Zephyr Site

These are the kinds of things that make Michigan unique. We have so much water.
It does improve the quality of life because we can live, work, and play in the same area.
Through all the hard work we have been able to bring resources back so everyone can enjoy them.

- Muskegon area citizen, 2015

The cleanup of the wetlands below the former Zephyr Oil Refinery is complete!

The sediment cleanup of the former Zephyr Oil Refinery is complete! Contaminated sediment has been removed from the wetlands, invasive cattails and other non-natives were removed, and native wetland species were planted. This has created 16 acres of abundant habitat for frogs, turtles, fish, ducks, and more! The project was through a Great Lakes Legacy Act (GLLA) partnership between EPA and Michigan DEQ (EGLE). Local groups like the Muskegon Lake Watershed Partnership and West Michigan Shoreline Regional Development Commission played a major supporting role.

Where did the contamination come from? In the early 1900s, Muskegon County experienced a mini oil boom. Around this time, the Zephyr Oil Refinery began production atop a bluff overlooking the Muskegon River, converting crude oil into gasoline and naphtha. As the refinery aged, production switched to light oil and other products, ultimately focusing on bulk storage, but pollution remained a problem. Over its lifetime the company spilled oil - over 700,000 gallons in its bulk storage days - and built a ditch from the wetlands below to bring water closer to the operations to put out fires. During the oil-based fires, the water mixed with oil, ash, and smoke to return to the wetlands in a contaminated state.

Location

Cleanup is located in the wetlands of the former Zephyr Oil Refinery just south of Holton Rd. (M120) and east of the railroad tracks (cleanup area denoted in yellow in the figure). MDEQ is conducting additional cleanup in the upland portion of the site in collaboration with the U. S. Army Corps of Engineers. The cleanup is located in the Muskegon Lakes Area of Concern and on private property.

A detailed map of the Zephyr cleanup and restoration process

This map created by WMSRDC shows all the Muskegon Lake Area of Concern projects, including the Zephyr Site.

Drone Footage Before and After

Take a bird's-eye tour of the Zephyr wetlands. The first video shows the site in summer 2017 prior to any cleanup activity. The second video gives an aerial view of the site during habitat restoration in fall 2018. The videos can be played at the same time for comparison.

Cleanup Process

Long-term Benefits

Sediment to remediate: 48,870 cubic yards
Contaminants: Total petroleum hydrocarbons, lead and other heavy metals
Method: Dry excavation
When: 2018
Partners: U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and Michigan Department of Environmental Quality
Cost: $16 million
Notes: A small portion (about 1,400 cubic yards) of sediment was hazardous for lead and was stabilized to non-hazardous conditions before removal.

Migratory waterfowl rely on wetlands. Removal of invasive cattails and other non-natives, along with the installation of native plants and flowers, improves habitat for fish and wildlife.
Wetlands are some of the most biologically productive ecosystems in the world, supporting threatened and endangered species. A clean wetland environment for breeding and nesting can help increase fish and wildlife populations.
The cleanup and restoration of Muskegon Lake have contributed to community revitalization in Muskegon. Learn about Muskegon’s revitalization, including its waterfront events and housing.