Public Notice: Charlevoix Cleanup Construction Work Starting in April 2025

Summary

This April, EPA is preparing to clean up contaminated soil and groundwater at the Charlevoix Superfund site. U.S. Army Corps crews will use cleanup technologies to reduce the risks of human exposure to chemical vapors that could otherwise seep into nearby buildings. Since Charlevoix gets its drinking water from Lake Michigan, this cleanup will have NO EFFECT on drinking water.

Estimated 2025 cleanup work schedule

Mid-April: Site preparation includes safety fencing, signage, and sampling activities. 

Starting May: EPA and USACE to tear down buildings located on contamination and then begin removing contaminated soil. 

Spring through Fall: Excavation and site/property restoration will continue into the fall. 

How EPA will address contamination

• Demolishing buildings directly above sources of contamination.
• Excavating contaminated soil to remove sources of contamination, backfilling excavated areas with clean soil, and restoration of properties.
• Treating contaminated groundwater by feeding the natural bacteria in the water that break down contamination. 
  • Air sparging (injecting oxygen into the water) and soil vapor extraction to clean up soil and groundwater. 
  • Maintaining existing vapor mitigation systems used to prevent contaminated vapors from entering remaining structures.
  • Continuing monitoring of groundwater. 

Construction Heads Up!

Area residents will notice construction workers and heavy equipment during construction activities. This year there will be drilling, tearing down buildings, excavating soil, trucking activities, and operating trailer-mounted systems. Residents near worksites may notice noise and ground vibrations. All work will be conducted during normal business hours. We understand there’s going to be a certain amount of disruption caused by these activities – please reach out to the site contacts with any questions or concerns.