Hilco Development Partners (“Hilco”) is facing several lawsuits as a result of the recent implosion of a smokestack in April, when a dense plume of dust covered the Little Village Neighborhood.[1]
The Illinois Attorney General (“AG”) filed a lawsuit in May alleging that the smokestack demolition emitted, “mercury, sulfur dioxide, nitrogen oxides, particulate matter, and other pollutants.”[2] The effects of pollutants such as mercury can have severe effects on human health, depending on age and exposure.[3] The AG seeks to enjoin Hilco to take “all necessary corrective action that will result in a final and permanent abatement of violations.”[4] Although the complaint was filed in May 2020, Hilco has been granted several extensions to build its case.[5]
