The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency resumed its sediment cleanup project on the Cuyahoga River in Gorge Metro Park in Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio, in early March after a winter pause due to below-freezing temperatures.
The ongoing project targets contaminants such as polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, polychlorinated biphenyls, oil, grease, and heavy metals including cadmium and lead that are present in the sediment trapped upstream of the Gorge Dam. The dam itself is scheduled for removal under a separate initiative.
Dredged material from the dam pool is transported by pipeline to a specially constructed placement area two miles downstream. There, it is stabilized and stored safely. During the winter break in dredging operations, crews tested stabilization methods to ensure that the treated sediment meets strength requirements for final placement.
The EPA expects to remove more than 850,000 cubic yards of contaminated sediment throughout the duration of this project. According to the agency, this effort will help restore recreation and fishing opportunities by reducing exposure risks for humans, fish, and other wildlife. The cleanup forms part of EPA’s broader work addressing the Cuyahoga River Area of Concern—one of 23 highly degraded areas across the Great Lakes basin.
Funding for this project comes from the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative and various partners through a cost-sharing agreement. Non-federal partners include the Northeast Ohio Regional Sewer District, City of Akron, FirstEnergy/Ohio Edison, and Ohio EPA. Additional support is provided by Summit Metro Parks, City of Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio Lake Erie Commission, and Summit County.
Further details about this initiative can be found on the official roster page.
