U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) will soon commence a pilot study to evaluate the effectiveness of removing drums from Torch Lake near Houghton, Michigan. The study aims to determine a final cleanup strategy for addressing over 400 drums located at the lake's bottom. EPA is investing approximately $4 million in Bipartisan Infrastructure Law funding for the project, in partnership with Honeywell International Inc., and in coordination with the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes and Energy (EGLE) and other community stakeholders.
Next month, EPA contractors will remove drums from three areas at different water depths and conduct extensive monitoring and sample collection. Contaminated sediment and other debris will also be removed from these target areas. The removed materials will be temporarily staged at the former Mineral Building property before being transported to a disposal facility. Barges, a crane, construction equipment, and small vessels will be present on the lake until early October.
Torch Lake has experienced environmental degradation due to historical mining activities in the area. This project is part of a larger effort to restore and delist the lake as a Great Lakes Area of Concern.
Next week, EPA, Michigan EGLE, and Honeywell will host an open house to update the community on the drum removal pilot study and next steps for the Torch Lake Area of Concern.
When: Tuesday, August 20, 4:00 to 7:00 p.m.
Where: Lake Linden-Hubbell High School Auditorium
601 Calumet Street
Lake Linden, Michigan
For more information, please visit EPA’s Torch Lake Area of Concern website.
