Capping of Contaminated Sediments Drastically Cuts Environmental Management Costs

The South and Southwest HSRC has addressed remediation of contaminated sediments at the Manistique River and Harbor project in northern Michigan. By using capping, approximately 100,000 cubic yards of PCB-contaminated sediment will be remediated in place.

The total cost of isolating the contaminants from the ecosystem is $8 million to $12 million, compared with $50 million or more to dredge and incinerate onshore. In addition, the cleanup will be completed within a year, with the support of much of the local community.

The Center, as an independent research organization without a vested interest, has a unique role to play in furthering the use of cost-effective remedial strategies. Estimated costs of capping are 1/8 the cost of incineration, which can be $500 per cubic yard or more.

For further information, contact:
Danny Reible
South & Southwest HSRC
Louisiana State University
Baton Rouge, Louisiana 70803-6421
Telephone: 504/388-6770
FAX: 504/388-5043
E-mail: reible@lsu.edu