Show All National Crude Oil Spill Research Site in Bemidji, Minnesota
History
The National Crude Oil Spill Research Site dates back to 1979, when a dramatic pipeline rupture released 10,000 barrels of crude petroleum to the land surface and shallow subsurface. In 1983, research began at the site through the support of the U. S. Geological Survey’s (USGS) Toxic Substances Hydrology Program.
Continuing USGS support has allowed hundreds of scientists from across the globe to visit this “underground observatory” and study the effects of a terrestrial crude oil spill including the physical, chemical and biological processes driving the degradation and transport of crude petroleum. Research from the site has been included in more than 200 scientific papers.
National Crude Oil Spill Research Site
In 2008 and 2009, the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA), Enbridge Energy LLC, the USGS and Beltrami County created several agreements to formally establish the “National Crude Oil Spill Research Site in Bemidji, Minn.” The objective of these agreements is to create a self-sustaining research facility that brings academic researchers and practitioners (consultants, petroleum and pipeline industry representatives and pollution control officials) together thereby linking novel ideas to practical, on the ground applications.
Aerial image of National Crude Oil Spill Research Site, Bemidji, Minnesota
Grants Available
The MPCA, Enbridge Energy LLC, USGS and Beltrami County approve grants for research conducted at the National Crude Oil Spill Research Site in Bemidji. Research proposals that have a short or long term potential for matching funds are especially encouraged. Proposals may be for projects one to two years in duration, or for longer term projects that can leverage the available equipment and resources at the site.
Grant awards totaling $75,000 have been approved from 2009 through 2011, with the average grant award being $5,000. The successful proposals have also provided more than $180,000 in supplemental funds from third parties. Additional funds totaling $150,000 are available for the 2012-17 period. Grant applications for work proposed in 2012 must be submitted by December 23, 2011.
Site Research
The primary research priority is improving the understanding of the mobilization, attenuation, transport and fate of crude oil in the subsurface. As you consider research proposals, you are advised to consult with industry, academic and trade organizations as well as review previous research conducted at the site. Examples of research include but are not limited to:
- Investigation of the natural attenuation of groundwater contaminated with petroleum hydrocarbons.
- Investigation of the behavior and fate of vapors in the unsaturated zone above crude-oil contaminated soil and groundwater.
- Development and testing of practical methods for investigation and remediation of crude-oil contaminated sites.
- Development and testing of alternative or enhanced in-situ remediation strategies.
2012 Symposium
The National Crude Oil Spill Research Site sponsors are also working with the petroleum industry to develop a national symposium in 2012 aimed at highlighting the research completed at the site, bridging the gap between researchers and real world situations and providing a forum to identify future site research opportunities.
Additional Resources
Staff Contact
If you have questions or wish to receive updates regarding the grant process, research opportunities or symposium please contact Jim McCann at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. , or 651-757-2159, or Mindy Erickson at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. , or 763-783-3231.
