Lake Superior Barrels

This Web page provides information about the Lake Superior Barrel Disposal Sites.  It describes the cooperative efforts of the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to locate and recover barrels dumped by Honeywell Corp. (Minneapolis) into Lake Superior in the 1960s.

The MPCA has completed its investigation of the Lake Superior barrels. Based on current data and information, the MPCA does not believe that the barrels present a threat to human health or the environment. All the information regarding the MPCA five-year investigation of the Lake Superior barrels is public and staff will continue to provide access to this information. The MPCA is also willing to cooperate with any new investigations by the federal government, local government, Tribal Governments, or others. However, there are currently no additional funds to contribute to further investigations. If any future investigations provide evidence of a threat to human health or the environment from these barrels, the MPCA would then consider the need for additional funding.

For more information about the Lake Superior Barrels, contact This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. , Municipal Division Supervisor-Brainerd Office, or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. , Public Information Officer-Brainerd Office at 218-828-2492, or toll free at 1-800-657-3864.

• Facts about the Lake Superior Barrels (c-w2-01)
  This fact sheet provides information on the origin of the barrels, background and a chronological review of location and recovery efforts.
• Photos of barrel recovery efforts (c-w2-02)
  These photos were taken in the mid-1970s and 1990s during and after barrel recovery efforts.
• Health Consultation: Barrels disposed in Lake Superior by U.S. Army
  The Minnesota Department of Health completed this study in March 2008. The document summarizes public health concerns related to barrels containing wastes that were disposed in Lake Superior. It is based on a formal site evaluation prepared by the Minnesota Department of Health.
• Lake Superior Barrel Investigation Map (ls-barrelinvestigation)
  To use this map, you will need the free Google Earth application installed on your computer.