The DRCC Public Advisory Council hosted US colleagues who provided a presentation on the progress of sediment remediation efforts on the American side of the Detroit River. The presentation highlighted the projects American partners are tackling to improve sediment quality, which improves overall ecosystem health of the river system.
In 2012, a comprehensive study took place by multiple partners where data was compiled relating to known contaminants at 65 locations in the Detroit River. The study analyzed the quantity of contaminants at these sites. This project provided a basis for the US Environmental Protection Agency and the Michigan Department of Environment,Great Lakes and Energy to create a prioritized list of remediation projects.
The estimated total quantity of sediment that needs to be remediated from the U.S side of the Detroit River is approximately 6,673,338yd3. Generally where sediments were present in the nearshore, they were contaminated and were highest near historical industrial and municipal outfalls. Some of the remediation work has begun, but partners and funding opportunities need to be identified for large scale remediation to occur.
To find out more, see these news articles:
https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2019/10/detroit-river-restoration-progress-remediation-epa/
