Groundwater Modeling and Site Investigation
An environmental investigation--complementary to the sand and gravel environmental review--was launched in September 2008 and focuses on environmental mitigation measures for groundwater and soil quality. The investigations are being performed by Barr Engineering Company.
The investigations will provide information that is key in preparing UMore Park sand and gravel project Environmental Impact Statement.
Groundwater Assessment
The groundwater assessment is focused on groundwater movement. The goal of this study is to define groundwater elevations, flow direction and aquifer properties of the geologic materials under the UMore Park property. The University is committed to study the potential effects of gravel mining on the flow and quality of groundwater. This information is essential to the Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) process currently under way.
The groundwater assessment consists mainly of installing and testing a series of new water wells that are specially designed for groundwater monitoring. The field data collected will then be used to construct a three-dimensional computer model that will allow the University to simulate the proposed operation long before gravel mining activities begin. Work on this project is under way and is expected to be completed in early Summer 2009.
Phase II Site Investigation
The phase II site investigation will be conducted with approval and oversight from the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA). This study is focused on the chemical quality of the soil and groundwater near seven “sites of concern” that have been identified to be in or near the proposed UMore Mining Area. The study is intended to provide information on the extent and magnitude of soil and groundwater that may have been potentially affected by current or previous operations. This information will be used to determine which areas may require special management in accordance with applicable environmental statutes and regulations.
The sites of concern were identified using historical information, as well as results of previous studies conducted at UMore Park. The current investigation will consist mainly of soil observations and sampling from excavated test trenches. In addition, numerous soil sample probes will be advanced to collect soil and groundwater samples. The MPCA is currently reviewing the “Phase II Investigation Work Plan” prepared for the University by Barr Engineering. It is expected that field work will begin in Spring 2009.
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