Hillcrest Soil Condition

SOIL CONDITION

From the beginning, we knew soil contamination was a concern at the former Hillcrest Golf Course. Initial tests showed signs of soil contamination, resulting from mercury-based fungicides used between the 1930s and 1990s to reduce mold growth on the golf course. In addition, we found an isolated area with traces of petroleum contamination near the former golf course maintenance buildings. Mercury contamination was only found in shallow soils, no deeper than 36″ from the surface at most locations.

Following the City of Saint Paul’s Master Plan, the Port Authority is leading the process of removing and/or reusing contaminated soils in a way that protects the health and safety of the neighborhood. We will take the most contaminated soils off-site.

We may reuse lesser contaminated soils under roads, parking lots, and utility areas where they won’t be disturbed. If low level contaminated soils are reused we will place environmental covenants on underground soils to protect future generations.

REGULATORY BODIES

Throughout this process, the Minnesota Department of Agriculture will be the primary regulatory body. In addition, the Port Authority will follow the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency‘s regulatory process from start to finish. Together, these programs protect both the community and workers on the site by limiting the spread of contamination.

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