EPA Announces Start of Asbestos Cleanup at the Former Columbian Enameling Site in Terre Haute, Indiana

October 21, 2024

Contact Information

Macy Pressley ([email protected])

312-886-1443

Today, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency will begin cleaning up asbestos-contaminated debris at the former Columbian Enameling site at 1536 and 1600 Beech Street, in Terre Haute, Indiana. The agency anticipates the cleanup will about a year to complete.

“Terre Haute residents have the right to live in their community without being exposed to hazardous substances,” said EPA Region 5 Administrator Debra Shore. “EPA is committed to removing all asbestos from the former Columbian Enameling & Stamping company.”

“We are ecstatic and blessed that the EPA has decided to conduct site cleanup here in Terre Haute,” said City of Terre Haute Mayor Brandon Sakbun. “We wanted to thank IDEM, the EPA staff, our Federal representatives Congressman Bucshon and Senator Young, the Biden-Harris Administration, and our local engineering team for their hard work on this endeavor. This site clean-up shows our community that cities like Terre Haute will no longer be left behind. This is a true win for our community.”

The Columbian Enameling & Stamping Co. operated from 1902 until 1968 producing enamel cookware. In 2021, the current owner of the property hired a salvage company to extract valuable materials from the building without required permits. In April 2022, the Indiana Building Inspectors Office issued a cease work order. In December 2023, Indiana Department of Environmental Management requested EPA assistance to assess the site.

During EPA’s assessment, asbestos-containing materials were found on-site. EPA will remove the debris from the building and dispose it in an EPA-approved landfill. During removal, EPA will spray water on debris to control any dust and will monitor the air to ensure asbestos fibers do not leave the cleanup area.

The sidewalk outside the site will be closed off with temporary fencing throughout work activities. Residents could see more traffic and hear noise around the cleanup area.

Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral that has a fibrous form, which makes it a strong and heat-resistant material. It was historically used in many products and is still present in older homes and buildings.

Breathing in fibers from the breakdown or disposal of old asbestos products can cause harmful health effects. Potential health issues can include shortness of breath and a persistent cough. Long-term exposure is linked to mesothelioma and lung cancer. As a result, EPA has banned most uses of asbestos.

To learn more about the cleanup, visit EPA’s website.

Follow EPA Region 5 on X and visit our Facebook page. For more information about EPA Region 5, visit our website.

Terre Haute residents, the 19th and Beech area within our community has been an eyesore and health hazard for the better part of a decade. Due to its condition, the EPA has granted the City of Terre Haute assistance in removing hazardous waste beginning this week. This clean up effort is expected to take a year. Once it is completed, the city will look into redevelopment possibilities for the land. Health and safety of our community during this project is extremely important to us. To learn about the health and safety measures being implemented during this cleanup, read the fact sheet below.

“We are ecstatic and blessed that the EPA has decided to conduct site cleanup here in Terre Haute,” said City of Terre Haute Mayor Brandon Sakbun. “We wanted to thank IDEM, the EPA staff, our Federal representatives Congressman Bucshon and Senator Young, the Biden-Harris Administration, and our local engineering team for their hard work on this endeavor. This site clean-up shows our community that cities like Terre Haute will no longer be left behind. This is a true win for our community.”

"This site activity represents much more than cleanup efforts. Terre Haute will not allow bad actors to take advantage of our land and resources. As clean up begins, I will be shifting my focus to ensuring clean up activities are conducted in a safe manner and explore legal opportunities to hold those that created this situation accountable. The long term plan is to redevelop this parcel and bring transformational change to our inner city." - Mayor Brandon Sakbun

Read the EPA Project Fact Sheet

Read the Full Press Release

Site Contact:
Leonard Zintak
On-Scene Coordinator

([email protected])

Site Location:
1536 Beech St
Terre Haute, IN 47807
response.epa.gov/columbianenameling

The Columbian Enameling and Stamping Company operated from 1902 until 1968 producing enamel cookware. In 2021, the current owner of the property, Complete Industrial Holdings, began demolishing site buildings and scavenging valuable building materials. Salvaging crews performed these operations without required permits. In April 2022, the Indiana Building Inspectors Office issued a cease work order.
During Winter of 2023, the Indiana Department of Environmental Management requested that EPA assist it by conducting a removal assessment at the site.  A time-critical removal action was initiated at the site on October 21, 2024.  Geographic coordinates at the center of the Site are latitude 39.487427 degrees north and longitude -87.390695 degrees west.

Thursday, 10/31/2024 - Saturday, 11/02/2024 = Building demolition - Wabash Ave. from the intersection of 12th St. to the intersection of 13th St.

Friday, 11/08/2024 = Taste of Terre Haute - Lafayette Ave From Maple South to Philips Ave.

Thursday, 11/28/2024 = Turkey Trot - Cherry St.

The city is out pretreating the streets in preparation for the upcoming inclement weather expected this weekend due to Winter Storm Blair. Be alert for changes and updates from the National Weather Service.

03/03/2025-03/07/2025-  Hulman Street From 12th to 13th Street for a gas main replacement.

03/03/2025-03/07/2025- Northbound lane of South 1st Street from Farrington to Oak Street for manhole repairs.

03/13/2025-03/14/2025- Intersection of 19th & Poplar Streets for the Painting of the Shamrock

03/15/2025 -  South 19th Street from Oak Street to Ohio Blvd, 18th to S. Fruitridge, Poplar Street from S.18th to S.19th, S. 18th from Oak to Poplar, and Oak from 18th to 19th, for the Irish Dash and St. Patrick's Day Parade.