Sediment Removal and Restoration Project

Sediment Removal and Restoration Project. . , Lockheed Martin has completed the challenging task of removing contaminated sediment from Cow Pen Creek and Dark Head Cove. Over a period of three construction seasons between 2014 and 2017, Lockheed Martin and its contractors removed over 3,285 truckloads (55,500 cubic yards) of sediments contaminated with polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), and metals from nearly 12 acres of Dark Head Cove and Cow Pen Creek., To create a clean and protective cove and stream bed, 488 truckloads (10,263 tons) of sand were placed over the areas where contaminated was removed. Also, 21 truckloads (450 tons) of streambed sand/gravel organic mix were placed upstream in Cow Pen Creek., Native plants and submerged aquatic vegetation were planted as part of this project. Lockheed Martin will monitor the growth of all these plants to ensure restoration is successful., 118 truckloads (more than 2,500 tons) of activated carbon, similar to that used in home water filters, was placed as a final step on an additional 13.7 acres of Dark head Cove's floor where concentrations of PCBs were so low that dredging was not warranted., Photo tours of each season's work are available at www.lockheedmartin.com/middleriver., For More Information:, Maryland Department of the Environment: call 800-633-6101, Lockheed Martin: www.lockheedmartin.com/middleriver or call 800-449-4486. , Lockheed Martin environmental project information is available at the Essex public library., Maryland State Fish Advisory: For fish and crabs caught in the surface water, follow Maryland advisories or limiting the numbers you should eat from Middle River: http://www.mde.state.md.us/programs/Marylander/fishandshellfish/Documents/Fish%20Constumption%20Docs/Maryland_Fish_Advisories_2014_March17.pdf, http//www.mde.state.md.us/programs/Marylander/fishandshellfish/Page/fishconsumptionadvisory.aspx