Introduction
In a significant development for Michigan’s lakeshore communities, the state Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE) has officially approved the 401 Water Quality Certification for the upper harbor in Grand Haven. This approval marks a critical milestone in advancing the scheduled harbor dredging project for late 2025—a project vital to supporting regional jobs, sustaining Michigan’s shipping industry, and protecting the economic stability of Grand Haven and its neighboring communities.
State Representative Greg VanWoerkom (R-Norton Shores), who has been actively involved in pushing for regulatory clarity and progress on the project, announced the update following a series of meetings with EGLE, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, the city of Grand Haven, and other local stakeholders. These meetings centered around balancing environmental concerns with economic imperatives tied to harbor maintenance and sediment removal.
“A well-maintained harbor is critical to our local economy, jobs, and the shipping industries that keep our unique part of the state booming,” VanWoerkom stated. “This certification is a huge relief for the community and a meaningful sign of progress.”
Why Harbor Dredging Matters for Grand Haven
Harbor dredging is not just a maintenance activity—it is a foundational component of Michigan’s waterfront infrastructure. Grand Haven’s inner harbor requires dredging every two to four years to remove accumulated sediment and silt that obstruct navigation. Without timely environmental dredging, the harbor becomes less accessible for commercial shipping vessels, recreational boaters, and essential maritime operations.
The harbor is a major economic engine for the Tri-Cities region, supporting over 450 jobs with total annual wages of approximately $29.5 million. It also contributes $88.8 million to the regional economy each year through shipping, logistics, and related industries. As sediment builds up and shipping channels narrow, the risk of losing this economic output increases dramatically.
The Challenge: New Environmental Regulations
The road to securing this certification, however, was not straightforward. A new EGLE policy requiring testing for PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) in sediment posed a serious threat to the harbor dredging timeline. The policy was implemented as part of the state’s ongoing efforts to address emerging contaminants, but it created confusion for federal and local agencies responsible for harbor maintenance.
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, tasked with executing the dredging project, stated it could not proceed without clear guidance from EGLE on how PFAS testing results would influence sediment removal plans. The lack of clarity effectively brought planning efforts to a halt for several months, raising concerns across the community and prompting urgent calls for action from local leaders.
Rep. VanWoerkom stepped in to advocate for the region, issuing a formal letter in April to Governor Gretchen Whitmer and EGLE Director Phillip Roos. The letter emphasized the severe economic consequences of delaying the dredging cycle and urged immediate regulatory clarity.
“Missing a dredging cycle will have serious economic consequences. It will directly affect industries across Michigan that rely on materials shipped through Grand Haven,” VanWoerkom warned in his letter.
Environmental Dredging and Public Responsibility
While the regulatory shift around PFAS testing reflects a broader concern for environmental protection, it also highlights the complexity of balancing ecological preservation with economic sustainability. Environmental dredging projects like this one must follow rigorous protocols to ensure that sediment removal does not pose risks to water quality or public health.
EGLE’s decision to grant the 401 Water Quality Certification for the upper harbor signifies that the project meets federal Clean Water Act standards and can proceed with proper environmental safeguards in place. Officials also stated that certification for the lower portion of the harbor is expected soon, paving the way for full-scale operations to commence.
The certification process itself is designed to evaluate potential water pollution impacts, mitigate sediment runoff, and ensure safe disposal or reuse of dredged material. In this context, EGLE’s approval affirms that Grand Haven’s dredging plan is both environmentally responsible and aligned with state and federal regulations.
What Comes Next: Dredging Timeline and Continued Collaboration
With certification in hand, officials are preparing to launch the four-week dredging operation in late September and early October 2025. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers will oversee the project in coordination with the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE), local municipalities, and community stakeholders.
This collaborative approach is essential not only for meeting technical requirements but also for ensuring the public’s trust in how harbor dredging is managed. By involving multiple agencies and communicating openly about both challenges and solutions, officials are laying the groundwork for a smoother, more transparent process in the future.
Rep. VanWoerkom has pledged to remain closely engaged in ongoing discussions to ensure that dredged material standards remain reasonable and do not impose unnecessary burdens on communities.
“I will continue to work with EGLE, the Army Corps, and stakeholders to ensure there are reasonable standards set for dredged material and our ability to use it,” he said.
Conclusion: A Win for Grand Haven and the State
The approval of the 401 Water Quality Certification for Grand Haven’s upper harbor is more than a regulatory checkbox—it’s a symbol of what can be achieved when environmental stewardship and economic pragmatism go hand in hand. As Michigan continues to confront new environmental challenges, this project sets a precedent for how harbor dredging can be managed responsibly and efficiently.
For the residents, workers, and industries that depend on Grand Haven Harbor, the path is finally clear for a 2025 dredging operation that will protect both livelihoods and the local ecosystem.