Contact: Anne Perry Moore, 218-302-6605
Duluth, Minn. ― The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) will hold a public informational meeting on May 8 about current and future cleanup plans at the U.S. Steel Superfund site in Duluth’s Morgan Park neighborhood.
The meeting is scheduled from 6:00 – 8:15 p.m. at the Good Fellowship Club at 1242 88th Avenue West, Duluth. The agenda includes brief presentations about the cleanup status of the 521 acres still owned by U.S. Steel and the 123-acre portion for which the Duluth Port Authority has signed a purchase agreement, as well as the work plan addressing the contaminated sediments in the St. Louis River. The formal remarks will be followed by staff availability at information tables focused on specific cleanup processes and schedules.
Operating from 1916 to 1981, the U.S. Steel Duluth Works plant produced coke, iron and steel and was one of the city’s largest employers. At its peak during World War II, the mill produced 715,000 tons of steel per year. Steel manufacturing processes and operations also generated hazardous wastes and byproducts that were disposed of, and ultimately contaminated, site property and sediment in nearby waterways.
Following the discovery of soil and water contamination in 1979, the site was added to the federal Superfund site list in 1983 and the state Superfund list in 1984. The MPCA has been leading site cleanup activities since 1981. Many of the identified contaminated portions have been cleaned up and their remedies regularly reviewed for effectiveness. Other portions are either in the cleanup process or are awaiting investigation, review or approval.
For more information, contact Project Manager Susan Johnson at 218-302-6601 or 800-657-3864. Information is also available on the agency’s U.S. Steel Superfund web page.
