EPA briefing on abandoned medical building cleanup in Cairo, Ill., April 17, 11 a.m.

U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Region 5 and Illinois EPA will host a media briefing Tuesday, April 17 at 11 a.m. about a new Superfund cleanup at the former Southern Medical Center facility in Cairo, Ill.

The site, which opened in 1958 as St. Mary’s Hospital, is at 2020 Cedar St.

Asbestos removal workers and construction equipment will be visible. Local officials are expected.

Press conference to announce cleanup of site of old Cairo hospital

by THE SOUTHERN

CAIRO - Plans on how cleanup will proceed on an abandoned hospital in Cairo will be announced during a press conference scheduled for Tuesday by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Region 5 and the Illinois EPA.

The former St. Mary's Hospital, located at 2020 Cedar St., was opened in 1958 but has been empty since 1986. Assessment teams from the EPA were at the site last year to determine the risk posed by the possible presence of asbestos, lead paint or other environmental hazards in the building.

Part of the concern about asbestos and lead paint comes from the condition of the building, which is located in a residential neighborhood in the Alexander County community.

The windows of the building have long been gone and wind blowing through the building could carry asbestos and lead paint into the community.