\X> ».• —m. v. Region 7 _ . # i — Fact Sheet n S Iowa Kansas %. ,>D Missouri . _ _ _ _ PrO^ Nebraska JUIIG 2003 Time-Critical Removal Action To Begin Marengo Former Manufacturing Gas Plant Site, Marengo, Iowa INTRODUCTION During the week of June 23, 2003, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) in partnership with the Iowa Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) and the Iowa Department of Public Health (IDPH) will begin work on a time-critical removal action at the Marengo Former Manufacturing Gas Plant (FMGP) Site, Marengo, Iowa. EPA will first demolish the old FMGP building and then begin the removal of contaminated soil. BACKGROUND The FMGP is located at the south edge of Marengo, immediately south of the T-intersection of Marengo Avenue and Miller Street. The site covers less than an acre and is currently occupied by Hinrichs Construction Company. Historical records indicate that gas was manufactured at the site by the Marengo Gas Company from approximately 1905 until 1919. The manufactured gas operation resulted in the release of coal tar in surface soil. THE CONTAMINATION The contaminants found at the site are Benzene, Toluene, and Ethylbenzene (BETXs) and Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAHs). BTEXs are colorless liquids with a sweet order. They evaporate into the air very quickly and dissolve slightly in water. They are highly flammable and form from both natural processes and human activities. PAHs are a group of over 100 different compounds that are formed during the incomplete burning of coal, oil and gas, garbage, or other organic substances. TIME-CRITICAL REMOVAL ACTION The removal will begin with the demolition of the FMGP building on the site. The building is being destroyed because: it has been determined to be unsafe to withstand the impact of the removal action; it poses a safety hazard to on-site workers, and; it has contaminated soil underneath the structure. EPA will remove two feet of contaminated soil and backfill with clean soil. The area will then be graded to match the surrounding surface. At the conclusion of the removal activities, environmental deed restrictions will be imposed on the property to allow the continued use without posing a human health risk. As an additional safeguard, EPA will perform air monitoring for all of the hazardous substances to assure the community's well being. Also, a protective security fence will be placed around the site property perimeter. The time-critical removal will remove contaminated soil, and remove the immediate threat to human health and the environment. EPA and representatives from IDNR and IDPH will be present during the removal ------- to assist with any questions or concerns from the community. The removal is expected to take approximately six weeks to complete. WORK HOURS During the removal action, work hours will be varied, but are expected to be Monday through Saturday from 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. Limited disruptions are expected concerning traffic flow. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION EPA encourages the community to review the Administrative Record, which is available at the following locations: Marengo Public Library 1020 Marengo Avenue Marengo, Iowa 52301 EPA Region 7 Records Center 901 N. 5th Street Kansas City, Kansas 66101 If you have questions or need additional information, please contact: Belinda Young Office of External Programs U.S. EPA Region 7 901 N. 5th Street Kansas City, KS 66101 Phone: 913-551-7003 or Toll Free: 1-800-223-0425 2 ------- |