EPA and Partners to Test Options to Remove Drums from Torch Lake in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula

EPA and Partners to Test Options to Remove Drums from Torch Lake in Michigan's Upper Peninsula

EPA to Hold Open House August 20 in Lake Linden

August 14, 2024

CHICAGO(Aug. 14, 2024) - U.S. Environmental Protection Agency will soon begin a pilot study to evaluate the effectiveness of removing drums from Torch Lake near Houghton, Michigan. The study will help determine a final cleanup strategy to address more than 400 drums on the bottom of the lake. EPA is investing approximately $4 million in Bipartisan Infrastructure Law funding for the project in a cost-sharing partnership with Honeywell International Inc., in coordination with the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes and Energy and other community stakeholders.

Next month, EPA contractors will remove drums from three areas at different water depths and will perform extensive monitoring and sample collection. Contaminated sediment and other debris will also be removed from the three target areas. The removed drums, sediment and debris will be temporarily staged at the former Mineral Building property before being transported to a disposal facility. Barges, a crane, construction equipment and small vessels will be present on the lake until early October.

Torch Lake has experienced environmental degradation due to historical mining activities in the area. This project is part of the larger effort to restore and delist the lake as a Great Lakes Area of Concern.

Next week, EPA, Michigan EGLE and Honeywell will host an open house to update the community on the drum removal pilot study and next steps for the Torch Lake Area of Concern.

Where:Lake Linden-Hubbell High School Auditorium
601 Calumet Street
Lake Linden, Michigan

For more information, please visit EPA's Torch Lake Area of Concern website.