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Friday, July 15, 2005 4. The very high levels of benzene in the Twin Lakes area have not been discussed or brought to council's attention so far in the process. How long has the city been aware ofthe high benzene levels? What efforts were made to deal with benzene contamination on other redevelopment sites in Twin Lakes? What studies or data does the city have regarding benzene contamination in Twin Lakes? Staff Response: Benzene was fonnd in the 1994 Arthnr Street cleannp and was very mnch a part of the discussion with the City Council at that time. The Council ap- proved the establishment of a Hazardous Substance Subdistrict (IlA) to assist in that cleanup. The benzene was mitigated with the PCA's oversight and approval. If further benzene is detected through the redevelopment process, the PCA will be the authority to assure that it is cleaned up to the standard requircd for that particular land use proposed. 5.Is clean-up of benzene and TCE (including proper ventilation of buildings) required under the city's redevelopment agreement with Rottlund? If so, how will the city enforce the requirements? What evidence or certification of clean-up is Rottlund required to provide? Staff Response: Clean up of any contamination is reqnired, with PCA oversight and approval, in the development agreement. The evidence of clean up is required to be provided to the state enforcement agency, PCA, not the City. The City does not have the expertise, nor the enforcement jnrisdiction, to make sure that state and federal environmental clean np standards are being achieved. This is the responsi- bility of the PCA. They have been given that responsibility by the US EP A. 6. Is Rottlund participating in the VIC and VPIC programs? If so, what environ- mental testing and clean-up will be required by the MPCA? Has Rottlund filed a development response action plan? Could the staff or council request a report from the MPCA on Rottlund's status and obligations under the VIC and VPIC programs? Staff Response: Yes, Rottlund is part of both the VIC and VPIC programs as evi- denced by their project #'s VP4651. The RAP and DRAP will dictate, witb PCA's approval and conditions, what clean up and oversight will be required. The PCA only issues a "no action letter" or "no relationship determination letter" or "satis- factory clean up, certificate of completion" letter if the site is cleaned up to the PCA's satisfaction. In some cases, the PCA issues a "deed restriction" on sites where further clean up and oversight is needed in the future. This is the determina- tion of the PCA, not the City. 7. What policies/process does the city have in place to monitor and verify that needed environmental clean-up is done in redevelopment projects? Who is cUlTently re- sponsible for evaluating what enviromnental clean-up is required and for verify- ing that clean-up is actually completed to appropriate standards? 7