The Precision Plating site in north Minneapolis was formerly home to a metal plating facility where solvents and metals were released into the soil and groundwater. The MPCA began soil and groundwater sampling in 2013 to determine the extent of the contamination on and off the property.
With no viable responsible party to pay for work, the Minnesota Legislature allocated $6 million for cleaning up the Precision Plating site in 2020. The State of Minnesota purchased the property in June 2022 to clean up the site. The first step in this process is to fully understand the extent of contamination. After the initial investigation is complete, we will begin exploring cleanup options.
Health and environmental concerns
The primary chemicals of concern at this site are chlorinated solvents — including trichloroethylene (TCE), cis-dichloroethylene (cis-DCE), and vinyl chloride — in soil, soil vapor, and groundwater. Exposure can affect the immune and reproductive systems, liver, kidneys, and central nervous system, and may affect fetal development during pregnancy. Long term exposures to TCE can increase the risk of kidney cancer and may increase the risk for non-Hodgkin's lymphoma and liver cancer.
Location
The Precision Plating site is located at 230 Girard Avenue North in north Minneapolis. The area consists of mixed residential, commercial and industrial properties.
Project information
The Precision Plating facility operated from 1961 to 2003, but the building was sold when the company liquidated in 2004 due to financial distress. Starting in 2005, the new owner began working with the MPCA's voluntary cleanup program and submitted an investigation work plan, but the investigation wasn't completed. In 2013, the MPCA began investigating the site to determine the extent of the contamination. The site was placed on the Permanent List of Priorities (Minnesota’s Superfund sites list) in 2014.
The main source area is beneath the building where the former solvent storage and degreaser operations were located. The contaminated soil under the building is an ongoing source of groundwater contamination. The contaminated groundwater is flowing east and southeast and has the potential to reach Bassett Creek (approximately 600 feet south of the site). This may also cause vapor-intrusion risks to nearby homes and businesses that are down gradient. Soil contaminated with metals such as nickel, cadmium, and chromium is also a concern.
Next steps
The dilapidated building was demolished and investigation work was conducted in December 2022. We are currently working with our contractor on completing a feasibility study and remedial alternatives analysis, as well as additional investigation work in the fall of 2023.
When the agency identifies the preferred remedial action, we will seek public comment on the decision.
After finalizing the remedial action decision, the MPCA will design and implement the cleanup as well as monitor the soil, groundwater, and soil vapor to verify that cleanup efforts were successful.