December 02, 2008

Allied Steel site cleanup faces another problem

It is reported that the former Allied Steel property is clear of coal tar contamination, but now lead contamination and other issues are delaying the future use of the property for another two years.

The Environmental Protection Agency worked with Alliant Energy on the cleanup of the 10 acre property that formerly housed a coal gasification plant.

Mr Ken Sivertsen of Alliant Energy told the Clinton City Council that lead contamination was discovered at the southern portion of the site. He said that “We’re looking at a delay in working with the city to do something with that property of approximately two years." He added that the company already has spent USD 12 million on the cleanup.

Ms Amber Mulnik a spokeswoman of Alliant Energy said that the company plans to sell the property and will give the city the first chance to purchase it.

Council members said they appreciated the cleanup work and landscaping that has been done to this point.