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Fact Sheet
November 2012
Fifth Five-Year Review to Begin, John Deere - Dubuque Site, Dubuque, Dubuque County, Iowa
INTRODUCTION
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) conducts regular checkups, called five-year reviews, on certain Superfund sites, as required by the Superfund law [42 U.S.C. Section 9621(c)]. EPA Region 7 has started the fifth five-year review of the John Deere - Dubuque site. The site is approximately 2.5 miles north of the city of Dubuque, near the confluence of the Little Maquoketa and Mississippi Rivers, in northeast Iowa.
EPA is doing the five-year review to make sure the cleanup continues to protect people and the environment.
The plant has operated continuously since 1946, producing heavy equipment and industrial machinery. A portion of the site was used to treat hazardous wastes and store drums. From 1946 until 1974, John Deere disposed of approximately 3,000 tons of solvents, paint sludges, acids, heavy metals, foundry sand, and cyanide in an on-site landfill.
THE FIVE-YEAR REVIEW
During the review, EPA studies information on the site, and inspects the site to make sure it continues to be protective. We encourage the community to tell us about site conditions or concerns you may have.
At the end of the review, a final report will be prepared and will be available in the site information repositories.
FOURTH FIVE-YEAR REVIEW
Background
Sampling and analysis conducted in 1981 indicated the presence of contaminants in the ground water in the alluvial aquifer under the landfill at the site. The aquifer is a source of process/production water for the facility.
A Remedial Investigation/Feasibility Study (RI/FS) was conducted in 1988 to comply with the Consent Order entered into by John Deere and EPA.
A Record of Decision (ROD) was signed by EPA on Sept. 8, 1989, requiring John Deere to implement the remedial actions as defined in the ROD. John Deere is required to:
- Extract ground water from the alluvial aquifer in a manner that controls the migration of contamination, and
- Submit written Quarterly Progress Reports to EPA
Four previous five-year reviews found that the selected remedy remains protective.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Detailed site information can be found at the following locations during normal business hours:
Carnegie-Stout Public Library
360 W. 11th Street
Dubuque, Iowa
EPA Records Center
11201 Renner Blvd.
Lenexa, Kan.
Questions or requests for information can be submitted to:
Ben Washburn
EPA Region 7
11201 Renner Blvd.
Lenexa, KS 66219
Toll-free: (800) 223-0425
Email: washburn.ben@epa.gov