RECIPIENT: CITY OF EAST CHICAGO PROJECT: LEAD SERVICE LINE REPLACEMENT IN USS LEAD SUPERFUND SITE (PHASE I)
The City of East Chicago proactively implemented a full LSL replacement program to assist residents at the greatest risk for lead exposure from LSL leaching. The site was active from 1903 until 1985, under the ownership of Delmar Copper Refinery, U.S. Smelting Refining, and Mining, and\ U.S. Smelter and Lead Refiners, Inc. Excavation of contaminated soils in zones immediately surrounding the facility began in 2017. The City decided to pair excavation and replacement of 18 to 24 inches of contaminated soils with LSL replacement to reduce project costs and impact to homeowners.
The City targeted eligible residents using sampling results from 2014 and 2016 Lead
and Copper Rule findings, as well as additionalwater sampling results. Phase I of this project
is complete and used $1.1 million in DWSRF funding for the replacement of 331 LSL, positively impacting the 1,350 residents surrounding the area of construction.