Waste Management of Michigan (Holland Lagoons)

Overview

The Waste Management of Michigan (Holland Lagoons) site covers about 80 acres near Holland, Michigan. It operated as a waste disposal facility from 1945 to 1980. EPA added it to the National Priorities List (NPL) in 1986 after initial assessment found contamination that posed risks to soil and groundwater.

Ten metals were identified as contaminants of concern: aluminum, antimony, arsenic, beryllium, cadmium, lead, manganese, vanadium, and zinc. These were found in both soil and groundwater. Contaminated groundwater at the site was linked to the adjacent Southwest Ottawa County Landfill Superfund site.

Before the formal investigation was finished, the site owner took action. They removed underground storage tanks, excavated contaminated soils, and cleared the former municipal trash landfill area. All removed material was disposed of off site. Later soil samples showed metals at or below levels of concern. A combined remedial investigation and feasibility study began in July 1994 and was completed in September 2001. EPA selected a "No Further Action" remedy in August 2011, meaning no additional cleanup steps were needed. The site was removed from the NPL in January 2013.

Human exposure is currently under control, and there are no unacceptable exposure pathways at the site. Groundwater migration is also stabilized, with no unacceptable discharge to surface water. Physical construction of the cleanup is complete across the entire site. A five-year review conducted in September 2006 confirmed that the response actions protect public health and the environment. No further five-year reviews are required because the remedy allows for unlimited exposure and unrestricted use, meaning all cleanup goals have been met for current and future land uses.

Community members with questions can contact the EPA's Community Involvement Coordinator or Remedial Project Manager.