Fill deposits characterized in northwestern Indiana and northeastern Illinois

Fill deposits characterized in northwestern Indiana and northeastern Illinois

Large amounts of fill material, including industrial liquid wastes, slag and other steel-industry wastes, municipal solid waste, dredging spoil, construction debris, cinders, ash, and dirt, have been deposited in the Calumet region of northwestern Indiana and northeastern Illinois for over 100 years. Some of these materials may be affecting surface- and ground-water quality according to a report released by the U.S. Geological Survey, U.S.Department of the Interior.

Robert Kay, U.S. Geological Survey hydrologist and principal author of the report, noted that pollution of ground- and surface-water supplies by municipal and industrial wastes, and other compounds present in some types of fill material is a problem in northwestern Indiana and northeastern Illinois. "Knowledge of the location, type, and date of deposition of fill materials in the study area is essential to defining the potential extent of the contamination problem," Kay said. "Compounds in some types of fill dissolve into ground water and move with the water from the source area deeper into the earth,or to surface water. Mapping the location and type of fill, and the approximate date of fill deposition enables identification of the potential problem areas and allows the estimation of the maximum extent of contaminant migration," he added.

The report shows that extensive fill deposits are present along the shore of Lake Michigan, between Lake Calumet and Lake George, and along parts of the Little Calumet River and the Calumet Sag Channel. Less extensive and thinner fill deposits are scattered throughout the area. Many of these deposits have been identified as sources of ground-water contamination in the Calumet region.

The report, titled "Characterization of Fill Deposits in the Calumet Region of Northwestern Indiana and Northeastern Illinois," by Robert T. Kay, Theodore Greeman, Richard F. Duwelius, Robin B. King, John E. Nazimek, and David M. Petrovski is published as U.S. Geological Survey Water-Resources Investigations Report 96-4126. Copies are available for inspection at the U.S. Geological Survey, 221 North Broadway Avenue, Urbana, Ill., and at most large libraries nationwide. Paper and microfiche copies can be purchased at cost from the U.S. Geological Survey Information Services, Box 25286, Federal Center, Denver, Colo. 80225 (telephone 303-202-4700). Orders must include check or money order payable to U.S. Department of Interior-USGS and must specify report number WRIR 96-4126.