&EPA
United States
Environmental Protection
Agency
Public meeting
EPA will hold a meeting to update
you on activities at the site:
Wednesday, Sept. 9, 2009
6:30p.m.
Vienna Beef Factory Store
2501 N. DamenAve.
Chicago
For more information
You may review site documents and
other site information at:
Chicago Public Library
Bucktown-Wicker Park
170 IN. Milwaukee
Chicago
Websites:
www.epa.gov/region5/sites/economy/
index.htm
http://epaosc.org/economyplatinginc
Contact EPA
For questions, comments or for
special accommodations at the
meeting contact:
Mike Joyce
Community Involvement Coordinator
Superfund Division (SI-7J)
EPA Region 5
77 W. Jackson Blvd.
Chicago, IL 60604-3 5 90
800-621-8431, Ext. 35546,
8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m., weekdays
j oyce .mike @epa.gov
Ramon Mendoza
On-Scene Coordinator
Superfund Division (SE-5 J)
EPA Region 5
77 W. Jackson Blvd.
Chicago, IL 60604-3 5 90
312-886-4314 or
800-621-8431, Ext. 64314,
8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m., weekdays
mendoza.ramon@epa.gov
Update on Investigation and
Cleanup Activities
Economy Plating Inc. Site
Chicago, Illinois
September 2009
Emergency response workers remove hazardous wastes from Economy Plating.
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency will hold a public meeting Sept. 9 to
update the community about ongoing cleanup activities at the Economy Plating
Inc. site. At the meeting (see adjacent box for details), EPA will discuss
cleanup activities and security measures already taken as well as additional
work planned to complete the project. Economy Plating Inc. is a former
plating shop that operated for about 70 years at 2348-52 N. Elston Ave. The
facility was discovered vacant and abandoned in January 2009 by the Chicago
Department of the Environment. DOE's inspection indicated the presence of
numerous drums and containers that were filled with unknown and possibly
hazardous liquids and solids. DOE ordered the owner of the property to clean
up the site, but the owner was unable to comply so the location was referred
to EPA for cleanup in May.
EPA conducted a site assessment of the property in June and found evidence
of trespassing on the site. EPA also found approximately 195 containers and
12 chrome plating vats. Markings on the containers indicated they held
chromic acid, hydrochloric acid, methyl acetate and
oxidizer as well as other acids and unknown solids. Several
containers were leaking and holes were found in the ceiling
and walls in the basement. Samples were taken of the
liquid and solid waste. Results of the sampling showed the
presence of highly concentrated cyanide in some of the
open containers plus chromium, cadmium and other wastes.
Because of the immediate threat to human health, EPA
returned to the site on June 13 and removed and disposed
of the cyanide waste, secured the open and leaking
containers, locked the building and put up signs to prevent
further trespassing.
U.S.E.RA.
SUPERFUND Removal Action
KEEP OUT
EPA posted signs
to discourage
trespassing.
-------
Additional cleanup activities
After removing the cyanide and securing the building,
hazardous substances still remained at the facility. To
finish cleaning up the site, EPA will conduct the
following additional activities this summer and fall:
• Sample and determine the contents and hazards
associated with the contents of all containers, drums,
vats, tanks, and other unknown materials.
• Consolidate and package all hazardous substances and
contaminants for transportation and disposal.
• Investigate the potential for contamination of the
building's walls and floors plus soil on the property.
• Dismantle and decontaminate equipment containing
hazardous substances such as tanks and vats, piping,
and building components as necessary
• Transport and dispose of all contaminated substances
that pose a substantial threat at an EPA-approved
hazardous waste disposal facility.
• Take any actions necessary to manage any release or
threatened release of any hazardous substance that
EPA determines may pose an imminent threat to
public health or the environment.
Once these activities are completed, EPA will transfer
the site back to the authority of Chicago DOE or to
Illinois EPA for further cleanup actions if necessary.
Drums in the basement of Economy Plating.
J3doj psjstfosy uo
1L&.
3118 'ONI ONIlVId AIAIONO03
069C-fr0909 II 'o
•pA|g uos>|oer M LL
rZ-IS) UOJSJAIQ punjjsdns
AousBy
|E)U9WUOJ!AU3
VcH®
------- |