April 5, 2010 is the target date for cleanup operations to resume in the lower Fox River.
The Fox River Cleanup Project, designed to reduce risk to human health and the environment due to the presence of PCBs in Fox River sediment, is a multi-year cleanup effort that includes dredging and capping. The project officially started with dredging and processing on April 28, 2009. The first year of dredging and capping concluded in mid-November.
The Lower Fox River Remediation LLC is conducting the cleanup on a 13.3 mile stretch of the Fox River from Little Rapids to the bay.
Dredging involves removing sediment from the riverbed. The sediment is dewatered and the resulting dry filter cake material is transported by truck to a landfill.
Capping and sand covering involves adding cover above PCB containing sediment by placing sand and gravel on the river bottom. Capping and covering further prevents the PCBs from being released into the river. The thickness of the caps vary from a six inch sand cover to a 33 inch cover of sand, gravel and quarry stone.
As part of the Fox River Cleanup Project, a processing facility has been constructed along the river in Green Bay where dewatering, sediment processing, water treatment and sediment analysis will take place.
A staging facility is located between Little Rapids and De Pere to support the pipeline to the spreader barge and manage capping and covering materials. Contaminated sediment will be handled only at the Green Bay Processing Facility.
A Transportation Plan has been developed that outlines primary and secondary routes for trucking processed sediment for disposal.
The project is good for the environment, good for area residents and families, and good for the local economy.
Throughout the project, safety is a top priority. In addition to rigorous health and safety procedures for the workers, the Fox River Cleanup Group has reached out to the public on a number of levels to be sure that area residents are informed about the work that is taking place.
Click here to view the Community Presentation that provides an overview of the Fox River Cleanup Project.
Attention Boaters and Anglers!
Activities have started in the lower Fox River. Caution is advised near the dredges, pump stations and dredge pipeline. Please be aware of the safety markers and buoys will be used during the cleanup project.
Click here to view a brief presentation with important information for those who boat or fish on the lower Fox River.
The Fox River Cleanup Project covers Operable Units 2-5 (OU 2-5) from Appleton to the bay of Green Bay.
You can reach the Fox River Cleanup Group at 877-FOX-RIVR (369-7487) or info@foxrivercleanup.com.
