In late summer of 2016, lead was reported in the soil under the residences located in a housing development in East Chicago, Indiana. The houses and a school in the vicinity had all been built over land that had previously been the site of the Anaconda lead factory.
This situation had been known since 2006 when it was being tested as a potential Superfund site. However, it was not until the summer of 2016 that an EPA report, indicating a high level of lead, was sent to the East Chicago government. Three agencies were involved in this problem: the local government, the EPA and HUD which was subsidizing the residents who were living in the housing development.
The area needed to be “cleaned up” which would necessitate the razing of many of the structures. The residents were being told to evacuate. Approximately 1,100 people needed to leave their homes and move. HUD would assist them. They were re-located, not just in Indiana, but around the country.
An elementary school, Carrie Gosch, was located in the contaminated area. Classes were scheduled to begin for the new academic year in two weeks. However, children would have to enroll in another school, one close to their new homes; the school was to be closed.
Since that summer all residents have left the area. They are scattered across Indiana and Illinois, and as far away as California. Some are suing the City of East Chicago.
In March 2018, almost two years since the letter requiring the residents to move, the city is beginning the demolition. 
