Res 2017-14 Columbia Arena EAW
RESOLUTION NO. 2017-14
A RESOLUTION ORDERING A NEGATIVE DECLARATION ON
THE COLUMBIA ARENA AREA REDEVELOPMENT
ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT WORKSHEET (EAW)
WHEREAS, the City of Fridley has prepared an EAW for the proposed Columbia Arena Area
Redevelopment; and
WHEREAS, the City has received and responded to comments on the EAW; and
WHEREAS, the City has prepared a Record of Decision, which is attached as EXHIBIT A.
NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of Fridley, Minnesota:
1.The Record of Decision for the Columbia Arena Area Redevelopment is accepted and
approved.
2.A Negative Declaration for the Columbia Arena Area Redevelopment Environmental
Assessment Worksheet is ordered and an Environmental Impact Statement shall not be
required.
PASSED AND ADOPTED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF FRIDLEYTHIS
TH
24 DAY OF APRIL 2017.
____________________________________
SCOTT J. LUND - MAYOR
ATTEST:
_________________________________
DEBRA A. SKOGEN - CITY CLERK
EXHIBIT A
DATE:April 25, 2017
TO:Parties on the EQB EAW Distribution List
Other Interested Persons
FROM: Walter Wysopal
City Manager
City of Fridley
SUBJECT: Columbia Arena Area Redevelopment Project
Recordof Decision on Environmental Assessment Worksheet (EAW)
The City of Fridley (City), as the Responsible Governmental Unit (RGU), for the
environmental review of the Columbia Arena Area Redevelopment project has issued the
attached Record of Decision regarding the Need for an Environmental Impact Statement
(EIS) for the project.
The City has concluded that an EIS is not required because the project does not have the
potential for significant environmental effects. The rationale for this determination is
provided in the Record of Decision. The Record of Decision also provides the City’s
responses to all substantive comments received on the EAW during the 30-day public
comment period.
Issuing this Record of Decision concludes the City’s environmental review process for this
project according to the Minnesota Environmental Quality Board rules, Minnesota Rules, part
4410.1000 to 4410.1700. This project can now proceed to permitting and approvals.
Attachment: Columbia Arena Area Redevelopment April 25, 2017 Record of Decision
City of Fridley
Findings of Fact and Record of Decision
Environmental Assessment Worksheet for:
Columbia Arena Area Redevelopment
April 25, 2017
Proposer: City of Fridley
Responsible Government Unit:
City of Fridley Contact Person:
Contact Person:Scott Hickok, Community Development
Walter Wysopal, City Manager Director
City of Fridley City of Fridley
6431 University Ave. NE 6431 University Ave. NE
Fridley, MN 55432 Fridley, MN 55432
Phone: (763) 572-3500 Phone: (763) 572-3590
Email:wally.wysopal@fridleymn.govEmail:scott.hickok@fridleymn.gov
1.Background
The City of Fridley (City) is proposing to redevelop approximately 33 acres within the
th
city limits along University Avenue Northeast and 69 Avenue. The project site
includes the former Columbia Ice Arena, current City Public Works Garage, and a
portion of park property. The project includes a new municipal center, public works
facility, and residential housing. A complete description of the project was included in
the environmental assessment worksheet (EAW).
An EAW was prepared for the project and placed on public review in May 16, 2016
and June 14, 2016. Since that time, the City has refined the project design and
continued to finish additional studies and coordination with agencies about the
project, including evaluation of traffic and modifications to the existing regional trail
connection. Due to this additional information and coordination, the May 2016 EAW
was updated to address design changes and previous public comments. The revised
EAW was on public review from March 13, 2017 to April 12, 2017.
2. Environmental Review
A mandatory environmental assessment worksheet (EAW) was required under
Minnesota Rules 4410.4300, subpart 19(D) – Residential development. The City of
Fridley is the Responsible Government Unit (RGU) and prepared an EAW according to
Environmental Quality Board (EQB) rules with assistance from Wenck, Inc.
3. EAW Notification and Distribution
Notice of availability of the EAW was published in the EQB Monitor on March 13,
2017. A press release was published in the Sun Focus and also posted on the City’s
website, www.ci.fridley.mn.us, where a copy of the EAW was available for download.
Copies of the EAW were sent to the appropriate parties on the EQB Distribution List,
dated February 2017. The 30-day comment period ended at 4:30 pm on April 12,
2017.
4. Comments Received and Responses to Comments
During the two public comment periods, eight (8) comment letters were received.
The comment letters are provided as Attachment 1. Table 1 provides a list of the
entities that commented on the EAW, a summary of their comments, and responses
to each comment. A public hearing was held during the first public review of the EAW
on May 23, 2016. The City Council meeting minutes are included as Attachment 2.
Attachment 3 provides two response letters submitted to State Historic Preservation
Office (SHPO) and the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA).
Њ
Please see Response to Comment
completed. A follow up phone call
The City sent a letter to SHPO on site. The City will coordinate with
information the City provided, an
permits that may be required for
land use at the site and previous
archaeological survey of the site
within the vicinity of the project
March 27, 2017 describing past
SHPO would be
The City will continue to work
with the MnDOT on proposed
with SHPO on April 18, 2017
indicating that based on the
MnDOT on any approvals or
improvements to roadways
sending a follow up letter
Ћ
studies that have been
project construction.
was no longer being
recommended.
indicated that
Response
A1.
Recommendation of a Phase 1
be documented as previously
for survey if project area can
forward, more detailed plans
ry for review
We will reconsider the need
Standards for Identification
surveyed or disturbed. Any previous survey work must
Design - as project moves
Secretary of the Interior's
meeting requirements of
Comment Summary
Archaeological survey
meet contemporary
and Evaluation.
will be necessa
standards.
Scheffing
Beimers Beimers
Name
Last
Name
Karen
Table 1: Summary of Comments and Responses
SarahSarah
First
Minnesota Minnesota
HistoricalHistorical
MnDOT
SocietySociety
Entity
Comment 5/24/2016 5/24/2016
6/2/2016
Date of
Comment
ID
121
Letter
AAB
Please see Response to Comment The EAW was revised to include a
ons and updated
modifications. The updated EAW,
dated March 2017, reflects those
the December 2015 and January
Subsequent to the comments in
with MnDOT on access control.
ail alignment.
2016 MnDOT correspondence,
figure showing the conceptual
The City will continue to work
sed the traffic
site plan with the Rice Creek
study to reflect those design
the City modified its project
Ќ
Comment noted.
design modificati
West Regional Tr
design and revi
traffic study.
Response
B2.
on MN47 at 71st Ave. MnDOT
the review of plans within 30
access for this development.
regarding emergency access
MnDOT's goal is to complete Before an EIS determination
electronically can usually be
reviewed request for access
regional trail corridor of the
In December 2015, MnDOT
access to Trunk Hwy 47 at
depicting the layout of the
description in item 6 must
add a conceptual site plan
location and will not grant
has access control at that
Rice Creek West Regional
proposed location of 71st proposed development in
MnDOT owns all rights of
December 15, 2015 and
January 12, 2016 letter
relation to the existing
turned around faster.
Comment Summary
days. Submittals sent
is made, the project
Comments from the
are still in effect.
Trail.
Ave.
Youngquist
Scheffing Scheffing Scheffing
Name
Last
Name
Karen Karen Karen
First
Jan
MnDOT MnDOT MnDOT Council
Entity
Metro
Comment 6/13/2016
6/2/2016 6/2/2016 6/2/2016
Date of
Comment
ID
2341
Letter
BBBC
Please see Response to Comment
Minnesota Department of Natural
the City of Fridley, the EAW was
Following a meeting held March
impacts to the Rice Creek West
entities to discuss the potential
Resources, Anoka County, and
provided an opportunity for all
measures were being taken to
2, 2017 with the Met Council,
impacts to the trail and what
ude additional
Regional Trail. The meeting
details regarding potential
Ѝ
minimize those impacts.
revised to incl
Response
C2.
displacement of trail by storm
The EAW indicates that under Creek. They are administered
the Rice Creek West Regional
requirement that the trail be
to the metropolitan Regional
trail, nor does it identify any
displacement of the regional
County has received Federal
plans to mitigate the impact
acknowledge in this section.
Creek Trail as mitigation for
In figure 8, the stormwater Trail may be required to be
stormwater basin on top of
Amendment for Rice Creek
the development scenario,
water basin, a Master Plan Funds for a portion of Rice
by DNR and include that a
park/land/open space will
approved by Metropolitan
proposes reroute of Rice
Trail. The EAW does not
Please note that Anoka
plan shows a proposed
address the impacts of reduce by 7.7 acres. If
Comment Summary Council and should be
development concept
the net change in
Parks System
YoungquistYoungquist
Name
Last
Name
First
JanJan
Council Council
Entity
MetroMetro
Comment 6/13/2016 6/13/2016
Date of
Comment
ID
23
Letter
CC
Please see Response to Comment The EAW was revised to include a
comprehensive plan amendment
The EAW was revised to include
ail alignment.
figure showing the conceptual
site plan with the Rice Creek
text regarding a required
Ў
West Regional Tr
and updates.
Response
C2.
place for a period of 20 years.
Eric Wojchik The EAW should include a site
the regional trail, Section 8 of
that will be taken to minimize
areas currently designated as
trail is not approved, the trail
concept proposes to re-route
will need to be maintained in
Eric Wojchik EAW should indicate a Comp
Plan Amendment is required
Council review and approval
Any change to original work EAW should reflect this. If a
proposal to reroute regional
funds requires pre-approval
operated and maintained in 2030 Comp Plan. As part of
for land use changes to the
place until 20 yr timeframe
needs to identify measures
plan depicting post-project
done through use of those from DNR. If development
or mitigate project related
effects to displacement of
the 2040 Comp Plan, City
regional trail as a form of
Park use within the City's
provided as a part of this
Additionally, Item 18.5.c
alternate transportation.
for municipal and Metro
Comment Summary
conditions. It was not
has elapsed.
submission.
Jan Youngquist
Name
Last
Name
First
Council Council Council
C 4 6/13/2016 Metro
C 5 6/13/2016 Metro C 6 6/13/2016 Metro
Entity
Comment
Date of
Comment
ID
Letter
implement required mitigation for
City will work with the Rice Creek
Watershed District and USACE to
Wetland Conservation Act (WCA)
permits for the project including
those for wetland impacts (i.e.,
The City will acquire necessary
and USACE Section 404). The
make any necessary project
cations and Џ
wetland impacts.
design modifi
Response
available for development and
fill a natural wetland of record
Conservation Act. Stormwater
development. Any proposal to
parcels have been developed.
site will be mitigated through
proposed impacts to Wetland
should identify parcels within
functional land uses and new
detail for land use categories suggest the water feature be
accordance with MN Wetland
separate the basins for their
provided additional land use
establishing a final basin off-
replacement of lost wetland
Council staff advises City to stormwater pond created in
which new guided land use
proper mitigation involving
land uses planned for City.
replacement wetlands. We
re-designed to specifically
physically separated from
on the site should involve
for those redevelopment
functions and values, in
the center of proposed
components should be
Comment Summary
community remaining
Jim Larsen Document text states
that includes current respective functions,
the creation of the
treatment system
Name
Last
Name
First
Council
C 7 6/13/2016 Metro
Entity
Comment
Date of
Comment
ID
Letter
Please see Response to Comment
potential improvements to public
City will work with the Council to
The City will work with the Met
City of Fridley. As feasible, the
approvals and permits prior to
The City will remain in contact
project construction, including
connecting the project to Met transportation facilities in the
maintain and enhance public
Council to obtain necessary
with Met Council regarding
А
Council infrastructure.
Response
3H.
To assess potential impacts to
need to review, comment and
our Interceptor system, prior
through this project location.
On page 34, applicant states
Transit to improve bus stops
at University/69th and 73rd.
Met Council Interceptor runs
segment of sanitary sewer a need to be submitted to Met
Municipal Services staff will
location map of project will
connection can be made to
City's wastewater disposal
site discharge to adjacent
improvements but cannot
to project initiation, plans
Engineering Manager 651-
they will work with Metro
602-4503 for review and
permit to construct each
Metro Transit is open to
recommend issuance of
application to MPCA for
should be sent to Scott
At the time City makes permit by MPCA before
copy of plan, data and Environmental Service
Comment Summary
Council. The Council's
working with City on
Dentz, Interceptor
Rice Creek.
comment.
system.
Burrows
Name
LarsenLarsen
Last
Name
Kyle
First
Jim Jim
Council Council Council
Entity
MetroMetroMetro
Comment 6/13/2016 6/13/2016 6/13/2016
Date of
Comment
10
ID
89
Letter
CCC
forecasts during The City is aware of the potential
the comprehensive plan update. the comprehensive plan update.
housing in the City, and will take
The City will work with RCWD to
obtain any necessary approvals
that into account as needed for
implications of the project on
and permits prior to project
transportation in the City.
Б
The City will use
construction.
Response
Forecasts are not discussed in
helpful information to include.
2021-2030 decade would also
submittal of their 2040 Comp
Housing Need. Fridley should
consider whether or not they
to be consistent with Council consistent with RCWD Rules.
City is correct in assessment
think the redevelopment will
Plan Update as it will impact
housing policy requirements
forecasts, and therefore it's
required as the City begins
the EAW and this would be
begin before 2018 and the
commit to anything at this
the process of obtaining a
The redevelopment would
increase applicable to the
stormwater management
Fridley may also want to
be aware that a forecast
increase that Allocation.
that a RCWD permit be
Allocation of Affordable
likely increase Fridley's Further analysis will be
Comment Summary
plans for this site are
required to ensure
RCWD permit.
policy.
time.
Name
Graham
Beard
Axtell
Last
Name
Kyle
First
Todd
Tara
Council Council
RCWD
Entity
MetroMetro
Comment 6/13/2016 6/13/2016 6/16/2016
Date of
Comment
1112
ID
1
Letter
CC
D
determine mitigation needs and
The City has been working with
completed for the project site.
other permit requirements.
A wetland delineation was
the RCWD and USACE to В
Response
and extent of wetlands on the
proposed stormwater pond as
correctly indicated. If wetland
require mitigation for impacts
WCA. We raise this point now
mitigation would be required
ation will be
to this wetland basin. Use of
so City is aware that further
under WCA. However, there
Corps of Engineers may still
acceptable to Corps or WCA
mitigation is required under
plans may be warranted as
mitigation plan may not be
required to determine type
"incidental wetland" in the
property, as the City has
Section 404 of the Clean
mitigation
Water Act and the Army
Tech Evaluation Panel if
"incidental wetlands" in
Comment Summary
WCA, it's possible no
project is developed.
1 meets definition of are no provisions for
A wetland deline
discussion re:
Name
Axtell
Last
Name
Kyle
First
RCWD
Entity
Comment 6/16/2016
Date of
Comment
ID
2
Letter
D
reference the revised EAW, dated
have mentioned, and others such
assist in defining how many units
we have reduced our expectation apartments. A better number will
many factors, some of which you
will likely be more in the area of
the site. Though
of number of units, the number
would have been accomplished
the sale of air rights above the
partnership and quite possibly
500 - 600 units, with some of
excessive number of units for
After further analysis, we too
as area available for parking,
would agree that 1,140 is an
plans we considered showed
will be appropriate based on
parking garages, etc. Please
selected, who will ultimately
portion of the complex. This
this development. The early
negotiation with the private
constructed about the civic
private units that would be
complete our development
be known soon as we are
ЊЉ
developer that has been
through a public/private
those units being senior
March 6, 2017.
Civic portion of
Response
Far reaching negative impact
units, which facts do not see
on the entire City due to
proposed 1,140 housing
to support that growth.
Comment Summary
E 1 10/24/2016 Citizen Keith Sparks
Name
Last
Name
First
Entity
Comment
Date of
Comment
ID
Letter
intersection's performance rating,
We would agree that an "F" rated better queuing can happen at the
71st. Though the State was open
to the possibility of studying and parkway within the development
timing, they were not in favor of
continue to develop in a manner
an access into or out of the site
time. Staff has discussed signal
Fridley is at the lower tip of the
through intersections. We have
possibility of an access point at
parts north in Anoka County to
timing with the State Highway
traffic funnel that travels from
mitigate negative factors that
vide our City
into vertical strips. There are
disbursement of traffic and a
at 71st. By allowing two new
existing intersection at 69th. that fact and
not the least of which is wait
many factors that go into an
possibly adjusting the signal
Department, as well as, the
694 or Minneapolis. We will
intersection is undesirable,
keep development moving
however we have 2 State
north south streets and a
works as best possible to
ЊЊ
we do believe a better
also been evaluating
Highways that di
that recognizes
Response
Traffic at the intersections of
hours. The project will cause
congested during non-peak
73rd/Hwy 65 are currently
long-term traffic issues.
Comment Summary
73rd/University, and
69th/University and
E 2 10/24/2016 Citizen Keith Sparks
Name
Last
Name
First
Entity
Comment
Date of
Comment
ID
Letter
at Osborne that would also better
intersection. Please reference the
new trail and new roadway in the
from Osborne to 73rd (except for
feels secluded and is unlit. A trail
at University that would mitigate
modifications of westbound 69th more efficient designed roadway
a period during construction). It
likely be used more often based
on a higher perception of safety
folks desire to use it, because it
was a project to merely make a . There have
The work on Osborne Road was
solution would be to combine a
pedestrians in a more safe and
adjacent to the roadway would
level of service impacts at this
been concerns about trail and
permanently move the traffic
revised EAW, dated March 6,
evolving, it appears the best
on those trails that are less
Though that design is still
ЊЋ
accommodate bikes and
not being proposed to
same right-of-way
efficient manner.
Response
secluded.
2017.
since 73rd has capacity. How
Will 71st next to the Target
Distribution facility through Locke Park become a "Thru
There is a plan to cut down
Osborne Road to two lanes
does that plan factor into
Street" and the currently
paved trail be removed?
adding traffic to 73rd?
Comment Summary
E 3 10/24/2016 Citizen Keith Sparks E 4 10/24/2016 Citizen Keith Sparks
Name
Last
Name
First
Entity
Comment
Date of
Comment
ID
Letter
development, developers suggest public/private partnership portion
will have better answers, once all
of the campus have been worked
parking, the new parkway within
designed without a parking deck
buildings and that guest parking
integrated into the base of their
Frontage Road and 71st are not
ootprint areas of
parking stalls in a deck are now
can exist in the spaces allowed
anticipated to be necessary for
land, it is more economical, as defined and staff
parallel parking. These details
redevelopment was purposely
parking on grade takes more
at a value of $25-30,000 per
While the University Avenue
their complex, while still on development details for the
designed to accommodate
for cost purposes. Though
the development may be
ЊЌ
that their parking will be
The Civic portion of the
stall. As for the private
outside of the f
will be better
Response
campus.
out.
for the site? How will parking
Is on-street parking going to
What are the parking plans
estimated 1700 vehicles?
be accommodated for an
Comment Summary
be allowed?
E 6 10/24/2016 Citizen Keith Sparks
Name
E 5 10/24/2016 Citizen Keith Sparks
Last
Name
First
Entity
Comment
Date of
Comment
ID
Letter
park where it is most convenient It is anticipated that excess snow
we have reduced our expectation
Good design of the development
park in the park. Folks generally design is laid out on campus the underused asset in the City as it
something that will be positively
will likely be more in the area of
the site. Though
showed private units that would
of number of units, the number
excessive number of units. The
for them to park. If an efficient
would have been accomplished
the sale of air rights above the
impacted by the development.
partnership and quite possibly
be constructed about the civic
and dumped in one of several
will eliminate the necessity to
may be required to be hauled
After further analysis, we too
500 - 600 Units with some of
Locke Park is a beautiful, but
would agree that 1,140 is an
impacted. Use of the park is
portion of the complex. This
currently for snow storage.
park will not be negatively
nearby City locations used
early plans we considered
ЊЍ
through a public/private
currently exists.
Civic portion of
Response
Where is snow storage for all
and roads to include the City
have capacity
pays for possible expansion?
Locke Park and clogging up
for enrollment? If not, who
of these new parking stalls
approximately 200-300 or
prevented from parking in
expected to reside in the
residential development,
more? Does the Fridley
arks How many children are
Comment Summary
arks How will residents be
the nice quiet space?
School District
area?
E 8 10/24/2016 Citizen Keith Sparks
Name
Last
E 7 10/24/2016 Citizen Keith SpE 9 10/24/2016 Citizen Keith Sp
Name
First
Entity
Comment
Date of
Comment
ID
Letter
development is embedded on one
to enjoy a park will be necessary,
have mentioned, and others such student populations are generally
assist in defining how many units
apartments. A better number will
many factors, some of which you
around the water feature to also
that crossing University Avenue
remain for those who will enjoy
private school as selected. New city/region. We don't anticipate
the students would go either to
may be a fair estimate still and
attribute of new development.
The playground equipment will
unless they are looking to play
estimate of 200- 300 students
designed with a 1/2 mile trail
her district or
as area available for parking,
developer who will ultimately
development negotiation has
been conluded with a private
will be appropriate based on
the Spring Lake Park School
University Avenue. The new
development has also been
looked upon as a positive
be known soon as we are
of our larges parks in the
ЊЎ
that type of activity. The
parking garages, etc. An
those units being senior
on the ball fields across
District, or anot
Response
require having play space for
kids? Do any City ordinances
ks Where are play areas for
developments like this?
Comment Summary
Name
Last
E 10 10/24/2016 Citizen Keith Spar
Name
First
Entity
Comment
Date of
Comment
ID
Letter
ed roadways so
future. Funding sources have yet
ordinances does not require play
this development area. No, City space. Park decisions are based
equipment/programming based on overall park planning for the
enhance the park experience in
area. Density that is planned is
This development is not unlike
development does not have to
most successful when planned
Commission, and City Council
that exiting and entering the
stration, Park
throughout the metropolitan
Yes, this is a placeholder for
final approvals of parks and
traverse neighborhoods.
ЊЏ
development occurring
near higher travel
to be identified.
on Park Admini
Response
City.
a placeholder for the future to
Is there a comparable area in
developer to construct or just
There is a possible overhead
the Twin Cities or elsewhere
and University. Is this going
is successful
pedestrian walkway at 71st
where this housing density
benchmark this proposed
Comment Summary
to be required for the
be funded by others?
and can be used to
development?
and traffic flow
E 12 10/24/2016 Citizen Keith Sparks
Name
E 11 10/24/2016 Citizen Keith Sparks
Last
Name
First
Entity
Comment
Date of
Comment
ID
Letter
4 stories above the garage plinth.
The City of Fridley was developed
success of the Cielo development
likely result in a reduced number
This site provides an opportunity plan appears to be no more than
have repeatedly told staff during . Currently, the
in Fridley also has demonstrated mix of housing and amenity that
the reduced number of units will
determine mitigation needs and determine mitigation needs and
The City has been working with The City has been working with
amily. Citizens
the public/private development
pent up and has not been met.
the City does not have enough
Though the ultimate design on side has yet to be determined,
input/engagement events that
completed for the project site.
to create a place that allows a
as a single family community
that there is a market that is
other permit requirements.
housing options. The recent
A wetland delineation was
can co-exist in a balanced
the RCWD and USACE to the RCWD and USACE to ЊА
Comprehensive Planning
Meetings and other
of stories of units
with some multif
Response
manner.
take a generally single-family
trucks to support this? Or will
wetland boundaries indicated
United States, Section 10 of
appear to be high-rise units
and construction. Does the City Fire Dept. have ladder
support this development?
Why does the City want to
the City Fire Dept. require
recommended to confirm
housing area, and create
At 8 stories, these units
Hafer A wetland delineation is
navigable waters of the
sources to
Comment Summary
Hafer If the project involves
apartment complex?
some form of hi-rise
on the NWI.
additional re
Name
E 13 10/24/2016 Citizen Keith SparksE 14 10/24/2016 Citizen Keith Sparks
Last
Name
F 1 1/6/2017 USACE KristenF 2 1/6/2017 USACE Kristen
First
Entity
Comment
Date of
Comment
ID
Letter
determine mitigation needs and
The City has been working with
Please refer to Response letter Please refer to Response letter Please refer to Response letter
from City via Braun Intertec from City via Braun Intertec from City via Braun Intertec
other permit requirements. other permit requirements.
the RCWD and USACE to ЊБ
dated April 20, 2017. dated April 20, 2017. dated April 20, 2017.
Response
re must be taken to ensure
provide much detail. MPCA is
investigations, but does not
materials into waters of the
G 3 4/11/2017 MPCA Karen Kromar Extensive investigation and
related to navigable waters
remediation efforts may be
the Rivers and Harbors Act may apply, which prohibits
discharge of dredged or fill
elsewhere on the property
MPCA's comments or may
U.S., it may be subject to Plan for the entire project
Response Action Plan and
Hafer When a proposal involves Construction Contingency
without a USACE permit.
does not migrate into the
that contamination found
necessary to remove the
Section 404 of the Clean Water Act, and require a
wells or otherwise affect
potential for stormwater
excavation of materials
EAW indicates past site area, which may clarify
currently reviewing the
Comment Summary
infiltration mobilizing
the construction or
result in additional
USACE permit.
water quality.
comments.
G 2 4/11/2017 MPCA Karen Kromar Ca
G 1 4/11/2017 MPCA Karen Kromar
Name
Last
Name
F 3 1/6/2017 USACE Kristen
First
Entity
Comment
Date of
Comment
ID
Letter
Please refer to Response letter Please refer to Response letter
from City via Braun Intertec from City via Braun Intertec
ЊВ
dated April 20, 2017. dated April 20, 2017.
Response
for the analytical results. It is
detailed investigation in some
hazardous substances. Please
locations of samples collected
identify measures that will be
contingencies and what plans
necessary and there will be a
areas of the property. Please
possibly impacting municipal
and provide summary tables
subsurface will require more
water will require treatment
subsurface and spreading it potential contaminated soil,
prior to disposal/discharge.
G 5 4/11/2017 MPCA Karen Kromar Demolition of structures at
hazardous substances and
or domestic supply wells.
proper disposal methods. Please provide discussion
further into the aquifers, possibility that extracted
used to properly identify
groundwater, and waste
advised that a sub-slab
permitting will likely be
are in place to address
regarding consturction
provide maps showing
materials. Widespread
Comment Summary
ar Additional testing and
contamination in the
contamination int eh
the site may contain
presence of VOC
Name
Last
G 4 4/11/2017 MPCA Karen Krom
Name
First
Entity
Comment
Date of
Comment
ID
Letter
Please refer to Response letter Please refer to Response letter Please refer to Response letter
from City via Braun Intertec from City via Braun Intertec from City via Braun Intertec
ЋЉ
dated April 20, 2017. dated April 20, 2017. dated April 20, 2017.
Response
regulatory criteria at this site.
the redevelopment process. It
concern. Even though the site
assess the site for releases of
Public Works parcel. The RAP
Construction at the ice arena
assessments. Please provide
concentrations of regulatory
training area for the release
It is advised that a sub-slab and CCP should address the
a plan for assessing the fire
chemical substances during
depressurization system be
depressurization system be depressurization system be
chemical substances at the
beneath a new foundation,
closure, changing the land
potential for encountering
is advised that a sub-slab
ng area will
site may trap soil vapors
allowing accumulation of
application of residential
commercial/industrial to
Please provide a plan to
has received regulatory
residential will require
Comment Summary
require additional
those vapors to
The fire traini
use from
installed.
installed.installed.
G 6 4/11/2017 MPCA Karen Kromar G 8 4/11/2017 MPCA Karen Kromar
G 7 4/11/2017 MPCA Karen Kromar
Name
Last
Name
First
Entity
Comment
Date of
Comment
ID
Letter
comments for MnDOT Letter B.
Please refer to Response letter
from City via Braun Intertec
ЋЊ
Please see responses to
dated April 20, 2017.
Response
the potential for encountering
CCP should include discussion revised EAW for the Columbia
of hazardous substances. The
all previous comments on the
proposed redevelopment still
the subsurface. The RAP and
RAP and CCP should address
redevelopment process. It is
comments. Please note that
The location of a demolition disposal of waste recovered
depressurization system be
depressurization system be
Arena Area Redevelopment
dump in Locke Park, which
and plans for handling and
and/or hydrogen sulfide in
from the dump during the
accumulation of methane
ng MnDOT has reviewed the
advised that a sub-slab
advised that a sub-slab
these substances. It is
Comment Summary
and has no additional
has the potential for
installed.
installed.
apply.
G 9 4/11/2017 MPCA Karen Kromar
Name
H 1 4/12/2017 MnDOT Karen Sheffi
Last
Name
First
Entity
Comment
Date of
Comment
ID
Letter
5. Findings of Fact
A.The proposed Columbia Arena Area Redevelopment will be a mixed-use
redevelopment project resulting in the construction of approximately 518 residential
units (single and multi-family units), a City Hall facility, a Public Works facility, and
parking areas on 33 acres in the City of Fridley. The project will be served by existing
and updated public infrastructure.
B.The project will grade and reshape the majority of the site, leveling the site and
creating a stormwater collection pond in the center to also provide an open space
and park area. The well site and areas in the southeast corner of the project site will
remain undisturbed.
C.The project is compatible with the City’s 2030 Comprehensive Plan, which identified
the project site as a potential redevelopment area. Based on public input and
existing plans, the project site was approved by the Fridley City Council on
September 28, 2015 for a Future Mixed Use Campus.
D.The project is compatible with the existing zoning requirements of the P: Public
Facilities and R-3: General Multiple Dwellings Districts. Rezoning of the project site to
S-2: Redevelopment would be more consistent with the overall project design to
allow flexibility for mixed use development and redevelopment projects. The City
plans to rezone the area to an S-2 Redevelopment District, prior to public
improvement authorization.
E.The site includes two Type 1 wetland areas, totaling approximately 0.28 acres.
Excavation of the 0.25-acre wetland will occur for construction of the stormwater
pond and other project features. The 0.03-acre wetland is located in the southeast
corner of the site and will not be disturbed. A permit will be required per the
Minnesota Wetland Conservation Act (WCA) for wetland impacts. This permit would
be issued by the Rice Creek Watershed District, which will require mitigation for
wetland impacts.
F.To City wells are located on southwestern corner of the project site. The project will
not impact these wells and changes in existing water appropriation are not required.
G.The project will connect to an existing Metropolitan Council-Environmental Services
(MCES) wastewater interceptor. There are no known capacity concerns. A permit will
be required from MCES for the project connection.
H.The project site does not currently have stormwater Best Management Practices
(BMPs). Stormwater currently discharges to Rice Creek. The project will increase
impervious surface, which has the potential to increase stormwater runoff. The
proposed project stormwater management system is designed to meet RCWD
requirements. A centralized BMP (water feature) with treatment train and a second
pond in the southeast corner of the site will reduce the impacts of stormwater. The
project has been modeled and shows site runoff will increase, but peak discharges to
Rice Creek will decrease due to rate control from the BMPs.
I.A National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System/State Disposal System
(NPDES/SDS) Stormwater Construction Permit will be required, which will include a
Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan (SWPPP).
ЋЋ
J.Potential environmental hazards and contamination were identified by several
studies, as described in the EAW. Response actions were taken to remediate the
potential hazards and contamination, and are currently or have been reviewed by the
Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) for case closure as contaminate levels
are below MPCA thresholds.
K.The project is estimated to generate up to 7,754 weekday daily trips. There are
several transportation mitigation measures identified to accommodate traffic from
th
the project, including improvements to the intersection of 69 Avenue and University
Avenue and improved transit and alternative transportation modes in the project
design.
L.The project is consistent with the overall plans for development/redevelopment in
this area of the City, and will require further evaluation during the permitting
process. There are number of permits that will be required for construction.
M.The EAW and responses to comments have adequately addressed issues contained in
the EAW regarding the project.
N.There have been no comments received to suggest that further environmental
review is warranted.
O.The City finds that the project as proposed does not have the potential for significant
environmental impacts.
6. Decision on the Need for an Environmental Impact Statement
Based on the EAW, comments received during the comment period, and responses to
the comments and issued identified, the City of Fridley as the responsible
government unit (RGU) for this environmental review concludes the following:
The EAW, this Findings of Fact and Record of Decision document, and related
documentation and materials for the project were prepared in compliance with the
procedures of the Minnesota Environmental Policy Act and Minnesota Rules Chapter
4410.
The EAW, this Findings of Fact and Record of Decision and related documentation for
the project have satisfactorily addressed all of the issues for which existing
information could have been reasonably obtained.
Based upon the above findings and evaluation per Minnesota Rules 4410.1700, the
City of Fridley finds that the proposed Columbia Arena Area Redevelopment does not
have the potential for significant environmental impacts. Consequently, the City of
Fridley issues a Negative Declaration on the Environmental Assessment Worksheet
and does not require preparation of an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) for
the Columbia Arena Area Redevelopment project.
Attachments
Attachment 1: Comment Letters
Attachment 2: Response Letters to SHPO and MPCA
Attachment 3: City Council Meeting Minutes
Attachment 4: City Resolution
ЋЌ
ATTACHMENT1-COMMETLETTERS
ATTACHMENT2-RESPONSELETTERSTOSHPO&MPCA
¤
FRIDLEY MUNICIPAL CENTER 6431 UNIVERSITY AVE. N. E. FRIDLEY, MN 55432
¤ ¤
(763) 571-3450 FAX (763) 571-1287 WWW.CI.FRIDLEY.MN.US
March 27, 2017 PW17-049
Minnesota Historical Society
State Historic Preservation Office
345 Kellogg Boulevard West
St. Paul, MN 55102
Attn: Kelly Gragg-Johnson
RE: SHPO Number 2016-2507 – Columbia Arena Area Redevelopment EAW
Dear Kelly
You may have seen the notice, but the Columbia Arena Area Redevelopment EAW was
re-noticed with EQB as a result of updates that have occurred during the design of the
project. At this time, we expect to respond to comments in April, and send the EAW to
th
City Council for action on April 24. We received your letter in response to the previous
notice, and wanted the opportunity to respond as a part of the current review. We
understand that you have asked for a Phase I archeological survey, however this may
not be beneficial.
Below is a description of past use of the site.
Aerial photo history shows that the site that would eventually house the Columbia Arena
was undeveloped prior to the construction of the arena structures.
When first developed, an arena was constructed on the site and opened its doors on
May 15, 1968. The arena was open year around with, "dry-floor" events scheduled
throughout the summer. The arena was built to accommodate 4,000 spectators.
Originally built with one sheet of ice 85' X 200', a second building and second 85' x 200'
sheet of ice was constructed in 1975, attached and east of the original building. The
arena was home to many things including Disney on Ice Training, Jim Henson's
Muppets World Tour training, and the use of the building for the filming of the movie,
Mighty Ducks III.
Eventually evolving out of ice-time management in southern Anoka County, the County
Board voted to sell the arena to the Minnesota Youth Sports Association (MYSA). In
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FRIENDLYDRIVEN RESPONSIVE
March 27, 2017
Minnesota Historical Society
State Historic Preservation Office
Page 2
2005 the MYSA determined that a minimum of $2.5M would need to be spent to update
the ice refrigeration. At that point they needed to decide whether to fix up this arena, or
add sheets of ice in Blaine, to the already existing Sports Center there. Sheets of ice in
Blaine were the decision.
They sold the arena in 2006 as they made a development deal with Kraus Anderson.
Krause Anderson in turn sold the arena to a private investor named William Folgerty.
Prior to the sale, the MYSA representative asked the City what they envisioned for the
future development for the 12 + acre site. These development concepts were conveyed
to Mr. Fogerty, but none of those type developments evolved. The owner then
determined they too would offer the property for sale, rather than developing it.
After lengthy negotiations between the Fridley Housing and Redevelopment Authority
(HRA) and the Fogerty family, the HRA, closed on their purchase of the Columbia Arena
site October 2014. During the summer of 2015, the HRA's demolition contractor
removed the arena building from the site and readied the site for redevelopment.
The Fridley HRA and City staff worked closely with citizens to determine what citizens
felt the best re-use of the former arena site might be. A series of 4 meetings were held
and the great news is that the City received back through those meetings, the
equivalent of 800 hours citizen input. Citizens felt there should be a civic presence on
the site and that it should be "grand". The full report is available at:
http://www.fridleymn.gov/DocumentCenter/View/954.
A conclusion of the Citizen group was that the existing Public Works facility in its
location and configuration would hinder quality development on the former arena site. It
was also discussed that without the free parking of the former Columbia Arena site, that
soccer should be programmed elsewhere, where parking is available and the land once
used for soccer could be added to this development acreage. The City had purchased
the soccer area and there were not endless strings attached prohibiting other
development.
The City had begun a process of analyzing the existing City Hall, not with the idea of
moving, or building new, but instead with the idea that some changes or updates may
be necessary to assure a good service experience from the existing City Hall building
for the next 50 years.
The result of the study revealed that costs of all necessary improvements to meet
Building Code, Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and Title 9 Requirements would
end up being significant improvements. In fact significant enough that it would likely be
more prudent to build new, rather than try to refurbish a building, moving staff in the
interim, or worse yet, trying to build around them as they worked through construction.
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FRIENDLYDRIVEN RESPONSIVE
March 27, 2017
Minnesota Historical Society
State Historic Preservation Office
Page 3
At that same time citizens were likely unaware of the City's City Hall Study but yet were
suggesting that the arena site be used for a civic purpose, in fact stating that a new City
Hall, Police and Fire Stations may be appropriate. A good sign that the public see and
supports the need for a new facility.
Council took all citizen input in and evaluated this site and eight other potential civic
campus sites as well, just to be certain that if they were to develop a new campus, this
site would be the best of all possible locations. Council's analysis was thorough and
rigorous and it ultimately did result in their choosing the former Columbia Arena site as
their favorite site for a potential new civic campus. Since that signal from the City
Council to further study this site much work has been done.
An ALTA Survey was completed for the former arena site, the Public Works site and an
11 acre park site south of the former arena parking lot have been included for campus
layout consideration. A site plan with a mix of public and private development has also
been prepared to provide a sense of the overall vision for the campus. The storm water
management for the site will be accomplished in such a way as to make the pond a
water feature amenity that the City complex can look out upon, while the public would
enjoy the pathways and patio spaces that are planned to be developed around the
periphery of that water feature. A Geotechnical analysis has been completed and the
soils are conducive to development of the pond and can be properly engineered to
accommodate the future planned buildings as well.
As described above, the Arena buildings and parking areas have been demolished and
the site is vacant. The park area is still open for resident use, and the Public Works
facility is still in operation and will be until the new structure is complete. The site is
contaminated with petroleum and other pollutants which will be cleaned up, but there is
nothing remaining of the former arena on this site.
We are requesting that the Phase I archeological survey not be required. If you have
any questions, feel free to contact me. Thank you.
Respectfully,
Jon Lennander, PE
City of Fridley
763-572-3551
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FRIENDLYDRIVEN RESPONSIVE
Braun Intertec Corporation Phone: 952.995.2000
11001 Hampshire Avenue S Fax: 952.995.2020
Minneapolis, MN 55438 Web: braunintertec.com
April 20, 2017
Ms. Karen Kromar
Planner Principal
Environmental Review Unit
Minnesota Pollution Control Agency
520 Lafayette Rd.
St. Paul, MN 55155
Mr. Mark Ostby
Site Remediation & Redevelopment Section
Remediation Division
Minnesota Pollution Control Agency
520 Lafayette Rd.
St. Paul, MN 55155
Re: Columbia Arena Area Redevelopment-Environmental Assessment Worksheet
Response to MPCA Comments
Fridley, Minnesota
Dear Ms. Kromar and Mr. Ostby:
On behalf of the City of Fridley, Braun Intertec Incorporated (Braun Intertec) has prepared this letter to
provide information and clarification to the proposed development and specifically the chemical impacts
at City property which includes the City Civic Center Redevelopment project.
Introduction
The City of Fridley is proposing to redevelop approximately 33 acres of property in the City of Fridley into
a new mixed use development. The project site includes the former Columbia Ice Arena (7011 University
Avenue Northeast), current City Public Works facility (400 71st Avenue Northeast), and portions of the
Locke Park property (6911 University Avenue Northeast), Fridley, Minnesota. These three parcels
comprise the Site (Site). In support of the proposed development the City of Fridley prepared and
submitted an Environmental Assessment Worksheet (EAW) to the MPCA for review.
The development is currently planned to be completed in two phases. The first phase is being performed
by the City and consists of approximately 25 acres that includes the Former Columbia Ice arena parcel
and the western portion of the Public Works parcel. This first phase is commonly known as the Fridley
Civic Center Development and consists of the demolition of existing structures and construction of a new
City Hall and Public Works facility and will not include any residential buildings. The second phase of the
development will be performed by a private developer in coordination with the City of Fridley. The
second phase will include the Locke Park parcel and the eastern portion of the Public Works parcel. The
second phase of the development is not finalized but will include mixed use commercial and residential
buildings.
AA/EOE
City of Fridley Columbia Arena Area
Redevelopment
Fridley, Minnesota
April 20, 2017
Page 2
The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) provided comments regarding the EAW to the City of
Fridley in a Letter Columbia Arena Area Redevelopment Environmental Assessment Worksheet dated
April 11, 2017.
Clarifications and additional information in regard to the MPCA comments are provided below. The
information presented in this clarification letter is provided in the same order as the comments from the
MPCA letter dated April 11, 2017
MPCA Comment #1:
Response:
The MPCA letter stated that some investigations have been performed at the Site under the direction of
the MPCA. However, the extent of the previous investigations and findings and results of implemented
response actions were summarized in the EAW and did not include detail information, but rather
referenced site investigation reports.
Braun Intertec, on behalf of the City of Fridley, has performed several investigations within the
Redevelopment Area to define potential chemical impacts at the Site due to historic operations/activities
at the three parcels of the planned development.
Below is a list of the pertinent reports in chronological order prepared by Braun Intertec in regard to
these investigations at the Site:
General Excavation Report Worksheet - Guidance Document 3-02, Leak Number 00016645, 7011
University Avenue dated January 5, 2007
Limited Site Investigation Report Form - Guidance Document 4-06, dated January 12, 2007.
Environmental Assessment Former Columbia Arena 7011 University Avenue Northeast, dated
October 27, 2014.
City of Fridley Columbia Arena Area
Redevelopment
Fridley, Minnesota
April 20, 2017
Page 3
Response Action Plan, Former Columbia Ice Arena, 7011 University Avenue Northeast, Fridley,
Minnesota dated March 19, 2015.
Phase I Environmental Site Assessment City of Fridley Redevelopment, 400 71st Avenue
Northeast, 6911 University Avenue Northeast, 7011 University Avenue Northeast, Fridley,
Minnesota dated December 16, 2015.
Response Action Plan Implementation Report, Former Columbia Ice Arena, 7011 University
Avenue Northeast, Fridley, Minnesota dated January 4, 2016.
MPCA Investigation Report Form Guidance Document 4-06, Columbia Arena, dated January 8,
2016.
Environmental Investigation Report, City of Fridley Public Works Facility/Fire Training Center, 400
71st Avenue Northeast, Fridley, Minnesota, dated April 22, 2016 (2016 EI Public Works).
Environmental Investigation Report, City of Fridley Redevelopment, 6911 University Avenue
Northeast, Fridley, Minnesota, dated April 22, 2016 (2016 EI Locke Park).
Environmental Assessment, City of Fridley Civic Center Development, 400 71st Avenue Northeast
/7011 University Avenue Northeast, Fridley, Minnesota dated March 2, 2017 (2017 Site
Assessment).
Response Action Plan, City of Fridley Civic Center Development, Fridley, Minnesota dated March
16, 2017 (2017 Civic Center RAP).
Additionally a Phase I ESA was performed at the Site in 2014 by others:
Phase I Environmental Site Assessment Columbia Ice Arena 7011 University Avenue Northeast,
prepared by Carlson McCain and dated July 18, 2014.
A summary of these investigations and the results for the portions of the development included in the
first phase of the development (Civic Center Development) was included in the 2017 Civic Center
Response Action Plan (RAP), which is currently being reviewed by the MPCA. The RAP for the former
Columbia Ice Arena has already been approved by the MPCA (Attachment 4).
City of Fridley Columbia Arena Area
Redevelopment
Fridley, Minnesota
April 20, 2017
Page 4
The results of the investigation of the Locke Park parcel and the eastern portion of the Public Works
Parcel (Second Phase of the development) were included in 2016 EI Public Works and the 2016 EI Locke
Park reports.
A summary of the pertinent findings from these various investigations are described below to address
specific comments from the MPCA letter.
MPCA Comment #2:
Response:
As noted, two municipal wells are located on the Locke Park Parcel. The City of Fridley Municipal Well
#10 and Well #11 are located in the water treatment building on the northwestern corner of Locke Park.
City Well #10, unique well number 206658, is 199 feet deep and was drilled through sand and gravel drift
deposits. City Well #11, unique well number 206657, was drilled to a depth of 669 feet below ground
surface (ft. bgs) and encountered Shakopee Limerock at a depth of 225 feet bgs. Well 206657 is cased to
a depth of 325 ft. below ground surface, and is open hole from 325 ft. to 669. Copies of the well logs for
these two wells are included as Attachment 1.
Braun Intertec has collected and analyzed samples of shallow groundwater at the Site from both
temporary and permanent groundwater wells during various investigations at the Site. The sample
locations at the Site with the permanent and temporary groundwater wells highlighted, are shown on a
Figure included as Attachment 2. The result of this analysis has determined that the petroleum and
firefighting chemical groundwater impacts are limited to small areas around the sources of these
impacts. Analytical results for groundwater samples collected downgradient of the identified source
areas were either not detected above the laboratory reporting limit (non-detect) for the chemicals of
concern, or were detected at concentrations well below the drinking water standards. Monitoring wells
installed at the Site in the shallow groundwater unit, above the alluvial clays, measured groundwater
flow to the west/southwest.
For the petroleum releases, the source areas are the two former tank basins that were located north of
the former Columbia Ice Arena area, and the former tank basin on the public works parcel. The source
area for the firefighting chemicals is the southwestern portion of the firefighting training area.
A map showing the approximate extent of soil and groundwater impacts based upon our investigations
and the approximate location of the municipal wells is included as Attachment 3. The detected impacts
were from samples of the first encountered groundwater at the Site which is present in the shallow
granular alluvial deposits or in the shallow alluvial clays at the Site. Based upon the borings advanced by
City of Fridley Columbia Arena Area
Redevelopment
Fridley, Minnesota
April 20, 2017
Page 5
Braun Intertec at the Site, these surficial alluvial materials are underlain by 70 to 80 feet of glacial till.
Municipal Well #10 is screened in a sand unit beneath the till.
The City of Fridley has been proactively periodically sampling the two municipal wells for firefighting
chemicals for since 2009 due to the known Perfluorinated Hydrocarbons (PFC) impacts in the
surrounding sites. The results of the laboratory analysis for PFCs (2009 and 2016), have been below
laboratory reporting limits (non-detect) for all sampling events. The City will be collecting another round
of groundwater samples from the municipal wells for PFC analysis this week to confirm that the
concentrations are still below detection limits.
MPCA Comment #3:
Response:
There is not widespread subsurface contamination at the Site. The storm water ponds being designed for
the development will be lined, so that the ponds maintain a water at all times. This liner will effectively
limit or prevent infiltration of water in to the underlying soils. The remediation of soils, as discussed
below, will effectively remove contaminated soils in the vicinity of the lined ponds.
MPCA Comment #4:
Response:
The response action plan prepared for the development addresses management of storm water and
groundwater during construction. During the course of the installation or re-alignment of utilities (if
applicable) and/or soil correction, localized groundwater dewatering may be necessary. Discharge and/or
treatment of groundwater, storm water, or any other dewatering action will be managed in accordance
with state, federal, and local agencies. Groundwater that is dewatered will be re-infiltrated to a pit
excavated at the Site. Groundwater removed or dewatered from the Site will not be allowed to run off or
exit the Site or be discharged in a manner that would spread contamination at the Site. A Department of
Natural Resources (DNR) appropriations permit for groundwater withdrawal, if necessary, will be
obtained.
City of Fridley Columbia Arena Area
Redevelopment
Fridley, Minnesota
April 20, 2017
Page 6
MPCA Comment #5:
Response:
Braun Intertec recently performed a non-destructive hazardous materials survey, with some limited
destructive testing where allowable, for all buildings at the Site that are proposed for demolition. The
results of the recent assessment identified small quantities of regulated materials in buildings at the Site.
A full destructive survey of the buildings will be completed once the buildings are no longer occupied and
prior to demolition activities. Once the final destructive survey is complete, licensed abatement and
regulated waste contractors will remove and properly dispose or recycle the regulated materials in
support of the demolition of the buildings.
The 2017 Civic Center RAP describes in detail the plans for addressing the known soil and groundwater
impacts during the first phase of the development. In addition, the RAP includes a contingency plan for
addressing unanticipated conditions such as additional impacted materials, buried tanks, wells, etc.
A response action plan has not yet been developed for the portions the Site that are part of the second
phase of development (Locke Park parcel, eastern part of the Public Works Parcel). However, the
City of Fridley Columbia Arena Area
Redevelopment
Fridley, Minnesota
April 20, 2017
Page 7
petroleum impacts on the Public Works parcel will be handled in a manner similar to how the petroleum
impacts are being addressed for the Civic Center Development as defined in the 2017 Civic Center RAP.
Once the plans for the second phase of the development are completed, a RAP/construction contingency
plan (RAP/CCP) will be prepared to address the impacts to residential standards.
As discussed above, there have been several investigations that have defined the areas of known impacts
at the Site. A summary of these investigations is provided in the RAP, and in the pertinent reports for
each investigation. A figure showing the extent of known impacts is included as Attachment 3.
Information concerning the known limited impacts are discussed in more detail for each parcel below as
related to the comments from the MPCA letter.
MPCA Comment #6:
Response:
The investigations at the Ice Arena parcel identified two areas of impacts on the Columbia Ice Arena
Parcel. The first area in the fill sands beneath the former ice sheets, the second area is the underground
storage tank (UST) basins located to the north of the former Columbia Ice Arena.
Ice Arena Fill Sands
Elevated concentrations of various volatile organic compound (VOCs) were detected in soil vapor in the
fill sands beneath the ice sheets of the former ice arenas. The elevated soil vapors included chemicals
typically associated with the ice cooling system. Based upon our investigations, the elevated
concentrations of vapors were limited to the fill sands located above the native clays and trapped
beneath the insulating foam layer present for the two ice sheets. Groundwater and soil samples
collected from beneath the ice rinks did not contain VOCs above laboratory detection limits (non-detect).
During demolition of the Columbia Ice Arenas, the fill sands impacted with elevated soil vapors were
successfully remediated to concentrations less than current (2017) industrial ISVs. The source of these
vapor impacts (the former cooling system) had been removed a number of years ago. The results of our
City of Fridley Columbia Arena Area
Redevelopment
Fridley, Minnesota
April 20, 2017
Page 8
investigations and confirmation sampling indicate these compounds are not present in soil or
groundwater at the Site.
A copy of Completion of voluntary Response Actions letter from the MPCA dated September 19, 2016 is
included as Attachment 4.
Former Tank Basins
Petroleum impacts to soil and groundwater are present in the UST basins north of the former ice arenas
above industrial standards. These impacts have been investigated and received regulatory closure. These
impacts will be managed as defined in the 2017 Civic Center RAP.
Based upon the additional site-wide environmental investigations performed by Braun Intertec, soil
vapors are not present at the Columbia Ice Arena Parcel at concentrations greater than industrial ISVs,
indicating that there is a low risk of vapor intrusion at the Columbia Arena Parcel.
The proposed development in the Columbia Ice Arena Parcel will be a new City Hall/Police Station and a
public works facility, therefore the application of commercial/industrial standards is the appropriate
exposure scenario. As described in the RAP, the petroleum source soils in the tank basins will be
mitigated through excavation and either disposed of off-site or re-used as engineered fill beneath the
parking lots of the planned City Hall/Public work buildings.
MPCA Comment #7:
Response:
Public Works Parcel
City of Fridley Columbia Arena Area
Redevelopment
Fridley, Minnesota
April 20, 2017
Page 9
Soil, groundwater and soil vapor investigations were performed in the Public Works parcel to address the
recognized environmental conditions (RECs) identified in the 2015 Phase I ESA. These RECs included the
chemical storage areas, degreasers, maintenance areas, outdoor storage areas and lawn maintenance
chemical storage areas. The results of these investigations only identified two areas of impact, the
former UST basins on the eastern side of the Site and in the former fire training area. A summary of
these impacts was provided in the 2017 Civic Center RAP, the 2016 EI Public Works report, and the 2016
EI Locke Park report.
Former Waste UST Basin
The 2015 Phase I ESA provided a Figure with the approximate waste tank location, this Figure is included
as Attachment 5. Due to the presence of overhead electrical lines a soil boring could not be advanced in
the tank location, however during the 2016 EI Public Works, soil, groundwater and soil vapor samples
were collected immediately downgradient of the former waste tank location. The results of the
laboratory analysis from these samples did not detect impacts to soils, groundwater or vapor in the
vicinity of the former waste tank.
Former Petroleum UST Basin
The petroleum impacts on the Public Works parcel have been the subject of investigations by Braun
Intertec and previous consultants and have received regulatory closure by the MPCA. Based upon the
environmental investigations performed by Braun Intertec, soil vapors are not present in the Public
Works Parcel at concentrations greater than industrial ISVs, indicating that there is a low risk of vapor
intrusion risk at the Site. The buildings proposed for the first phase of the development are commercial
(City Hall with below ground parking, slab on grade public works facility), therefore the industrial ISVs are
appropriate for this exposure scenario. Based upon our investigations, there is no need for a sub-slab
depressurization system (SSDS) or other vapor mitigation system for the commercial buildings in the first
phase of development on the Public Works Parcel.
Since the final development plan for the second phase of the development is not complete the need for
vapor mitigation for those buildings will be evaluated and described in a RAP that will be prepared once
the final development plan for the second phase has been completed.
MPCA Comment #8:
City of Fridley Columbia Arena Area
Redevelopment
Fridley, Minnesota
April 20, 2017
Page 10
Response:
Fire Training Area
Two investigations have targeted the fire training area. The results of investigations, identified limited
chemical impacts to soil and groundwater in the Public Works Parcel. The highest concentrations of
firefighting chemicals (PFCs) appear to be limited to the top foot of surface soils in the southwest portion
of the fire training center. All of the detected concentrations of PFCs in soils were below the residential
SRVs; currently there are not SLVs for these compounds. Based on groundwater samples collected
during these assessments the PFC groundwater impacts are limited to the area immediately around the
southwest portion of the Fire Training center. The extent of the groundwater impacts in the fire training
area are shown on a Figure included as Attachment 3.
VOCs were not detected in soil, groundwater or soil vapor in the fire training area, therefore there does
not appear to be a source of vapors in the former fire training area that would require the installation of
a sub-slab depressurization system. Further though the PFC impacts to soils are below SRVs, Per the RAP,
PFC source soils will be excavated and disposed of off-site or re-used beneath permanent pavements to
reduce the presence of the low level impacts.
MPCA Comment #9:
Response:
Locke Park Parcel
An unregulated construction debris dump is reported to have been located within or in the vicinity of
Locke Park. It is not known for certain that this debris dump exists. A portion of a newspaper clipping
provided to Braun Intertec by the City of Fridley states that a construction debris dump was opened up in
Locke Park for the disposal of debris from a tornado. According to City officials, this probably occurred
during a 1965 tornado event in Fridley.
Attachment 1
Municipal Wells #10 and #11 Well Logs
Minnesota Unique Well Number
MINNESOTA DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH
Anoka
County
Entry Date
04/15/1991
WELL AND BORING REPORT
Minneapolis
206657
Quad
Update Date
03/26/2015
Minnesota Statutes Chapter 1031
120D
Quad ID
Received Date
Well NameTownshipRangeDirSectionSubsectionWell DepthDepth CompletedDate Well Completed
FRIDLEY 113024W11CDCCAA669 ft.669 ft.04/20/1970
7.5 minute topographic map (+/- 5 feet)Drill Method
861 ft.Elev. Method
Elevation
Drill Fluid
AddressUseStatus
Active
community supply(municipal)
Well Hydrofractured?
C/W6911 UNIVERSITY AV FRIDLEY MN
Yes
From
No
To
Casing TypeJoint
Step down
No
Drive Shoe?Yes
0 ft.
Stratigraphy InformationAbove/Below
Geological MaterialFromTo (ft.)ColorHardness
Casing DiameterWeightHole Diameter
DRIFT0221
24in. To325ft.lbs./ft.23in. To344ft.
SAND, GRAVEL &221225
30in. To225ft.lbs./ft.
SHAKOPEE LIMEROCK225235
SHAKOPEE LIMEROCK235236
JORDAN236245SOFT
Open Hole
Fromft.To669ft.
325
JORDAN SANDROCK245320
TypeMake
Screen?
JORDAN SANDROCK320350
JORDAN SANDROCK350355
ST. LAWRENCE SHALE355490
FRANCONIA490548
Static Water Level
FRANCONIA548618
52ft.land surfaceMeasure04/20/1970
FRANCONIA618669
Pumping Level (below land surface)
144ft.16hrs.Pumping at1000g.p.m.
Wellhead Completion
Pitless adapter manufacturer
Model
Casing Protection12 in. above grade
At-grade (Environmental Wells and Borings ONLY)
Grouting Information
Well Grouted?YesNoNot Specified
MaterialAmountFromTo
neat cement300Sacks0ft.248ft.
Nearest Known Source of Contamination
Direction
feetType
Well disinfected upon completion?YesNo
Pump
Not InstalledDate Installed
Manufacturer's name
HP
Model Number Volt
Length of drop pipeCapacity
ftg.p.Typ
Abandoned
Does property have any not in use and not sealed well(s)?YesNo
Variance
Yes
Was a variance granted from the MDH for this well?
No
Miscellaneous
First Bedrock Aquifer
Prairie Du Chien GroupJordan-Mt.Simon
Last StratDepth to Bedrock
ft
Mt.Simon Sandstone225
Located by
Minnesota Department of Health
Remarks
Locate Method
GPS Differentially Corrected
M.G.S. NO 523. NORTH WELL.
UTM - NAD83, Zone 15, Meters
SystemXY
4793714993454
GAMMA LOGGED 3-19-2015 BY JIM TRAEN.
Unique Number VerificationInput Date
Information from07/27/1999
Angled Drill Hole
Well Contractor
Keys Well Co.62012HALEY, R.
Licensee BusinessLic. or Reg. No.Name of Driller
206657
Printed on 04/14/2017
Minnesota Well Index Report
HE-01205-15
Minnesota Unique Well Number
MINNESOTA DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH
Anoka
County
Entry Date
04/15/1991
WELL AND BORING REPORT
Minneapolis
206658
Quad
Update Date
03/26/2015
Minnesota Statutes Chapter 1031
120D
Quad ID
Received Date
Well NameTownshipRangeDirSectionSubsectionWell DepthDepth CompletedDate Well Completed
FRIDLEY 103024W11CDCCAA199 ft.199 ft.12/29/1969
7.5 minute topographic map (+/- 5 feet)Drill Method
861 ft.Elev. Method
Elevation
Drill Fluid
AddressUseStatus
Active
community supply(municipal)
Well Hydrofractured?
C/W6911 UNIVERSITY AV NE FRIDLEY MN
Yes
From
No
To
Casing TypeJoint
Step down
No
Drive Shoe?Yes
0 ft.
Stratigraphy InformationAbove/Below
Geological MaterialFromTo (ft.)ColorHardness
Casing DiameterWeight
SAND08
16in. To128ft.lbs./ft.
CLAY835
24in. To16ft.lbs./ft.
GRAVEL3542
SAND, GRAVEL & CLAY4295
SAND95123
Open Hole
Fromft.Toft.
SAND & GRAVEL123173
TypeMake
stainless
Screen?
SAND173199
DiameterSlot/GauzeLengthSet
16in.73ft.128ft.199ft.
Static Water Level
38ft.top of breather pipeMeasure12/29/1969
Pumping Level (below land surface)
43.2ft.2hrs.Pumping at800g.p.m.
Wellhead Completion
Pitless adapter manufacturer
Model
Casing Protection12 in. above grade
At-grade (Environmental Wells and Borings ONLY)
Grouting Information
Well Grouted?YesNoNot Specified
MaterialAmountFromTo
neat cement130Cubic yards0ft.35ft.
Nearest Known Source of Contamination
Direction
feetType
Well disinfected upon completion?YesNo
Pump
Not InstalledDate Installed
Manufacturer's name
HP
Model Number Volt
Length of drop pipeCapacity
ftg.p.Typ
Abandoned
Does property have any not in use and not sealed well(s)?YesNo
Variance
Yes
Was a variance granted from the MDH for this well?
No
Miscellaneous
First Bedrock Aquifer
Quat. buried
Last StratDepth to Bedrock
ft
sand
Located by
Minnesota Department of Health
Remarks
Locate Method
GPS SA On (averaged)
SOUTH WELL. M.G.S. NO. 547.
UTM - NAD83, Zone 15, Meters
SystemXY
4793734993450
GAMMA LOGGED 3-19-2015 BY JIM TRAEN.
Unique Number VerificationInput Date
04/07/1999
Angled Drill Hole
Well Contractor
Keys Well Co.62012
Licensee BusinessLic. or Reg. No.Name of Driller
206658
Printed on 04/14/2017
Minnesota Well Index Report
HE-01205-15
Attachment 2
Groundwater Sample Locations
Attachment 3
Estimated Extent of Soil and Groundwater
Contamination
wells
Municipal
of
location
Approximate
Attachment 4
Completion of Voluntary Response Actions
Letter Dated September 19, 2016
Attachment 5
Public Works facility Site Sketch
Attachment 6
Boring Location Maps
ATTATCHMENT3-CITYCOUNCILMEETINGMINUTES
ATTACHMENT 4 CITY RESOLUTION
CITY OF FRIDLEY
RESOLUTION NO. ______________
A RESOLUTION ORDERING A NEGATIVE DECLARATION ON THE COLUMBIA ARENA
AREA REDEVELOPMENT ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT WORKSHEET (EAW)
WHEREAS, the City of Fridley has prepared an EAW for the proposed Columbia Arena Area
Redevelopment; and
WHEREAS, the City has received and responded to comments on the EAW; and
WHEREAS, the City has prepared a Record of Decision, which is attached as EXHIBIT A.
NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of Fridley, Minnesota:
1.The Record of Decision for the Columbia Arena Area Redevelopment is accepted and approved.
2.A Negative Declaration for the Columbia Arena Area Redevelopment Environmental Assessment
Worksheet is ordered and an Environmental Impact Statement shall not be required.
PASSED AND ADOPTED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF FRIDLEYTHIS ____
DAY OF _____________ 2017.
______________________________
SCOTT J. LUND - MAYOR
ATTEST:
_________________________________
DEBRA A. SKOGEN - CITY CLERK