Otter Creek

The sediment cleanup of Otter Creek is complete!

Otter Creek is a small stream that flows into south Maumee Bay. The lower two miles run through highly industrial areas. Railroads, oil refineries, closed landfills, and terminals are located nearby. Many municipal and industrial stormwater outfalls discharge directly into the creek. Before modern environmental laws were in place, industrial practices like oil wells in the 1800s and early 1900s discharged contamination in the creek. Environmental protections are in place today to limit or prevent ongoing sources into the creek. Despite the setbacks of legacy pollution, the Maumee Bay is used by walleye, perch, and bass for spawning.

Extensive sampling and site characterization were performed in Otter Creek and nearby Duck Creek, which led to a feasibility study to determine the cleanup needs in the creeks. PAHs and DROs were found to be present in the sediment in lower Otter Creek and the confluence of Otter Creek and Maumee Bay. The project team found that surface sediment concentrations were lower and sediment toxicity was generally not observed in Duck Creek and upper Otter Creek. The project team did not include these areas in the project.

Location

Otter Creek extends approximately seven miles through Toledo and Oregon, OH before flowing into Maumee Bay. Otter Creek is in the Maumee Area of Concern. The project area begins about a quarter-mile downstream of Millard Avenue and continues to the mouth of Maumee Bay.

The Legacy Act project targets sediment in the confluence of Otter Creek and Maumee Bay as well as Otter Creek downstream of Millard Avenue. Samples were collected along both Otter Creek and Duck Creek.

Cleanup Process

Schedule

Sediment remediated: 50,400 cubic yards
Contaminants: PAHs, DROs
Method: Hydraulic dredging and sand cover
When: 2020-2021
Partners: U. S. Environmental Protection Agency, BP-Husky Refining LLC, Chevron U.S.A., Inc., and Legacy Refining Operations, a series of Evergreen Resources Group, LLC
Cost: TBD
Note: The sediment will be stored indefinitely at the Toledo-Lucas County Port Authority's confined disposal facility (CDF).

The environmental cleanup of contaminated sediment in Otter Creek was performed under a voluntary partnership through the Great Lakes Legacy Act. Habitat improvements in the lower 0.5 miles of the creek will reduce erosion and support aquatic species. In spring 2023, Otter Creek will be repopulated with freshwater mussels.