The City of Keokuk is getting a $4.48 million grant to clean up a site where heavy metals were produced for decades.
The vacant site, which covers 9.6 acres, is on a road called Carbide Lane in Keokuk. Zinc and lead were originally produced, then in 1929 carbon was combined with other metals at the site to make carbide. By the 1950s, production shifted to carbon products.
Operations at the site ended in 2007. According to the EPA, the site is contaminated with hydrocarbons, heavy metals, inorganic materials and man-made organic chemicals called PCBs. In a prepared statement released by the EPA, Keokuk’s mayor said the grant will be used to address environmental challenges and to create new opportunities for development.
The City of Waterloo is getting a $1 million grant to clean up several sites, including former industrial locations along Waterloo’s riverfront that can be used for housing and other projects.