![[logo] US EPA](http://www.epa.gov/epafiles/images/logo_epaseal.gif){kind=logo}
HENNEPIN COUNTY
MINNEAPOLIS
Congressional District # 05
GENERAL MILLS/HENKEL CORP.
EPA ID# MND051441731Last Updated: April, 2008
Site Description
The General Mills/Henkel Corporation site is located in an industrial section of Minneapolis, Minnesota. General Mills operated a technical center and research laboratories at the site from 1930 through 1977. Food research was conducted until 1947 when chemical research began. From 1947 to 1962, approximately 1,000 gallons per year of solvents were believed to have been disposed of in a soil adsorption pit onsite. The underlying aquifers are contaminated with volatile organic compounds (VOCs) such as trichloroethylene (TCE). Although the site is in an industrial section of Minneapolis, approximately 5,000 people live within one mile of the property. Access to the site is restricted. All residences and businesses in the area are connected to the municipal water system. This water is obtained from the Mississippi River north of the city.Site Responsibility
This site is being addressed by a potentially responsible party under the state's oversight.Threats and Contaminants
Groundwater is contaminated with VOCs, including trichlorethylene (TCE), benzene, chloroform, toluene, and xylenes. Soil was also contaminated with VOCs. People who come into direct contact with or accidentally ingest contaminated groundwater may be at risk; however, exposure is unlikely, as access to the site is restricted while treatment continues.Cleanup Progress
The state conducted an investigation of groundwater and soil contamination. A consent order between General Mills and the state, including a response action plan, was finalized on October 23, 1984. Cleanup began in 1985 when groundwater pumpout wells were installed. Remediation involves continuing the extraction and treatment of groundwater. The offsite contaminated groundwater is pumped directly to the Minneapolis storm sewer network. The state has issued discharge permits for all activities. The onsite contaminated groundwater is pumped to an onsite air stripper, then discharged into the Minneapolis storm sewer network. The air stripping tower is designed to remove 99 percent of VOCs from influent groundwater at a discharge rate of 150 gallons per minute. All construction at the site is now complete, and the contaminants in the ground water have stabilized since the pump and treat system began.
The U. S. Environmental Protection Agency's (U.S. EPA's) first Five-Year Review for the site was completed in September 1994. General Mills completed the augmented groundwater receptor survey and vapor risk assessment. Discussions initiated after the five-year review regarding groundwater cleanup standards are ongoing among U.S. EPA, General Mills, and the state.
The second review was signed on September 23, 1999. There were several recommendations made in this Five-Year Review. The clean-up level for TCE must be met before the consent order is terminated. A determination regarding the protectiveness of the remedy will be made once the cleanup level for TCE has been achieved. If it's determined that the remedy is not protective, action shall be taken by MPCA or U.S. EPA to ensure that the 5 ppb standard for TCE is achieved. Routine monitoring should continue in the deep aquifer (St. Peter Sandstone) to demonstrate the effectiveness of the remedial action in preventing the migration of TCE throughout the aquifer system in the area. Groundwater wells are monitored annually.
The third Five-Year Review was completed in September 2004. The remedy remains protective of human health and the environment. Pending resolution of the issue with increasing ground water contamination in the deep aquifer, the Site can be deleted from the National Priorities List.
Contacts
Remedial Project Manager, U.S. EPAlinda kern (kern.linda@epa.gov)
(312) 886-7341
Community Involvement Coordinator, U.S. EPA
dave novak
(312) 886-7478
Aliases
HENKEL TECH CTRTECH CTR RESEARCH LAB
GENERAL MILLS/HENKEL CORP