EPA criticized for not finishing cleanup of canal asphalt spill

The U.S. EPA's cleanup efforts after a toxic asphalt spill in the Chicago Sanitary and Ship Canal, shown here looking east from Harlem Avenue on Jan. 13, 2026, has prompted criticism from state and local officials and environmental advocates. (E. Jason Wambsgans/Chicago Tribune) — The U.S. EPA’s cleanup efforts after a toxic asphalt spill in the Chicago Sanitary and Ship Canal, shown here looking east from Harlem Avenue on Jan. 13, 2026, has prompted criticism from state and local officials and environmental advocates. (E. Jason Wambsgans/Chicago Tribune)

By Christiana Freitag | cfreitag@chicagotribune.com | Chicago Tribune

PUBLISHED: January 14, 2026 at 5:00 AM CST

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Officials and environmentalists say there is still asphalt in the waterway and along the shore from the February spill in Bedford Park and Forest View.

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Nearly a year after asphalt spill in Chicago Sanitary and Ship Canal, EPA criticized for leaving cleanup unfinished

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