Hibbing Gas Manufacturing Plant Superfund Site - Minnesota Decision Document - Remediation
Comment From:
Sam Jones
7/09/26 @ 9:49 PM
Hi, my name is Sam Jones. I am writing today to express my concerns about this toxic waste site. I grew up a few blocks from this site. We called the Tar Pit. It was a pond filled with what looked to be tar that never solidified. For me this was kn...↓own as the forbidden zone. We were told it was dangerous because one of us could fall in it as kids. We were never told of the dangers of being exposed to it. Most people would not understand the magnitude of this tar pond. It was not small. It was eventually covered, but not forgotten. The vegetation in that area tells the story. I am surprised it has been this long to come up with a plan to clean it up or at the very least fence it off so no one can get to it. I can only imagine what it would unleash into the surrounding area if dug up. Now the HRA wants to build a large subsidized apartment complex near an industrial waste site? How could anyone have thought this was ok? Now they have broken ground on a road that will lead to said apartment complex before this area has been cleaned up or fenced off. In my opinion the best option would be to fence it off and never touch it. I do not want my parents (whom live right near there) or any of my former neighbors exposed to dust or runoff that may come from there if it is dug up. Also this could possibly be the worst place to put an apartment complex. Next to a toxic wasted dump. Save the environment, exposure to workers, residents and money by putting up a fence and halting the construction of the apartment complex. Thank you.↓
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Comment From:
Michelle Alms
7/09/26 @ 9:43 PM
I am writing in regards to the contamination that was stated in the documentation about a parcel that is very close to my house. I have lived in this location for 25 years. I previously lived in the lot across the street from me for 10 years and my...↓ brother and sister-in-law resided on their way before me. I was always told there was a tar pond back there and that land was contaminated. I also heard it was considered a wetland. I am opposed to the construction of the HRA housing project. I don't understand why there was approval to begin with. I live on a dead end. I saw many vehicles going in and out of there and I know for a fact they did soil testing and I don't know what else. I would like to know or figure out why this was approved. They went and put a road down there to where this apartment building is going. Suddenly, now there's big concerns about contamination that came out. I am extremely concerned about the safety of even trying to dig up that dirt and hide what's under there and what the rest of us will have to deal with after this, including the people that subside in where that apartment building is going. I feel total cease of this project and relocation is warranted. There is plenty of land with other buildings that could've been torn down with different locations that have remained empty without danger of nearby occupants. A $2 million project, not knowing the end result. My house is the one that will be affected. The most my backyard is literally right where all of this is going to take place. Citizens in this area are concerned and talking. Another thing we all find quite bizarre. Is that suddenly it's OK to have residential when it was owned for commercial. Thanks and please consider this response.
Michelle Alms
3914 6th Ave west
Hibbing, Mn. 55746↓
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Comment From:
Daniel Marich
7/09/26 @ 5:00 PM
I am very concerned on the situation of the remediation process of the old Hibbing Gas Plant that ceased operations in 1969. I am also concerned and opposed to the construction of the proposed Hibbing HRA Housing Project. How did the process of comme...↓ncing this housing project even get Federal Grant approval before this contamination was addressed. With contamination of coal tar, coal ash, boiler slag and benzene. Yes..benzene! A very dangerous contaminant. I understand that if this contaminated area is remediated, that it would only be approved for either industrial or commercial use, NOT residential as Mandated For Public Safety by the State of Minnesota.
This proposed housing project cannot continue until this issue is addressed and resolved. I also understand that the remediation costs could exceed 2 million dollars and that the Minnesota State Legislature will be asked to fund this clean up. The Minnesota State Legislature doesn't go back into session until early 2027. I also question if an EAW would be required and even advance to a full EIS Statement.
How and why didn't the Hibbing HRA and City of Hibbing Engineering Department not consult with the Hibbing Public Utilities before even considering this land area for a possible housing project? I don't think the City of Hibbing, City of Hibbing Engineer and Hibbing HRA did their proper "due diligence" prior to attempting to move forward with this possible housing development. I fully encourage totally ceasing this project in its entirety and not disturbing the contaminated land as it has been laying undisturbed since 1969. I am concerned for mine, and all close by property owners, health safety if that contaminated land is disturbed, especially when it contains benzene.
With the City of Hibbing being the "largest" City in the State of Minnesota, by land area, being 126 square miles in size, I think they could find a more suitable, "clean" parcel(s) of land to build this proposed housing project.
Respectively submitted,
Dan Marich↓
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Comment From:
Amanda Jones
7/08/26 @ 8:26 PM
I grew up in the neighborhood from the 80's before there were any real regulations or warnings about the toxins we now know about. I don't know why no one is talking about the gigantic tar pit that is near by. Possibly related to another unregulated...↓ polluting company in the same area. What I do know is there is currently a road built off 9th avenue that will probably lead to nowhere. It has destroyed vegetation, wetlands, a multitude of wild life habitats, and for what? There is so much wildlife that calls this their home. Deer, birds, squirrels chipmunks. Every beautiful, precious animal you can think of. Now what are they supposed to do? Hearing the words "cyanide, benzene, coal tar" think about that. Nature found a way to still exist in a small but undeveloped environment. What are the consequences of dredging up 100 years of toxic waste. If I know anything, I know there's definitely not enough money in any budget to actually clean it up properly. And besides the wildlife, take a look at the Hibbing housing authority wanting to build in that area. People are supposed to live near or on top of 100 year old toxic waste. There should absolutely be NO buildings built on top of "sort of" cleaned up, or covered up waste dumps. I'm seeing lawsuits in the future. I implore you, don't do anything that can do more damage to humans, wildlife or the environment. Respectfully, leave the land alone and make the city undo the damage they've already caused with the road. Thank you, Amanda Jones↓
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Comment From:
Julie Jones
7/08/26 @ 7:50 PM
I understand that the agency plans to remove the contaminated soil and then replace it with clean soil. I live very nearby the area and am concerned what will happen when they disturb it and what will be released into the air and land around the area...↓.
Also, if they do plan to place land use restrictions on the property to protect human health and the environment, then how could they allow a housing project to be built adjacent to that contaminated land? The city has already started construction on the new road that runs the length of our property. This has disturbed wetlands and the wildlife and birds that called it home. I believe that there needs to be a lot more consideration before any more actions are taken.↓
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Comment From:
Gabbie Young
6/30/26 @ 3:27 PM
If it does not raise our property taxes, I am all for it. There are a lot of elderly who are getting taxed out of their homes and so many residents that are already living paycheck to paycheck in a hard enough economy. All the residents of Hibbing de...↓serve a break from the outlandish decisions the city keeps forcing us into. How much will this cost, what do you plan on doing with the property, can anything be done with it? These are the things that the residents need to know as well.↓
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Comment From:
Mark Jones
6/29/26 @ 9:14 AM
Hello my name is Mark jones.i have lived in the neighborhood where this hazardous waste site is.as kids we use to go over by it.there was no fencing,hazardoussigns nothing.i have seen animals die there we use to throw big rocks onto the tarry sludge...↓ they would sink.when it got cold in the fall ,if any water on it would freeze over and we would skate on it.this is a nasty site.i am wondering what effect to people around this site when you start removing this hazardous material,and the wind blows fumes.i am sure after reading the report the cyonide,benzene could effect people.i think the whole back corner should be fenced,covered and nothing ever buil on the site.further more the city of hibbing and the hibbing housing are planning to build apt buildings adjacent to this property,I don't think that should be allowed,any benzene is to much and please think of the safety of the people that will be living there and potential for law suits.also I don't think 2 million will cover the cost for this project.↓
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