Made possible by the concerned citizens of:

Citizens of East Chicago, IN, as well as surrounding areas, may soon face a serious health threat. Currently, plans are underway to build a Contained Disposal Facility, better known as a Toxic Waste Dump, within 800 yards of two schools and heavily populated residential areas.  The CDF is to hold 4.7 million cubic yards of contaminated dredging from the Calumet River and the Indiana Harbor Canal.

The sediments contain such toxins such as, Polychlorinated Biphenyl (PCBs), benzene, chromium, mercury, cadmium, arsenic, lead and other hazardous chemicals.

Health effects of many of these chemicals are very serious. Scientists have connected PCBs alone to liver, gall bladder, lung, gastrointestinal and brain cancer.  They also cause neurological and developmental problems in children, including learning disabilities, behavior problems, and lowered IQ.

Property near the site will decline in value. Furthermore, many older LTV retirees, who may lose their pensions and  company based health care, will face extra health hazards with diminished resources to pay for health care.

In addition, the so-called safe CDF walls and caps are known to crack or collapse as they deteriorate with age or stress. Repairs are difficult, especially for caps which allow water to enter the site and volatilization to occur once again.  Monitoring the site will be East Chicago's responsibility.

As a community, it is up to us to put an end to this hazardous burden. If not for ourselves, then for our children, who would be suffer the greater burden.