Aerial photograph and map of the petroleum clean-up site in Grand Marais.  Images: MPCA

From Boreal Community Media - April 21, 2021

The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency has prepared a fact sheet that provides an update on the petroleum contamination clean up and mitigation actives at 22 West Highway 61 in Grand Marais.  

Site History
In 1996, a petroleum release was report to the MPCA from underground storage tanks associated with the former service station site in operations form the 1940 to 1996.
While the tanks have since been removed, after investigations, the MPCA determined there are contamination of soils in the area presenting risks  to nearby properties, water wells and utilities.

Next Steps
The MPCA will conduct excavation of the impacted soils during the spring and summer of this year.  it will require re-routing of utilities, disposal of petroleum impacted soil, site restoration which will include road and parking lot repaving as well as green space restoration.

What to expect 

• Possible smelling of petroleum vapors during excavation efforts.  
• Contractors, work crews and heaving machinery at the site
• Road congestion and traffic rerouting in the Highway 61 right of way.

A copy of the MPCA fact sheet is attached to this article as a PDF.