Can an outpouring of support for full cleanup at Ford Area C make a difference?
By Jenna Hawkes
March 16, 2026
From 1945 until 1966, Ford Motor Company dumped unknown quantities of industrial waste, including solvents and paint sludge, on the floodplain of the Mississippi River below the bluff near its St. Paul assembly plant. (Photo by Mike Durenberger for FMR)
The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) will soon decide how extensively Ford Motor Company must clean up Ford Area C, the hazardous riverfront dumpsite it left behind in St. Paul.
Though the MPCA's public comment period ended in early February, the pressure from FMR, River Guardians and elected officials for a full cleanup is on.
Elected and community leaders continue to advocate
This winter, the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) held a public comment period on the various cleanup options for Ford Area C. As the MPCA planned to opt for only a partial cleanup, FMR River Guardians have been vocal and visible supporters of a full cleanup of this hazardous dump. Over 700 Minnesota residents signed FMR's petition and many submitted comments to the MPCA calling for a full cleanup of Ford Area C during this period.
Now that the MPCA's public comment period has closed, FMR and community members continue to advocate.
In February, over 100 Saint Paul residents contacted their city council members, urging them to support Councilmember Saura Jost's resolution calling for a full cleanup. Council President Rebecca Noecker spoke in favor of the resolution before calling for the vote. This resolution passed unanimously and was promptly signed by St. Paul Mayor Kaohly Her the following day.
Many other elected officials have spoken out in favor of a full cleanup of Ford Area C as well. U.S. Rep Betty McCollum submitted a letter to the MPCA's commissioner stating, "An incomplete cleanup poses a risk to taxpayers. If additional cleanup is needed later due to new scientific findings or changing circumstances and Ford is no longer able to pay, the cost of cleanup would fall to taxpayers."
State Rep. Dave Pinto and Sen. Erin Murphy also submitted a letter in support of a full cleanup to the MPCA commissioner, writing, "Materials of the type buried at this site should not be in the flood plain of — and only feet from — the Mississippi River. If these materials are not removed now, future generations will be forced to deal with them."
Area C in the news
The Star Tribune, Pioneer Press and Villager have all reported on this critical decision. FMR staff, River Guardian advocates and others have written commentaries and letters to the editor on this issue as well.
Star Tribune — "Community at odds with state over cleanup of St. Paul Ford plant site"
The Star Tribune published an article about the Ford Area C cleanup selection process with commentary from FMR Land Use and Planning Director Colleen O’Connor Toberman and longtime Ford Area C cleanup activists Dan Krivit and Adam Hertell.
Star Tribune — "Opinion: The public wants cleanup at the St. Paul Ford site. Do regulators?"
The Star Tribune also published a commentary by FMR's Colleen O'Connor Toberman on the MPCA's failure to respond to community input and to hold Ford fully accountable for its mess.
Pioneer Press — "St. Paul City Council asks MPCA to get Ford to clean up contaminated site"
The Pioneer Press recently covered the Saint Paul City Council resolution on a full cleanup of Ford Area C.
Villager — "MPCA needs to stiffen its spine and require Ford to fully clean up toxic dump"
The Villager published commentary by FMR’s pro bono attorney, Joe Maternowski, who argues that the MPCA must hold Ford fully accountable by restarting the formal Superfund process. Maternowski argues that the MPCA, despite its claims to the contrary, has full legal capabilities for holding Ford fully accountable.
Villager — "City officials, state legislators push for complete cleanup of Ford's riverside dump"
The Villager also published an article on the outcry of support from elected officials for a full cleanup of Ford Area C.
What's next for Area C?
We originally thought the MPCA might release its final cleanup plan selection in March. That no longer appears to be the case. MPCA staff have told us they plan to respond to public comments in March and will take more time to review and revise the agency's final selection based on those public comments.
While we are glad that the MPCA is taking public comments into consideration, we believe that even a modified partial cleanup fails to address the hazardous waste at Ford Area C properly. The MPCA can hold a polluter fully responsible for permanent, full cleanup under state Superfund law, and we believe that this is the time to do so.
We are grateful for the outpouring of support and attention from community members, elected officials and local news outlets on this issue. Thanks in particular to our River Guardians who sent letters to the MPCA and their elected leaders, signed FMR's petition, attended a rally for a full cleanup and led this work with us for years. We are hopeful that this overwhelming public support will move the needle on the MPCA's perspective.
We will continue to report on and advocate on this issue. If you are interested in following along for future updates on Ford Area C and other advocacy issues, please sign up as a River Guardian.
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