E.P.A. Reaches Arrangement with H. Kramer to Sample Residential Area in Pilsen for Lead

For Immediate Release No. 15-OPA171

(CHICAGO - Dec. 10, 2015) -- The E.P.A. has finalized an Administrative Order on Consent which requires H. Kramer and Co. to sample soil lead levels in the Pilsen neighborhood of Chicago. E.P.A. will oversee the sampling process.

Over 100 residential properties are eligible for sampling to determine whether soil needs to be removed or replaced. The properties are located in a 25-acre area bounded by 18^th Place to the north, an alley halfway between Allport Street and Racine Avenue to the east, 21^st Street to the south, and Loomis Street to the west. E.P.A. and H. Kramer will contact affected property owners during the next several months to seek access to sample yards and gardens.

Last month, under an arrangement with EPA, BNSF Railway Co. and H. Kramer began removing lead-contaminated soil from 2 areas in the Pilsen neighborhood - a railway spur and alley behind the H. Kramer foundry and an area near Benito Juarez Community Academy.

E.P.A. continues to work closely with the city of Chicago and neighborhood organizations to provide information to residents about steps they can take to reduce exposure to lead contamination.

More information about soil contamination in the Pilsen neighborhood is accessible athttp://www3.epa.gov/region5/cleanup/pilsenareasoils/

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