Grand Haven, MI (WGHN) – State Rep. Greg VanWoerkom, who represents Grand Haven and neighboring communities, has announced that a Grand Haven dredging timeline has been set for late 2025.
The representative met with officials from the state Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, the city and other stakeholders today to discuss dredging regulations that would have a disastrous economic impact on the tri-cities area, and Michigan’s shipping industry.
VanWoerkom is pleased to report that EGLE has approved the 401 Water Quality Certification for the upper harbor, a big step forward for the community. Officials also stated that the lower portion of the harbor is expected to be certified very soon.
“This is a huge relief for the community,” said VanWoerkom (R-Norton Shores). “A well maintained harbor is critical to our local economy, jobs and shipping industries that keep our unique part of the state booming. I will continue to work with EGLE, the Army Corps, and stakeholders to ensure there are reasonable standards set for dredged material and our ability to use it.”
The dredging issue has posed uncertainty for locals for many months. Grand Haven’s inner harbor requires dredging every two to four years, but when local officials set out to coordinate the latest dredging project, EGLE suddenly implemented a new policy requiring testing for PFAS chemicals in sediment prior to being removed from federal harbors and channels.
The new requirement caused confusion for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, which said it cannot proceed with dredging the inner harbor until EGLE determines how PFAS will impact the silt and sediment to be dredged.
VanWoerkom has been an outspoken advocate for the community throughout the debacle. When uncertainty remained in April, the legislator issued a letter to Gov. Whitmer and EGLE Department Director Phillip Roos requesting immediate action in passing clear guidance on PFAS regulations so that dredging can commence as soon as possible.
“Grand Haven Harbor is a significant economic driver, providing over 450 jobs with annual wages totaling $29.5 million, and contributing $88.8 million to the regional economy each year,” VanWoerkom’s letter read. “Missing a dredging cycle will have serious economic consequences. It will directly affect industries across Michigan that rely on materials shipped through Grand Haven.”
VanWoerkom said that the four-week dredging operation will take place in late September through mid-October.
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