After decades of unregulated industrial activity and waste, many of the communities near or surrounding the 43 Areas of Concern experienced a socioeconomic downturn, in part because of their heavily polluted waterways. However, through collaborative remediation and restoration efforts, some AOC communities are experiencing revitalization. Explore AOC success stories below to see how the remediation and restoration of their waterways have resulted in the communities becoming revitalized. What were once cities suffering from the repercussions of historical waste are now growing hubs of economic and recreational growth.

For a quick overview of the Great Lakes AOC story, watch Community Revitalization: Great Lakes Areas of Concern.

To learn how AOC communities can work toward revitalization, read Great Lakes Areas of Concern: Six Strategies to Support Community Revitalization.

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Ashtabula

Located in Northeast Ohio, where the Ashtabula River meets Lake Erie, Ashtabula was once a historical shipping and industrial community where waste heavily contaminated the river. Since then, this AOC has gone through intensive remediation and restoration efforts that have led to increases in business, housing, and recreation opportunities for residents, and more tourism than ever seen before. Learn more about Ashtabula’s revitalization.

Buffalo

The city of Buffalo, New York is home to the Buffalo River AOC,  which was subject to heavy industrial pollution throughout the 1900s. This pollution led to years of disinterest in the river, but recent combined remediation and restoration efforts have renewed its health, preparing the city for revitalization. Redevelopment of the riverfront is attracting more visitors to the city and a greater young-adult population, indicating a bright future for Buffalo. Learn more about Buffalo’s revitalization.

Duluth

The St. Louis River AOC spans many communities, with the most populous being the city of Duluth, Minnesota. Historically, the city was dependent on lumber and iron ore industries. Once those businesses left the area, their pollutants stayed behind. Through a variety of funding and mobilization efforts, the St. Louis River is being cleaned up and restored and Duluth is experiencing substantial economic growth, a growing tourism industry, and expansive habitat restoration. Learn more about Duluth’s revitalization.

Muskegon

Situated in Michigan, Muskegon Lake and its shorelines were polluted by the historical dumping of debris and chemicals from various industries, including a sawmill. As a result, much of the community neglected the lake to the point where downtown buildings did not face the waterbody. However, in recent years through combined efforts of local, state, and federal governments and the community, this AOC is going through a revitalization—waterfront development, recreation opportunities, and tourism are thriving. Learn more about Muskegon’s revitalization.

Sheboygan

Sheboygan, Wisconsin is located on the eastern shores of Lake Michigan. It was once home to a variety of industries, such as lumber mills and tanneries. The waste produced by these industries, as well as agricultural and urban runoff, led to high levels of pollution in the Sheboygan River. However, federal, state, and community partners collaborated to remediate and restore the contaminated river’s ecological health. As a result, Sheboygan has undergone revitalization with the city’s economy, waterfront development, and recreational opportunities experiencing renewed growth. Learn more about Sheboygan’s revitalization.