Lindsay Light Superfund Sites
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EPA is committed to protecting the health and safety of the Streeterville neighborhood in Chicago.
EPA and the city of Chicago require anyone planning to work in subsurface soil in these areas to monitor the soil.
EPA first discovered thorium contamination at Lindsay Light's Illinois Street location in 1993. Further investigations found soil contamination at several locations in the Streeterville neighborhood of Chicago and directly across the Chicago River at the New Eastside neighborhood. To protect workers who might come into contact with radiation and thorium contamination in subsurface soil, EPA and the city of Chicago require anyone planning to work in subsurface soil in these areas to monitor the soil. The resulting reports are posted here.
Right of Way Survey Reports
Contamination and Cleanup
Construction Projects in the Area
Before You Dig Information
Lindsay Light Cleanup Video
Site Information
Alert
Thorium Radiation
Thorium-contaminated soil emits gamma radiation. However, if soil, concrete, or asphalt is covering the contaminated soil, that cover will shield the radiation. It will also prevent people from touching, inhaling, or eating the contamination.