History in the Making
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2018
Demolition activities across the entire site are nearly complete, including removal of all subsurface piping and foundations. Environmental response activities have resulted in MDEQ-approved closures, and Part 201 Due Care response activities have and will continue to protect from any unacceptable exposures.
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2016
An administrative agreement was entered with MDEQ, Melching, Sappi, and Pure Muskegon to address environmental conditions and remove deed restrictions that inhibit site redevelopment. This subsequently triggered transfer of the property to Pure Muskegon.
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2013
A group of local leaders come together to form Pure Muskegon LLC to pursue purchasing and providing a vision for redeveloping the site.
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2011
Various deed restrictions and limitations on use of the Mill property were placed by Sappi, preventing any future use of the property other than industrial.
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2011
The property was sold to Melching, Inc., a demolition firm who initiates deconstruction and recycling of the massive structures.
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2009
Paper plant manufacturing operations ceased after decades of industrial use.
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1994
Sappi Ltd. purchases the S.D. Warren division of Scott Paper Company, including the Muskegon mill.
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1967
Scott Paper Company buys S.D. Warren, parent company of Central Paper Company.
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1900
The first sheets of paper are produced at the Central Paper Company.
Environmental Deconstruction and Activities
- A multi-party Administrative Order on Consent (AOC) for Response Activities entered on July 29, 2016, has facilitated the cleanup and redevelopment of the entire property. The parties to the AOC include the Michigan Department of Attorney General, Michigan Department of Environmental Quality (MDEQ), S.D. Warren dba Sappi North America, Melching Demolition (Melching), and Pure Muskegon LLC.
- Melching Inc. has completed demolition of the massive former paper mill over the past year, comprising over 1 million square feet under roof. The majority of the site has been cleared, including both surface and subsurface demolition (foundations, pipes, etc.).
- The AOC and property transfer from Melching Inc. to Pure Muskegon also triggered approval of a $1 Million MDEQ Brownfield Grant awarded to the City of Muskegon to assist in the removal of the remaining two stacks on the Sappi Property. These stacks were safely and successfully felled in Summer 2017.
- A Brownfield Plan has been adopted by the City of Muskegon and its Brownfield Redevelopment Authority, to allow new taxes generated from the redevelopment to be “captured” to pay for site preparation, infrastructure, and due care activities. The Brownfield Plan was approved by the Muskegon City Commission in March, 2017 and provides for up to $42 million in eligible activities.
- Environmental response actives conducted by Melching have resulted in MDEQ closures for historical site releases, and the lime pile remediation (including groundwater).
- Part 201 Due Care documentation has been provided to the MDEQ, and continues to be updated as site conditions and use change.