SpecPro Sustainment and Environmental (SpecPro), through the SpecPro-Ayuda JV, was awarded a U.S. Environmental Protection Agency contract from 2023–2025 to remediate the Former United Zinc and Associated Smelters Superfund Site in Iola, Kansas. The project addressed historic lead and zinc smelting waste, reducing exposure risks to lead and arsenic throughout the community.

The remediation process consisted of excavation and restoration of residential properties. Participation was voluntary, so SpecPro team members conducted extensive outreach to engage homeowners. Agreements were secured for 110 properties, and additional participation came through a Town Hall, a Farm City Days booth, and radio announcements. Contaminated soil was carefully removed, backfilled, compacted, and graded, and lawns were restored with sod to ensure safe and livable outdoor spaces.

Environmental remediation in residential areas posed unique challenges. Work had to be completed while families continued their daily routines, and the team faced weather obstacles, unmarked utilities, and soil-quality issues. Despite these hurdles, the SpecPro team went above and beyond—replacing sidewalks and driveways, assisting homeowners with landscaping choices, and completing final inspections to ensure both EPA and homeowner satisfaction.

Through this project, SpecPro demonstrated its expertise, commitment to environmental safety, and dedication to the community. The team’s work not only improved the safety and livability of the Iola neighborhood but also showcased the care, attention to detail, and professionalism that define their approach to complex remediation projects.

Click here to read the full Bay Report, by Bristol Bay Native Corporation.