Itasca EcoIndustrial Park
Location: Grand Rapids, MN
Clients: Itasca Economic Development Corporation and City of Grand Rapids Economic Development Authority
Services: Contamination investigation and Response Action Plan development
Year: 2009-Present
In 2009, the Itasca Economic Development Corporation (IEDC) purchased the abandoned Ainsworth facility for future development as the Itasca EcoIndustrial Park. The site had been used by a manufacturer of oriented-strand board for more than 30 years. After IEDC purchased the site, they obtained a grant for contamination investigation and Response Action Plan (RAP) development through the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED), in cooperation with the City of Grand Rapids Economic Development Authority.
We were retained to conduct the contaminant investigation, including completion of a Phase II environmental site investigation. The Phase II report and RAP were submitted to the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency for approval. Our work included soil borings and evaluation of contamination in soil, groundwater and concrete. We also conducted facility inspections for asbestos, lead paint and other potential hazardous building materials, and evaluated remediation costs associated with implementing the RAP. Our assistance to IEDC and the City included applying for cleanup grants through DEED and the federal government, and working collaboratively on other site issues, such as the evaluation of a closed bark landfill on the property.