Gov. Blagojevich leads Team Illinois efforts to resolve serious environmental and health problem in Alexander County

Former medical center found to contain large amounts of asbestos; state, federal and local governments come together to resolve community problem

[DEC. 21, 2005]  SPRINGFIELD -- In an effort to resolve significant health and environmental problems, Gov. Rod R. Blagojevich on Wednesday directed several state agencies to pursue all available resources to clean up asbestos and other hazards at a former hospital in Cairo. When the former Southern Medical Center closed in the mid-'80s, old records, discarded medical supplies and other medical waste were left behind, leading to health and environmental hazards.

On Wednesday, the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency requested that the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency assign an on-scene coordinator to the project. This coordinator would conduct an assessment of the environmental risks in the facility and determine if the federal agency will conduct a time-critical removal of the asbestos and other environmental risks at the site. The Illinois EPA also requested that the U.S. EPA make funding available for cleanup and demolition of the building.

Cleaning up the old Southern Medical Center is part of the overall Team Illinois effort under way in Alexander County. A Team Illinois community benefits from multiple state agencies coordinating their expertise and resources to address the critical needs within the community. Team Illinois was developed by Blagojevich to aid economically disadvantaged communities in their infrastructure and redevelopment efforts.

"Cleaning up the environmental and health problems in this building will take more than the efforts of one agency," the governor said. "That's what Team Illinois is all about -- coordinating resources to help local communities in just this kind of situation."

Since the former hospital closed many years ago, old medical records, discarded pharmaceuticals and other wastes were left behind. In addition, asbestos-containing insulation and floor tile were found to be in a deteriorating condition, and friable asbestos fibers -- dry fibers with the potential to become airborne -- covered most surfaces. Illinois EPA inspectors collected samples of the insulating material, which tested positive for the presence of asbestos. Friable asbestos fibers are known to cause certain forms of cancers.

Concern increased when local and state officials learned that individuals were entering and leaving the building on a regular basis, carrying with them an unknown amount of asbestos fibers on their shoes and clothing. This has the potential of spreading the risk to others in the community.

Illinois EPA Director Doug Scott responded by ordering the site be sealed on Oct. 14. The Illinois Department of Transportation then erected fencing around the building to prevent further trespassing. The Illinois EPA is also working with the Illinois Department of Public Health to properly manage and dispose of outdated medical records and waste pharmaceuticals.

In addition, Sen. Barack Obama, D-Ill., arranged a meeting of the stakeholders to discuss options available to officials in resolving this problem.

"I am very pleased that state and local officials have made some progress towards making the Cairo hospital safer and more secure," Obama said. "Several weeks ago, I asked state and local officials to come together and begin a dialogue so that we can determine the best strategy to move forward. It appears that this process has been successful, and I will continue to make the cleanup of this facility and the safety of the surrounding residents a priority."

The city of Cairo and Alexander County officials have an interest in the future development of the property once the former Southern Medical Center is remediated and demolished.

"We understand the importance of working together to resolve complex issues like this one in Cairo," the Scott, the Illinois EPA director. "Through a team approach, we hope to not only remove an environmental and health risk from the community, but to aid the community in its effort to improve."

Team Illinois, a partnership among state agencies, the private sector and community stakeholders, is bringing infrastructure and opportunity to Pembroke Township, Savanna, Alexander County and Aurora's east side. Since beginning two years ago, Team Illinois has invested almost $4 million in four impoverished communities. The results are solid and have an economic impact as well -- the first county health department in 35 years, infrastructure repairs, employment opportunities and other capacity-building mechanisms.

Team Illinois accomplishments in Alexander County include a new steering committee that is modifying bylaws to update the steering committee's 501C-3 status and prioritize Team Illinois goals in Alexander County; a donation of 34 computers to various community service agencies in Alexander County; a Federal Reverse Commute Job Access Grant of $125,000 received for Alexander County's SMART transportation system; and the removal of the abandoned Thebes High School building, which had become a health hazard.

[News release from the governor's office]