U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Atlantic Richfield Company, BP Products North America Inc. and the East Chicago Waterway Management District announced a project agreement to clean up contaminated sediments at two sites in the Grand Calumet River Area of Concern in Northwest Indiana. The agreement commits more than $200 million to remove more than 240,000 cubic yards of contaminated canal and river bottom sediment across a combined area of 100 acres. This agreement builds on the progress made to clean up the AOC with more than 2 million cubic yards of contaminated sediment already remediated and six of the 12 sediment projects completed to delist the AOC.
“By working side-by-side with our partners, and leveraging the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative, we’re accelerating the cleanup of contaminated sediments and restoring critical habitat along the Grand Calumet River,” said EPA Region 5 Administrator Anne Vogel. “This agreement demonstrates the power of partnership to deliver results that matter for people and nature. The impact will be clear: cleaner water, healthier neighborhoods, better fishing and recreation, and renewed economic momentum for East Chicago, Hammond, and communities across Northwest Indiana.”
Read the full press release on EPA’s website: EPA and Partners Announce more than $200 Million to Clean Up Grand Calumet River Area of Concern