In the 1970s, environmental concern developed regarding the century-long desposition of tailings into Torch Lake. High concentrations of copper and other heavy metals in Torch Lake sediments, toxic discharges into the lakes, and fish abnormalities prompted many investigations into long- and short-term impacts attributed to mine waste disposal. The International Joint Commission Water Quality Board designated Torch Lake as a Great Lakes Area of Concern (AOC) in 1983. Also in 1983, the Michigan Department of Public Health (MDPH) announced an advisory against the consumption of Torch Lake sauger and walleye. The Site was proposed for inclusion on the National Priorities List (NPL) in October of 1984. The Site was placed on the NPL in June 1986. The Site is also on the Act 307 Michigan Sites of Environmental Contamination Priority List. A Draft Remedial Action Plan (RAP) for Torch Lake was developed by Michigan Department of Natural Resources (MDNR) in October 1987 to address the contamination problems and to recommend a remedial action for Torch Lake. In 1998 Torch Lake was designated a Superfund Site by the Environmental Protection Agency. EPA has implemented a remediation plan which involves placing a layer of topsoil on exposed stamp sand waste areas and planting grasses and trees to help stabilize loose ground. As of 2010, site is being considered for de-listing from Superfund program.