SUPERFUND SITE'S IMPACT ON IOWA WATERWAYS

Map Of Superfund Sites In Iowa and Rivers Impacted

Pollutant Types and Occurrences

POLLUTANTS:

Abbreviations:

TCE

(could also be listed under VOC’s but EPA is usually specific when it comes to TCE pollution)

Trichloroethylene (TCE) is a volatile organic compound used mostly in industrial and commercial processes. Consumer uses include cleaning and furniture care products, arts and crafts spray coatings, and automotive care products like brake cleaners, and other consumer products. (EPA)

DCE

Trans-1,2-dichloroethylene (CASRN 156-60-5) is a colorless liquid, with a sharp, harsh odor, and is highly flammable. The primary uses for trans-1,2-dichloroethylene are as a solvent in processing and in formulations for cleaning and degreasing. (EPA) PCE

Perchloroethylene is a colorless liquid used primarily in industrial settings for the production of fluorinated compounds and as a solvent. This chemical is also used as a solvent for cleaning and degreasing, and in lubricants, adhesives, and sealants. (EPA)

BTEX

(BTEX compounds are among the most abundantly produced chemicals in the world.)

BTEX refers to the chemicals benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene and xylene. The primary man-made releases of BTEX compounds are through emissions from motor vehicles and aircrafts, and cigarette smoke. BTEX compounds are created and used during the processing of petroleum products and during the production of consumer goods such as paints and lacquers, thinners, rubber products, adhesives, inks, cosmetics and pharmaceutical products. ( Dpt. Environmental Science Queensland)

VOC’s

Volatile organic compounds are compounds that have a high vapor pressure and low water solubility. VOCs typically are industrial solvents, such as trichloroethylene; fuel oxygenates, or by-products produced by chlorination in water treatment, such as chloroform. VOCs are often components of petroleum fuels, hydraulic fluids, paint thinners, and dry cleaning agents. (EPA)

PAH’s

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) are a group of over 100 different chemicals that are formed during the incomplete burning of coal, oil and gas, garbage, or other organic substances. PAHs are found in coal tar, crude oil, creosote, and roofing tar, but a few are used in medicines or to make dyes, plastics, and pesticides. (ATSDR)

Further Explanations:

Coal Tar

(See image No. 1)

The primary contaminant associated with manufactured gas plants is called "coal tar". It contains compounds called polynuclear aromatic hydrocarbons as well as benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene and xylene. (EPA)

Byproduct of many Coal Gasification operations that took place in Iowa

Sludge’s

(Listed by EPA as “Sludge” or “Paint Sludge”)

(See image No.2)

Thick, soft, wet mud or a similar viscous mixture of liquid and solid components, esp. the product of an industrial or refining process.

Depleted Uranium (DU)

Depleted uranium (DU) is the material left after most of the highly radioactive form of uranium (U-235) is removed from the natural uranium ore.

The Iowa Army Ammunition Plant (IAAAP) is a government-owned, contractor-operated (American Ordnance) ammunitions production (load, assembly, and pack) facility in southeastern Iowa.

The Atomic Energy Commission (AEC) operated at portions of IAAAP from 1947 to 1975 (EPA)

Solvents

Blanket statement for chemicals by the EPA, could be combination of chemicals listed above or others.

Image 1 (Coal Tar in River)

Image 2 (Paint Sludge)

Rivers Disproportionally Polluted In Iowa By Superfund Sites

Cedar River

5 Superfund sites are very close to or lead into the river. Is a major river that runs nearly the entire state North to South. Runs through Charles City, Waterloo, and Cedar Rapids Which all have a Superfund Site.

Des Moines River

2 -3 Superfund sites are near or could lead into the Des Moines River Including the sites in Des Moines. The Des Moines river is the second most polluted in the state.

Skunk River

2 Superfund sites are along the Skunk River one on the north end being a dump site and on the south east end being the Iowa Army Ammunition Plant.

Mississippi River

The East Border of Iowa, Several Superfund Polluted rivers flow into the river which then continues south to the gulf. The Mississippi is the most polluted river in Iowa.

Missouri River

The Missouri also has Super fund sites that are along or on rivers that lead into it, but is more damaged by nitrogen as it is reported by the Des Moines Register that “Iowa is responsible for 55 percent of Missouri River's nitrogen load” but this is not from superfund sites.

Reference Map:

“Iowa Lakes, Rivers and Water Resources.” Geology, geology.com/lakes-rivers-water/iowa.shtml.