Region 5 Superfund (SF)

U.S. EPA REGION 5
NOBLES COUNTY
ADRIAN

Congressional District # 01

ADRIAN MUNICIPAL WELL FIELD

EPA ID# MND980904023
Last Updated: October, 2006

Site Description

The Adrian Municipal Well Field site, located within the Adrian city limits, is contaminated with volatile organic compounds (VOCs), including benzene and toluene, according to tests conducted by the state. The state closed the two most highly contaminated city wells because of the health risk. The city is now using two uncontaminated wells that were previously slated to be abandoned due to their age and low capacity.

Since contaminants found in Adrian wells are typical of gasoline contamination, source investigations focused on a number of underground storage tanks, used to store gasoline and fuel oil. There are nine separate underground storage tank locations in the vicinity of the Adrian Municipal Well Field. The source of the contamination appeared to be a service station that had visibly leaking underground storage tanks removed in the past. The underground storage tanks from all but three of the locations have been removed.

In 1995, the estimated population of Adrian was 1,152 residents. All households, with one exception, are connected to a municipal water supply. The nearest residence is located approximately two blocks south of the contaminated area. Several recreational facilities, including a swimming pool, two ball fields, and a campground, are located between the areas of contamination and the upper arm of Kanaranzi Creek. 

Site Responsibility

This site is being addressed through federal and state actions.

Threats and Contaminants

The groundwater is polluted with VOCs, including benzene and toluene. Inhalation of airborne contaminants and ingestion and direct contact with contaminated groundwater are potential health threats; however, unlikely actual risks since alternative drinking water sources have been provided to affected residents. 

Cleanup Progress

The state closed the two most highly contaminated city wells; alternative water supplies were provided to all affected residents. Two new wells were installed outside the area of contamination and went into production during 1984 and 1985. 

In late 1989, the U. S. Environmental Protection Agency (U.S. EPA) decided to transfer responsibility for the remaining site cleanup actions to U.S. EPA's Underground Storage Tank program, administered by the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency, for contaminated soil removal and area cleanup. Superfund activity has been completed at this site, and the site was deleted from the National Priorities List in December 1992. 

Contacts

Remedial Project Manager, U.S. EPA
timothy drexler (drexler.timothy@epa.gov)
(312) 353-4367

Community Involvement Coordinator, U.S. EPA
Don De Blasio
(312) 886-9749

Site Profile Information

This profile provides you with information on EPA's cleanup progress at this Superfund site.