Cleaning up toxic pollution in the
Great Lakes

Federal Investments are Cleaning Up Toxic Pollution

Some of the most seriously polluted areas of the Great Lakes have been restored, with fish and wildlife thriving, native plants flourishing, and economic activity returning once more. Six of these toxic hotspots, called Areas of Concern, have been restored with more well on their way to being restored. In the process, more than 3.5 million cubic yards of contaminated sediment was removed or contained.

But Serious Threats Remain

More than two dozen Areas of Concern still have a serious impairment: degraded habitat, fish consumption advisories, drinking water advisories, and swimming restrictions. New toxic pollutants are being discovered, like PFAS (Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances), which has contaminated drinking water in the region. The federal government should continue funding clean-up work through the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative in partnership with other sources of funding, like the Superfund.

Featured Success Story

Duluth Slip Project Caps 150,000 Cubic Yards of Contaminated Riverbed

Capping contaminated soil in the St. Louis River and harbor to Lake Superior prevents toxic pollution from spreading and harming fish, wildlife, and people.