Site Plain EPA Superfund sites near you, in plain language

EPA Superfund Site

OLD AMERICAN ZINC PLANT

IL | EPA ID IL0000034355

Human exposure is NOT currently under control

About this site’s exposure pathways: As of December 2024, the Old American Zinc Plant Superfund site is considered "Current Human Exposure Not Under Control" because soil on some residential properties contains concentrations of lead, arsenic, cadmium, and zinc above health based levels. Additionally, surface soil at the Facility Area property contains concentrations of lead and other metals above likely acceptable levels for trespassers. The cleanup of the remaining contaminated surrounding area properties began in summer 2019 and the cleanup of the Facility Area began in spring 2024. The selected remedy includes excavation of contaminated soils from residential yards, vacant lots, and alleyways, along with excavation of contaminated materials at the Facility Area, and consolidation of the excavated materials in an on-site capped consolidation area at the Facility Area. It is expected the cleanup work will take until the end of 2032 to complete at which time human exposures are expected to be under control.

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Data limitations: Proximity to a Superfund site boundary does not mean your property is contaminated. EPA site boundaries show the area designated for cleanup, not the full extent of contamination. Groundwater plumes can extend beyond site boundaries. This tool shows publicly available EPA federal data. It is not affiliated with or endorsed by EPA, and is not a substitute for a professional environmental assessment.

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