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Fact Sheet
July 2009
Administrative Record File Available, Southern Iowa Mechanical Superfund Site, Ottumwa, Wapello County, Iowa
INTRODUCTION
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Region 7 has compiled the administrative record file for the Southern Iowa Mechanical (SIM) Superfund Site in Ottumwa, Iowa. The administrative record file is the official site file and contains technical documents such as the Action Memorandum which authorizes Agency funding for site sampling and response activities.
EPA invites the public to review the administrative record file during a 30-day comment period from July 31 through August 31, 2009.
Community members can review the administrative record file during normal business hours at the following location:
Ottumwa Public Library
102 W. 4th Street
Ottumwa, Iowa
Comments may be submitted by mail to:
Fritz Hirter
EPA Community Involvement Coordinator
901 N. Fifth St., Kansas City, KS 66101.
Or by e-mail to: hirter.fritz@epa.gov.
Comments submitted by mail must be postmarked by August 31, 2009.
Site Background
Between approximately August and November 2007, SIM dismantled several buildings on property owned by Dico, Inc. located at 200 SW 16th Street, Des Moines, Iowa. The Dico property is part of the Des Moines TCE site
which is listed on the National Priority List (NPL). Some of those buildings dismantled by SIM contained polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB)-contaminated insulation in the walls and the ceilings.
Various parts of the buildings were taken to different locations for disposition.
The steel structural members—which are the subject of this response action—were taken to SIM's Ottumwa, Iowa, facility. On May 16, 2008, EPA conducted a site assessment at the SIM site. The results of wipe samples from the steel beams, samples from bulk insulation, and soil samples, all collected during the assessment, show the need for additional response.
The steel beams are stored in a large open area on the SIM property and are spread out over an area about one acre in size. In some areas, the beams are stacked on top of wooden supports; but in many areas, the beams are in contact with the ground. Insulation residue is stuck to some of the beams, and what appears to be an adhesive residue is visible on many of the beams. The potentially responsible party is under EPA Order to decontaminate the steel beams and assess and dispose of soils containing PCB concentrations above established standards.
Additional Information
Questions or requests for information can be submitted to:
Fritz Hirter
Community Involvement Coordinator
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
Office of Public Affairs
901 N. Fifth Street
Kansas City, KS 66101
Toll Free: 800-223-0425
E-mail: hirter.fritz@epa.gov