ILLINOIS POLLUTION CONTROL BOARD
April 4, 1972
ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY
V.
)
PCB 72-44
GEORGE KNIGHT
ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY
v.
)
PCB 72—45
JAMES (Rusty) KRUSE
For PCB 72-44:
Wayne Golomb, Attorney for the Environmental Protection Agency
B. G. Heckenkamp, Attorney for George Knight
For PCB 72—45:
Thomas
3.
Immel, Attorney for the Environmental Protection Agency
Eldon Fuchs, Attorney for James (Rusty) Kruse
Opinion and Order of the Board (by Mr. Aldrich):
The above-entitled causes are similar enforcement actions in which
the Environmental Protection Agency (“Agency”) alleges violations
of air pollution regulations by the conduct of open burning. In
both cases the parties stipulated to certain material facts to
obviate the necessity of a public hearing before a representative
of the Board. In neither case did any member of the public express
an interest in attending such a hearing. We find that no public
hearing is necessary and that we are able to rule on the basis of
the facts stipulated to in each case.
Respondent Knight owns and operates an amusement park in Springfield,
Illinois. In its amended complaint, the Agency alleges that on or
about October 18, 1971, Mr. Knight caused or allowed open burning
of refuse in violation of Sections 9(a) and 9(c) of the Environmental
Protection Act (“Act”) and of Rule 402 of Chapter 3, Part IV of
the Illinois Pollution Control Board Rules and Regulations. An
Agency inspector observed open burning on Respondent’s premises
on October 8, 1971. A number of photographs depict the burning
that accured on that date (Ex. 2). Large quantities of heavy black
smoke were produced. Respondent stipulates that he did conduct open
4~-~15g
burning of refuse on October 8, 1971, but that no subsequent open
burning had occurred. His sole defense was ignorance of the law
(EX. 3). Mr. Knight agrees to cease and desist from further
violations of the law with respect to open burning. We shall so
order and for the aforementioned violation we shall assess a
penalty of $250.00.
Respondent Kruse owns and operates an automobile salvage yard
located near Litchfield, Illinois. The Agency alleges that on
several occasions subsequent to July 1, 1970, and prior to
September 3, 1971, Mr. Kruse open burned automobiles and other
debris in violation of Section 9(a) and 9(c) of the Act and
of Rule 2-1.1 and Rule 2—1.2 of the Rules and Regulations
Governing the Control of Air Pollution. Respondent is also alleged
to have open burned automobiles on several occasions subsequent to
September 2, 1971, in violation of Section 9(a) and 9(c) of the
Act and of Rule 402(a) of Chapter 3, Part IV of the Illinois
Pollution Control Board Rules and Regulations. An attorney for
the Agency observed the burning of four automobiles on Respondent’s
salvage yard on September 9, 1971. Mr. Kruse stipulates that he
did open burn automobile bodies on this date and stipulates further
that on four other dates (September 2, 3, 7 and 8, 1971) he
open burned trash and other debris. No open burning has occurred
at the site since September 10, 1971. The parties to the case
propose that we enter an order requiring Respondent to cease
and desist from further violations and to pay a penalty of $1000.00
for past violations. We think this is a just and equitable proposal.
A substantial money penalty is appropriate in view of the fact that
Mr. Kruse not only open burned trash on several occasions but
also conducted a salvage operation by open burning, an act specifically
prohibited by Section 9(c) of the Act. We shall enter an order in
accordance with that proposed by the parties to the case.
ORDER
PCB 72-44, George Knight
1. George Knight shall cease and desist from violation of
Section 9(a) and 9(c) of the Environmental Protection Act
and of Rule 402 of Chapter 3, Part IV of the Illinois
Pollution Control Board Rules and Regulations.
2. George Knight shall, within 35 days from the entry of this
order, pay to the State of Illinois the sum, in penalty,
of $250.00. Such payment shall be made in cash certified
check, or money order to the Fiscal Services Division,
Environmental Protection Agency, 2200 Churchill Road,
Sprinjfield, Illinois 62706.
4
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160
PCB 71-45, James (Rusty) Kruse
1. James (Rusty) Kruse shall cease and desist from violation
of Section 9(a) and 9(c) of the Environmental Protection
Act and of Rule 402(a) of Chapter 3, Part IV of the Illinois
Pollution Control Board Rules and Regulations.
2. James (Rusty) Kruse shall, within 35 days from the entry of
this order, pay to the State of Illinois the sum, in penalty,
of $1000.00. Such payment shall be made in cash, certified
check, or money order to the Fiscal Services Division,
Environmental Protection Agency, 2200 Churchill Road,
Springfield, Illinois 62706.
I, Christan L. Moffett, Clerk of the Pollution Control Boa) certify
tha the Board adopted the ab ye Opinion and Order this
~_day of
_______
1972, by a vote of
to
~.
4— 161