In 2021, a new Will County courthouse was finally completed leaving the former downtown courthouse in Joliet empty. Not too many people were sorry to see the weird concrete building shut down, but a group of preservationists fought to have the building survive.
2019 Vote
In a 2019 vote, the Will County Board unanimously agreed to demolish the building. At that time, some advocates of building preservation argued that there would be asbestos issues if the building were demolished. Asbestos remediation is often expensive.
2023 Update
Just recently, the old Will County Courthouse escaped demolition by just one vote as the board agreed to go forward with a redevelopment proposal. The vote was not a carte-blanche stamp of approval to let the building stand, but it did not move the Joliet-based building another step away from a very dusty demolition.
$200,000 Already Spent
The county had already spent over $200,000 in engineering expenses as it began the demolition process. The county’s 2023 budget estimated that another $2.5 million would need to be spent to properly demolish the building and then clean up the hazardous site.
Historic Landmark Status
The Joliet Historic Preservation Commission also became involved in the process as it continued holding hearings regarding the building’s possible landmark status. While the hearing process continues, no demolition can occur.
Asbestos Issues Either Way
Whether the old Will County Courthouse will be redeveloped or ultimately demolished, asbestos issues will come to the forefront of any discussion regarding the building’s future.
Environmental Protection Agency
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has a requirement called National Emission Standards for Hazardous Air Pollutants (NESHAP) for Asbestos. According to the EPA, “There are specific federal regulatory requirements that require the identification of asbestos-containing materials (ACM) in many of the…buildings that are being demolished or renovated by a municipality.” And, “The NESHAP for asbestos apply to most demolition projects conducted by municipalities, counties and land banks.”
Site Inspections
Thorough site inspections are required as buildings scheduled for demolition need to have possible problem areas identified, and plans need to be made to remediate the effects of the release of asbestos fibers called “fibrils.”
Asbestos Danger
Inhalation and/or ingestion of harmful asbestos fibrils can result in fatal conditions like:
- Lung cancer.
- GI Tract cancers.
- Lung tissue scarring.
Asbestos was commonly used in building construction up until the 1980s. Since asbestos is a great insulator and has significant fire retardant properties, it was a go-to construction material.
If asbestos is left in place–in wrapped and not broken pipe insulation, for example–there is no reason to abate it. Also, if asbestos is suspected under a tile floor, it can be left alone. Imagine, however, the amount of asbestos fibrils that could be released during a building demolition, and you will understand the EPA requirements.
Major Asbestos Exposure Sites in Joliet
Many workplaces in the Joliet area have used asbestos heavily in the past, putting their employees at risk of inhaling dangerous fibers. Some notable exposure sites include:
- Joliet Iron Works and Steel Company: This massive 160-acre steel mill operated from the late 1800s until 2001. Asbestos was used extensively in the facility for insulation, fireproofing, and other purposes. Thousands of steelworkers were likely exposed over the decades.
- Caterpillar: The heavy equipment manufacturer has had a presence in Joliet since the 1950s. Their large factories used asbestos to insulate pipes, line brake pads, and in gaskets. Caterpillar workers continue to be diagnosed with asbestos diseases like mesothelioma today.
- Joliet Generating Station: Many power plants used asbestos in boilers, turbines, generators, and miles of pipe insulation. Mechanics and other personnel who constructed or maintained the generating station likely came in frequent contact with hazardous asbestos dust.
- Oil refineries (Texaco, Mobil): Texaco, Mobil, and other major oil companies operated refineries in the Joliet area that used large amounts of asbestos insulation. Refinery workers are at high risk for mesothelioma due to the prevalence of asbestos at these facilities.
Additional Joliet Asbestos Exposure Sites
Beyond the major industrial facilities above, several other Joliet asbestos exposure sites have put workers and residents at risk, including:
- American Cyanamid
- Amoco
- Cargill
- Joliet Arsenal
- Mobil Oil
- New Brunswick Building
- Olin
- Parsons Co.
- Universal Oil
- Joppa
Asbestos Products and Materials
In addition to these major exposure sites, asbestos could be found in all kinds of industrial and consumer products in Joliet, including:
- Construction materials like insulation, floor tiles, roofing, siding, joint compound, and cement
- Heat-resistant textiles like ironing board covers, fire blankets, and oven mitts
- Automotive parts like brake linings, clutch plates, and gaskets
- Fireproofing spray applied to steel beams and columns in large buildings
These products put a wide range of people at risk, from the factory workers who manufactured them to the tradespeople who worked with them every day like pipefitters, welders, mechanics, and construction laborers. Even teachers and office workers have developed mesothelioma from asbestos in the insulation and building materials in their workplaces.
Mesothelioma Treatment Centers Near Joliet
Patients in Joliet who have been diagnosed with mesothelioma or another asbestos-related cancer need highly specialized care from experienced medical professionals. While no treatment centers are located directly in Joliet, a number of NCI-designated comprehensive cancer centers equipped to treat mesothelioma are within traveling distance, including:
- University of Wisconsin Carbone Cancer Center (600 Highland Ave, Madison, WI 53792) — The University of Wisconsin Carbone Cancer Center in Madison provides cutting-edge treatment for mesothelioma and other thoracic cancers. Their thoracic oncology team includes specialists in medical oncology, radiation oncology, thoracic surgery, pulmonary medicine, radiology, pathology and palliative care. UW Carbone offers advanced diagnostic tools, innovative clinical trials, and a full range of treatment options including chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and surgical interventions like extra pleural pneumonectomy and pleurectomy/decortication.
- Edward Cancer Center – Naperville (120 Spalding Dr., Suite 111, Naperville, IL 60540) — Edward Cancer Center in Naperville, part of the larger Edward-Elmhurst Health system, is one of the closest options for Joliet mesothelioma patients seeking treatment. Their thoracic oncology program brings together medical oncologists, radiation oncologists, surgeons, radiologists, pathologists, and lung health experts to provide comprehensive, coordinated care for pleural mesothelioma and other thoracic malignancies. The cancer center offers advanced diagnostics, robotic surgery options, access to the latest clinical trials, and support services for patients and families.
Our Illinois mesothelioma attorneys serve Joliet residents and can help connect you with treatment resources to support your care and legal options.
Get Legal Help from a Qualified Joliet Mesothelioma Attorney
You or a loved one might have been exposed to asbestos fibrils. The exposure could have happened at work, or even at home since asbestos lurks in many areas. If you or a relative thinks they have been exposed to asbestos anywhere in Joliet whether the location is public or private, you need to contact a qualified Joliet Mesothelioma Attorney like the Throneberry Law Group. The Throneberry Law Group provides aggressive and compassionate support and representation for asbestos cancer victims. Call the experienced attorneys today at (888) 506-1131, or visit them online for 24/7 assistance.