Groundwater contamination, possible health impacts and a pollution clean-up schedule continue to be the focus of recent Shoreham Area Advisory Committee (SAAC) meetings, and some progress appears to be in the works.

The Shoreham rail yard, located between Central and University Avenues and stretching from St. Anthony Parkway south to 27th Avenue NE, is contaminated with carcinogens in soil and groundwater. This pollution appears to have spread off site into other areas of northeast Minneapolis via groundwater. The long-awaited clean-up schedule for the eastern area of the rail yard along Central Avenue was agreed to in March by property owner Canadian Pacific Railway and the state of Minnesota. Work related to this schedule is in progress now and is expected to be in full swing next year. A clean-up schedule for the polluted area along University Avenue, a state Superfund site, is pending, and community members continue to urge the railroad and state to act in a timely manner.

Due to community questions about the possible health impact of this pollution, the Minnesota Department of Health is now reviewing data and talking with residents about their concerns. Results of the department's analysis could be available by fall.

In the meantime, residents are urged to take some easy, common-sense steps to reduce their exposure to this groundwater and to protect their health. One easy way to reduce exposure to below-ground pollutants is to avoid contaminated well water. Although some well water is clean and safe, other well water is not. The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency and the Minnesota Department of Agriculture have found dangerous levels of carcinogens in wells south and west of the Shoreham rail yards. For example, several area industrial or commercial wells contain elevated levels of the carcinogen pentachlorophenol, or PCP.

The tap water in most Minneapolis homes and businesses does not come from wells rather, it comes from the Mississippi River. People may, however, come into contact with well water if they (or their neighbors) use a well for drinking water, lawn care or car washing. People may also come in contact with well water at a workplace that uses well water for cooling or other industrial processes. The following are some easy steps for steering clear of polluted well water:

Avoid well water that is known to be contaminated. For the location of wells that are known to be contaminated in Northeast Minneapolis, contact the Shoreham Area Advisory Committee at (612) 782-8241. If well water is used in your workplace, speak with Jim Kelly at the Minnesota Department of Health (651-215-0913) to find out whether you and your co-workers should take any extra safety precautions.

Have your well tested for pollution, especially if you use it for such purposes as drinking water, lawn care or car washing. Request information on free or low-cost well testing from Jim Kelly at the Minnesota Department of Health (651-215-0913.)

Cap any unused or abandoned wells. Abandoned or improperly sealed wells can contribute to pollution and pose a danger to children and small animals. Contact the Environmental Health Division of the Minnesota Department of Health (651-215-0700) for information on sealing up old wells. Financial assistance may also be available.
Additional information on wells, well testing and well safety is available on the Minnesota Department of Health Web site: Community members are also encouraged to attend Shoreham Area Advisory Committee meetings (second Monday of each month, 7 p.m. at the Holland neighborhood office, 2516 Central Ave. NE) for updates on pollution and other issues related to Shoreham's impact on northeast Minneapolis. More Information on SAAC