The on-site building is a former chrome plating shop and metal finishing facility that performed metal plating until operations ceased in January 2008. The facility conducted electroplating and anodized steel castings using zinc, cadmium, and chrome for automotive, recreational vehicle, and trailer manufacturers. After closure of the facility, many materials involved with the operations were left on site.
On October 20, 2009, the Indiana Department of Environmental Management (IDEM) entered into an Agreed Order with the PRP that included the timely removal of all wastes. The facility owners began voluntary removal of on-site wastes; however, the removal was not completed. According to site representatives, approximately 52,000 gallons of wastes were still present. In a letter dated November 21, 2011, the St. Joseph County Health Department (SJCHD) referred the Site to the U.S. EPA to assist in securing hazardous waste on Site.
On May 29, 2012, EPA, START and ERRS mobilized to the site to initiate the removal action. During the summer and fall of 2012, the removal action focused on removing wastes and decontaminating equipment from the building with the exception of Area W. Approximately 90,000 gallons of liquid waste and 880,000 pounds of solid waste were removed from the site.
On March 18, 2013, EPA, START and ERRS re-mobilized to site to address wastes in Area W. Area W was located under a partially collapsed roof and contained a large pit. Analytical results indicate the presence of chromium / cadmium in the pit solids. The second phase of the removal is anticipated to take several months to complete.
