US Environmental Protection Agency said that the first phase of a toxic waste cleanup at a north central Indiana Superfund site is nearly complete.

EPA officials visited the former Continental Steel site in Kokomo to check on the cleanup, which is being supported by USD 6 million in federal stimulus funds. Crews began work in September to move about 80,000 tonnes of lead and arsenic contaminated slag waste to a nearby lagoon area for use as fill. That effort is about 95% complete. The area will next be graded and covered with soil.

It may be noted that Continental Steel's plant closed in 1986. The EPA has already spent more than USD 60 million to clean up the site, including demolition of the main plant.

(Sourced from Associated Press)