Orland Park trustees Monday night agreed to review road conditions after concerns were voiced by residents of the village’s old historical Humphrey subdivision who say that sand poured over the reclamite base application has gone airborne and become a health concern.
As part of the village’s 2024 Neighborhood Roadway Improvement Program, the board agreed to apply a reclamite base to roads on 1st, 2nd and 3rd avenues in the subdivision. Repaving or reconstructing “subdivisions” is the usual approach the village takes in setting up the annual NRIP. The cost was just over $4,000.
Reclamite is a maltene-based petroleum asphalt used to extend the life of the road by resisting the elements, officials said.
One resident who gave only his first name as Richard said silica sand is the main issue. “They swept it up several times but it is still there,” he said. “There is the potential for airborne exposure.”
Another resident who gave his name only as Dave said the issue is that the sand “never had a chance to bind because it was applied in the rain.”
Silica sand has many uses but the most common include sand traps and greens on golf courses as well as for natural and synthetic sports fields.
Joel Van Essen, the village’s director of public works, said the sand that was placed over the reclamite was swept up in three different applications. He said his department will review residents’ concerns and report back.
