New Law Improves Oversight Of Used Tire Sites

A measure adding teeth to the supervision of tire processing centers is now law.  Governor Pat Quinn Thursday signed a bill brought on by a June 2013 fire at a facility in Hoopeston. 

One of the measure’s sponsors is Senator Mike Frerichs (D-Champaign.)

The June 19th fire at J&R Used Tire Service in Hoopeston engulfed tens of thousands of tires and took weeks to extinguish.

Many homes in neighboring communities had to be evacuated. The cleanup also took several weeks.

“The destructive fire that shook Hoopeston last year proved the need for increased oversight of our used tire facilities,” Governor Quinn said, in a press release. “This new law will help safeguard against any disaster of this magnitude and ensure our communities are protected. It will protect the environment and homeowners, and help find alternative uses for used and waste tires.”     

Among the provisions in the new law is a requirement that sites holding more than 10,000 passenger tires must acquire a solid waste permit.

Illinois' state fire marshal later ruled the Hoopeston fire was accidental and caused by static electricity generated by workers.