(cole.jacquelyn@epa.gov)

Site Location:
3101 E 55th St
Cleveland, OH 44127
response.epa.gov/B55

U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is removing hazardous substances from a warehouse at 3101 E. 55th St. in Cleveland, Ohio. The cleanup, which includes disposing of abandoned drums and containers, is expected to be completed by early 2027.

EPA will conduct monitoring during the cleanup to ensure activities do not affect air quality in the neighborhood. Residents may notice increased vehicle activity in the area and workers wearing protective gear required to handle hazardous substances. EPA is coordinating with the city, Ohio EPA and the Ohio Department of Health.

Public Meeting & Community Interviews:

U.S. EPA will hold a public meeting to discuss the cleanup project and to answer questions from community members.

• Date: Tuesday, October 6, 2026

• Time: 6-7 p.m.

• Location: Elizabeth Baptist Church - Gymnasium | 6114 Francis Ave., Cleveland

EPA is inviting community members to talk one-on-one with EPA personnel about the cleanup through 20-minute community interviews. The interviews are being held at Elizabeth Baptist Church on Wednesday, October 21 from 1-7 pm, and on Thursday, October 22 from 9 am- 7 pm.  These interviews are an opportunity for residents to ask questions or share concerns and help EPA to better understand the community. EPA will also use the feedback from the interviews to write a Community Involvement Plan for the site.

To schedule an interview email Community Involvement Coordinator Adrian Palomeque by October 19 at palomeque.adrian@epa.gov.  The earlier the interview request is submitted via email the higher the likelihood people may find a time slot convenient to them. 

Background:

The 3.29-acre site contains a four-story warehouse originally built as a commercial bakery and warehouse in the mid-1920s. After 1960, the building was mainly used for storage under various owners. The current owner, Bessemer 55 LLC, purchased the site in 2019.

Ohio EPA and the City of Cleveland inspected the site in September 2025, responding to complaints from residents. After discovering numerous abandoned containers with hazardous-substance labels in the building, Ohio EPA referred the site to EPA.

EPA collected samples from containers, surfaces, and debris inside the building which confirmed flammable, toxic, and corrosive wastes, as well as friable asbestos and polychlorinated biphenyls. EPA also documented evidence of spills, trespassing, and vandalism.