EPA: 4 parties responsible for lakefront cleanup

ASHLAND, Wis. (AP) — A Superfund site on Lake Superior’s shore is a step closer to getting cleaned up.

The Environmental Protection Agency has identified the four parties responsible for the cleanup costs, which could reach an estimated $97 million.

The EPA has named Canadian National Railroad, the Soo Line Railroad, Xcel Energy, and the city of Ashland as liable to pay for the clean-up of more than a century’s worth of coal-tar and chemical pollution on Ashland’s waterfront.

EPA Project Manager Scott Hansen says there’ll be 120 days for all sides to hash out who will pay what.

Ashland Mayor Bill Whalen tells Wisconsin Public Radio that the city has been bracing for this and will try to keep their share down. Whalen said getting choice waterfront property clean for development will be a boon for the city.

Information from: Wisconsin Public Radio, http://www.wpr.org