The City of Detroit requested EPA assistance in
investigating and removing PCB-contaminated soil discovered while constructing
the Joe Lewis Greenway. The greenway is a much-anticipated recreational asset
to Detroit residents and a high priority for the Detroit Mayor. Sampling by the
City found PCBs levels as high as 780 mg/kg, and EPA sampling found levels as
high as 330 mg/kg. The Site is near residential homes, schools, and parks.
During the removal site evaluation, EPA found that community members used the
former railbed as a cut-through to access adjacent neighborhoods. Based on the
levels of PCBs and the unrestricted site access, the OSC requested emergency
funding to secure the Site and completed a removal action that excavated and disposed of the impacted soils.
