Newburgh Lake
Newburgh Lake had offered recreational opportunities, but this resource suffered from various problems. Since Newburgh Lake was created in the early 1900s, sediments have accumulated. These sediments, some contaminated with pollutants, have significantly degraded the recreational quality of Newburgh Lake. Shallow water depths resulting from the sediment accumulation and nutrient-rich water have led to excessive growth of aquatic plants. Moreover, some of these sediments contain toxic contaminants such as polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) that have entered the food chain and are currently present in the fish. These contaminated fish result in a potential human health hazard associated with fish consumption. To eliminate this possible hazard, it was necessary to remove the contaminated sediments.
Newburgh Lake, as seen here in August 2000, before the first-ever Newburgh Lake Triathlon.
The Newburgh Lake Project focused on the following objectives.
- Eliminate PCB fish advisory
- Enhance water quality
- Enhance recreation
Owner: City of Livonia
Location: Hines Park, Newburgh Rd. & Hines Drive
Returned to a Resource for All to Enjoy!
Newburgh Lake has been returned to the recreational resource it once was. During much of 1996 - 1998, Newburgh Lake underwent a major restoration process. Contaminated sediment and fish were removed from the lake, the lake was restocked with game fish, the lake depth was increased and habitat was created for the lake's fish and wildlife. Now all citizens can safely enjoy a variety of recreational uses in and around Newburgh Lake, including fishing.
The Rouge River National Wet Weather Demonstration Project is funded, in part, by the United States Environmental Protection Agency grant numbers X995743-01, 02, 03, 04 and 05, and number C995743-01.