On June 8, 2011, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) On-Scene Coordinator (OSC) Shelly Lam responded to a release of plating waste at the request of the Marion County Public Health Department (MCPHD).
The release was from a former plating shop, which is currently operated as an automotive repair business. On June 5, 2011, the tenant washed materials from the floor of the facility into the alley. Plating waste and oil flowed down the alley, onto Hamilton Avenue, then into a storm sewer that outfalls onto Pogues Run. MCPHD and the Indiana Department of Environmental Management (IDEM) responded to the release on June 5, and with the City of Indianapolis stabilized the situation by containing and removing liquid waste in the roadway.
OSC Lam observed solid plating waste residue in the alley and on Hamilton Avenue. Additionally, EPA, MCPHD, and IDEM observed drums labeled as nitric acid, sodium cyanide, sodium hydroxide, nickel sulfate, and chrome inside the former plating shop.
EPA initiated emergency actions to remove hazardous substances from the roadways and prevent run-off from entering the storm drain. Based on an electrical fire hazard, EPA also conducted emergency removal of drums and other containers.
