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The next steps, after the completion of the screening level alternative analysis and data gap
report, are the collection of any additional required data and the completion of a focused
feasibility study to select a remedial alternative for the site. Any remedial alternative selected
will be coordinated with the Corps’ navigation dredging project for the harbor. Region 5 is
coordinating this work with Illinois EPA, the Waukegan Harbor Citizen Action Group (CAG),
and the Waukegan EJ Committee with implementation of a remedial alternative targeted for
2005. Public input will be elicited through a series of public outreach/public education sessions
scheduled for the rest of calendar year 2003 and beyond.
Looking towards FY04 -
c. Great Lakes Area of Concern (Waukegan Harbor) – Illinois EPA continues to pursue
appropriate actions for remediation and restoration of the beneficial uses of
Waukegan Harbor. Passage of the Great Lakes Legacy Act and identification of new
sites for disposal of the dredge spoil, have resulted in renewed and revitalized interest
in dredging the Waukegan Harbor approach channel, inner harbor and north harbor.
USEPA's finalization of Area of Concern delisting guidelines in late 2001, along with
increased support and coordination between state and federal agencies, local citizens
and elected officials has produced greater optimism that completion of remaining
remediation and delisting could be completed in the near future. The Corps of
Engineers estimates that 350,000 cubic yards of harbor sediment require removal.
These sediments contain low levels of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs). Recent
sampling of the harbor indicates that the average concentration of PCBs in the harbor
is approximately 2.5 ppm. Illinois EPA will maintain close coordination with the
Corp of Engineers, USEPA, local officials and the Waukegan Harbor Citizens
Advisory Group (CAG) as federal fiscal years 2004 and 2005 are viewed as a
significant window of opportunity to facilitate remediation.
B. Mutual Environmental Interests
1. Lake Michigan -
Both the USEPA Great Lakes National Program Office (GLNPO) and Region 5 programs
commit to activities, which promote the clean-up, restoration and protection of Lake Michigan,
with GLNPO focusing at a Great Lakes Basin-wide level. USEPA's Great Lakes Program brings
together federal, state, tribal, local, and industry partners in an integrated, ecosystem approach to
protect, maintain, and restore the chemical, biological, and physical integrity of the Great Lakes.
The Great Lakes Water Quality Agreement with Canada and the Lake Michigan Lakewide
Management Plan (LaMP) provide the agenda for Great Lakes ecosystem management:
reducing toxic substances; protecting and restoring important habitats; and protecting
human/ecosystem species health. These objectives closely align with Region 5 and Illinois
EPA's joint environmental priorities and certain GLNPO activities may be described in those
sections as appropriate. A LaMP Update was published in April 2002 and another update is
scheduled for April 2004. Illinois EPA, Region 5 and GLNPO continue to work with other Great
Lakes States regarding TMDL strategies for Lake Michigan as well as Great Lakes basin wide
approaches, and strategies for the Waukegan Harbor Area of Concern as noted above.
