Crews to start cleanup efforts of Drewrys Brewery in South Bend

SOUTH BEND, Ind. - The City of South Bend and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency are starting clean-up efforts at the former site of Drewrys Brewery on Elwood Avenue.  

Following years of neglect, the city took ownership of the 14.7-acre site over the summer.

The city conducted a full environmental assessment of the property and can now begin cleanup.

Over the next few weeks, crews will install a new fence on the north side of the property and remediate asbestos debris on or near the sidewalk.

In the spring and summer of 2023, the EPA will remove the remaining asbestos from existing buildings and demolition debris.

They will also look at whether underground storage tanks need to be removed from the property.

“I am thrilled that we are finally able to address the highly visible blight at Drewry's and move the neighborhood forward,” said Mayor James Mueller. “The City is grateful for our partnership with the EPA and IDEM, as we assess potential safety hazards, cleanup the site, and prepare Drewry's for redevelopment opportunities.”

Environmental assessments found evidence of limited contaminants on the property that seem linked to historical onsite industrial operations, according to the City of South Bend. These contaminants may require remediation.

Demolition debris left by the previous owner was not properly remediated for asbestos so it must now be treated as if it contains the substance.

Crews will treat at least 14,000 tons of debris as asbestos-containing, said Caleb Bauer, Executive Director of Community Investment.