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Torch Lake - Houghton County

Torch Lake Area of Concern (AOC)

The Torch Lake AOC is an approximately 2,700 acre lake located in the historic copper mining district on the Keweenaw Peninsula in Houghton County. Waste from the production of copper contributed directly to the contamination in Torch Lake. This had led to Torch Lake containing contaminants like polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), copper and heavy metals such as mercury.

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

The rules and regulations for this lake 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)

Torch Lake Area of Concern

Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)

Torch Lake Area of Concern