The EPA began cleaning up waste contaminated with chromium and nickel at the former Quality Plating site in the 2700 block of McIlwraith Street in Muskegon Heights.
The agency said the $3.1 million project will take about six months to remove around 100 55-gallon drums, 100 containers and multiple plating lines from the site. The hazardous waste and substances will then be transported to an EPA-approved landfill for disposal.
The City of Muskegon Heights controls the 0.84-acre site after it recently took possession of the property from Muskegon County. The county had put the property through a tax auction process but received no bids.
The city also owns two adjacent vacant industrial properties. Combined, the three parcels cover about 2 acres.
In a statement, Greater Muskegon Economic Development Grants and Programs Manager Cathy Brubaker-Clarke said the cleanup is a critical part of the process that will return the property to productive use.
She also said the cleanup is part of GMED’s Industrial Park Strategic Plan and is excited to partner with the EPA and the city on redevelopment of the site.
