SUPERFUND AND BROWNFIELDS
at Work in
South Dakota
2009

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South Dakota
Table of Contents
Section	 Page
Introduction
Executive Summary	1
Congressional District Map	3
1.	Remedial Program
Ellsworth Air Force Base	5
Gilt Edge Mine Site	7
Whitewood Creek Site	9
2.	Brownfields Program
Sisseton Wahpeton Oyate	11
Standing Rock Sioux Tribe	13
Yankton	15

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Executive Summary
Years ago people were far less aware of how the mismanagement of industrial chemicals
and hazardous wastes could affect public health and the environment. On thousands of
properties across the nation the result was abandoned waste sites that poisoned land,
water and natural environments, and threatened the health of the inhabitants. Since 1980,
when Congress and the President created the Superfiind program, EPA has cleaned up
over one thousand of the worst contaminated sites across the country. These cleanups
have helped to make communities safer for millions of Americans. EPA Region 8 has
had a substantial role in this successful effort.
Many Region 8 communities were left to deal with the consequences of decades of
environmental neglect, but Superfund cleanups are changing that. Since 1980, 63 sites in
the Region have been placed on the National Priority List (NPL) which contains the sites
that present the greatest risk to human health, public welfare and the environment. By
the end of 2008, the EPA had completed cleanup at 33 of these sites.
Along with the progress on the NPL sites, hundred of hazardous waste sites in Region 8
have been cleaned up by the Superfund Removal program. The removal program has
reduced risks to the public and the environment from abandoned drums, derailed train
cars leaking chlorine gas, mine wastes left in towns and sensitive ecosystems, and many
other similar hazards.
In recent years Region 8's Superfund program has increased its emphasis on the reuse
and redevelopment of contaminated sites. Cleaning up these properties and promoting
reuse can help reinvigorate communities, preserve green space, and protect public health
and the environment. In addition, we've begun incorporating new "Green Remediation"
technologies into our cleanups. Examples include the use of wind, water and solar power
to provide clean, renewable energy to power treatment systems.
The job of cleaning up hazardous waste sites continues to be a formidable challenge. We
at EPA are blessed with an exceptionally talented and experienced workforce of
environmental professionals including engineers, scientists, community involvement
specialists, attorneys, and support personnel. All are dedicated to cleaning up and
restoring contaminated sites to beneficial use. But as talented as the EPA workforce is,
we would not be able to carry out our mission without the support and commitment of
our partners in state and local government, community groups, and the general public.
Together we can continue to move forward in making the communities and ecosystems
of this region, safer and healthier places to live, work and play.
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2

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Standing
Rock Old
Smee School
Sisseton-Wahpeton
Oyate (Sioux Tribe)
Whitewood
Creek
Gilt
Edge
Mine
Ellsworth
Air Force
Base
50
100 Miles
Legend
^ja Brownfields
(§> NPL
A EPA
South Dakota
Congressional District
Yankton, City of
(Scrap Yard)
South Dakota
Superfund
and
Brownfield
Sites

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Section 1

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Superfund Remedial
&.
Ellsworth Air Force Base
Ellsworth Air Force Base, South Dakota
Congressional District—At Large
About the Site
Recent
Accomplishments:
The last Five-Year Review for this site was completed
by the Air Force in September 2005. It concluded the
site was protective.
Since the Five-Year Review:
•	Over 4,800 acres of the Base were deleted from the
NPL in December 2006.
•	An Explanation of Significant Differences to the
Record of Decision (ROD) was signed in May 2007
which allowed full scale in-situ (in place) treatment
of groundwater and recognized all groundwater
contamination at the site was consolidated into one
OU.
•	The Air Force implemented in-situ groundwater
treatments in 2007 and 2008 which are expected to
replace pump and treat systems by 2010.
•	Evaluation of the potential for indoor air contamina-
tion from volatile groundwater containments, which
indicated no further work was needed in May 2008.
•	Further optimization of onsite groundwater contami-
nation is ongoing.
•	EAFB was designated Site Wide Ready for Antici-
pated Use on January 27, 2009.
Percent of
Construction Complete
100
75
50
25
100%
Studies to identify hazard-
ous substances were con-
ducted in 12 general areas of
Ellsworth Air Force Base
(EAFB), including landfills, a
fire protection training area,
spill sites, industrial areas, and
an explosive-ordnance dis-
posal area. The hazardous
substances found most often
were solvents and jet fuels in
Site Background
both soils and groundwater.
Continued use of the con-
taminated groundwater over
long periods for household
purposes, particularly as
drinking water, could pose
unacceptable health risks.
Affected users have been
put on an alternate water sup-
ply.
Ellsworth Air Force Base
(EAFB) is an active U.S. Air
Force Air Combat Command
base six miles east of Rapid
City, South Dakota, next to
the town of Box Elder.
EAFB covers about 4,858
acres in Meade and Penning-
ton Counties. The base in-
cludes runways, airfield op-
erations and industrial areas,
as well as housing and rec-
reational facilities. EAFB is
surrounded by farm land, a
few private homes and light
commercial facilities.
EAFB began in July 1942
as the Rapid City Army Air
Base, a training facility for
B-17 bomber crews. In 1948
it became a permanent facil-
ity as part of the 28th Strate-
gic Reconnaissance Wing.
Historically, EAFB has
been operations headquarters
for a variety of aircraft, as
well as the Titan I Interconti-
nental Ballistic Missile sys-
tem and the Minuteman Mis-
sile system. Presently, the
28th Bombardment Wing (B-
1B bombers) is the host unit
at EAFB.
Military activities for a
half century left contamina-
tion, both on the base and in
groundwater beneath private
land beyond its boundaries.
The Environmental Pro-
tection Agency added EAFB
to its National Priorities List
on August 30, 1990. The Air
Force, EPA, and the state of
South Dakota have worked
as partners to clean up
EAFB.
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Ellsworth Air Force Base
Cleanup Approach
The Air Force has installed
cleanup systems to address possible
future health risks. Construction of
the systems :s complete at all con-
taminated areas. The cleanup in-
cludes groundwater pump-and-treat
systems, bio-dechlorination, landfill
covers, soil treatment systems, exca-
vation activities and natural attenua-
tion. All systems are functioning
properly.
Groundwater contamination has
impacted the drinking water wells of
some homes adjacent to the east and
south of EAFB. The Air Force has
provided potable water to these
homes.
Institutional Controls are in place
to prevent unsafe exposure.
The Air Force has also capped
landfills and has enforced institu-
tional controls to prevent unauthor-
ized access to those landfills, and
prevent the caps from being dis-
turbed.
Points of Interest
Groundwater treatment systems
may be in operation for 20 to 30
years to complete the cleanup. How-
ever, treatability studies have been
implemented which may replace the
need for current pump-and-treat
technologies and greatly reduce
cleanup times.
The relatively low levels of con-
Contacts
tamination in off-base areas are ex-
pected to lessen within the same time
frame.
Funding for the cleanup of this
site comes from the Defense Envi-
ronmental Restoration Account chan-
neled through the Defense Environ-
mental Restoration Program.
Cleanup of the entire EAFB
should take 20 years if groundwater
treatment is needed and is expected
to cost approximately $30 million.
All cleanup activities are being
performed by the Air Force. EPA
and the state of South Dakota pro-
vide regulatory oversight.
Iw,
U.S. Environmental Protection
Agency
1595 Wynkoop Street
Denver, CO 80202-1129
(800) 227-8917
Patricia Smith
Remedial Project Manager
Phone: (303) 312-6504
E-Mail: smith.patricia@epa.gov
South Dakota Department of Environment
and Natural Resources
Joe Foss Building
523 east Capitol
Pierre, SD 57501-3181
JOANE LlNEBURG
Phone: (605) 773-6476
E-Mail: joane.lineburg(q)state.sd.us
US Air Force
2103 Scott Drive
Ellsworth AFB, SD 57706-4711
Tim Pavek
Remedial Project Manager
Phone:(605) 385-2687
E-Mail: timothy.pavek@ellsworth.af.mil
EPA Web Site: http://www.epa.gov/region8
6
SOUTH DAKOTA - Superfund Remedial

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Recent
Accomplishments:
•	In 2008, EPA, in con-
sultation with the
South Dakota Depart-
ment of Environment
and Natural Re-
sources, issued the
Record of Decision
for the Gilt Edge
Mine Superfund Site,
OU1. This is the final
cleanup plan for over-
all contamination at
the mine site. After
considering all public
comments, the se-
lected remedy will
cover and/or contain
acid-generating waste
rock and other mate-
rials on site. It will
also collect additional
groundwater and
surface water. Work
is expected to begin in
2011 and last for two
to three years.
•	Efforts are underway
to repair leaking di-
version ditches at the
Ruby Gulch Waste
Rock Repository,
OU3. The diversion
ditches route water
away from the reposi-
tory and prevent it
from entering the
water treatment sys-
tem.
Superfund Remedial
Gilt Edge Mine Site
Four miles southeast of Lead, South
Dakota, in the northern Black Hills
Congressional District—At Large
About the Site
The Gilt Edge Mine
Superfund Site is located
near Deadwood, South Da-
kota. The abandoned mine
sits at the headwaters of the
cold-water fisheries and mu-
nicipal water supplies of the
northern Black Hills. The
site is a 258-acre open pit,
cyanide heap-leach gold
mine.
The Gilt Edge Mine
Superfund Site is in a small
mining district where mining
operations for gold, copper
and tungsten were conducted
for more than a century. In
1986, Brohm Mining Com-
Percent of Construction
Complete
100
75
50
25
pany began conducting
large-scale, open-pit mining
at the site. Brohm developed
three open pits, a large cya-
nide heap leach pad, and a
12-million cubic yard valley-
fill waste-rock dump, as well
as other operations.
During 1998-1999,
Brohm encountered serious
financial difficulty and in-
formed the state that it could
not continue site controls. In
February 2000, the governor
of South Dakota requested
that EPA propose the site for
the Superfund National Pri-
orities List (NPL), a list of
sites commonly known as
Superfund sites. The site
was proposed for the NPL in
May 2000; EPA announced
final placement of the site on
the NPL in December 2000.
Brohm then became in-
solvent, leaving 150-million
gallons of acid rock drain-
age, or acidic, heavy-metal-
laden water, in three open
pits. Millions of cubic yards
of acid-generating waste
rock was also left behind,
There is waste rock
and exposed ore at the
site that contain a variety
of heavy metals. In addi-
tion, the habitats of
Strawberry and Bear
Butte Creek are both im-
pacted by copper, cad-
mium, and zinc.
Due to numerous
emergency response ac-
tions and interim reme-
dies, acid rock drainage
at the site is currently
controlled and presents
no immediate threat to
human health. Should the
contaminated waters be-
come uncontrolled, large
volumes of acid rock
drainage could threaten
the well-water supplies of
downstream users, in-
cluding the City of Stur-
gis.
20%
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Gilt Edge Mine Site
Cleanup Approach
The main cleanup strategy at Gilt
Edge is to prevent acid rock drainage
releases into nearby surface and
groundwater resources. This will be
accomplished by treating already
contaminated water and by prevent-
ing further generation of acid rock
drainage by breaking contact be-
tween acid-generating rocks and
soils with air and moisture.
The Gilt Edge Mine Superfund
Site is divided into three operable
units. Operable Unit 1 (OU1) ad-
dresses the surface contamination for
the entire 258 acres of the site. In
2008, EPA, in consultation with the
South Dakota Department of Envi-
ronment and Natural Resources,
issued its Record of Decision for
OU1, detailing its final cleanup plan
for overall contamination at the site.
The selected remedy will cover
and/or contain acid-generating waste
rock and other materials on site. It
will also collect additional ground-
water and surface water and upgrade
the existing water treatment plant.
Work is expected to begin in 2011.
Operable Unit 2 (OU2) includes
the management and treatment of the
acid rock drainage that threatens
surface water in the area. In 2001,
EPA implemented an interim remedy
for OU2 that converted the existing
water treatment plant to a cheaper
and more efficient system. The final
remedial decision for OU2 will pro-
vide for the study, design, and imple-
mentation of a water treatment sys-
tem that produces water in compli-
ance with water quality standards.
The final remedy for OU2 will fol-
low the OU1 remedy.
Operable Unit 3 (OU3) addresses
acid rock drainage coming from the
Ruby Gulch Waste Rock Reposi-
tory. This repository is a large acid
rock drainage source on the site.
Beginning in 2001, EPA addressed
the threat at the Ruby Gulch Waste
Rock Repository by capping and
containing the waste rock pile and
reducing the amount of water infil-
trating the pile. EPA discovered in
2004 that ditches built to divert water
away from the repository were leak-
ing. Efforts are ongoing to repair
these leaks. The remediation of OU3
will be complete when the final eight
acres of the repository are capped.
This will be achieved during reme-
dial activities for OU1.
Points of Interest
The Gilt Edge site has received up
to $5 million in new funding through
the American Recovery and Rein-
vestment Act of 2009. The additional
funds will be used to hasten the
cleanup of the site where millions of
yards of acid generating mine wastes
from the former cyanide heap-leach
gold mining operation threaten water
quality and down-stream drinking
water sources. The funding will also
be used to repair the diversion
ditches in order to reduce the volume
of acid rock drainage collected and
treated at the site's water treatment
plant.
Contacts
tU.S. Environmental Protection
Agency
1595 Wynkoop Street
Denver, CO 80202-1129
(800) 227-8917
	
Kathryn Hernandez
Remedial Project Manager
Phone: (303) 312-6101
E-Mail: hernandez.kathryn@epa.gov
Jennifer Chergo
Public Affairs Specialist
Phone: (303) 312-6601
E-Mail: chergo.jennifer@epa.gov
South Dakota Department of Environment
^ and Natural Resources
¦ Joe Foss Building
W 523 east Capitol
Pierre, SD 57501-3181
Mark Lawrenson
Chief Groundwater Quality Program
Phone: (605) 773-7875
E-Mail: mark.lawrenson@denr.state.sd.us
EPA Website: www.epa.gov/region8
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SOUTH DAKOTA - Superfund Remedial

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Recent
Accomplishments:
The most recent Five-
Year Review, in Septem-
ber 2007, determined that
the remedy remains pro-
tective of human health
and the environment. The
next review will be con-
ducted in 2012.
Superfund Remedial
Whitewood Creek Site
Whitewood, South Dakota
Congressional District—At Large
About the Site
Groundwater, surface
water, and soils contained
heavy metals including arse-
nic, cadmium, copper, silver,
mercury and cyanide. There
was also sludge and liquid
waste. The contaminants
resulted from mining activi-
ties. Arsenic is the contami-
nant of greatest concern.
Exposure to high levels of
arsenic may increase the risk
of skin cancer, neurological
effects, and vascular disease.
Remedial construction at
the site was completed in
March of 1993. The site was
removed from the EPA Na-
tional Priorities List in Au-
gust of 1996. Subsequently,
EPA conducted an ecological
risk assessment to verify that
the remedy is protective of
the environment. Since waste
is left in place, which pre-
cludes unlimited use and
unrestricted exposure, EPA
will continue to conduct five-
year reviews.
Percent of
Construction Complete
100%
100 —	
!
Site Background
The Whitewood Creek
site consists of an 18-mile
stretch of Whitewood Creek,
from the Crook City bridge
to the confluence with the
Belle Fourche River. Since
the 1870s, millions of tons of
toxic tailings were deposited
along the creek in Lawrence,
Meade, and Butte counties.
Local residents use the creek
for irrigation, watering live-
stock, and recreation. About
280 people live within a mile
of the site.
Cleanup Approach
The potentially responsi-
ble part]/, Homestake Mining
Company, completed the
following cleanup activities:
• Removal and replacement
of 4,500 cubic yards of
contaminated soil from 16
residential yards and dis-
posal of contaminated soils
in a landfill constructed in
an undeveloped part of the
site;
•	Continuation of White-
wood Creek surface-water
monitoring.
The following institu-
tional controls have been
established:
•	Zoning regulations to pro-
hibit development in tail-
ings-deposit areas;
•	Continuation of a ban on
water wells in the 100-year
flood plain;
•	Implementation of an edu-
cational program to inform
residents about the EPA
remedy.
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Whitewood Creek Site
Contacts
U.S. Environmental Protection
Agency
1595 Wynkoop Street
Denver, CO 80202-1129
(8C0) 227-8917
KATHIE ATENCIO (EF'R-SR)
Remedial Unit Chief
Phone: (303) 312-6552
E-Mail: atencio.kathie@epa.gov
South Dakota Department of Environment
and Natural Resources
Joe Foss Building
523 east Capitol
Pierre, SD 57501-3181
Mark Uwrenson
Chief Groundwater Quality Program
Phone: (605) 773-7875
E-Mail: mark.lawrenson@denr.state.sd.us
EPA Web Site: www.epa.gov/region8
10
SOUTH DAKOTA - Superfund Remedial

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Section 2

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Brownfields
SlSSETON WAHPETON OYATE
SlSSETON WAHPETON OYATE
Lake Traverse Reservation
South Dakota
Congressional District—At Large
Award Date: 2009
Award Amount: $200,000
Site Background
The Sisseton-Wahpeton Oyate Tribe established
its brownfields program in 2003 and has made
steady progress establishing and enhancing the
program and addressing brownfields sites in the
community. Since the program's inception, 47
sites have been entered into the Tribal inven-
tory of potentially contaminated sites. They
include abandoned buildings and homes, open
dumps, and potential methamphetamine labs.
The Tribe has limited resources and faces de-
mands such as providing jobs, health care, and
affordable housing. The poverty rate is in ex-
cess of 60 percent, and 70 percent of members
are unemployed.
Project Highlights
In 2009, Sisseton-Wahpeton re-
ceived a $200,000 Brownfields
grant to clean up hazardous sub-
stances at the Tekakwitha Old Or-
phanage and Boarding School in
Roberts County. The $200,000 grant
is part of the American Recovery
and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) of
2009. The site was formerly a farm,
church, and school, and is contami-
nated with metals, mercury, and
inorganic contaminants comingled
with petroleum. Grant funds will
also be used to support community
involvement activities. When the
Tekakwitha property is clean, the
Tribe is planning to redevelop
it with ballparks, recreational
areas, and open space. Cleanup
is expected to generate jobs for
tribal workers and allow the
tribe to increase its land base.
Contacts
U.S. Environmental Protection
Agency
1595 Wynkoop Street
Denver, CO 80202
(800) 227-8917
Barbara Benoy
Environmental Protection Agency, Region 8
Phone: (303) 312-6760
E-mail: benoy.barbara@epa.gov
^ Myrna Thompson
B Sisseton-Wahpeton Oyate
W Phone: (605) 698-4998
E-Mail: mcgerman@sbtc.net
EPA Web Site: www.epa.gov/region8/brownfields
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Brownfields
Project
Accomplishments:
•	Completed cleanup
at the former Smee
School.
•	Created six cleanup
and redevelopment
jobs.
•	Enhanced tribal
capacity to conduct
more environmental
cleanups.
•	Successfully in-
volved the commu-
nity in cleanup plan-
ning and execution.
Standing Rock Sioux Tribe
Standing Rock Sioux Tribe	Award Date: 2006
Congressional District—At Large	Award Amount: $200,000
Background
The Standing Rock Sioux Reservation
(population 10,347) covers 2.3 million acres
and straddles the border between North and
South Dakota. EPA selected Standing Rock
Sioux Tribe for a Brownfields Cleanup
grant to conduct community outreach activi-
ties, develop a cleanup plan, and cleanup the
Old Smee School in Wakpala, Corson County.
This K-12 school, built in 1927, has suffered
from ten major floods, a fire, and illegal dump-
ing and is contaminated with asbestos and lead
-based paint.
Before and after images of the former Smee School site.
Project Highlights
In 2008, Standing Rock Sioux
Tribe successfully completed the
environmental cleanup at the Old
Smee School in Wakapala, South
Dakota. Prior to cleanup, the aban-
doned and partially collapsed
building contained friable asbestos,
and posed a significant threat to
public health and the environment.
"We are very excited about the
cleanup" says Hans Bradley, Act-
ing Brownfields Coordinator of the
Standing Rock Sioux Tribe. "By
addressing the contamination, our
community is safer and cleaner."
Standing Rock's successful
cleanup shows what is possible
with community involvement, vi-
sion and hard work.
Abandoned buildings with as-
bestos, lead paint and other con-
taminants represent a stubborn
problem for tribes and other com-
munities in Region 8. Not only
can vandals exacerbate the already
challenging problems, but there is
often a shortage of resources to
address the health and environ-
mental risks.
Standing Rock received a com-
petitive cleanup grant from EPA's
Brownfields Program for
$200,000, and used its Brownfields
Tribal Response Program to man-
age the project. Hans Bradley ex-
pands, "We are very grateful for
the grant money. Without these
funds it would have been very dif-
ficult to address the asbestos in the
building." While the future reuse
of former Smee School has not
been finalized, it will likely be
turned into a community park.
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Standing Rock
Contacts
U.S. Environmental Protection
Agency
1595 Wynkoop Street
Denver, CO 80202
(800) 227-8917
Ted Lanzano
Environmental Protection Agency, Region 8
Phone: (303) 312-6596
E-mail: lanzano.ted@epa.gov
Cynthia Antelope
m Standing Rock Sioux Tribe
Phone: (701) 854-3823
Email: caantelope@westriv.com
EPA Web Site: www.epa.gov/region8/brownfields
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SOUTH DAKOTA - BROWNFIELDS

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Brownfields
Yankton
City of Yankton, South Dakota	Award Date: 2002 and 2005
Congressional District—At Large	Award Amount: $370,000
Project
Accomplishments:
•	Removed 6,200
tons of chemical
and petroleum
contaminated
soils.
•	Removed 1,600
tons of dangerous
debris.
•	Graded the site
with clean fill and
seeded.
Background
In spring 2005 the city of Yankton was se-
lected to receive a Brownfields cleanup grant.
Yankton, an economic hub in southeast South
Dakota, is an agricultural service center with
13,528 residents. Both per capita and family
income levels in Yankton fall below national
averages. A downturn in the local economy
strained the community's financial resources.
Six hundred jobs were lost as a result of busi-
ness closings. Three manufacturing plants,
two major discount stores, and a large depart-
ment store also have closed, increasing the
city's unemployment rate. The poverty rate in
the target community is 25 percent. The target
Brownfield property, the Jensen Scrap Yard,
was the most contaminated Brownfield site in
the city. It was used at various points as a
scrap yard, railroad line, and industrial storage
facility for bulk oil. Cleanup of this site re-
moved a public health threat, eliminated the
main impediment to development in the down-
town area, and preserved open space on the
fringes of the city.
The East Cornerstone property was histori-
cally used as a railroad line spur, a bulk oil
storage facility, a location for the storage of
lime and cement, and, beginning in the 1940s,
as a scrap metal yard. A large debris pile of
metal, electrical, hydraulic, and automotive
equipment and used batteries covered portions
of the site while the surface and subsurface
soils were impacted with: lead, polycyclic
aromatic hydrocarbons - benzo(a)pyrene and
benzo(b)fluoranthene, petroleum substances
and the pesticide, Dieldrin, all of which ex-
ceeded benchmark levels.
Project Highlights
Utilizing a combination of a 2002 awarded EPA Brownfields Assessment Grant (for site charac-
terization and cleanup planning), a $170,000 EPA Brownfields Cleanup Grant, and $180,000
from the state of South Dakota's Brownfields Program, Yankton assessed and cleaned up this
Brownfields property located at the east entrance into its downtown during 2007. The site is now
vegetated and awaiting commercial redevelopment.
15

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Yankton, South Dakota
Contacts

Bill Rothenmeyer
Environmental Protection Agency,
Region 8
Phone: (303) 312-6045
E-mail: rothenmeyer.william@epa.gov
Dave Mingo
City of Yankton
Phone: (605) 668-5252
E-mail: dmingo@cityofyankton.org
EPA Web Site: www.epa.gov/region8/brownfields
16
South Dakota - Brownfields

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