There have been recent efforts by community leaders and developers to redevelop the west riverbank of Minneapolis into a thriving community.

As part of this effort, office buildings, walking trails, apartments, and town homes have sprung up along the scenic riverbank. In July of 1998, Rottlund Homes retained Braun Intertec to assist in the geotechnical evaluation and environmental site assessment of a proposed town home development along the west riverbank. This development would be located between North First Street and West River Parkway, west of the new Federal Reserve site.

Challenges

We began by updating a previous Phase I environmental site assessment (ESA). Based on the findings we conducted a Phase II ESA, which included collection of soil and groundwater samples to evaluate whether the recognized environmental conditions had adversely impacted the site. The Phase II ESA was conducted in conjunction with a geotechnical evaluation and a limited asbestos inspection.

Solutions

Concluding the Phase II ESA and Response Action and Construction Contingency Plan (RAP/CCP), excavation of the site began. We staffed an environmental technician onsite during grading and excavation activities to document soil conditions and oversee disposal. The entire site was excavated to bedrock. Approximately 72,340 cubic yards of uncontaminated soil with demolition debris was removed, and 712 cubic yards of contaminated soil was stockpiled, tested and disposed of offsite.

In October 1999, we submitted a Response Action Implementation Report for the construction excavation activities to and in accordance with the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency Voluntary Investigation and Cleanup Program.