![[logo] US EPA](http://www.epa.gov/epafiles/images/logo_epaseal.gif){kind=logo}
Fact Sheet
March 2006
Community Meeting, United Zinc #1 Superfund Site, Iola, Kansas
INTRODUCTION
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) invites the public to participate in a community meeting regarding the United Zinc #1 Superfund Site. The meeting will be held on Tuesday, April 4, 2006, from 6:30 – 8:30 p.m., at the Bowlus Fine Arts Center, 205 E. Madison, Iola, Kansas. The purpose of the meeting is to define EPA’s role in addressing lead contamination at the United Zinc Smelter, and to obtain access agreements from certain citizens to conduct sampling activities on properties near the site.
The United Zinc Site is located near the intersection of Highway 54 and Kansas Drive in Iola, Kansas. It is bound to the east and immediate west with commercial activities, and to the northeast and southwest with residential areas.
BACKGROUND
The discovery and use of natural gas in the early 1900s led to the development of zinc and lead smelting operations in southeast Kansas. The United Zinc #1 Site, located in Iola, Kansas, was one of several zinc and lead smelting operations in the area. The site was owned by United Zinc and Chemical Company from 1902 - 1925, and smelting occurred from approximately 1902 – 1912. Historical records indicate that the Site originally housed machinery and buildings for the lead smelting operations. All onsite smelter facilities have been removed, and the property has been graded, leveled, and developed since the 1920s. The Site covers approximately 17 acres and includes ten separate parcels of land.
CURRENT EPA ACTIVITIES
EPA is working with state and local officials to determine how to best address contamination at the site. An important step in the process is to obtain access agreements from citizens who would like their property tested for lead contamination.
__________________________________________
COMMUNITY MEETING
EPA will host a community meeting to provide information and answer questions regarding the United Zinc #1 Superfund Site. The meeting will be held as follows:
Tuesday, April 4, 2006
6:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.
Bowlus Fine Arts Center
205 E. Madison
Iola, Kansas
For more information please contact:
Belinda Young
Community Involvement Coordinator
Environmental Protection Agency
Office of External Programs
901 N. 5th Street
Kansas City, Kansas 66101
Phone: (913) 551-7003
Toll free: (800) 223-0425
young.belinda@epa.gov
__________________________________________
A Property Access Agreement is enclosed for your review. If you would like your property tested, please fill out the access agreement and bring it to the community meeting on April 4th, or return the form to:
Eddie McGlasson
EPA Project Manager
Superfund Division
U.S. EPA Region 7
901 N. 5th Street
Kansas City, KS 66101
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
If you have questions or need additional information, please contact:
Belinda Young
Community Involvement Coordinator
Office of External Programs
U.S. EPA Region 7
901 N. 5th Street
Kansas City, KS 66101
Phone: (913) 551-7003 or
Toll Free: (800) 223-0425
young.belinda@epa.gov
