Junction Reaches Remediation Great Lakes Legacy Act Cleanup

Map

Events

Community Information Session: Join EPA for a community information session on the Junction Reaches Sediment Remediation Project on Thursday, October 15, 2026, from 6:00–7:30 p.m. CDT at the East Chicago Waterway Management District Large Conference Room, 4444 Railroad Ave., East Chicago, IN 46312.

Background

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and non-federal sponsors are finalizing designs to clean up contaminated sediments in the Grand Calumet River and Indiana Harbor Canal in East Chicago, Indiana, within the Grand Calumet River Area of Concern (AOC). The project is funded through the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative, under the authority of the Great Lakes Legacy Act. EPA estimates that 418,700 cubic yards of contaminated sediment will be cleaned up. Work will take place in the Grand Calumet River between Indianapolis Boulevard and Kennedy Avenue, and in the Indiana Harbor Canal between the Grand Calumet River and Columbus Avenue. Construction is expected to begin in 2027 and continue through 2029.  

The project will include dredging contaminated sediment, transporting the material to an approved off-site landfill, placing an engineered cap in some areas, and restoring adjacent wetlands with native vegetation. Habitat restoration will provide habitat for waterfowl and help connect Roxana Marsh to the wetland complex east of Kennedy Avenue. Together, these actions will improve aquatic habitat and fish and wildlife populations, enhance migratory bird habitat, and improve overall water quality.

During construction, residents may experience increased truck traffic, noise, dust, and temporary access or navigation restrictions near work zones. EPA is coordinating with local officials to minimize impacts, and water and air will be monitored during active work to help protect public health. This project is not near drinking water intakes, so drinking water supplies will not be affected. This cleanup will help restore beneficial uses of the Grand Calumet River AOC and support ongoing efforts to remove it from the list of Great Lakes AOCs, which are locations that have experienced severe environmental degradation.

For questions or to request to be added to the distribution list, contact (GLRI-AOC-Program@epa.gov).

• Learn more about the Grand Calumet River AOC
• Learn more about the Great Lakes Legacy Act
• Indiana Department of Environmental Management’s Grand Calumet River Storymap

Photos

Construction progress photos will be posted here periodically.