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Fact Sheet

August 2008

Proposed Cleanup Plan Released for Public Comment, Blackhawk Foundry and Machine Co., Davenport, Iowa

INTRODUCTION

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Region 7 invites the public to comment on the proposed soil cleanup plan for the Blackhawk Foundry and Machine Co. facility, 323 S. Clark St., Davenport, Scott County, Iowa. 

The public comment period begins August 12, 2008 and ends September 12, 2008.  All written comments must be sent to the address below. 

Background

Blackhawk Foundry and Machine Co. (Blackhawk) began operation in 1923 and is located on a five-acre site adjacent to Blackhawk Creek in a residential area within the city of Davenport, Iowa.  Private homes are located immediately west and south of the facility. 

The facility produces gray and ductile iron castings for industry and generates heavy metals waste including lead, cadmium, and chromium. 

In 1992, under the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA), EPA and Blackhawk entered into an Administrative Order on Consent which required Blackhawk to complete a RCRA Facility Investigation (RFI) to evaluate the sources and extent of the contamination and a Corrective Measures Study (CMS) to identify alternatives to prevent exposure to, contain, and/or clean up any contamination from the facility.       

Proposed Cleanup Plan

The statement of basis describes the four proposed alternatives for soil cleanup developed and evaluated in the CMS. The proposed remedy chosen to address the lead-contaminated soil at Blackhawk includes a combination of the remedies evaluated to prevent exposure to, to contain, and/or clean up any contamination released from the facility. 

The proposed remedy includes excavation of lead-contaminated soils. Where appropriate, gravel caps will be installed.  A deed restriction is also proposed. Land use controls will be implemented, including a restriction on the use of the property for residential use unless additional cleanup actions are taken. The controls will also prevent installation of drinking water supply wells.  Finally, EPA proposes long-term monitoring of the effectiveness of the engineering and land use controls.

Additional Information

EPA encourages the public to review the statement of basis and the other documents in the administrative record and comment on the proposed cleanup plan.  Written comments should be submitted by September 12, 2008 to:

Cynthia Hutchison
U.S. EPA Region 7 (AWMD/RCAP)
901 N. Fifth St.
Kansas City, KS 66101
(913) 551-7478
Toll free:  (800) 223-0425
e-mail: hutchison.cynthia@epa.gov

Guidelines for Commenting:

The administrative record is available at the following locations during normal business hours:

Davenport Main Public Library
321 Main St.
Davenport, IA 52801
(563) 326-7902
Hours:
M and Thu Noon to 8
T, W, F and Sat 9:30 to 5:30

Fairmount Street Public Library
3000 Fairmount St.
Davenport, IA 52804
(563) 326-7893
Hours:
M, Thu, F and Sat 9:30 to 5:30
T and W Noon to 8

EPA Region 7 Records Center
901 N. Fifth St.
Kansas City, KS 66101
(913) 551-7166
Hours: M–F 7 to 5

EPA has not scheduled a formal public hearing. One will be held if there is sufficient public interest or to clarify relevant issues. Request for a public hearing must be made in writing to the EPA contact, Cynthia Hutchison, and must state the issues of concern. EPA will evaluate any request and hold a formal hearing if it finds that a hearing will contribute to the decision-making process.

EPA will make a final decision on the cleanup plan only after the public comment period ends and after all comments are reviewed. EPA may modify the proposed remedy or choose another one based on any new information and comments from the public.

Questions or requests for information can be submitted to:

Fritz Hirter Office of Public Affairs
U.S. EPA Region 7
901 N. Fifth St.
Kansas City, KS 66101
Toll free: (800) 223-0425
e-mail: hirter.fritz@epa.gov

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