The Adrian Municipal Well Field sits in Adrian, Minnesota, and once supplied drinking water to the city. Nine leaking underground storage tanks were identified as the source of groundwater contamination. The contamination was serious enough that the State of Minnesota shut down the two most heavily affected municipal wells and arranged alternative water supplies for residents. Two new municipal wells were drilled outside the contaminated area and began operating in 1984 and 1985, restoring the city's water supply.
EPA added the site to the National Priorities List in 1986. The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency took over site responsibility in 1989 and completed cleanup activities. EPA selected a final remedy on September 29, 1989, covering groundwater and source control under Operable Unit 1. That remedy was designated No Further Action, meaning the steps already taken, including closing contaminated wells and installing new ones, were sufficient to address the risk. Physical construction of the cleanup was finished on July 20, 1992.
Contaminated groundwater posed potential health risks through inhalation of airborne contaminants and through ingestion or direct contact with contaminated water. Because alternative drinking water was provided to residents, actual exposure was eliminated. Human exposure is now under control, with no unacceptable exposure pathways remaining. Groundwater migration is also under control, meaning contamination has been stabilized and monitoring continues.
EPA removed the site from the National Priorities List on December 30, 1992. The two new municipal wells continue to serve as Adrian's water supply. The site is not yet cleared for unrestricted use sitewide, as some cleanup goals or land-use restrictions remain to be finalized.
Community members with questions about the site can contact the EPA's Remedial Project Manager.
