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.
Excavation of the site was completed on June 14, 2004, and the last truckloads of contaminated soil were sent for disposal on June 15, 2004. The work activities during the week focused on backfilling the excavated area. Rain limited work at the site from June 16 to June 18, 2004. Work resumed on June 19, 2004, a majority of the excavated area was backfilled.
A "sheep foot" compactor is being utilized to compact the clean backfill to meet state compaction regulations. A local engineering firm is being used in a sub-contracting role to perform compaction tests as well as other services, including, assuring proper grade elevations.
The Site will continue to operate until the excavated area is completely backfilled and restored according to agreements between the city of LeMars and the EPA
EPA officials will meet with the city of LeMars to ensure the progress of the work satisfies all concerns.
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