• Public Meeting: South Ashland Demolition
• USACE Damen Silos Community Meeting
• Heat Watch Chicago Report Launch
• Update: Damen Silos
• Damen Silos Routine Maintenance
• Asbestos Abatement at NRG Fisk Station
• Public Meeting: Damen Silos
• Heat And Air Quality In Chicago
• Southside Recycling
• Cumulative Impact Assessment
• New Environmental Justice Executive Order
• Mat Asphalt Settlement
• New Rock-Crushing Facility Rules
• Schroud Property
• Vulcan Materials Company
• Reporting Environmental Violations
• Chicago Air Quality Zoning Ordinance
• RMG Expansion On The Southeast Side
• Lakeshore Recycling Systems Expansion
• Metal Management Midwest, Inc. (Sims) - 2023 update
• Chicago Rail and Port, LLC
• Green Era 83rd Street

CDPH Issues Deficiency Letter for Large Recycling Facility Permit Renewal

On July 19, 2024, the Chicago Department of Public Health (CDPH) issued a deficiency letter on the Large Recycling Facility permit renewal application from Sims Metal Management for the continued operation of its recycling facility at 2500 S. Paulina Street.

Read the full deficiency letter here.

The company must now submit a written response that addresses the items in the deficiency letter. Within ten days of receiving the company’s response, it will be posted on this website, and another 30-day comment period will commence.

Public Meeting Notice 7/11/24: 1111 West Cermak Avenue Demolition

Please join the City of Chicago for a public meeting regarding the demolition at 1111 West Cermak Avenue. Topics to be covered include safe demolition, oversight, dust control measures, and environmental and health protections, as an environmentally complex demolition.

Join the discussion Thursday, August 1, at 5:30 pm, at Dvorak (Anton) Park, located at 1119 West Cullerton Street, Chicago, IL 60608. Spanish translation will be available.

Learn more about complex demolitions at chicago.gov/complexdemolitions.

Public Meeting Notice 7/3/24: 12200 South Stony Island Avenue and 12260 South Carondolet Avenue Demolition

Please join the City of Chicago for a public meeting regarding two demolitions: one at 12200 Suth Stony Island and one at 12260 South Carondolet Avenue. Topics to be covered include safe demolition, oversight, dust control measures, and environmental and health protections, as an environmentally complex demolition.

Join the discussion Tuesday, July 16, at 6 pm, at Big Marsh Park, located at 11559 South Stony Island Avenue, Chicago, IL 60617. Spanish translation will be available.

Learn more about complex demolitions at chicago.gov/complexdemolitions.

Public Comment Period Opens: Stockyards Materials, LLC

POSTED JUNE 28, 2024

On June 14, 2024, Stockyards Materials, LLC (Stockyards Materials) submitted a Large Recycling Facility (LRF) application for its permit renewal as a Class V Recycling Facility. The original renewal application was submitted on April 18, 2024, and a deficiency letter was sent by CDPH to the facility on May 28, 2024, requesting a LRF application under those Rules. Stockyards Materials holds a permit as a Class V Recycling Facility and has been in compliance based on its current permit. However, based on the Large Recycling Facilities (LRF) Rules approved and posted by the City on June 5, 2020, Stockyards Materials now qualifies as a Consequential Large Recycling Facility.

As part of the CDPH Guidelines Regarding Permitting Process For Consequential Large Recycling Facilities, Reprocessable Construction/Demolition Material Facilities, and Waste Handling Facilities, CDPH must post the application for public comments within 10 business days of receipt, triggering a 30-day public comment period, during which a community meeting may take place, if there is significant public interest. The public comment period will be open June 28, 2024 – July 28, 2024.

Review the application here.

All written public comments should be submitted to envcomments@cityofchicago.org by July 28, 2024.

Public Meeting Notice 6/12/24: 3600 South Kostner Avenue Demolition

Please join the City of Chicago for a public meeting regarding 3600 South Kostner Avenue. Topics to be covered include safe demolition, oversight, dust control measures, and environmental and health protections, as an environmentally complex demolition.

Join the discussion Wednesday, June 26, at 6 pm, at Piotrowski (Lillian) Park, located at 4247 W. 31st Street, Chicago, IL 60623. Spanish translation will be available. 

Learn more about complex demolitions at chicago.gov/complexdemolitions.

Public Meeting Notice 6/3/24: Freedom Center and U-Haul Demolition

Please join the City of Chicago for a public meeting regarding the demolition of the Freedom Center and nearby U-Haul, located at 777 West Chicago Avenue and 700 West Erie Street. Topics to be covered include safe demolition, oversight, dust control measures, and environmental and health protections, as an environmentally complex demolition.

Join the discussion Friday, June 14, at 6 pm, at Jesse White Community Center, located at 410 West Chicago Avenue, Chicago, IL 60654. Spanish translation will be available.

Learn more about complex demolitions at chicago.gov/complexdemolitions.

Public Comment Period Extended Through June 21: Sims Large Recycling Facility Permit

ORIGINALLY POSTED MAY 22, 2024

UPDATED TO REFLECT PUBLIC MEETING INFORMATION JUNE 6, 2024

UPDATED TO INCLUDE WRITTEN PUBLIC COMMENTS RECEIVED JULY 11, 2024

On April 22, 2024, pursuant to the Rules for Large Recycling Facilities, the public comment period for the Sims Metal Management (Sims) large recycling facility permit renewal. As part of the process, CDPH hosted a public meeting on May 15, 2024, to help the City better understand and address community concerns as it completes its review of the draft permit.

Based on feedback received during the public meeting on May 15 and the significant public interest, as well as the goal of providing an opportunity for the residents to review additional materials submitted by Sims, CDPH extended the public comment period for the large recycling facility permit renewal for an additional 30 days (through June 21).

As part of this extended public comment period, CDPH hosted a second public meeting. The meeting took place on Friday, June 21, at 6 pm at St. Pius V Church, located at 1919 South Ashland Avenue, Chicago, IL 60608. The meeting recording is available here. 

• Review the original application
• Review the supplementary materials from January 2023
• Review the supplementary materials from April 2024
• Review the air modeling report update and cover letter from May 2024
• Request the raw modeling data from May 2024 by emailing Abraham.PerezKiamber@cityofchicago.org
• Download the public meeting notice in English or Spanish

The written public comment period closed June 21, 2024. All written public comments submitted to envcomments@cityofchicago.org by this date are now available here as part of the standard LRF permit process.

Background materials are available below, including the public notice that was shared on April 22 and updated May 3, as well as original public comments available here.

Public Meeting Notice 5/3/24: Ogden Keeler Industrial Buildings Demolition

Please join the City of Chicago for a public meeting regarding multiple addresses listed on Ogden Avenue, Kedvale Avenue, and Ogden Avenue. Topics to be covered include safe demolition, oversight, dust control measures, and environmental and health protections, as an environmentally complex demolition.

Join the discussion Monday, May 13, at 7 pm, at Greater St. Paul Ame Church, located at 4236 West Cermak Road, Chicago, IL 60623. Spanish translation will be available.

Learn more about complex demolitions at chicago.gov/complexdemolitions.

Public Comment Period Opens: Sims Large Recycling Facility Permit

ORIGINALLY POSTED APRIL 22, 2024

UPDATED TO REFLECT PUBLIC MEETING INFORMATION MAY 3, 2024

On April 4, 2024, the Chicago Department of Public Health (CDPH) granted an air pollution control (APC) permit to Sims Metal Management (Sims) for installation of air pollution control devices. The APC permit supports the implementation of Sims’s agreed interim order with the Office of the Illinois Attorney General to install air pollution control devices that significantly reduce particulate matter and other forms of pollution from the facility’s shredder.

Separately, Sims submitted an application for the large facility recycling permit. The original application was held for consideration due to the new and strengthened requirements under the Rules for Large Recycling Facilities, to ensure the safety and health of all Chicagoans, especially nearby residents. As part of these enhanced requirements, Sims has provided supplementary materials.

• View the original application
• View the supplementary materials from January 2023
• View the new supplementary from April 2024

Currently, Sims is legally operating under its previously-issued operating Class IVB large recycling facility operating permit without these enhanced controls in place. The large recycling facility permit renewal application is now subject to a separate CDPH review process that includes a public comment period and community meeting.

Pursuant to the Rules for Large Recycling Facilities, the submission of a complete application starts a 30-day public comment period, which began April 22, 2024. As part of this process, CDPH is hosting a public meeting, which will help the City better understand and address community concerns as it completes its review of the draft permit. The meeting will take place on Wednesday, May 15, at 6 pm at St. Pius V Church, located at 1919 South Ashland Avenue, Chicago, IL 60608. Spanish translation will be available. The meeting will be available via livestream and recording.

All written public comments should be submitted to envcomments@cityofchicago.org by May 22, 2024.

Public Meeting: South Ashland Demolition

Please join the City of Chicago for a public meeting regarding the property at 3809-25 South Ashland Avenue and 3827-39 South Ashland Avenue. Topics to be covered include safe demolition, oversight, dust control measures, and environmental and health protections, as an environmentally complex demolition.

Join the discussion Thursday, March 28, at 6 pm at the McKinley Park Field House, located at 2210 West Pershing Road. Spanish translation will be available. If another language interpretation is needed, please email communityengagement@cityofchicago.org by Friday, March 22.

Learn more about complex demolitions at chicago.gov/complexdemolitions.

US Army Corps of Engineers Community Meeting

CDPH has been made aware of an upcoming community meeting that the US Army Corps of Engineers (“Corps”) will be hosting regarding the Section 106 process for an application for a permit related to the demolition of the structures at 2900 South Damen Avenue, Chicago (“Damen Silos”). The public meeting is scheduled for February 1, 2024, at 7 pm per the public meeting notice from the Corps. The Corps has requested translation services for those who speak Spanish and Mandarin.

The purpose of this meeting is to provide an opportunity for members of the public and Section 106 Consulting Parties to provide spoken and/or written comments regarding potential ways to mitigate adverse effects on the historic property. The Corps will not be providing new project-related information but will explain the Section 106 process and the proposed work within the Corps’ jurisdiction.

Heat Watch Chicago Report Launch Event

In July, Chicago joined 17 other communities across the country in building a team of resident scientists to measure heat across the City. Over three shifts (morning, midday, and evening), volunteers traveled routes with heat sensors on their cars to measure temperature, humidity, time, and location—which all impact how intense the heat feels. Now, the results are in, and we will be reporting out the data from the data collected by the community science volunteers and discussing next steps.

Attend our Heat Watch Chicago Report Launch Event with the Heat Watch Chicago team, the Northwestern University Buffett Institute Defusing Disasters Working Group, community partners, and others, on Wednesday, December 13, at 6 pm at the University of Illinois Chicago School of Public Health. Visit chicago.gov/coolchi to learn more and save your spot in-person or virtually.

Update: City of Chicago Statement on Proposed Demolition of the Damen Avenue Silos

The proposed demolition of the Damen Ave Silos will require a United State Army Corps of Engineers permit, including a federal review under the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA). Consequently, the City of Chicago will defer its decision on the demolition application pending the outcome of the federal permitting and NEPA review process and related community engagement, which may involve or raise environmental issues and mitigation measures relevant to the City's review.

Damen Silos Routine Maintenance

The week of September 11, the Heneghan Wrecking company will be doing routine maintenance on the crane that is located on the Damen Silos site. In this process, the crane may be observed as moving, both, vertically and horizontally. Please note that this is a part of the maintenance process, and no active demolition is occurring. Currently, CDPH has not yet approved the company’s final demolition plan and, therefore, the Department of Buildings has not approved the demolition permit. CDPH remains committed to being transparent with you about this process and will continue to bring updates, as they come.

Asbestos Abatement at NRG Fisk Station

The Chicago Department of Public Health (CDPH) wanted to make sure you were aware that today, August 16th, on behalf of NRG Fisk Station, Brock Industrial Services will begin Asbestos Abatement work at 1111 W Cermak. This work is necessary to prevent asbestos containing material from deteriorating to a point where it poses a risk to community health. Precautions to ensure that the community is protected during this project include enclosure of the worksite via scaffolding and plastic sheets, continuous wetting of asbestos containing material as it is removed, and loading of asbestos containing material into leak tight bags. IEPA reviewed the workplan, which will be done by IDPH accredited asbestos professionals, and CDPH will have inspectors visit the site frequently to ensure ongoing community health and safety. Work will continue through November 10, 2023.

Public Meeting: Damen Silos

Please join the City of Chicago for a public meeting regarding the Damen Silos. Topics to be covered include safe demolition, oversight, dust control measures, and environmental and health protections, as an environmentally complex demolition that will not be a demolition by implosion.

Join the discussion August 22 at 6 pm at Arturo Velasquez Institute, located at 2800 S. Western, or via livestream. Translation services will be available.

Learn more about complex demolitions.

CDPH Guidance On Heat And Air Quality In Chicago

Summer often comes with hot and humid conditions, and poor air quality in Chicago can be dangerous for some people, including those with lung diseases such as asthma, children and teens, older adults, and people who are routinely active outdoors for several hours a day. Air quality has been negatively impacted in the summer of 2023 due to smoke from Canadian wildfires.

On days with poor air quality, Chicagoans are advised to keep windows and doors closed and turn on their air conditioners if they have one. Seek shelter elsewhere if you do not have an air conditioner and your home is too warm. For Chicagoans without access to properly ventilated and safe indoor conditions, please utilize public libraries, senior centers, Park District facilities, and the Cultural Center, or the six community service centers that operate from 9 am-5 pm:

The Office of Emergency Management and Communications also has information on cooling centers here and guidance on dealing with the heat. To learn more about air quality in our area and monitor for updates from the U.S. EPA, visit www.AirNow.gov.  Residents can also sign up to receive Notify Chicago alerts at NotifyChicago.org or download the OEMC App through the Apple App or Google Play stores for public safety tips and alerts.

City of Chicago Files Appeal of Decision to Vacate Permit Denial for Southside Recycling

On June 30, the City of Chicago filed, in the Circuit Court of Cook County, its appeal of the Department of Administrative Hearing's decision to vacate the Chicago Department of Public Health’s denial of an operating permit for Southside Recycling – the proposed metal shredding plant located on the City’s Southeast Side. Mayor Brandon Johnson issued the following statement on June 1 in response to that initial decision.

“Our decision to appeal is guided in large part by the Health Impact Assessment conducted by CDPH, under the guidance of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (U.S. EPA), that found that certain census block groups in the Southeast Side community rank among the highest in Chicago for vulnerability to air pollution, based on underlying health and social conditions. The HIA also found that community conditions on the Southeast Side have been affected by the presence of past and current industry, and that the proposed Southside Recycling facility would contribute additional negative impacts.”

“These efforts would not be possible without the grassroots organizers and activists who have long fought for environmental justice in our city. Despite this ruling, I remain committed to alleviating the impact of industrial pollution, and my administration will continue working with residents and community organizations to deliver improved health and environmental outcomes for every Chicago resident and neighborhood.”

The City continues to stand firmly behind its permit denial and the comprehensive review that led to it. As this matter remains in active litigation, we will not comment further.

New Opportunities for Chicagoans to Participate in the City's Cumulative Impact Assessment

Chicago residents were invited to participate in new opportunities for Chicago’s Cumulative Impact Assessment (CIA)! The CIA is the City’s first initiative to comprehensively examine and assess how combined environmental, health and social stressors affect Chicago residents, and to identify communities that experience the greatest impacts.

The official public comment period for the draft environmental justice action plan closed on July 31, but proposed materials and presentations are available at chicago.gov/cumulativeimpact.

New Environmental Justice Executive Order

In May 2023, Mayor Lori E. Lightfoot signed an Executive Order advancing the City’s commitment to environmental justice for all Chicagoans, making consideration of health and other community impacts a priority across departments and in City policies. The Executive Order formalizes and expands upon the City’s and community partners’ efforts to advance environmental justice under Mayor Lightfoot’s leadership. Learn more about the Executive Order.

“Chicago is listening to the long-standing concerns voiced by environmental justice organizations and community members who have described how intensive industrial operations and trucks affect their neighborhoods, health, and quality of life. While there are still years of work ahead, together we have laid the groundwork to remedy the harms caused by pollution and other burdens for generations of residents in environmental justice communities.” - Mayor Lori E. Lightfoot

Keep up to date on the Cumulative Impact Assessment here.

Mat Asphalt Settlement

CDPH has entered into a settlement agreement with MAT Asphalt, which includes both financial penalties and additional operating requirements, which must be applied under existing and future contracts. The company paid the City the maximum financial penalty allowed by law. In response to the top community concerns, CDPH mandated that MAT Asphalt must also install stronger odor controls on a more aggressive schedule than otherwise required and implement more detailed dust control measures, including:

• Within 21 days, MAT Asphalt must submit an odor control plan prepared by an independent, third-party environmental consultant for CDPH’s review and approval. The plan must provide details on how the company will install and maintain condensers atop liquid asphalt tanks and a system for capturing and controlling blue smoke. If CDPH finds the odor control plan insufficient, MAT Asphalt must submit a modified plan. Once approved, the company must always comply with the plan.
• A dust control plan must be submitted within two weeks of the finalized agreement. Roadways and paved areas must be wetted, and dust must be collected with vacuum street sweeping. MAT Asphalt must use an equally effective method to control dust during the winter.
• The company must use a misting system or mist cannon that effectively suppresses dust whenever material is added or removed from any material storage pile. 
• The company must immediately clean up any material that is spilled on plant roadways and clean truck wheels or pavement as necessary to minimize the potential for dust or mud to be tracked out to public roadways.

Additionally, by October 1, MAT must install odor control condensers and top-of-silo blue smoke controls and a year from now, April 1, 2024, bottom-of-silo smoke controls need to be in place. Every season prior to operation, the company must submit to CDPH a third-party inspection report of the facility’s baghouse and ductwork. Click here to read the full settlement agreement.

View the MAT Asphalt Settlement Agreement (April 7, 2023)

New Rock-Crushing Facility Rules

On March 7, 2023, the Chicago Department of Public Health (CDPH) announced its new rules for Reprocessable Construction/Demolition Material Facilities (i.e., “rock crushing” facilities) designed to reduce dust and improve air quality in communities surrounding these facilities, implement continuous monitoring, and enhance CDPH oversight through greater reporting and record-keeping requirements.

In September 2021, CDPH issued a preliminary draft of proposed new rules to update and expand the existing requirements for rock crushing facilities in Chicago. CDPH refined and clarified those proposed new rules in consideration of the input received during an initial public comment period. CDPH then held a second, final comment period from November 21, 2022 through January 20, 2023.  The new, final rules include considerations from detailed comment letters CDPH received from environmental and community advocates as well as industry representatives. 

• Read the new rules for rock-crushing facilities
• Official response to public comments received from November 21, 2022 – January 20, 2023

• Previously proposed rules (2022)
• Previously proposed rules (2021)
• Public comments received during first comment period
• Public comments received during second comment period
• Official Response to Public Comments on Proposed Rules
• EPA Letter of Support

View a summary of the new rules: English | Spanish

Schroud Property

The Schroud Site, located southwest of the intersection of East 126th Place and South Avenue O in Chicago, has been identified as a priority for additional barriers to keep people off the property which contains some hazardous slag material from Republic/LTV Steel manufacturing operations.

The City recently completed a barrier system along the south end.

CDPH continues to plan for clean-up with the community and EPA, which is expected to be complete in the next several years.

People are advised to stay off the Schroud Site to minimize potential exposure. While repeated exposure to the contents of this slag material can cause adverse health risks, there is no evidence of a health threat to people who live near the site.

• Click here to read a fact sheet about the site: English | Spanish
• Click here to learn more about the Shroud site on the USEPA's website

Vulcan Materials Company, 3910 S Racine Avenue

Reporting Environmental Violations:

CDPH inspectors respond to citizen complaints about potential environmental violations, such as odors, air emissions, hazardous materials, oil spills, and illegal dumping*. Please call 311 to file an environmental complaint. However, if you see someone dumping what may be hazardous waste, call 911.

• Guidance on submitting a 3-1-1 complaint

*Illegal dumping, or "fly dumping," is the dumping of any waste material on public or private property without a permit from CDPH. Waste that is commonly fly-dumped includes excavated soil, yard waste, tires, old furniture, household garbage, construction debris, appliances and hazardous waste (generally dumped in drums or barrels).

Please don't touch anything. The materials or emissions you're reporting could be toxic or harmful. Let our professional inspectors handle the matter.

CHICAGO AIR QUALITY ZONING ORDINANCE:

The Air Quality Zoning Ordinance,  approved by City Council in March 2021, regulates the construction and expansion of certain facilities that create air pollution. The ordinance requires a formal City review process and expands public engagement opportunities for the zoning, public health and transportation implications of many types of intensive manufacturing and industrial operations.

Read more information about the ordinance and review traffic and air quality studies for past and pending projects.

• Click here to read more information

STATEMENT FROM MAYOR BRANDON JOHNSON
SOUTHSIDE RECYCLING/RMG PERMIT DENIAL VACATED

• Information, updates and documents regarding the proposed expansion of a metal recycling facility.