ANNOUNCEMENTS AND KEY TOPICS
EPA is providing a notice regarding its proposed finding that no historic properties or cultural resources will be affected by a proposed pilot test and potential full-scale Air Sparge/Soil Vapor Extraction (AS/SVE) system to address petroleum contamination on property adjacent to the former Tower Standard gasoline service. AS/SVE systems are often used to remove contamination from solvents and gasoline, located above and below the water table.
In consultation with the Lac du Flambeau Band (Band), EPA has identified the area around the site as a potentially eligible Traditional Cultural Property (TCP), an area of cultural, historic, traditional, and religious significance where resource gathering has occurred, does currently occur and which remains culturally significant to the Band.
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers conducted an archeological assessment, which concluded that the placement of AS/SVE extraction wells, monitoring wells, or other activities that may be required across the site for pilot test and potential full-scale project, will have no adverse impact to the to the TCP or other historic properties. EPA agrees and has notified the Band of its finding.
EPA invites the public to provide comments on the proposed No Adverse Effects finding under the NHPA from September 29 to October 29, 2020, by mail or email to:
• Robert Egan, Project Manager, U.S. EPA Region 5, Land, Chemicals and Redevelopment Division (mail code LR-17J), 77 W. Jackson Blvd., Chicago, IL 60604, egan.robert@epa.gov.
BACKGROUND
EPA has been working with Lac du Flambeau Band of Lake Superior Chippewa Indians and the State of Wisconsin to address petroleum contamination from previously removed leaking underground storage tanks at the Tower Standard/Haskell Lake site.
The former Tower Standard gasoline service station is located on the north end of Haskell Lake, southeast of the intersection of County Road D and State Highway 70. The gas service and auto repair station was established in the 1940’s and operated through the 1990s. Following detection of contaminated well water, the station closed, and in 1997 the leaking underground storage tanks were removed.
The State of Wisconsin sponsored a Leaking Underground Storage Tank (LUST) corrective action in the area; and the EPA, the Lac du Flambeau Band, and the State have sponsored several sampling efforts.
