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Redevelopment commission approves $44,800 environmental testing to pursue IDEM closure at former Begley Concord Cleaners site
Summary
Commission approved a $44,800 proposal for additional environmental sampling at the former Begley Concord Cleaners site after one winter test returned unexpected results; the work is intended to secure a 'no further action' determination from the state to permit development.
The Michigan City Redevelopment Commission on March 10 approved a $44,800 proposal from a consultant (August Mack) to carry out additional environmental sampling at the former Begley Concord Cleaners site on Michigan Boulevard.
Staff and consultants said the trench interceptor installed last year was followed by summer and winter sampling. Most samples came back below action levels, but one winter sample from lateral lines on the south side of East Eighth Street near Michigan Road showed unexpectedly elevated constituents. Commission members were told additional testing is required to determine whether the elevated result is an isolated reading from lateral inflow or represents a broader source that would hinder IDEM closure.
Why it matters: The commission said it needs a state ‘‘no further action’’ determination to clear the site for redevelopment, including a nearby parcel the commission or developer plans to advance. Staff said additional sampling — including tests that specifically include the development parcel at Eighth and the Boulevard — is necessary to complete a remediation completion report and request closure from the Indiana Department of Environmental Management (IDEM).
Details: Paul Warren, identified as coordinator/project manager for Trail Creek cleanup work, described the unexpected sample location and said the next round of sampling is scheduled within one to two weeks, pending approval. Staff said IDEM’s response to a closure report typically can take 60 to 180 days and that IDEM’s project manager has been ill, which could add delay. The commission voted to approve the August Mack scope estimate of $44,800 to conduct the additional testing.
Next steps: Consultants will complete the additional samples, analyze combined results, and if those results are favorable will file the remediation completion report and request IDEM closure. Staff said the additional testing includes samples on the development parcel that the commission has prioritized for redevelopment.
Ending: The commission approved the additional testing funding so staff and consultants can complete the winter resampling and proceed toward IDEM closure and eventual development of the parcel.
