The Metal Working Shop is a 2-acre former metal finishing property located between Lake View and Lake Ann in Benzie County, Michigan. Metal finishing operations ran from 1974 to 1977, during which rinse waters were improperly disposed of on the ground. This practice raised concerns about groundwater quality in nearby residential areas, prompting the EPA to add the site to the National Priorities List in February 1990.
The site's soil and groundwater contain very low levels of volatile organic compounds. EPA conducted extensive sampling of monitoring wells, residential wells, surface and subsurface soils, and nearby lakes. Those investigations found that contaminant concentrations did not pose a threat to public health or the environment, and that contaminants were not migrating.
Because contamination levels were so low and no cleanup actions were necessary, EPA deleted the site from the National Priorities List on December 23, 1992. The remedy selected in the June 30, 1992 Record of Decision was no action. Construction was recorded as complete on the same date. The site reached sitewide ready for anticipated reuse status in July 2007.
Today, the Lake Ann Camp and Retreat Center owns the property, which is mostly forested with some woodworking activity on a small portion. Institutional controls, including zoning restrictions that prevent residential uses, are in place to limit exposure to any remaining contamination and keep land use consistent with cleanup levels. Human exposure is considered under control, with no unacceptable exposure pathways identified. EPA sampling revealed no contamination above natural levels in the groundwater and soil.
Community members with questions about the site can contact the EPA's Remedial Project Manager. Three key documents related to the site are available in EPA's Superfund records for those who want to review the investigation and remedy in more detail.
