The Indiana Department of Environmental
Management (IDEM) requested that EPA assist in a removal action at the Sandusky
Abrasives site in Michigan City, Indiana. EPA mobilized to the Site on June 16,
2023 to begin the removal action process by conducting a site assessment by
selecting and identifying the boring locations for the soil samples. By
the end of the day, 50 of the 75 boring locations were identified and marked
with flags. On June 19, 2023, EPA began geoprobe drilling and collected of
soil samples. After arriving on site, setting up the required equipment, and
completing the identification and marking of the remaining 25 sample locations;
soil sampling began at noon. EPA monitored air continuously with a DustTrak
throughout the week of June 19, 2023 and the DustTrak was set in the vicinity
of sample processing and drilling activities. Overall, EPA and START collected
425 samples from 1-foot intervals of 77 soil borings across the Site. EPA
photographed the Sandusky Abrasives site and documented the location of each
sample taken in a logbook in accordance with the approved Sampling and Analysis
Plan (SAP).
EPA began cleanup on October 21,
2024. EPA crews will remove lead-contaminated soil at the former Sandusky
Chicago Abrasive Wheel Company, Inc., located at 1100 West Barker Ave,
transporting the waste to an EPA-approved facility. On site work is estimated
to take 2-4 months to complete. EPA will use an excavator to dig up
contaminated soil and spray it with water to control any dust. Crews will also
set up air monitoring around the property’s perimeter to ensure any emissions
stay within the site’s boundaries. Residents should be aware that there may be
short site-related road closures while soil is excavated and backfilled in
certain areas.
Site activity paused for the winter on December 20,
2024. As of March 24, 2025, work has begun again and is anticipated to conclude
on May 16, 2025.
