In early March, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) began the second year of its cleanup project on the Cuyahoga River in Gorge Metro Park in Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio. Dredging was paused over the winter because of below-freezing temperatures. This project addresses PAHs, PCBs, oil, grease, and various heavy metals including cadmium and lead in the sediment trapped in the dam pool upstream of the Gorge Dam.
Throughout the duration of the project, EPA expects to remove more than 850,000 cubic yards of contaminated sediment from the river. This will restore recreation and fishing opportunities by reducing the risk of exposure to harmful substances for humans, fish, and other wildlife. The project is funded by the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative and project partners through a cost-sharing agreement.
To learn more about the project, read the full press release or visit EPA’s project webpage.