ASHLAND, Wisconsin – (Nov. 22, 2019) - After more than seven years of work that involved the safe removal of thousands of tons of impacted sediment and debris and the installation of a long-term monitoring and treatment system, crews have completed the final phase of active construction at the Ashland Lakefront Project.

“The entire area looks great and has met or exceeded all of our goals for the project,” said Mike BeBeau, project manager. “This could not have happened without the strong partnership with the community. We greatly appreciate everyone’s support and are excited to move forward after many years of working on this project.”

Over the past year, crews worked closely with the City of Ashland to restore the on-land area in a manner that would allow for future activities without adversely impacting any elements of the completed remediation. These elements include several control features such as wells and utilities that will remain in place for long-term, active monitoring at the site. 

One of the most visible features is a new, 12-foot-wide concrete apron adjacent to the installed sheet pile wall. This concrete apron will be a welcomed amenity along the lakefront and help prevent erosion and protect the area from crashing waves. About 85% of the 11-acre area is covered in grass with the remaining area finished with gravel for an access road, proposed parking and boat storage. By year-end the project team will submit a remedial action completion report to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources. 

The agencies will then prepare a final close-out report that will review all remedial actions taken at the site including Phase 1 (on-land remediation), Phase 2 (sediment remediation) and the restoration of Kreher Park. The on-land area will be fenced until all regulatory approvals are received at which time the company will transfer control of the area to the City of Ashland. Final approvals are expected by mid to late 2020.

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