The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has initiated a significant environmental cleanup project in the Lower Rouge River Old Channel, located near Detroit, Michigan. The cleanup, beginning in April, addresses the pollution of riverbed sediments with harmful substances such as polynuclear aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), heavy metals, and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), which threaten aquatic life and human health.
Partnership and Funding
This cleanup project, valued at $84 million, is a collaborative effort between the EPA and Honeywell International, Inc. It falls under the Great Lakes Legacy Act, which requires that a portion of the funding be sourced from non-federal sponsors. The EPA’s contribution of $51 million is provided through the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative and the Great Lakes Legacy Act, aiming to restore the health of the Great Lakes basin.
Project Goals and Expected Outcomes
The primary objectives of this project are to remove the beneficial use impairments (BUIs) and make strides towards the eventual delisting of the Rouge River from the Area of Concern list. The dredging operations, which mark the second phase of the project and resumed in April 2024, are slated for completion by 2025. This phase involves the removal of about 70,000 cubic yards of contaminated sediment from 10 acres and the securing of an additional 35,000 cubic yards under three engineered caps.
Progress and Management
The initial phase of the project, which involved shoreline stabilization, was completed in 2017. This was crucial to preventing shoreline and soil erosion during construction, given the steep slopes and soil instability in the area. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is managing the ongoing construction for the 2024 season, ensuring the project’s adherence to environmental safety and effectiveness.
Enhancing Connectivity and Wildlife Populations
This project is one of two sediment-related BUI projects in the Rouge River Area of Concern, identified by the Michigan Department of Energy, Great Lakes, and Environment along with the Rouge River Public Advisory Council. The strategic design includes substrate enhancements and engineered caps that connect with nearby spawning reefs in the Detroit River Area of Concern, fostering improved connectivity and enhancing aquatic wildlife populations in both areas.
Additional Resources
For more detailed information about the Great Lakes Legacy Act, funding opportunities, and specifics about the Rouge River Area of Concern, please visit the EPA’s official website. These resources offer insights into the broader efforts to preserve and restore one of America’s most significant natural resources, the Great Lakes.
The EPA’s initiative to clean up the Rouge River highlights the ongoing commitment to environmental restoration and public health safety. By addressing the contamination challenges in Detroit’s waterways, this project not only aims to revive local ecosystems but also to secure a healthier environment for future generations.