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Kalamazoo River

Kalamazoo River Area of Concern (AOC)

The Kalamazoo River AOC, located in the southwestern Lower Peninsula, was identified as an AOC due to historical releases of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) into the Kalamazoo River from de-inking operations at local paper mills. Additionally, dams were built along the river to support paper mill operations, which have limited fish passage and contributed to declining fish populations. When clean-up of sediment containing PCBs is completed, dams can be removed to restore fish passage.

Cover of the Eat Safe Fish GuideView the fish consumption guidelines for this waterbody in the Southwest Eat Safe Fish Guide.

This waterbody is easy to access and has a high likelihood of catching fish, which designates it as a Family Friendly Fishing Waters location by the Michigan Department of Natural Resources (DNR).The rules and regulations for this waterbody can be found in the DNR Fishing Guide.

Additional Resources

Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS)

Eat Safe Fish from Areas of Concern (factsheet)

Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE)

Kalamazoo River Area of Concern

Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)

Kalamazoo River Area of Concern