KALAMAZOO, MI (WKZO AM/FM) – U.S. Environmental Protection Agency is working with the Michigan Department of Natural Resources, and the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes and Energy to remove PCB-contaminated sediment and soil along the Kalamazoo River near the Trowbridge Dam in Kalamazoo County’s Trowbridge Township.
The work will take place upstream of the Trowbridge Dam. It is part of the Allied Paper Inc./Portage Creek/Kalamazoo River Superfund site.
EPA officials say the project is very complex and may take three or more years to complete. They say the work to remove contaminated sediment and stabilize riverbanks will help prevent future contamination and erosion, improve water quality, and reduce contamination in fish.
This spring, EPA will continue access road construction on the north side of the river from the Lynx Golf Course to the dam. Over the summer, crews will be clearing land and preparing a staging area for equipment and materials near the 26th Street boat launch.
Later this year, sheet pile will be installed along the riverbanks, and it is expected that dredging of contaminated sediments will begin.
Construction of a temporary water control structure to manage river levels during the cleanup is also expected to begin. EPA plans to remove the water control structure and the remaining structures of the dam at the end of the project.
EPA expects the river will remain open to recreation for the majority of 2024, but a notice will be provided months in advance of any restrictions or closures.
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