Carus Chemical told the EPA they didn’t know what was inside the Apollo Warehouse, a building that is on their property, located next to a residential neighborhood, separated by a chain-link fence.
Meanwhile, 4 days after this email exchange between Carus Chemical and the EPA, Carus was photographed and filmed hauling 7 truckloads of unlabeled barrels and pallets out of the Apollo warehouse building, and transporting them to a tier 2 chemical storage facility, formerly known as the the Ottawa South Towne Mall, as can be seen in this video. https://www.facebook.com/jamie.hicks.547/videos/1802914950093166
Carus did not expect for neighbors to be so upset after their chemical plant blew up, and rained chemicals on the neighborhood, that the neighbors would learn how to use FOIA to gather evidence, then follow and photograph Carus’ every move.
Watching Carus scramble in attempt to hide these chemicals and move them out of the building where they are being illegally stored has been somewhat amusing.
Unfortunately, the City of LaSalle is helping Carus in their cover-up, as they provided a police escort for Carus’ semis to haul the illegally stored chemicals to a proper facility before the EPA came to inspect.
In addition, the semis did not have hazmat placards on them.
Emails obtained through FOIA have revealed that Carus contacted the chief of police and asked for off-the-clock officers to provide private security 24/7 for the next few weeks.
The chief responded by saying he will check with the officers and put together a schedule.
Who will these officers be loyal to in light of illegal activity – citizens or the polluter that is paying them?
Protect Starved Rock and The Illinois Valley 