The removal action at USS Lead in East Chicago, IN began on June 9, 2008. The removal action will remove lead-contaminated soil from approximately 15 residential properties in East Chicago, IN. All of the properties in question have lead contamination levels of 1200 parts per million (ppm) or greater and are, therefore, classified as Tier 1 properties per the Agency's "Superfund Lead-Contaminated Residential Sites Handbook". Lead contaminations as high as 3000 ppm have been found. The lead-contaminated soil is being excavated from the properties and being disposed of at an approved landfill.
The removal area is bounded approximately by Aster Street, Chicago Avenue, Parish Avenue, and 151st Street in East Chicago, IN.
The likely source of the lead contamination is the US Smelter and Lead (USS Lead) facility. USS Lead began smelting lead in approximately 1920. Operations ceased in 1985.
