Rep. Shri Thanedar's Statement on EPA $2 Million Cleanup at Belanger Park, River Rouge, Michigan
River Rouge, MI - September 9, 2024 - The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is set to begin a critical soil cleanup effort in Belanger Park, located at 2 Belanger Park Drive on the banks of the Detroit River. Starting April 1, the EPA will remove contaminated soil containing elevated levels of lead and cadmium from specific areas of the park. The project is expected to continue through mid-June.
The EPA, in collaboration with the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE), conducted soil sampling at three parks in River Rouge last fall. The results showed elevated levels of lead and cadmium in certain grassy sections of Belanger Park, prompting the city to temporarily close off these areas with fencing until cleanup could begin.
Due to Michigan’s harsh winters, which often leave the ground frozen until spring, the in-ground cleanup was delayed until warmer temperatures allowed construction to commence. Now that conditions have improved, the EPA will start excavating and removing the contaminated soil, backfilling with clean soil, and replanting vegetation. All contaminated materials will be safely transported to a regulated waste facility for proper disposal.
“I want to commend the EPA and the City of River Rouge for their hard work and dedication in completing the $2 million cleanup at Belanger Park. Every family deserves access to safe, clean environments to live, work, and play. By removing dangerous contaminants from the soil, this project protects public health and preserves the beauty of our community spaces for future generations. Environmental justice is about ensuring that all our neighborhoods, especially those that have been historically underserved, are safe and sustainable. This cleanup is a significant step toward that goal, and I am proud to support efforts that make our communities healthier and stronger.”
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