How Pollution in the Detroit River Is Harming Your Grosse Ile Home’s Foundation

Written By Leah LeitowPublished on 04/21/2025

Detroit has a long, storied history—one of innovation, industry, and growth. But, along with that progress came decades of pollution and environmental damage.

While much of this contamination is being addressed today, its legacy remains, especially in and around the Detroit River. Unfortunately, Grosse Ile is one of the places seeing the long-term effects.

This island community, nestled in the middle of the Detroit River, may seem far removed from the factories, but years of toxic dumping and river contamination have had a lasting impact on home foundations there. If you live on Grosse Ile, here’s what you need to know.

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A History of Contamination in the Detroit River and Grosse Ile

For decades, industries along the Detroit River discharged waste directly into the water. From heavy metals to chemical byproducts, these pollutants didn’t just wash away—they settled into the sediment, seeped into nearby land, and in some cases, were actively dumped on areas like Grosse Ile itself.

One of the most concerning sites is Hennepin Point, where mercury and distiller blow-off waste were dumped for years. Over time, these pollutants have affected both the environment and potentially the structural integrity of homes nearby.

Why It Matters for Grosse Ile Homeowners

If you live on Grosse Ile, this isn’t just historical trivia—it’s your backyard. While the island offers stunning views and a quiet atmosphere, your home’s foundation may still be at risk.

While Grosse Ile doesn’t have expansive soil like other parts of Michigan, the presence of contaminated soil introduces other unique challenges. And because many homeowners aren’t even aware of what’s beneath their home, damage often goes unnoticed until it’s serious.

Soil contamination is especially concerning for homes that are 55 years or older—which make up a large portion of Grosse Ile’s housing stock.

The island saw a major wave of development in the 1930s and 1940s, and many of those homes are still standing today. While they offer charm, they may also be more vulnerable to foundation damage from contaminated soil. If your home was built during that post-war boom, it’s worth having a professional inspection to make sure hidden issues haven’t been quietly developing beneath your feet.

How Contaminated Soil Affects Your Foundation

Contaminated soil can compromise your foundation in several ways:

Soil Structure Changes: Heavy metals and industrial waste can alter the makeup of soil, making it unstable or less able to support your foundation evenly.
Moisture Dynamics: Chemicals in the soil can change how water is absorbed or retained, leading to shifting soil and erosion, both of which stress your foundation.
Concrete Deterioration: Pollutants like sulfates can chemically react with concrete, breaking it down over time and weakening basement walls and footings.
Poor Drainage: Contaminated or compacted soil can trap moisture, leading to water pooling next to house—a major red flag for foundation health.

Signs of Foundation Issues in Grosse Ile

If your home is affected by contaminated soil or drainage problems, you may start to notice these signs:

Cracks in foundation walls or floors
Bowing basement walls that appear to lean or curve inward
Musty odors or visible water seepage in the basement
Uneven floors or doors and windows that stick
Persistent water pooling next to house, especially after rain

These symptoms can escalate quickly if left unchecked, and they often point to deeper structural issues caused by compromised soil or moisture intrusion.

How to Fix It: DIY and Professional Solutions

DIY Options for Homeowners:

While some foundation repairs require professional help, there are a few preventative steps you can take on your own:

Improve Drainage: Extend downspouts and make sure the yard is properly graded away from the foundation.
Stabilize Soil with Mulch: A thick layer of mulch can help regulate soil moisture near your foundation.
Raised Flower Beds: These can redirect water away from the foundation while also adding curb appeal.

When to Call in the Pros:

For more serious cases of foundation issues in Grosse Ile, professional repairs are essential. Experts may recommend:

Foundation piers to support and potentially lift sinking sections of your home
Wall repair solutions like wall anchors or steel I-beams to reinforce bowing basement walls
Moisture management systems such as interior drainage, sump pumps, or vapor barriers to keep your basement dry and stable

Cleanup Efforts Are Underway, But Funding Remains a Challenge

There are active efforts to clean up the Detroit River and reduce the long-term impact of soil contamination, especially in Areas of Concern like this one. The goal is to restore water quality and curb the spread of pollutants into nearby land, protecting communities like Grosse Ile in the process.

But progress has been slow, largely due to the high cost. Full remediation of the river is estimated at nearly $900 million, and while federal programs like the Great Lakes Legacy Act cover a large portion, the remaining funding—about 35%—must come from state, local, or private sources. That funding gap continues to delay cleanup projects, even as pollution continues to threaten homes, soil, and water.

For Grosse Ile homeowners, this means that while help is on the way, it’s still important to stay proactive about inspecting and protecting your home’s foundation.

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Leah Leitow

Content Writer

Leah is a Content Writer for Groundworks with more than ten years of experience working in the foundation repair industry. Her experience ranges from working with homeowners to find the right solution to training inspectors and staff. In her background as a Michigan journalist, she gained invaluable insight into people's lives throughout our state. Leah lives in metro Detroit with her husband and two sons.