Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Environment topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Parks staff report PAH‑contamination and jurisdictional review at Cultural Commons
Summary
Parks staff updated the board that soil near the Cultural Commons garden contains PAHs, a no‑direct‑contact order remains in effect and the EPA is transitioning jurisdiction back to the state DNR before any planned soil capping and riprap work can proceed.
At the June 3 meeting staff told the Board of Park Commissioners that soil adjacent to the Cultural Commons garden contains polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and remains under a no‑direct‑contact order.
Staff said the city had budgeted capital funds for a cleanup that would add cap soil, place riprap in the lowest area and provide a sidewalk around the garden’s southern edge to separate the work area from public use. The Department of Natural Resources previously reviewed the plan, but staff said the EPA asserted jurisdiction; staff reported they had been notified the EPA is in the process of transitioning jurisdiction back to the DNR and that work cannot proceed until the jurisdictional authority provides formal sign‑off.
Officials emphasized the garden itself is not closed to visitors but that volunteers and staff working in the specific swale area are following no‑direct‑contact precautions (gloves and long sleeves). Staff said the city and its consultants will continue coordination with regulatory authorities and design consultants (Stantec) and will return to the commission with visuals once jurisdiction is clarified.
There was no action at the meeting; staff presented the status update and noted the schedule depends on formal jurisdictional approval.
