ASHLAND, Wisconsin (June 24, 2019) – Over the past week, contractors for Northern States Power Company-Wisconsin, an Xcel Energy company, began preliminary work in preparation for the final phase of restoration at the Ashland Lakefront Project Site. The company has submitted a final design for the on-shore cap to the Environmental Protection Agency and anticipates a decision in the coming weeks. As proposed, the final on-shore cap will include a:

  • 24-inch clay layer (minimum)
  • 40-mililiter geomembrane liner
  • 12-inch sand drainage layer
  • 6-ounce non-woven geotextile fabric
  • 18-inch rooting zone
  • 6-inch layer of top soil vegetated with seed mix

In addition, a concrete cap has been proposed which will be created within 12 feet of the existing sheet pile wall along the shoreline to prevent erosion. A section of reinforced turf (approximately 40 feet wide) will be installed south of the concrete cap to provide an extra level of protection.

Monitoring to continue during project

Throughout the remainder of the project, air and noise monitoring will continue by on-site personnel. Air monitoring will consist primarily of screening with hand-held, direct-reading instruments. Access to the project site will be limited to those authorized to be on site and will be supported by a perimeter fence. When necessary, traffic controls will be implemented in work areas near public streets.

Over the past year, company officials have worked closely with the city of Ashland to develop a cooperative agreement that allows for future redevelopment of the area without impacting existing elements of the completed remediation.

“We value the ongoing coordination with all the groups and are pleased that the final restoration will support the city’s plans for future redevelopment and reuse of the area,” said Mike BeBeau, project manager. “We will continue to work closely with the agencies, community leaders and local residents on this final phase and appreciate everyone’s support as we near completion of the project.”

###


Xcel Energy (NASDAQ: XEL) provides the energy that powers millions of homes and businesses across eight Western and Midwestern states. Headquartered in Minneapolis, the company is an industry leader in responsibly reducing carbon emissions and producing and delivering clean energy solutions from a variety of renewable sources at competitive prices. For more information, visit xcelenergy.com or follow us on Twitter and Facebook.