The city of Elyria will spend $30,000 to install security cameras as well as new fencing to keep people out of the Republic Steel Quarry site after the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency released its five-year review on the property.
The EPA just completed its sixth five-year review March 20 on the property, 525 15th St.
“Since the EPA issued its last report that the site is protective of human health and the environment, their position hasn’t changed. We have conducted an evaluation of sediment and surface water and have determined no potential risks to the quarry. The EPA agrees with our conclusion,” stated City Engineer Kathy McKillips.
The EPA recommended the city update its “Operation and Maintenance Plan” for the site, according to a news release from Elyria Safety Service Director Matt Lundy.
The last plan was completed in 2018.
“The city will do so in the next couple of months,” Lundy said.
The agency also recommended improvements to site access controls and security.
“We’ve had trespassers cutting locked chains on fences and cutting holes through the fence,” Lundy said. “This cost the city over $5,000 last year alone. We’ll be investing over $30,000 for security cameras and some new fencing.”
The property was previously used as a sandstone quarry and then the steel company utilized it.
The property spans about seven acres in the city.
