12-01-25 JDA WS - Laserfiche WebLink

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gravel pit on the Arden Hills Army Training Site (AHATS) where it infiltrates back into the ground. Director Mitchell explained when the Army sold 427 acres of land to Ramsey County in 2013, the property still included a variety of infrastructure, buildings, and equipment related to the past uses of the site. Some of those remaining site attributes, such as rail lines, sewer lines, buildings, and roads were demolished and removed by Ramsey County after acquisition. Other minor ancillary items that still remain, such as power poles, will be removed or relocated as necessary as part of the site preparation work. At the time of land transfer, it was understood that Building 116 was a component of the necessary existing site infrastructure that was to remain. Future development plans were expected to accommodate this infrastructure. Larina DeWalt, Ramsey County, reviewed a slideshow, shared photos of Building 116, commented on development considerations and asked for comments or question from the JDA. Commissioner Jebens-Singh asked if the building had to be moved for emissions purposes. Ms. DeWalt reported there were no concerns raised by regulators or the Army that the building had to be moved due to emissions. She indicated the emissions have been consistently below the levels of health risk as indicated by the EPA and MPCA, along with the implementation of the SGRS system. Commissioner Jebens-Singh inquired how often the emissions were tested. Ms. DeWalt explained the Army was required to test the emissions twice a year. Commissioner Jebens-Singh questioned if testing would have to be conducted prior to the construction of the spine road. Ms. DeWalt stated this would be done. She indicated the MPCA, EPA and Army were all aware of the timeline and proposed schedules for the spine road infrastructure project. Further discussion ensued regarding the potential of installing a heat pump as a potential district-wide heating and cooling source for the Rice Creek Commons development. Director Mitchell indicated the County would like to have an overall plan for the potential district-wide heat source and the plans for Building 116 prior to approaching the Army. She explained she was uncertain if the Army would allow the development to capture the energy if Building 116 were moved. Ms. DeWalt reviewed the cost and timeline for a feasibility study noting the cost was estimated to be $50,000 to $250,000 depending on the depth of the study. She indicated a study of this type would require multi-agency coordination and could delay the development of Rice Creek Commons. She commented further on the complexity of putting a district wide energy system in place and how numerous lines and wells would be impacted. She noted she has been working with the Army for the past nine to twelve months on this infrastructure project to determine what can and cannot be moved.