Minnesota Energy Resources has begun work to complete the removal of materials and remediation of a former manufactured gas plant site located in and adjacent to the Cedar River, near the intersection of East Oakland Avenue and Fourth Street Southeast.

According to Matt Cullen, senior communications specialist for WEC Energy Group, residents may notice increased traffic and odors at the site during the remediation process. Minnesota Energy Resources will be monitoring for air quality to ensure the health and safety of workers and the public. Excavation and remediation work is expected to last for approximately three months.

Additionally, the Cedar River Recreational Trail will be closed from Oakland Avenue to Fourth Street Southeast to keep the work area safe as remediation activities take place. Cullen said the closing is expected to also last three months.

The site will be restored to its pre-excavation state this spring, with all work expected to be finished by June.

Initial remediation of the area was performed in 2008 by the Interstate Power & Light Co. Minnesota Energy Resources received ownership of the site in 2015 and has been working since that time to complete its remediation.

The former plant that occupied the site was demolished after it ceased operations in 1935.

Minnesota Energy Resources is a natural gas distribution company that provides service to more than 235,000 customers in communities throughout Minnesota.