The sediment cleanup at the Tyco site is complete!

The sediment cleanup of the area near the Tyco Plant on the Menominee River is complete! In 2014, 41,000 cubic yards of sediment contaminated with arsenic were removed from the river. A sand cover was placed in deeper portions of the river that were difficult to dredge, isolating any contamination remaining in the river bottom glacial till. This voluntary Great Lakes Legacy Act (GLLA) project was performed to fast-track the river's healing process following a mandatory cleanup under the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act, which also eliminated any significant sources of arsenic contamination to the river. The GLLA project came in under budget and was completed in one year. 

Location

The Menominee River forms the boundary between Wisconsin and the southern tip of Michigan's Upper Peninsula. The Tyco project is located in the Menominee River Area of Concern in Marinette, WI. The project area includes the south channel, the turning basin, and a small portion of the main channel on the Menominee River.

Cleanup Process

Sediment remediated: 41,000 cubic yards
Contaminants: Arsenic
Method: Mechanical dredging and sand cover
When: 2014
Partners: U. S. Environmental Protection Agency, Tyco, and Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources
Cost: $22 Million

Long-term Benefits

• The cleanup removed contaminated sediment from the river, which lessens exposure of arsenic to aquatic life. The benthic community, which forms the foundation of the river's food chain, benefits greatly.

• Commercial and boating opportunities have improved because of deeper waters. The U. S. Army Corps can once again perform routine dredging for navigation without the cost impediment caused by pollution.

More Information

Stakeholders
City of Marinette
University of Wisconsin-Extension
Menominee River Community Advisory Committee
Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources
Tyco
U. S. Environmental Protection Agency