US agency completes contaminated sediment removal project

The US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has completed a $12m contaminated sediment removal project at the Division Street Outfall on the south shore of Muskegon Lake.

Under the EPA Great Lakes Restoration Initiative’s Legacy Act, the cleanup project removed about 43,000 cubic yards of sediment contaminated with mercury and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons.

The Michigan Department of Environmental Quality, and the City and County of Muskegon have supported the Agency in executing the cleanup project.

The EPA Administrator senior advisor Cameron Davis said the work by federal, state, county, city and other partners over the years has helped deliver real results under the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative.

"This work will help boost human, ecological and local economic health. But we can’t stop here. We’re looking for new partners to match funds to accelerate cleanups in other areas of concern in Michigan and around the Great Lakes," Davis said.

The Muskegon Lake area of concern includes the entire lake, which is separated from Lake Michigan by sand dunes and a navigation channel.

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Image: The cleanup project at the Muskegon Lake removed about 43,000 cubic yards of contaminated sediment. Photo:

bigmikesndtech.