MAT Asphalt has applied for an operating permit
Read more about what that means.
Close MAT Asphalt
MAT Asphalt is a hot mix asphalt plant at 2055 W Pershing Rd, in Chicago's McKinley Park neighborhood, across the street from the park itself.
MAT Asphalt runs on city contracts.
MAT stands for Michael A Tadin. It is owned by the Tadin family, along with several other asphalt contractors. The Tadins also own and operate several other companies that also work for the city, including Marina Cartage, MAT Construction, and MAT Leasing.
MAT Asphalt opened without warning in 2018. They were helped by former 12th Ward Alderman George Cardenas after he received large donations to his campaign committees. At the time, he was also the chair of the City Council's Committee on Environmental Protection.
MAT Asphalt has never had an operating permit. They had a construction permit that allowed them to build the plant and operate it for one year. In 2019 they applied for an operating permit and were rejected. They recently applied again to the Illinois EPA (IEPA), which is preparing to issue a draft permit.
MAT Asphalt has more air pollution complaints than any other address in the city of Chicago. They have been repeatedly cited for air pollution, for allowing dust and particulate matter to blow into the neighborhood, and for letting uncovered trucks track loose material into the streets.
Air pollution coming from MAT Asphalt
Air pollution complaints, plotted on a map
Air pollution complaints
MAT
How did this happen?
How can we stop it?
MAT Asphalt has applied for an operating permit.
On August 21, 2026 the Illinois EPA (IEPA) sent out a notice that MAT Asphalt has applied for an operating permit. The IEPA is preparing a draft permit, and then they will release it for public comment.
