2015.12.02 EDC Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

information for future actions the EDC may be asked to take concerning development within New Brighton Exchange. Gundlach explained in September, the EDC met with Ryan Companies, Colliers, and Barr Engineering concerning development on the east side of Old Highway 8 NW in New Brighton Exchange. Block B is the largest block on the east side of Old Highway 8 NW and fronts the intersection of Interstates 694 and 35W. The biggest constraint with Block B is the presence of dump materials and the technical and regulatory challenges related to the dump. One of the recommendations that came out of the September meeting was to report back on the development of a conceptual Response Action Plan (RAP) for submittal to the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA). The biggest concern is that Ryan and Colliers will market the site but the MPCA won't approve a RAP to develop it. There is a belief that advancing a RAP for an development (even though we don't have one) will motivate the MPCA to make decisions on the parameters under which they'll allow development on Block B (or not). This will also allow Ryan and Colliers to move forward with their marketing efforts and have faith the MPCA will provide the necessary approvals. No progress has been made on this effort because of the following: 1) Ryan Companies has been focusing all their efforts of the development prospect of Streamworks for Block D (see below discussion on Block D), and 2) The City is facing elevated methane readings at one dump monitoring point and prior to advancing a RAP for Block B, staff feels efforts should be focused on a resolution the MPCA will accept in order to reduce these levels. Staff feels advancing a RAP at this point will not position the City to receive favorable feedback on the developability of Block B. Gundlach stated regarding the elevated methane concern, this issue lies with one monitoring point located on the adjacent CSI parcel, vent VM -5A (a map was provided to aid in the discussion). Vent VM -5 existed in the area prior to the CSI development, but had to be abandoned during construction of CSI. Vent VM -5 never emitted elevated methane readings. Once CSI was complete VM -5 was replaced with VM -5A. There are several theories regarding what is causing the current elevated readings, including: Construction disturbance increased methane production in this area and it will take time for it to dissipate. • CSI's building foundation is this area consisted of geopiers because there were wetland -type soils at depth. Wetland type soils produce soil gases and act as a path of least resistance so digging into them could have resulted in the elevated readings. • Pavement of a road between the dump and CSI's building could have trapped methane in the area of VM -5A. Gundlach explained staff was working with Barr Engineering, who is preparing a scope of work letter outlining a path forward on resolving this issue. The MPCA is aware of the issue, and while they are concerned, they have signaled to the City that we can take the necessary time to determine the best course of action moving forward. Most importantly, CSI's building is not impacted by the elevated readings at VM -5A, which is directly adjacent to their building foundation. This is confirmed through multiple samples taken at six stack points on their roof, which are tied to their vapor intrusion system. If fact, all samples detected no methane. Also a signal the MPCA isn't overly concerned is that Ryan Companies has requested a RAP Implementation Approval/No Further Action letter to close out the CSI project and the MPCA is signaling they will provide this. Once staff better understands how we intend to move forward to correct this issue, this information will be forwarded to the EDC. For now, staff is recommending we hold -off on development of a RAP for Block B until we have devised a corrective plan for the elevated methane at VM -5A.