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U.S. EPA Surveys Illinois flood waste

Release Date: 07/09/2008
Contact Information: Mick Hans, 312-353-5050, hans.mick@epa.gov Phillippa Cannon, 312-353-6218, cannon.phillippa@epa.gov

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
No. 08-OPA116

CHICAGO (July 8, 2008) - U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Region 5 has begun to assess 19 flood-impacted Illinois counties. The effort, called a "mission assignment" was requested by the Federal Emergency Management Agency and the state of Illinois, which have provided $200,000 to conduct the work.

EPA's field operations include assessment, cleanup and disposal of hazardous materials and oil releases, including orphan containers.

The 19 counties: Adams, Edgar, Calhoun, Clark, Coles, Crawford, Cumberland, Douglas, Hancock, Henderson, Jasper, Jersey, Lake, Lawrence, Mercer, Pike, Rock Island, Whiteside and Winnebago.

Illinois residents who observe releases of oil, gasoline or chemicals, or any stray barrels, waste containers, cylinders and pressure vessels should call the Illinois Emergency Management Agency's toll-free 24-hour phone line: 800-782-7860.

More information about Midwest flood response and recovery is available at: http://www.usa.gov/flooding.shtml.

As with any flooding situation, EPA recommends that residents avoid contact with floodwater. More EPA advice about floods is available at: https://www.epa.gov/naturalevents/flooding.html.