KALAMAZOO, MI (WKZO AM/FM) — Sediment and sludge in the Kalamazoo River is expected to start being cleaned up by March 1 after an order issued by Michigan officials.
According to WOOD-TV, the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes and Energy (EGLE) told Eagle Creek Renewable Energy to get to work on the clean-up saying the problem is “urgent”.
The sludge was released when the energy company lowered Morrow Lake at the dam in Comstock Township in 2019. Since then, the sediment has narrowed the river. Nearly a year and a half later, the sludge remains even though Eagle Creek claimed they were going to have the problem fixed within months. Local anglers, kayakers and environmentalists say it in turn has negatively impacted recreation on the river as well as fish and other wildlife populations.
In a letter sent last week to Eagle Creek Renewable Energy, EGLE said if the 114,000 cubic yards of sediment aren’t moved before the spring flows, mussel beds, fish spawning and habitats for aquatic animals will suffer.
Calling the matter ‘urgent,’ EGLE said the company should start removing the sediment by the start of next month and clear out as much of it as possible before the spring thaw.
In December of 2020, the Kalamazoo County board of commissioners voted to send Eagle Creek Renewable Energy a letter seeking assurance that the sediment would be adequately cleaned up.
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