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USS Lead OU1, Zone 3 Residential Soils Superfund Site
| Client: | EPA Region 5 |
| Role: | Subcontractor |
| Location: | East Chicago, Indiana |
| Dates: | 2017- 2018 |
Arrowhead served as a key subcontractor supporting the remediation of residential properties at the USS Lead Superfund Site in East Chicago, Indiana. This high-profile, fund-lead removal action addressed lead and arsenic contamination in Zone 3 of Operable Unit 1 (OU1), a densely populated neighborhood located near a former secondary smelting facility.
Arrowhead self-performed excavation, waste transport, backfilling, and restoration at 240 residential properties. The team followed property-specific excavation plans developed in close coordination with homeowners and EPA, ensuring the safe and effective removal of contaminated soils from around homes, gardens, sidewalks, and utility corridors.
Excavation was conducted in 6- to 12-inch lifts, reaching depths of up to two feet depending on soil conditions and sampling results. Real-time dust monitoring and rigorous air sampling for lead were performed at downwind locations and property entrances. In constrained urban areas, Arrowhead utilized mini-excavators, skid steers, and small dump trucks to reduce disruption and enhance safety. Hand excavation was used as needed near structures, tree roots, and buried utilities.
Following EPA confirmation sampling, clean fill and topsoil were placed and compacted to match original grades. Restoration work included sod installation, seeding, replanting, and fence and walkway reconstruction, tailored to homeowner preferences. Arrowhead also managed all materials testing, CADD-based pre- and post-yard surveys, and provided final documentation for each remediated property.
Community coordination was essential to project success. Arrowhead deployed a bilingual outreach coordinator to work directly with residents, facilitate access agreements, and address concerns throughout the process. The team completed the work on schedule with a total recordable incident rate of 0.00.
The USS Lead project highlights Arrowhead’s capabilities in high-volume residential remediation, hazardous waste removal, community engagement, and urban restoration—all executed in compliance with EPA Superfund program requirements.
Arrowhead self-performed excavation, waste transport, backfilling, and restoration at 240 residential properties. The team followed property-specific excavation plans developed in close coordination with homeowners and EPA, ensuring the safe and effective removal of contaminated soils from around homes, gardens, sidewalks, and utility corridors.
Excavation was conducted in 6- to 12-inch lifts, reaching depths of up to two feet depending on soil conditions and sampling results. Real-time dust monitoring and rigorous air sampling for lead were performed at downwind locations and property entrances. In constrained urban areas, Arrowhead utilized mini-excavators, skid steers, and small dump trucks to reduce disruption and enhance safety. Hand excavation was used as needed near structures, tree roots, and buried utilities.
Following EPA confirmation sampling, clean fill and topsoil were placed and compacted to match original grades. Restoration work included sod installation, seeding, replanting, and fence and walkway reconstruction, tailored to homeowner preferences. Arrowhead also managed all materials testing, CADD-based pre- and post-yard surveys, and provided final documentation for each remediated property.
Community coordination was essential to project success. Arrowhead deployed a bilingual outreach coordinator to work directly with residents, facilitate access agreements, and address concerns throughout the process. The team completed the work on schedule with a total recordable incident rate of 0.00.
The USS Lead project highlights Arrowhead’s capabilities in high-volume residential remediation, hazardous waste removal, community engagement, and urban restoration—all executed in compliance with EPA Superfund program requirements.