Clinton Coal Gas Site, Iowa

Site Location

Former manufactured gas plant (FMGP) in Clinton, Iowa

Site Description

Manufactured gas was produced on the FMGP site in Clinton, Iowa, from 1869 until 1952. Later, steel beams for bridges were manufactured on the eastern portion of the site and electric power was generated from coal on the western portion. Currently, the Interstate Power Company (IPW) owns the western part of the site and uses it for a district office, service center, and substation. The former steel manufacturing site is owned by a development company, Riverview Partners. The FMGP location is a Superfund site. IPW and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) have entered into an Administrative Order of Consent for Engineering Evaluation/Cost Analysis (EE/CA). A citizens advisory group (CAG) has been formed and meets regularly to discuss community concerns surrounding this site.

Organization Requesting Assistance

Clinton Former Manufactured Gas Plant Community Advisory Group (CAG)

• See the Clinton CAG webpage

Summary of TOSC Assistance

TOSC assists the Clinton CAG to develop background knowledge needed to prepare for interpretation of EPA documents when they are released. This includes several educational presentations. Topics on which presentations have been given (or are planned) include the following:

• Background discussion of common conditions at former manufactured gas plants
• Principles of toxicology and risk assessment
• Potential health risks of specific contaminants found at the Clinton site
• Principles of hydrogeology and its application at Clinton (movement of contaminants in groundwater)
• How risk assessment is affected by potential land use scenarios
• Cleanup strategies used at FMGPs

TOSC helped the Clinton CAG review and comment on documents released by the EPA. In December 2005, TOSC worked with the CAG to help them prepare public comments regarding the Work Plan Addendum regarding the soil removal process.

NOTE:  The EPA TOSC and TOSNAC programs have ended.