Efforts to clean up pollution at the bottom of the Great Lakes basin will get $250 million over five years under legislation President Bush signed into law last week.
The money would be given to local governments, states and American Indian tribes to clean, monitor and prevent contaminated sediment in the Great Lakes basin. The local partner would be required to match 35 percent of the grant amount.
Research shows contaminated sediment has caused tumors and impaired reproduction in fish, caused birth defects in fish-eating birds and mammals and increased cancer risk in people.
Dredging, treatment and disposal of contaminated sediment can cost about $50 to $1,800 per cubic yard, with a median cost of $300-$450 per cubic yard, according to the Council of Great Lakes Industries.
Source: The Associated Press
