EPA says cleanup complete at dump site in Markham

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency says it has completed the cleanup of hazardous materials and soil at an illegal dump in the Chicago suburb of Markham.

The $400,000 federal cleanup that began in April involved the removal of 2,000 tons of soil contaminated by lead from people breaking batteries at the site. The agency also excavated and disposed of 110 containers of hazardous materials.

Last year, the state of Illinois started cleanup of the 12-acre site by removing discarded tires, chemical drums, compressed gas cylinders and other waste. That removal cost $1.3 million.

The site is near the intersection of I-294 and 159th Street, south of Chicago. The EPA became aware of it last year after tires caught fire at the site.