Hammond scrap yard ordered closed after tainted water spill

HAMMOND, Ind. (AP) - A northwestern Indiana city has ordered the indefinite closure of a scrap metal recycling business after a burst pipe sent chemical-laced waters flowing into local sewers.

Hammond's public works and safety board ordered Mickey's Auto and Truck sealed and vacated Thursday after officials discovered serious code violations, contaminated stormwater runoff and other possible environmental hazards.

Hammond's chief building inspector, Kelly Kearney, says inspectors found a burst water pipe burst, leaking gas line, standing water and exposed electrical wires after this week's water discharges into local sewers.

Kearney says the burst pipe continues leaking and standing water at the business is likely tainted with oils, engine fluids and anti-freeze.

The (Northwest Indiana) Times reports a state emergency response team deployed booms on the property this week to capture contaminated water.

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Information from: The Times, http://www.nwitimes.com