Big Step Towards a Cleaner Kalamazoo

In December 2008, the last of 120,000 cubic yards of PCB laden-sediment were removed from 1.5 miles of the Kalamazoo River near Plainwell, Michigan. This represents 2% of the lands included in the Superfund project. “In the short term, this is a good thing,” said Jeff Spoelstra of the Kalamazoo River Watershed Council (KRWC).

There have been health advisories against eating fish from the river since the 1970s because of PCBs – chemicals once used in the paper industry. This small step in the long term clean up underscores the need for the Kalamazoo River Watershed Council and a bigger environmental victory. For more information

In 2004, River Network facilitated a planning session on the Kalamazoo where citizens voiced concern that pollution from streets, roads and agricultural lands were flowing into the river every time it rained. Wouldn't it be easier to prevent pollution today than to clean up decades from now?

An Umbrella Opens

The plan outlined with the help of River Network’s organizational development staff came to life over several years. Hundreds of citizens came together to ask the KRWC – which focused just on Superfund issues-- to broaden its mission and become an “umbrella” for collaborative citizen efforts throughout the watershed.

The KRWC now plays a wider role in the community. The group is a clearinghouse for information on planning and pollution issues. Most importantly, it builds community partnerships that get things done. Recently, three counties have passed ordinances limiting the use of fertilizers that cause algae blooms in local rivers and lakes.

Surviving and Thriving

KWRC is a lightly-staffed nonprofit organization which has outlasted paper mills and giant chemical companies. In January, 2009 the global corporation Lyondell Chemical filed for bankruptcy, potentially delaying clean up PCBs on 78 more miles of river. KWRC is moving towards new victories through another round of strategic planning with help from River Network.