Press Releases
Dingell Presses for Clarity on Dredging Operations, Water Quality in Lower Rouge River
Dearborn, MI,
May 3, 2019
DEARBORN, MI – Today, Congresswoman Debbie Dingell (D-MI) asked the Army Corps of Engineers and the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for information after elevated levels of mercury and buildup of sediment have been reported after the agencies started dredging in the Old Channel of the Lower Rouge River. In a letter, Dingell said industrial facilities have brought to her attention concerns regarding water quality and availability. These companies use water from the Rouge River and rely on access to quality water to continue operations and provide safety.
Dingell asked for these concerns, which have already been raised with the Army Corps of Engineers and EPA, to be taken seriously and called for everyone to work together to clean up the Rouge River while not hurting the environment or economy in the process.
A copy of the letter is available below: Dear Lieutenant General Semonite and Administrator Wheeler: This letter is being sent to express concern and request information regarding an ongoing dredging project by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) and U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) in the Old Channel of the Lower Rouge River in Southeast Michigan. A number of constituents and stakeholders in my district who rely on water intake from the river are concerned with water quality and availability. It is my understanding, the Army Corps of Engineers awarded a contract in September 2018, in partnership with EPA, for dredging and cleanup of contaminated sediments from the Lower Rouge River through the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative. This site is located in an important Area of Concern that needs remediation. Full dredging operations are set to begin in 2019 and expected to last 12 months. In my district, there are industrial facilities who use the water supply from the Rouge River for various fire safety and cooling purposes, including cooling fluids, bearings, and air. Ensuring these companies have continued access to a quality water source during the lifetime of this dredging operation project is vital to the health of the environment and local economy. In several instances, since this contract was awarded, companies approved for using the water supply near the dredging operation have experienced elevated mercury samples and buildup of sediment in piping systems used for water intake. These are serious concerns with many potential environmental and human health impacts. There has been at least one instance of a state issued violation notice for a mercury exceedance as well, which is not believed to have originated with the permittee. Also, sediment buildup as a result of the dredging process can damage the industries operation, or worst, require closures, which could have a significant, negative economic impact. These continued concerns have been brought to my attention and need to be addressed seriously. Also, these concerns have been shared directly with the Army Corps of Engineers, EPA, and the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality (now known as the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy). As USACE and EPA work to clean up the Rouge River it is critical we are doing so in a smart and effective way that will not lead to greater environmental pollution or hurt our economy in the process. The residents nearby and companies along the Lower Rouge River need certainty that this important dredging project has no adverse public health or economic effects that could harm our way of life. They entrust us all with protecting these Michigan communities. Thank you in advance for your attention and work on this important matter. We look forward to a full response to these concerns and to learn what specific actions are being taken by the Army Corps of Engineers and EPA.
Sincerely, DEBBIE DINGELL Member of Congress ### |