Electroplating has enhanced the appearance and lifespan of jewelry, industrial components, and electronic devices since its invention in the mid-1800s. The process involves using an electrical current to deposit a thin coating of one metal onto a base material, making it more durable and cost-effective than producing an item entirely from the plated metal.
Minnesota, particularly the Twin Cities region, became a hub for electroplating due to its strong manufacturing sector. Companies producing medical devices, automotive components, and computer chips required electroplated materials, driving demand for local plating facilities. During the Industrial Revolution and into the 20th century, numerous metal plating businesses established operations in the state to support these industries.
However, as manufacturing trends shifted, many industries relocated their production facilities to other states or countries for economic reasons. This led to the decline and closure of several electroplating companies in Minnesota, leaving behind a legacy of environmental contamination.
Early metal plating facilities played a crucial role in Minnesota’s industrial growth but often lacked modern environmental safeguards.
While electroplating offers significant industrial benefits, it has historically posed serious risks to both workers and the environment. The process often involves hazardous chemicals, including:
In Minnesota, pollution from historical electroplating operations has been a long-standing concern. Before the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) introduced stricter regulations in the 1970s, waste from plating facilities was often discharged directly into local waterways or dumped onto surrounding land. This has led to lasting contamination in the Minneapolis-St. Paul area, particularly in industrial zones where multiple plating facilities once operated.
Even today, as older plating plants shut down, previously undocumented contamination is often uncovered. These sites require extensive investigation and remediation to prevent ongoing environmental and health risks.
Heavy metal contamination in soil and water, seen here in discoloration and chemical sheen, poses long-term risks to ecosystems and human health.
Many plating facility closures follow a familiar pattern:
One of the most well-documented cases of metal plating contamination in Minnesota is Superior Plating, once the largest plating facility in the Midwest. Located in the Northeast neighborhood of Minneapolis, Superior Plating operated from 1956 through 2012, during which time its activities led to significant soil and groundwater contamination.
The site was originally developed in 1891 as a streetcar barn and repair facility, later transitioning to metal plating operations in 1956. Over the decades, improper handling and disposal of hazardous materials resulted in contamination from volatile organic compounds (VOCs) like trichloroethene, as well as heavy metals such as chromium, nickel, copper, and zinc. Groundwater sampling in recent years has also revealed PFAS contamination.
Bay West played a key role in the environmental remediation of the Superior Plating site. Our team provided oversight and cleanup solutions to mitigate long-standing contamination risks, helping transition the property for future redevelopment. Read more about Bay West’s work at Superior Plating, and see the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency’s (MPCA) details on the site.
Remediation efforts underway at the former Superior Plating site in Minneapolis. Bay West played a key role in addressing decades of contamination, ensuring proper cleanup of hazardous heavy metals and VOCs to prepare the site for future redevelopment.
In addition to the Superior Plating project, Bay West has worked on several other metal plating sites across Minnesota, addressing contamination, remediation, and compliance challenges. Some notable sites include:
The environmental legacy of metal plating facilities in Minnesota is complex, with contamination challenges persisting long after operations cease. However, through rigorous site investigation, remediation, and regulatory oversight, these sites can be rehabilitated for safe redevelopment.
Bay West continues to be a trusted leader in environmental cleanup and remediation for former metal plating facilities across Minnesota. With decades of expertise in hazardous waste management and site restoration, our team is committed to safeguarding both public health and the environment.
