U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) began removing asbestos-containing materials and other hazardous substances from the former Brown Shoe Co. facility at 430 S 19th St. in Murphysboro, Illinois. EPA estimates the work will take about two months.
During a site visit by Illinois Environmental Protection Agency (IEPA) in 2022, debris from demolition work and 55-gallon drums containing unknown liquid and industrial switches, dials and gauges which may contain mercury were discovered. IEPA referred the site to EPA to evaluate concerns related to asbestos-containing material and other hazards found on the site.
EPA will identify the waste and consolidate, package and remove the hazardous substances for proper disposal. During the cleanup, crews will wet down work areas to control dust and particulates from leaving the site. EPA will conduct air monitoring and sampling during while work is ongoing. Residents can expect increased vehicle activity and noise around the site during work hours. Due to the presence of asbestos, residents may see workers wearing respirators and other personal protective equipment.
Brown Shoe Co. began operations at the site in the early 1900s. The company produced leather shoes and gloves in a three-story brick facility over 400,000 square feet of space. Following its closure in 1976, the facility was occupied by various commercial operations including a furniture business; a window, siding and awning company; and a taxidermy and artificial foliage business.
