The Trenton Channel—from everything we've heard, all the data we've looked at—
is that this is a pretty contaminated stretch of the Detroit River, if not the most contaminated stretch of the Detroit River.
This is a crucial step that has to be accomplished. This area has to be remediated if we're going to be able to delist the Detroit River AOC.

- Marc Tuchman, Legacy Act program manager, 2014 public meeting

Site History

The Trenton Channel is a community asset. From competitive rowing to world-class fishing tournaments, there is something for everyone. However, the Upper Trenton Channel is a top source of pollution in the Detroit River due to its industrial past. Contaminants left behind in the sediment contribute to the dumped-on "downriver" stigma of the local communities. 

​During an investigation, contaminants were found on the top layer of sediment and at various depths of more than 10 feet. Major concerns include PCBs, mercury, PAHs,  chloronaphthalenes, and pH. A voluntary cleanup plan under the Great Lakes Legacy Act proposes to remove 215,000 cubic yards of contaminated sediment to help the Upper Trenton Channel reach its full environmental and economic potential. 

Location

The proposed project area hugs the western shoreline of the channel. It begins at the BASF Northworks facility and continues south to the MPI Facility near the Grosse Ile Toll Bridge. The Trenton Channel is part of the Detroit River Area of Concern. The channel borders the communities of Trenton, Riverview, Wyandotte, and Grosse Ile, MI. 

The Upper Trenton Channel (Photo credit: Bob Burns)

Proposed dredging areas for the Upper Trenton Channel are marked by green lines.

Schedule

The Upper Trenton Channel project is currently in the design stage. The start time for the cleanup is TBD. Once a project is agreed to, the remediation will likely take one to two field seasons to complete.

Cleanup Process

Sediment to be remediated: 215,00 cubic yards
Contaminants: PCBs, mercury, PAHs, NAPL, high pH & chloronaphthalenes
Method: Dredging (hydraulic and mechanical) and sand cover
When: TBD, depending on a non-federal sponsor to provide matching funds for the cleanup stage
Partners: U. S. Environmental Protection Agency, BASF Corp., Arkema Inc., Union Carbide Corp.
Cost: TBD during design
Note: 14,000 cubic yards are hazardous (TSCA) for PCBs and will require additional management.

Short-term Disruptions

Sediment remediation is like a construction project on the water. It can involve large equipment, bright lights, and noise. Many projects even continue into the night and on weekends to speed up the process. Remediation will be inconvenient in the short-term, but a bit of patience results in a big payoff in the long-term. 

If the Upper Trenton Channel cleanup plan develops into a funded remediation project, short-term community disruptions will be listed here. For example, some areas on the water will not be accessible for days or weeks at a time. Once those targeted sediment areas are cleaned up, recreation in those areas can resume. If sediment is transported for disposal on land, truck routes will also be provided here.

Long-term Benefits

• Detroit River fishing is world-class and can only get better. A cleanup would remove contamination from the food chain and reduce exposure for those who eat fish from the river.


• A clean riverbed would improve habitat for the benthic species that make up the base of the food chain. More abundant food supplies and a clean environment for breeding and nesting could also lead to an increase in fish and wildlife populations. 

• Habitat enhancements would improve fish and wildlife habitats and may improve landscape views of the channel.

​

• To learn more about the significant benefits enjoyed by communities in Areas of Concern watch the Great Lakes Legacy Act video.

Community Involvement

The Trenton Channel is an asset for many Michigan communities, particularly nearby Ecorse, Wyandotte, Riverview, Trenton, and Grosse Ile. In a series of interviews, 35 officials, business owners, residents, and others spoke of their hopes and concerns about the cleanup project and impacts to boating and fishing on this important channel. There is also an interest in improving habitat and returning to a more natural shoreline. Contact U.S. EPA project manager, Heather Williams, to provide input on the project, ask questions, or to coordinate the project with community events on the river.
​
January 17, 2014 public meeting at Wyandotte Boat Club

• U. S. EPA presented on the feasibility study with posters. 
• Detroit River Public Advisory Committee presented with posters.

A public meeting in January 2014 delivers information to members of the community.

More Information

Documents and Resources
Community needs assessment for outreach (PDF, 25p, 1MB) September 2014
Detroit River Area of Concern fact sheet (PDF, 1p, 622KB) January 2014
Feasibility study executive summary with proposed cleanup plan (PDF, 4p, 40KB) September 2013
Feasibility study report (PDF, 875p, 74MB) September 2013

Stakeholders
Friends of the Detroit River
Grosse Ile Nature and Land Conservancy​
​MI Department of Natural Resources Fisheries Lake Erie Management Unit
​MI Department of Health and Human Services Eat Safe Fish
MI Department of Environmental Quality
U. S. Environmental Protection Agency