MOUNDS, IULL., OFFICIALS CALL FOR REMOVAL OF TIRES ON SITE IN CITY

MOUNDS, Ill. -- More than seven million pounds of old tires are still on the ADM-GrowMark property here.

"We've asked Archer Daniels Midland Co. to remove the tires, because of a possible health problem," said Mounds Mayor Marguerite Ward. "We were assured five months ago the tires would be removed. They're still there."

In May, Mounds officials gave the company 180 days to remove the tires before taking any action.

"They still have 30 days," said Ward.

The tires were placed there more than two years ago while the property was being leased by ADM.

"We understand that a tire recycling center had been planned for the area, but it didn't work out," said Richard E. Burket of the ADM firm of Decatur.

Burket said that arrangements would be made to start removal of the tires.

"We've been talking to a lot of people since we learned of the tires' existence," he said. "Our intent is to get the tires off our property."