Columbus—Today, Senator Kenny Yuko (D-Richmond Heights) announced that the state Controlling Board has released $3.25 million in additional funding to complete the cleanup of the illegal ARCO dump in East Cleveland.

“I am pleased to hear the Ohio Environmental Protection Agency is continuing to work hard to complete the cleanup of the ARCO dump. It is a burden lifted off the citizens of East Cleveland that has plagued their community for years,” said Senator Yuko. “I have been working to rectify this situation since my constituents first brought the issue to my attention in 2016. Cleaning up the dump is a great beginning, but it is not the end.”

Six million dollars had already been appropriated to the Ohio Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) in the state’s main operating budget last June 2017 to clean up the ARCO site, which was originally established as a recycling facility for construction and demolition debris. 

However, in October 2017, the site erupted into flames requiring emergency response efforts. The amount of resources put forward to contain the fire, prevent additional fires and manage water on the site significantly increased the cost of the cleanup. In addition, for fear that another fire would erupt at the facility, the cleanup, which was originally supposed to be completed within a year, had to be expedited. It will be completed next month, further increasing the total cost of the operation.

“The appropriation of the additional funds to properly complete the cleanup was absolutely necessary,” said Senator Yuko. “My focus will continue to be on the health and well-being of the citizens of East Cleveland as we move forward to address adverse health effects suffered by those affected by the dump.” 

What makes ARCO different from other illegal dumps around the state is its proximity to residential homes. The site at 1705 Noble Rd. is located directly behind houses, only separated by a few feet and a chain-linked fence. For years, residents have had to deal with a foul odor coming from the dump in the heat of the summer and other concerning issues.