Demolition of the former Chemetco copper smelter took another step forward on Tuesday. The demolition is the start of a long clean-up process for the hazardous Metro East eyesore.
The Illinois EPA is overseeing the dismantling of the smelter buildings, which began last year.
IEPA regional director Chris Cahnovsky says the large manifolds on top of the foundry building have now been removed.
"These manifolds give this building its very distinctive, ominous look, so when these manifolds come down, you’re going to see a drastic change in the visual appearance of the site," Cahnovsky said.
Cahnovsky says the building will be completely dismantled by the end of November.
The Chemetco plant had a history of environmental violations. It closed down and filed for bankruptcy in 2001.
The property is contaminated with more than 500,000 cubic yards of smelter waste containing high levels of cadmium, copper, and lead.
Exposure to these metals can cause serious health problems, including learning disabilities and cancer.
The federal EPA declared the area a Superfund site in March of last year.
