Project summary
3M Chemical Operations, LLC (3M) is proposing a project (the Project) to collect surface water upstream of the Abresch Disposal Site (the Site) to reduce polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in stormwater discharge from the Site. The Abresch Disposal Site is the largest of three former disposal sites that comprise the Oakdale Disposal Site, a state and federal superfund site. 3M is working with the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) to remediate soil and groundwater at the Site. The project is proposed to further reduce PFAS impacts to stormwater discharge from the Site.
The proposed project would collect surface water upstream of the Site and divert it in a 0.74-mile-long surface water conveyance pipe to a three-acre flood retention basin, where water would then be re-introduced into the natural flow of the watershed. The conveyance pipe would bypass the Abresch Disposal Site, thus bypassing PFAS detected within the Site. This would reduce the discharge of PFAS in surface water and improve downstream surface water quality in the Twin Cities east metropolitan area.
Record of Decision on Environmental Assessment Worksheet (EAW)
The DNR, as the Responsible Governmental Unit (RGU) for environmental review of the project has issued a Record of Decision (ROD) regarding the Need for an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) for the project.
The DNR has concluded that an EIS is not required because the project does not have the potential for significant environmental effects. The justification for this determination is contained in the ROD. The ROD also contains the Department's responses to all substantive written comments received on the EAW during the 30-day public review and comment period. Public notice of the availability of EAW documents for public comment was in the May 27, 2025, edition of the EQB Monitor.
Issuing this ROD concludes the state environmental review process for this project according to the Minnesota Environmental Quality Board rules, Minnesota Rules, part 4410.1000 to 4410.1700.