Senior Design -- Undergraduate Research

Price, Kathryn E., Anderson, Lindsey D., McCaw, David W., McKenna, Amanda M. Rank, Timothy R., Rathbun, Aimee A., Scherer, Kristopher C., Torrance, Tiffany A.

Accelerating the Natural Reclamation of Torch Lake Houghton County, Michigan
Advisor: Dr. Noel Urban, Associate Professor, Civil & Environmental Engineering
Michigan Technological University

Sponsor: Michigan Technological University Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering

The purpose of this study is to propose a remediation alternative for the Torch Lake Superfund site (Houghton County, MI) to be implemented in the event that the No Action Plan currently being implemented by the U.S. EPA proves ineffectual. Goals of the alternative remediation include stabilizing copper-contaminated sediments and promoting benthic life with the lake. Criteria to evaluate the effectiveness of the No Action Plan as well as of the remediation alternative are developed, including acceptable timelines for attainment of acceptable copper concentrations in the water and sediment. The recommended method of reclamation is a sediment cap composed of silty sand, constructed in phases. The cap will reduce the copper flux from the sediment into the water and provide a suitable habitat for benthic organisms and fish spawning. The initial test phase covering 15 acres will be monitored for 4 years to evaluate its effectiveness. Funding will be obtained from Federal and State grants as well as the residual CERCLA allocation. Although Superfund sites require no work permits, the intent of applicable permitting laws will be followed. To educate the public, informational meetings will be held and school outreach projects will be initiated. The project will be executed in corroboration with the EPA and Natural Resource Conservation Service (NRCS) of Houghton County.

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