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While Grant Township officials are evaluating the cause and seeking a solution to a recent wastewater leak, residents of Copper Harbor are reminded that there is no current threat to public safety and local drinking water remains safe.
While making a routine check of the Grant Township wastewater treatment facility recently, Copper Harbor Municipal Services Superintendent, Tom Wierciak noticed something was wrong.
The primary holding tank of the treatment plant had an abnormally low water level, indicative of a leak. Upon further investigation, Wierciak found an area of bedrock along the lakeshore that he believed showed signs of discharge.
Township Supervisor Ken Steiger says that Wierciak then contacted the Department of Environmental Quality, and then OHM, a Hancock-based civil engineering firm who is currently working on a plan of action and repair.
Wierciak says that he believes the liner of the holding tank developed a leak, and estimates that as much as 400,000 gallons of partially treated wastewater made its way into the soil and sand, providing some natural filtration before entering Lake Superior.
Although the liner is 28 years old, it has a life expectancy of 35 years and Wierciak says it should not have failed.
The DEQ reports that drinking water has not been affected, and there’s no need for public alarm.
Steiger stated during an interview yesterday that until the snow has melted the township cannot complete a full evaluation. However, in the meantime, the facility is able to continue processing its current intake from the community (approximately 4,000 gallons per day) by diverting it to a secondary treatment tank.
Wierciak emphasized that the seepage of wastewater was partially treated and not raw sewage, contrary to the initial reports that may have mislead public perception.
