EPA Administrator Scott Pruitt speaks April 19 after meeting with residents of East Chicago’s lead-contaminated neighborhoods. (Alex Ruppenthal / Chicago Tonight)

Since 2010, the EPA has cited an East Chicago steelmaking facility six times for violations of the Clean Air Act. Now, a group representing nearby residents intends to sue EPA Administrator Scott Pruitt over the renewal of the company’s operating permit.

Community Strategy Group organizer April Friendly, left, leads a rally Wednesday during EPA head Scott Pruitt's visit to East Chicago. (Alex Ruppenthal / Chicago Tonight)

About 100 East Chicago residents and activists rallied and marched Wednesday while EPA head Scott Pruitt visited the city's lead-contaminated neighborhoods.

EPA Administrator Scott Pruitt speaks Wednesday after meeting with residents in East Chicago. (Alex Ruppenthal / Chicago Tonight)

The head of the Environmental Protection Agency told residents in East Chicago on Wednesday that the agency had no plans to close its Chicago office. 

East Chicago residents are getting the toxic soil dug out of their yards. But why has it taken the EPA so long to begin cleaning up these neighborhoods?

Nearly 1,200 people are being forced to move from their homes in East Chicago, Indiana, after high levels of lead were found in the soil. WBEZ’s Northwest Indiana reporter Michael Puente joins us with the story.