As the end of the year approaches, we wanted to provide an update on our ongoing work to construct a groundwater capture system at the site of our former tannery per the EGLE-approved Response Activity Plan. As a reminder, this work is being led by Wolverine’s leader contractor, Sevenson Environmental Services.
This fall we fully reopened the parking lot at the southern end of the property, along with the portion of the White Pine Trail that was closed earlier this year. The parking lot has been restored, including the sidewalks, curbs, and pavement. In addition, a new dumpster enclosure was constructed in the parking lot that increases capacity for the benefit of local businesses.
Other significant work completed on the site in recent months includes the following:
- Installation of six groundwater extraction wells designed to support the groundwater interceptor trenches, along with 28 piezometers that will be used to monitor the performance of the interceptor system. Development of the extraction wells and piezometers has also been completed.
- Installation of pipe vaults that connect the interceptor system’s water piping to a main header line that will carry captured groundwater to the interim water treatment system. This included installing five lengths of piping underneath Rum Creek to connect the groundwater interceptor system across the entire Site. These utility lines have been pressure tested to confirm connections throughout the system.
- Installation of three kiosk buildings that will house the controls to operate each trench segment of the interceptor system. Currently, Sevenson’s electrical contractor has begun the process of pulling wiring for power and instrumentation signal and making these connections to control panels within the kiosks as well as at panels that have been erected near the location of the temporary treatment system. Power for the kiosk buildings and temporary treatment system will be connected pending coordination with Consumers Energy and the City of Rockford.
- Installation of the utility trenches that will carry utility conduits to connect the piezometers, groundwater extraction wells, and groundwater collection trenches to the three kiosk buildings and subsurface control vaults that will serve to operate and monitor the interceptor system.
- Restoration of the lawn and riverbank areas, which will continue through the rest of the year, weather permitting, along with the demobilization of equipment, materials and personnel.
Throughout October, Sevenson continued exporting the soil generated from installing the interceptor system trenches and utility trenches. The soil is being delivered to an approved Michigan landfill. In addition, Sevenson continues exporting water that was collected from development of the extraction wells, piezometers, and from dewatering of excavations during the utility trench installation. The water is being delivered to an approved Michigan treatment facility.
Finally, air monitoring at the perimeter of the project Site was completed at the beginning of November and no additional earthwork is scheduled. There have been no exceedances of action levels to date. The air monitoring data is available in the “Documents” section of this blog or by clicking on this link. We continue to evaluate the data to be proactive with dust control as needed.
We will continue to use this blog to keep the community informed as our remediation work continues in the weeks and months ahead. As always, residents with questions or feedback are encouraged to contact Wolverine Worldwide directly at HouseStreet@wwwinc.com or (616) 866-5627. Photos of the site showing the infrastructure work are below:
