As a result of a settlement filed Monday, March 2 by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Region 7, the Pella Corporation has agreed to conduct an investigation and cleanup of hazardous waste releases into soil and groundwater from its door and window manufacturing facility in Pella, Iowa, according to a report from the EPA.

The administrative order on consent, filed in Kansas City, Kan., is intended to address a series of longstanding environmental issues related to soil and groundwater contamination around Pella’s facilities at 102 Main Street in Pella.

In 2006, under the authority of the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA), EPA Region 7 completed an assessment of the company’s facilities in Pella and identified a total of 30 different potential sources of soil and groundwater contamination. The RCRA order follows up on EPA’s assessment and requires a thorough investigation and cleanup of wastes released from the facility. The contaminants to be addressed by Pella are primarily solvents and petroleum products related to wood treatment activities at the facility, including the solvent pentachlorophenol which has been detected in groundwater above federal drinking water levels, according to the press release.

The City of Pella relies on the Des Moines River and a deep well situated close to the company’s plant for its public drinking water, according to the EPA. According to the EPA, Pella has committed, under EPA oversight, to investigate its hazardous releases, conduct a study to identify cleanup strategies, and then implement the cleanup selected by EPA at its own expense.

Pella spokesperson Kathy Krafka-Harkema told DWM magazine that Pella Corporation is committed to the safety of its team members, neighbors and communities in which it operates.

“As part of its commitment to environmental stewardship, Pella Corporation has entered into a consent order with The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to study soil and groundwater at the Pella, Iowa, manufacturing site at 102 Main Street,” says Krafka-Harkema.

 “Pella Corporation is committed to working with the EPA. Under the agreement, a review will be conducted. Following the results of that review, Pella Corporation will make further appropriate remedial actions if necessary and as directed by the EPA,” she adds.