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Fact Sheet

August 2006

Time-Critical Removal and Disposal of Soils - United Zinc #1 Superfund Site, Iola, Kansas

INTRODUCTION

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Region 7,will return to Iola, Kansas during the middle of August 2006.  The purpose of the visit is to conduct a Time-Critical Removal at the United Zinc #1 Superfund Site.  The removal will further address lead concentrations at schools, daycares, residences and industrial areas as a result of the lead mine site.

The former smelter is located at the intersection of Highways 169 and 54 in Iola, Allen County, Kansas.  It is situated on both the northwest and northeast corner of the intersection of Kansas Drive and East Street.  The specific boundaries of the entire Site, including impacted properties, have not been defined because the sampling activities for the entire area will be completed as part of the removal action.

EPA will oversee the removal of lead-contaminated soils located at schools, daycares, residences, and industrial properties within the city limits of Iola.  Properties included in the removal action have lead concentrations above health-based levels and are as follows:

The removal will also include the proper disposal of lead-contaminated soils.  The excavated soil will be tested and treated if necessary before being transported to the Allen County Landfill to be used as a cover for the landfill.

RECENT EPA ACTIVITIES

In late April 2006, EPA began sampling properties in the Iola community to determine lead concentrations.  Approximately 260 homes, day-cares, schools, and commercial areas were screened for lead contamination.  Properties were screened at locations throughout the city to identify trends or potential pathways of contamination.  Results showed elevated lead concentrations throughout the city, with higher concentrations prevailing in older neighborhoods.

Twenty-seven percent of the properties analyzed to date exceeded EPA’s action level of 400 ppm.  The highest concentrations of lead were documented south of Highway 54 and East of Kentucky Street, with concentrations exceeding 1000 ppm.

Information from long-time residents indicates material from the smelter was a source of fill around home foundations, side-walks, and drive-ways.  Also, because numerous smelters operated in the area during the 1900’s, by-products from those smelters may have been released to residential yards, churches, and schools.  The Site was one of several zinc and lead smelting operations in the area that operated until approximately 1912.

SAMPLING RESULTS

The primary contaminants of concern are lead and lead compounds.  Elevated concentrations of lead have been found throughout the site.  Children playing in and around the contaminated areas have the highest potential to be exposed.  As a result of EPA’s sampling in April, 2006, EPA has currently identified several residential properties at levels greater than 800 ppm, and several other properties at levels greater than 400 ppm that are considered high child-impact areas, or properties where a child’s elevated blood-lead level is above health-based concentrations.
 
TIME CRITICAL REMOVAL

The time-critical removal will address the contamination, and will reduce the threat to human health and the environment posed by lead concentration at the Site.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

If you have questions or need additional information, please contact:

Belinda Young
Community Involvement Coordinator
Environmental Protection Agency
Office of External Programs
901 N. 5th Street
Kansas City, Kansas 66101
Toll free: 800-223-0425
young.belinda@epa.gov

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