Kroger and SSI Services, an Indianapolis-based contractor, agreed to pay the state of Illinois $108,000 over unsafe renovations to the Kroger grocery store in Taylorville, 201 E. Bidwell St., in order to settle a suit filed by Illinois Attorney General Kwame Raoul in 2022.
The suit, which was filed in Christian County court, alleged five different instances of noncompliance from Kroger and SSI Services. Taylorville’s Kroger was closed for nearly six months in 2022 after a late July renovation inspection by the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency found materials with asbestos in public areas of the grocery store.
“This settlement holds Kroger and SSI Services accountable for jeopardizing the public’s health by exposing shoppers and employees to dangerous materials containing asbestos,” Raoul said in a press statement. “I’m pleased that this case is resolved and that the abatement has been completed. I remain committed to protecting Illinois residents from those who would jeopardize their health, safety and the environment.”
Asbestos is a group of mineral fibers previously used in construction before being phased out in the early 21st century after researchers discovered its carcinogenic effects. Inhaling asbestos could cause chronic respiratory diseases along with various forms of cancer.
The settlement states “defendants do not affirmatively admit any allegations… and nothing in this consent order shall be interpreted as such an admission.”