The Le Mars Coal Gas Site (Site), in Le Mars, Plymouth County, Iowa, is a non-time-critical removal action. The Site is a former manufactured gas plant (FMGP). The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is removing coal tar waste containing benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene, xylenes (BTEX) and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) from the Site area. The Action Memorandum for the Site was signed on September 26, 2003. The complete Administrative Record for the Site can be found at the record repository located at the Le Mars Public Library.
The Site is located at 331 1st Street Northeast, Le Mars, Plymouth County, Iowa, and is a 1.6-acre, right-triangle-shaped property, which is bordered on the northwest by the Union Pacific and Canadian National railroads, on the east by 4th Avenue Northeast, and on the south by 1st Street Northeast. The area surrounding the Site is occupied by residential and commercial properties. The Site is in Section 9, Township 92 North, Range 45 West (U. S. Geological Survey [USGS] 1985). The geographic coordinates of the Site are latitude 42°47'40" north and longitude 96°09'37" west.
In spite of severe weather throughout the week, there have been approximately 2550 tons of coal-tar-contaminated soil sent to the thermal desorption facility in Cedar Rapids. Limited backfilling, however, did occur as the result of the source being too wet to access and acquire clean fill. On the days that were clear,work hours were extended to approximately 6:30 p.m.
See Initial POLREP and also POLREP #4.
Excavation of contaminated soils will continue along with continued replacement with clean backfill.
Air monitoring for the workers on-site and the surrounding community continues. Real-time air monitoring of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and air particulates is performed on a daily basis. In addition, air sampling monitor stations are located at points surrounding the Site to track emissions from the Site. This is performed to ensure worker safety and the safety of the community.
A water truck on-site is used for dust suppression. Additionally, any piles of soil left on-site overnight are covered before the work ends.
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