Following the July-August 2007 Lake Linden Emergency Response, U.S. EPA initiated a survey of the Torch Lake Area from the Quincy Smelter to the Gay Stampsand deposit. The survey was to identified whether imminent and substantial threats existed along the western shoreline and identify areas for further investigation.
The Lake Linden Emergency Response and the current survey is related to the historic water level drop revealing previously unknown issues and inaccessible areas.
U.S. EPA and Michigan Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) identified 18 target locations (including 13 miles of shoreline) for assessment.
Between September 4 and 13, three U.S. EPA survey teams, using x-ray fluorescence (XRF) analyzers, all-terrain vehicles (ATVs), and rapid assessment tools (RAT) surveyed and mapped 13 targeted locations.
Surveyed and Mapped
Gay Stampsands
Portage Canal Shorelines
Dollar Bay Well field
Mason Stampsands
Mason Building
Tamarack City Stamp Mill
Hubbell beach/slag dump
Hubbell Smelter area
C&H Power Plant
Lake Linden Waterfront
Backwater area of Torch Lake
Traprock Slag dump
Bootjack Stampsands
Used Existing Information
Quincy Smelter
Dollar Bay “wire mill”
Hubbell Docks
Underwater Drum areas
Access Denied
C&H Leach Plant south of Tamarack City
No imminent and substantial threats were found along the previously covered stampsand areas.
Additional information is being gathered on:
1) Houghton County Gas and Coal, a manufactured gas plant. During the assessment surface tar and a coal sludge vault were discovered along the portage canal. U.S. EPA has referred the site to Michigan DEQ for investigation.
2) Torch Lake Stampsand Risk Assessment - U.S. EPA is reviewing existing health data to determine if a Health Consultation should be requested.
3) Lake Linden Lead Sludge - During the July-August 2007 Emergency Response, U.S. EPA removed direct contact threats. A recommendation will be made to further investigate the source of lead contamination.
4) Submerged Drums - U.S. EPA is reviewing existing data to determine if additional underwater investigation is required.
5) C&H Powerplant - the powerplant basement is flooded with several drums visible from the ground floor. U.S. EPA is reviewing existing data to determine if the water and drums present a threat outside the building.
6) Gay Stampsand - U.S. EPA is reviewing reports on the aquatic threat and migration of the Gay Stampsands. Information will be shared with Michigan DEQ, U.S. EPA Remedial, and Great Lakes National Program Office.
7) Quincy Smelter - The final report will summarize existing information.
8) Hubbell Beach/Slag Dump - U.S. EPA is reviewing existing data to determine if additional underwater investigation is required.
9) C&H Leach Plant - U.S. EPA was denied access to the facility. U.S. EPA will review existing information including samples collected by Michigan DEQ.
10) Mason Building - Survey teams identified unrestricted public access to asbestos debris. Michigan DEQ will issue the owner a Due Care Letter.
• Develop GIS data maps,
• Forward draft summary to Chicago by September 21,
• Continue review and compilation of existing reports,
• Receive data on 25 samples sent for laboratory analysis by September 26,
• Develop Final Report.
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