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Lindsay Light Superfund Sites

  • EPA is committed to protecting the health and safety of the Streeterville neighborhood in Chicago.

    EPA and the city of Chicago require anyone planning to work in subsurface soil in these areas to monitor the soil. 

EPA first discovered thorium contamination at Lindsay Light's Illinois Street location in 1993. Further investigations found soil contamination at several locations in the Streeterville neighborhood of Chicago  and directly across the Chicago River at the New Eastside neighborhood. To protect workers who might come into contact with radiation and thorium contamination in subsurface soil, EPA and the city of Chicago require anyone planning to work in subsurface soil in these areas to monitor the soil. The resulting reports are posted here. 

Right of Way Survey Reports

Right of Way Survery Report sketch
  • Right of Way Thorium Survey Reports
  • Interactive Map of Thorium Survey Reports (updated 3/5/2025)
  • City of Chicago Ordinance for Radiation Monitoring 

Site Background and History

View of Navy Pier in Chicago which is in Lindsay Light site area
  • Contamination and Cleanup
  • Streeterville Thorium Monitoring Area
  • Superfund Sites Associated with Lindsay Light

Construction Projects in the Area

Lakefront trail sign in Lindsay Light Site area
  • Navy Pier Flyover
  • Future DuSable Park
  • Streeterville Cooperative Agreements
  • More Projects

Before You Dig Information

Lindsay Light Dusable Park construction photo
  • Resources for Developers
  • Fact Sheet

Lindsay Light Cleanup Video

Aerial map of Lindsay Light Site
Lindsay Light Streeterville Thorium Monitoring Area Map

Site Information

  • Chicago, IL (Cook County)

Anadarko Settlement

Site Records

Alert
Alert Thorium Radiation

Thorium-contaminated soil emits gamma radiation. However, if soil, concrete, or asphalt is covering the contaminated soil, that cover will shield the radiation. It will also prevent people from touching, inhaling, or eating the contamination.

Contact Us to ask a question, provide feedback, or report a problem.
Last updated on March 6, 2025
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