Midwest Manufacturing/North Farm

Overview

The Midwest Manufacturing/North Farm site sits in Kellogg, Iowa, and covers two separate properties. Operable Unit 1 (OU1), called the North Farm, is a small rural disposal area where sludge from the manufacturing facility was dumped in 1977 and 1978. Operable Unit 2 (OU2) is the former engine parts manufacturing facility itself. The site was added to the EPA's National Priorities List (NPL) in 1986. Cleanup construction finished in February 1997, and the site reached readiness for anticipated reuse in 2006. A partial deletion from the NPL was achieved on May 14, 2021.

Contamination affects both soil and groundwater across the two units. Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) found at the site include 1,1,1-trichloroethane, trichloroethene, tetrachloroethene, and vinyl chloride. Metals such as arsenic, lead, cadmium, chromium, and mercury are present as well. Benzene-related compounds including ethylbenzene, toluene, and xylene have been detected, along with other substances like carbon tetrachloride, cyanide, and phenanthrene. A 2021 five-year review identified benzene in groundwater as one of six issues needing further investigation.

Cleanup at OU1 relies on institutional controls, including a deed restriction that prohibits groundwater use, vegetable gardens, residential use, and child-care activities. OU2 uses an environmental covenant that bans residential use and water supply wells, and requires a perimeter fence around the disposal trench. Both properties require advance notice to the EPA before any excavation below the water table or land use changes. Human exposure is currently under control across the entire site. Groundwater migration status remains uncertain and is being monitored. Groundwater and vapor intrusion sampling happens on a semi-annual and annual basis. A limited site investigation is underway and scheduled to wrap up in summer 2026.

The site currently hosts an active metals recycling business, PUSH Iron and Metal Recycling. The most recent five-year review was completed on March 10, 2026. Community members can reach out directly to EPA representatives for questions or updates about the site.