Chemtool Fire - 06/19/2021 @ 1:00 PM

Air & Water Quality - At this time, air quality measures remain stable. There was a slight increase in particulate matter but this was not significant. Officials will continue to monitor air and water quality monitoring in and around the area. The air quality is continuously being assessed from over 30 monitoring devices at ground level throughout Winnebago County. These monitors are moved at regular intervals to obtain comprehensive sampling. The 3-mile mask recommendation has been lifted at this time.  However, if you have respiratory conditions, you should take precautions and mask when you are outside if you are within three miles of Chemtool.  The Illinois EPA will be conducting water quality testing of the Rock River and area groundwater following the Chemtool fire in Rockton. Water samples are being collected from the Rock River, sentinel wells, waste water treatment plants, sanitation lines on site, and water runoff from fire suppression.  Sampling will also be done in storm sewers on a pre-determined schedule to assess for contaminants. Soil sampling will be one component of the sample of the debris/ash from the fire in the evacuation zone that will be collected from a representative sample. Sampling which will be expanded beyond the evacuation zone to determine the concentration in these areas.

Click here for the US EPA website for data updates on monitoring.