Region 5 Superfund (SF)

U.S. EPA REGION 5
OLMSTED COUNTY
ORONOCO

Congressional District # 01

OLMSTED COUNTY SANITARY LANDFILL

EPA ID# MND000874354
Last Updated: August, 2006

Site Description

The 50-acre Olmsted County Sanitary Landfill was owned and operated by the city of Rochester and was licensed by the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA). The first cell of the landfill was constructed without a liner or a system for collecting leachate. The liner for the second cell was poorly constructed, but the third and fourth cells were properly built. The landfill has operated since 1972 and has accepted various industrial wastes, including electroplating sludge, asbestos, transformers, paint, and solvents. Groundwater was contaminated with various volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and heavy metals that include chromium, cadmium, and lead. There were extensive leachate seeps at the site. Also, an intermittent stream, which runs through the site to the Zumbro River, could carry contaminants during heavy rains. In 1984, the county of Olmsted assumed ownership and operation of the landfill. Approximately 200 people live within one mile of the site. It is estimated that 1,200 private wells are located near the landfill. 

Site Responsibility

In accordance with an agreement with Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA), the county of Olmsted conducted the groundwater, surface water, and sediment sampling to determine the extent of contamination and to evaluate risks to human health and the environment.  The MPCA oversaw this work.  In summer 1994, the United States Environmental Protection Agency (U.S. EPA) transferred full responsibility for the site to MPCA, to complete necessary actions under state laws and regulations. 

Threats and Contaminants

Groundwater was contaminated with various VOCs and heavy metals that include chromium, cadmium, and lead. There were extensive leachate seeps at the site. Also, an intermittent stream, which runs through the site to the Zumbro River, could carry contaminants during heavy rains. 

There would be a health risk in case a home was built adjacent to the boundary of the original landfill.  This risk was eliminated by the County purchasing and restricting access and usage of additional land adjacent to the landfill.  Movement of contaminants through the groundwater will not cause a significant human health risk, partially because of state restrictions on groundwater usage.  There are no environmental risks. 

Cleanup Progress

The site was added to the National Priorities List (NPL) in 1986.  In 1989, MPCA signed a consent order with the county of Olmsted, requiring the county to conduct a study into the nature and extent of contamination at the site and to conduct final cleanup activities. The county of Olmsted initiated a study of contamination at the site in early 1991, which included analysis of the groundwater, surface water, and sediments to define the problem and assess possible cleanup methods. In 1993, the county conducted a dye-tracing study to identify the flow pattern of groundwater in and around the site.  In June 1994, U.S. EPA decided that no remedial action was needed at this site beyond what would be required under state laws and regulations.  In 1994, under a waste permit issued by the state, the landfill was capped and a leachate collection system was installed.  U.S. EPA deleted the site from the NPL in early 1995. 

Community Involvement

Activities at the site were closely followed by residents in the area during the sampling phase.  U.S. EPA is not aware of any community concerns about the site that have arisen since it was deleted from the NPL in 1995.

Congressional Interest

U.S. EPA has not received any specific congression inquiries about this site since it was deleted from the NPL in 1995.

Property Reuse

It is anticipated that usage of the site property will have to be restricted indefinitely.  U.S. EPA is not aware of any plans to use or develop the site.   

Contacts

Remedial Project Manager, U.S. EPA
richard boice (boice.richard@epa.gov)
(312) 886-4740

Community Involvement Coordinator, U.S. EPA
cheryl allen
(312) 353-6196

Aliases

ROCHESTER CITY OF OLMSTED COUNTY
ROCHESTER LDFL
ORONOCO SAN LDFL
OLMSTED COUNTY SAN LDFL

 

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