Crime & Public Safety
Allen County expands investigation after groundwater contamination found at highway department north site
County officials announced an expanded site investigation at the Allen County Highway Department North facility after contamination was detected in monitoring and tank samples. The county commissioners reviewed an amendment dated June 26, 2026, to increase investigative work following the discovery. One of four groundwater monitoring wells installed in July tested positive for contamination, and laboratory analysis of one fuel tank showed chemical concentrations exceeding Indiana Department of Environmental Management (IDEM) standards.
IDEM has requested installation of three additional monitoring wells at the north barn site, prompting project changes that Willow Creek Environmental Services will carry out on behalf of the county. The requested work will require more project management time, additional labor, equipment, materials, laboratory analysis and a second mobilization for the well-drilling contractor.
At the commissioners’ session, the estimated cost for the added testing and wells was revised upward from $17,032.25 to $32,326.14, an increase of $15,293.89 to the project budget. The amendment discussion reflects the county’s move to follow IDEM’s direction and fund the extra sampling and contractor mobilization.
Documented facts are limited to the installation results, IDEM’s request for further wells, the contractor named, and the budget amendment discussed by commissioners. No court actions, cleanup outcomes, or additional investigative findings are reported in the available record.
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