Cleanup Work Activities
Throughout the entire removal process, EPA will use several methods to ensure that contamination does not leave the site and impact the surrounding area. To help control dust from getting into the air, EPA will spray water during active cleanup work. Air monitoring will be conducted at both the site and surrounding area to make sure asbestos fibers and dust are not leaving the site. Fencing around the property will be maintained to prevent access to the cleanup area. EPA will remove the remaining unstable structures and transport all wastes and debris to an EPA-approved disposal facility.

Health Risk

 Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral that has a fibrous form, which makes it a strong and heat-resistant material. It was historically used in many products and is still present in older homes and buildings. Breathing in fibers from the breakdown or disposal of asbestos products can cause harmful health effects. Potential health issues can include shortness of breath, a persistent cough. Long-term exposure is linked to mesothelioma and lung cancer.

PCBs are a mixture of individual chemicals which are no longer produced in the United States but still found in the environment in objects like electrical transformers. Health effects that have been associated with exposure to PCBs include acne-like skin conditions in adults and neurobehavioral and immunological changes in children. PCBs are known to cause cancer in animals. Contact your local health department for additional information.

Site Background
In February 2025, after a fire damaged most of the Morton Avenue Warehouse, the Indiana Department of Environmental Management requested EPA assistance to assess debris for asbestos-containing material, and to further investigate the site. EPA evaluated the site in April and June of 2025, confirming the presence of asbestos-containing material in debris as well as PCB-contaminated sediment in storm sewer catch basins. 

The former Morton Avenue Warehouse operated in a variety of capacities since the early 1900s. The property was initially created as a production facility for the Hercules Buggy Company, making vehicle bodies for commercial use. From the 1920s to the 1950s, the facility operated as Servel Electrolux manufacturing refrigerators, and during the World War 2, assisted in the war effort by manufacturing parts for P-47 aircraft. The facility changed ownership in the late 1950s, but continued manufacturing refrigerators until the 1970s, where it was eventually converted to a warehousing business.