GLIN==> EPA AND MDEQ OK $12 MILLION MUSKEGON LAKE CLEANUP

(CHICAGO – April 6, 2011) A $12 million Great Lakes Legacy Act cleanup
of contaminated sediment at Muskegon Lake’s Division Street Outfall area
is set to begin in May 2011.

The initial focus of the Muskegon Lake project involves the dredging and
safe disposal of 41,000 cubic yards of contaminated sediment from the
bottom of the lake in an area between Heritage Landing and Hartshorn
Marina, near downtown Muskegon.  Much of this sediment contains elevated
levels of mercury and polynuclear aromatic hydrocarbons, or "PAHs."  The
project also includes placement of a 6- to 12-inch sand cover over
120,000 cubic yards of sediment with lower levels of contamination.
Workers will also restore shoreline habitat, providing improved
ecological conditions for fish and other aquatic life.

The federal government will contribute 65 percent of the cost ($7.8
million) through Great Lakes Legacy Act funding.  Michigan will provide
35 percent ($4.2 million) through the Clean Michigan Initiative bond
fund.

Muskegon Lake is among 30 Areas of Concern identified by the
International Joint Commission on the Great Lakes.  In 2005 - 2006, a
$10 million cleanup of contaminated sediment was completed at nearby
Ruddiman Creek, which flows into Muskegon Lake.  As the 30 AOC sites are
cleaned up, they become eligible for "de-listing."  White Lake, north of
Muskegon, is also an Area of Concern.

For more information, please visit
www.epa.gov/greatlakes/sediment/legacy/dso/