The University of Minnesota Outreach, Research and Education (UMore) Park is a 5,000-acre property located 25 miles southeast of Minneapolis. UMore Park adjoins to the 3,000-acre Vermillion Highlands Research Recreation and Wildlife Management Area. Barr has provided a variety of services to the University in support of transforming the site to support regional economic development, education, and the environment.
During World War II, the property was the site of a gunpowder plant owned by the War Department. Barr performed three Phase I environmental site assessments as well as Phase II environmental site assessments and remedial investigations. These investigations represented the first comprehensive attempt to identify the extent and magnitude of contamination and assess the need for remedial actions at this formerly used defense site (FUDS).
Barr conducted extensive groundwater, surface water, and environmental investigations that helped the University prepare an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) to evaluate potential environmental impacts of gravel mining on the western portion of the site and completed a comprehensive remedial investigation to support future redevelopment of the eastern portion. We also prepared a mining plan designed to conserve water and reduce potential risks from chemical storage and assisted the University’s mining partner with a mining permit application.