March 29, 2006

After years of effort, a unique cooperative effort between the Department of Environmental Quality and the local community has led to a final cleanup of a dump site in Hersey Township, Osceola County.

Five years ago, an unattractive and unsafe dump for trailers and mobile homes littered the landscape on U.S. 10 between Reed City and Evart, with much of the debris ending up in a wetland adjacent to McKinstry Creek. Attempts by the DEQ to work with the site operator to clean up the site failed, and the dump continued to grow larger as more trailers were brought in from as far as Detroit.

In 2001, after voluntary efforts failed, the DEQ enlisted the aid of the Osceola County Prosecutor to initiate an enforcement action that led to a jury conviction of the site operator in 2002.

Last year, the local community came together to form the Osceola County Community Foundation to undertake the job of cleaning and restoring the site. DEQ staff assisted the local businesses, organizations, and individuals taking part in this project by providing advice on waste disposal alternatives. Local contractors performed the work; and the dump was demolished, compacted, and hauled away to a licensed landfill in less than a month. As a result of this cooperative effort, 126 tons of scrap metal were recycled and over 3,000 cubic yards of refuse were hauled away. The site that was once an eyesore is now a lush landscape with a potential for redevelopment.

“This is clearly an example of citizens coming together to better their environment and their community,” said DEQ Director Steven E. Chester.

Editor’s note: DEQ news releases are available on the department’s Internet home page at www.michigan.gov/deq.

“Protecting Michigan’s Environment, Ensuring Michigan’s Future”

Revised March 29, 2006 by Pat Watson