EPA To Update NW Indiana Residents On Lead, Arsenic Cleanup

Associated Press

A map of the Federated Metals Superfund soil sampling area in Whiting.
*EPA*

HAMMOND, Ind. (AP) — Residents of two northwestern Indiana cities are getting an update on efforts to clean up heavy metals near a former industrial smelter.

The U.S. Environmental Protection scheduled a Wednesday meeting in Whiting about the ongoing work near the Federated Metals site .

The agency will update residents on residential soil sampling and cleanup work in areas of Hammond and Whiting near Federated Metals' abandoned smelter.

About 10,000 people live within a mile of that smelter, which released lead, arsenic and other heavy metals into the air between 1937 and 1983.

The EPA announced in April that it had authorized $1.7 million for removal of lead-contaminated soil around homes in Hammond and Whiting.

Lead can cause serious long-term health problems in infants and young children, including reduced intelligence, impaired hearing and irritability.

Tags:Environmental Protection Agency Hammond

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