Envirocon Receives EPA Recognition for Exemplary Leadership

Multiple Envirocon employees were recently recognized at the Kalamazoo River Superfund Site by the EPA for their “exemplary leadership and outstanding efforts to protect human health and the environment.” Envirocon has been active at the Otsego Township Dam Area Time Critical Removal Action / Kalamazoo River Superfund Site since August 2016, acting as the environmental remediation contractor. Between 1954 and the early 1970s, multiple paper companies recycled carbonless copy paper on the banks of the Kalamazoo River and Portage Creek. The process used polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), resulting in contaminated wastewater discharging into these bodies of water. Located in southern Michigan, the Kalamazoo River Superfund Site was placed on the EPA’s National Priorities List in 1990 due to PCB contamination in surrounding soil and sediment.

Certificate of Achievements were presented by U.S. EPA On-Scene Coordinator, Paul Ruesch, to the project team for safely and successfully completing the treatment of 2,000,000 gallons of wastewater. In addition, a Certificate of Appreciation and EPA medal was presented to the Construction Manager for his leadership on the Kalamazoo River Superfund Site.

Envirocon is on track to complete this two-year project August 2018 after successfully remediating 3.1 miles of riverbank. The project included multiple bank restoration and stream alignment (BRSA) areas, each managed as individual projects and broken down further by 50 foot by 50 foot grids. A total of 56,000 tons of contaminated sediments were excavated, dewatered, and transported for disposal offsite. Envirocon successfully navigated all applicable regulations and extensive quality control soil testing to ensure all clean-up activities met or exceed requirements. Effective and efficient water management was essential to project success, both for dewatering sediments and treating onsite water. Two wastewater treatment plants (one on each riverbank) ensured all rainwater and groundwater entering excavation areas was properly treated prior to discharge. Tens of thousands of tons of rip rap and root wads were installed to realign the river and minimize future erosion, in addition to J-hook installations to adjust river flow and velocity. Final ecological restoration has included extensive clean soil backfill, bank regrading, and seeding and planting of native plants to return the river to its natural state.

Envirocon would like to congratulate the project team on receiving this recognition. These exceptional individuals have shown remarkable dedication and service, truly demonstrating Envirocon’s employees are the foundation of our company and our greatest asset.