EVANSVILLE — The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has started cleanup at the site of the former Morton Avenue warehouse after it burned down in a massive fire in 2022.
According to the EPA, the cleanup is focused on asbestos-containing materials and polychlorinated biphenyls as part of a $7 million “time-critical removal action.”
The work is expected to continue through the summer.
The cleanup will include multiple methods aimed at keeping contamination contained to the site, according to the EPA. This includes spraying water during work, air monitoring and keeping fencing up around the property.
“EPA will remove the remaining unstable structures and transport all wastes and debris to an EPA-approved disposal facility,” the agency states on its website.
Involement from the EPA began in February 2025 after the Indiana Department of Environmental Management requested their assistance.
During evaluations in April and June 2025, the EPA confirmed there were asbestos-containing materials in the debris, and PCB-contaminated sediment in storm sewer catch basins.
IDEM has previously determined those materials to be present, and through its work with the State Cleanup program, Whirlpool removed PCB-containing transformers in 2023. But as noted in an email to the EPA, the removal was focused only on the 15 transformers, and not on the entire site.
“IDEM’s State Cleanup program has completed an extensive search for any potentially responsible parties, and have not found any liable parties for cleanup of the asbestos debris. IDEM is unable to fund this action,” the email states. “The City of Evansville has requested assistance as they are unable to fund this action. We request that EPA Removal staff assess the site for any remaining hazardous materials and complete any necessary removal actions.”
What is asbestos and polychlorinated biphenyls?
According to the EPA, asbestos is a natural, heat-resistant mineral. Asbestos was often used in older homes and buildings.
“Breathing in fibers from the breakdown or disposal of asbestos products can cause harmful health effects,” the EPA states. “Potential health issues can include shortness of breath, a persistent cough. Long-term exposure is linked to mesothelioma and lung cancer.”
Polychlorinated biphenyls are a mixture of chemicals that the United States no longer produces, according to the EPA. They were banned in 1979 after evidence that they were toxic to human health and the environment.
When in use, they were used in items like electrical and hydraulic equipment, pigments, dyes and other industrial operations.
“Health effects that have been associated with exposure to PCBs include acne-like skin conditions in adults and neurobehavioral and immunological changes in children,” the EPA states. “PCBs areknown to cause cancer in animals.”
What is the history of the site?
The building was home to Hercules Buggy Works when it was built in the early 1900s, according to the University of Southern Indiana archives.
Hercules once billed itself as the largest vehicle manufacturer in the world. Evansville Courier archives said the factory boasted the ability to produce a buggy every five minutes.
It later became Servel, which made field kitchen fire units and materials for World War II efforts. It was at one time the city’s largest employer, according University of Southern Indiana archives. The plant covered more than a million and a half square feet.
USI archives stated Servel made field kitchen fire units. It also pumped out materials for the World War II effort, including P-47 Thunderbolt wings (over 6,000 pairs), 37mm and 40mm cartridge cases, breach cases, anti-tank mines, land mines, gasoline heaters, lanterns, cylinder heads and other parts for aircraft engines.
This article originally appeared on Evansville Courier & Press: EPA removing asbestos at site of Evansville warehouse fire
Reporting by Sarah Loesch, Evansville Courier & Press / Evansville Courier & Press
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
