Plans Unveiled for Muskegon and Torch Sediment Remediation

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) yesterday announced multi-million-dollar project agreements for the Muskegon Lake and Torch Lake Areas of Concern (AOC).

These projects are part of a larger effort to restore the Areas of Concern through the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative (GLRI).

According to EPA, both projects will remediate contaminated sediment under the authority of Great Lakes Legacy Act and are a collaboration between EPA and non-federal partners.

EPA, EGLE, and TDY Industries LLC have agreed to complete a $6.6 million cleanup of the Ryerson Creek Outfall site in the Muskegon Lake AOC.

EPA is providing $4.3 million through the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative and EGLE will provide $1 million in cash and in-kind contributions, including the use of Muskegon County’s landfill for sediment disposal, and TDY Industries will contribute consulting services.

At Torch Lake, EPA and Honeywell International Inc. have agreed to complete a $5.4 million feasibility study focused on addressing lead, PCB and arsenic contamination at the Lake Linden Recreational Area and the Hubbell Processing Area.

Remediating contaminated sediment from both areas – where fish consumption is currently restricted – will ultimately lead to delisting the AOC.

As part of the agreement, Honeywell will also remove contamination along Torch Lake.