Hazardous Sites & Substances
- Hazardous Sites and Substances Home
- Hazardous Waste Sites
- Topics
- Choose Safe Places Minnesota
- Environmental Exposures Grand Rounds
- Exposure and Health Investigations
- Contact us
Related Topics
- Water Contaminants and Your Health
- Cancer and the Environment
- Fish Consumption Guidance
- Children's Environmental Health
- Air Quality by Topic
- MN Public Health Data Access Portal
Environmental Health Division
Contact Info
Baytown Township Groundwater Contamination Site
This page provides information about public health issues related to TCE contamination in the Baytown Township Groundwater site in Washington County, Minnesota. Trichloroethylene, also known as trichloroethene or TCE, is a chemical solvent often used for degreasing metal parts. It was first found in the groundwater in the area in 1987, and the site is listed as a state and federal Superfund site. TCE is a human carcinogen and has been linked to adverse immune system effects.
Trichloroethylene (TCE) is one of a class of chemicals called Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs). VOCs are a large class of chemicals that have been used throughout the United States since the 1940s by industry, commerce, households and the military. Because they were commonly used for residential and industrial purposes, and stay in the environment for a long time, VOCs are a threat to ground water quality.
For more information about TCE, see:
- Washington County Groundwater Plume Sites Fact Sheet (PDF) provides summary information about sites and links to resources.
- Minnesota Groundwater Contamination Atlas, Baytown Twp Groundwater Contamination-Superfund Site provides a history of the site and work done at the site.
- Baytown/West Lakeland Township Special Well and Boring Construction Area went into effect on May 6, 1988, and was revised on March 30, 2005 and January 8, 2025.
Public Health Assessments
- Public Health Assessment for the Baytown Groundwater Contamination Site 2004 (PDF) - Contact us for a copy of this document.
- Letter Health Consultation for Baytown Groundwater Contamination Site 2015 (PDF) - This letter health consultation addresses community concerns for human health from potential exposure to TCE during outdoor water use.