06-21-17 JDA Agenda Packet - Laserfiche WebLink

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Ms. Worthington outlined the process that the U.S. and Ramsey County are using for a final closing on the sale and delivery of a deed for the final 30 acres of property, also known as the ‘Dirty 30.’ She explained that the US EPA would not take the necessary regulatory step regarding the groundwater remediation system to have allowed a timely delivery of the deed. The USA and County are using an alternative FOSET (Finding of Suitability of Early Transfer) process to allow for the transfer of the property (the 30 acres) while the status of the groundwater system and treatment of an emerging system and treatment of an emerging contaminant of concern – 1,4-dioxane- is being addressed. The FOSET process requires a 30-day public comment period followed by signature by the US Army and concurrence by the EPA and Governor. Ms. Worthington explained that the public comment period is in May and execution of the FOSET is anticipated by late June. Commissioner McClung asked for additional clarity regarding the Army’s Optimization Study. Ms. Worthington explained that the U.S. Army is completing an optimization study to determine how to best continue to treat the groundwater on the site of the former Twin Cities Army Ammunition Plant. This study is anticipated to be completed in June. The study is being conducted now in response to an emerging contaminant of concern – 1,4-dioxane – that was discovered in the site’s deep groundwater plume in 2015. The Army, Ramsey County, Minnesota Pollution Control Agency, and the cities of St Anthony and New Brighton are actively engaged in the study. Ms. Worthington further explained the continued groundwater treatment does not affect the redevelopment of the land, however it does have an impact the timeline for that development to occur. She stated the Army has agreed that to the extent possible the ground water treatment system will be located in public utility right of way to avoid impacts on future site developments. The results of the optimization study will determine where and how water treatment will occur on the site. The study is needed to finalize the grading plan for the site, which in turn is needed to reach a master development agreement. Ms. Worthington further indicated the timelines for the optimization study and FOSET means that infrastructure construction will be delayed until 2018. Commissioner Grant asked Ms. Worthington why the JDA was hearing this now. Ms. Worthington stated the timeline for the FOSET and optimization study had become increasingly fluid and it became clear that the regulatory requirements and activities of others were now impacting the project schedule. She added the delay was outside of the control of Ramsey County, the City of Arden Hills, and the Joint Development Authority. Ms. Worthington added that a framework approach to the Master Development Agreement was delayed due to the Optimization Study and FOSET. Anticipated delivery of MDA would be later this summer with construction phasing beginning in late 2017-early 2018. The site would ready for residential and commercial development in early 2019. Ms. Worthington stated Ramsey County was continuing its work to improve transportation infrastructure on and around the site to provide the necessary access to the site. This work will continue this summer with construction of a roundabout at County Road I and the county road between County