Rockton Officials Say Abandoned Paper Mill Is a Hazard

Village trustees voted unanimously Tuesday to adopt a resolution that declares the Sonoco Products Company plant is in violation of city code. The Rockford Register Star reports officials compiled a list of 81 violations on the property, ranging from overgrown weeds to soil contamination. The complaint has been filed with the Winnebago County Circuit Court's Office.

Attorney Aaron Szeto says the village is taking the violations very seriously and now it's up to Sonoco to respond accordingly.

Last year, the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency collected 17 soil samples and three ground water samples from the site. It determined there were high concentrations of mercury, lead, cadmium and antimony. The village was notified in July.

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