USACE completes FUSRAP remediation at Iowa Army Ammunition Plant

MIDDLETOWN, IA – The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, St. Louis District, has completed remediation of depleted uranium contamination at the Iowa Army Ammunition Plant, marking a major milestone in a two-decade Formerly Utilized Sites Remedial Action Program project.

The project addressed depleted uranium contamination associated with activities conducted during the nation's early atomic energy program. The goal of the cleanup was to protect public health and welfare by excavating contaminated soil, physically treating the material and disposing of contaminated material at approved off-site facilities.

"This milestone represents years of planning, investigation, remediation and coordination by a dedicated team,” said Phil Moser, chief of the FUSRAP and environmental branch for the St. Louis District. “Completing this work demonstrates our commitment to protecting human health and the environment while responsibly addressing the legacy of the nation's early atomic energy program."

The Record of Decision establishing the selected remedy was signed in 2011, and remediation began in 2015. USACE completed remediation in June 2026. The St. Louis District has been involved with the project for approximately 20 years.

During remediation, the project team excavated, processed, and shipped approximately 19,100 cubic yards of contaminated material to approved disposal facilities at the firing site area.

The project used a soil sorting system to separate depleted uranium contaminated material from soil that met established cleanup requirements. Using this technology reduced the volume of material requiring transportation and disposal and saved an estimated $15 million in transportation and disposal costs. The total project cost is approximately $136.98 million.

Remediation required the project team to operate within an active ammunition production installation and firing range. Access to portions of the project area was restricted during test-firing activities, requiring the team to coordinate closely with ongoing operations. Weather also periodically affected the remediation schedule.

"This project required the team to remain flexible and coordinate closely with installation personnel while maintaining our focus on safety and accomplishing the cleanup mission," said Mike Rodgers, program manager for the IAAAP. "The successful completion of remediation reflects the teamwork and persistence of everyone involved."

With physical remediation complete, USACE will continue project closeout activities and is expected to transfer it to the U.S. Department of Energy in 2031 for long-term stewardship. Based on the completed remediation, no additional cleanup requirements are expected.

The Formerly Utilized Sites Remedial Action Program addresses contamination resulting from activities conducted as part of the nation's early atomic energy program. Congress transferred administration and execution of FUSRAP to USACE in 1997. The St. Louis District manages FUSRAP projects within its area of responsibility.

For more information about the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, St. Louis District and its FUSRAP mission, visit http://www.mvs.usace.army.mil.

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