Revitalizing for the Future
For over 100 years, Harbor Island has been used for industrial purposes and waste disposal. These historic operations have resulted in environmental impacts that the City of Grand Haven is addressing in cooperation with the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE).
Planning a Resilient Future
Through an in-depth environmental study, the Renew Harbor Island team is working to identify the extent of contamination and develop a phased plan to mitigate health and environmental risks on the island. The remediation options will prepare the site for future uses aligned with community needs.
The City and the Board of Light and Power are committed to the long-term health and remediation of Harbor Island in a manner that meets and exceeds regulations.
Understanding the Challenge: PFAS and CCR
Harbor Island contains two primary types of environmental contaminants:
- PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances): A diverse group of human-made chemicals used in a wide range of industrial and consumer products.
- CCR (coal combustion residuals): Byproducts generated from coal-fired power plants.
Due to the island’s industrial history, PFAS and CCR have been identified through an environmental study of the former JB Sims Power Plant site. The City’s environmental consultants are working closely with EGLE on a holistic approach to cleaning up Harbor Island. The City will continue to seek community input throughout this process.
PFAS roadmap
Assess
What is the risk level?
- Confirm no drinking water wells on Harbor Island.
- Review where water intake from Grand River is.
Plan 
Where does the strategy start?
- Focus on areas where PFAS-contaminated groundwater may reach surface water.
- Prioritize locations exceeding regulatory limits.
- Reduce potential human health exposure.
Implement
How do we mitigate?
- Use a tiered approach to address highest risks first.
- Control groundwater flow and treat before discharge, if needed.
- Evaluate targeted source removal options.
Maintain
Can we stay ahead of changing regulations?
- Operate, monitor, and maintain groundwater remedies.
- Regularly review performance.
- Adjust strategies to meet evolving regulations.
Community Use Concepts
Developed with input from Grand Haven residents, these three draft concepts reflect ideas shared during two days of public feedback and visioning sessions. Use the arrows to scroll through the three concepts. These ideas are just the beginning of the conversation.
Project Timeline
Use the arrows to scroll through the timeline. The timeline was created with the support of the Harbor Island Community Advisory Committee to support public awareness of the work being done on Harbor Island. The timeline is subject to agency response, funding and other factors and will be updated as information is available.
Approval Summer 2022
Approval of workplan and well network by EGLE.
Stand Ready Summer 2022 - Fall 2022
Prepare to intiate background monitoring - Wetlands Permit needed from EGLE to proceed.
Drilling Fall 2022 - Winter 2023
Some CCR Compliance wells were placed when Simms plant closed. Additional CCR and PFAS exploratory boreholes and sampling must be completed once EGLE approves a wetlands permit to allow for drilling.
Background Monitoring Fall 2022 - March 2024
Over the course of 10 -12 months, testing is required every 5 weeks. Eight sample events are required to meet compliance. This process establishes site-specific background values.
Alternatives Development Winter 2023 - Summer 2026
Agency coordination and approval will guide this process to completion. Initial CCR and PFAS data will support early remediation alternative discussions, while public engagement begins through visioning sessions and activities.
Remedy Selection Summer 2024 - Beyond
Following alternatives analysis and agency coordination, remediation can begin. Remedial alternatives chosen will attempt to address both PFAS and CCR issues.
Remedy Implementation 2025 - 2028
After remediation plans are in place to meet compliance, or compliance met, development planning can begin.
Key / Abbreviations
- CCR: Coal Combustion Residuals
- PFAS: Per- and polyfluroralkyl substances
Phase complete Current Phase
CCR:
CCR Compliance requires semi-annual monitoring and reporting throughout the duration of the project, during remediation, and years after remediation is complete.
PFAS:
PFAS work requires detection of chemicals, investigation, remediation and close-out.
*Timeline subject to agency response and funding, site conditions, and remediation effectiveness.
Harbor Island work entails two work plans needing EGLE approval. While work is done simultaneously, when possible, either work plan could see delays at different times.
Featured Events
Q2 Quarterly Report Published
July 30, 2026
Q3 Quarterly Report Published
October 30, 2026
Q4 Quarterly Report Published
January 30, 2026
The ultimate goal is creating a plan to mitigate the health and environmental risks on Harbor Island.