Ironwood gas plant cleanup agreement talks extended

By RALPH ANSAMI

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Ironwood — It will be at least six months before the city of Ironwood learns what its final costs will be regarding the gas plant cleanup project by the Environmental Protection Agency.

The city commission on Monday extended what is called a “tolling agreement” for claims with the EPA for another six months.

City manager Scott Erickson noted the agreement has already been extended a few times. He said the EPA needs time to go through a pay analysis of the former manufactured gas plant site in the Flats, near the Montreal River.

The EPA and city have been negotiating for around four years regarding a final settlement. Most of the costs will be covered on the federal level.

The gas plant was located on the northwest corner of Hemlock and West Ayer streets and produced and distributed gas to Ironwood and Hurley until the late 1950s.

Contamination from coal tar was discovered during a bridge construction project on the river, showing the presence of hazardous substances. The tar in the ground and river had to be removed as part of the costly project.

The city’s agreement is with William D. Brighton, Assistant Section Chief of the Environmental Enforcement Section of the Environment and Natural Resources Division of the U.S. Department of Justice.

In other business on Monday, city commissioners:

—Approved a final payment to Binz Brothers Well Drilling for rehabilitation of Well 202 at the pump station for $26,775.

—Purchased eight tires from Pomp’s Tires, of Rhinelander, Wis., for the department of public works at $16,840. The tires are for loaders and are specially designed for winter usage.

—Agreed to purchase a 2018 Dodge Charger patrol car for the Ironwood Public Safety Department from LaFontaine Chrysler Dodge Jeep, near Dearborn, for $24,297.