Restoration Projects for the Black River AOC

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Remediation and Restoration Project Table

Remediation and Restoration Project Highlight

Reclamation Site Restoration

Pre-construction view of a dark gray slag pile and adjacent floodplain wetland along the Black River with tan grasses. In the background, leafless trees line the horizon, with industrial buildings under an overcast sky. — Pre-construction view of slag adjacent to floodplain wetland. Photo credit: Coldwater Consultants)

The Great Lakes Restoration Initiative (GLRI) funded the restoration of 54 acres at the former RTI Coke Works property, now owned by the City of Lorain. The restoration involved capping and covering exposed steel slag, a byproduct of steel production,  deposited in the riparian zone adjacent to the Black River. Covering the slag helps prevent contaminated runoff from entering the river.

Following capping and covering, the site was restored to native riparian habitat to further manage runoff and minimize erosion. These actions also enhance previous wetland restoration efforts, contributing to the overall health of the Black River.  

The first 40 acres of restoration were restored in 2020, and an additional 14 acres were restored in 2024. Including the GLRI-funded work, the City of Lorain has restored a total of 114 acres of the former steel mill site.  

Post-construction view of capped and covered slag adjacent to a restored floodplain wetland along the Black River with established vegetation, and erosion control measures under a clear blue sky with white clouds. — Post-construction view of slag adjacent to floodplain wetland. Photo credit: Coldwater Consultants)

The following table lists remediation and restoration projects in the Black River AOC.

Project Title	Project Description	Date Completed	Targeted BUI(s)
River Miles 2.8 to 4.7 Remediation and Restoration of Reclamation Site	Project graded and covered slag areas on City of Lorain property that had the greatest potential impact on water quality/Black River BUIs.	2024	Degradation of Fish & Wildlife Populations Loss of Fish & Wildlife Habitat Degradation of Benthos
Invasive Vegetation Control in the Lower Black River AOC Phases II and III	Project controlled invasive plant species, such as Phragmites, restored riparian habitat within 30 acres in Lorain County, and hired seasonal employees for invasives control.	2022	Degradation of Fish & Wildlife Populations Degradation of Aesthetics Loss of Fish & Wildlife Habitat
Fortune Ditch Restoration at Margaret Peak Nature Preserve	Project restored the stream and completed floodplain excavation/ wetland restoration at Margaret Peak Nature Preserve.	2019	Degradation of Fish & Wildlife Populations Degradation of Benthos Loss of Fish & Wildlife Habitat
Willow Creek Restoration at Eaton Township Park and Wetland Enhancement at Margaret Peak Nature Preserve	Project restored stream channel, floodplain wetland, and natural riparian corridor at Eaton Township Park in addition to native planting and invasive species removal at Margaret Peak Nature Preserve.	2019	Degradation of Fish & Wildlife Populations Degradation of Benthos Loss of Fish & Wildlife Habitat
River Miles 4.7 to 5.0 Remediation and Restoration of Seep Site	Project installed a remedial treatment system and restored adjacent habitat near a steel mill seep site.	2018	Degradation of Fish & Wildlife Populations Loss of Fish & Wildlife Habitat Degradation of Benthos
River Mile 0.3 Fish Shelf Site	Project created fish shelves and macroinvertebrate habitat panels on bulkheads at River Mile 0.3.	2018	Degradation of Fish & Wildlife Populations Loss of Fish & Wildlife Habitat Degradation of Benthos
Lower Black River Heron Rookery Restoration Project 3	The third heron rookery project restored 1,400 feet of riverbank and used a “build-out” technique to restore vertical banks along the rookery.	2016	Degradation of Fish & Wildlife Populations Loss of Fish & Wildlife Habitat Degradation of Benthos
Lower Black River Heron Rookery Restoration Project 2	Project removed slag and restored floodplain by planting shrubs and trees to imitate floodplain habitat of the Heron Rookery.	2015	Degradation of Fish & Wildlife Populations Loss of Fish & Wildlife Habitat Degradation of Benthos
Lower Black River Heron Rookery Restoration Project 1	Project removed steel slag and invasive species, replacing them with native plants in the upland area. 2,800 feet of fish shelves were created to provide spawning habitat for aquatic animals.	2014	Degradation of Fish & Wildlife Populations Loss of Fish & Wildlife Habitat Degradation of Benthos

Restoration Projects for the Black River AOC

Remediation and Restoration Project Highlight

Reclamation Site Restoration

Great Lakes AOCs