Cleanup Underway at Former Murphysboro Shoe Plant

EPA to remove asbestos and other hazardous materials from abandoned facility

Published on Feb. 22, 2026

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The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has begun a two-month project to remove asbestos-containing materials and other hazardous substances from the former Brown Shoe Company site in Murphysboro, Illinois. The site was previously occupied by various commercial operations after the shoe plant closed in 1976.

Why it matters

The abandoned shoe plant has become a public health concern due to the presence of asbestos and other toxins, which can pose serious risks to nearby residents if not properly contained and removed. This cleanup effort is aimed at mitigating those environmental and safety hazards.

The details

During a 2022 site visit, the Illinois EPA discovered debris from demolition work, 55-gallon drums containing unknown liquids, and industrial switches and gauges that may contain mercury. The U.S. EPA will now identify, consolidate, package, and remove the hazardous materials for proper disposal. Crews will wet down work areas to control dust and particulates, and the EPA will conduct air monitoring and sampling throughout the cleanup process.

  • The cleanup project is expected to take about two months to complete.
  • The Illinois EPA first referred the site to the U.S. EPA for evaluation in 2022.

The players

U.S. Environmental Protection Agency

The federal agency responsible for overseeing the cleanup of the former Brown Shoe Company site and ensuring the safe removal of asbestos and other hazardous materials.

Illinois Environmental Protection Agency

The state agency that initially identified the environmental concerns at the abandoned shoe plant and referred the site to the U.S. EPA for further evaluation and cleanup.

Brown Shoe Company

The former occupant of the Murphysboro facility, which produced leather shoes and gloves at the site from the early 1900s until its closure in 1976.

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What’s next

Following the completion of the EPA's cleanup efforts, the site will need to be further assessed to determine if any additional remediation is required before the property can be redeveloped.

The takeaway

This cleanup project highlights the ongoing challenges posed by abandoned industrial sites, where hazardous materials can linger for decades and pose risks to public health if not properly addressed. The EPA's work to identify and remove these toxins is an important step in protecting the Murphysboro community.