This fall the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency completed a Drum Removal Pilot Study in the Hubbell Processing Area (HPA) of the Torch Lake Area of Concern (AOC). The work was performed as part of the Great Lakes Legacy Act sediment and drum remediation as a partnership between EPA and Honeywell International, in close coordination with the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy and other community stakeholders.
As part of past evaluations and work performed by EPA and Honeywell, over 400 metal 55-gallon drums have been identified on the lakebed of Torch Lake in the HPA at various water depths, ranging from approximately 20 feet to over 70 feet in depth. Drums noted during underwater video surveys appear in various stages of deterioration with contaminated sediment present in the area of the drums.
EPA's contractors removed approximately 100 drums as well as debris and contaminated sediment from three areas at differing water depths.
Turbidity curtains and bubble curtains, which help control residual sediment movement during dredging, were in place throughout drum and sediment removal operations. Extensive monitoring was performed during dredging activities that will help in the development of a larger cleanup project. Drums, debris and sediment removed were temporarily staged prior to be transported to a disposal facility.
The in-water portion of the pilot study was completed in late September with material transportation to the landfill completed in early November. The Drum Removal Pilot Study will assist in the evaluation of drum removal and cleanup options at various water depths, which is a critical component of the ongoing Torch Lake HPA Feasibility Study.
Learn more about remediation and restoration work in the Torch Lake AOC.