On 11/10/14, EPA initiated a time critical removal action at the ALRECO site located at 900 ALRECO Road, in Benton Harbor, Michigan. Beginning in 1965 and continuing through 2008 the site was used in the aluminum smelting industry by various entities. In 2008, the current owner ceased operation, filed for bankruptcy and began dismantling equipment and buildings, exposing waste to the elements. The State of Michigan requested EPA assistance at ALRECO in April of 2014. EPA assessed the site and identified numerous uncontrolled hazardous substances in containers and large quantities of aluminum dross in piles. Removal actions will include securing, characterizing and staging waste; removing and properly disposing of this waste; and decontaminating structures (foundations) on site.
