Superfund Sites in Reuse in Iowa

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AIDEX CORP.

The 15-acre Aidex Corp. Superfund site is in Mineola, Iowa. Aidex Corporation ran a pesticide manufacturing plant on-site from 1974 to 1980. Chemical spills and the improper handling, storage and disposal of wastes resulted in the release of at least 16 pesticides into the environment. In 1976, a manufacturing building caught fire. The runoff from water used to control the flames contaminated the surrounding soil and groundwater with an herbicide and various pesticides. The company filed for bankruptcy in 1980. In 1981, EPA began cleaning up about 2,400 drums of pesticides, contaminated water and underground storage tanks. EPA added the site to the National Priorities List in 1983. After removing the drums and treating contaminated soil and 187,000 gallons of water, EPA inspected remaining site buildings to make sure they were safe for reuse. After cleanup, EPA took the site off the NPL in 1993. Manufacturing and distribution businesses are active on-site.
Last updated October 2025

As of December 2024, EPA had data on 3 on-site businesses. These businesses employed 42 people and generated an estimated $6,490,000 in annual sales revenue. For additional information click here.

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ALUMINUM COMPANY OF AMERICA - DAVENPORT

The Aluminum Company of America – Davenport site is in Riverdale, Iowa. An active manufacturing facility is on-site. The Aluminum Company of America (Alcoa) started running it in 1948. The facility is an aluminum sheet- and plate-rolling mill that is more than a mile long and covers about 120 acres. Manufacturing and waste management activities contaminated soil, groundwater, river sediment and fish tissue. Contaminants include volatile organic compounds, polynuclear aromatic hydrocarbons, polychlorinated biphenyls and metals. Cleanup has included addressing PCBs in the site’s surface impoundment, installing an oil interception and recovery trench at the impoundment, and capping the impoundment. It also included disposing of PCB-containing oil and cleaning up three 1-million-gallon storage tanks. The site’s long-term remedy includes groundwater containment, source area remediation, groundwater monitoring and institutional controls. The manufacturing facility remains active on-site. The site’s ecological resources include two ponds and a reservoir. 
Last updated October 2025

As of December 2024, EPA did not have economic data related to on-site businesses, or economic data were not applicable due to site use. For additional information click here.

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CHEMPLEX CO.

The 700-acre Chemplex Co. site is in Clinton County, Iowa. A manufacturing facility producing low-density and high-density polyethylene opened on-site in 1968. Until 1978, operators used tetrachloroethene (PCE) to clean clogged process piping at the plant. Operators placed wastes that was generated during polyethylene production including spent PCE, PAHs, and BTEX in a landfill on-site. These practices contaminated soil and groundwater. EPA proposed adding the site to the National Priorities List in 1984; but never finalized the listing on the NPL. Instead, the site is being addressed as a Superfund Alternative site. Cleanup included groundwater extraction and treatment, injections, extension of the city municipal water line for homes, and installation of caps and vegetative covers for areas of contaminated soil. It also included a landfill cover and use of a landfill gas extraction system, which ran from 1998 to 2003. Monitoring and maintenance activities are ongoing. Today, a polyethylene manufacturing plant is active on-site. 
Last updated October 2025

As of December 2024, EPA had data on one on-site business. This business employed 250 people and generated an estimated $538,481,675 in annual sales revenue. For additional information click here.

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DES MOINES TCE

The Des Moines TCE Superfund site is southwest of downtown Des Moines, Iowa. The nearly 200-acre site is in the floodplain of the Raccoon River. Historically, the focus of Superfund’s cleanup was an approximate 40-acre property, owned by Dico Inc., which hosted industrial uses. They included a grey iron foundry, a steel wheels manufacturing plant, a chemical and herbicide distribution center, and a pesticide formulation processing plant. Degreasers containing trichloroethylene were used on site during the making of wheels and brakes. Dico Inc. used and disposed of solvent wastes on the site through early 1979. Investigations found the company was the potential source of contamination for the Des Moines city water supply. After finding soil and groundwater contamination, EPA added the site to the National Priorities List in 1983. EPA’s cleanup plan required removing contaminated soil, cleaning building surfaces and then applying epoxy coatings to cover some building surfaces, placing an asphalt cap over a large part of the site property, implementing land and groundwater use restrictions, and containing and treating contaminated groundwater. In 2005, the city built a parkway across the northernmost part of the site and rezoned most of the property to allow for more uses, including residential, office, commercial and retail areas. EPA’s Superfund Redevelopment Program and Region 7 have supported reuse planning at the site through several regional support projects. In 2020, EPA and the potentially responsible party resolved years of litigation. The settlement agreement required transfer of 43 acres of the site to the city of Des Moines. As part of the settlement, EPA completed a non-time critical removal to demolish contaminated buildings and a time critical removal action that consisted of consolidation and disposal of pond sediment and nearby soil containing hazardous waste found within the South Pond Area. EPA is also currently planning to replace the existing outdated groundwater treatment system with a lower profile system by the end of 2025. These actions support the planned redevelopment of the site for commercial and mixed-use. Today, EPA is working with the city and a developer to assess the area’s capacity to support a professional soccer stadium complex and associated support facilities. A project by the Iowa Confluence Water Trails is also underway to create a recreational access point to the Raccoon River at the site. Improvements planned include a paved boat ramp, bike racks, native vegetation and park benches.
Last updated October 2025

As of December 2024, EPA did not have economic data related to on-site businesses, or economic data were not applicable due to site use. For additional information click here.

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FAIRFIELD COAL GASIFICATION PLANT

The 1.3-acre Fairfield Coal Gasification Plant Superfund site is in Fairfield, Iowa. From 1878 to 1950, a manufactured gas plant made a natural gas alternative fuel from coal on-site. Iowa Electric Light and Power, later known as IES Utilities, bought the plant in 1917 and ran it until 1950. At that time, the gas production system for the town switched to natural gas and the manufactured gas plant closed. Former plant operations created coal tar sludge and wastes associated with coal gasification, which contaminated soil and groundwater. From 1950 to 1988, IES Utilities used the property as an operations facility. Site contamination was found in 1985. EPA added the site to the National Priorities List in 1990. IES Utilities cleaned up the site with EPA’s oversight. Cleanup included groundwater treatment and soil removal and treatment. EPA is evaluating the effectiveness of the treatment system for remaining groundwater contamination. Ongoing activities include groundwater sampling, a vapor intrusion assessment and putting in place institutional controls that prevent soil and groundwater use at the site. Today, Alliant Energy, which merged with IES Utilities in 1998, runs an electrical substation at the site.
Last updated October 2025

As of December 2024, EPA had data on one on-site business. EPA did not have further economic details related to this business. For additional information click here.

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GENERAL MOTORS S.C.

The General Motors S.C. site is in Sioux City, Iowa. In 1980, General Motors bought the property and began testing throttle-body injection fuel systems. GM stopped production in 1993 and did an environmental assessment. It found contaminants in soil and groundwater near the manufacturing building. The primary contaminants of concern were chlorinated volatile organic compounds. The source of the contamination is not known. GM has no record of the contaminants ever being used at the site. Possible explanations include accidental spills or illegal dumping. After a preliminary assessment, EPA deferred the site to the Iowa Department of Natural Resources for cleanup oversight. Investigations found an area of contaminated soil that could be the source of groundwater contamination. Soil contamination was not found at levels that pose a risk to human health from direct exposure. Response actions included groundwater pumping to keep contamination from migrating off-site, bioremediating contaminated soil and groundwater, shutting down contaminated wells, maintaining wells, and capping the area where subsurface contamination was found. In 2014, the site's owners built a warehouse above the area of subsurface contamination. The area is now covered with concrete under the pad of the warehouse. The offices of a retail farm and ranch supply store operation are also on-site.
Last updated October 2025

As of December 2024, EPA did not have economic data related to on-site businesses, or economic data were not applicable due to site use. For additional information click here.

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HIGHWAY 3 PCE

The 6.5-acre Highway 3 PCE Superfund site is in Le Mars, Plymouth County, Iowa. The property is privately owned and operated as a dry-cleaning facility from 1969 through 2020. During the years of operation, the soil and groundwater became contaminated by releases of the common dry-cleaning compound tetrachloroethene (PCE) and its breakdown product, trichlorethylene (TCE). In 2008, environmental investigations related to the nearby Le Mars Coal Gas Plant Superfund site identified PCE in groundwater monitoring wells sampled downgradient of the coal gas plant. PCE and TCE were also found in soil, building sub-slab vapors and indoor air under the Highway 3 PCE site and in site structures. After the discovery of the contamination and the associated groundwater plume, EPA conducted a Removal Action at the site. Removal Activities included the installation of 21 vapor mitigation systems to address contaminated sub-slab and/or indoor air, demolishing a portion of the former drycleaning operation facility and digging up and disposing of approximately 690 tons of PCE-contaminated soil. Excavation activities concluded in 2021. The business/property sold after on-site dry-cleaning activities ceased in 2020. EPA added the site to the National Priorities List in 2022. A Remedial Investigation and Feasibility Study (RI/FS) is underway at the site. The RI/FS will determine the nature and extent of contamination, additional potential exposures, and alternatives for further site contamination cleanup. The former active dry-cleaning building is now a soap and candle store and drop-off/pick-up location for dry-cleaning. Dry-cleaning activities take place off-site.
Last updated October 2025

As of December 2024, EPA had data on one on-site business. This business employed 5 people and generated an estimated $242,500 in annual sales revenue. For additional information click here.

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IOWA CITY FMGP

The 1.5-acre Iowa City FMGP site is in Iowa City, Iowa. It is in a residential and commercial area. Ralston Creek is next to the site. The Tri-City Railway and Light Company manufactured coal gas on-site from about 1857 to 1937. The Iowa-Illinois Gas and Electric Company, now the MidAmerican Energy Company, ran a service facility on-site until 1971. Other commercial uses continued until 1983, when a new owner demolished the remaining gas plant structures. The new owner built a 54-unit apartment building on-site called Iowa Illinois Square Apartments. During construction, the property owner found oily wastes known as coal tar. EPA investigated the site in 2003 and determined a time-critical removal action was necessary to remove contamination. In 2004, MidAmerican Energy Company removed the contents of an underground tank and filled in the tank in place. Based on the contamination discovered during the investigation and the potential for future vapor intrusion, the design of the apartment building’s foundation was changed to protect apartment residents from the contaminates and potential vapors. A liner was placed under part of the building and a venting system was put in the crawl space. Monitoring of groundwater and air quality on and around the site began in 2010 and is ongoing. Use limitations placed on the deeds of the site property and the affected part of Ralston Creek prevent possible exposures. Iowa Illinois Square Apartments continues to provide housing for university students and other community members.
Last updated October 2025

As of December 2024, EPA did not have economic data related to on-site businesses, or economic data were not applicable due to site use. For additional information click here.

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JOHN DEERE (DUBUQUE WORKS)

The John Deere (Dubuque Works) site is located just outside of Dubuque, Iowa. Most of the site is undeveloped. The on-site manufacturing facility opened in 1946. This facility formally made heavy construction equipment, including backhoes, bulldozers and forestry equipment. Former waste disposal activities and a fuel line leak resulted in impacted groundwater at the site. Cleanup activities led by John Deere & Company included groundwater extraction and containment, deed restrictions to prevent potential future exposures, and a contingency plan to prevent contaminant migration. In 2009, an Iowa Uniform Environmental Covenants Act environmental covenant strengthened existing deed restrictions. Thanks to collaboration between EPA and Deere & Company, the John Deere facility remained in operation during cleanup. The cleanup protects facility workers from contamination. Deere & Company placed a vegetative cover over part of the former landfill areas. The cover includes native grasses and wildflowers. The site’s soil improvement plan makes sure there are no unacceptable exposures to ecological receptors and provides pollinator habitat and a walking area for facility employees. Recreational reuses at the other site areas include a mountain bike trail system, an 18-hole disc golf course and hunting grounds. In 2018, EPA’s Region 7 recognized Deere & Company with its Leading Environmentalism and Forwarding Sustainability Award in recognition of its efforts at the site.
Last updated October 2025

As of December 2024, EPA had data on 5 on-site businesses. These businesses employed 2,848 people and generated an estimated $2,076,351,460 in annual sales revenue. For additional information click here.

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JOHN DEERE (OTTUMWA WORKS LANDFILLS)

The 105-acre John Deere (Ottumwa Works Landfills) site is in Ottumwa, Iowa. Deere & Company has made agricultural equipment on site since 1911. From 1911 to 1973, the company landfilled facility wastes on site. These disposal practices at the site’s landfills have resulted in impacts to groundwater. The city of Ottumwa receives its water from the Des Moines River, which is located east of the site. EPA added the site to the National Priorities List in 1990. Under EPA’s oversight, Deere & Company investigated and took steps to address the nature and extent of the contamination. Based on its findings, EPA selected a remedy that requires that the company maintain the site perimeter fence and conduct periodic groundwater and surface water monitoring. EPA removed the site from the NPL in 2001. The groundwater monitoring program for this site finished in 2018 per provisions of the Consent Decree. In 2016, an environmental covenant strengthened existing site use restrictions. Deere & Company continues to operate the agricultural equipment facility on-site.
Last updated October 2025

As of December 2024, EPA had data on 2 on-site businesses. These businesses employed 93 people and generated an estimated $68,629,518 in annual sales revenue. For additional information click here.

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LABOUNTY

The LaBounty Superfund site is located in the Cedar River floodplain in southern Charles City, Iowa. Salsbury Laboratories, a manufacturer of veterinary pharmaceuticals, disposed of contaminated wastes in an 8-acrea area on the site from 1953 to 1977. The contaminants threatened the surrounding groundwater and the Cedar River. In 1980, Salsbury Laboratories placed a clay cap over the site. However, the cap failed to reduce the rate contaminants were leaching into the Cedar River. In 1983, EPA added the site to the National Priorities List. In 1986, Salsbury Laboratories put in a groundwater diversion wall. Land and groundwater use restrictions are also in place. After the remedy was in place and determined to be effective, EPA took the site off the NPL in 1993. Groundwater and surface water monitoring are ongoing. A portion of the site is currently owned by a paving materials supply company.
Last updated October 2025

As of December 2024, EPA had data on one on-site business. EPA did not have further economic details related to this business. For additional information click here.

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LE MARS COAL GAS PLANT

The 1.6-acre Le Mars Coal Gas Plant site is in Le Mars, Plymouth County, Iowa. Le Mars Gas Light Company opened a coal gas plant on-site in 1884. By 1939, Le Mars stopped operating when the facility converted from manufactured gas to natural gas. The Iowa Public Service (IPS) Company bought the natural gas distribution system in 1942. The site was part of the purchase. IPS sold the property to a private party in 1953. The private party dismantled the former manufacturing gas facility and built a service building in its place. IPS leased the building for 20 years. The city of Le Mars bought the property in 1967. It remained the owner until early 2023. The city found potential contamination at the site in 1985. Sampling confirmed contamination in soil and groundwater. The likely sources of contamination were two gas holders, a tar well, two oil tanks, and three underground storage tanks. EPA led several investigations to evaluate the nature and extent of contamination and completed cleanup activities in 2003 and 2004. Cleanup included removing underground storage tanks, taking contaminated soil off-site for treatment and disposal, and backfilling the dug-up area with clean soil. Vapor intrusion and groundwater investigations took place between 2008 and 2010. Groundwater monitoring occurred periodically through 2022. In 2017, a Regional Decision Team (RDT) was formed to review the next steps for the site. The RDT concluded that the main exposure pathways (ingestion, dermal, and inhalation) were not complete. The RDT recommended an optimized monitoring well network for groundwater sampling to ensure contamination was not impacting the public water supply wells. The city of Le Mars sold the site property to Red Shed Enterprises, LLC in 2023. EPA provided the city of Le Mars with a comfort letter to accompany the sale of the property. Red Shed plans to lease the property to a landscaping business and lawn equipment store. An EPA site visit in July 2023 observed redevelopment activities. They included limited grading of the clean soil, paving of much of the property, and updates to the building on-site. A landscaping and equipment rental company currently operates on the site. 
Last updated October 2025

As of December 2024, EPA did not have economic data related to on-site businesses, or economic data were not applicable due to site use. For additional information click here.

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LEHIGH PORTLAND CEMENT CO.

The 145-acre Lehigh Portland Cement Co. site is in Mason City, Iowa. Beginning in 1911, a cement manufacturing plant on-site generated large amounts of alkaline cement kiln dust. In 1981, the Iowa Department of Environmental Quality found highly alkaline water in a pond that went into nearby Calmus Creek. EPA added the site to the National Priorities List in 1990 and took it off the NPL in 1993. Cleanup activities included consolidation and capping of cement kiln dust to minimize water filtering through the waste. Heidelberg Materials North America, formerly Lehigh Portland Cement Company, is also treating the groundwater. Its cement manufacturing facility continues to operate on-site. Three of the capped waste areas are in the Lime Creek Nature Center, a Cerro Gordo County park. These capped areas are well vegetated and provide wildlife habitat. There is no contaminant exposure to park visitors or wildlife. Hiking and walking trails extend around the capped areas and the nature center is open to the public. 
Last updated October 2025

As of December 2024, EPA had data on one on-site business. This business employed 125 people and generated an estimated $66,355,000 in annual sales revenue. For additional information click here.

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MASON CITY COAL GASIFICATION PLANT

The Mason City Coal Gasification Plant Superfund site covers 2.3 acres in Mason City, Iowa. Starting in the early 1900s, a gas manufacturing plant on-site generated “town gas” for lighting and heating purposes. Site workers decommissioned and demolished the plant in the early 1950s. Remaining residues from the gas manufacturing process, commonly referred to as coal tar, contaminated soil and groundwater. In 1984, Mason City began digging to put in a new sewer line at the site. The city found coal tar in subsurface soil and structures. EPA added the site to the National Priorities List in 1994. Potentially responsible parties removed contaminated soil and waste materials in 1997. Monitoring of the natural breakdown of groundwater contamination began in 2003 and is ongoing. Institutional controls restrict residential groundwater use at the site to protect human health and the environment. The site remains in continued use. Site owner, Interstate Power and Light Company, a subsidiary of Alliant Energy Corporation, uses a small garage on the western edge of the site for vehicle and equipment storage. The company also continues to run a power substation on-site. 
Last updated October 2025

As of December 2024, EPA did not have economic data related to on-site businesses, or economic data were not applicable due to site use. For additional information click here.

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MID-AMERICA TANNING CO.

The 100-acre Mid-America Tanning Co. Superfund site is near Sergeant Bluff, Iowa. A leather tannery was on-site from 1970 to 1989. Waste disposal practices from its operations contaminated soil and groundwater. EPA added the site to the National Priorities List (NPL) in 1989. Cleanup included stabilizing and capping waste materials on-site and groundwater monitoring. After cleanup, EPA took the site off the NPL in 2004. Two events in 2005 resulted in releases of contamination from areas where waste is buried on-site. EPA plugged the pipe where the releases occurred and solidified and capped buried wastes. EPA completed this work in 2007. EPA’s Superfund Redevelopment Program supported a project at the site in 2009 and 2010 to identify opportunities for addressing barriers to site reuse. Today, the site owner uses the property for staging and storing landscaping debris, railroad ties and bailed tires. An access road and railroad spur for a neighboring industrial business are also on-site.
Last updated October 2025

As of December 2024, EPA did not have economic data related to on-site businesses, or economic data were not applicable due to site use. For additional information click here.

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MIDWEST MANUFACTURING/NORTH FARM

The Midwest Manufacturing/North Farm Superfund site is in and near Kellogg, Iowa. The site’s two properties include the North Farm operable unit (OU-1) and the Midwest Manufacturing operable unit (OU-2). OU-1 is in a rural area outside of Kellogg. It covers less than an acre. OU-2 covers about 8 acres. From 1973 to 1981, the Midwest Manufacturing Company ran an electroplating and manufacturing facility on OU-2. Workers put sludge and wastes from the OU-2 plant into disposal trenches at both OUs, contaminating soils and groundwater. EPA added the site to the National Priorities List in 1986. Cleanup included land use restrictions, groundwater restrictions and the installation of a landfill cap over waste disposal areas. Groundwater monitoring is ongoing. A scrap metal recovery facility began operating in OU-2 in 2012. EPA took OU-1 off the NPL in 2021. Regular reviews of the site’s remedy and maintenance of institutional controls are ongoing.
Last updated October 2025

As of December 2024, EPA had data on one on-site business. This business employed 3 people and generated an estimated $434,000 in annual sales revenue. For additional information click here.

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NORTHWESTERN STATES PORTLAND CEMENT CO.

The Northwestern States Portland Cement Co. Superfund site is just north of Mason City, Iowa. Cement manufacturing began at the site in 1908. From 1969 to 1985, the cement company disposed of about 2 million tons of waste cement kiln dust in a 150-acre quarry at the site. This waste disposal caused contamination of surface water and groundwater. In 1979, the Iowa Department of Natural Resources found that creek water downstream of the quarry had high pH levels. EPA added the site to the National Priorities List in 1990. The owner of the now-closed cement manufacturing facility cleaned up the site with EPA’s oversight. The cleanup included using a cap to keep rainwater from seeping into the quarry and putting in a groundwater pump-and-treat system to lower the groundwater level to below the waste in the quarry. After remedy construction, EPA took the site off the NPL in 1995. The responsible party continues to pump and treat groundwater and conduct monitoring and maintenance activities. An agricultural operation now grows hay for sale on a 90-acre area at the site. 
Last updated October 2025

As of December 2024, EPA did not have economic data related to on-site businesses, or economic data were not applicable due to site use. For additional information click here.

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PCE FORMER DRY CLEANER

The PCE Former Dry Cleaner Superfund site is located in Atlantic, Iowa. Former operations on-site included a dry cleaner in the 1960s and an Iowa Department of Transportation materials-testing laboratory in the 1970s. The building used by both operations has been demolished. Past site operations impacted both soil and groundwater. The area of groundwater contamination extends to areas near cities the municipal water supply system. This municipal water supply system included nine active municipal wells that serves about 7,500 people. Atlantic Municipal Utilities disconnected two wells from the municipal water supply system due to groundwater contamination. EPA added the site to the National Priorities List in 2016. The agency cleaned up source-area soil in 2017. EPA put in a groundwater containment system to protect the municipal well field. The system started running in December 2018. It treats about 290 gallons per minute. The treated water goes to the Atlantic Municipal Utilities drinking water treatment plant. A banking corporation currently owns the site, which consists of a parking lot that is next to a commercial office/retail building.
Last updated October 2025

As of December 2024, EPA did not have economic data related to on-site businesses, or economic data were not applicable due to site use. For additional information click here.

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PEOPLES NATURAL GAS CO.

The 7-acre Peoples Natural Gas Co. Superfund site is in Dubuque, Iowa. From 1890 through the 1950s, this facility was a manufactured gas plant. Its operations produced and stored coal tar and cyanide-bearing wood chips, that impacted soil and groundwater with volatile organic compounds. Plant structures were demolished in 1957. A survey for the proposed extension of U.S. Highway 61 by the Iowa Department of Transportation in 1983 found the contamination. In 1989, a removal action addressed soil contamination in the area planned for highway construction. EPA added the site to the National Priorities List in 1990. Cleanup included removal and treatment of contaminated soil and groundwater. In the 1960s, the Peoples Natural Gas Company sold part of the site to the city of Dubuque. The city operated the Dubuque Public Works Garage on-site until 2006. After 2006, the city continued to use the property for storage. It also leased part of the property to a lumber company for storage. EPA updated the site’s remedy in 2013. The update included more land use restrictions and a groundwater treatment system to address remaining groundwater contamination. Operation and maintenance of the site’s long-term groundwater remedy and monitoring are ongoing. The city and the East Central Intergovernmental Association recently replaced the former public works garage with the Jules Operations and Training Center, a bus storage and maintenance facility. Today, the center supports the city’s public transit system. It provides storage and light maintenance space; houses dispatch and management offices and provides meeting and training facilities for employees. The Iowa Department of Transportation owns the rest of the site. A section of U.S. Highway 61 crosses the western part of the site. In 2018, EPA’s Region 7 recognized the city with its Leading Environmentalism and Forwarding Sustainability Award for its redevelopment efforts at the site.
Last updated October 2025

As of December 2024, EPA had data on one on-site business. This business employed 22 people. For additional information click here.

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RAILROAD AVENUE GROUNDWATER CONTAMINATION

The Railroad Avenue Groundwater Contamination Superfund site is located in West Des Moines, Iowa. It covers about 1,000 acres. It includes a northern groundwater plume and a southern groundwater plume. Despite many investigations, the source of contamination of the northern plume has not been identified. Contamination of the southern plume came from a used solvent storage tank at a former metal brazing facility run by Delevan, Inc. EPA added the site to the National Priorities List in 2002. Northern plume cleanup includes monitoring to confirm the natural breakdown of contamination and restrictions to limit the use of groundwater. Southern plume cleanup includes monitoring of natural breakdown of contamination and groundwater use restrictions. Operation and maintenance activities for the northern plume transferred to the Iowa Department of Natural Resources in 2017. Delevan, Inc. leads the cleanup of the southern plume. EPA provides oversight. Routine monitoring and sampling of groundwater are ongoing. Industrial, commercial and residential areas remain in continued use above portions of the northern plume area. Uses include a party rental business and single-family homes. Groundwater is the main source of public water. The West Des Moines Water Works treatment plant treats the water prior to distribution. Surface water at the site continues to support recreational uses.
Last updated October 2025

As of December 2024, EPA had data on one on-site business. This business employed 10 people and generated an estimated $1,987,000 in annual sales revenue. For additional information click here.

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RED OAK CITY LANDFILL

The 40-acre Red Oak City Landfill Superfund site is near Red Oak, Iowa. A limestone quarry was on-site from the 1940s to the early 1960s. In 1962, the city of Red Oak purchased the property and ran a municipal landfill on-site from 1962 to 1974. Landfilling practices at the site contaminated groundwater, surface water and soil with volatile organic compounds and heavy metals. In 1984, EPA found contaminated water seeping from the landfill into the East Nishnabotna River. EPA added the site to the National Priorities List in 1986. The responsible parties cleaned up the site with EPA’s oversight. Cleanup activities included building a clay cap over the landfill, restricting the future use of the property, stabilizing the riverbank, and monitoring groundwater and surface water. After cleanup, EPA took the site off the NPL in 2005. EPA’s Superfund Redevelopment Program provided reuse planning support for the site in 2007. It found several reuse options for the site, including a model airplane flying field, a shooting range and habitat restoration. The site is now in use for hay production.
Last updated October 2025

As of December 2024, EPA did not have economic data related to on-site businesses, or economic data were not applicable due to site use. For additional information click here.

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SHAW AVENUE DUMP

The Shaw Avenue Dump Superfund site is in southeastern Charles City, Iowa. From sometime prior to 1949 to 1964, Charles City ran a municipal waste dump on-site. The 24-acre former dump is about 500 feet east of the Cedar River. From 1949 to 1953, operators disposed of large amounts of arsenic-contaminated solid waste from Salsbury Laboratories’ production of animal pharmaceuticals on the northern part of the site. Until 1964, Salsbury Laboratories also sent liquid wastes to the Charles City wastewater treatment plant. Operators then disposed of treatment plant sludge on the northern part of the site. Charles City and the public also used the site for open burning of wastes. Investigations found arsenic contamination in area groundwater, soil and surface waters of the Cedar River. EPA added the site to the National Priorities List in 1987. The site’s potentially responsible parties started cleanup in 1992. They took contaminated materials from the northern disposal area off-site for disposal at a permitted landfill. The removal of contaminated soils from the site also reduced the risk of further groundwater contamination. In 2019, EPA took part of the site off the NPL. Groundwater remains on the NPL. Monitoring and maintenance activities are ongoing. Charles City owns and runs a municipal composting facility on-site. Residents drop off yard waste and pick up finished compost free of charge. An animal shelter is also on-site. 
Last updated October 2025

As of December 2024, EPA did not have economic data related to on-site businesses, or economic data were not applicable due to site use. For additional information click here.

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WATERLOO COAL GASIFICATION PLANT

The Waterloo Coal Gasification Plant Superfund site is in Waterloo, Iowa. From 1901 to 1956, a plant made gas for lighting and heating purposes on site. Wastes from these operations contaminated soil and groundwater. EPA proposed adding the site to the National Priorities List in 1992, but did not finalize the listing. A three-phase removal action addressed contaminants’ potential impacts on groundwater and soil. Cleanup included the removal of 25,000 tons of coal tar as well as coal tar-impacted soil and materials. The selected remedy includes institutional controls to prevent exposure to contaminated groundwater and prohibit the use of the property for homes. Part of the site was identified as a "technical impracticability zone". Groundwater in the technical impracticability zone is expected to remain contaminated for the foreseeable future. The remedy includes monitoring of natural processes to clean up groundwater. MidAmerican Energy Company, the present owner of the site, leads cleanup work at the site with EPA’s oversight. The site is in use for truck parking and maintenance. It also provides loading dock access for an adjacent cold-storage business. 
Last updated October 2025

As of December 2024, EPA had data on 2 on-site businesses. EPA did not have further economic details related to these businesses. For additional information click here.

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WHITE FARM EQUIPMENT CO. DUMP

The 20-acre White Farm Equipment Co. Dump Superfund site is in Charles City, Iowa. The site is an old sand-and-gravel pit bordered by low-lying areas, wetlands and farmland. Starting in the early 1900s, farm equipment manufacturing took place near the site. In the 1920s, White Farm Equipment Company started a disposal facility at the site. From1971 to 1985, the company disposed of foundry sand, sludges, baghouse dust and industrial wastes at the site. Disposal activities contaminated sediments, soil, surface water and groundwater. EPA added the site to the National Priorities List in 1990. EPA’s cleanup consisted of soil capping and groundwater monitoring. Cap construction finished in 1995. After cleanup, EPA took the site off the NPL in 2000. In 2009, EPA issued an environmental covenant to protect the site’s remedy. To encourage reuse, EPA completed a Ready for Reuse Determination for the site in 2011. EPA determined that the site is ready for recreational, commercial, industrial and other uses. Today, hay production takes place on site. 
Last updated October 2025

As of December 2024, EPA did not have economic data related to on-site businesses, or economic data were not applicable due to site use. For additional information click here.

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Last updated on October 31, 2025