Commenting open: June 05, 2026 12:00AM CT - July 06, 2026 11:59PM CT.
Main Street Solvent Plume Superfund - Minnesota Decision Document - Remediation
We invite you to comment on the draft Minnesota Decision Document for the Main Street Solvent Plume Superfund Site located at 317/321 Main Street in Biwabik, Minnesota 55708.
In October 2001 and February 2002, during an investigation of three petroleum leak sites located in the general vicinity of 317/321 Main Street, the MPCA identified the chlorinated volatile organic compound (CVOC) tetrachloroethylene (PCE) in groundwater at concentrations up to 530 micrograms per liter (µg/L). While no definitive release location was identified, impacts to groundwater appeared to originate at or near 317/321 Main Street. A Responsible Party was not identified for the release. The Site was listed on the Minnesota Permanent List of Priorities (PLP) in 2013 and assigned Site ID SR0001281.
The MPCA conducted remedial investigations and site monitoring from 2012 to 2025 to determine the extent and magnitude of the release. Initial subsurface investigations began at the Site in 2012 with the advancement of multiple soil borings for the collection of groundwater, soil, and soil vapor samples at the site. Groundwater investigations conducted at the site had previously shown the water table to be at approximately 40 feet below ground surface. Since the start of site investigation, the groundwater level has dropped to its current depth of approximately 65 feet below ground surface. The drop in ground levels may be attributable to nearby mine pit dewatering activities. New, deeper wells were installed at the site in 2016 through 2019 and the water table elevation has been stable since that time. The permanent monitoring wells have been sampled annually or biannually since 2016.
The MPCA is seeking written comments from the public before the decision document is finalized. The MPCA will accept written comments until July 6, 2026.
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We invite you to comment on the draft Minnesota Decision Document for the Main Street Solvent Plume Superfund Site located at 317/321 Main Street in Biwabik, Minnesota 55708.
In October 2001 and February 2002, during an investigation of three petroleum leak sites located in the general vicinity of 317/321 Main Street, the MPCA identified the chlorinated volatile organic compound (CVOC) tetrachloroethylene (PCE) in groundwater at concentrations up to 530 micrograms per liter (µg/L). While no definitive release location was identified, impacts to groundwater appeared to originate at or near 317/321 Main Street. A Responsible Party was not identified for the release. The Site was listed on the Minnesota Permanent List of Priorities (PLP) in 2013 and assigned Site ID SR0001281.
The MPCA conducted remedial investigations and site monitoring from 2012 to 2025 to determine the extent and magnitude of the release. Initial subsurface investigations began at the Site in 2012 with the advancement of multiple soil borings for the collection of groundwater, soil, and soil vapor samples at the site. Groundwater investigations conducted at the site had previously shown the water table to be at approximately 40 feet below ground surface. Since the start of site investigation, the groundwater level has dropped to its current depth of approximately 65 feet below ground surface. The drop in ground levels may be attributable to nearby mine pit dewatering activities. New, deeper wells were installed at the site in 2016 through 2019 and the water table elevation has been stable since that time. The permanent monitoring wells have been sampled annually or biannually since 2016.
The MPCA is seeking written comments from the public before the decision document is finalized. The MPCA will accept written comments until July 6, 2026.
Contact Information
*Indicates Required Fields