EPA Superfund Site

ELM STREET GROUND WATER CONTAMINATION

IN | EPA ID INN000509938

About this site’s exposure pathways: As of August 2025, the Allied Paper Inc./Portage Creek/Kalamazoo River Superfund Site is considered "Current Human Exposure Not Under Control" because the fish in the river are contaminated above health-based levels for human consumption due to PCB contamination. Although there is a fish advisory for the river, and warning signs posted along the floodplains, subsistence fishing occurs in the river. In addition, some floodplain soils contain PCBs above health-based limits for direct contact for recreational users. A large portion of this land is owned by the State and is used for recreation, but it is not practical to fence the areas or restrict access. EPA has conducted or directed five removal actions in and along the river and will use both its removal and remedial authority to reduce human exposures. Investigative activities for the entire river will extend until 2030. After cleanup work is complete, it may take 30 years before fish tissue concentrations decline to protective levels.