ILLINOIS POLLUTION CONTROL BOARD
    December 17, 1998
    IN THE MATTER OF:
    PETITION OF ABBOTT LABORATORIES
    FOR ADJUSTED STANDARD FROM 35
    ILL. ADM. CODE 302.208 AND 304.105
    )
    )
    )
    )
    )
    AS 99-5
    (Adjusted Standard - Water)
    ORDER OF THE BOARD (by N. J. Melas):
    On November 12, 1998, Abbott Laboratories (Abbott) filed a petition with the Board
    for an adjusted standard from 35 Ill. Adm. Code 302.208(g) and 304.105.
    Abbott requests relief
    from the general use water quality standards for chlorides and total dissolved solids (TDS).
    The
    requested adjusted standard applies to a stretch
    of the Middle Fork of the North Branch of the Chicago
    River below Abbott’s two discharge points.
    On December 3, 1998, Abbott filed a certification of
    publication.
    The petition has not adequately addressed certain informational sufficiency
    requirements of 35 Ill. Adm. Code 106.705
    that pertain to the nature of the discharge, compliance
    alternatives, and environmental impact.
    Specifically the petition fails to provide:
    1.
    A complete description of “the qualitative and quantitative nature of emissions,
    discharges or releases currently generated by the petitioner's activity” 35 Ill.
    Adm. Code 106.705(d). While Abbott has provided information
    concerning the levels of chlorides and TDS in its effluent discharge, it has not
    provided any specific information about the effluent discharge flow rates from
    the
      
    discharge points into the Middle Fork. Abbott contends that storm water
    runoff
    from Illinois Highway 43 is a major contributor of TDS and chlorides to
    its
    pond system. Abbott must provide the Board with figures on the amount
    of
    discharge attributable to stormwater runoff, process water, and (if
    applicable)any
    other source.
    2.
    A discussion of all compliance alternatives with the corresponding costs for
    each alternative, including a discussion of the “overall capital costs as well as
    the
      
    annualized capital and operating costs.” 35 Ill. Adm. Code 106.705(e).
    In discussing alternative deicing strategies, Abbott states that the
    use of alternative
    materials would be 100 times more expensive than salt based
    compounds, but
    does not present any detailed cost information as required
    by Section 107.105(e).
       
    Also, Abbott has not provided enough information
    concerning the option of
    sending the discharge from its ponds to the local
    sanitary district for treatment.
    Specifically, Abbott does not address
    whether the sanitary district would be
    willing to accept the discharge from
    its pond system. If the sanitary district
    would accept and treat the
    discharge, then Abbott must provide figures on how
    much this option will
    cost.
    2
    3.
    A complete “narrative description of the proposed adjusted standard as well as
    proposed language for a Board order which would impose the standard.” 35 Ill.
    Adm. Code 106.705(f). In its petition, Abbott states that it is
    periodically
    not in compliance with water quality standards during the
    winter months. Pet. at
    5. However, Abbott does not specify if the
    proposed adjusted standard should be
    in effect throughout the year or only
    for the winter months. The Board directs
    Abbott to clarify this point.
    4.
    “The quantitative and qualitative impact of the petitioner's activity on the
    environment if the petitioner were to comply with the regulation of
    general
    applicability as compared to the quantitative and qualitative
    impact on the
    environment if the petitioner were to comply only with the
    proposed adjusted
    standard.” 35 Ill.Adm. Code 106.705(g). While the
    petition addresses the
    qualitative impact of the proposed adjusted
    standard, it does not include any
    information concerning the quantitative
    impact on the Middle Fork due to the
    the effluent from the discharge
    points.
    The Board therefore directs the petitioner to address the information requirements of Section
    106.705 in an amended petition. The amended petition must be filed with the Board by January 15, 1999,
    or this petition will be dismissed.
    IT IS SO ORDERED.
    I, Dorothy M. Gunn, Clerk of the Illinois Pollution Control Board, hereby certify that
    the above order was adopted on the 17th day of December 1998 by a vote of 6-0.
    Dorothy M. Gunn, Clerk
    Illinois Pollution Control Board

    Back to top