Hazardous waste leak discovered at Lowell, Ind. landfill

Barrels leaking high levels of methane, hydrogen cyanide, lead and arsenic were discovered in a landfill in Lowell, Ind., shortly after sensors were installed to test for toxic chemicals. While officials have determined that there is no immediate risk of groundwater contamination, an Associated Press report estimates that the cleanup will cost between $20 and $35 million.

The landfill’s previous owners, the Feddeler family, sold the facility when they filed for bankruptcy and cannot be held liable. The newly formed Lake County Environmental Law Enforcement Task Force will attempt to determine where the illegal waste came from as well as ways to finance the cleanup.