In the Summer of 2025, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency begun taking indoor air samples at residences near the Walter Piano site to ensure that contaminants related to the past operation of Walter Piano are not affecting the air quality inside your home.
There is no cost for the homeowners. EPA needs property owners to grant access to take samples and we will be in your neighborhood in the coming weeks to talk with residents about this great opportunity and obtain access agreements.
If you have any questions, please contact Sonia Vega, EPA's On-Scene Coordinator, at 630-481-5025, or vega.sonia@epa.gov.
You can also contact the Community Involvement Coordinator, Meshach Padilla, at padilla.meshach@epa.gov or at 312-886-1070.
What is Vapor Intrusion?
When chemicals, or petroleum products spill or leak, they give off gases or vapors that can get inside buildings. The vapors can move through soil and seep through cracks in basements, foundations, sewer lines and other openings. Common products that may cause vapor intrusion are gasoline, diesel fuel, dry cleaning solvents, and industrial degreasers.
Background Information
From 1892 to 2004 industrial
activities like car manufacturing and warehousing activities occurred at the
intersection of Michigan St and Beardsley Ave. Walter Piano was
the last business at that location. The site was abandoned in 2004. Then, after
a fire, the remaining buildings were demolished in 2013. Former industrial
activities contaminated the site with chemicals like PCE and
TCE that may have spread underground and can be affecting your home.
For more information, review the following factsheets:
