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Soft Engineering at Solutia's Trenton Plant

Solutia Site

Situated on the western bank of the Detroit River in Trenton, Michigan, this Solutia facility began production in 1942. Today, the Trenton facility employs hundreds of people and has annual sales of $28 million.

Like many companies on the Detroit River, land was historically gained by filling low areas along the Detroit River. Approximately 40 acres of land was created in this fashion between 1945 and 1965. This land is now idle and is the focus of two soft engineering projects. Twenty five acres are now being managed for habitat, while the remaining 15 acres are divided between four ponds.

Solutia has an operational practice of maintaining a green space around their facilities, consistent with company policies. A high priority is placed on ensuring health and safety, and maintaining a clean environment. Solutia is proud of its commitment to their employees, community, and environment. Already, this facility has remediated 60,000 cubic yards of phosphate contaminated soil.

The first soft engineering project for Solutia in Trenton was the reinforcement of the pond's berm. These three ponds function as stormwater retention basins. The current berm is constructed of clay and concrete riprap or armorstone. Many options were considered to reinforce the shoreline. The decision to use riprap instead of harder engineering practices was made based on four key points. The riprap was: just as effective as harder engineering methods; cheaper than concrete breakwalls or steel sheet piling; more aesthetically pleasing and closely matched the existing shoreline features; and provided habitat for fish and wildlife. This project was completed in 2000.

The second project involved the planting of three rows of poplar trees to aid in groundwater hydraulic management. Poplar trees were chosen becausethey are native to the site. These poplar trees will be planted around the perimeter of 25 acres of vacant property. By choosing the option of using trees to help manage groundwater movement, Solutia realized that they could save money, increase wildlife habitat, and provide an aesthetically pleasing option to achieve their goal. This project was completed in 2002.

Region 3, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
1 Federal Drive
BHW Federal Building
Fort Snelling, MN 55111
E-Mail Us!
R3 External Affairs
Dr. John H. Hartig, Refuge Manager
Detroit River International Wildlife Refuge
Large Lakes Research Station
9311 Groh Road
Grosse Ile, MI 48138
Phone: 734-692-7608 Fax: 734-692-7603
E-mail: john_hartig@fws.gov

Last updated: July 9, 2008

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Soft Engineering at Solutia's Trenton Plant
Solutia Site
Situated on the western bank of the Detroit River in Trenton, Michigan, this Solutia facility began production in 1942. Today, the Trenton facility employs hundreds of people and has annual sales of $28 million. Like many companies on the Detroit River, land was historically gained by filling low areas along the Detroit River. Approximately 40 acres of land was created in this fashion between 1945 and 1965. This land is now idle and is the focus of two soft engineering projects. Twenty five acres are now being managed for habitat, while the remaining 15 acres are divided between four ponds. Solutia has an operational practice of maintaining a green space around their facilities, consistent with company policies. A high priority is placed on ensuring health and safety, and maintaining a clean environment. Solutia is proud of its commitment to their employees, community, and environment. Already, this facility has remediated 60,000 cubic yards of phosphate contaminated soil. The first soft engineering project for Solutia in Trenton was the reinforcement of the pond's berm. These three ponds function as stormwater retention basins. The current berm is constructed of clay and concrete riprap or armorstone. Many options were considered to reinforce the shoreline. The decision to use riprap instead of harder engineering practices was made based on four key points. The riprap was: just as effective as harder engineering methods; cheaper than concrete breakwalls or steel sheet piling; more aesthetically pleasing and closely matched the existing shoreline features; and provided habitat for fish and wildlife. This project was completed in 2000. The second project involved the planting of three rows of poplar trees to aid in groundwater hydraulic management. Poplar trees were chosen becausethey are native to the site. These poplar trees will be planted around the perimeter of 25 acres of vacant property. By choosing the option of using trees to help manage groundwater movement, Solutia realized that they could save money, increase wildlife habitat, and provide an aesthetically pleasing option to achieve their goal. This project was completed in 2002.