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EPA - WDNR Meeting on cleanup options for Ashland, Wis., Superfund site, Dec. 10, 6:30 p.m.

Release Date: 12/02/2008
Contact Information: Mick Hans, 312-353-5050, [email protected] Patti Krause, 312-886-9506. [email protected] (WDNR) John Robinson, 715-365-8976

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
No. 08-OPA177

CHICAGO (Dec. 2, 2008) - U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Region 5 and Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources have set a meeting to discuss their review of cleanup options at the Ashland/Northern States Power Lakefront Superfund site, in Ashland, Wis. The meeting will be Wednesday, Dec. 10, 6:30 p.m. at the Northern Great Lakes Visitor Center auditorium, 29270 County Highway G.

The agencies have completed review of a "feasibility study" - a detailed analysis of cleanup options - to address contaminated soil, ground water and off-shore Lake Superior sediment. The study built upon 13 years of studies conducted by Northern States Power, EPA and WDNR. At an October 2007 workshop on the cleanup process, Ashland residents requested that an informational meeting be held before the agencies recommend a cleanup decision.

Next steps: EPA, in consultation with WDNR, will recommend a cleanup plan in 2009. The plan will also be presented to EPA's national Remedy Review Board for review and comment. The board reviews all cleanup plans projected to exceed $25 million. The recommended plan will then be presented for public comment before the agency makes a final determination, known as a "record of decision." Final construction design and then cleanup work would follow, in 2010 or 2011.

The Ashland/NSP Lakefront Superfund site includes several properties within the city of Ashland, including Kreher Park, and about 10 acres of sediment and surface water in Chequamegon Bay. Environmental concerns stem from a manufactured gas plant that operated in the area from 1885 to 1947. Other activities, including possible wood treatment and construction in the 1950's of a waste water treatment plant may have added to the contamination.

Residents with questions or who need special accommodations at the meeting may contact EPA Community Involvement Coordinator Patti Krause, 800-621-8431, Ext. 69506, 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. weekdays, or [email protected].