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NPL Site Narrative for Waste, Inc., Landfill
WASTE, INC., LANDFILL
Michigan City, Indiana
Federal Register Notice: July 22, 1987Conditions at proposal (April 10, 1985): The Waste, Inc., Landfill covers 10 acres in a wetland within the limits of Michigan City, La Porte County, Indiana. The area is industrial with an urban population of about 34,000.
During 1966-82, the landfill accepted approximately 128,000 tons of industrial waste contaminated with PCBs, heavy metals, and organic solvents. It was not permitted to accept such wastes. The landfill was unlined, and there were no dikes to control run-off. Originally, the site sloped down to the creek. Now, the landfill rises 50 feet above surrounding terrain.
In December 1983, EPA detected heptachlor in one well on the site. Ground water below the site is shallow. About 2,100 people depend on private wells within 3 miles of the site for their drinking water.
The site drains into nearby Trail Creek, which discharges to Lake Michigan. EPA has detected 3 parts per million each of arsenic and PCBs in the creek. These levels exceed EPA drinking water standards. People are known to fish in the creek.
In May 1981, the State and Dis-Pos-All Service, Inc. (a previous owner/operator of the site) signed an Agreed Order limiting acceptance of refuse from Josam Foundry and McLain Foundry. In January 1982, in response to a State court order, the landfill stopped operations.
Status (July 22, 1987): Under a Consent Order with EPA, signed on March 31, 1987, nine potentially responsible parties agreed to undertake a remedial investigation/feasibility study to determine the type and extent of contamination at the site and identify alternatives for remedial action.
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.