Wayne Waste Oil, a division of Wayne Reclamation and Recycling, Inc., owns a 27-acre site in Columbia City, Whitley County, Indiana. From 370,000 to 1.4 million gallons of wastes were dumped on the surface, into unlined pits, and into a trench.
Analyses indicate high levels of cyanides, lead, chromium, and zinc.
The site is bordered by residences and a lumber yard on two sides, and a bend of the Blue River on the other two sides. Three public wells are located within 220 yards of the site. The primary concern is the threat to ground water. There are open, leaking drums on-site and waste areas that have been covered with sands, as evidenced by disturbed surface soils. The State is performing a health risk assessment on the site.