1.1.1 Incident Category

CERCLA Incident Category: Time-Critical Removal Action

1.1.2 Site Description

1.1.2.1 Location

The Site is located in and around the city of Iola, Allen County, Kansas. The main area of the former United Zinc property is located on the east side of Iola within a mixture of residential and commercial properties. The facility was one of several zinc and lead smelting operations in the area between 1902 and 1925. Residential and non-residential properties were contaminated with elevated levels of lead.

1.1.2.2 Description of Threat

Lead, a hazardous substance as defined by Section 101(14) of the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (CERCLA), as amended, has been released into the soil at the Site. The primary contaminants of concern at this Site are lead and lead compounds.

1.1.3 Preliminary Removal Assessment/Removal Site Inspection Results

The Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) began investigations at the Site in December 2003. Elevated levels of lead were found in residential and commercial properties throughout the community of Iola. On September 29, 2005, KDHE referred the Site to the EPA Superfund Removal Program for assessment and completion of a removal action.

In late April 2006, the EPA began sampling properties in the Iola community utilizing an x-ray fluorescence (XRF) screening instrument and confirmatory laboratory analysis. Approximately 260 homes, daycare facilities, schools, and commercial areas were screened at locations throughout the city to identify trends or potential pathways of contamination. Results showed elevated lead concentrations throughout the city, with higher concentrations prevailing in older neighborhoods. The highest concentration of lead was found south of Highway 54 and east of Kentucky Street, with some concentrations greater than 1,000 milligrams per kilogram (mg/kg). Lead was found at levels up to 2,290 mg/kg in residential properties and 6,433 mg/kg in commercial properties. Anecdotal information from long-time residents indicated slag material from the smelter was a source of fill material in home foundations, sidewalks, driveways, etc.

2.1.1 Narrative

The removal action consists of excavation and proper disposal of soil and/or waste containing lead concentrations greater than 400 mg/kg from properties meeting the following criteria: residential properties where a composite sample exceeds a concentration of 800 mg/kg; high child impact areas such as schools and daycare facilities where a composite sample exceeds a concentration of 400 mg/kg; and residential properties where a child with a blood lead level of 10 micrograms per deciliter (µg/dl) or greater resides and soil contains lead concentrations over 400 mg/kg. Currently, approximately 350 properties have been identified that meet these criteria. Excavated soil is transported to the Allen County Landfill, a RCRA Subtitle D landfill, and used as daily cover.

2.1.2 Response Actions to Date

Soil samples were collected on 9/9/2015 and tested using Toxicity Characteristics Leaching Procedure (TCLP). These results were used to obtain a KDHE Special Waste Disposal Authorization (Number 15-1300) to allow the excavated soil to be used as daily cover at the landfill.

Excavation and backfilling operations began during this reporting period. Excavation of the following properties was completed:

2.1.3 Enforcement Activities, Identity of Potentially Responsible Parties (PRPs)

The PRP search is ongoing. No PRP has been identified to date.

2.1.4 Progress Metrics

2.2.1 Anticipated Activities

2.2.1.1 Planned Response Activities

Excavation and backfilling operations will continue during the next operational period. Additionally, the EPA will increase efforts to assess properties that have not yet been sampled.

2.2.1.2 Next Steps

The Site was listed on the National Priorities List (NPL) on May 21, 2013. A remedial action is being planned.

2.2.2 Issues

The EPA Community Involvement Coordinator for the Site is Karim Dawani. Public Availability Sessions were held at the Iola Public Library on 8/25/2015 and 9/17/2015 to provide residents with an opportunity to discuss the removal action and address their specific questions. The EPA also attended the Iola City Council Meeting on 9/14/2015 to present information regarding the removal action. The news media televised a story entitled "Iola residents opt to have EPA cleanup their yards" on 9/21/2015.

An Administrative Record containing site-related documents is available for review at the following locations: 

Iola Public Library
218 E Madison Avenue
Iola, Kansas 66749

EPA Personnel working on the project (not necessarily on site):

     OSC Schademann

     OSC Luetke

     RPM Bahnke (as needed)

     CIC Dawani (as needed)

     EPA CNSL Roberts (as needed)

EPA Contractors

     15 ERRS personnel

     1 START personnel

Other Agencies

     1 ATSDR representative

6.1 Internet location of additional information/report

Lead is a metal and has been listed as a hazardous waste (D008) in the regulations for RCRA. Lead is classified by the EPA as a probable human carcinogen and is a cumulative toxicant. The early effects of lead poisoning are nonspecific and difficult to distinguish from the symptoms of minor seasonal illnesses. Lead poisoning causes decreased physical fitness, fatigue, sleep disturbance, headache, aching bones and muscles, digestive symptoms (particularly constipation), abdominal cramping, nausea, vomiting, and decreased appetite. With increased exposure, symptoms include anemia, pallor, a "lead line" on the gums, and decreased handgrip strength.

Children are more vulnerable to lead poisoning than adults. For children, lead can damage the central nervous system, kidneys and reproductive system. At higher levels, it can cause coma, convulsions and death. Even low levels of lead are harmful and are associated with decreased intelligence, impaired neurobehavioral development, decreased stature and growth, impaired hearing acuity, and possibly high blood pressure.

For more information on lead please visit: 

ATSDR ToxFAQs