A Key Step Forward for Torch Lake with Bubble Tubing®

Last fall, the USEPA’s Great Lakes National Program Office, working with Honeywell and additional partners, completed a pilot project to test the removal of industrial drums and contaminated sediment from the Hubbell Processing Area of Torch Lake. More than 1,150 m³ of sediment and approximately 100 drums and debris were successfully removed during the project.

To prevent contaminants from spreading during dredging, the project used turbidity curtains along with a bubble curtain system. Observations confirmed that the turbidity curtains and bubble curtain system effectively reduced the spread of sediment and contaminants.

The data collected will play a critical role in determining the next steps for remediation, especially with over 400 drums still remaining on the lakebed.

The pilot study represents an important milestone toward the full restoration of Torch Lake.
Read the full article to learn more about the results and what comes next!