Personnel retained by Kroger Co. have been granted access to the company's closed Taylorville store until Oct. 19 to conduct asbestos remediation and abatement activities.

On Oct. 4, the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency issued a modified seal order authorizing personnel access to the store starting Oct. 5 to conduct remediation and abatement activities in accordance with an asbestos abatement and remedial action design plan prepared by Kroger’s consultant and submitted to the IEPA. The plan will allow for decontamination of the store and for a safe reopening, according to the Illinois attorney general's office.

The store was originally closed and sealed by the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency on July 29, after concerns over asbestos contamination at the site.

Previously:Refrigerators, products at closed Taylorville Kroger being inspected

The abatement plan includes: installation of containment barriers between remediation action areas and adjacent zones, performing precleaning/decontamination at specified locations, removal and disposal of remaining floor tile and adhesive present within specified work zones, and removal and disposal of remaining floor materials with asbestos and more.

The time required for completion of the plan and safe reopening of the store will depend on the progress made by Kroger’s consultants and workers in completing all of the tasks laid out in the plan.

Related news:Employees and shoppers were exposed to asbestos at an Illinois Kroger, lawsuit states

Taylorville Mayor Bruce Barry said workers have been going in and out of Kroger for the past week.

The city has other grocery stores, according to Barry, including Aldi, Taylorville Food Center and Walmart.