WPSC Oshkosh MGP Site

March 2009

Plans for investigation of sediment, ground water and soil at six MGP sites began after a legal agreement called a consent order was signed between WPSC and EPA in May 2006. This agreement allows for further investigation of the Oshkosh site. Investigation planning is underway starting with the "completion report" which summarizes all past cleanup work completed under state programs. It also recommends additional work for areas not yet completed. Studies of the site and all remaining contamination will take place this year.

Since Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources oversaw a soil cleanup at Riverside Park in 2002, EPA's studies will focus on ground water and sediment in the nearby Fox River. Visitors to the park this summer may notice teams of workers in protective clothing. They will be using small pieces of equipment to take samples in the river on foot and from boats. This work will not interfere with summer concerts or any other recreational activities at the park and along the riverwalk.

The 2006 agreement also includes five other MGP sites in Green Bay, Manitowoc, Marinette, Stevens Point and Two Rivers, Wisconsin. A separate agreement for another site, WPSC Campmarina MGP in Sheboygan, was signed between WPSC and EPA in January 2007.

Under Wisconsin DNR oversight, various investigations have taken place since the 1990s. In 2002, a cleanup took place which included excavation, thermal treatment and removal of about 23,500 tons of highly contaminated soil and placement of a clean soil cover. Other work included building a barrier wall along the river and a ground-water control system to restrict the flow of contaminated ground water. Routine ground-water monitoring occurs annually.