CU to remediate downtown property it acquired

City Utilities of Springfield set to perform environmental remediation on a downtown property it acquired.

Acquired from BNSF Railway this month, the site at 333 N. Main Ave. was formerly home to a manufactured gas plant operated by Springfield Gas & Electric and its predecessor companies, according to a news release. The site was used as a manufactured gas plant from the 1870s through the early 1900s.

"The acquisition supports the shared goal of restoring the property for the long-term benefit of the community," officials said in the release.

CU is seeking approval through the Missouri Department of Natural Resources Brownfields/Voluntary Cleanup Program to remove oily, tar-like residue on the site. CU intends to remove all impacted soils down to the bedrock, restoring the property for future use. CU expects to remove 22,000 to 30,000 tons of impacted soil and residual materials from the site.

A temporary structure is expected to be installed to control odors during excavation, according to the release.

CU has scheduled a public open house on June 29 to discuss the project and answer questions. The 4 p.m. meeting is scheduled to be held at the transit center's community room at 211 N. Main Ave.