News Releases from Region 05

EPA Recognizes Indiana Department of Environmental Management for Achievements at Superfund Sites

(CHICAGO) November 15, 2017—The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has recognized the Indiana Department of Environmental Management with the State Excellence in Supporting Reuse award  for achievements at three Superfund sites. IDEM was recognized for its efforts at the Continental Steel, Lake Sandy Jo (M&M Landfill), and Tippecanoe Sanitary Landfill Superfund sites. 

“There is nothing more core to the Agency’s mission than revitalizing contaminated land,” said EPA Administrator Scott Pruitt. “IDEM has shown a commitment to protecting human health and the environment at these properties and to encouraging their reuse.”

“These reuse projects are just the latest examples of the commitment of IDEM and EPA to find creative ideas for the beneficial reuse of Superfund sites,” said IDEM Commissioner Bruno Pigott.

IDEM has provided critical support for cleanup and redevelopment efforts at Superfund sites across the state of Indiana. IDEM has worked with EPA to help developers understand how to fit redevelopment efforts in a site’s remedial constraints. The state agency has been instrumental in ensuring that implemented institutional controls do not unnecessarily hinder potential redevelopment opportunities. 

The 183-acre Continental Steel site in Kokomo has been returned to productive reuse that includes businesses, storage space, a stormwater retention basin, on-site wind turbines and a soccer complex. Future plans include additional sports fields, other recreation facilities, parking lots and a walking path. A 7-megawatt solar park has also been built on the site. 

Following cleanup, operation and maintenance including groundwater monitoring is now ongoing at the Lake Sandy Jo site in Gary and the Tippecanoe site in Lafayette. 

EPA created this award to recognize state partners whose work supporting the cleanup of Superfund sites has led to lasting benefits that enhance community quality of life and ensure the long-term protectiveness of site remedies and stewardship of the environment.

More information about this award can be found on EPA’s website at: https://www.epa.gov/superfund-redevelopment-initiative/state-excellence-supporting-reuse-award.
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