Wildlife Habitat Area Increased at River Rouge Power Plant
The Detroit Edison River Rouge Power Plant sits on the Detroit River shoreline in the middle of one of the region’s most industrial areas. Not long ago, the water’s edge was a 200-foot expanse of broken concrete and metal, in place to stabilize the shoreline. This area was returned to natural conditions through a shoreline naturalization project.
DTE Energy staff and partners removed 850 cubic yards of concrete riprap and gravel. They reshaped the shoreline with fill dirt, installed erosion control fabric, and added native plants – both on the shore and in the water – to create habitat for fish and other wildlife species. The project was partially financed through grants including the U.S. EPA 5-Star Grant, National Fish & Wildlife Foundation Grant, and Metropolitan Affairs Coalition Challenge Grant.
The shoreline naturalization project demonstrates why the River Rouge power plant was one of four finalists for the Wildlife Habitat Council’s 2006 Corporate Habitat of the Year Award. The nomination reflects the plant’s commitment to the surrounding community and its focus on continuous improvement. Another project currently underway at the plant is the creation of nesting habitat for the endangered Common Tern on unused dockings.
Before
A barren, 200-foot expanse of broken concrete and metal, in place to stabilize the shoreline.
After
A natural shoreline that creates a thriving habitat for fish and other wildlife species, will develop as the native plants grow, bloom and bear fruit.
