Changes may soon be coming to the cleanup plans for two Gary Superfund sites. Industrial waste storage and disposal at the former MIDCO sites on 15th Street and Industrial Highway led to contaminated soil and groundwater, according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.
The EPA has been working to clean the sites since the 1980s. The agency says pumping and treating the contaminated groundwater has largely been successful. Now, it's proposing to use a "monitored natural attenuation" process — essentially letting nature reduce the remaining contamination but with additional monitoring like new wells to make sure it's meeting state and federal standards. It's estimated to cost $1.2 million per site, compared to $1 million per site to continue with the current plan.
The EPA will take public comments on the proposed change through May 11. A virtual public meeting will also be held this Thursday at 6:00 p.m.
You can submit a comment:
- on the EPA's website
- by leaving a voicemail at 312-886-0555
- by mail: Janet Pope
U.S. EPA, Mail Code RE-19J
77 W. Jackson Blvd.
Chicago, IL 60604 - during the virtual public meeting April 14 at 6:00 p.m. CDT by Zoom or by phone at 888-475-4499
