May 9, 2007

The Torch Lake Area of Concern (AOC) in Houghton County now has one less Beneficial Use Impairment (BUI) that was likely caused by past copper mining practices and improper sewage disposal in the area. This impact to the water is believed to be the cause of tumors found historically in the lake's sauger and walleye population and resulted in the 1983 fish consumption advisories for Torch Lake issued by the Michigan Department of Community Health.

The copper mining and related activities ceased in 1968 and area wastewater treatment systems came on line in the early 1980s bringing improved water quality and clarity to the lake. Additional remedial actions have taken place in the area over the past 25 years through work by the United States Environmental Protection Agency's Superfund Program and the Department of Environmental Quality, along with the assistance of local citizens. This work was designed to stabilize eroding areas of the shoreline by adding rock, clean soil, and vegetation.

"The removal of this BUI is a milestone in the improvement of Torch Lake," said DEQ Director Steven E. Chester. "We are committed to restoring and protecting the health of the Great Lakes and will continue to address the problems in Michigan's Areas of Concern."

The fish consumption advisory related to fish tumors was removed in 1993. Subsequently, intensive study and continued improvement in the quality of Torch Lake has allowed the DEQ and U.S. EPA to eliminate the Fish Tumor or Other Deformities BUI.

"This improvement brings us closer to the day when we can remove Torch Lake from the list of most impaired areas on the Great Lakes," said EPA Great Lakes National Program Manager Mary Gade. "EPA applauds the efforts of MDEQ and the Torch Lake Public Advisory Committee to improve water quality in this part of the Lake Superior Basin and we look forward to continuing our work with them."

There are 40 AOCs along the Great Lakes experiencing environmental degradation stemming primarily from historic pollution. Of the 40 remaining Great Lakes AOCs, 14 are located in Michigan. Of these, one (Menominee River) is shared with Wisconsin, and three (St. Marys River, St. Clair River, and Detroit River) are shared with Canada. The AOCs include rivers, lakes, and bays connected to the Great Lakes across the state. Michigan's AOC Program is administered by the DEQ in collaboration with other state and federal agencies and local stakeholders.

Information about Michigan's AOC Program is posted on the DEQ Web site at http://www.michigan.gov/deqwater; select "Great Lakes" and then "Areas of Concern," as well as on EPA's Great Lakes National Program Office's Web site at www.epa.gov/glnpo/aoc/index.html.

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 May 9, 2007 by Pat Watson