[{"_1":2,"_99":-5,"_100":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6187953,"mediaKeyId","5064169-63c30d1a83a540bf214b7a906c3d7ec5","parentId",5064169,"title","Contaminated soil found at Virginia public-safety site; council approves up to $400,000 for cleanup","audioSeconds",413,"startMs",5911000,"endMs",6324000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=5064169-63c30d1a83a540bf214b7a906c3d7ec5&start=5911&end=6324","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5064169-63c30d1a83a540bf214b7a906c3d7ec5/thumbnail_5911000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6187953/Virginia-City/St-Louis-County/Minnesota/Contaminated-soil-found-at-Virginia-public-safety-site-council-approves-up-to-400000-for-cleanup","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6187953-67cd522f90845c8518dc828b3c0d4209/orig.mp4?Expires=1776290984&Signature=c5CTXAH~QUqSN2d9-7tWEy926J2~wY9lkDhQbtPzb1llFFsJtRL1p~Orm8OdzH1pWu~c24xgUSZSioI6QwKdrpwBdkexyI8ySi0xHdbYmzvHqOj9ft~SFr13ObEcf24LEnmmlSvK7KDTEZ6OFtmczPxmaFEo6VDtG9Eg66H7Sdht-QYz5P1wemZ57ZVgQwVHXTmRf0oiaqtthQSYobb9c3TZs8J8KpBLHMPaljVfYHOHIGC7khFQbjDWtAZSv2DMEd1NIk~Akq-zqTwvrWDJDsgWIkeFQ3npC2-QT~nIyibmtKBFH7kH53kJ1PdwEnNqtxxg~15uwT3wSjOfP1YQEg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","City Council of Virginia, MN","date","2025-06-25T12:42:58.433Z","article","Contractors working on the new public-safety building site in Virginia discovered contaminated soil during pond excavation and the city council on June 24 authorized up to $400,000 in owner contingency funds to remove and dispose of the material while further testing and grant applications proceed.

Consultants from NTS and the site civil engineer reported the discovery to the council after preliminary laboratory results returned petroleum-type contamination rather than solvents typically associated with an adjacent former dry-cleaning operation. Rick Crum of NTS said the stockpile on site was about 1,400 cubic yards; Sean Lewis (project consultant) said roughly 700 cubic yards remained to be excavated to complete the stormwater pond work.

Lewis told the council the city had stopped work about a week earlier and will export the on-site stockpile and continue excavation, exporting directly instead of creating additional temporary stockpiles. He estimated the total incremental remediation cost at about $400,000 — a higher-end estimate to cover identified material and contingencies — and said the city has roughly $700,000 in owner contingency and set-aside funds available for the project. \"We have approximately 700 cubic yards left to excavate… estimates could be up around the $400,000 mark for the cost to remediate all this contaminated soil,\" Lewis said.

The council voted to allow the contractor to proceed and to authorize up to $400,000 for remedial work. The motion (moved by Councilor Johnson) passed. City staff said they will pursue retroactive reimbursement opportunities through Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) programs and other grant sources where applicable; the project team noted the existence of a response action plan and contingency construction plan that can help secure reimbursement.

Project details and next steps: Consultants said the contamination was encountered in a discrete excavation zone near a former commercial parcel; work will resume immediately to remove the stockpile and finish the pond excavation, with exported material sent to an approved landfill. The team requested and the council approved proceeding up to the $400,000 limit so the pond and related site work can be completed without further stockpiling on site. Staff will: (1) continue confirmatory testing on remaining excavation faces; (2) coordinate disposal with the county landfill; (3) submit reimbursement requests to state programs overseen by MPCA; and (4) report back if unexpected additional contamination is encountered.

Why it matters: The public-safety building is a capital project for the city. Unanticipated contaminated soil increases near-term costs and scheduling risk. The city balanced the need to complete the stormwater pond (which must be in place for site work) with the desire to pursue reimbursement, and assigned remediation to contingency funds so building work can proceed.

What the council approved: a motion authorizing the project team to remove and export contaminated soils as needed and to spend up to $400,000 from owner contingency funds for disposal and remediation. Staff will pursue MPCA reimbursement and return to council if remediation needs exceed the authorized amount.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Virginia City Council | June 24th, 2025","oneSentenceSummary","Contractors working on the new public-safety building site in Virginia discovered contaminated soil during pond excavation and the city council on June 24 authorized up to $400,000 in owner contingency funds to remove and dispose of the material.","taxTitle","Virginia City, St. Louis County, Minnesota","taxId",71108,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6187948,"City approves design work for Silver Lake splash pad; permits and grant funding still required",2094,5889000,7983000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5064169-63c30d1a83a540bf214b7a906c3d7ec5&start=5889&end=7983","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5064169-63c30d1a83a540bf214b7a906c3d7ec5/thumbnail_5889000.jpg","/articles/6187948/Virginia-City/St-Louis-County/Minnesota/City-approves-design-work-for-Silver-Lake-splash-pad-permits-and-grant-funding-still-required","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6187948-3970b14b8ec276f850507970cdc02286/orig.mp4?Expires=1776290984&Signature=CrAyYxKrtqhIS3XfiKyVtljnE40xtElYcFUZUklpZxin1kdnYJA-ZpoAm6uuxWAgtSGuOYtWC4v2Pd-6tZiyiy0yE77qZbshuLCLGbWZq1~pbrLUcZgp~SPyICgXbRWHASBahccdOUQrgUZVpBY8vd9QJaz2PMemku6aFL-AKtUF4MglTIyZJpeGphjnMNXOaFVVE-IwWOl~PbSHTJTNLqLrRYQpBn1yd-7l8zl5-k~SJWzHWqFPvJhF7R-6g3eQKOQs9aEqJeGzqMvof9vp~Kq00Q-powpzZdFmsYTuqvnv8dZGQqglllGBspGVPglJwg62wF0i6m~e7MFRSx-LhA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Virginia City Council on June 24 approved a professional services agreement to produce engineering plans for a proposed splash pad at Silver Lake park, but councilors and residents pressed for clarity on permitting, discharge and funding before construction can begin.

City engineer Matt Reed said the agreement is a planning step needed to apply for grant funding; he told the council and public that he cannot apply for several federal and state grants without engineered plans showing the water and wastewater connections. “I can't apply for any further grants until I have the plans showing what I'm applying for,” Reed said.

Council and staff noted there is a $500,000 grant award the city has been offered for the splash-pad project (staff attributed the program source during discussion) and said other funding would be sought through federal and state grant programs. Several councilors and residents voiced concern about the chosen location and how splash-pad discharge would be routed. Reed said any discharge and water treatment must be permitted; the project team will seek approvals from the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) and the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) and must demonstrate that the outflow will not harm Silver Lake.

A technical discussion of flows and water quality followed. Reed and consultants said modern splash-pad systems typically circulate water through filtration and use relatively low flow rates; planned discharge would be routed through a landscaped swale or similar conveyance to the lake and permitted by state agencies. One councilor said the feature could help keep lake water moving and reduce stagnation if permitted and designed correctly.

Council decision and conditions: The council approved the professional services agreement with SCH (engineer) to produce the detailed design and permitting documents so the city can pursue grants and regulatory approvals. Reed and staff confirmed that the project will not proceed to construction until all required permits and funding are secured; if grants are not awarded, the city will not build the splash pad.

Why it matters: The splash pad is a publicly visible amenity that could attract families and provide recreational benefits. Residents and some council members urged caution on siting and on ensuring any water discharge complies with MPCA and DNR rules so Silver Lake is protected. The approved design step is intended to unlock additional grant funding opportunities but does not commit the city to build until funding and permits are in place.

What residents should expect: Staff will develop plans, apply for grants and regulatory permits, and report back to council. The project team said permits will require water-quality safeguards and state review prior to construction.","The Virginia City Council on June 24 approved a professional services agreement to produce engineering plans for a proposed splash pad at Silver Lake park, but councilors and residents pressed for clarity on permitting, discharge and funding before construction can begin.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6187958,"Virginia residents, council press for answers after repeated sewer backups as officials cite aging system and extreme storms",7776,360000,8136000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5064169-63c30d1a83a540bf214b7a906c3d7ec5&start=360&end=8136","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5064169-63c30d1a83a540bf214b7a906c3d7ec5/thumbnail_360000.jpg","/articles/6187958/Virginia-City/St-Louis-County/Minnesota/Virginia-residents-council-press-for-answers-after-repeated-sewer-backups-as-officials-cite-aging-system-and-extreme-storms","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6187958-b6c1b80f92ef3c25db8887c3ca24f301/orig.mp4?Expires=1776290984&Signature=QfuahTLAP9NCUs5XQjbyATUhNHPCXgp8zZs-Ftzo3yVOv52NXAYVabPNsnD-r6dIjwR2xZVLjcgz-vDNm8tUQFEi1Wj~L0ZSfG~d6OpjNJYz8SxzQALUfogZHfTrpdP7FccKI0udka~CehiqJoqH4YGUkeGPkk5rPCDnbp6x2JgpwWiOjJPj0ReE6cFCzIVp8fm0QNLYIe57z10olgHI5VUUqRWVQylUODbJNg-AuYRIuk-K2Lk~IQloqGNVs8V~OfwOWDcFxb9QbMg37FAT8xccdrnr~5mCIqQD9O1tVSz~zH5hqOXOx7GAHMHPh1eHklIfwHrF-cOPovV3QUmEZQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Residents packed the Virginia City Council chambers on June 24 to demand answers after repeated sewer backups that left basements flooded with raw sewage in mid-June and during a similar storm a year ago.

At a public forum the city’s public works director, Jim Rosbit, and the city engineer of record, Matt Reed, told the council and the public that the system was overwhelmed — not because of single mechanical failures but by the combined effect of extreme storms and aging infrastructure. “We ran at full capacity pretty much. We have 17 active lift stations. They took everything they had,” Rosbit said, describing emergency bypasses and additional pumps the crews ran to relieve pressure on the wastewater system.

The residents’ accounts underscored the human toll. Theresa Geiselman, who said her house flooded on June 16 and June 20, told the council the water levels ranged “from a few inches to over a foot” and called the episodes “destructive, costly, and traumatic events for homeowners.” Other speakers said repeated claims and repairs are leaving families and older residents exhausted and worried about remaining in Virginia.

City officials described immediate operational steps and longer-term work. Reed said the city uses bypass mode at the wastewater treatment plant and runs additional pumps and that crews are jetting and televising lines, replacing culverts and doing ditching work to move surface water out of neighborhoods. He also warned that some storm events exceed what any economically feasible sewer design can handle: “Even if we designed a brand new storm sewer system today…when we get rain events like we've seen in the last couple of years, you’d still see flooded streets.”

Council action and staff direction: Councilor Motley moved and the council approved a motion inviting PeopleSERVE, the contracted wastewater treatment operator, to appear before the council’s Committee of the Whole at 9 a.m. on July 1 to explain plant operations and answer questions about the events (motion carried). Councilor Paulson moved and the council unanimously directed staff to seek grant funds from the Iron Range Resources and Rehabilitation Board (IRRRB) to create a homeowner assistance program for repairs and rehabilitation related to flood and sewer backup damage; that motion passed. The city also said it will offer curb pickup for unsalvageable damaged property and gave a public works contact number: (218) 748-7515.

Regulatory and funding context: The city must report discharges to the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA); officials told residents the MPCA evaluates events case by case and considers emergency actions and public-health impacts when deciding whether to issue penalties. Staff and residents discussed FEMA aid and the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP); city staff said the city had received FEMA public-assistance funds for some costs after earlier events, but those programs have limits and do not replace longer-term infrastructure investment.

What officials say will happen next: Reed and Rosbit said the city will step up identification of infiltration and inflow (I&I) sources with smoke testing this summer and continue televising, ditching and targeted repairs. They emphasized the work will be gradual because of cost and the age of the system; Reed noted the city has identified grant opportunities for remediation but that “money becomes an issue.”

Residents at the meeting pushed for faster answers and clearer accountability; several asked the council to secure the plant operator’s records of bypasses, alarms and actions taken during storms. Council members agreed to pursue those records and follow up at the July 1 Committee of the Whole meeting with PeopleSERVE.

Why it matters: The episode combines infrastructure, public-health and economic impacts: repeated raw-sewer backups can cause property loss, insurance complications and long-term stress for homeowners and small businesses. City officials say the storms and old combined systems — including former steam/condensate connections in some neighborhoods — are central factors, and the council has begun a two-track response: immediate operational oversight (including the PeopleSERVE session) and pursuing grant funding to help homeowners and pay for capital work.

Key practical notes for residents: call public works at (218) 748-7515 to report damage, request curb pickup of unsalvageable items, or to be added to outreach lists; residents with damage were urged to document losses and consult their insurance agents, as FEMA, NFIP and other programs have different rules and caps.

Ending: The council said it will report back after the July 1 Committee of the Whole meeting with PeopleSERVE and will continue to pursue state and federal grant opportunities while accelerating smoke testing and targeted repairs to identify the most critical, fixable failures.","Residents described multiple sewage backups in basements after heavy June storms; city staff and engineers said extreme rain events plus old pipes overwhelmed lift stations, and the council invited the plant operator for a follow-up and approved an application for regional grant funds to help homeowners.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Contaminated soil found at Virginia public-safety site; council approves up to $400,000 for cleanup

City approves design work for Silver Lake splash pad; permits and grant funding still required

Virginia residents, council press for answers after repeated sewer backups as officials cite aging system and extreme storms