A plume of contaminated groundwater stretches south from an industrial park in Elkhart, Indiana, passing under County Road 6 and into a residential neighborhood along Lane Street. The site was placed on the National Priorities List (NPL) in September 2009. The contamination source has not been identified, but EPA has found six contaminants in the groundwater: trichloroethene (TCE), tetrachloroethene, cis-1,2-dichloroethene, 1,1-dichloroethane, chloroethene (vinyl chloride), and methane. EPA determined all six pose an unacceptable risk to human health or the environment.
EPA acted quickly to protect nearby residents. In 2007, the agency installed water filtration systems in about 13 homes with contaminated or potentially contaminated wells. Indiana Department of Environmental Management provided bottled water during that time. By November 2008, EPA had connected 26 homes on Lane Street and adjoining streets to the public water supply. Because of these actions, EPA assessments show that human exposure is currently under control, meaning there are no unacceptable pathways for people to contact contaminants right now. Groundwater migration is also considered stabilized, with no unacceptable discharge to surface water.
Flexsteel Industries Inc. is the potentially responsible party (PRP) for the site. The company agreed to pay $9.8 million for cleanup under a consent decree signed on February 27, 2023. Flexsteel will also reimburse EPA for a portion of past costs. In 2016, EPA selected enhanced bioremediation as the long-term cleanup method. This approach uses naturally occurring microbes to break down TCE and related contaminants into harmless compounds like ethane and ethene. EPA is currently conducting a remedial design investigation to determine the best way to apply that method at the site. Remedial design work is estimated to wrap up between April and June 2028, with the actual cleanup construction expected to begin between June and August 2028. Physical construction is not yet complete, and the site remains on the NPL.
Community members who want to stay involved can review site documents at the Elkhart Public Library at 300 South Second Street in Elkhart. EPA is developing a final cleanup plan and welcomes public comment. Questions about the site can be directed to the EPA's Community Involvement Coordinator or Remedial Project Manager.
