Attorney General's News Release

April 7, 2009

Attorney General Koster sues Union, Missouri, resident for improperly storing scrap tires

Jefferson City, Mo. - Attorney General Chris Koster has filed a lawsuit against a Union, Missouri, man who is illegally storing more than 175,000 scrap tires in three area locations. The suit requires Leo J. Peirick, Jr., to remove the tires and pay penalties.

"Scrap tires can create serious fire and health risks," Koster said. "This creates a particularly egregious situation and risk to the citizens of Union, given the significant number of tires involved," he added.

Koster's suit requires Mr. Peirick to remove the tires within 90 days. If he does not, the Missouri Department of Natural Resources will arrange for the removal of the tires and will charge the defendant for all costs incurred.

The locations with the stored tires are:

• The "Old Bowling Alley," 806 N. Washington Avenue, Union "Peirick's Complete Care Care Service Center," 510 Highway 50 West, Union.  

• The "Old MFA Fertilizer Plant Building," junction of Highway 50 and Jeffriesburg Road.

• Officials with the city of Union worked with the Attorney General's office and the Missouri Department of Natural Resources on the investigation.

"I have heard many concerns from people in the area about the hazards posed by these scrap tire sites," said Russell Rost, City Administrator of Union. "We are pleased to work with the Attorney General toward a solution to this problem."

The accumulation of improperly stored scrap tires causes a serious threat to public health and safety due to increased risk of combustion and infestation by pests, such as rodents and mosquitoes.