Site History
Scanlon Reservoir is located downstream of Cloquet, Minnesota and east of Scanlon, Minnesota. Approximately 40 acres in size, the site contains low-energy pools of water, a variety of habitat zones, and the Scanlon hydroelectric dam. Investigations have found elevated concentrations of dioxins and furans widely distributed throughout the reservoir sediments. The sediment remediation project includes a 13.5-acre remedial footprint and will address 55,000 cubic yards of contaminated sediment.
Location
Schedule
The sediment remediation project is being performed by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency through a Great Lakes Legacy Act voluntary partnership. The project will involve new remediation technologies, which include applying a thin layer of activated carbon over contaminated sediments. The activated carbon will bind the contaminants and reduce contaminant uptake by bottom-dwelling organisms, which form the base of the food chain. A 4-6 inch thin-layer of pelletized activated carbon amended with sand will be placed over contaminated sediments in deeper waters of the remedial footprint. A broadcast pelletized activated carbon amendment will be applied in shallower waters. It is anticipated for construction to begin Spring 2022.
Remediation Process
Sediment to be remediated: 13.5 acres (55,000 cubic yards)
Contaminants: Dioxins/Furans
Method: Enhanced Monitored Natural Recovery with Thin-Layer Amended Cover and Broadcast Amendment
When: 2022
Partners: U. S. Environmental Protection Agency and Minnesota Pollution Control Agency
Cost: $10.5 million
Contaminants: Dioxins/Furans
Method: Enhanced Monitored Natural Recovery with Thin-Layer Amended Cover and Broadcast Amendment
When: 2022
Partners: U. S. Environmental Protection Agency and Minnesota Pollution Control Agency
Cost: $10.5 million
Short-term Disruptions
Due to project construction, Scanlon River Park and the St. Louis River Recreational Trail, parking area, and road will be closed to vehicle and pedestrian traffic through 2022.
Community Involvement
Contact U.S. EPA project manager, Meaghan Kern, or MPCA project manager, Steve Schoff, to ask questions about the project.
More Information
Documents
Scanlon Reservoir Sediment Project Fact Sheet (PDF, 2p, 1.4MB) May 2022
Scanlon River Park & Trail Closure Alert (PDF, 1p, 37.6MB) July 2021
Environmental Assessment Worksheet (PDF, 167p, 43.3MB) May 2021
Decision Summary for Scanlon Reservoir (PDF, 11p, 329KB) November 2020
Focused Feasibility Study for Scanlon Reservoir (PDF, 1027p, 40.2MB) June 2020
Stakeholders
U. S. Environmental Protection Agency
Minnesota Pollution Control Agency
Minnesota Power
St. Louis River Alliance
Minnesota Department of Natural Resources
Fond du Lac Band of Lake Superior Chippewa
U.S. Army Corps of Engineers
Scanlon Reservoir Sediment Project Fact Sheet (PDF, 2p, 1.4MB) May 2022
Scanlon River Park & Trail Closure Alert (PDF, 1p, 37.6MB) July 2021
Environmental Assessment Worksheet (PDF, 167p, 43.3MB) May 2021
Decision Summary for Scanlon Reservoir (PDF, 11p, 329KB) November 2020
Focused Feasibility Study for Scanlon Reservoir (PDF, 1027p, 40.2MB) June 2020
Stakeholders
U. S. Environmental Protection Agency
Minnesota Pollution Control Agency
Minnesota Power
St. Louis River Alliance
Minnesota Department of Natural Resources
Fond du Lac Band of Lake Superior Chippewa
U.S. Army Corps of Engineers