Community Environment Information

The health and safety of Chicago’s communities, particularly areas with higher health and racial inequities, is our highest priority. We will post information here to keep residents updated on what’s happening in their community.

New Rock-Crushing Facility Rules

On March 7, 2023, the Chicago Department of Public Health (CDPH) announced its new rules for Reprocessable Construction/Demolition Material Facilities (i.e., “rock crushing” facilities) designed to reduce dust and improve air quality in communities surrounding these facilities, implement continuous monitoring, and enhance CDPH oversight through greater reporting and record-keeping requirements.

In September 2021, CDPH issued a preliminary draft of proposed new rules to update and expand the existing requirements for rock crushing facilities in Chicago. CDPH refined and clarified those proposed new rules in consideration of the input received during an initial public comment period. CDPH then held a second, final comment period from November 21, 2022 through January 20, 2023.  The new, final rules include considerations from detailed comment letters CDPH received from environmental and community advocates as well as industry representatives. 

View a summary of the new rules: English | Spanish

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Link - CDPH Environmental Complaint Process
Learn about our team and how we’re working to protect the environment and public health.
Link - CDPH Permit Process Guidelines For Consequential Facilities
Click here to learn about our expanded opportunities for public engagement in the permit process.
 
Link - CDPH Environmental Complaint Process
Click here to learn more about CDPH environmental inspections and how you can submit an air, water, or land complaint through 3-1-1.
Link - CDPH Environmental Complaint Process
Click here to read the highlights of our work in 2022.
  • For guidance on how to submit an effective public comment, click here.
  • To view the full Permit Process Guidelines for Consequential Facilities, click here.
  • To view information on environmental rules and regulations, click here.
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Vulcan Materials Company
3910 S Racine Avenue

Temporary operating hours waiver

Pursuant to Special Condition No. 9 of its C&D Reprocessing Facility permit, Vulcan Materials Company (“Vulcan”) has received a temporary written waiver from CDPH to operate beyond its normal operating hours of between 6:00 AM and 7:00 PM. Specifically, Vulcan is authorized to receive inbound material and ship outbound materials between 3:00 AM and 6:00 AM each Saturday morning beginning March 4, 2023 and ending on May 27, 2023. The facility is not authorized to operate reprocessing equipment during this time. The expanded hours for delivery and shipment are required to accommodate CTA’s Blue Line Traction Power Upgrades project.

If you have any questions about this temporary waiver, please email envcomments@cityofchicago.org

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Lakeshore Recycling Systems, LLC
2141 S Packers Avenue (1300 W Exchange Avenue)

Lakeshore Recycling Systems LLC, (LRS) is seeking an expansion and modifications to its existing waste transfer station permit for the site at 2141 S Packers Avenue (also known as 1300 W Exchange Avenue). CDPH held a community meeting on the application on Thursday, August 18, 2022. CDPH also invites written comments through August 26, 2022. Comments may be submitted to envcomments@cityofchicago.org.

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Chicago Rail and Port, LLC

On April 19, 2022, CDPH received a permit renewal application from Chicago Rail and Port, LLC for its large recycling facility located at 3236-3258 East 106th Street, Chicago, Illinois 60617. CDPH sought public input on the application between April 20, 2022, and May 20, 2022. Based on CDPH’s review of the permit renewal application and the public comments received, CDPH issued a deficiency letter on June 18, 2022.

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Green Era 83rd Street, LLC

In February 2022, the Chicago Department of Public Health (CDPH) received permit applications from Green Era 83rd Street LLC to develop and operate a combination liquid waste facility and anaerobic digestor composting facility (Class III Recycling Facility) at 650 W 83rd Street. Following a public hearing and review of the liquid waste application, CDPH issued the deficiency letter below. On September 21, 2022 and March 7, 2023, Green Era submitted additional information to address issues identified in CDPH’s deficiency letter. Public comments will be accepted on the additional information until April 8, 2023. To submit a public comment, please click on the “Public Comment Form” link below.

On September 21, 2022 and March 7, 2023, Green Era submitted additional information to address issues identified in CDPH's deficiency letter. Public comments will be accepted on the additional information until April 8, 2023. To submit a public comment, please click on the “Public Comment Form” link below.

Previous Materials

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Metal Management Midwest, Inc. (Sims) - 2023 update

In 2021, Metal Management Midwest, Inc., doing business as Sims Metal Management (“Sims”) entered into an Agreed Order with the Illinois Attorney General to implement air pollution controls at their Pilsen facility, including the installation of a Regenerative Thermal Oxidizer (RTO) - a system to capture particulate matter and destroy volatile organic compounds (VOCs). To install these additional controls, Sims must obtain construction permits from both the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency (IEPA) and CDPH. The IEPA issued a construction permit to Sims on September 15, 2022. Sims’ construction permit application to CDPH (called an Air Pollution Control permit) is currently under review.

Sims’ Air Pollution Control permit is separate and unrelated to the company’s application to CDPH for renewal of a Large Recycling Facility permit, which the company must have in order to continue operating. Sims submitted this application on November 12, 2021, with supplemental materials submitted in January 2023. The Large Recycling Facility application also remains under CDPH review. In the meantime, Sims may continue to operate under the terms of their current permit. If renewed, Sims would have to meet the new and strengthened requirements under the Rules for Large Recycling Facilities. On April 21, 2022, the U.S. EPA ordered Sims to install at least four high-grade air monitors that measure pollution. It must then report air monitoring results to the U.S. EPA. CDPH will not make a decision on Sims’ Large Recycling Facility Permit renewal application until we receive air monitoring data from the U.S. EPA sufficient to evaluate both short and long-term health effects of the company’s Pilsen facility. The air monitoring data is publicly available here.

If renewed, Sims would have to meet the new and strengthened requirements under the Rules for Large Recycling Facilities.

On April 21, 2022, the U.S. EPA ordered Sims to install at least four high-grade air monitors that measure pollution. It must then report air monitoring results to the U.S. EPA. CDPH will not make a decision on Sims’ Large Recycling Facility Permit renewal application until we receive air monitoring data from the U.S. EPA sufficient to evaluate both short and long-term health effects of the company’s Pilsen facility. The air monitoring data is publicly available here.

CDPH received numerous comments on Sims’ recycling facility application during the initial written comment period, indicating a significant degree of public interest in the renewal application. In line with our public engagement Guidelines for waste and large recycling facilities, CDPH will schedule a community meeting prior to making a decision on the Large Recycling Facility renewal application. In addition, CDPH will leave the written comment period open until at least five (5) days following the community meeting. Comments may be submitted to CDPH through this form.

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