Remediation and Restoration Projects for Waukegan Harbor AOC
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Completed Project Highlights
USACE Strategic Navigation Dredging
In 2013, USACE dredged approximately 100,000 cubic yards of PCB-contaminated sediment from the entrance channel area of the federal navigation channel. This project included dredging the federal navigation channel and inner harbor areas to a depth of 18 feet and built on progress made by Superfund in removing contaminated sediment from the AOC. This project also made maintenance dredging possible in this area and lowered transportation costs for commercial vessels in the harbor.
Restoration Project Highlight: Critical Habitat Restoration
This project specifically focused on restoring and protecting coastal habitat areas in unique ravine systems between the City of Waukegan Public Beach-North and Illinois Beach State Park. Ravines are v-shaped valleys that provide natural drainage into Lake Michigan. They are a unique coastal habitat and are critical for coastal species to thrive, including migratory and wetland birds, native coastal plant species, and several native Lake Michigan fish species.
The Critical Habitat Restoration Project expanded a green buffer zone around sensitive habitats and wildlife to preserve vital coastal habitat and improve Lake Michigan water quality for nearshore species. This project also implemented actions to prevent erosion and sedimentation in the riparian nearshore area, the interface between land and a river or stream. The project also helped preserve coastal ravines in the upland reaches of the Dead River watershed. Additionally, it increased groundwater infiltration and stabilized for about 160 acres of riparian inflows and ravines that filter water into Lake Michigan. Finally, this project gathered baseline biological data for the Waukegan Harbor Extended Study Area.
Table of Remediation and Restoration Projects
| Project Title | Project Description | Date Completed | Targeted BUI(s) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Annual Post-Dredging Fish Tissue Sampling | Ongoing post-dredging sampling evaluated the effectiveness of Superfund and dredging projects in reducing PCBs in fish tissue. | 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2020 | Restrictions on Fish & Wildlife Consumption |
| Post-Dredging Plankton Community Survey | These surveys monitored the response of zooplankton and phytoplankton communities to environmental remediation actions. Water samples were collected to test water toxicity in the AOC and nearshore Lake Michigan. | 2017 | Degradation of Phytoplankton & Zooplankton Populations |
| Post-Dredging Benthic Invertebrate and Plankton Community Survey | These surveys evaluated the impacts of Superfund and dredging projects on benthic invertebrate and plankton communities. | 2015 |
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| Critical Habitat Restoration Project | This Illinois Beach State Park Southern Buffer Restoration project included critical and baseline AOC and Extended Study Area habitat monitoring and management projects to restore and protect sensitive habitat. | 2014 | Loss of Fish & Wildlife Habitat |
| Waukegan Harbor South Beach Health Assessment | This project assessed beach health conditions at Waukegan South Beach. It also provided best management practices to improve beach health. | 2013 | Beach Closings |
| USACE Strategic Navigation Dredging Project |
This project removed approximately 100,000 cubic yards of contaminated sediments from the federal navigation channel. Removed sediments were placed in the AOC consolidation facility. |
2013 | Restrictions on Dredging Activities |
| Pre-Dredging Fish Tissue Sampling Study | Fish sampling in the AOC and at a reference site to determine baseline fish tissue contaminant levels prior to the completion of sediment removal and remediation. | 2012 | Restrictions on Fish & Wildlife Consumption |
| Waukegan Harbor AOC Habitat Management Plan and Follow-up Actions | This project included continuing habitat monitoring and management actions identified in the AOC Habitat Management Plan. Critical follow up actions continued through 2014. | 2012 | Loss of Fish & Wildlife Habitat |
| Pre-Dredging Benthic Invertebrate and Plankton Community Survey | This survey evaluated zooplankton and phytoplankton community composition and abundance in the AOC and at a reference site to determine baseline benthic and plankton community data prior to the completion of sediment removal and remediation. | 2012 |
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