Kurt Manufacturing Co.

Overview

Kurt Manufacturing Co. is a 10-acre precision machining and metal fabrication facility in Fridley, Minnesota that has operated since 1960. An industrial solvent spill beneath a metal shavings bin storage area contaminated soil and groundwater below the site. EPA added the site to the National Priorities List in June 1986, and cleanup work continues today under both federal and Minnesota state oversight.

Three contaminants of concern have been identified at the site: 1,2-dichloroethene (in both cis and trans forms), tetrachloroethene, and trichloroethene. All three are chlorinated solvents found in both soil and groundwater. EPA has determined that human exposure is not currently under control, meaning unsafe contamination levels have been detected and people could reasonably come into contact with them. Groundwater migration is stabilized, and there is no unacceptable discharge to surface water.

The site is divided into three operable units. A state-led unit selected its cleanup remedy in May 1986, with construction completed in September 1995. Long-term response activities under state oversight began that same month and are estimated to run through late 2028. A separate EPA-led unit began a combined remedial investigation and feasibility study in May 2014, with a final remedy decision and long-term response action both targeted for completion between September and November 2028. To address vapor intrusion concerns, responsible parties have installed a mitigation system that vents contaminated soil gas from beneath the building's foundation slab to keep contaminants out of indoor air. Groundwater monitoring takes place twice a year, in spring and fall.

EPA is currently directing additional investigations to define the full extent of contamination. This work includes an electrical resistivity survey, soil borings, and groundwater well installation and sampling. Soil boring work was scheduled for May and June 2025, with a second phase planned for fall 2025. Once investigations were complete, responsible parties were to submit a feasibility study evaluating cleanup technologies for any remaining contamination. The 2024 Annual Monitoring Report was scheduled to be reviewed and finalized in 2025.

The overall process is expected to take several more years. Despite the ongoing work, the facility remains active, with two on-site businesses employing 176 people and generating roughly $46.1 million in annual sales revenue as of December 2024.

Community members can get involved through the Southwest Fridley Community Advisory Group. A public meeting was held on April 23, 2026 at Fridley City Hall, 7071 University Avenue NE, Fridley. For questions, contact EPA Community Involvement Coordinator Kirstin Safakas or Remedial Project Manager Zack Sasnow.

(NOTE: This summary was created based on all information available on the EPA's official site profile page as of May 29, 2026. As of June 11, 2026, no updates have been provided related to actions scheduled for 2025, including cleanup efforts, annual monitoring, or report releases. The feasibility study and the 2024 Annual Monitoring Report have not been posted. Visit the EPA's official site profile for the most up-to-date information, or contact the EPA Community Involvement Coordinator with questions.)