David Fotouhi, EPA Acting Deputy Administrator | https://fedsoc.org/
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has initiated the removal of hazardous waste from the former Glycerin Traders facility in La Porte, Indiana. The cleanup began this week at the site located at 3522 South State Route 104. The EPA aims to complete the removal process by fall, depending on weather conditions.
The facility contains over 700 containers of liquid waste with unknown contents. Some labels suggest the presence of hydrochloric acid, organic peroxides, and potassium nitrate. Observations noted containers of acids, oxidizers, and flammable oxidizers stored on pallets. Many of these containers are reportedly in poor condition—open, corroded, or bulging—posing a risk of releasing hazardous substances into the environment or causing a fire.
The EPA's action is in response to these potential threats to public health and the environment. The agency plans to identify and consolidate the waste before packaging and removing it off-site for safe disposal. Air monitoring will be conducted throughout the cleanup to ensure that air quality remains unaffected beyond the site.
Residents nearby may observe increased vehicle activity and workers wearing personal protective equipment during this period.
Glycerin Traders operated as a waste-materials refining and processing facility from 2010 until 2024. It processed waste oils, acids, flammables, solvents, and other materials into usable products. In April 2025, the Indiana Department of Emergency Management found Glycerin Traders violated several Resource Conservation and Recovery Act practices and requested EPA assistance for a time-critical removal action.
Further details about this response can be found on the Glycerin Traders removal website.
Information from this article can be found here.
