Mason County Landfill

Overview

Mason County Landfill sits on 18 acres near Ludington in Pere Marquette Township, Michigan. It accepted both municipal and hazardous waste during its operating years, which contaminated soil, sediments, and groundwater. EPA added the site to the National Priorities List on September 8, 1983, and later deleted it on September 9, 1999, after cleanup goals were met.

Eleven contaminants of concern have been identified across multiple media at the site. These include benzene, 1,1-dichloroethane, vinyl chloride, tetrachloroethene, cadmium, chromium, lead, mercury, and zinc. Lead turns up in groundwater, soil, and surface water. Vinyl chloride was detected in air. Benzene, cadmium, tetrachloroethene, and zinc were found in groundwater. All contaminants fall within Operable Unit 01, which covers the landfill area itself.

EPA took action in two phases. A 1988 cleanup decision called for building a clay cap over the landfill, installing a fence, restricting site use, and setting up long-term groundwater monitoring. Remedial construction began in June 1990 and was substantially complete by September 1992. A 1993 Record of Decision then selected "No Action with Monitoring," calling for continued monitoring of residential and monitoring wells for up to 30 years. Construction was fully finished by September 27, 1993.

The site is currently in long-term monitoring. Human exposure is under control across the entire site, and contaminated groundwater is stabilized with no unacceptable discharge to surface water. Institutional controls, including zoning restrictions that prevent residential use, are in place. The site achieved sitewide ready for anticipated reuse status on January 30, 2008. EPA completed its seventh five-year review on December 8, 2025, confirming the remedy continues to protect human health and the environment in the short term. Operation and maintenance activities remain ongoing.

Community members can reach out to the two EPA contacts assigned to the site for questions. Site records are also available for public review at the Ludington Public Library at 217 East Ludington Avenue in Ludington, Michigan.