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Title
Brownfield Environmental Site
Date(s)
- 2012 - (Creation)
Extent
Quantity: Grey ½ size standing document box
Background Note: Brownfields are abandoned, idled, or under-used industrial and commercial facilities where expansion or redevelopment is complicated by real or perceived environmental contamination. The former site of Miracle Recreation and RC Industries at 400 6th Ave West is designated by the Iowa Department of Natural Resources as a brownfield due to contamination of the land by hazardous materials. The companies manufactured playground and stadium seating equipment and fabricated fiberglass and plastic molding to produce seats.
In 2012, the city of Grinnell commissioned the Iowa DNR to retest soil and groundwater samples at the site and the brownfield was deemed was safe for redevelopment. The land was purchased by the Grinnell-Newburg School District in 2013 for possible use as the location of a new grade school. Community backlash due to the expense of the new building and concerns about the location lead to the site never being developed.
In 2022, the Grinnell-Newburg School District sold the land at 400 6th Ave W to the City of Grinnell. The city announced that it is partnering with Alliant Energy to turn several acres of the former brownfield into a solar energy system to generate renewable energy.
Container List:
Folder #1 – Iowa Department of Natural Resources Brownfield Reuse Guild
Folder #2 – Phase II Site Specific Assessment Report by Iowa DNR (2012)
Folder #3 – Newspaper articles about purchase of former RC Industries site by school district
Folder #4 – Grinnell-Newburg Board of Education minutes regarding purchase
Folder #5 – Phase I Environmental Assessment by Impact 7G (2022)
Folder #6 – Solar Project with Alliant Energy
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See also 2.3 Miracle Recreation Equipment
See also 5.1 Grinnell Schools (Public) - History - Facilities (2013 - 2016)
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Archivist's note
Prepared by V. Ruse