Superfund Sites in Reuse in North Dakota
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Arsenic Trioxide Site 
The Arsenic Trioxide Superfund site spans about 568 square miles of rural farmland in Ransom, Richland and Sargent counties in southeastern North Dakota. Because of massive grasshopper infestations during the early 1900s, the U.S. Department of Agriculture supplied the State of North Dakota with arsenic-laced grasshopper bait. Farmers and landowners applied the bait to fields. They also buried leftover bait in unlined pits. Over time, arsenic contaminated soils and ground water. EPA placed the site on the National Priorities List (NPL) in September 1983. EPA initially supplied residents with water treatment units and covered a former bait mixing area. EPA, the North Dakota Department of Health (NDDH), and the Southeast Water Users District (SEWUD) upgraded three water treatment plants, constructed new water storage reservoirs and supply wells, and installed 300 miles of water distribution pipeline. EPA took the site off the NPL in 1996. In 2003, EPA concluded that additional cleanup efforts were necessary because cleanup levels for arsenic had become more stringent. The communities of Wyndmere and Hankinson connected to the SEWUD rural water supply system. Additional efforts included water treatment plant expansion, upgraded water supply wells and water reservoirs, and connection of more rural households to public water. To ensure continued groundwater treatment and distribution, even during power outages, SEWUD installed a geothermal heating and cooling system to power its headquarters building where the District manages remote sensing of the system. This cost-effective approach reduces the facility’s use of fossil fuels and lowers operation and maintenance costs. As part of the site remedy remaining protective of human health and the environment over the long term, institutional controls inform land users of potential arsenic contamination and regulatory agencies encourage residents to test their water. Primary land uses on site are residential and agricultural uses; areas include unaltered prairie land and cash-crop farmland. Many residents continue to safely use groundwater for livestock consumption and irrigation.
Last updated June 2017
As of December 2018, EPA had data on one on-site business. This business employed 16 people and generated an estimated $1,600,000 in annual sales revenue. For additional information click here.
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Minot Landfill
The 26-acre Minot Landfill Superfund site is located in Minot, North Dakota. The landfill received municipal and industrial wastes from 1961 to 1971. Hazardous chemicals from drums of oil, spent battery casings, calcium carbide and lime sludge contaminated groundwater, surface water, soil, sediment and air. EPA placed the area on the National Priorities List (NPL) in 1989. EPA excavated contaminated soils and consolidated them under a landfill cap. After cleanup, EPA took the site off the NPL in 1997. The site is covered in grass, which is harvested twice a year for hay. The City of Minot has been proactive in finding uses for areas around the landfill. The Minot Park District operates the Maysa Area, an indoor ice skating arena, next to the site. A third indoor rink was added in 2016-2017, making it the third largest ice arena in North Dakota. The Minot Fire Department also built a burn tower near the site, and uses the area for firefighter training. The City of Minot and the Minot Park District are currently preparing a proposal to reuse parts of the site as a public park.
Last updated June 2017
As of December 2018, EPA did not have economic data related to on-site businesses, or economic data were not applicable due to site use. For additional information click here.
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