Wolverine is currently conducting cleanup work at the site of its former tannery, as further described here and here. Over the past two weeks our contractor completed preliminary work that includes clearing vegetation, constructing temporary access roads, and staging supplies and equipment. We spent the past two days installing turbidity curtains and cofferdams in the Rogue River and starting to dewater the dammed areas, as described here and shown in the photos at the end of this post.
Today, we will complete dewatering the dammed areas and begin excavating. This process will start with areas of soil and sediment being removed along the Rogue River, south of Rum Creek, as shown on this map. This material will be placed into lined containment cells located on the site, where any water in the soil and sediment will be allowed to drain into that lined cell.
This drained water will be taken to a facility in eastern Michigan for treatment and disposal. After reviewing several disposal options for the soil and sediment, we proposed taking this material to licensed landfills in Ohio and Canada, and the EPA has approved using these locations. We expect truck traffic to increase starting on Monday, October 21, and we have established this dedicated route to minimize the impact on neighboring residents, surrounding businesses, and the broader community.
We will continue keeping the community informed through regular updates on this blog, www.WeAreWolverine.com, and through information posted at kiosks and in other locations accessible to the public. As always, residents with questions are encouraged to contact Wolverine directly at HouseStreet@wwwinc.com or (616) 866-5627.
