![[logo] US EPA](http://www.epa.gov/epafiles/images/logo_epaseal.gif){kind=logo}
| LUSHER STREET GROUND WATER CONTAMINATION | Elkhart, Indiana | |
| Elkhart County |
Site Location:
The site is located within Elkhart, Indiana. The contaminated ground
water plume is moving primarily north, towards the St. Joseph River.
Site History:
The site consists of a ground water plume contaminated with
1,1,1-trichloroethane (1,1,1-TCA), trichloroethylene (also called
"TCE"), 1,1-dichloroethylene (1,1-DCE) and some other chlorinated
solvents. In 1987 and again in 2006, EPA worked with the State to
provide the community with alternate water supplies (municipal water
supply line extension or carbon filtration units for the drinking water
wells). This action only partially addressed the source(s) and did not
address the contaminated ground water. The State and the EPA are
working to find a comprehensive solution to the contaminated ground
water plume.
Site Contamination/Contaminants:
The ground water plume is contaminated with 1,1,1-TCA, TCE, and 1,1-DCE.
1,1,1-TCA and TCE are typically used as degreasing agents, parts
cleaner, foam plastic blowing agents, and engine cleaner.
Potential Impacts on Surrounding Community/Environment:
Thirty-four drinking water wells are contaminated in the area. Ten
drinking water wells were found to exceed U.S. EPA's Maximum Contaminant
Level (MCL) for TCE and 1,1-DCE. An additional twenty-four drinking
water wells have low concentrations (below the MCL) of chlorinated
solvents.
Response Activities (to date):
EPA and the State provided alternate water supplies (municipal water
supply line extension or carbon filtration units for the drinking water
wells) to residents and businesses in this area in 1987 and again in
2006.
[The description of the site (release) is based on information available at the time the site was evaluated with the HRS. The description may change as additional information is gathered on the sources and extent of contamination. See 56 FR 5600, February 11, 1991, or subsequent FR notices.]
For more information about the hazardous substances identified in this narrative summary, including general information regarding the effects of exposure to these substances on human health, please see the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR) ToxFAQs. ATSDR ToxFAQs can be found on the Internet at http://www.atsdr.cdc.gov/toxfaq.html or by telephone at 1-888-42-ATSDR or 1-888-422-8737.