Munger Landing

Site History

Munger Landing, also known as the Clyde Avenue Boat Launch, is located in the Smithville neighborhood of Duluth. It is a popular recreational area for fishing, boating, and birding. Due to decades of industrial activity in the area and a lack of modern pollution control laws has resulted in contaminated sediments in the riverbed. An investigation reveals that contaminants include polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), dioxins/furans, lead, nickel, and zinc. The contaminated sediment has contributed to fish consumption advisories, loss of fish and wildlife habitat, and beach closings. The planned environmental cleanup in the cut-off channel and nearby Stewart Creek wetlands will help minimize risks to human health and restore aquatic habitats.

Location

Munger Landing is located in West Duluth’s Smithville neighborhood on Clyde Ave. It is within the St. Louis River Area of Concern. Munger Landing is downstream from the U.S. Steel Superfund site.

Figure 3 from the Focused Feasibility Study (Addendum) performed by Minnesota Pollution Control Agency shows how the project team uses sampling results to determine the remedial footprint (cleanup area). The remedial footprint is approximately 38 acres.

Schedule

A sediment cleanup project will take place at Munger Landing to protect human health and the environment. This cleanup is being conducted by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Minnesota Pollution Control Agency, Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, and industry through a Great Lakes Legacy Act voluntary partnership. Construction is expected to begin late Spring 2022. Munger Landing will be closed for two construction seasons and is anticipated to reopen Spring 2024. Alternative access to the St. Louis River includes Boy Scout Landing (MN), Rice’s Point (MN), and Oliver Boat Landing (WI). After completion of the cleanup, a pedestrian trail and sandy kayak landing will be constructed.

Cleanup Process

Sediment to be remediated: 100,000 cubic yards
Contaminants: Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) and Dioxins/Furans
Method: Dredging and Clean Sediment Cover
When: Landing will close July 2022 and reopen spring 2024
Partners: U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Minnesota Pollution Control Agency, Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, and industry partner
Cost: $41.3 million
Note: The contaminated sediment will be disposed of offsite at a certified landfill.

Short-term Disruptions

Due to project construction, the boat launch, fishing pier, and parking lot at Munger Landing will close July 2022 and reopen spring 2024.

Long-term Benefits

The cleanup and restoration of the St. Louis River have contributed to community revitalization in Duluth. Learn about Duluth’s revitalization, including its economic growth and increased tourism.

Community Involvement

Contact U.S. EPA project manager, Caitie Nigrelli, or MPCA project manager, Brad Leick, to ask questions about the project.

July 20, 2022 Munger Landing Virtual Public Meeting