Superfund Sites in Reuse in Iowa

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Aidex Corp.

The 15-acre Aidex Corp. Superfund site is in rural Mineola, Iowa, about 7 miles south-southeast of Council Bluffs. Aidex Corporation operated a pesticide manufacturing plant on site from 1974 to 1980. Chemical spills and the improper handling, storage and disposal of wastes resulted in the release of at least 16 pesticides into the environment. In 1976, a manufacturing building caught fire. The runoff from water used to control the flames contaminated the surrounding soil and groundwater with an herbicide and various pesticides. The company filed for bankruptcy in 1980. In 1981, EPA began cleaning up about 2,400 drums of pesticides, contaminated water and underground storage tanks. EPA added the site to the National Priorities List (NPL) in 1983. After removing the drums and treating contaminated soil and 187,000 gallons of water, EPA inspected remaining site buildings to make sure they were safe for reuse. After cleanup, EPA took the site off the NPL in 1993. Manufacturing and distribution businesses are active on site.
Last updated December 2023

As of December 2023, EPA had data on 3 on-site businesses. These businesses employed 42 people and generated an estimated $6,280,740 in annual sales revenue. For additional information click here.

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Aluminum Company Of America - Davenport

The Aluminum Company of America – Davenport site is in Riverdale, Iowa. An active manufacturing facility is on site. The Aluminum Company of America (Alcoa) started running it in 1948. The facility is an aluminum sheet- and plate-rolling mill that is more than a mile long and covers about 120 acres. Manufacturing and waste management activities contaminated soil, groundwater, river sediment and fish tissue. Contaminants include volatile organic compounds (VOCs), polynuclear aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) and metals. Cleanup has included addressing PCBs in the site’s surface impoundment, installing an oil interception and recovery trench at the impoundment, and capping the impoundment. It also included disposing of PCB-containing oil and cleaning up three 1-million-gallon storage tanks. The site’s long-term remedy includes groundwater containment, source area remediation, groundwater monitoring and institutional controls. The manufacturing facility remains active on site. The site’s ecological resources include two ponds and a reservoir.
Last updated December 2023

As of December 2023, EPA did not have economic data related to on-site businesses, or economic data were not applicable due to site use. For additional information click here.

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Cedar Valley Electroplating

The Cedar Valley Electroplating site is in Cedar Falls, Iowa. From 2004 to 2011, Cedar Valley Electroplating ran a metal electroplating business on site. Contamination resulted from improper storage and leaking hazardous waste tanks and containers. In 2012, after the company failed to comply with an EPA cleanup order, EPA addressed the contamination. EPA then worked with an interested developer to support the site’s return to beneficial use. The developer took the necessary steps to qualify for liability protection as a bona fide prospective purchaser under the Superfund law. EPA released its lien on the site. In 2016, the developer acquired the site property and began renovating the former electroplating facility. Today, several units are available for lease on site. The units support small commercial and industrial businesses. A cutting tool manufacturing facility, a warehouse and an auto body shop are also on site.
Last updated December 2023

As of December 2023, EPA had data on one on-site business. EPA did not have further economic details related to this business. For additional information click here.

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Chemplex Co.

The 700-acre Chemplex Co. site is in Clinton County, Iowa. A manufacturing facility producing low-density polyethylene (LDPE) and high-density polyethylene (HDPE) opened on site in 1968. Until 1978, operators used tetrachloroethene (PCE) to clean clogged process piping at the plant. Operators also put spent PCE in a landfill on site. The practices contaminated groundwater. EPA proposed adding the site to the National Priorities List (NPL) in 1984. EPA later took it off the list of proposed sites. EPA addresses it under a consent decree a. Cleanup included groundwater extraction and treatment, injections, and installation of caps and vegetative covers for areas of contaminated soil. It also included a landfill cover and use of a landfill gas extraction system. Monitoring and maintenance activities are ongoing. Today, a polyethylene manufacturing plant is active on site.
Last updated December 2023

As of December 2023, EPA had data on one on-site business. This business employed 224 people and generated an estimated $61,200,538 in annual sales revenue. For additional information click here.

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Des Moines TCE

The Des Moines TCE Superfund site is southwest of downtown Des Moines, Iowa. The nearly 200-acre site is in the floodplain of the Raccoon River. Historically, the property, owned by Dico Inc., hosted industrial uses. They included a grey iron foundry, a steel wheels manufacturing plant, a chemical and herbicide distribution center, and a pesticide formulation processing plant. Degreasers containing trichloroethylene (TCE) were used on site during the making of wheels and brakes. Dico Inc. used and disposed of solvent wastes on the site through early 1979. Investigations found the company was the potential source of contamination for the Des Moines city water supply. After finding soil and groundwater contamination, EPA added the site to the National Priorities List (NPL) in 1983. EPA’s cleanup plan required removing contaminated soil, cleaning building surfaces and then applying epoxy coatings to cover some building surfaces, placing an asphalt cap over a large part of the site property, and containing and treating contaminated groundwater. In 2005, the city built a parkway across the northernmost part of the site and rezoned most of the property to allow for more uses, including residential, office, commercial and retail areas. EPA’s Superfund Redevelopment Program (SRP) and Region 7 have supported reuse planning at the site through regional seed projects, first in 2006 and then again in 2017. In 2020, EPA and the potentially responsible party resolved years of litigation. The settlement agreement required transfer of 43 acres of the site to the city of Des Moines. Today, EPA is working with the city and a developer to assess the area’s capacity to support a professional soccer stadium complex and associated support facilities.
Last updated December 2023

As of December 2023, EPA did not have economic data related to on-site businesses, or economic data were not applicable due to site use. For additional information click here.

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Electro-Coatings, Inc.

The Electro-Coatings, Inc. Superfund site is in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. The Electro-Coatings metal plating plant is on a 150-acre property along the shoreline of Cedar Lake. It opened in 1947. Current plant operations include chromium, cadmium, nickel and zinc plating. Improper storage of chemicals and leaking storage vessels resulted in the contamination of soil, groundwater, nearby wells and Cedar Lake. EPA added the site to the National Priorities List (NPL) in 1989. Cleanup included groundwater pumping, treatment and monitoring. EPA also removed contaminated soil and concrete and disposed of the material off site. After cleanup, EPA took the site off the NPL in September 2019. The Electro-Coatings metal plating plant remains active on site.
Last updated December 2023

As of December 2023, EPA had data on one on-site business. This business employed 23 people and generated an estimated $3,240,000 in annual sales revenue. For additional information click here.

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Fairfield Coal Gasification Plant

The 1.3-acre Fairfield Coal Gasification Plant Superfund site is in Fairfield, Iowa. From 1878 to 1950, the manufactured gas plant made a natural gas alternative fuel from coal on site. Iowa Electric Light and Power, later known as IES Utilities, bought the plant in 1917 and ran it until 1950. At that time, the gas production system for the town switched to natural gas and the manufactured gas plant closed. Former plant operations created coal tar sludge and wastes associated with coal gasification, which contaminated soil and groundwater. From 1950 to 1988, IES Utilities used the property as an operations facility. Site contamination was found in 1985. EPA added the site to the National Priorities List (NPL) in 1990. All known contaminated soil has been removed and treated. EPA is evaluating the effectiveness of the treatment system for remaining groundwater contamination. Ongoing activities include groundwater sampling, a vapor intrusion assessment, and putting in place institutional controls that prevent soil and groundwater use at the site. Today, Alliant Energy, which merged with IES Utilities in 1998, operates an electrical substation at the site. Alliant Energy recently made improvements that doubled the substation’s operating capacity.
Last updated December 2023

As of December 2023, EPA had data on one on-site business. EPA did not have further economic details related to this business. For additional information click here.

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Farmers' Mutual Cooperative

The 6-acre Farmers' Mutual Cooperative Superfund site is in Hospers, Iowa. An agricultural supply and service business – Farmers' Mutual Cooperative – is on site. From 1902 to 1992, the business handled bulk fertilizer and pesticides. In 1984, the Iowa Department of Natural Resources found contamination, including pesticides, in three municipal wells next to the site. Investigations linked groundwater contamination to site activities. EPA added the site to the National Priorities List (NPL) in 1990. In 1992, EPA decided that contaminant levels in groundwater and surface water would decline naturally over time. Based on monitoring, affected homes would connect to the public water system, as needed. In late 1996, the city of Hospers connected homes to the public water system. EPA’s cleanup approach enabled Farmers' Mutual Cooperative to remain open during cleanup. In 2001, sampling confirmed the effectiveness of the remedy. EPA took the site off the NPL in 2001. Farmers' Mutual Cooperative, now the Midwest Farmers' Cooperative, stores grain on site.
Last updated December 2023

As of December 2023, EPA had data on 2 on-site businesses. These businesses employed 5 people and generated an estimated $971,000 in annual sales revenue. For additional information click here.

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General Motors S.C.

The General Motors S.C. site is in the Tri-View Industrial District area of Sioux City, Iowa. In 1980, General Motors (GM) purchased the property and began testing throttle-body injection fuel systems. GM stopped production in 1993 and did an environmental assessment. It found contaminants in soil and groundwater near the manufacturing building. The primary contaminants of concern were chlorinated volatile organic compounds (VOCs). The source of the contamination is not known. GM has no record of the contaminants ever being used at the site. Possible explanations include accidental spills or illegal dumping. After a preliminary assessment, EPA deferred the site to the Iowa Department of Natural Resources for cleanup oversight. Investigations found an area of contaminated soil that could be the source of groundwater contamination. The soil contamination was not found at levels that pose a risk to human health from direct exposure. Response actions included groundwater pumping to keep contamination from migrating off site, bioremediating contaminated soil and groundwater, shutting down contaminated wells, maintaining wells, and capping the area where subsurface contamination was found. In 2014, the site's owners built a warehouse above the area of subsurface contamination. The area is now covered with concrete under the pad of the warehouse. The offices of a retail farm and ranch supply store operation are also on site.
Last updated December 2023

As of December 2023, EPA did not have economic data related to on-site businesses, or economic data were not applicable due to site use. For additional information click here.

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Highway 3 PCE

The Highway 3 PCE Superfund site is in Le Mars, Iowa. The site was discovered in April 2008. Environmental investigation activities related to the nearby Le Mars Coal Gas Plant site identified tetrachloroethene (PCE) in groundwater monitoring wells downgradient of the coal gas plant. In addition to groundwater, PCE and its associated degradation products have been identified in soil, sub-slab vapors, and indoor air underneath and in several structures at the site. The contamination is from past dry-cleaning services. After the discovery of the contamination and delineation of the PCE groundwater plume, EPA started a removal program at the site. Activities included putting in 21 vapor mitigation systems to address contaminated indoor air, demolishing part of the site building, and digging up and properly disposing of about 690 tons of PCE-contaminated soil. Excavation activities finished in May 2021. The former dry-cleaning business closed down in 2020 and the property was sold. EPA added the site to the National Priorities List (NPL) in 2022. EPA awarded a contract in May 2023 to conduct a Remedial Investigation and Feasibility Study (RI/FS) at the site to determine the nature and extent of contamination and potential exposures. The current site owners run a soap-and-candle store and drop-off/pick-up location for dry cleaning on site. Dry-cleaning operations take place off site.
Last updated December 2023

As of December 2023, EPA did not have economic data related to on-site businesses, or economic data were not applicable due to site use. For additional information click here.

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Iowa City FMGP

The Iowa City Former FMGP site is east of downtown Iowa City, Iowa. The 1.5-acre site is in a residential and commercial area. Ralston Creek is next to the site. The Tri-City Railway and Light Company produced manufactured coal gas at the site from about 1857 to 1937. The Iowa-Illinois Gas and Electric Company, now the MidAmerican Energy Company, ran a service facility until 1971. Other commercial uses continued until 1983, when a new site owner demolished the remaining gas plant structures. The new owner built a 54-unit apartment building called Iowa Illinois Square on site. During construction, the property owner found oily wastes known as “coal tar”. EPA investigated the site in 2003 and determined that a time-critical removal action was necessary to remove contamination. In 2004, MidAmerican Energy Company removed the contents of an underground tank and filled in the tank. As a result of the discovery of this material in the ground and vapors found during the investigation, the design of the apartment building’s foundation was changed to protect apartment residents from the wastes and vapors. A liner was placed under part of the building and a venting system was installed in the crawl space. Monitoring of groundwater and air quality on and around the site began in 2010. Limitations have been placed on the deeds of the site property and the affected part of Ralston Creek to prevent possible exposures. The Iowa Illinois Square apartments continue to provide housing for university students and community members.
Last updated December 2023

As of December 2023, EPA did not have economic data related to on-site businesses, or economic data were not applicable due to site use. For additional information click here.

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John Deere (Dubuque Works)

The John Deere (Dubuque Works) site occupies nearly 1,500 acres just outside of Dubuque, Iowa. Most of the site is undeveloped. The manufacturing facility on site opened in 1946. It makes heavy construction equipment, including backhoes, bulldozers and forestry equipment. Former waste disposal activities and a fuel line leak in 1980 contaminated groundwater at the site. Cleanup activities led by John Deere & Company included groundwater extraction and containment, deed restrictions to prevent potential future exposures, and a contingency plan to prevent contaminant migration in the event of a facility shutdown. The facility now has a new, safe potable water supply. In 2009, an Iowa Uniform Environmental Covenants Act environmental covenant strengthened existing deed restrictions. Thanks to collaboration between EPA and Deere & Company, the John Deere facility remained in operation during cleanup. The cleanup protects facility workers from contamination. Commercial support businesses operate in the facility. Deere & Company also placed a vegetative cover over part of the site landfill area. The cover includes native grasses and wildflowers. The site’s soil improvement plan makes sure there are no unacceptable exposures to ecological receptors and provides pollinator habitat and a walking area for facility employees. In 2018, EPA Region 7 recognized Deere & Company with its Leading Environmentalism and Forwarding Sustainability Award in recognition of its efforts at the site.
Last updated December 2023

As of December 2023, EPA had data on 5 on-site businesses. These businesses employed 2,848 people and generated an estimated $1,800,283,265 in annual sales revenue. For additional information click here.

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John Deere (Ottumwa Works Landfills)

The 105-acre John Deere (Ottumwa Works Landfills) site is in Ottumwa, Iowa. Deere & Company has made agricultural equipment on site since 1911. From 1911 to 1973, the company landfilled facility wastes on site. Improper disposal practices at the site’s landfills contaminated groundwater. The city of Ottumwa receives its water from the Des Moines River, which is next to the site. EPA added the site to the National Priorities List (NPL) in 1990. Under EPA oversight, Deere & Company investigated the nature and extent of the contamination. Based on its findings, EPA selected a remedy that requires that the company maintain the site perimeter fence and conduct periodic groundwater and surface water monitoring. EPA took the site off the NPL in 2001. Groundwater monitoring finished in 2018. In 2016, an environmental covenant strengthened existing site use restrictions. Deere & Company continues to make agricultural equipment on site.
Last updated December 2023

As of December 2023, EPA had data on one on-site business. This business employed 195 people and generated an estimated $124,674,425 in annual sales revenue. For additional information click here.

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LaBounty

The 8-acre LaBounty Superfund site is located on the Cedar River floodplain in southern Charles City, Iowa. Salsbury Laboratories, a manufacturer of veterinary pharmaceuticals, disposed of contaminated wastes at the site from 1953 to 1977. The contaminants threatened surrounding groundwater and the Cedar River. In 1980, Salsbury Laboratories placed a clay cap over the site. However, the cap failed to fully prevent contaminants from leaking into area groundwater. In 1983, EPA added the site to the National Priorities List (NPL). In 1986, Salsbury Laboratories put in a groundwater diversion wall. Land and groundwater use restrictions are also in place at the site. After the remedy was put in place and determined to be effective, EPA took the site off the NPL in 1993. The site is in use for storage of highway and street paving equipment.
Last updated December 2023

As of December 2023, EPA had data on one on-site business. EPA did not have further economic details related to this business. For additional information click here.

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Le Mars Coal Gas Plant

The 1.6 acre Le Mars Coal Gas Plant site is in Le Mars, Plymouth County, Iowa. Le Mars Gas Light Company (Le Mars) opened a coal gas plant on site in 1884. By 1939, Le Mars stopped operating when the facility converted from manufactured gas to natural gas. The Iowa Public Service (IPS) Company bought the natural gas distribution system in 1942. The site was part of the purchase. IPS sold the property to a private party in 1953. The private party dismantled the former manufacturing gas facility and built a service building in its place. IPS leased the building for 20 years. The city of Le Mars bought the property in 1967 and remained the owner until early 2023. The city found potential contamination at the site in 1985. Sampling confirmed contamination in soil and groundwater. The likely sources of contamination at the site are two gas holders, a tar well, two oil tanks and three underground storage tanks. EPA led several investigations to evaluate the nature and extent of contamination and completed cleanup activities in 2003 and 2004. Cleanup included removing underground storage tanks, taking contaminated soil off site for treatment and disposal and backfilling the excavated area with clean soil. Vapor intrusion and groundwater investigations were conducted between 2008 and 2010 and groundwater monitoring has been underway since these investigations. In 2017 a Regional Decision Team (RDT) was formed to review the path forward for the site. The RDT’s conclusion was that the main exposure pathways (ingestion, dermal, and inhalation) were not complete. The RDT recommended an optimized monitoring well network to create a robust groundwater sampling dataset to ensure contamination in groundwater was not impacting the public water supply wells (the public water supply wells are not impacted). The city of Le Mars sold the property to Red Shed (Red Shed) Enterprises, LLC in early 2023. EPA provided the city of Le Mars with a comfort letter to be used in the sale of the property. Red Shed plans to lease the property to a landscaping business and lawn equipment store. The RPM conducted a site visit in July 2023 and observed redevelopment activities which included limited grading of the clean soil and paving of much of the property. Updates to the site building were also underway.
Last updated December 2023

As of December 2023, EPA did not have economic data related to on-site businesses, or economic data were not applicable due to site use. For additional information click here.

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Lehigh Portland Cement Co.

The 145-acre Lehigh Portland Cement Co. site is in Mason City, Iowa. Beginning in 1911, a cement manufacturing plant on site generated large amounts of alkaline cement kiln dust. In 1981, testing of a pond identified highly alkaline water that went into nearby Calmus Creek. EPA added the site to the National Priorities List (NPL) in 1990 and took it off the NPL in 1993. Cleanup activities included consolidation and capping of cement kiln dust to minimize water filtering through the waste. Lehigh Portland Cement Company is also treating the groundwater. Its cement manufacturing facility continues to operate on site. Three of the capped waste areas are in the Lime Creek Nature Center, a Cerro Gordo County park. These capped areas are well vegetated and provide wildlife habitat. There is no contaminant exposure to park visitors or wildlife. Hiking and walking trails extend around the capped areas and the nature center is open to the public.
Last updated December 2023

As of December 2023, EPA had data on one on-site business. This business employed 125 people and generated an estimated $66,355,000 in annual sales revenue. For additional information click here.

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Mason City Coal Gasification Plant

The Mason City Coal Gasification Plant Superfund site covers 2.3 acres in Mason City, Iowa. Starting in the early 1900s, a gas manufacturing plant on site generated “town gas” for lighting and heating purposes. Site operators decommissioned and demolished the plant in the early 1950s. Remaining residues from the gas manufacturing process, commonly referred to as coal tar, contaminated soil and groundwater. In 1984, Mason City began digging to install a new sewer line at the site. The locality found coal tar in subsurface soil and structures. In 1994, EPA added the site to the National Priorities List (NPL). Potentially responsible parties removed contaminated soils and waste materials in 1997. Monitoring of the natural breakdown of groundwater contamination began in 2003. It is ongoing today. Institutional controls in place restrict residential and groundwater use at the site to protect human health and the environment. The site remains in continued use. Site owner Interstate Power and Light Company, a subsidiary of Alliant Energy Corporation, uses a small garage on the western edge of the site for vehicle and equipment storage. The company also continues to run a power substation on site.
Last updated December 2023

As of December 2023, EPA did not have economic data related to on-site businesses, or economic data were not applicable due to site use. For additional information click here.

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Mid-America Tanning Co.

The 100-acre Mid-America Tanning Co. Superfund site is near Sergeant Bluff, Iowa. A leather tannery was on site from 1970 to 1989. Waste disposal practices from its operations contaminated soil and groundwater. EPA added the site to the National Priorities List (NPL) in 1989. Cleanup included stabilizing and capping waste materials on site and groundwater monitoring. After cleanup, EPA took the site off the NPL in 2004. Two events in 2005 resulted in releases of contamination from areas where waste is buried on site. EPA plugged the pipe where the releases occurred and solidified and capped buried wastes. EPA completed this work in 2007. EPA’s Superfund Redevelopment Program (SRP) supported a project at the site in 2009 and 2010 to identify opportunities for addressing barriers to site reuse. Today, the site owner uses the property for staging and storing landscaping debris, railroad ties and bailed tires. An access road and railroad spur for a neighboring industrial business are also on site.
Last updated December 2023

As of December 2023, EPA did not have economic data related to on-site businesses, or economic data were not applicable due to site use. For additional information click here.

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Midwest Manufacturing/North Farm

The Midwest Manufacturing/North Farm Superfund site is in and near Kellogg, Iowa. It includes two separate properties – the North Farm operable unit (OU1) and the Midwest Manufacturing operable unit (OU2). OU1 is in a rural area outside of Kellogg. It covers less than an acre. OU2 covers about 8 acres. From 1973 to 1981, the Midwest Manufacturing Company ran an electroplating and manufacturing facility on OU2. Sludge and wastes generated at the OU2 plant and discarded into disposal trenches at both OUs contaminated soils and groundwater. EPA added the site to the National Priorities List (NPL) in 1986. Cleanup included land use restrictions, groundwater restrictions and the installation of a landfill cap over waste disposal areas. Groundwater monitoring is ongoing. In 2012, a scrap metal recycling facility purchased the OU2 property and began operating on site. EPA deleted (partial deletion) OU1 from the NPL in May 2021. Regular reviews of the site’s remedy and maintenance of institutional controls are ongoing.
Last updated December 2023

As of December 2023, EPA had data on one on-site business. This business employed 3 people and generated an estimated $434,000 in annual sales revenue. For additional information click here.

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Northwestern States Portland Cement Co.

The Northwestern States Portland Cement Co. Superfund site is just north of Mason City, Iowa, within the LafargeHolcim facility near the intersection of 25th Street and U.S. Highway 65. Cement manufacturing began at the site in 1908. From 1969 to 1985, the cement company disposed of about 2 million tons of waste cement kiln dust in a 150-acre quarry at the site. This waste disposal caused contamination of surface water and groundwater. In 1979, the Iowa Department of Natural Resources found that creek water downstream of the quarry had high pH levels. After more investigations in 1984 and 1987, EPA added the site to the National Priorities List (NPL) in 1990. The owner of the now-closed cement manufacturing facility cleaned up the site, with EPA oversight. The cleanup included the use of a cap to keep rainwater from seeping into the quarry and the installation of a groundwater pump-and-treat system to lower the groundwater level to below the waste in the quarry. After remedy construction, EPA took the site off the NPL in 1995. The responsible party continues to pump and treat groundwater and conduct monitoring and maintenance activities. An agricultural operation now grows hay for sale on a 90-acre area at the site.
Last updated December 2023

As of December 2023, EPA did not have economic data related to on-site businesses, or economic data were not applicable due to site use. For additional information click here.

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PCE Former Dry Cleaner

The PCE Former Dry Cleaner Superfund site is in Atlantic, Iowa. Operations on site included a dry cleaner in the 1960s and an Iowa Department of Transportation materials-testing laboratory in the 1970s. The building used by both operations was demolished between 1982 and 1994. Past site operations contaminated soil and groundwater. The area of groundwater contamination extends to the municipal water supply system. This system includes nine active municipal wells that serve about 7,500 people. Atlantic Municipal Utilities disconnected two wells from the municipal water supply system to help protect the other wells from contamination. EPA added the site to the National Priorities List (NPL) in 2016. EPA cleaned up source-area soil in 2017. EPA put in a groundwater containment system to protect the municipal well field. The system started running in December 2018. It treats about 290 gallons per minute. The clean water goes to the Atlantic Municipal Utilities drinking water treatment plant for distribution. Groundwater monitoring is ongoing. In December 2021, the site was among those selected by EPA to receive cleanup funding under the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL). With this funding, EPA is already initiating work on backlogged remedial construction projects and accelerating cleanups at NPL sites. A bank is located on the site property.
Last updated December 2023

As of December 2023, EPA did not have economic data related to on-site businesses, or economic data were not applicable due to site use. For additional information click here.

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Peoples Natural Gas Co.

The 7-acre Peoples Natural Gas Co. Superfund site is in Dubuque, Iowa. From 1890 through the 1950s, a manufactured gas plant operated on site. Its operations produced and stored coal tar and cyanide-bearing wood chips on site, contaminating soil and groundwater with volatile organic compounds. Plant structures were demolished in 1957. A survey for the proposed extension of U.S. Highway 61 by the Iowa Department of Transportation in 1983 found the contamination. In 1989, a removal action addressed soil contamination in the area planned for highway construction. EPA added the site to the National Priorities List (NPL) in 1990. Cleanup included removal and treatment of contaminated soil and groundwater extraction and treatment. In the 1960s, the Peoples Natural Gas Company sold part of the site to the city of Dubuque (the City). The City ran the Dubuque Public Works Garage on site until 2006. After 2006, the City continued to use the property for storage. It also leased part of the property to a lumber company for storage. EPA updated the site’s remedy in 2013. The update included more land use restrictions and a groundwater treatment system to address remaining groundwater contamination. Operation and maintenance of the site’s long-term remedy and monitoring are ongoing. The City and the East Central Intergovernmental Association replaced the former public works garage with the Jules Operations and Training Center, a bus storage and maintenance facility. Today, the center supports the City’s public transit system. It provides storage and light maintenance space, houses dispatch and management offices, and provides meeting and training facilities for employees. The Iowa Department of Transportation owns the rest of the site. A section of U.S. Highway 61 crosses the western part of the site. In April 2018, EPA Region 7 recognized the City with its Leading Environmentalism and Forwarding Sustainability Award for its redevelopment efforts at the site.
Last updated December 2023

As of December 2023, EPA had data on one on-site business. This business employed 23 people. For additional information click here.

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Railroad Avenue Groundwater Contamination

The Railroad Avenue Groundwater Contamination Superfund site is in West Des Moines in Polk County, Iowa. The site covers about 1,000 acres. It includes a northern groundwater plume and a southern groundwater plume. Despite many investigations, the source of contamination of the northern plume has not been identified. Contamination of the southern plume came from a used solvent storage tank at a former metal brazing facility. EPA added the site to the National Priorities List (NPL) in 2002. Northern plume cleanup includes monitoring to confirm natural breakdown of contamination and restrictions to limit use of groundwater. Southern plume cleanup includes monitoring of natural breakdown of contamination and groundwater use restrictions. Operation and maintenance activities for the northern plume transferred to the Iowa Department of Natural Resources in 2017. The potentially responsible party for the southern plume leads the cleanup with EPA oversight. Routine monitoring and sampling of groundwater are ongoing. Industrial, commercial and residential areas remain in continued use above the northern plume area. Uses include a party rental business and single-family homes. Groundwater is the main source of public water. The West Des Moines Water Works treatment plant treats the water prior to distribution. Surface water at the site continues to support recreational uses.
Last updated December 2023

As of December 2023, EPA had data on one on-site business. This business employed 10 people and generated an estimated $1,987,000 in annual sales revenue. For additional information click here.

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Red Oak City Landfill

The 40-acre Red Oak City Landfill Superfund site is near Red Oak, Iowa. A limestone quarry was on site from the 1940s to the early 1960s. In 1962, the city of Read Oak purchased the property and operated a municipal landfill on site from 1962 to 1974. Landfilling practices at the site contaminated groundwater, surface water and soil with volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and heavy metals. In 1984, EPA found contaminated water seeping from the landfill into the East Nishnabotna River. EPA added the site to the National Priorities List (NPL) in 1986. The responsible parties cleaned up the site with EPA oversight. Cleanup activities included building a clay cap over the landfill, restricting the future use of the property, stabilizing the riverbank, and monitoring groundwater and surface water. After cleanup, EPA took the site off the NPL in 2005. EPA’s Superfund Redevelopment Program (SRP) provided reuse planning support for the site in 2007. The site is now in use for hay production.
Last updated December 2023

As of December 2023, EPA did not have economic data related to on-site businesses, or economic data were not applicable due to site use. For additional information click here.

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Shaw Avenue Dump

The Shaw Avenue Dump Superfund site is in southeastern Charles City, Iowa. Charles City ran a municipal waste dump on site. The 24-acre former dump sits about 500 feet east of the Cedar River. From 1949 to 1953, operators disposed of large amounts of arsenic-contaminated solid waste from Salsbury Laboratories’ production of animal pharmaceuticals on the northern half of the site. Salsbury Laboratories also sent liquid wastes to the Charles City wastewater treatment plant. Operators then disposed of treatment plant sludge on the northern part of the site. Charles City and the public also used the site for open burning of wastes. Investigations found arsenic contamination in area groundwater, soil and surface waters of the Cedar River. EPA added the site to the National Priorities List (NPL) in 1987. The site’s potentially responsible parties (PRPs) started cleanup in 1992. They took all contaminated materials off site for disposal at a permitted landfill. The removal of contaminated soils from the site also reduced the risk of further groundwater contamination. In 2019, EPA took part of the site off the NPL. Groundwater remains on the NPL. Charles City owns and runs a municipal composting facility on site. Residents drop off yard waste and pick up finished compost free of charge. Part of the Charley Western bike trail, a 5-mile loop, crosses the site.
Last updated December 2023

As of December 2023, EPA did not have economic data related to on-site businesses, or economic data were not applicable due to site use. For additional information click here.

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Waterloo Coal Gasification Plant

The Waterloo Coal Gasification Plant Superfund site is in Waterloo, Iowa. From 1901 to 1956, a plant made gas for lighting and heating purposes on site. Wastes from these operations contaminated soil and groundwater. EPA proposed adding the site to the National Priorities List (NPL) in 1992, but did not finalize the listing. A three-phase removal action addressed contaminants’ potential impacts on groundwater and soil. Cleanup included the removal of 25,000 tons of coal tar as well as coal tar-impacted soil and materials. The selected remedy includes institutional controls to prevent exposure to contaminated groundwater and prohibit the use of the property for homes. Part of the site was identified as a "technical impracticability zone" (TI Zone). Groundwater in the TI Zone is expected to remain contaminated for the foreseeable future. The remedy includes monitoring of natural processes to clean up groundwater. MidAmerican Energy Company, the present owner of the site, leads cleanup work at the site with EPA oversight. The site is in use for truck parking and maintenance. It also provides loading dock access for an adjacent cold-storage business.
Last updated December 2023

As of December 2023, EPA had data on 2 on-site businesses. These businesses employed 7 people and generated an estimated $303,600 in annual sales revenue. For additional information click here.

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White Farm Equipment Co. Dump

The 20-acre White Farm Equipment Co. Dump Superfund site is in Charles City, Iowa. The site is an old sand-and-gravel pit bordered by low-lying areas, wetlands and farmland. Starting in the early 1900s, farm equipment manufacturing took place near the site. In the 1920s, White Farm Equipment Company started a disposal facility at the site. Beginning in 1971, the company disposed of foundry sand, sludges, baghouse dust and industrial wastes at the site. Disposal activities contaminated sediments, soil, surface water and groundwater. The activities ended in 1985. EPA added the site to the National Priorities List (NPL) in 1990. EPA’s cleanup consisted of soil capping and groundwater monitoring. Cap construction finished in 1995. After cleanup, EPA took the site off the NPL in 2000. In 2009, EPA issued an environmental covenant to protect the site’s remedy. To encourage reuse, EPA completed a Ready for Reuse Determination for the site in 2011. EPA determined that the site is ready for recreational, commercial, industrial and other uses. With EPA approval, the site owner began to graze livestock on site in 2013. Today, hay production takes place on site.
Last updated December 2023

As of December 2023, EPA did not have economic data related to on-site businesses, or economic data were not applicable due to site use. For additional information click here.

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Last updated on June 20, 2024