WAUSAU, WI (WSAU) — Contractors officially began the removal of dioxin-contaminated soil in Riverside Park on Monday.
It was a satisfying sight for District 3 Alder Tom Kilian, who has been involved in the process for years both on the Council and as part of the activist group Citizens for a Clean Wausau. He says those grassroots efforts helped this week’s action become reality. “The residents in the area [persevered]. I think without that and without DNR and DHS involvement this park remediation probably would not have occurred.”
The process began with some tree and branch removal late last week. Crews then removed about 370 tons of soil on Monday. Killian says the work should be a major step towards giving the park a label that city leaders haven’t been able to give it before- a clean bill of health. “Hopefully it will resolve the issue with the dioxin contamination.”
Those dioxins have been known to cause health risks if they build up in the body over time. While the levels of dioxins have never prompted a complete closure of the park the city also never said it was safe to use. Leaders held numerous informational meetings and presentations from both health and environmental experts over the last four years before a plan to move forward with soil remediation was approved last April.
RELATED: Wausau City Council Approves Funding for Remediation in Riverside Park
Kilian says the first testing on the site dates back to 2006. While many might see that 15-year wait as less than ideal, Kilian says that having several rounds of testing did give them a good sense of which areas needed the most attention.
Soil removal in Riverside Park. MWC photo by Mike Leischner
“It started with a few samples by the culvert area and over time with DNR oversite they defined the full extent of the dioxin contamination, both laterally and vertically. They knew how deep to excavate to get it all,” said Kilian.
Public Works Director Eric Lindman says the contractors expect to finish the excavation work by Wednesday. New dirt will then be placed on Thursday and Friday. Once work at the site wraps up there will be additional soil testing to confirm that the dioxin levels are in an acceptable range.
Kilian adds that this isn’t the end of the dioxin discussion in the city. Leaders are working on a plan to remediate the soil in a vacant parcel of land at 1300 Cleveland Avenue. The city will be providing some DNR-mandated remediation at that site before it can be redeveloped. City leaders will be applying for EPA funding to help cover those costs.
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