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Former United Zinc and Associated Smelters Site in Iola, Kan., Added to Superfund’s National Priorities List for Cleanup

Release Date: 05/21/2013
Contact Information: Dianna Whitaker, 913-551-7598, whitaker.dianna@epa.gov

Environmental News

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

(Lenexa, Kan., May 21, 2013) - EPA today announced its decision to place the Former United Zinc & Associated Smelters Site in Iola, Kan., on the federal Superfund National Priorities List (NPL). The NPL is a list of the nation’s hazardous waste sites with the highest priority for cleanup. These sites are eligible for extensive, long-term response action money authorized by Congress under the Superfund program.

EPA received letters of support for placing the Former United Zinc & Associated Smelters Site on the NPL from the governor of Kansas and the mayor of Iola.

The Former United Zinc & Associated Smelters Site is located in and around the city of Iola in Allen County, Kan. The main Former United Zinc facility is located on the east side of Iola within a mixture of residential and commercial properties. The site was one of several zinc and lead smelting operations in the area between 1902 and 1925. Residential and non-residential properties in the area are contaminated with elevated levels of lead, arsenic, cadmium and zinc, which may be associated with historical lead and zinc smelting.

EPA wants to help affected communities understand the technical information related to NPL sites. EPA’s Technical Assistance Grant Program provides up to $50,000 for a qualified citizens group to hire independent technical advisors. The advisors can help citizens interpret complex environmental data, understand site hazards, and critique various cleanup technologies.

For additional information about the Technical Assistance Grant Program, please contact Dianna Whitaker at 913-551-7598 or whitaker.dianna@epa.gov.