The two polluted areas of most concern at this time are ?

Cedar Services Superfund Site, an area near the University Avenue-St. Anthony Parkway intersection. A 30,000-gallon leak in 1961 of the cancer-causing substance pentachlorophenol (or PCP) contaminated groundwater and soil in the area. Creosote was also found. According to the state, the PCP pollution has spread off-site at least a mile or so south and southwest through the groundwater. Some local wells are contaminated, and measurements in some areas have registered PCP hundreds and thousands of times over the allowed health limits. Questions have been raised about whether this pollution reaches the Mississippi River. The state is currently urging the railroad to resume groundwater investigation and testing to fully define the "plume" of pollution, since it is unknown at this time how far away this pollution has spread. Some community members feel that the railroad is acting too slowly and that the state should take more aggressive enforcement actions on this Superfund site. The state continues to negotiate with the railroad for an investigation and clean-up schedule and to extend certain deadlines. The Minnesota Department of Agriculture, the Attorney General's Office and the Minnesota Department of Health are involved in this project.

What's Next? Although deadlines appear to be moving targets, a "Consent Order" could be completed by July 15, 2005. This would outline a schedule for further groundwater testing and steps leading to an eventual clean-up plan. The state advises residents to cap and discontinue using wells for drinking or outdoor activities such as car washing or gardening. Wells identified at several local businesses are monitored on an ongoing basis and reportedly not used for drinking water. PCP can also vaporize into the air from water.

Central Avenue/Lease Area, also known as VIC (Voluntary Investigation and Clean-up) site #5080 or the "Teardrop" parcel. This 18-acre section extending north from 28th Avenue NE along Central Avenue is the source of soil and groundwater polluted with cancer-causing substances perchloroethylene (PCE), trichloroethylene (TCE) and other contaminants related to diesel fuel and gasoline. Groundwater contamination has spread off-site here as well, generally east of Central Avenue, then arching back towards the southwest and south. The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) is working with the railroad on a clean-up plan, but responsibility for this pollution has been the subject of a contentious legal battle between the railroad and its former tenants that continues at this time. Testing (drilling of wells and soil sampling) has gone on for a number of years on- and off-site. Here too some community members feel that the railroad is moving too slowly. The historic Roundhouse is located within this area, and the site was slated for redevelopment as part of Central Avenue revitalization plans. The railroad has said that under the right circumstances, it would consider putting the parcel on the market for sale once again.

What's Next? The state is now pushing for clean-up work to begin in one area by November 30, 2005. Settlement talks are in progress between the railroad and the former tenants, with results due by April 30. Key documents outlining clean-up methods and costs should be available later this summer for public comment and possibly a public meeting. Community members are anxious to learn details of what methods of clean-up are proposed, how much of the contamination can and will be removed, and what impact these methods will have on the neighborhood now and into the future (for example, Soil Vapor Extraction's impact on air quality). The Minnesota Department of Health continues to follow activities at Shoreham, and its report is pending.

About the Shoreham Area Advisory Committee ?

The Shoreham Area Advisory Committee (SAAC) includes community members from multiple neighborhoods in Northeast Minneapolis impacted by Shoreham Yards. The committee was formed in 1998 by a court settlement between the city of Minneapolis and Canadian Pacific Railway to "establish and maintain a forum and methods for community outreach and communications, and for non-binding, informal resolution of issues that may arise out of changes in the operations at the Shoreham facility."

Meetings are open to all. The group meets regularly with representatives of Canadian Pacific Railway, elected officials, railfans, state agencies and other interested parties. Topics lately have focused on pollution, but other issues addressed by SAAC include noise management, collateral blight control, hazardous materials, hours of yard operations, historic preservation, federal preemptions and community-sensitive redevelopment.

What Can You Do To Help?

Attend a Shoreham Area Advisory Committee (SAAC) meeting: 7 p.m., second Monday of each month, open to all. SAAC meets at the Holland Neighborhood Improvement Association office, 2516 Central Ave. NE, Minneapolis.

Talk to your elected officials and your neighbors about the importance of timely, effective clean-up of pollution at Shoreham Yards - without additional delays.

See the SAAC community Web site at http://www.shorehamyards.org
Join SAAC's electronic mailing list by e-mailing us at saac-mpls@earthlink.net
Contact SAAC at (612) 782-8241 or saac-mpls@earthlink.net if you would like further information.