Baldwin Highlights $34 Million Investment to Finish Clean Up in Superior Bay

WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Tammy Baldwin (D-WI) is marking the end of a $34 million project she has championed to clean up contaminated sediment in Superior Bay, Wisconsin. The project is entering its final phase, marking a major step forward in efforts to restore the St. Louis River and protect Lake Superior. The final phase includes a newly awarded $10.1 million contract to remove contaminated sediment and address sources of pollution in the St. Louis River. “Our Great Lakes are part of what makes Wisconsin such a special place to live, work, and raise a family. They support our local economies, provide millions with fresh drinking water, and give families places to enjoy the outdoors,” said Senator Baldwin . “But for too long, decades-old pollution has threatened these waters and the communities that depend on them. That’s why I’ve fought to bring federal investments home to clean up contaminated waterways and protect our Great Lakes. I’m proud to see that work paying off right here in Superior, and I’ll keep fighting to make sure future generations of Wisconsinites can enjoy these treasured waters for years to come.” The $10.1 million investment, awarded by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR), and Superior Water, Light and Power Co., will support cleanup efforts in the 12-acre C Street Slip in Superior Bay. The cleanup is part of ongoing efforts to restore the St. Louis River and remove it from the EPA’s list of Areas of Concern on the Great Lakes, sites that have been contaminated by decades of industrial activity and wastewater discharges. Work is expected to begin in 2027 and will include removing approximately 23,000 cubic yards of sediment containing mercury and other harmful pollutants. The contaminated material will be transported to an approved disposal facility, and a layer of sand will be placed over the cleaned area. The project is supported by funding through the Great Lakes Legacy Act (GLLA) and the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative (GLRI). Senator Baldwin has long championed the GLRI, the most significant investment to restore and protect our Great Lakes. In 2022, Baldwin helped deliver an additional $1 billion through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law to accelerate the cleanup and restoration of severely degraded sites across the Great Lakes region, including the St. Louis River Area of Concern. This investment into clean-up efforts is projected to remove all remaining Areas of Concern on Wisconsin’s Great Lakes. Last month, the Senate passed Baldwin-backed bipartisan legislation to reauthorize GLRI and provide $475 million annually through 2030 to continue protecting and restoring the Great Lakes. ###