Post Trib Sun Times reported that US Steel Gary Works will move forward with a plan to close two dump sites after receiving approval from the Indiana Department of Environmental Management.
US Steel received approval on the project December 11.
The company has wanted to cap one of the two sites since 1985, but the project has been delayed for various reasons.
The plan will place covers over the top of a hazardous waste dump that contains mostly tarry substances and a refuse area that contains objects like construction debris, tires and refractory brick.
An area of 42.2 acres will be covered under requirements by the Resource Conservation and Recover act of 1976, which gives the US Environmental Protection Agency power to control hazardous waste. An additional 13.8 acres in the northeast portion of the refuse area will be cleared, grubbed, and graded. The surface of the two dump sites will have soil on top of the covers so vegetation can grow.
Mr Wells will also be installed around the site to monitor the quality of soil and groundwater for any possible contamination. US Steel will inspect the cover twice a year to check for erosion, animals or vandalism.
The project will take about three years to complete and cost USD 15.5 million, according to the company’s plans.
