Brownfield cleanup to start on two Havre properties

Press release

Two Havre properties will be moving to petroleum cleanup during late August and early September. The former Sweetheart Bakery, which was originally a tire and lube shop, and Heltne’s, which was originally an Exxon gas station, will be under construction starting this month.

Monday, a pilot study for environmental cleanup began at the former Heltne’s Exxon located at 140 First Street in Havre. Progress toward cleanup has been supported, in part, by the Brownfields Program of Bear Paw Development Corporation. The pilot study will consist of injecting an in situ chemical oxidation compound into the petroleum-impacted area near one monitoring well. If groundwater quality improves in that well compared to before injection, planning will begin for a full-scale site-wide ISCO application. The pilot study was requested by the Montana Department of Environmental Quality and will be funded by the Petroleum Tank Release Compensation Board, or Petrofund. After the pilot study, excavation may also be performed, where soil is accessible, without disrupting streets or buildings.

Beginning Aug. 30, excavation will take place at the former Sweetheart Bakery at 6 Second Street in Havre. Cleanup at this site is being conducted with funds from the Bear Paw Development Brownfields Program in partnership with the Petrofund. The soil will be excavated down to 14 feet and the extent of excavation will be limited by the presence of the site building to the southeast and a 16-inch water main to the west. The space will then be filled with new soil that includes special oxidants to further break down petroleum remnants. Sidewalks, pavement, and some signage will also be replaced. The plan for cleanup has been approved by the Montana Department of Environmental Quality.

Bear Paw Development’s Brownfields Program serves to assist landowners in the reuse and redevelopment of contaminated properties. If you have questions or would like to know more about the program, contact Samantha Chagnon, Bear Paw Development’s Brownfields Coordinator, via phone at 406-265-9226 or email at [email protected].