Burr Ridge residents are urging the village to block a pest control company's request to store toxic chemicals in an industrial unit across the street from homes and near Gower Middle School.

OPC Pest Services, located at 8238 S. Madison St., is seeking zoning approval for on-site chemical storage, Patch first reported Monday, Oct. 19. The unit sits in an industrial building directly across from residential properties.

Gower Middle School, at 7941 S. Madison St., serves students in Burr Ridge and sits on the same road as the industrial unit.

The company said it would follow industrial safety practices and that the Tri-State Fire Protection District has inspected the unit and approved the request, according to Patch.

That hasn't satisfied neighbors.

"I am very concerned about the storage of large quantities of toxic substances so close to residential properties and Gower Middle School," Madison Street resident Mary Ann Emanuele said in an email to the village, according to Patch. Emanuele added that Madison Street is a popular route for students, residents and pets who could be exposed to chemical fumes.

Resident Agnes Tylka said the village should carefully consider whether Burr Ridge is the right place for such materials. Tylka said businesses that need to store toxic chemicals belong in locations with dedicated industrial zoning and more distance from neighborhoods, according to Patch.

Under Burr Ridge's zoning petition process, as described on the village's website, the Plan Commission holds a public hearing and makes a recommendation. The Board of Trustees then makes the final decision. Both bodies must find that each zoning standard is met before granting approval.

The Burr Ridge Plan Commission had a regular meeting scheduled for Monday, Oct. 19. The village's agenda page lists the session, though specific agenda items were not available in the materials reviewed.

Residents who want to weigh in on the OPC Pest Services petition can attend Plan Commission meetings or contact the village. Under the village's notification process, property owners within roughly 750 to 800 feet of a site receive letters when a public hearing is scheduled on a zoning petition.

Hinsdale Government Week Ahead

  • Monday, Oct. 19: Burr Ridge Plan Commission & Zoning Board of Appeals, regular meeting. The OPC Pest Services chemical storage petition may be on the agenda. Check the village's agenda page for confirmation and public comment details.