Three Rivers Gold Plating company operated as an electro-plating facility until the building was condemned by the Fort Wayne City Building Department in early May, 2010. The facility electro-plated gold and platinum surfaces onto a wide variety of items such as jewelry, automotive parts, wheels, metal trim, music equipment, and metals such as brass, steel, aluminum, zinc die cast, pewter, and pot metal.
After conducting several inspections, the Indiana Department of Environmental Management (IDEM) requested USEPA assistance for further assessment of the facility. Upon inspection of the facility IDEM and City officials observed multiple open electrical boxes, and extension cords connected to various electrical equipment, a laboratory, various containerized chemicals/solutions in drums, baths, and containers. A partially full 2,000 gallon waste storage above ground storage tank (AST), partially filled poly totes, various 55-gallon drums, and one 85-gallon poly over pack drum labeled potassium cyanide were found on the property outside the facility.
USEPA, START, and IDEM will conduct an inspection on May 27, 2010 and will determine what actions need to be taken to address current site conditions.
