During the spring of 2005, rangers received information concerning the presence of a buried hazardous waste site within the boundaries of the park adjacent to a major navigable body of water. An initial investigation, conducted by ranger Kevin Sheffer, led to the discovery of debris and diesel fuel emanating from a site with disturbed soil at an abandoned use and occupancy reservation cabin. A two-year-long effort to evaluate and remove contaminants was completed last month. Ongoing investigations have substantiated the use of a backhoe that was barged to the site by a former cabin owner and used to dig a hole for disposal of fuel, solid waste and pesticides. Over 200 cubic yards of contaminated soil were removed by barge and replaced with clean material. Cleanup efforts and criminal investigation were complex due to the remote nature of the site, accessible only by water, and were coordinated by regional engineer Dick Fisher. Participating were the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency, the Department of Justice and the Environmental Protection Agency. The total cost exceeded $300,000. A suspect has been identified, but has declined to talk to investigators. The case is currently under review for criminal charges and civil penalties.
