The Evolution of a Toxic Dump in the Middle of the Detroit River
Decades of dumping contaminated waste at one end of the island; wildlife refuge at the other
A contaminated waste dump in the middle of the Detroit River is expected to get some attention this month. Representatives from state and federal organizations plan to review how Grassy Island should be managed in the coming years. The island is located north of Grosse Isle off the shores of Wyandotte. Ford and other industries used the island as a site for toxic materials after President Lyndon Johnson banned open-water dumping in the early 60’s. Detroit River International Wildlife Refuge Manager, John Hartig, tells WDET’s Amy Miller that removing the contaminated materials isn’t an option so a long term plan is needed.
Click on the audio player above to hear the entire interview
