News Releases from Region 05
EPA Reaches Agreement with H. Kramer to Sample Residential Area in Pilsen for Lead
For Immediate Release No. 15-OPA171
(CHICAGO - Dec. 10, 2015) -- The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has finalized an Administrative Order on Consent which requires H. Kramer and Co. to sample soil lead levels in the Pilsen neighborhood of Chicago. EPA will oversee the sampling process.
Over 100 residential properties are eligible for sampling to determine whether soil needs to be removed or replaced. The properties are located in a 25-acre area bounded by 18th Place to the north, an alley halfway between Allport Street and Racine Avenue to the east, 21st Street to the south, and Loomis Street to the west. EPA and H. Kramer will contact affected property owners during the next several months to seek access to sample yards and gardens.
Last month, under an agreement with EPA, BNSF Railway Co. and H. Kramer began removing lead-contaminated soil from two areas in the Pilsen neighborhood - a railway spur and alley behind the H. Kramer foundry and an area near Benito Juarez Community Academy.
EPA continues to work closely with the city of Chicago and neighborhood organizations to provide information to residents about steps they can take to reduce exposure to lead contamination.
More information about soil contamination in the Pilsen neighborhood is available athttp://www3.epa.gov/region5/cleanup/pilsenareasoils/
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