We wanted to provide an update on our ongoing work to construct a groundwater capture system at the site of our former tannery in accordance with an EGLE-approved Response Activity Plan. We are pleased to announce that this system is now online and operational.
As a reminder of the design concept and objective, this system prevents groundwater at the site from migrating to the Rogue River and Rum Creek, using 2,000 linear feet of groundwater capture trenches and six groundwater extraction wells, along with 28 piezometers to monitor the performance of the system.
Once groundwater is captured using the trenches and wells, it is routed to an interim, modular water treatment system before being discharged under an EGLE-issued permit to the Rogue River. Pictures of the system are shown below.
Using an interim treatment system like this allows for performance testing of the system to further evaluate groundwater flow, volume, and concentration data. This data will then be used to optimize design, installation, and operation of a permanent treatment system at the site.
Beyond operation of the groundwater capture system described above, other activity is also taking place at the site. Grading and seeding that began last fall will continue throughout the spring and fencing and erosion controls will remain in place to restrict foot traffic until after this vegetation takes hold.
We will continue to use this blog to keep the community informed as our work continues. As always, residents with questions or feedback are encouraged to contact Wolverine Worldwide directly at HouseStreet@wwwinc.com or (616) 866-5627.