09-07-1994 WS - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

History of Twin Cities Army Ammunition Plant (TCAAP) The Twin Cities Army Ammunition Plant (TCAAP) is a government-owned, contractor-operated military Installation under the jurisdiction of the U.S. Army Armament Munitions and Chemical Command (AMCCOM). It comprises approximately 2400 acres. The Installation was established in 1942 as part of the World War II build-up. It supported the U.S. Army needs for World War II, the Korean Conflict, and the Viet Nam Conflict. Since 1976 it has been on standby status. In 1991, the Installation mission was declared in excess of Army needs. The Installation is now under a Modified Caretaker Status and has no mobilization mission. The property is used for storage, training, and office space. Also, the railroad spur is utilized. Federal Cartridge Company manages the Installation under an agreement with the Army. Alliant Techsystems Inc., a manufacturer of fuzes, mines, and electronic components for artillery and torpedoes, operates on the property under a facility use contract. Alliant occupies four (4) primary buildings on the site. There are also 14 family housing units on the Installation. The facility was contaminated over the years and is now a Superfund site through the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (CERCLA). Under this designation, the property must be certified as clean before it can be excessed and made available for other uses. Examples of contaminants include solid wastes,.PCBs, hazardous wastes, volatiles organic compounds, heavy metals, and problems related to tenant activities. As such, the federal government retains responsibility for the clean up of pollution before sites can be released for reuse. At this time, approximately five (5) clean up projects are underway. TCAAP also has groundwater contamination. A Groundwater Remedial Program has been implemented,•and is expected to continue 20-30 years. Groundwater monitoring will • continue indefinitely. • - • Small parcels of the land have been acquired by public agencies for various public uses. A twenty-six acre parcel in the southeast corner has been transferred to the Army for use as an Army Reserve Training Center. An eight acre parcel was deeded to Ramsey County on the eastern border of the property for recreational use. The west portion of the Installation, about half of the total, is largely developed with buildings, warehouses, bunkers, road, railroad tracks and parking lots. The eastern half has ' been at least partially disturbed by test firing of munitions, military training, and other activities. Some areas of the property are in a more natural state, and may not have experi- enced contamination.