A Rock Island, Illinois man is facing several charges filed by the DNR and EPA for allegedly dumping and illegally storing junk tires.
The Illinois Department of Natural Resources and the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency investigated John Spaulding, 47, after more than 400 waste tires were found dumped near the Hennepin Canal State Trail near Milan. Tires were also allegedly stored illegally at Spaulding’s residence.
In Illinois, you must have a permit to store more than 50 used or waste tires or to transport more than 20 used or waste tires. It is also illegal to dump any used or waste tire in Illinois. Primary concerns are that waste tires hold water which is a prime breeding habitat for disease-carrying mosquitoes, and that tire fires burn excessively hot and are difficult to extinguish. Melted tires can also form a harmful runoff.
Some offenses can result in felony charges.
Spaulding was charged with three misdemeanor counts of illegally dumping junk tires and one misdemeanor count of operating an illegal tire storage facility.
Two other men are expected to be charged later in connection with this case.
