shock, convulsions and death.

Attorney General Lisa Madigan and Will County State’s Attorney James Glasgow asks the court to order ExxonMobil to take corrective actions to prevent another occurrence. The complaint asks for penalties of more than $50,000.

In acknowledging the complaint, ExxonMobil said it will work with Madigan and Glasgow to resolve the issue.

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