INFORMATION #1 08-19-2002Minnesota Pollution Control Agency
Office of the Commissioner
August 6, 2002
NFORMATION
The Honorable Stephanie Klinginz
Mayor, City of Elk River
13065 Orono Pkwy
PO Box 490
Elk River, MN 55330-0490
RE: R.C. Rolloff Site Response
Dear Mayor Klinginz:
I am writing to share with you information regarding recent Minnesota Pollution Control
Agency (MPCA) activities at the R.C. Rolloff site (Site) in Elk River. This issue has
received considerable attention from the Elk River community, as well as the media.
On June 3, 2002, a citizen complaint to the MPCA led to the discovery of asbestos, other
potential hazardous-waste-related problems, and un-permitted solid waste storage and
disposal at the Site. MPCA staff worked with Sherbume County to ensure that the
un-permitted waste collection and dumping at the Site stopped immediately. A meeting
was held with local residents on June 10, 2002, followed by a well-attended public
meeting on June 20, 2002, at the Elk River City Hall. State and city officials were on
hand to discuss the situation with residents.
In coordination with the city of Elk River (City), the MPCA began the environmental
investigation at the site on Monday July 8, 2002. This investigation will determine
whether or not contamination has moved into the soil at the Site and requires
remediation. The first phase of the investigation involves the collection of additional
samples. The second phase will include the complete characterization of the Site. The
third phase if necessary, will require soil removal, remediation, and clean up. The MPCA
will pursue appropriate enforcement actions and will support the city of Elk River and the
Sherbume County Attorney's Office regarding enforcement actions they may take.
Much of the material that has been determined to be non-hazardous has been removed
from the Site. Material that is believed to be hazardous has been secured on-site and
covered or moved into buildings to secure it and keep it safe from the weather. Once this
material has been processed and the appropriate disposal location has been determined,
this material will be removed from the Site. In addition to sampling at the Site, ambient
air quality monitoring was conducted during assessment and non-hazardous material
removal. Results showed no elevated levels of concern for hazardous air pollutants.
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The Honorable Stephanie Klinginz
Page 2
August 6, 2002
At the request of local residents, the MPCA also collected soil samples fi.om a park near
the Site. Analysis of these samples indicated no elevated levels of concern for hazardous
materials.
I want to assure you that we are taking all necessary and appropriate steps to respond to
this serious situation. If you have further questions or comments regarding this matter,
please contact Assistant Commissioner Gordie Wegwart at (651) 296-7319.
Sincerely,
CCi
The Honorable Jane Krentz, Minnesota State Senator
The Honorable Leonard Price, Minnesota State Senator
The Honorable Mark Ourada, Minnesota State Senator
The Honorable Dennis Ozment, Minnesota State Representative
The Honorable Brace Anderson, Minnesota State Representative
Patrick Hynes, Committee Administrator, Senate Environment & Natural Resources
Committee
Kathleen Lonergan, Committee Administrator, Senate Environment & Agriculture
Budget Division
Dave Chura, Committee Administrator House Environment & Natural Resources
Finance Colmnittee
Marilyn Brick, Committee Administrator, House Environment & Natural Resources
Policy Committee