Mount Mercy University deals with soil clean up at Terex property

Mount Mercy University last week announced it would build a $15 million athletic complex on the former Terex Cedarapids site. But before the private university can begin construction, it must deal with historical petroleum issues in the property's soil.

The soil - and what could be contaminating it - has been a point of discussion since Terex, formerly Iowa Manufacturing, closed the factory in 2010. The company produced rock crushing and paving equipment.

Mount Mercy will redevelop about 22 acres of the sprawling 51-acre site, 909 17th St. NE.

Vicky Smith, vice president of administration at Mount Mercy, said the university conducted an environmental impact study last fall to see what needed to be done before construction begins next year.

The administration is now working with the Iowa Department of Natural Resources and Cedar Rapids-based environmental consulting group EB Solutions Inc. to further develop the project. Smith said the groups are determining what steps need to be taken to make the ground safe and ready for construction, but anticipates some excavation will be needed.

EB Solutions would not comment on the project.

State of Iowa archaeologist John Doershuk, who is not involved with the project but who spoke based on his knowledge of historical sites, said because the land was used as a manufacturing site it's possible that oil and pieces of machinery were disposed of in the ground, which could add complications.

Doershuk pointed to two pieces of federal legislation - the National Environmental Policy Act and the National Historical Preservation Act - that lay out strict guidelines as to the actions and processes that must take place when redeveloping land, including preparing environmental impact studies and preserving historical sites.

"They obviously are working on cleaning it up and have things to take care of," he said. "There could be some complications if they discover anything of significance, but if they don't that certainly simplifies the process."

The cost of cleaning up the property is undetermined at this time, Smith said, but Mount Mercy will be seeking state help through the Iowa Economic Development Authority's Brownfield/Greyfield tax credit program.

A brownfield site is an abandoned, idled or underutilized industrial or commercial properties where real or perceived environmental contamination prevents productive expansion or redevelopment, according to the IEDA's website. Greyfield refers to real estate that is economically outdated or underused.

Timeline

• 1923: Founded by Howard Hall as Iowa Manufacturing.
• 1927: Produces first portable crushing and screening plant.
• 1929: Produces first portable mixing plant.
• 1972: Iowa Manufacturing sold to Raytheon Co.
• 1976: Iowa Manufacturing acquires ElJay.
• 1985: Company changes name to Cedarapids Inc.
• 1989: Cedarapids Inc. acquires Standard Havens of Glasgow, Mo.
• 1995: Cedarapids Inc. plant expands.
• 1999: Cedarapids Inc., with 1,100 employees, sold to Terex Corp. of Westport, Conn., for $170 million.
• 2000: Terex completes fires 440 workers at Cedarapids Inc., cutting its third shift.
• 2009: Terex says it will end production at its Cedar Rapids plant by mid-2010, eliminating 170 jobs.
• February 2013: Mount Mercy University announces it reached an agreement with Terex to purchase part of the property.
• June 7, 2013: Mount Mercy announces plans to develop a $15 million athletic complex on the property.