Rath Packing Company operated along the Cedar River from 1891 to 1985. The slaughterhouse originally specialized in pork packing before expanding its processing operations to also include cattle and sheep in the 1930s. At its height in the 1940s and 1950s, the facility employed over 9,000 people and served as the 9th largest meat packing company in the United States. It was also one of the largest employers in Iowa. Rath Packing Company eventually ceased operations in 1985 following long-term labor-management problems, evolving dietary habits, and changes in industry practices.
Project Funding Sources
$642,400
Environmental Protection Agency
Cleanup Grant
$20,260
Iowa Department of Natural Resources (IDNR)
Section 128-A
Project Timeline
06.2023 | ARTICLE
EPA awards project Cleanup Grant.
Project Success Story
The United States Environmental Protection Agency awarded the City of Waterloo a $642,400 Cleanup Grant in 2023 to help offset costs associated with removing asbestos containing materials at 1442 Sycamore Street. The City recently acquired the property from Crystal Cold after the company vacated the structure to occupy its new product storage warehouse. City officials will market the site for future redevelopment opportunities that complement the surrounding neighborhood following asbestos abatement and demolition activities.