Update
EPA has completed it's cleanup of lead contaminated soils in residential yards near the former Exide Battery Corporation site at 303 Water St. in Logansport, Indiana. Over the course of approximately two years, crews excavated soil from 84 residential properties, transporting 16,664 tons of lead-contaminated soil to an EPA-approved facility for proper disposal. Workers then backfilled the excavated areas with clean soil and restored each property to its pre-removal condition by replacing grass, plants and flowers. EPA conducted air monitoring and implemented dust control measures to ensure worker and public health protection throughout the cleanup.
Background
Exide Technologies operated the site at 303 Water Street as a lead-acid storage battery manufacturing facility for the automotive industry from about 1960 to approximately 1989, before fully shutting down in 2009. The former building was demolished in 2016 and has since been vacant.
EPA and the Indiana Department of Environmental
Management (IDEM) investigated lead-contaminated soil in the area. Testing and
site assessments found elevated lead in some properties near the facility. Several
yards had lead concentrations above EPA standards.
By the request of IDEM, and in consultation with the City of Logansport, the EPA began removing lead-contaminated soil in the fall of 2023. In 2024, the EPA expanded its cleanup efforts to address additional properties with elevated lead levels. EPA contractor crews completed their work in the fall of 2025.
