The Iowa Army Ammunition Plant is reporting a significant reduction in groundwater contamination near its Middletown facility.
Recent testing found concentrations of the explosive compound RDX have declined in farmland south of the plant. Army officials say areas where concentrations were previously the highest are no longer appearing in test results.
The total area undergoing treatment has also decreased by nearly 75% compared with 2007.
In 2022, crews installed 20 treatment wells along Highway 61 near Wever. The wells introduce natural materials into the groundwater to stimulate microbes that break down RDX.
The Army’s cleanup goal is to reduce RDX concentrations to less than two micrograms per liter.
Plant Commander Lieutenant Colonel Daniel Nosse says the latest testing shows strong and sustained microbial activity. He credited the Army Environmental Command for providing technical expertise and resources for the project.
Monitoring and cleanup work will continue as the Army seeks to further reduce contamination and protect groundwater in the surrounding area.
