HomeMy WebLinkAboutIV.A.1 - GZA Phase I ESASeptember 26, 2025
Ben Anderson
City of Hastings Economic Development and Redevelopment Authority
101 4th Street East
Hastings, Minnesota 55033
RE:Phase I Environmental Site Assessment
Redevelopment Block #28 (Lots 1-8)
400-420 (even) Vermillion Street and 110-114 (even) West 5th Street
Hastings, Minnesota 55033
Dear Mr. Anderson:
We have completed a Phase I Environmental Site Assessment for the above referenced property located in
Hastings, Minnesota.An invoice for the Phase I Environmental Site Assessment has been provided along
with a web link to an electronic copy of the report.
In summary, this assessment has revealed the following evidence of recognized environmental conditions in
connection with the property:
•During the geotechnical evaluation, Tll soils with chemical odors were encountered in soil borings
PB-1 and SB-6,south of the building located at 400 Vermillion Street (PB-1), and in the vacant lot
located north of 418 Vermillion Street (SB-6).The soils exhibited petroleum-like odors and visible
staining at depths ranging from 3to 9.3 ft bgs. The geotechnical evaluation also encountered Tll
soils containing miscellaneous construction debris (brick, concrete, masonry block, foundry sand,
glass, etc.). Based on the observed chemical odors and miscellaneous construction debris, it is likely
that historical Tll material on the subject property contains petroleum products and/or hazardous
substances. The Tll material and petroleum odors observed during the geotechnical borings is
viewed as a recognized environmental condition.
•The northeast portion of the subject property was occupied by an automotive repair shop for over
30 years. Operations on the site occurred prior to the advent of current regulatory standards for
the storage, handling, and disposal of hazardous wastes (i.e. the Resource Conservation and
Recovery Act [RCRA] of 1976). A previous subsurface investigation on the property is deemed
insufTcient to rule out the potential for hazardous substances and petroleum releases associated
with the historical automotive repair operations. Therefore, the identiTed historical occupancy of
the property for automotive repair operations is viewed as a recognized environmental condition.
•The subject property is in the City of Hastings which has widespread PFAS in groundwater likely
originating from several sites within Washington County where 3M disposed of industrial waste
and could also originate from several industrial properties within the City of Hastings.The likely
presence of a PFAS groundwater plume below the subject property is viewed as arecognized
environmental condition. While it is likely that groundwater is impacted by PFAS, the property does
not feature a private water well, so there is little risk of exposure to impacted groundwater. Phase
II sampling and testing is not recommended as the subject property owner is unlikely to be subject
to any requirements for additional investigations or response. However, if a new water well is to be
installed on the property, MDH should be contacted prior to drilling the well for advice on any
special well construction considerations to minimize the risk of exposure to impacted groundwater.
The following environmental concern was identiTed:
•During the reconstruction of the TH-61 Hastings Bridge, MnDOT discovered two buried
560-gallon heating fuel oil USTs in the road right of way, directly east of the subject property. The
tanks were likely associated with the automotive repair shop located at the northeast corner of the
property. The tanks were discovered with evidence of a petroleum release. Following the discovery
of the petroleum release, a Limited Site Investigation (LSI) was completed which consisted of one
soil boring for soil and groundwater sampling. No soil impacts were detected, and low levels of
toluene and xylenes were detected in groundwater at concentrations below action levels. Based on
the investigation, a Petroleum Tank Release Site File Closure was issued to the subject property on
March 2014, indicating that the investigation addressed the release to the satisfaction of the
state.Based on the closed status of the petroleum release and our review of regulatory Tles, which
indicated that residual impacts meet unrestricted land use criteria with no remaining activity and
use limitations, engineering controls, or other land use controls, the identiTed release is viewed as
a historical recognized environmental condition. However, the prospective redevelopment should be
prepared to encounter petroleum-impacted soils and be prepared to properly manage the
impacted soil. When the property is redeveloped, the development should be under an
MPCA-approved Response Action Plan (RAP).
GZA recommends Phase II sampling and testing to evaluate the recognized environmental conditions and to
help develop a Response Action Plan and Construction Contingency Plan (RAP/CCP) for the proposed
redevelopment of the property.
Please review the report in its entirety and contact us with any questions. Thank you.
Sincerely,
GZA GeoEnvironmental, Inc.
Sean Leary
Associate Principal, VP Transaction Risk Management
2
Phase I
Environmental Site Assessment
Redevelopment Block #28 (Lots 1-8)
400-420 (even) Vermillion Street and 110-114 (even) West 5th Street
Hastings, Minnesota 55033
Prepared for:
City of Hastings Economic
Development and Redevelopment
Authority
101 4th Street East
Hastings, Minnesota 55033
Prepared by:
GZA GeoEnvironmental Inc.
7505 Metro Boulevard, Suite 300
Edina, MN 55439
September 26, 2025
CERTIFICATIONS
EP Certi0cation:
I declare that, to the best of my professional knowledge and belief, I meet the deTnition of Environmental
Professional as deTned in 312.10 of this part.
David Schultz
Senior Consultant
Standard Certi0cation:
I have the speciTc qualiTcations based on education, training, and experience to assess a property of the
nature, history, and setting of the subject property. I have developed and performed the all appropriate
inquiries in conformance with the standards and practices set forth in 40 CFR Part 312.
David Schultz
Senior Consultant
Site Assessor Site Assessor
David Schultz Morgan Kodama
Senior Consultant Scientist II
Senior Reviewer
Sean Leary
Associate Principal, VP Transaction Risk
Management
TABLE OF CONTENTS
1.0 Executive Summary . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1
1.1Project Description . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1
1.2Findings and Opinions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1
1.3Conclusions and Recommendations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
1.4Continued Viability of Environmental Site Assessment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
2.0 Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
2.1Purpose . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
2.1.1 Releases of Hazardous Substances, Petroleum Products, and Emerging Contaminants. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
2.2Scope of Services . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
2.3SigniTcant Assumptions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
2.4Limitations and Deviations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
2.5Terms of Engagement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
3.0 Subject Property Description . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
3.1Location and General Description . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
3.2Current Owner and Occupant Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
3.3Current Adjoining Properties . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
4.0 User Responsibilities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
5.0 Helpful Documents . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
6.0 Physical Setting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
7.0 Historical Records Review . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
7.1Records Sources . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
7.2Data Failure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
7.3Subject Property . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
7.4Adjoining Properties . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
7.5Historically SigniTcant Environmental Findings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22
8.0 Government Records Review . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23
9.0 Site Reconnaissance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28
9.1Methodology and Limiting Conditions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28
9.2Hazardous Substances . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29
9.3Petroleum Products . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29
9.4PCB-Containing Equipment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29
9.5Drains, Sumps, Oil/Water Separator, and other Subgrade Features . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29
9.6Chemical Storage Tanks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29
9.7Solid Waste Disposal . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29
9.8Septic System and Wells . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30
9.9Waste Water . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30
9.10 Other Environmental Features or Conditions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30
9.11 Adjoining Properties Observations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30
10.0 Interviews . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30
TABLE OF APPENDICES
Appendix A: QualiTcations
Appendix B: Figures
Appendix C: Photographs
Appendix D: Historical Research Documentation
Appendix E: Regulatory Records Documentation
Appendix F: Regulatory File Reviews
Appendix G: Miscellaneous Information
1.0 EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
1.1 Project Description
GZA GeoEnvironmental, Inc. (GZA) was retained by the City of Hastings Economic Development and
RedevelopmentAuthority to complete this Phase I Environmental Site Assessment (ESA) of the City Block #28
(Lots 1-8) property identiTed by the addresses 400-420 (even) Vermillion Street and 110-114 (even) West 5th
Street, Hastings, Minnesota 55033 (subject property/Property). This assessment was performed in accordance
with the ASTM International Standard Practice E1527-21. The purpose of this assessment was to evaluate
the subject property for the presence of recognized environmental conditions as deTned by E1527-21.
Thesubjectpropertyconsistsof12parcelsthattotalapproximately1.67acres.Analleyrunseast-westthrough
the center of the Property.The parcels are developed with a mix of residential, commercial, and parking lot
improvements. The parcels with commercial and residential improvements are identiTed by the following
addresses:
•400VermillionStreet;constructed1977,vacantcommercialbuildingandassociatedparkinglot(PIDs:
193215028040 and 193215028023);
•410VermillionStreet;constructed1961,vacantcommercial-residentialbuildingandassociatedgreen
space (PIDs:193215028020 and 193215028021);
•412 Vermillion Street; constructed 1962, vacant commercial building and associated green space
(PIDs:193215028085and 193215028080);
•418 Vermillion Street; constructed 1945, vacant commercial-residential building (PID:
193215028087);
•420 Vermillion Street; constructed 1950, activepizza restaurant (PID:193215028083); and
•114 W 5th Street; constructed 1875, vacant residential building (PID:193215028060).
Parcel IDs193215028050,193215028070, and 193215028086are vacant and/or parking lots.
The current owners of the subject property is Hastings Economic Development and Redevelopment Authority
andHastingsHoldings Company LLC. Hastings Holdings CompanyLLC ownstwoparcels,PIDs 193215028083
and 193215028070whichconsistofthepizzarestaurantandavacant,overUowparkinglot.RefertotheTgures
in Appendix B for depictions of the subject property location and current improvements.
1.2 Findings and Opinions
The key Tndings of our assessment, and our opinion of the the Tndings on the environmental condition of the
subject property, are summarized as follows:
Historical Land Use
Subject Property
Historicalrecordsindicatethesubjectpropertywasdevelopedwithaliveryandagriculturalimplementbuilding
to the northeast (depicted with a tank in early Tre insurance maps), commercial buildings along Vermillion
Street, and residences in the central and west portions by at least 1885, likely earlier.Commercial-residential
use continued on the subject property through the 1900s. By 1911, the livery building onthe northeast corner
ofthepropertywasremoved,andruinsofTreweredepictedintheareaofthelivery.Bythe1920s,awarehouse
depicted as a repairing garage was depicted on the northeast corner of the Property. Two gasoline tanks were
depicted east of the repair garage on Vermillion Street.Commercial buildings along Vermillion Street at this
time were depicted as a carpenter, an auto repair shop, and blacksmith with residences to the west.
Commercial-residentialusecontinuedonthesubjectpropertythroughthe1940s.Bythe1950s,theresidences
were removed from the northwest portion of the subject property and paved parking was developed.
Commercial development continued through the early 1960s with the present-day commercial buildings
Phase I Environmental Site Assessment: Redevelopment Block #28 (Lots 1-8)
400-420 (even) Vermillion Street and 110-114 (even) West 5th Street, Hastings,
Minnesota 55033
28.0242007.00 September 26, 2025
1
identiTed as 410, 412, 418, and 420 Vermillion Street. Concurrently, the residences were removed from the
westportionofthePropertyandpavedparkingwasdeveloped.Bythelate1970s,thenortheastwarehousewas
removed from the Property and the original portion of the present-day commercial building identiTed as 400
Vermillion St was developed on the north-central portion of the Property. It should be noted that the gasoline
tanksweredepictedeastoftherepairingwarehousebuildingthroughthe1962Treinsurancemap.Commercial
development continued through the 1990s with additions to the building identiTed as 400 Vermillion St,
bringing the subject property to its present-day conTguration. Historical occupants of the subject property
include a livery, blacksmith, union house, auto repair shops (early 1900s-1950s), restaurant, and veterinarian
(1950s), and multi-tenant commercial retail buildings from the 1960s-present including restaurants, barbers
and hair salons, a liquor store, ofTces, a bank, and dental services provider. Residential use continued on the
southwest portion of the Property through the 2020s. The buildings on the subject property are currently
vacant with the exception of a pizza restaurant on the southeast portion.
During the reconstruction of the TH-61 Hastings Bridge, MnDOT discovered two buried 560-gallon "heating
fuel oil" USTs in the road right of way, directly east of the northeast corner of the subject property. The tanks
were likely associated with the repairing garage located at the northeast corner of the property as depicted in
the Tre insurance maps. The tanks were discovered with evidence of a petroleum release,which is discussed in
the Government Records heading below.
Adjoining Properties
The north, northwest, west, and south adjoining properties were developed with commercial buildings,
residences, and lumber yards by at least 1884, likely earlier.Industrial use/lumber yard use continued on the
properties to the northwest through the 1900s, and the south and west through the 1920s. The present-day
northwestadjoining residence wasdeveloped in the mid-1920s.By the 1930s, thewestadjoining propertywas
graded, andthepresent-dayWilsonParkwasdeveloped.Atthistime,thesouthadjoining propertyidentiTedas
1155th StWwasdevelopedwithtwocommercialbuildingsdepictedasatruckshop.Commercialdevelopment
continued to the south with a gasoline Tlling station developed on the east portion of the property in the
late 1930s. Lumber yard development continued to the north through the 1940s and a gasoline Tlling station
was developed on the east portion of the property in the late 1940s. Commercial development continued on
the properties through the 1970s with the construction of the present-day commercial buildings to the north
and south. Additions were shown on the south adjoining building in the 1990s, bringing the west, north, and
south adjoining properties to their present-day conTgurations. Occupants of the adjoining properties included
a lumber yard (1880s-1940s), a gasoline Tlling station (1950s-1970s), a restaurant (1950s-1970s), an auto
repair shop, and restaurant (1980s-present) to the north;a lumber warehouse (1880s-1910s) and a residence
(1920s-present) to the northwest;a carriageshop/lumberyard (1880s-1910s),a truck shop (1920s), agasoline
Tlling station (late 1930s-1970s), auto repair shop (1980s-1990s), and Tre department (1960s-present) to the
south;and a lumber yard (1880s-1920s), and public park (1930s-present) to the west.
The adjoining properties to the northeast, east, and southeast, along Vermillion Street,were developed with
commercial buildings by at least 1884, likely earlier. The original portion of the present-day courthouse was
depicted to the northeast at this time. Commercial development continued to the east through the 1930s with
the development of the present-day commercial retail buildings including saloons, grocery stores, hardware
stores, and furniture stores. Commercial development continued to the northeast through the 1950s with
additionstothecourthousebuilding,andtothesoutheastinthe1950swiththedevelopmentofagasolineTlling
station on the property identiTed as 413 Vermillion Street. Additional commercial buildings were developed
to the northeast and southeast in the 1960s, bringing the properties to their present-day conTguration. The
northeast adjoining property has been occupied by Hastings City Hall since development in the 1880s.
Occupants of the east adjoining properties include multi-tenant residences and commercial businesses such
as a hardware store, multi-tenant ofTces, an antique store, and art gallery (1960s-present). Occupants of the
southeast adjoining properties included a gasoline Tlling station (1950s-1960s), a telephone company
(1970s-1990s), and multi-tenant commercial buildings from the 1990s-present. Commercial retail occupancy
was not identiTed to the east or southeast from the years 1924 through 1962.
Based on historical records, government records, and regulatory Tle reviews for documented releases to the
east, it appears unlikely that historical lumber yard, automotive repair and gasoline Tlling stations to the north,
east, and south have resulted recognized environmental conditions.
Phase I Environmental Site Assessment: Redevelopment Block #28 (Lots 1-8)
400-420 (even) Vermillion Street and 110-114 (even) West 5th Street, Hastings,
Minnesota 55033
28.0242007.00 September 26, 2025
2
Observations and Interviews
OurobservationsinsidethebuildingsidentiTednoobviousindicationsofapastorpresentreleaseofhazardous
substances or petroleum products. No hazardous waste generation was identiTed. No tanks or unidentiTed
containers of chemicals were observed. No obvious chemical spills, signiTcant staining, corrosion or unusual
odors were identiTed.We observed basements with sumps in several of the buildings. We did not observe any
staining or other evidence of improper discharges into the sumps.
We were unable to access the Spiral Pizza building.The tenant reportedly opens "at will" and was not open at
the time of the site reconnaissance. Based on interviews, the site operates as a restaurant and does not use or
store hazardous substances or petroleum products. Based on our observations and interviews, we do not view
our inabilitytoaccess thetenantspacea signiTcant limitationthathasaffectedourability toidentify recognized
environmental conditions.
ObservationsofthelandareaidentiTednosuspectwastedisposals,chemicalstorageareas,signiTcantstaining,
or obviously distressed vegetation. No pits, ponds or surface water features were observed. No wells, evidence
of septic systems, or wastewater discharges were observed. No evidence of underground storage tanks (USTs)
was identiTed on the Property.
During a geotechnical evaluation conducted in August 2025, petroleum odors and construction debris were
noted in borings on the property. For more details, refer below under the 2025 Geotechnical Engineering Report
heading.
2025 Geotechnical Engineering Report
GZA conducted a geotechnical engineering evaluation for the City of Hastings associated with the prospective
redevelopment of Block 28 (the subject property). The report was prepared for the design and construction of
two proposed mixed-use commercial and residential structures and an associated parking lot. The evaluation
included eight testboringsacross theproperty todepthsrangingfromseven to20.5feetbelowground surface
(bgs).
During the geotechnical evaluation, Tll soil with chemical odors were encountered in soil borings PB-1 and
SB-6,south of the building located at 400 Vermillion Street (PB-1), and in the vacant lot located north of 418
Vermillion Street (SB-6).The soils exhibited petroleum-like odors and visible staining at depths ranging from
3 to 9.3 ft bgs. Soils were not collected for chemical analysis due to the nature of the evaluation. The
geotechnical evaluation also encountered Tll soils containing miscellaneous construction debris (brick,
concrete, masonry block, foundry sand, glass, etc.). Based on the observed chemical odors and miscellaneous
construction debris, there is a potential for historical Tll material on the subject property to contain petroleum
products and/or hazardous substances. The Tll material and petroleum-odor soil observed during the
geotechnical evaluation is viewed as evidence of a recognized environmental condition. Recommendations for
Phase II sampling and testing to assist in characterizing the Tll material prior to redevelopment of the property
are provided.
Government Records Search
The subject property was identiTed on the following standard government record sources:
•Resource Conservation and Recovery Act Very Small Quantity Generators (RCRA VSQG);
•Historic Tanks (HIST TANK);
•Historic Leaking Underground Storage Tanks (HIST LUST);
•Underground Storage Tanks (UST);
•MPCA Remediation Sites (LST REM SITE);
•MPCA Agency Interests (MPCA AI x 2); and
•Facility Registry Service / Facility Index (FINDS/FRS x 2).
The UST and HIST TANK listings reference Wells Fargo Bank Property and two former underground storage
tanks associated with the subject property. The database report indicated that two 560-gallon fuel oil USTs
were installed on the subject property at an unknown date and removed in 2011. The HIST LUST, LST REM
SITE, MPCA AI, and FINDS/FRS listings indicate that a release was discovered from the USTs during their
Phase I Environmental Site Assessment: Redevelopment Block #28 (Lots 1-8)
400-420 (even) Vermillion Street and 110-114 (even) West 5th Street, Hastings,
Minnesota 55033
28.0242007.00 September 26, 2025
3
removal.RegulatoryrecordsregardingtheselistingswereobtainedfromtheMPCA.A Non-StandardLimitedSite
Investigation (LSI) was completed on the subject property in June 2013 by AECOM for the MPCA. The report
indicated during the reconstruction of the TH-61 Hastings Bridge, MnDOT discovered two buried 560-gallon
USTs in the road right of way, directly east of the subject property, which exhibited evidence of a petroleum
release (stained soils and petroleum odors). The amount of product released was unknown, but approximately
5 cubic yards of contaminated soil were removed from the tank basin during the UST excavation. During the
LSI, one soil boring was advanced in the vicinity of the tank basin to 40 feet bgs. AECOM speciTed that they
were not able to complete the soil boring in the former tank basin due to underground utility lines in the
vicinity. Bedrock was encountered at 3 feet bgs, and the soil/bedrock sample was taken from 8 to 9 feet bgs.
Soil samples were analyzed for diesel range organics (DRO), gasoline range organics (GRO), and petroleum
volatile organic compounds (PVOCs).Laboratory testing did not identify any target analytes above laboratory
reporting limits in the soil samples.Groundwater samples detected toluene (2.5 µg/L) and xylene isomers (3.2
µg/L) atconcentrations below their respectiveMinnesota Department of Health (MDH) Health Risk
Limits (HRLs). Based on the foregoing, AECOM opined that the petroleum contamination previously identiTed
was limited to the former tank basin and recommended site closure. A Petroleum Tank Release Site File Closure
was issued to the subject property on March 2014, indicating the investigation addressed the release to the
satisfaction of the state.Based on the closed status of the petroleum release and our review of regulatory
Tles, which indicated that residual impacts meet unrestricted land use criteria with no remaining activity and
use limitations, engineering controls, or other land use controls, the identiTed release is viewed as a historical
recognized environmental condition. The prospective redevelopment should expect to encounter
petroleum-containingsoilsandbepreparedtomanagethesoil properly.Whenthepropertyisredeveloped,the
development should be under an MPCA-approved Response Action Plan (RAP).
The subject propertywas previously occupied by an automotiverepair operation for over 30 years.Operations
on the site would have occurred prior to the advent of current regulatory standards for the storage, handling,
and disposal of hazardous wastes (i.e., the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act [RCRA] of 1976). The
previous subsurface investigation on the property only included one sample location which was not in the
former building footprint, and is deemed insufTcient to rule out the potential for hazardous substance and
petroleum impacts associated with the historical automotive repair operations. Therefore, the identiTed
historical occupancy of the property for automotive repair operations is viewed as a recognized environmental
condition.Recommendations for Phase II sampling and testing are provided.
The RCRA VSQG, MPCA AI, and FINDS/FRS listings reference Norwest Bank Hastings Auto NA and the very
small quantities of hazardous waste generated by the occupant, including ignitable waste and corrosive waste.
The database report indicates the occupant has maintained the generator license since at least
1994.Regulatory records regarding these listings were requested from Dakota County and the MPCA but
were not received by the issuance of this report. No enforcement or compliance violations were identiTed in
the database report in connection with the generator license. Based on the lack of reported violations and
administrative nature of these listings, we do not view these listings as evidence of a recognized environmental
condition and further regulatory review is deemed unwarranted.
One RCRA VSQG, MPCA AI, and FINDS/FRS listing were identiTed for the subject property address under the
occupant"HastingsPoliceStation."Itisourprofessionalopinionthatthislistingwasmisplottedonthedatabase
report and is associated withthe adjoining property to the northeast.
Adjoining Properties
Regulated sites and documented releases of hazardous substances and petroleum products were identiTed on
the adjoining properties,but no obvious detrimental impacts to the subject propertyare suspected with the
exception of an area wide PFAS plume discussed below.
Surrounding Properties - Hastings Area-Wide PFAS Investigation
A surrounding property identiTed as Hastings Plume (100 4th St W) was identiTed on the Federal
BrownTelds (FED BROWNFIELDS) and FINDS/FRS databases in reference to ongoing investigations related
tothe3M PFAS ContaminationPlume.Regulatory records regarding these listings, andthe SITE ASSESSMENT
listing identiTedinconnection with HastingsMunicipal Wells, were obtained fromthe MPCA. Aletter from the
MPCAto3MdatedOctober2023indicatesPFASwereidentiTedinmunicipalwellsinHastingsandasuspected
source was the 3M Company Cottage Grove facility. In the letter, the MPCA requested that 3M collect more
Phase I Environmental Site Assessment: Redevelopment Block #28 (Lots 1-8)
400-420 (even) Vermillion Street and 110-114 (even) West 5th Street, Hastings,
Minnesota 55033
28.0242007.00 September 26, 2025
4
data in Hastings to understand the distribution of PFAS in groundwater.A Groundwater Investigation Report -
Fiscal Year 2024, prepared by Braun Intertec for the MPCA dated June 30, 2024,indicates there are at least
elevenindustrialproperties,landTlls,andtreatmentfacilitieswithinHastingsthatcouldbeasourceofthePFAS
in groundwater.
The subject property is located in the City of Hastings,which has widespread PFAS in groundwater. The PFAS
likely originate from several sites within Washington County where 3M disposed of industrial waste and could
also originate from several industrial properties within the City of Hastings.Based on the location of the
subject property within the presumed extent of the PFAS groundwater contamination plume, groundwater
on the property likely contains PFAS which is viewed as a recognized environmental condition. While it is likely
groundwatercontainsPFAS,theproperty doesnothaveaprivatewaterwellsothereislittleriskofexposureto
thegroundwater.PhaseIIsamplingandtestingisnotrecommendedas thesubjectpropertyownerisunlikelyto
be subject to requirements for additional investigations or response actions. However, if a new water well is to
beinstalledontheproperty,MDHshouldbecontactedpriortodrillingthewellforrestrictionsand/oradviceon
any special well construction considerations to minimize the risk of exposure to impacted groundwater.
Signi0cant Data Gaps
NosigniTcantdatagapswereidentiTedthataffectedourabilityto evaluate thesubjectpropertyforrecognized
environmental conditions.
1.3 Conclusions and Recommendations
We have performed a Phase I Environmental Site Assessment in general conformance with the scope and
limitations of American Society for Testing and Materials International (ASTM) Practice E 1527-21 of the
property identiTed by the address 400-420 (even) Vermillion Street and 110-114 (even) West 5th Street,
Hastings, Minnesota 55033. Any exceptions to, or deletions from, this practice are described in Section 2.4 of
this report.
Thisassessmenthasrevealedthefollowing evidenceofrecognizedenvironmentalconditionsinconnectionwith
the property:
•During the geotechnical evaluation, Tll soils with chemical odors were encountered in soil borings
PB-1 and SB-6,south of the building located at 400 Vermillion Street (PB-1), and in thevacant lot
located north of 418 Vermillion Street (SB-6).The soils exhibited petroleum-like odors and visible
staining at depths ranging from 3to 9.3 ft bgs. The geotechnical evaluation also encountered Tll soils
containing miscellaneous construction debris (brick, concrete, masonry block, foundry sand, glass,
etc.). Based on the observed chemical odors and miscellaneous construction debris, it is likely that
historical Tll material on the subject property contains petroleum products and/or hazardous
substances. The Tll material and petroleum odorsobserved during the geotechnical borings is viewed
as a recognized environmental condition.
•The northeast portion of the subject property was occupied by an automotive repair shop for over
30 years. Operations on the site occurred prior to the advent of current regulatory standards for the
storage, handling, and disposal of hazardous wastes (i.e. the Resource Conservation and Recovery
Act [RCRA] of 1976). A previous subsurface investigation on the property is deemed insufTcient to
rule out the potential for hazardous substance and petroleum releases associated with the historical
automotive repair operations. Therefore, the identiTed historical occupancy of the property for
automotive repair operations is viewed as a recognized environmental condition.
•The subject property is in the City of Hastings which has widespread PFAS in groundwater likely
originating from several sites within Washington County where 3M disposed of industrial waste and
couldalsooriginatefromseveralindustrialpropertieswithintheCity of Hastings.The likelypresence
of a PFAS groundwater plume below the subject property is viewed as a recognized environmental
condition. While it is likely that groundwater is impacted by PFAS, the property does not feature a
private water well, so there is little risk of exposure to impacted groundwater. Phase II sampling
and testing is not recommended as thesubject property owner is unlikely to be subject to any
Phase I Environmental Site Assessment: Redevelopment Block #28 (Lots 1-8)
400-420 (even) Vermillion Street and 110-114 (even) West 5th Street, Hastings,
Minnesota 55033
28.0242007.00 September 26, 2025
5
requirements for additional investigations or response. However, if a new water well is to be installed
on the property, MDH should be contacted prior to drilling the well for advice on any special well
construction considerations to minimize the risk of exposure to impacted groundwater.
The following environmental concern was identiTed:
•During the reconstruction of the TH-61 Hastings Bridge, MnDOT discovered two buried 560-gallon
heating fuel oil USTs in the road right of way, directly east of the subject property. The tanks were
likely associatedwith the automotive repairshop locatedatthenortheastcorner oftheproperty. The
tankswerediscoveredwithevidenceofapetroleumrelease.Followingthediscoveryofthepetroleum
release, a Limited Site Investigation (LSI) was completed which consisted of one soil boring for soil
andgroundwatersampling.Nosoilimpactsweredetected,andlowlevels oftolueneandxyleneswere
detectedingroundwateratconcentrationsbelowactionlevels.Basedontheinvestigation,a Petroleum
Tank Release Site File Closure was issued to the subject property on March 2014, indicating that the
investigation addressed the release to the satisfaction of the state.Based on the closed status of
the petroleum release and our review of regulatory Tles, which indicated that residual impacts meet
unrestricted land use criteria with no remaining activity and use limitations, engineering controls,
or other land use controls, the identiTed release is viewed as a historical recognized environmental
condition. However, the prospective redevelopment should be prepared to encounter
petroleum-impacted soils and be prepared to properly manage the impacted soil. When the property
is redeveloped, the development should be under an MPCA-approved Response Action Plan (RAP).
GZA recommends Phase II sampling and testing to evaluate the recognized environmental conditions and
to help develop a Response Action Plan and Construction Contingency Plan (RAP/CCP) for the proposed
redevelopment of the property.
1.4 Continued Viability of Environmental Site Assessment
Subject to completion of the User Responsibilities outlined in Section 4.0 of this report, for purposes of
compliance with the All Appropriate Inquires Rule (40 CFR Part 312), certain components of this Phase I ESA
mustbeupdated after 180 daysifacquisition ofthe subjectpropertyhas notyet occurred.The180-day period
begins on the dates below, for these components:
Components Completion Dates Expiration Dates
Interviews August 12, 2025 February 8, 2026
Federal, tribal,
state, and local
government
records reviews
August 14, 2025 February 10, 2026
Site reconnaissance September 3, 2025 March 2, 2026
Signed declaration
by environmental
professional(s)
September 26, 2025 March 25, 2026
Completion of the
User
Questionnaire.
September 17, 2025 March 16, 2026
Environmental
cleanup liens or
activity and use
limitation search
(AUL)1 search
Phase I Environmental Site Assessment: Redevelopment Block #28 (Lots 1-8)
400-420 (even) Vermillion Street and 110-114 (even) West 5th Street, Hastings,
Minnesota 55033
28.0242007.00 September 26, 2025
6
1CompletionofanenvironmentallienandAULsearchistheresponsibilityoftheuserunless addedtothescope
of the Phase I ESA by agreement of the user and the environmental professional.
After one year of the latest date given above, a new full Phase I ESA must be conducted prior to acquisition.
2.0 INTRODUCTION
2.1 Purpose
It is our understanding that this assessment was requested as a normal course of due diligence in connection
with the prospective redevelopment of the Property by the Hastings Economic Development and
Redevelopment Authority.
This assessment was performed in conformance with ASTM Standard Practice E1527-21. The purpose of this
assessment was to evaluate the Property for the presence of recognized environmental conditions,controlled
recognized environmental conditions,historical recognized environmental conditions, and de minimis conditions as
deTned by ASTM, and other environmental concerns requested by the client and identiTed in Section 2.2.
The term recognized environmental condition means (1)the presence of hazardous substances or petroleum
products in, on, or at the subject property due to a release to the environment; (2)the likely presence of hazardous
substances or petroleum products in, on, or at the subject property due to a release or likely1 release to the
environment;or (3) the presence of hazardous substances or petroleum products in, on, or at the subject property
underconditionsthatposea materialthreat ofa futurerelease tothe environment.PerUuorooctanoicacid(PFOA)
and perUuorooctane sulfonic acid (PFOS) are now CERCLA hazardous substances.
Theterm recognizedenvironmentalcondition doesnotincludedeminimis conditions thatgenerallydonotpresent
a threat to human health or the environment and that generally would not be the subject of an enforcement
action if brought to the attention of appropriate governmental agencies.Note thata de minimis conditionisnot
arecognized environmental condition.
The term controlled recognized environmental condition means a recognized environmental condition affecting the
subject property that has been addressed to the satisfaction of the applicable regulatory authority or
authorities with hazardous substances or petroleum products allowed to remain in place subject
toimplementationofrequiredcontrols(forexample,activityanduselimitations,orother propertyuselimitations).
The term historical recognized environmental condition means a previous release of hazardous substances or
petroleum products affecting the subject property that has been addressed to the satisfaction of the applicable
regulatory authority or authorities without subjecting the subject property to any controls (for example,activity
and use limitations or other property use limitations).
1For the purposes of this deTnition, "likely" is that which is neither certain, nor proved, but can be expected or
believedbyareasonableobserverbasedonthelogicand/orexperienceofthe environmentalprofessional,and/or
available evidence, as stated in the reportto support the opinions given therein.
Signi3cant data gaps are data gaps that affect the ability of the environmental professional to identify a recognized
environmental condition.
The ASTM standard deTnes the subject property as the property that is the subject of the environmental
site assessment. An adjoining property is deTned as any real property or properties the border of which is
contiguous or partially contiguous with that of the subject property, or that would be contiguous with that of
the subject property but for a street, road, or otherpublic thoroughfareseparatingthem. This report may refer
to the subject property as the Property.
Phase I Environmental Site Assessment: Redevelopment Block #28 (Lots 1-8)
400-420 (even) Vermillion Street and 110-114 (even) West 5th Street, Hastings,
Minnesota 55033
28.0242007.00 September 26, 2025
7