Loewenthal Metals is a former industrial site at 947 W. Cullerton St. in Chicago, Ill. The half-acre site is in a largely residential area, just west of Interstate 90/94. Historical records indicate that the facility operated as a lead and zinc smelter, as well as a scrap metal dealer, during the 1940s.
In December 2011, Illinois Environmental Protection Agency referred the site to EPA for a potential cleanup action. EPA began to investigate and was unable to get a response from the current owners regarding access. As a result, the Department of Justice obtained a warrant allowing EPA access to the site to conduct sampling activities beginning the week of Nov. 26, 2012.
The City of Chicago erected a temporary fence in December 2012 to prevent public access to the property.
June 2013 update
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency plans to begin a cleanup Monday, June 24, at the former Loewenthal Metals site, 947 W. Cullerton St. The $750,000 project should be completed in about three months.
Nearby residents may see heavy equipment working at the site and may experience traffic interruptions and heavy equipment noise during site activity hours Monday through Friday. The sidewalk in front and the paved path that runs from Cullerton Street to 21st Street along the Sangamon right-of-way will be closed at times. Curbside street parking in front of the site will be unavailable during the project. Pedestrians and drivers are urged to follow all warning and detour signs.
EPA will follow strict health and safety guidelines to protect workers and the public from exposure to hazardous materials. The Agency will also monitor the air to ensure dust levels are under control. All equipment and vehicles will be inspected and decontaminated if needed before they leave the site. Workers will be on the site weekdays from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m.
