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TACO is the Illinois EPA's method for developing remediation objectives for contaminated soil and groundwater. These remediation objectives protect human health and take into account site conditions and land use. Remediation objectives generated by TACO are risk-based and site-specific.
Previously, the Illinois EPA's Bureau of Land (BOL) used conservative "one-size-fits-all" remediation objectives at nearly every site. Baseline remediation objectives still exist, but other options also protective of human health have been added.
TACO provides flexibility to site owners and operators in developing site-specific remediation objectives. It's now the site owners and operators who decide how best to manage their sites within TACO guidelines. However, this determination of site-specific remediation objectives is subject to Illinois EPA review and approval.
By exercising these new choices, site owners and operators may reduce remediation costs, return more sites to productive use, hasten property redevelopment, and still fully comply with environmental laws and regulations.
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