Michael S. Regan 16th Administrator, United States Environmental Protection Agency | Official Website
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Region 7 has concluded its oversight of removal operations at the C6-Zero Site in Marengo, Iowa. This follows an explosion and fire on December 8, 2022, which initiated a multi-agency investigation and cleanup effort.
Following the incident, the Iowa Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) maintained the site under an emergency order and supervised contractors hired by C6-Zero Iowa LLC for the cleanup process. The EPA began its oversight in May 2023 after IDNR requested federal assistance in April 2023.
C6-Zero and EPA Region 7 formalized their response through an Administrative Settlement Agreement and Order on Consent for Removal Action, establishing specific time frames and deliverables for the cleanup.
The primary contaminants of concern identified at the site included tetrachloroethylene (PCE), cis-1,2-dichlorothene (DCE), naphthalene, lead, petroleum products, among others. The removal operations involved categorizing, bulking, and disposing of all waste generated on-site, including contaminated liquids and solids.
Contractors also excavated additional areas where waste disposal took place. Following confirmation sampling that indicated no further soil excavation was necessary, EPA received final reports on both excavation and removal activities.
