Dredging up the Past Earthcache EarthCache
Ledge6: Thanks to all who visited. I guess this is the last call for Wisconsin's first Earthcache.
Dredging up the Past Earthcache
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I am happy to report that the PCB clean up at this site has finally
come to an end. Unfortunately, that means that I must archive this
earthcache. I am really bummed about this as this was Wisconsin's
very first earthcache. If I thought it was possible, I would try to
find a way to keep it going. Thanks to all who visited and learned
from this site.
Throughout the 1950's through the mid to late '70's, local paper
companies produced carbonless papers. One of the by-products of the
process was polychlorinated biphenyls, or PCB's. These pollutants
were discharged directly into the Fox River by the paper companies
where they built up in the sediments of the river. An effort is
currently underway to clean up the areas with the most
contamination. At this site you will see the dredging and
de-watering operations of the sludge/sediments. The process is
thoroughly described at the observation deck by interpretive signs.
This is a multi-million dollar project that has been somewhat
controversial in the Valley area, due to concerns over where to put
the dredged material. For a while, there was a plan to put the
material through a furnace, incinerating the PCB's, this was
rejected in favor of landfilling the sediments. On a positive note,
the water that is coming off the dredged sediment, which is treated
on-site in a small version of a municipal water treatment center,
is free of PCB's. The PCB's are bonded to the sediment, which helps
calm fears of damaging the river more by stirring up the sediment.
Any way you look at it, it is good to see corporations accept
responsibility and help in cleaning up our environment.
To claim this earthcache, email Ledge6 the answer to the
following questions: ”Who is the Little Lake Clean-up team project
manager?” and “Where do the sediments go after they are
dredged?”
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