Since 1978, Barr has provided complete CERCLA-related services to Joslyn Manufacturing Company at its former wood-treating facility in Brooklyn Center, Minnesota. This 30-acre site was used to treat utility poles with creosote and pentachlorophenol and was ranked 44 on the EPA’s National Priority List. Barr completed extensive investigations and feasibility studies at the site; sampled surface soils, sediments, vapor, groundwater, and surface water; conducted a human-health risk assessment; and completed several remedial actions. Soil remediation has been completed using an onsite land treatment unit, and the majority of the site has been redeveloped for light industrial use. Remediation of wetland soils on the site’s lakeside is currently being planned.
To address groundwater contamination, Barr designed, implemented, and has since operated a groundwater pumpout system and recovered dense nonaqueous-phase liquids (DNAPL). The system has significantly reduced the extent of the groundwater contamination so that it no longer extends off-site and has successfully prevented contamination from migrating to the lower aquifer or to nearby surface water bodies. Since operations began, we have recovered more than 17,500 gallons of DNAPL and removed over 85 tons of wood treating chemicals. Through regular system maintenance, monitoring, groundwater modeling, and routine checks, we have reduced the pumping network and volume, resulting in operations and maintenance cost savings while preserving system effectiveness.