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Fact Sheet
September 2006
EPA to Host Public Meeting - United Zinc #1 Superfund Site, Iola, Kansas
INTRODUCTION
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Region 7 invites the public to participate in a public meeting on Wednesday, September 27, 2006 from 6:30 – 8:00 p.m. The meeting is regarding on-going removal activities at the United Zinc #1 Superfund Site. Attendance at this meeting will help the community to better understand lead testing and what EPA needs to address all lead contamination issues surrounding the Site.
BACKGROUND
The United Zinc #1 Site is a former smelting facility that operated
from 1901 to 1902. The facility was sold to United Zinc and Chemical
Company and operated until approximately 1912. Kansas Department
of Health and Environment (KDHE) began investigations in December 2003,
finding elevated levels of lead in residential and commercial properties
throughout the community of Iola. KDHE referred the Site to the
Superfund Removal Program at EPA September 29, 2005 for assessment and
completion of a removal action.
In late April 2006, EPA began sampling properties in the Iola community
for lead contamination. Properties were screened at locations throughout
the city to identify trends or potential pathways of contamination. Approximately
260 homes, daycare facilities, schools, and commercial areas were screened. Results
showed elevated lead concentrations throughout the city with higher elevations
prevailing in older neighborhoods.
TIME-CRITICAL REMOVAL ACTION (CURRENT ACTIVITIES)
EPA began removal of lead contaminated properties August 15, 2006. The effort began at the McKinley and Jefferson Elementary Schools and one daycare facility. On August 19, 2006, both schools and the daycare facility were completed. Response actions performed in accordance with this action has been prioritized as follows:
- Residential properties where the soil contains lead concentrations
equal to or greater than 800 parts per million (ppm)
- High child impact areas such as schools and daycare facilities with
soil containing lead concentrations over 400 ppm
- Residences where a child resides with a blood lead level greater
than 10 ppm, and soil containing lead concentrations over 400 ppm
- Industrial properties where the soil contains lead concentrations equal to or greater than 1,000 ppm.
This 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.
EPA will host a public meeting to provide information and answer questions on removal activities related to the United Zinc #1 Superfund Site. The meeting will be held:
Wednesday, September 27, 2006
6:30 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.
Bowlus Fine Arts Center
205 E. Madison
Iola, Kansas
For more 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
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
EPA is continually adding residents to our current mailing list. If you know of citizens who are not receiving these fact sheets or are not currently on our mailing list, please contact Belinda Young at 800-223-0425 with the residents name and address.
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
Toll Free: 800-223-0425
young.belinda@epa.gov
