September 2016 Update

On Sept. 22, 2016, EPA ordered H. Kramer & Co. to take immediate action to remove lead-contaminated soil from at least 54 residential yards in Chicago’s Pilsen neighborhood. H. Kramer has up to 30 days to comply with EPA’s unilateral administrative order and begin the cleanups. (See Unilateral Administrative Order for Pilsen Soil Operable Unit 2 Residential Site.)

To date, EPA has done lead testing at 58 Pilsen residences in a 25-acre area bounded by West 18th Place to the north, an alley between South Allport Street and South Racine Avenue to the east, West 21st Street to the south, and South Loomis Street to the west. Results from EPA tests in the spring of this year at 34 properties show that 30 have lead concentrations above the Agency’s 400 ppm action level for lead in surface soil. EPA has begun notifying residents of their test results. In 2013, EPA had notified Pilsen residents that test results at 24 of 25 properties showed lead concentrations above the action level. 

The 2013 results prompted EPA to initiate a robust community involvement and information program to warn Pilsen residents about lead risks and advise them on how to avoid exposure to lead. EPA also negotiated a December 2015 legal agreement with H. Kramer requiring the company to expand lead testing to the rest of the area. EPA is seeking access to another 57 residences in the area to continue lead soil testing.

 July 2016 Update

Operable Unit 1 (OU1): EPA oversaw the removal by BNSF contractors of tracks and ties along the railway spur.  EPA also oversaw the excavation and disposal of lead-contaminated soil from the railroad spur and alley by H. Kramer contractors. Work was completed in Areas 1-2 and 4-10, which have been covered with either a compacted gravel cap or asphalt. 

Next steps: EPA will continue to work with the city of Chicago to address any concerns in portions of soil adjacent to Area 2.

Operable Unit 2 (OU2): Earlier this year EPA reached out to owners of 130 properties by mail, phone, and in person in an effort to gain access for soil sampling. Between a 2013 round of sampling and another one this year, EPA has sampled or has overseen the sampling of over 50 properties. There are a number of properties in OU2 that have been determined to have permanent covers with no exposure to bare soil. EPA continues to work with the city of Chicago and community organizations to identify and reach out to property owners about this project.

 Next steps: Under the Administrative Settlement Agreement and Order on Consent for Removal Action, EPA and H. Kramer will review the data from samples collected this year. Once the sampling analysis report is finalized, EPA will continue working with H. Kramer and the city of Chicago to determine next steps in addressing lead concerns in OU2. Owners whose property was sampled this year should be getting their result letters later this summer.