News by Topics - AOCs
Loss of Fish and Wildlife Habitat BUI removed at Rochester Embayment AOC
The Loss of Fish and Wildlife Habitat Beneficial Use Impairment (BUI) was removed from the Rochester Embayment Area of Concern (AOC) after state, federal, and non-profit partners implemented multiple habitat restoration projects within the AOC and in critical wetland areas adjacent to the AOC, leading to improved habitat conditions for target fish and wildlife species. This marks the final BUI to be removed from this AOC.
December 14, 2023
Fish Tumors or Other Deformities BUI removed at Black River and Cuyahoga River AOCs
Tumors and deformities were historically elevated in fish populations in the Black River and Cuyahoga River Areas of Concern (AOCs) as a result of legacy industrial pollution and poor water quality. Contaminant source control and water quality improvements in both AOCs, and remediation work in the Black River AOC, reduced rates of fish tumors and deformities to meet Ohio’s AOC restoration targets, prompting the removal of the Fish Tumors and Other Deformities Beneficial Use Impairment (BUI) from these AOCs.
December 8, 2023
Biden-Harris Administration Announces Largest Ever Clean-up under EPA’s Great Lakes Restoration Initiative to Address Milwaukee Area of Concern
Thanks to President Biden’s Investing in America Agenda, new funding agreement between EPA and partners will invest an estimated $450 million to cleanup of nearly two million cubic yards of contaminated sediments.
November 1, 2023
Dredging of Contaminated Sediment Complete at Munger Landing, Duluth MN
Dredging at the Munger Landing in Duluth, MN is complete, and restoration is underway. The project is part of the St. Louis River Area of Concern effort to remediate contaminated sediment and restore degraded habitat.
September 21, 2023
Degradation of Benthos BUI removed at Buffalo River AOC
After extensive sediment remediation work, which reduced sediment toxicity to levels that are no longer harmful to bottom-dwelling invertebrates in the river, the Degradation of Benthos BUI has been removed at the Buffalo River AOC.
September 14, 2023
Loss of Fish and Wildlife Habitat BUI removed at Buffalo River AOC
Through extensive habitat restoration work, modified dredging practices, and implementation of long-term plans to improve wastewater and stormwater management, habitat connectivity and water quality in the Buffalo River Area of Concern AOC have sufficiently improved to remove the Loss of Fish and Wildlife Habitat Beneficial Use Impairment.
September 6, 2023
EPA to Hold Virtual Public Engagement Session on Great Lakes Restoration Initiative Action Plan
Gathering public input is a key part of the process to develop the action plan.
August 18, 2023
Loss of Fish and Wildlife Habitat and Degradation of Fish and Wildlife Populations BUIs removed at Muskegon Lake AOC
After implementing an extensive shoreline and wetland habitat restoration plan in Muskegon Lake and portions of its tributaries, the Loss of Fish and Wildlife Habitat and Degradation of Fish and Wildlife Populations Beneficial Use Impairments have been removed from the Muskegon Lake Area of Concern. There are two remaining BUIs in this AOC.
June 14, 2023
EPA and its federal partners begin to develop the next Great Lakes Restoration Initiative (GLRI) five-year Action Plan
EPA and its federal partners are beginning to develop the next Great Lakes Restoration Initiative (GLRI) five-year Action Plan for 2025-2029. The Action Plan will outline the Initiative’s priorities and goals.
February 17, 2023
Degradation of Fish and Wildlife Populations BUI Removed at St. Louis River AOC
After decades of declines, local fauna in the St. Louis River Area of Concern have sufficiently recovered to prompt the removal of the Degradation of Fish and Wildlife Populations Beneficial Use Impairment. This achievement comes in response to extensive habitat restoration work by local, state, tribal, and federal partners.
February 2, 2023