CHICAGO (April 18, 2024) – This spring, the U.S Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has commenced the cleanup of hazardous waste resulting from a structural fire that occurred on Sept. 13, 2023, at 502 N. Main St. in Cheboygan, Michigan. The agency expects the cleanup operation to span several months.

The cleanup efforts involve the removal of various hazardous materials, as stated by an EPA official who mentioned, "The cleanup involves removing hazardous debris including a catch basin contaminated with polychlorinated biphenyls, or PCBs, along with a large quantity of mixed recyclable material that is ignitable--or potentially combustible under certain conditions." Furthermore, the official highlighted that "Waste will be separated from scrap metal, treated to reduce residual heat and disposed at an approved, off-site facility."

Throughout the cleanup process, the EPA will be vigilant in monitoring the air quality for soot and volatile organic compounds, not only at the site but also in the surrounding neighborhood, as expressed by the agency, "The EPA will continue to monitor the air for soot and volatile organic compounds at the site and in the adjacent neighborhood during the cleanup is finished."

In a collaborative effort, the EPA is working closely with various entities including the Michigan Department of the Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy, the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services, Cheboygan County, the city of Cheboygan, and representatives of the facility owner to ensure that the cleanup is conducted safely, promptly, and efficiently. The EPA official emphasized, "The EPA is coordinating with the Michigan Department of the Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy, the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services, Cheboygan County, the city of Cheboygan, and facility owner’s representatives to ensure a safe, timely, and effective cleanup."

Reflecting on the past year's events, the EPA had been actively involved during the fire incident and its aftermath. The agency conducted air monitoring, sampled surface water from the Cheboygan River, and assisted in the removal of debris from the river and affected neighborhoods, as noted by the official, "During the fire and its aftermath last year, the EPA monitored the air, sampled surface water on the Cheboygan River, and removed debris from the river and affected neighborhoods as requested by local emergency responders."

For those seeking further information on the cleanup process, the EPA has directed individuals to visit the Cheboygan Tissue Fire website, as indicated by the official, "For more information, please visit the Cheboygan Tissue Fire website."