For more information contact: Email:

Mark Nixon : 517-702-6735 MDN@LBWL.COM

*Addendum: After today's press release was e-mailed, I was informed that the actual construction of the slurry wall at the BWL landfill in north Lansing will not begin until Friday, May 9.  The work will be ongoing throughout the summer and early fall.

BWL begins landfill remediation project

The Lansing Board of Water & Light has begun a six-month remediation project on a 40-acre former coal ash landfill near Lake Lansing Road and Wood Street .

The $4.6 million project, in coordination with the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality, will prevent the leaching of contaminants from coal ash into underground aquifers.

The BWL has hired a specialty contractor to build an underground “slurry wall” to contain the coal ash. The wall, ranging in depth from 80 to 110 feet, will be completely underground. Using specialized equipment, a narrow but very deep trench will be dug. Into that trench a “slurry” will be poured, creating an impermeable barrier that will prevent coal ash from leaching into the water table.

The MDEQ and the BWL agreed to take these preventative steps to ensure the future quality of the BWL's water supply. There is no immediate danger that coal ash will reach underground aquifers. However, research has shown that leaching from the landfill could take place over the next 50 years.

The slurry wall will prevent leaching from occurring.

The BWL's water supply comes from a deep aquifer, more than hundred feet below the surface. There is a thick layer of shale bedrock separating the aquifer from the landfill.

The site was used as a coal ash repository from 1979 until 1997. Today, BWL coal ash is either sold to manufacturers as an additive to concrete, or is landfilled elsewhere.

Residents and businesses in the area near Wood Street and Lake Lansing Road will experience some construction-like noise during the slurry wall project. The wall is expected to be complete in October.

Once the slurry wall is complete, the surface will be graded and seeded with grass.

 

Note to members of the media : On-site visits can be arranged by contacting Mark Nixon. Safety apparel will be made available. No open-toed or high heel shoes.

 

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