EPA Announces Updated Cleanup Plan for Torch Lake Superfund Site in Houghton County, Michigan

November 29, 2024

CHICAGO (November 29, 2024) -U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has updated the cleanup plan for the Torch Lake Superfund site in Houghton County, Michigan. EPA completed its work at the site, which was contaminated from decades of copper production, in August 2006.

EPA details this update in an "explanation of significant differences" document, which amends the cleanup plan for the site based on information from the most recent five-year review. The update includes three changes:

• First, the cleanup now includes Scales Creek which was added operable unit 3.

• Second, as part of the initial site remedy, EPA implemented shoreline protection in areas where wave action causes erosion. During the remedial design, EPA and the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy identified two areas in Lake Linden that required this shoreline protection. EPA is documenting the need for additional shoreline protection to the Lake Linden area.

• Third, the revised remedy clarifies how operable unit 2 will be reviewed in future five-year reviews. Operable units are not usually part of a five-year review, but EPA has and intends to continue to include operable unit 2 in its five-year reviews for the site.

Superfund sites are often divided into "operable units" to address different geographic areas, specific site problems, or areas where a specific action is required. Five-year reviews are an opportunity to evaluate a cleanup remedy to determine whether it remains protective of human health and the environment. They are generally required when hazardous substances remain on site.  

For more information about the Torch Lake Superfund site, visit EPA's website.

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