Contamination concerns for proposed site of new fire station in Elkhart

 

ELKHART, Ind. -- A much-needed replacement for Elkhart Fire Station #6 is in the works.

Elkhart City Councilman Aaron Mishler says the nearly $9 million project would ensure high-level care and quick response times for the growing Elkhart community.

"As our city grows, we want to make sure people get the services they deserve and that their tax dollars pay for," says Elkhart City Councilman, Aaron Mishler.

Another councilmember, David Henke, is sounding the alarm about groundwater contamination concerns for the proposed site off Ada Drive which is in his district.

The site is just a half block away from an EPA recognized superfund, the Lane Street Groundwater Contamination Site.

That means, the land they want to build on is likely contaminated.

"I think it would be remised of the city of Elkhart not to look at environmental issues before we ask firefighters to station there," says Elkhart Councilman David Henke.

According to the EPA's website, the Lane Street Contamination Site has not yet been cleaned.

As of 2023, they are conducting an investigation to determine the best approach for cleanup.

Councilman Henke wants a clearer picture of what may lie underneath the site before moving through with plans for the fire station.

"Why not check it out to make sure it's safe because those are city employees and around it is other businesses, and we don't know what we have them sitting on until we look. We owe this to the public," Henke says.

Henke pointed to the ongoing issues at the Elkhart Clinic as an example of not knowing what's underneath the ground you build on.

This ordinance will have public comment and get voted on in the first meeting of April.