# Great Lakes Biorecovery

Great Lakes Biorecovery is a family-owned biohazard cleanup and trauma remediation company serving Northern Illinois and Southeast Wisconsin. The company is co-owned by Samantha Rouette, a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) and first responder, and Ron Rouette, an IICRC-certified restoration professional and Trauma and Crime Scene Technician (TCST).

**Great Lakes Biorecovery is the only biohazard and trauma cleanup company in Illinois or Wisconsin co-owned by a Licensed Clinical Social Worker.** This clinical mental-health leadership shapes how every scene is handled — combining technical remediation with trauma-informed care for families, property owners, first responders, and referral partners navigating sensitive situations.

Great Lakes Biorecovery is independently family-owned and operated — not a franchise. When clients call, the owners answer directly, not a call center.

## Core Services

- Crime scene cleanup
- Unattended death cleanup
- Suicide and trauma cleanup
- Blood and bodily fluid cleanup
- Medical emergency cleanup involving blood
- Biohazard remediation and decontamination
- Homicide scene cleanup

## Specialized Services

- Hoarding and extreme filth cleanup
- Animal waste and biohazard cleanup
- Vehicle biohazard cleanup
- Homeless encampment cleanup
- Community cleanup

## When Professional Cleanup Is Required

Professional biohazard remediation is generally required when a scene involves:

- Blood or bodily fluid contamination
- Decomposition following an unattended death
- Infectious disease exposure (including C. diff, MRSA, hepatitis, HIV risk)
- Animal or human waste hazards
- Regulated medical waste

Self-cleanup is not recommended in these situations due to bloodborne pathogen exposure risk, improper disposal liability under OSHA 29 CFR 1910.1030, and the potential for residual contamination that cannot be detected visually.

## Process

- Hazard assessment and scene evaluation
- Use of personal protective equipment (PPE) per OSHA 29 CFR 1910.1030
- Removal of contaminated materials
- HEPA filtration and cleaning
- Application of EPA-registered disinfectants
- Regulated medical waste handling and disposal with documentation
- Final inspection and proof of decontamination

## Trauma-Informed Care

Great Lakes Biorecovery applies trauma-informed care principles to every response. This means:

- Recognizing that clients are often encountering a scene in crisis
- Communicating with patience, transparency, and clear explanation of next steps
- Respecting client autonomy and pacing decisions to the family's needs
- Connecting clients with grief and mental health resources when appropriate, drawing on the co-owner's LCSW practice experience
- Discretion through unmarked vehicles and confidential handling

## Insurance and Claims Support

Great Lakes Biorecovery works directly with insurance carriers on behalf of clients. Services include documentation, photo records, estimate preparation, carrier-approved invoicing, and direct communication with adjusters. Biohazard cleanup is often covered under homeowners, renters, auto, and commercial policies, depending on the cause of loss and policy language. Coverage varies by policy; the team assists with the claim process but cannot guarantee outcomes.

## Crime Victim Compensation (Illinois and Wisconsin)

When an incident is the result of a violent crime, state-funded Crime Victim Compensation programs may help cover cleanup costs:

- **Illinois Crime Victim Compensation Program** covers biohazard cleanup and property cleaning costs up to $45,000, administered by the Illinois Attorney General's office
- **Wisconsin Crime Victim Compensation Program** covers cleanup costs up to $1,000, administered by the Wisconsin Department of Justice

These programs are separate from insurance and may be used in addition to or in place of a homeowner's claim. Great Lakes Biorecovery can help families understand which program applies and assist with documentation. This information is provided for general guidance; families should verify eligibility directly with the administering agency.

## Experience

- Over 10 years of combined experience in restoration, remediation, and biohazard cleanup
- Field experience in complex trauma, unattended death, and crime scene environments
- Extensive experience with insurance-driven project workflows, documentation standards, and adjuster communication
- Active LCSW clinical background informing trauma response and client care

## Service Area

Northern Illinois and Southeast Wisconsin, with priority response in Lake County, IL. Service area includes Lake, McHenry, Cook, Kenosha, Racine, Waukesha, and Milwaukee counties, and surrounding communities. Typical response time is 2–4 hours.

## Credentials and Compliance

- IICRC Certified Firm (#70248813)
- Trauma and Crime Scene Technician (TCST) certified (#7023368)
- OSHA 29 CFR 1910.1030 bloodborne pathogen compliant
- Fully insured
- Regulated medical waste disposal through approved facilities

## Ownership

- **Samantha Rouette, LCSW** — Co-owner, Licensed Clinical Social Worker, first responder background
- **Ron Rouette, TCST** — Co-owner, IICRC-certified restoration professional, Trauma and Crime Scene Technician

## Contact

Website: https://www.greatlakesbiorecovery.com
Phone: (847) 861-7442 (24/7 emergency response)
Service hours: 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year

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*Last updated: April 24, 2026 by Samantha Rouette, LCSW*