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Detroit paying average of $36K to remove, replace ‘dirty’ dirt

July 22, 2026

Detroit is spending approximately $36,000 per location to remove and replace contaminated soil at demolition sites tied to contractor Gayanga Co. , which is under federal investigation for allegedly using tainted dirt from a former mall development. The city has already remediated just over 100 properties during an eight-month period, but more than 450 additional sites still require cleanup after exceeding state soil safety standards.

Who is affected

  • Detroit residents living near the 600-plus identified contaminated demolition sites
  • Property owners at affected locations across the city
  • Detroit taxpayers funding the remediation costs
  • Gayanga Co. and its owner Brian McKinney (contractor under federal investigation and suspended from city work)
  • The Mannik and Smith Group (environmental consultants conducting testing and analysis)
  • Detroit Demolition & Construction Department staff
  • Seven approved soil source sites in Milford, Pinckney, Washington, Petersburg, Milan, and Maybee

What action is being taken

  • The city is excavating and replacing contaminated fill dirt at demolition sites (just over 100 properties completed so far)
  • Environmental consultants are sampling and analyzing backfill material at identified sites
  • The demolition department is conducting monthly inspections of the seven approved soil source sites
  • Soil is being sampled and analyzed before it leaves source sites
  • The city is conducting direct outreach to affected property owners through mailed notifications and informational materials
  • Monthly updates are being provided through the Department of Neighborhoods DONCast
  • Federal investigators are investigating Gayanga Co. and Brian McKinney

Why it matters

  • This contaminated soil scandal represents a significant public health and financial crisis for Detroit, with potential total costs reaching $20-27 million for remediation of over 600 sites. The contamination stems from a contractor allegedly using tainted dirt from an industrial redevelopment site to backfill residential demolition properties, potentially exposing residents to hazardous materials. The incident highlights serious gaps in municipal oversight of demolition contractors who received tens of millions in city contracts since 2018, though officials maintain most sites don't present imminent health risks. The city's response demonstrates the substantial costs taxpayers must bear when contractor oversight fails, even as Detroit pursues legal cost recovery.

What's next

  • The city will remediate the remaining 450-plus identified properties that still need to be addressed
  • Later this year, the department will conduct random sampling of fill dirt after it leaves approved source locations and after it's deposited at demolition sites in Detroit
  • The city's Law Department will pursue cost recovery action against Gayanga for total damages
  • The city will continue direct outreach and notifications to affected property owners throughout the testing and remediation process

Read full article from source: bridgedetroit.com

Detroit paying average of $36K to remove, replace ‘dirty’ dirt