Active MPCA involvement in polluted or potentially polluted sites

Riverfront revitalization frequently runs up against past pollution that lingers in the ground. This is true in the areas that have been more industrialized, including both the Central Riverfront and the Upper River.

There is not reliable data on exactly which sites are polluted - much of the pollution dates back before records began being kept by the state in the 1970s. We can see a map of the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency’s (MPCA’s) currently active investigation and remediation of potential pollution along the riverfront (right). Sometimes these activities are initiated by the discovery of pollution. Often, these activities take place as a property is sold and prepared for potential redevelopment as a different use.

Each of these sites is represented by a single dot. As the chart below shows the Central Riverfront, followed by the Upper River, currently have the most sites with current MPCA involvement. At the very least, both are a reminder of the persistent challenge past pollution represents to the future of our riverfront.
 

Data in chart above updated September 2015. Data source and methodology: Data acquired from Minnesota Pollution Control Agency’s “What’s in My Neighborhood?” website. Using categories provided, data then tagged to identify sites where there is active MPCA involvement in polluted or potentially pollution. Sites categorized by relevant river geography (Upper River, Central Riverfront, Lower Gorge), and then totalled and plotted on the chart above.

Sites with active MPCA involvement in pollution investigation and remediation

Data in chart above updated September 2015. Data source and methodology: Data acquired from Minnesota Pollution Control Agency’s “What’s in My Neighborhood?” website. Using categories provided, data then tagged to identify sites where there is active MPCA involvement in polluted or potentially pollution. Sites categorized by relevant river geography (Upper River, Central Riverfront, Lower Gorge), and then totalled and plotted on the chart above.