LOCATION: Chassell is a small town along U.S. Highway 41 in Houghton County. The town is sited on Portage Lake, along the Keweenaw waterway, and this approximately 2 acre waterfront property is located one block from the main street in Chassell.

SITE HISTORY: Various businesses have operated on this waterfront including a sawmill, and a factory that produced wooden boxes, and a fiberglass company which burned down in the 1970's. A thick layer of sawdust is present in a 100 by 200 foot area of the property. Some concrete debris remains in the area of the former box factory and fiberglass company.

Chassell Township has owned this property since the early 1990's but has been unsuccessful with development efforts because the environmental condition of the property is not known. The township requested that Clean Michigan Initiative (CMI) funds be utilized to assess environmental conditions on the property and address contamination which may hinder development.

CLEANUP ACTIONS: CMI funds were allocated for response activities at this site, however prior to use of these state funds, the DEQ's Superfund Site Assessment team conducted a full Phase 1 and Phase 2 environmental assessment.  The final report was completed in 2002 and the information provided to the township. No further activities were performed by the DEQ at the site.

REDEVELOPMENT POTENTIAL: The property location on the waterfront and within the business district of Chassell presents development opportunities.

Current Assessed Value: Unknown.

Zoning: Waterfront     Master Plan Use: Mixed use or industrial park.

Local Incentives: Possible redevelopment incentives.

Local Contact Information: Contact the Chassell Township Supervisor at (906) 523-4000.