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FIGURE 1

MINNESOTA HAZARDOUS WASTEDISPOSAL SITES

•CALK 1 - 4 0 MILE•tllMltad

EPA Regwn 5 Records Ctr.

11111111232045

METHODOLOGY

HISTORICAL AERIAL PHOTOGRAPHY

In order to develop a record of historical activity and physical changes occur-

ring at the FMC and Burlington Northern study areas, archival aerial photography was

required. In all cases, available photography was panchromatic (black and white) and

relatively small scale (1:15,000 to 1:40,000). While these characteristics are not

always ideal for photo interpretation of hazardous waste sites, such historical

coverage dating from the mid-19301s is obtainable from various federal and state

agencies.

CURRENT AERIAL PHOTOGRAPHY

New aerial photography was acquired to provide sufficient area coverage to pho-

tograph each site in one aircraft pass but at a scale with sufficient photographic

detail to enable accurate and useful information to be extracted from the photog-

raphy. Current photography of the three sites was acquired with a Zeiss RMK metric,

(9- by 9-inch) format aerial mapping camera equipped with a 6-inch lens and a haze

reduction, antivignetting filter. A flying height of 3,000 feet above ground level

(AGL) resulted in a nominal contact image scale of 1:6,000 (1 inch equals 500 feet),

and cross-track ground coverage of 4f500 feet per exposure. The total number of

exposures along each flight line was planned to provide full stereoscope coverage at

60 percent forward overlap of each site or study area as defined on maps provided by

EPA. The Ironwood Landfill required two stereo models for photo analysis, while FMC

and Burlington Northern required three each. The maximum stereo model at a 500-foot

scale (1:6,000) covered slightly more than 1,900 acres. Color positive film (Kodak

Aerochrome MS" 2448) was used for recent coverage because of its excellent color

rendition, good image quality, and resolution at low-to-medium altitudes. Table 1

provides specifications of both current and historical photography stereoscopically

examined for this report.

TABLE 1. HISTORICAL AND CURRENT PHOTOGRAPHY SPECIFICATIONS

Acquisition Nominal

Image

Quality

FMC

(45°3.0'

Site Figure

N, 93°16.5'W) 3

4

5

6

Date Scale

10/28/53*

7/23/64

8/15/80

10/22/82

*

*

1

1

1

1

:20

:20

:40

:6,

,000

,000

,000

000

Data

BW

BW

BW

neg

neg

neg

Color

Type &

trans

trans

trans

pos trans

Utility

2

2

3

1

Source

ASCS

ASCS

ASCS

EPA

Burlington Northern

(46°21.1'N, 94-13.5'W) 10/10/39 1:20,000

6/09/69 1:20,000

8/04/78 1:15,840

10/22/82 1:6,000

BW neg trans 3 NARS

BW neg trans 2 ASCS

BW IR pos trans 1 HURD

Color pos trans 1 EPA

Ironwood Landfill

(43°37.3'N, 92"22.6'W) 10/16/82 1:6,000 Color pos trans EPA

•Enlarged prints presented in report.

Data Type: BW - black and white

BW IR - black and white infrared

neg trans - negative film transparency

pos trans - positive film transparency

Image Quality and Utility: 1-Excellent, 2-Good, 3-Fair

Source: ASCS - U.S. Agricultural Stabilization and

Conservation Service, Salt Lake City, Utah

EPA - U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Las Vegas, Nevada

NARS - U.S. National Archives and Record Service, Washington, D.C.

HURD - Hark Hurd Aerial Surveys, Minneapolis, Minnesota

AERIAL PHOTOGRAPHIC ANALYSIS

Photo analysis of color positive transparencies was carried out on a light table

equipped with a Bausch and Lomb zoom stereoscope. This instrument has a continuously

variable magnification capability to allow the image analyst to view the photography

at the best possible magnification for observing image detail. Black and white film

negatives were printed (either contact or enlarged) and prints examined with a pocket

lens stereoscope or on a scanning mirror stereoscope. The use of forward overlapping

stereo photography is valuable for site analysis because of the added dimension of

verticality (height) and relief not available in ordinary monoscopic (direct visual)

examination.

In addition to stereoscopically distinguishing and identifying various shapes,

tones, textures, and colors which lead to the interpretation of ground activity, the

objectives of aerial photographic analysis in this study involved the following:

1) An initial documentation of on-the-ground conditions without reference to, or bias

from, background information. This step involved a straightforward, reconnaissance

"reading" of the film data. Information thus derived is synoptic, single source, and

provides a unique view of the problem. 2) Uncovering new information. Previously

unsuspected information may be derived from the photography. Such information may

alter or enhance remedial strategies, expanding the scope of study of the problem.

3) Highlighting important spatial relationships. The environmental pathways between

a hazardous waste disposal area and adjacent resources such as surface waters, crops,

vegetation, residences, and other environmentally sensitive areas can be assessed.

Potential threats to public health as a function of residential proximity to a site

may be gauged. 4) Developing the site's operational and physical history. In

addition to providing a clear indication of a site's activity through time (disposal

practices, types of waste, and expansion areas), historical photographs can remove

the "disguise" of current land use and uncover the source of environmental problems.

5) Graphically display a compendium of pertinent ancillary environmental information.

This approach seeks to integrate valuable and detailed field data with remote sensor

data to produce a thorough and in-depth hazardous waste site assessment.

PHOTO ANALYSIS

PMC CORPORATION

Background

The FMC Corporation, formerly the Northern Pump Company, reportedly disposed of

hazardous waste on the company property in Fridley, Minnesota, from the early 1950s

to the early 1970s. The property is located adjacent to the Mississippi River

(Figure 2). Wastes were disposed of at two locations, including an 11-acre unlined

landfill. Wastes consisted of solvents, paint sludges, and plating wastes. Records

indicate that solvents and sludge were dumped directly into unlined pits and burned

or buried.

Three groundwater wells used by FMC for drinking and processing were found to be

contaminated. The cities of Fridley and Brooklyn Center withdraw drinking water from

the contaminated aquifer. Groundwater also discharges into the Mississippi River,

which serves as the water supply for the city of Minneapolis, 800 feet downstream of

FMC property. The surface drinking water supply is contaminated.

Contaminants found in the groundwater include: trichloroethylene; dichloro-

ethylene; tetrachloroethylene; methylene chloride; 1,1 and 1,2 dichloroethane; tri-

chloroetehane; acetone benzene; 1,2 trans-dichloroethylene; and bis-(2-ethyhexy1)

phthalate. Trichloroethylene has been found in the city of Minneapolis surface

drinking water supply. (The preceding information was excerpted from, "Hazardous

Waste Site Descriptions - Proposed Superfund Priorities List," U.S. Environmental

Protection Agency, Office of Solid Waste and Emergency Response, Washington, D.C.,

December 1982.) EPA has rated FMC Corporation the number one hazardous waste site in

the United States, in terms of its score developed in a health and environmental

threat model.

Analysis Summary

Aerial photographic analysis spanned 30 years, covering 1953, 1964, 1980, and

1982. Analysis concentrated on locating and identifying historical waste disposal

areas on the FMC site, tracing their development through time, then re-establishing

the approximate limits of disposed wastes on recent aerial coverage. Potentiometric

data (provided by EPA) is presented to augment that acquired by remote sensing in an

attempt to establish a spatial relationship between local subsurface hydrology and

the FMC dumping grounds.

By 1953 and possibly as early as 1950, FMC (then Northern Pump Company) was

engaged in waste disposal south of the main plant. A pit and three distinct landfill

areas covering slightly more than 4 acres were in operation south of an open,, fenced

area. A well defined access way from the main plant through the plant parking area

to the dumping ground appeared tcrbe at least one possible vehicle disposal route.

By 1964 a second pit apparently containing solid waste had been excavated in the

dumping ground. Evidence of a recently graded nearby landfill surface was also

noted. By 1980 there was no indication of waste disposal activity, inferred to have

ended around 1970 based on aerial photographic analysis. Reconstruction of the total

area occupied by disposed wastes during the study period on the 1982 photograph

indicated approximately 3 acres were affected by dumping. The eastern edge of this

disposal area lies less than 50 feet west of an abandoned rail bed traversing the

dumping ground. The potentiometric surface of groundwater in the vicinity of the

dumping ground suggests that groundwater recharge to the Mississippi River may be

threatened by past waste disposal practices at the FMC site.

October 28, 1953, Pit and Landfills Present

Figure 3 presents the earliest view of the FMC Corporation (Northern Pump

Company in 1953). On this date there were three individual areas of fill deposition,

a pit with the excavated material piled outside, and a suspected pile of solid waste

debris possibly prepared for burial in the pit. Three individual vehicular ways have

been established into the fill and pit areas.

Fill Area 1 consists of a very dark to almost black, thinly spread material

covering approximately 49,000 square feet (1.1 acres). It is deposited in an

elongated, north-south trending fill body terminating abruptly adjacent to the

Minneapolis Anoka and Cayuna Railroad passing just to the west. There appears

to be a similar but less concentrated deposit between the east side of Fill -

Area 1 and the abandoned rail bed.

Fill Area 2 consists of a much lighter toned material apparently spread in 2 or

3 thin layers. It is distributed from a contact zone with Fill Area 1 on the south,

along the rail bed on the east, and to within 100 feet of a fence line on the north.

Two vehicular ways reach into the south and central portions of the landfill and a

return loop way provides access on the north. Fill Area 2 covers approximately

125,000 square feet (2.8 acres). Inside Area 2 is a pit approximately 100 feet wide

and 10 to 20 feet deep. The excavated material is piled adjacent to the pit on the

southwest side. On the northeast side is a small pile of mounded material suspected

to be solid waste prepared for disposal into the pit. Fill Area 3 consists of a

whitish-toned material of slight blocky texture piled adjacent to the fence. Area 3

covers approximately 8,800 square feet (0.2 acre).

Based on aerial photographic analysis of the road layout within the FMC fa c i l i t y

and the relationship of the dumping ground to that layout, the following scenario may

be an plausible representation of waste disposal handling at FMC.

Vehicles exiting the plant buildings on a variety of roads using the facility

could proceed to the south side of the plant, passing through the first fence gate

and guardhouse. From there, travel would continue on the road leading south through

the parking area to another access gate providing passage to the open area south ofthe parking area. After passing through a third gate, traffic could then leave thefenced open area and enter the dumping grounds. Approximately 185 feet after passingthis last gate, access ways split off the haul road from the plant, then run east to

the landfills and pit. Also noted in the photography is evidence of traffic entering

the dumping ground from a turnoff on East River Road, crossing the rail line adjacenttc» the road's east side.

10

I

August 23, 1964, New Pit in Dumping Ground

In the 11-year interim since the last photo date, Fill Areas 1, 2, and 3 appear

to have been covered and abandoned (Figure 4). The outline of Fill Area 1 is intact

but the dark coloration visible in 1953 is missing. This area has also been recently

graded. Some bare soil surfaces are evident associated with Area 3 but there is no

evidence of continued waste disposal. The surface of Area 2 is slightly irregular

but appears to be completely inactive. The pit area noted in 1953 has also been

filled. A completely new pit, however, has been excavated in the southeastern corner

of old Pill Area 1. A small quantity of mounded material is piled at the northeast

corner. The pit is approximately 135 feet long, 40 feet wide, and 10 to 20 feet

deep. Although the floor is covered with a rough-textured material, its exact nature

is unknown. Close stereoscopic analysis indicates the pit rim and sidewalls have a

sharp, freshly cut appearance, suggesting it may have been recently dug. That direc-

tion of the unimproved vehicular ways leading into the dumping grounds have been re-

oriented from west-east in 1953 to south-southeast in 1964, reflecting a new focus of

waste disposal activity into the pit. A truck, possibly moving from the FMC plant to

the dump, is also noted in the photography.

12

13

September 15, 1980, Cessation of Disposal Activity

Approximately 16 years since the last photo date, the dumping ground has been

abandoned. Vegetation has recovered Fill Areas 1, 2, and 3 and the two pits observed

in 1953 and 1964 (Figure 5). An area of residual bare soil and a terminated vehicu-

lar way are the only remaining indications of former site activity. The smooth pho-

tographic tone and texture suggest that ground cover has been reestablished at the

site for at least 2 years and possibly as many as 5. Based on the highly active

appearance of the dumping ground in 1964 (Figure 5), a reasonable closure date is

inferred to be around 1970 or somewhat later.

14

October 22, 1982, Obscured Dumping Areas Re-Defined

In late 1982 the dumping ground had the same general appearance that it did in

mid-1980, except for the presence of a variety of vehicles and equipment (drill rig,

front-end loader, flat-bed trailer, backhoe) presumably on the site in preparation

for test excavations (Figure 6).

Outlined on overlay 1 are the limits of historical landfilling and pit excava-

tion observed in the 1953 and 1964 photography. Total area occupied by the 3 fill

areas and the 2 pits is approximately 130,000 square feet (3 acres). The eastern

limit of dumping lies less than 50 feet from the abandoned rail bed.

Overlay 2 depicts the potentiometric groundwater surface in the vicinity.of the

dumping ground. (The isolevels were transferred from a map supplied by EPA and

represent very close approximations of their positions on that map.) The contours

indicate a groundwater high occurs just west of the FMC-Burlington Northern property

line, then slopes generally west, where is reaches a local base level of approxi-

mately 800 feet above sea level near the Mississippi River shoreline. Assuming the

dump-land surface is almost 835 feet elevation, groundwater would move east to west

at a depth of approximately 25 feet near the FMC-BN property line, to a depth of 35

feet near the Mississippi River. Approximate depth to groundwater along a north-

south axis passing roughly through the center of Fill Areas 1 and 2 is 26 feet.

Based on aerial photographic repositioning of the dumping sites using optical combi-

nation techniques and broad interpretation of local subsurface hydrologic maps,

groundwater recharge to the Mississippi River appears to be threatened by past waste

disposal practices at the FMC site.

16

DESCRIPTION

FMC CORPORATION

FRIDLEY, MINNESOTA

Map Reference: USGS Topographic Quadrangle: Minneapolis North, Minnesota: 1:24,000

Geographic Coordinates: 45°03'00"N 093°16'30"W

Legal Location: County Hennepin Township 30N Range 24W Section 27

EPA ID No.: MND 006481543

The FMC Corporation, formerly the Northern Pump Company, disposed of hazardous

waste on the company property in Fridley, Minnesota, from the early 1950s to the

early 1970s. The property is located adjacent to the Mississippi River. Wastes were

disposed of at two locations, one consisting of an 11-acre unlined landfill. Wastes

consisted of solvents, paint sludges, and plating wastes. Records indicate that

solvents and sludge were dumped directly into unlined pits and burned or buried.

Three groundwater wells used by FMC for drinking and processing were found to be

contaminated. The cities of Fridley and Brooklyn Center withdraw drinking water from

the contaminated aquifer. Groundwater also discharges into the Mississippi River,

which serves as the water supply for the city of Minneapolis, 800 feet downstream of

FMC property. The surface drinking water supply is contaminated.

Contaminants found in the groundwater include: trichloroethylene; dichloro-

ethylene; tetrachloroethylene; methylene chloride; 1,1 an 1,2 dichloroethane;

trichloroethane; acetone benzene; 1,2 trans-dichloroethylene; and bis-(2-ethyhexyl)

phthalate. Trichloroethylene has been found in the city of Minneapolis surface

drinking water supply.

64

65

66