The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has begun cleaning up asbestos-contaminated debris at the former Columbian Enameling site at 1536 and 1600 Beech Street in Terre Haute, Indiana. The agency anticipates the cleanup will take about a year to complete.
The cleanup is the result of an assessment conducted by the EPA in December 2023, which found asbestos-containing materials on-site. The EPA will remove the debris from the building and dispose of it in an EPA-approved landfill. During removal, the EPA will spray water on debris to control any dust and will monitor the air to ensure asbestos fibers do not leave the cleanup area.
EPA's Commitment to Removing Asbestos
EPA Region 5 Administrator Debra Shore emphasized the agency's commitment to removing all asbestos from the former Columbian Enameling & Stamping company. “Terre Haute residents have the right to live in their community without being exposed to hazardous substances,” Shore said. “EPA is committed to removing all asbestos from the former Columbian Enameling & Stamping company.”
Local Support for the Cleanup
The City of Terre Haute Mayor Brandon Sakburn expressed his gratitude for the EPA's decision to conduct the site cleanup. “We are ecstatic and blessed that the EPA has decided to conduct site cleanup here in Terre Haute,” Sakburn said. “We wanted to thank IDEM, the EPA staff, our Federal representatives Congressman Bucshon and Senator Young, the Biden-Harris Administration, and our local engineering team for their hard work on this endeavor. This site clean-up shows our community that cities like Terre Haute will no longer be left behind. This is a true win for our community.”
The History of the Columbian Enameling & Stamping Co.
The Columbian Enameling & Stamping Co. operated from 1902 until 1968, producing enamel cookware. In 2021, the current owner of the property hired a salvage company to extract valuable materials from the building without required permits. In April 2022, the Indiana Building Inspectors Office issued a cease work order. In December 2023, the Indiana Department of Environmental Management requested EPA assistance to assess the site.
The Risks of Asbestos Exposure
Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral that has a fibrous form, which makes it a strong and heat-resistant material. It was historically used in many products and is still present in older homes and buildings. Breathing in fibers from the breakdown or disposal of old asbestos products can cause harmful health effects. Potential health issues can include shortness of breath and a persistent cough. Long-term exposure is linked to mesothelioma and lung cancer. As a result, the EPA has banned most uses of asbestos.
A Reminder of the Dangers of Asbestos
The cleanup in Terre Haute serves as a reminder of the dangers of asbestos exposure. While the EPA has banned most uses of asbestos, it is still present in older homes and buildings. It is important to be aware of the potential risks of asbestos exposure and to take steps to minimize your risk. This includes having your home tested for asbestos if you suspect it may be present and avoiding disturbing or removing asbestos-containing materials yourself.
What You Can Do
For more information about the cleanup, visit the EPA’s website. Follow EPA Region 5 on X and visit our Facebook page. For more information about EPA Region 5, visit the EPA Region 5 website.
The sidewalk outside the site will be closed off with temporary fencing throughout work activities. Residents could see more traffic and hear noise around the cleanup area.
