DEC. 11, 2019 — Today a consent decree was announced that includes $25 million as a partial settlement to restore natural resources injured by releases of hazardous substances to the Kalamazoo River and Portage Creek in Michigan.

Under the proposed settlement, NOAA and co-trustees will use $25 million to plan and complete environmental restoration projects. These projects will both benefit injured natural resources, and compensate the public for lost recreational opportunities.

There will be a 30-day commenting period. The proposed consent decree will be available on the Department of Justice website. 

Restoration projects will be selected with public input. The Trustees invite interested parties to suggest habitat and recreational restoration project ideas during the planning process. Project ideas can be submitted at the trustees online portal.

For more information about the Kalamazoo River site and the settlement, visit the Damage Assessment, Remediation, and Restoration Program website.