Air Force to Remove Asbestos at Former East-Central Illinois Base

Air Force officials say more than a mile of steam piping covered in asbestos will be removed from a former base in east-central Illinois.

Air Force officials announced on Nov. 20 that they have awarded a $150,000 contract to remove and dispose of the abandoned steam pipes laden with the toxic material.

Work starts next month.

Air Force spokesman Paul Carroll says the pipes will be removed to protect against exposure and human health concerns.

Officials with the former Chanute Air Force Base and village of Rantoul have long disputed who is responsible for removing the pipes.

The base closed in 1993 and the property now belongs to Rantoul.

Rantoul Public Works Director Greg Hazel says he’s pleased with the decision.