EPA Resumes Sediment Cleanup Project in Cuyahoga Falls
CHICAGO (March 25, 2026) – In early March, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) resumed cleanup of the Cuyahoga River in Gorge Metro Park in Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio. Dredging was paused during the winter due to below-freezing temperatures.
This project addresses polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), oil, grease, and various heavy metals, including cadmium and lead in the sediment trapped in the dam pool upstream of the Gorge Dam. The dam will be removed as part of a separate project.
Material dredged from the dam pool is transported via pipeline to a specially constructed placement area two miles downstream to be stabilized and safely stored. During the winter dredging pause, crews tested the methods used to help hold contaminated sediment in place to ensure the stabilized material meets strength requirements for final placement.
Throughout the duration of the project, EPA expects to remove more than 850,000 cubic yards of contaminated sediment from the river. This will restore recreation and fishing opportunities by reducing the risk of exposure to harmful substances for humans, fish, and other wildlife. The cleanup is part of EPA’s ongoing effort to address the Cuyahoga River Area of Concern; one of 23 highly degraded areas found across the Great Lakes basin.
The project is funded by the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative and project partners through a cost-sharing agreement. Non-federal partners include the Northeast Ohio Regional Sewer District, the City of Akron, FirstEnergy/Ohio Edison, and Ohio EPA. Additional financial and technical support comes from Summit Metro Parks, City of Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio Lake Erie Commission, and Summit County.
For more information on the project, please see EPA’s Cuyahoga Gorge Dam GLLA cleanup website.
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