The Environmental Protection Agency recently announced the cleanup of the Fifth Street Fire site in Calumet, Michigan, is complete.
From September 2021 to July, the EPA removed and disposed of asbestos-contaminated rubble and debris from the May 2021 fire, according to a July 26 press release. The blaze destroyed three buildings including apartments and businesses near the intersection of Fifth and Portland Streets.
“Cleanup of this site will help the village of Calumet rebuild properties in the heart of the community,” said EPA Region 5 Administrator, Debra Shore, in the release. “EPA responded swiftly to help protect residents from asbestos and to allow residents to move on from the devastating fire.”
During the cleanup, the EPA monitored air quality, removed more than 1,800 tons of asbestos-contaminated debris and 135 tons of contaminated soil, and backfilled open basements, the release stated.
Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral that was often used in construction in the 20th century. Exposure to asbestos increases the risk of developing lung disease, including cancer, according to the EPA.
For more information about the fire and cleanup activities, visit the Fifth Street Calumet Fire website.
