How the South Minneapolis Soil Cleanup Affects Home Foundations in Hennepin County
If you own a home in Phillips, Longfellow, or Powderhorn, you’ve likely heard about the South Minneapolis soil contamination cleanup.
Spanning 1,480 acres, the EPA soil cleanup in South Minneapolis removed over 50,000 tons of arsenic-contaminated soil between 2007 and 2011, improving public health but also altering soil stability beneath homes.
Today, many homeowners are experiencing Hennepin County foundation issues caused by this large-scale excavation.
Let’s get into what that means for you and your home.
Why the South Minneapolis Soil Contamination Cleanup Matters for Your Home
The arsenic-contaminated soil in South Minneapolis came from a former pesticide plant, posing serious health risks if left untreated. While the EPA soil cleanup in South Minneapolis reduced exposure risks, it also disrupted soil density and moisture control, creating new foundation risks for homeowners.
How the Cleanup Impacted Foundations
1. Soil Disturbance & Foundation Settlement
The excavation and replacement of contaminated soil may have weakened the ground beneath many homes in Phillips, Longfellow, and Powderhorn. If the backfilled soil wasn’t properly compacted, it can settle unevenly, leading to foundation settlement.
Here’s why: Over time, loose or poorly compacted soil can settle, causing foundation cracks, uneven floors, or sticking doors and windows from uneven settlement.
2. Moisture Control & Drainage Issues
Soil removal and replacement may have changed water drainage around homes, increasing the risk of:
- Standing water near the foundation, weakening structural support
- Basement leaks, mold growth, and high humidity levels
- Soil erosion, making foundations more vulnerable to movement
Warning Signs of Foundation & Drainage Problems
Has your foundation been affected? Use this quick checklist to find out:
Possible Cause
Foundation settling from disturbed soil
Uneven settling causing frame misalignment
Soil instability under the foundation
Poor drainage from disturbed soil
Structural shifts due to foundation movement
Action to Take
Monitor minor cracks, inspect widening ones
Check for gaps around doors & windows
Test with a level, call a professional
Improve grading, consider waterproofing
Monitor changes, get professional help
If you’ve noticed two or more of these warning signs, your home may be experiencing foundation settlement due to soil disruption.
What Homeowners Can Do
- Check if your property was part of the EPA cleanup – Homeowners can access records or seller disclosures for remediation details.
- Monitor foundation changes – Regularly inspect your basement, walls, and floors for new cracks or unevenness.
- Improve drainage – Ensure gutters and downspouts direct water away from your foundation to prevent water damage.
- Seal minor cracks early – Small cracks can worsen over time due to freeze-thaw cycles and shifting soil.
When to Call a Professional
If you notice multiple foundation warning signs, ongoing drainage issues, or settling foundations, it’s time to call a foundation expert. Early intervention can prevent costly structural damage.
Why Choose Innovative Basement Authority?
At Innovative Basement Authority, we have more than 20 years of experience repairing Hennepin County foundation issues. We understand the unique challenges in Phillips, Longfellow, and Powderhorn, including the long-term effects of the South Minneapolis soil contamination cleanup.
As local experts, we know the soil, climate, and foundation risks specific to your neighborhood—because we live and work here, too. From foundation repair to waterproofing solutions, we provide customized, long-term solutions to keep your home safe and stable.
Schedule a free foundation inspection today and protect your home for the future.
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Leah Leitow
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