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A 25-acre waterfront campground sits on the former site of the Michigan Smelter Tailings, one of several locations in Houghton County designated for cleanup under the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency\u2019s Superfund Program.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/em><\/p>\n Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy Director Phil Roos and U.S. EPA Region 5 Director Anne Vogel joined state and local leaders and project partners for a ribbon cutting to celebrate the official opening of the Keweenaw Waters Resort\u2014a 25-acre waterfront campground featuring sustainably built cabins and RV and tent sites. The resort sits on the former site of the Michigan Smelter Tailings, one of several locations in Houghton County designated for cleanup under the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency\u2019s (EPA) Superfund Program. <\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n \u201cThis project shows what\u2019s possible when we commit to restoring communities that were once written off,\u201d said EGLE Director Roos. \u201cThis portion of the Torch Lake site was once among the most contaminated in Michigan. Today, it\u2019s supporting local jobs, drawing in visitors and protecting the environment for future generations. It\u2019s a powerful example of how long-term investment in environmental restoration creates real opportunities when government, residents and businesses come together.\u201d<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n The event highlighted the long-term collaboration and investment that made the redevelopment possible. Following remarks, attendees participated in a walking tour of the resort grounds\u2014once the site of industrial contamination along the Keweenaw Waterway, now is home to cabins, campsites and recreational amenities that are drawing visitors and economic activity to the region. <\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n \u201cTransforming pollution hotspots into tourist destinations like the Keweenaw Waters Resort is the kind of outcome that EPA strives for,\u201d said EPA Region 5 Administrator Anne Vogel. \u201cEPA is honored to bring clean water, land, and air\u2014and economic opportunity\u2014to this scenic Michigan community.\u201d <\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n Developer Derek Bradway of Bradway Enterprises brought a new vision to life on the shores of the Keweenaw Waterway, something that was unthinkable decades ago. The Keweenaw Waters Resort spans 25 acres and includes 24 sustainably constructed cabins and 89 RV and tent sites. A swimming beach, fishing dock and nature boardwalk are currently in development. <\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n “This beautiful development has received a lot of local support as well as positive reviews from our guests,\u201d said Derek Bradway, Keweenaw Water Resorts site developer. \u201cIt is a testimony of what can be done when all parties, national, state and local, can align with the private sector. Because of the work done by the EGLE and EPA, sites like this are ready to be put back into use, for everyone’s benefit.” <\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n The former Michigan Smelter Tailings site was added to the EPA\u2019s National Priorities List (NPL) in 1986 due to severe soil and water contamination. The overall greater Torch Lake Superfund Site cleanup began circa September 1998 and was managed by EGLE\u2019s Superfund Section and EPA Region 5 and included excavating hazardous materials, covering more than 800 acres of contaminated ground with engineered soil and vegetation and establishing long-term monitoring and site controls. EGLE and EPA continue to inspect and maintain the broader Torch Lake site, which includes 13 designated cleanup zones across Houghton County.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n Since 1985, EGLE has partnered with the EPA under the Superfund law\u2014formally the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act (CERCLA)\u2014to assess and clean up the nation\u2019s most hazardous sites. Across Michigan, 22 Superfund sites have been cleaned up, while 65 sites are in the process of being cleaned up. <\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n For more information on EGLE\u2019s efforts to support communities through environmental cleanup and redevelopment, visit www.michigan.gov\/egle<\/a>.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n