TCE

Information Related to the Special Well and Boring Construction Area (SWBCA) and the Baytown Township Groundwater Plume Superfund Site (which includes parts of West Lakeland Township)

Since 1987, the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) and the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) have been actively investigating volatile organic chemical (VOC) contaminants, specifically Trichloroethylene (TCE), in our local groundwater. On May 6, 1988, the MDH issued a "Well Advisory" for parts of Baytown Township and West Lakeland Township, and portions of the cities of Bayport and Lake Elmo, in response to the discovery of this contaminant in some private wells.

This area was soon identified and named as a "Special Well and Boring Construction Area" (SWBCA). This designation placed special restrictions on the construction of new wells within the well advisory boundaries and required that well owners conduct additional water testing prior to completing and placing a well into service. These initial requirements were established to assure that persons are not unknowingly exposed to levels of contamination that exceed health exposure guidelines.

The MPCA continues to guide the overall sampling of private wells in the SWCA and monitors the location of the TCE plume. For more information about MPCA activities, including a detailed site map and a historical account of events, see Baytown Township Groundwater Contamination Site. If more questions persist, please contact Brigitte Hay at 651-757-2497 or brigitte.hay@state.mn.us.

Properties in the SWCA that were platted after April 9, 2002 are governed by a specific township ordinance requiring regular water testing and/or remedial action at the homeowners' expense. Out of courtesy, the township sends reminder letters to those affected residents as needed. The MPCA and MDH work with the township to monitor all test results. For more information on the ordinance or testing timelines, residents may refer to West Lakeland Township Ordinance Section 14 or call the township office (651-436-4773).

At present, the TCE plume has been fairly well-identified and most of the affected residents have been contacted.

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), in cooperation with the MPCA, has taken the lead in the remedial investigation and action plan for the Baytown Township Groundwater Plume Superfund Site (which does include parts of West Lakeland Township). The EPA is currently nearing the end of a 5-year review process of the site. The general public is encouraged to stay informed here: EPA 5 Year Site Review. Residents may submit comments or concerns directly to the EPA by February 19, 2027.

For educational materials related to well management issues or health risks of various groundwater contaminants, please review the following MDH links for information:

Special Well and Boring Construction Areas

General TCE Information

The MDH may also be reached for questions at health.risk@state.mn.us.