Logansport, IN – Residents living near the former Exide Battery facility are seeing a major environmental milestone completed this week, as federal officials confirm the removal of lead-contaminated soil from dozens of nearby homes.
According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, crews have completed soil removal and restoration work at 84 residential properties surrounding the former Exide Battery Corp. site at 303 Water St. The cleanup wrapped up in October, following several years of testing, planning, and remediation.
The effort involved excavating and hauling away 16,664 tons of lead-contaminated soil to EPA-approved disposal facilities. Each affected yard was then backfilled with clean soil and restored with new grass and plantings. EPA officials said air monitoring and dust control measures were used throughout the process to protect both workers and residents.
Testing in the area began after the Indiana Department of Environmental Management (IDEM) investigated soil conditions near the former battery manufacturing facility, which operated from about 1960 to 1989. IDEM reported lead concentrations as high as 692 parts per million, well above safe levels for residential areas, and referred the site to the EPA in 2021.
EPA conducted assessments between 2021 and 2023, then began removing contaminated soil in fall 2023, expanding cleanup efforts through 2024 as additional affected properties were identified. Officials say no further action is currently needed at the addressed homes.
Local leaders praised the multi-agency coordination. EPA Region 5 Administrator Anne Vogel said the cleanup helps protect families while supporting long-term neighborhood health, while city officials called the project a significant step toward improving quality of life on Logansport’s west side.
More information is available through the EPA’s Exide Corporation site removal program.
This article was produced by a journalist and may include AI-assisted input. All content is reviewed for accuracy and fairness.
Follow us on Instagram & Facebook for more relevant news stories and SUPPORT LOCAL INDEPENDENT NEWS! Have a tip? Message us!
