Report on water Pollution
in the
SOUTHEASTERN MICHIGAN AREA
CLINTON RIVER
UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR
FEDERAL WATER POLLUTION CONTROL ADMINISTRATION
GREAT LAKES REGION
OCTOBER 1966
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REPORT ON
WATER POLLUTION IN THE LAKE ERIE BASIN
SOUTHEASTERN MICHIGAN AREA
CLINTON RIVER
OCTOBER 1966
U.S. DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR
Federal Water Pollution Control Administration
Great Lakes Region
Detroit Program Office
U.S. Naval Air Station
Grosse lie, Michigan
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.
Region V, Library
230 South Dearborn Street --
Chicago, Illinois 60604 ,<;
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PREFACE
The southeastern Michigan area draining into Lake Erie has been
recognized as one of the major water pollution areas of the Lake Erie
system. Extending across the natural watershed boundaries of south-
eastern Michigan's major tributaries is the metropolitan area of Detroit
and its suburbs. The water quality problems of Lake Erie, Detroit River,
Lake St. Glair, St. Clair River, and the individual tributaries are
interrelated and compounded by the urbanization and industrialization
of the area.
The complexity of the problem requires a comprehensive plan for
"CLEAN WATER" that takes into account the cause and effect relationships
of water resource utilization from the headwaters of the smallest
tributary to the large water reservoirs that constitute the Great Lakes.
This document was assembled by the Detroit Program Office, Federal
Water Pollution Control Administration, with the intention that it b'e used
together with information from other sources to develop a comprehensive
plan for water pollution control in the southeast Michigan tributaries
of the Lake Erie Basin. The intended purpose of the plan would be to
restore the usefulness of these waters for recreational purposes, provide
a more suitable environment for fish and aquatic life, and enhance the
v ilue of this resource. It would improve the quality of the area's waters
for municipal and industrial purposes, aesthetic enjoyment, and other
» beneficial uses.
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LEGEND
LAKE SUPERIOR
Southeast Michigan Drainage Area
*7-^ Interstate Water
Clinton River
SO
SCALE IN MILES
DETROIT PROGRAM OFFICE
GREAT LAKES-ILLINOIS RIVER BASIN PROJECT
LOCATION MAP
LAKE ERIE BASIN
CLINTON RIVER
U.S DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR
FEDERAL WATER POLLUTION CONTROL ADMINISTRATION
GREAT LAKES REGION GROSSE ILE, MICHIGAN
-------
LAKE ERIE BASIN
SOUTHEASTERN MICHIGAN AREA
^ ' ' , r i
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
Page No.
INTRODUCTION 1
GENERAL DESCRIPTION 5
Area Description
Climate
Hydrology
WATER USE 17
Municipal
Industrial
Recreational
SOURCES AND CHARACTERISTICS OF WASTES 22
Municipal
Industrial
Federal Installations
POPULATION AND WASTE LOAD PROJECTIONS 35
WATER QUALITY 41
DISSOLVED OXYGEN PROJECTIONS 57
SUMMARY AND WATER QUALITY PROBLEMS 69
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LIST OF FIGURES
Page No.
1. Clinton River Basin 4
2. Time of Passage 9
3. Flow Duration Curve 12
4. Drainage Area vs River Miles 14
5. Location of Sampling Stations 16
6. Municipal and Industrial Waste Outfalls 34
7. Population and Municipal Waste Flow Projections 40
8. Dissolved Oxygen Profiles 49
9. Dissolved Oxygen (Summer 1966 Survey 50
10. 5-Day BOD (Summer 1966 Survey) 51
11. Kjeldahl Nitrogen (Summer 1966 Survey) 52
12. Total Coliform Densities (Summer 1966 Survey) 53
13. Dissolved Oxygen (Summer 1964 Survey) 54
14. Ultimate BOD (Summer 1964 Survey) 55
15. Kjeldahl Nitrogen (Summer 1964 Survey) 56
16. Dissolved Oxygen (Computed Profile) 60
17. 5-Day BOD (Computed Profile of Ultimate BOD) 61
18. Kjeldahl Nitrogen (Computed Profile) 62
19. Dissolved Oxygen (Computed Profile) 63
>. Ultimate BOD (Computed Profile) 64
21. Kjeldahl Nitrogen (Computed Profile) 65
22- Computed Dissolved Oxygen Profiles
(Effect of Flow and Temperature) 66
ii
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LIST OF FIGURES
(cont'd)
Page No.
23. Computed Dissolved Oxygen Profiles
(Effect of Waste Treatment Plant Loadings) 67
24. Computed Dissolved Oxygen Profiles
(Effect of Waste Treatment Plants and Flow) 68
iii
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LIST OF TABLES
Page No.
1. Clinton River Drought Flows 13
2. Clinton River Sampling Stations 15
3. Municipal Water Supply Systems 19
4, Clinton River Municipal Wastes 30
5. Clinton River Industrial Waste Inventory 31
6. Clinton River Industrial Waste Inventory
(Waste Components - pounds/day) 33
7. Clinton River Basin Waste Flow Projections 37
8. Clinton River Basin Untreated BOD5 Projections 38
9. Clinton River Basin BOEL Projections 39
10. Clinton River Water Quality
(1966 Summer Survey) 45
11. Clinton River Water Quality
(1964 Summer Survey) 46
12. Clinton River Tributary Water Quality 47
13. Clinton River Water Quality
(1947 IJC Summer Survey) 48
iv
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4
INTRODUCTION
AUTHORITY
Comprehensive water pollution control studies were authorized by
the Federal Water Pollution Control Act of 1956, as amended (33 USC 466
et seq.).
Sec. 3, (a) "The Secretary shall, after careful investi-
gation, and in cooperation with other Federal agencies, with
State water pollution control agencies and interstate agencies,
and with the municipalities and industries involved, prepare
or develop comprehensive programs for eliminating or reducing
the pollution of interstate waters and tributaries thereof and
improving the sanitary condition of surface and underground
waters. In the development of such comprehensive programs due
regard shall be given to the improvements which are necessary
to conserve such waters for public water supplies, propagation
of fish and aquatic life and wildlife, recreational purposes,
and agricultural, industrial, and other legitimate uses. For
the purpose of this section, the Secretary is authorized to
make joint investigations with any such agencies of the condi-
tion of any waters in any State or States, and of the discharges
of any sewage, industrial wastes, or substance which may adversely
affect such waters."
Sec. 5.(f) "The Secretary shall conduct research and
technical development work, and make studies, with respect
to the quality of the waters of the Great Lakes, including
an analysis of the present and projected future water quality
of the Great Lakes under varying conditions of waste treat-
ment and disposal, an evaluation of the water quality needs
of those to be served by such waters, an evaluation of muni-
cipal, industrial, and vessel waste treatment and disposal
practices with respect to such waters, and a study of alternate
means of solving water pollution problems (including additional
waste treatment measures) with respect to such waters."
Initiation of the Great Lakes-Illinois River Comprehensive Program
Activity followed an appropriation of funds by the 86th Congress late in
1960. In accordance with the provisions of the Act, the Secretary of
Health, Education, and Welfare delegated the responsibility for the study
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to the Division of Water Supply and Pollution Control of the Public Health
Service. Passage of the "Water Quality Act of 1965" gave the responsibility
for these studies to the Federal Water Pollution Control Administration
(FWPCA). As a result of Reorganization Plan No. 2 of 1966, the FWPCA was
transferred from the Department of Health, Education, and Welfare to the
Department of the Interior effective May 10, 1966.
PURPOSE
This report presents the water quality of the Clinton River, Michigan
as it exists today, and includes predictions of population, water use,
and waste load trends for future years. Its purpose is to present informa-
tion that can be used as a basis for developing a basin wide water pollution
control program. The objectives of the Federal Water Pollution Control
Administration are to enhance the quality and value of the Nation's water
resources, and to prevent, control, and abate water pollution through
cooperative municipal, State, and Federal pollution control programs.
SCOPE
The area covered by this report is the Clinton River Drainage Basin,
Michigan, which is part of the Southeastern Michigan area tributary to
Lake Erie. While some data from the entire Clinton River Basin are
presented herein, most of the water quality data collected by FWPCA are
in the main river between Pontiac and the mouth of the Clinton River at
Lake St. Clair.
ORGANIZATION
The Detroit Program Office, located at the Naval Air Station, Grosse
lie, Michigan, began collecting water quality data on the Clinton River
-------
in 1964. Its staff include specialists in several professional skills,
including sanitary engineers, hydrologists, biologists, chemists, and
bacteriologists. The resources of the Robert A. Taft Sanitary Engineering
Center at Cincinnati, Ohio have been utilized, and assistance and guidance
have been obtained from the Great Lakes-Illinois River Basins Project,
Chicago.
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
The Detroit Program Office has received the cooperation and assistance
of local, State, and Federal agencies, as well as interested individuals.
The principal agencies taking an active part in providing assistance in the
preparation of the report are as follows:
State Agencies
Michigan Water Resources Commission
Michigan Department of Public Health
Federal Agencies -
U.S. Department of Commerce
Weather Bureau
Office of Business Economics
Bureau of Census
U.S. Department of the Interior
Bureau of Commercial Fisheries
Bureau of Sports Fisheries and Wildlife
Bureau of Outdoor Recreation
Geological Survey
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GENERAL DESCRIPTION
Designation of Area
The Clinton River empties into the western end of Lake St. Clair
east of the City of Mt. Clemens. In addition to Lake St. Clair, the basin
is bounded by seven separate drainage basins. These are Anchor Bay to the
east, the Belle River to the north, the Flint and Shiawassee Rivers to the
northwest and west, the Huron and Rouge Rivers to the southwest, and the
Detroit River to the southeast.
The basin is approximately 32 miles long and 36 miles wide, measured
at the longest and widest parts. Total drainage area in the basin is
approximately 760 square miles located in Macomb and Oakland Counties. The
major population areas are Warren, Pontiac, and Mt. Clemens.
The Clinton River has five major tributaries, the largest of which is
called the North Branch, which has a drainage area of over 200 square miles.
Other tributaries are the Middle Branch, Red Run, Stony Creek, and Paint
Creek. The distance from headwaters to the mouth is approximately 65 miles.
The basin is marked by a sharp change in the topographical features
between the eastern and western subbasins. The transition runs in a
northeast-southwesterly direction passing near the cities of Birmingham
in the south, Rochester in the middle, and Romeo in the north. The land
in the westerly portion of the basin is characterized by rough, hilly moraines
with numerous small lakes. The soil consists of intermixed sand, gravel, and
clay, interspersed with glacially transported boulders. The easterly portion
of the basin is located in prehistoric lake bottoms. The land is much flatter
and the soils consist of sand and gravel deposits,as well as clay. Lakes
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are generally non-existent in the eastern portion of the basin.
Climate
The climate of the Clinton River Basin is greatly modified by the
Great Lakes which warm the air in the winter and cool it in the summer.
*
This climate is typical of the entire lower Great Lakes area and can be
generalized as having a wide seasonal temperature variation, many storms,
and a relatively constant yearly precipitation distribution. In the winter,
this precipitation is usually in the form of snow.
The mean yearly temperature is about 50°F, while the mean winter and
summer temperatures are about 35°F and 65°F, respectively.
There is an average yearly precipitation of 30 inches on the basin.
The growing season averages 170 days.
Hydrology
Description of Clinton River Channel
The Clinton River Channel, from the Pontiac sewage treatment plant
just below Station C-010 (MP 46.5) to the M-59 bridge, Station C-020 (MP 44.9)
consists of a series of pools formed by log jams and long canal-like runs
averaging from 2.5 to 3.5 feet deep. From the M-59 bridge to just above
Auburn Heights at Station C-030 (MP 43.4), the river runs through a marsh.
The channel is clear, except for occasional weed beds and fallen trees. Just
t above the bridge in Auburn Heights, where the river recrosses M-59, the
character of the channel changes to a fast, falling one with numerous rocky
riffles. One-half mile downstream (MP 43.9), the channel flattens out and
there is considerable aquatic vegetation as far as Hamlin Road at Station
C-040 (MP 42.0). From Hamlin Road to Crooks Road (approximately MP 37.5)
-------
between C-050 (MP 39.8) and C-060 (MP 36.3), the channel consists of a
series of long pools about 2 feet deep, formed by small rock dams inter-
spersed with short reaches of rocky riffles, with considerable growth of
aquatic vegetation. From Crooks Road to Station C-060 (MP 36.3) west of
Rochester, the river is somewhat obstructed due to a large number of downed
trees. On this reach, the flow is swift, and numerous weed beds grow.
The Clinton River Channel, from Station C-060 at Rochester to Station
C-080 (MP 25.3) at Utica, is more broad and flat than in the upper reaches.
The depth averages about 2 feet. However, there are deeper holes on the
outside of the bends.
From Utica to the junction with Red Run, Station C-110 (MP 17.4), the
channel has been improved In some reaches by dredging, and is mostly clear
of debris and vegetation. The gradient of the stream bed in this reach is
much flatter than in the upper reaches, consequently the velocity of the
river is greatly reduced.
From Red Run to the bridge at Moravian Drive, Station C-140 (MP 10.0),
the river widens and has fewer bends than in the upper reaches. The slope
of the stream bed is flatter in this reach than in the upper reaches.
Below the Moravian Drive bridge to Lake St. Clair, the river continues
to widen. It has very few bends, and the stream bed is very flat. There is
a manmade canal from the Clinton River to Lake St. Clair that is used during
the high flood flows only. It is straight, and its upper end is approximately
2000 feet downstream from the Gratiot Avenue bridge, Station C-160 (MP 8.2),
in Mt. Clemens. This canal is known as the Clinton River Cutoff Canal. At
the upstream end of the cutoff canal is a weir that prevents the Clinton
River water from entering the canal during periods of low and normal flow.
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Location of U.S. Geological Survey Gages
There are 21 U.S. Geological Survey stream gaging stations in the
Clinton River Basin, of which three were utilized by the Federal Water
Pollution Control Administration. These three stations are shown in
Figure 5.
The first of these is Clinton River at Auburn Heights. It has a
drainage area of 123 square miles, and is located 30 feet upstream from
the Highway M-59 bridge. It has been in operation from May 1935 to June 1939,
and from October 1956 to the present. The FWPCA sampling Station C-030
is located at the Highway M-59 bridge, MP 43.41.
The second U.S. Geological Survey gaging station is Clinton River near
Eraser. Michigan. It is located 800 feet downstream from the Garfield Road
bridge, has a drainage area of 445 square miles, and has been in operation
since May 1947. The Garfield Road bridge, MP 15.85, is the FWPCA sampling
Station C-130.
The third U.S. Geological Survey gaging station is Clinton River at
Mt. Clemens, Michigan. It is located 20 feet downstream from the Moravian
Drive bridge. This bridge is the site of the FWPCA Station C-140 at MP 9.98.
The drainage area for this gage is 734 square miles, and the gage has been
in use since May 1934, longer than any other gage on the river.
The range of observed discharges at these gaging stations are as follows:
Clinton River at Auburn Heights - Maximum - 716 cfs
Average - 72.1 cfs
Minimum - 4.8 cfs
Clinton River near Fraser - Maximum - 8000 cfs
Average - 315 cfs
Minimum 47 cfs
Clinton River at Mt. Clemens - Maximum - 21,200 cfs
Average - 468 cfs
Minimum - not determined
8
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FIGURE 2
TIME OF PASSAGE OF THE
CLINTON RIVER
FLOWS AT C30
CO
UJ
or
UJ
(SAVQ) 39VSSVd JO 3WI1
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Time of Passage
It is necessary to determine the time of passage of a river to
establish waste decay rates. On the Clinton River, these times of passage
have been determined for various flows at Station C-30, "Clinton River at
Auburn Heights" (Figure 2). These travel times are for the stretch of
river between MP 46.54 and MP 8.18.
Time of passage studies on the Clinton River were made by the Detroit
Program Office field engineers during November 1964 and April 1965. This
was done using multiple releases of Rhodamine B dye and measuring the
time of occurrence and concentrations of dye at downstream points. The
field timing of the dye releases were done in the reaches downstream from
Pontiac and upstream of Mt. Clemens. These two reaches coincide with the
intensive sampling areas, and represent the critical reaches of the river
as far as oxygen content is concerned. Flow at the Aurburn Heights U.S.
Geological Survey gage averaged 35 and 150 cfs, respectively, during these
phases of the study.
Both the Michigan Water Resources Commission and the University of
Michigan have made time of passage studies on the Clinton River for certain
flow conditions. The results of all these studies show close agreement,
and extrapolations of our data were compared with the results from the other
studies.
Drought Flows
The one day and seven day low flows (once in ten years) have been
calculated for the Clinton River at the three U.S. Geological Survey (USGS)
stations by use of Gumbel Extremal Probability Paper. The flow at the
10
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remaining points on the river was arrived at by comparison of their drainage
areas with that of the USGS stations.
Because of the many physical changes that have taken place in the basin
since the early 1950's, these low flow values are only based on the last
eight years of record (1957-1964). This results in higher flows along the
river than would be expected if the entire 30 years of record (at Mt. Clemens)
was used.
11
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FIGURE 3
FLOW DURATION CURVE
CLINTON RIVER AT MOUNT CLEMENS
1935-1964
100,000
10,000
o
z
o
o
Ul
tr
UJ
CL
o
00
o
z
o
cc
o
CO
1,000
IOO
10
\
\
\
\
\
\
o.oi O.OB o.i o.t 0.0 i t e 10 to BO 40 so eo TO io to »» »
TIME IN PERCENT OF TOTAL PERIOD
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TABLE 1. CLINTON RIVER DROUGHT FLOWS
To Station
C-30 - Auburn Heights
Gal loway Creek*
Galloway Creek
Paint Creek*
Paint Creek
Stony Creek*
Stony Creek
C-70
C-90
Sterling Township #1
Red Run*
C-130
North Branch*
North Branch
C-140
1-Day ** 7-Day **
Mile Point Drainage Area Flow Flow
(miles) (square miles) (cfs) (cfs)
43.41
40.50
34.77
33.11
*
31.71
24.49
22.50
17.30
15.85
10.25
9.98
123.0
125.3
143.8
156.2
228.1
230.8
301.7
304.0
315.5
318,0
321.0
445.0
449.2
731.8
734.0
13.7
14.0
16.7
18.4
28.6
29.0
39.1
39.4
41.0
41.4
41.8
59.4
59.5
63.6
63.6
18.5
18.8
21.6
23.4
34.0
34.4
44.9
45.2
46.9
47.3
47.7
66.0
66.6
75.7
76.0
up to, but not including named creek.
**based on drainage area distribution of flow.
13
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FIGURE 4
DRAINAGE AREA VS. RIVER MILES
CLINTON RIVER
UJ
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TABLE 2. CLINTON RIVER SAMPLING STATIONS
MAINSTREAM STATIONS
Station
008
010
020
030
OkQ
050
060
06k
069
070
080
090
100
110
120
130
131*
|f*0
150
160
170
Mile Poi
**7.50
l&.Sk
Mf.87
Jt3.*1
M.95
39.78
36.27
33.60
31.96
31.71
25.29
2k. k9
19.93
17.^3
16.92
15.85
11.16
09.98
09.33
08.18
07.52
180
03.60
Location
Maddock St. Bridge, Pontiac
Above Pontiac STP
Bridge on Auburn Rd, E of Pontiac
Auburn Rd Bridge in Auburn Heights (USGS gage)
Hamlin Rd Bridge N of Auburn Heights
Bridge on Adams Rd W of Rochester
Bridge at junction of Avon & Livernois Rd
Below Rochester STP
500' upstream of NYCRR Bridge at Yates
Bridge on Avon Rd at Yates
Bridge on M-59 at Utica
Bridge on Van Dyke Rd below Utica
Bridge on Kleino Rd N of Maple Grove School
Bridge on Hayes Rd N of Red Run
0.38 miles downstream confluence of Red Run
and Clinton
Btidge on Garfield Rd (USGS gage)
500' S of confluence of Clinton River & drain
along Canal Rd.
Bridge on Moravian Drive (USGS gage)
Bridge on Groesbeck Hwy
Bridge on Gratiot Avenue
Bridge on St. that is 1 blk NE of Crocker
Blvd.
Bridge on Bridgeview Rd., E of Mt. Clemens
TRIBUTARY STATIONS
Conf1uence
Station Mile Point On Tributary Mile Point Location
061
062
111
131
01.36 Paint Creek 3*1.77
00.12 Stony Creek 33.11
00.0*t Red Run 17.30
00.11 North Branch 10.25
00.3^ Harrington Or. 09.35
Rochester City Park
Bridge on Parkdale Rd
Bridge on Utica Rd
Bridge on Cass Ave
Bridge on Harrington Rd
15
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WATER USE
Municipal
The Mt. Clemens water intake located in Lake St. Glair serves a
population of 36,100, with an average daily flow of 5.4 million gallons.
The City of Detroit serves an estimated 158,500 people residing in the
Macomb County portion of the Clinton River Basin, with an average of 25.2
million gallons daily. Another 6,000 people are served by municipal water
systems using wells as a source of water supply.
In the Oakland County portion of the Clinton River Basin, the City of
Detroit municipal water supply system serves approximately 380,000 people,
with about 40 million gallons daily from an intake located at the head of
the Detroit River. A total population of 53,000 is served by municipal
systems using wells as a source of water supply in the Oakland County portion
of the Clinton River Basin.
Population figures were taken from Engineering Bulletin #4, "Public
Water Supplies in Michigan," published by the Michigan Department of Public
Health.
Since 1964, the Detroit Department of Water Supply has followed a plan
of steady expansion, and has extended its service area to include communities
which previously had received water from wells. In 1966, the Detroit system
served the following communities and populations:
Fraser - 12,300
Shelby Twp.. - 23,000
Pontiac - 84,000
Pontiac Twp. - 11,500
Troy - 27,000
Industrial
Industry uses water for processing, steam power, cooling, and sanitary
17
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purposes. Almost all water for Industrial use in the Clinton River Basin
is supplied by municipalities.
Industrial water use was assumed to be the same as the industrial
waste discharge. Municipalities supply an estimated 2.9 million gallons
daily (MGD) and wells supply an estimated 0.6 MGD.
Recreational
The Clinton River has a limited number of water related recreational
facilities. The main reason for this lack of facilities is the fact that
most of the stream is too small for boat traffic. Water pollution has also
had a detrimental effect on boating activity. Pollution, for most practical
purposes, has eliminated fishing and swimming in the main stem of the Clinton
River. However, numerous boat launching ramps and docking berths are
located in the lower basin between Mt. Clemens and the mouth of the river.
The 1965 boat registrations in the Clinton River Basin totalled
approximately 30,000. This gives the basin a boat density of approximately 40
boats per square mile, which is about five times the State density. This
is very evident by the numerous facilities in the lower basin. There are 13
marinas in this area which have a total of 6 launching ramps and over 1500
berths. Most of these marinas have facilities for lifting boats out of the
water for winter storage.
Water related recreation in the basin is concentrated mainly on small
lakes and numerous parks on tributaries to the Clinton River.
18
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TOWN
Macomb Co.
Armada
TABLE 3.
Est.
196*f Pop.
1,000
MUNICIPAL WATER SUPPLY SYSTEMS
Clinton River Basin
**
Centerline 11,000
Clinton Twp. 6,500
Fraser**** 10,000
Harrison Twp. **,000
Mt.Clemens 25,600
Romeo
t,000
Shelby Twp.**** 1,000
(Shelby Village)
Sterling Twp. 11,300
Utica 1,200
Warren 125,000
Owner
MMBMM
M
M
T
M
M
M
M
***
T
M
M
1964
Source Treatment
Well in drift 6^' to
116' deep
Water from Detroit
Water from Mt.Clemens
Wells in drift 109' 5
to 125' deep - Methane
Removal
Water from Mt.Clemens
Lake St. Clair, **500' 1 S- 6
of 30" inake 10' deep
Wells in drift 155'
to 160' deep
Wells in drift 31' 5
to 37' deep
Water from Oetroi t
Water from Detroit
Water from Detroit
Mck
Oakland Co.
Avon Twp.
2,600
Independence Twp 2,500
T & P Wells in drift 129'
to 16^' deep
T Wells in drift 72'
to 295' deep
**Taken from "Data on Public Water Supplies in Michigan" - Engineering
Bulletin No. k by the Michigan Department of Public Health.
*** See Owner and Treatment Code page 21.
**** NOW served by Detroit.
19
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TABLE 3. MUNICIPAL WATER SUPPLY SYSTEMS (cont.)1
TOWN
Oakl and Co.
Lake Orion
Oxford
Orion Twp.
Ponti ac****
Rochester
Est.
196*t Pop.
2,700
2,1*00
800
82,200
5,^00
Owner***
M
M
T
M
M
1964
Source
Wells 1n drift 95' to
143' deep
Wells in drift 68' to
73' deep
Wells in drift 110'
to 113' deep
23 wells in drift
102' to 281' deep
Wells in drift,
Treatment
-
-
-
5
-
Pontiac Twp.**** 2,900
Sylvan Lake
Troy ****
2,000
19,100
Waterford Twp. 12,600
Berkley
Beverly Hills*
it
Birmingham
Clawson
Farmington
65' to 120' deep
P & T Wells in drift,
138« to 292' deep
M Wells in drift,
221*' to 2^0' deep
M Wells in drift, 112'
to 135' deep
T Wells in drift M)' to
179' deep
23,700
2,500
13,000
15,300
7,600
M
M
M
M
M
Water from Detroit
Water from Detroit
Water from Detroit
Water from Detroit
Water from Detroit
* Population based on percentage of community in Clinton River Basin.
**Taken from "Data on Public Water Supplies in Michigan" - Engineering
Bulletin No. 4 by the Michigan Department of Public Health.
*** See Owner and Treatment Code next page.
**** Now served by Detroit.
20
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TABLE 3. MUNICIPAL WATER SUPPLY SYSTEMS (cont.)'
TOWN
MMMTV*
Oakland Co.
Ferndale
Hazel Park
Huntington Wds.
Lathrop Vi 1 1 age
Madison Hts.
Oak Park
Pleasant Ridge
Pontiac
Royal Oak
Royal Oak Twp.
Southfield*
Est.
196^ Pop.
31,600
26,100
9,000
3,800
3^,200
37,100
3,800
82,200
83,200
6,600
7,^00
Owner ***
M
M
M
M
M
M
M
M
M
T
M
1964
Source
Water from Detroit
Water from Detroit
Water from Detroit
Water from Detroit
Water from Detroit
Water from Detroit
Water from Detroit
Water from Octroi t
Water from Detroit
Water from Octroi t
Water from Detroit
Treatment
iririt
* Population based on percentage of community in Clinton River Basin.
**Taken from "Data on Public Water Supplies in Michigan," Engineering
Bulletin No. k by the Michigan Department of Public Health.
Owner Code:
-Jir-fjA.
TCTTTf
M = City or Village
T = Townshi p
P = Private
D = District
C = County
S = State
U.S.= Federal
Treatment Code;
1 . Std. Filtration*
2. Lime softening**
3. Zeolite softening
k. Iron removal
5. Chlorination
6. Fluoridation
* Implies at least chlorination, chemical
coagulation, and rapid sand filtration.
**Lime softening^2) includes filtration.
21
-------
SOURCES AND CHARACTERISTICS OF WASTES
Municipal
The Clinton River Basin has twelve sewage treatment plants which
provide secondary treatment to 57 million gallons per day (MGD) from
approximately 320,000 people. Of the twelve plants, three of them - Warren,
Pontiac No. 1, and Pontiac No. 2 - contribute 78.5 percent of the flow.
Table 4 gives a summary of the treated discharges of these plants, and Figure 6
shows their location. Prior to January 1967, the Michigan Department of
Public Health required chlorination of all sewage treatment plant effluents
from May 15 to September 15. The Health Department now requires year-around
disinfection of sewage plant effluent.
All of the data in this section are based on monthly average figures
for 1965 as reported by the plants to the Michigan Department of Public
Health.
Almont Sewage Treatment Plant - 1965
This plant is located in the northernmost part of the basin. It
serves about 1,250 people and has a flow of approximately 0.14 MGD.
This trickling filter plant removes, on the average, 92 percent of the
5-day biochemical oxygen demand (BOD) from the incoming sewage. The
effluent was chlorinated from May 15 through September 15. BOD in the
effluent varied from 5 to 30 milligrams per liter (mg/1) during 1965.
Armada Sewage Treatment Plant - 1965
The Armada sewage treatment plant serves about 1,100 people. This
trickling filter plant has an average 0.12 MGD flow, from which 90 percent
22
-------
of the BOD is removed. Effluent BOD ranged from 11 to 64 mg/1; flow varied
between 0.07 and 0.33 MGD. The effluent was chlorinated from May 15 through
September 15.
Clatkston Sewage Treatment Plant - 1965
Clarkston sewage treatment plant served a population of about 200
people in 1964. The facilities are a septic tank followed by sand filtration.
There is no information as to the volume of waste handled or its chemical
characteristics. Outfall is to a local drain.
Clinton Township Sewage Treatment Plants - 1965
Clinton Township operates two trickling filter sewage treatment plants
on the Clinton River. The effluent of each plant is chlorinated throughout
the year.
The Number 1 plant has an average flow of 2.34 MGD, and serves a
population of 17,000. Effluent BODc's vary between 26 and 47 mg/1, while
flow ranges from 1.77 to 3.54 MGD.
The Number 2 plant serves 16,800 people. The flow from this plant
averages 2.03 MGD. The effluent BOD varied between 26 and 44 mg/1, while
the flow varied from 1.60 to 2.78 MGD.
Mt. Clemens Sewage Treatment Plant - 1965
The City of Mt. Clemens is served by a trickling filter sewage treatment
plant. This plant serves about 25,000 people. The average flow of 3.72 MGD
is chlorinated continuously. The average effluent BO^ values varied from 24
to 56 mg/1, which is an approximate 75 percent reduction of the influent con-
centration. The flow during 1965 ranged between 3.38 and 4.16 MGD.
23
-------
Pontiac Sewage Treatment Plants - 1965
Pontiac has two activated sludge plants for treating the waste of
about 84,000 people. Both plants chlorinate their effluent all year.
The Number 2 plant on Auburn Road has an average flow of 11.4 MGD,
and fluctuated during 1965 between 9.0 and 14.1 MGD. The average effluent
BOD was 12 mg/1 and varied between 6 and 19 mg/1. BOD-removal is in the 90
percent range.
The Number 1 plant on East Boulevard has an average flow of 9.8 MGD.
This flow varied between 8.3 and 10.9 MGD. The BODgremoval is in the 90
percent range, with an average effluent value of 11 mg/1. Effluent BOD,-
values varied from 6 to 18 mg/1 during 1965.
Rochester Sewage Treatment Plant - 1965
This activated sludge plant treats an average flow of 0.97 MGD and
removes over 90 percent of the BOD The plant serves about 6,500 people.
Variations in plant flow and effluent BOD5range from 0.82 to 1.12 MGD and
10 to 26 mg/1, respectively. The plant chlorinates its effluent all year.
Romeo Sewage Treatment Plant - 1965
Romeo has a population of approximately 3,300 people, which is served
by its trickling filter sewage treatment plant. The plant handles an average
flow of 0.37 MGD, from which about 90 percent of the BOD is removed.
Effluent BOD,, for 1965 averaged 39 mg/1, but this average was raised by high
BODJs in November, December, January, and February. Values of effluent BCD-
range from 18 to 73 mg/1. Flow varied between 0.25 to 0.71 MGD. The plant
chlorinated its effluent between May 15 and September 15.
24
-------
Sterling Sewage Treatment Plant - 1965
Approximately 18,000 people are served by this activated sludge plant.
Flow for 1965 averaged 2.24 MGD, with variations between 1.82 and 2.90 MGD.
Effluent BOD varied from 13 to 28 mg/1, with an average value of 19 mg/1.
The plant removes around 90 percent of the incoming BOD load. Chlorination
is continuous throughout the year.
Utica Sewage Treatment Plant - 1965
The Utica sewage treatment plant is an activated sludge process which
treats an average flow of 0.39 MGD from a population of approximately 2,500
people. Effluent BOD averaged 20 mg/1 in 1965, with variations between 10
and 36 mg/1. BOD removal is in the 90 percent range. The effluent is
chlorinated all year.
Warren Sewage Treatment Plant - 1965
The Warren activated sludge plant is the largest single plant in the
basin, with an average flow of 23.7 MGD. The plant serves approximately
140,000 people. Effluent BOD,, values ranged between 19 and 46 mg/1, with
an average of 31 mg/1. The effluent is chlorinated continuously throughout
the year.
Waterford Township Sewage Treatment Plants - 1965
The Township had a population of 47,000 people in 1960, but only
about 1,300 were served by the two Township sewage treatment plants. Each
facility consists of a standard trickling filter plant followed by a sand
filter and disinfection equipment. No additional information was available,
except that discharge is to Otter Lake. The rest of the population is
served by either private septic tanks or the City of Pontiac.
25
-------
Industrial
Eight industries discharge a total of 3.5 MGD of industrial waste to
the Clinton River and its tributaries. These industries are engaged in
general manufacturing, machinery operations, production of paper, and
painting of steel parts. Wastes include toxic metals, soluble oil, BOD ,
solids, and heat from cooling water.
The Michigan Water Resources Commission has rated five of the eight
industries as "providing adequate waste treatment or control." The
adequacy of control or treatment has not been determined at this time for
two industries. One other industry has a "control provided-protection
unreliable" rating. Additional control equipment is under construction.
These ratings were verified in August 1966.
Industries discharging wastes to watercourses in the Clinton River Basin
are shown in Figure 6, and a summary of results are shown in Tables 5 and 6.
Chrysler Corporation - Michigan Missile Plant
Located in Sterling Township, this plant discharges 0.75 MGD to Plumb
Brook, a tributary of the Clinton River. Industrial waste treatment consists
of removal of cyanide, hexavalent chromium, and toxic metals. They also
operate a 25 million gallon waste lagoon and do monitor sampling. Sanitary
sewage is treated in a company biofilter plant and chlorinated. Treatment
and control are rated adequate by the Michigan Water Resources Commission.
Ford Motor Company - Chassis Parts Machinery Plant
This plant is located in Sterling Township. Wastes containing soluble
oil are discharged to Plumb Brook. The treatment consists of oil cracking
with FeCl3, and a lagoon. The treatment provided for the flow of 1.5 MGD
26
-------
ts rated as "B", which means additional facilities have been completed,
but have not been rated by the Michigan Water Resources Commission. Sanitary
sewage is treated and chlorinated in a company secondary plant.
Higbee Manufacturing Company
Located in the City of Rochester, this plant discharges 0.4 MGD of
cooling water to Paint Creek, a tributary of the Clinton River. No
industrial process wastes are produced. Sanitary wastes are treated by
Rochester. Control is rated adequate by the Michigan Water Resources
Commission.
National Machine Products Company
Located in the City of Utica, discharging 0.1 MGD of cooling water
to the Clinton River, this company's process waste control is rated adequate
by the Michigan Water Resources Commission. Sanitary wastes are treated by
the Utica sewage treatment plant.
Robin Products Company
Located in the City of Warren, this plant discharges 0.055 MGD of waste
from plating operations to Fogg Drain, which reaches the Clinton River through
a system of drains. Toxic metal sludges are hauled away for disposal, and
uncontaminated cooling water is discharged. Sanitary wastes are treated in
a septic tank and tile field. Treatment is rated as adequate by the Michigan
Water Resources Commission.
Rochester Paper Company
This company is located in the City of Rochester. Wastes from the
production of absorbent-type papers are discharged to the Clinton River.
27
-------
Control for the daily discharge of 0.29 million gallons consists of savealls.
Waste constituents include dye, fillers, and fibers. Treatment is rated as
adequate by the Michigan Water Resources Commission. Sanitary wastes are
discharged to the Rochester sewage treatment plant.
TRW Corporation - Michigan Division
Located in Sterling Township, this company discharges wastes from
machining and fabricating operations to Beaver Creek. Waste constituents
of the 0.10 MGD flow include soluble oil, pickle liquor, BOD,. ,and suspended
solids. Treatment facilities consist of a Gibbs floatation unit and two
lagoons. Protection has been unreliable, according to the Michigan Water
Resources Commission, but new facilities are under construction. Sanitary
wastes are treated in a plant Imhoff tank followed by a biofilter and
chlorination.
Federal Installations
Selfridge Air Force Base
Selfridge Air Force Base provides secondary treatment utilizing the
activated sludge process. This plant serves an approximate population
of 6,000 people, with an average flow of 775,000 gallons per day and a
design capacity of 880,000 gallons per day. The data from the Base sewage
treatment plant show a BOD,.and suspended solids removal of 96 percent.
Chlorination of the effluent is practiced. However, no chlorine contact tank
exists to provide the proper contact time.
Selfridge Air Force Base has submitted the following projects for
pollution control:
1. A project to provide for the treatment of storm
waters and aircraft washing at six points on the Base;
28
-------
2. A project to provide for alteration of the existing
plant to utilize the full capacity of the plant and
the addition of a chlorine contact tank.
U.S. Army Facilities at Selfridge Air Force Base
The U.S. Army NIKE sites and the U.S. Army Missile Maintenance Area
at Selfridge Air Force Base are served by combination septic tank and
subsurface sand filters. There are two points of direct discharge to the
Clinton River from the U.S. Army facilities. One other facility discharges
away from the Clinton River to a ditch leading to a swampy area.
Fifth Army has received approval to proceed with the preparation of
plans and specifications for the installation of an interceptor sewer to
transport sewage from the NIKE sites at Selfridge Field to the Selfridge
Field sewage treatment plant.
29
-------
TABLE k. CLINTON RIVER MUNICIPAL WASTES
(Yearly averages for 1965 in mg/1, unless otherwise noted)
A11 plants are secondary units.'''
P1 ant Name
Almont
Armada
C1 arkson
Clinton Twp.#1
Clinton Twp.#2
Mt. Clemens
Pontiac #1
Pontiac #2
Rochester
Romeo
Ster 1 ing
Utica
Warren
Waterford
Twp.tfl
Waterford
Two. #2
Flow
MGD
0.11*
0.12
Temp.
°F
(raw)
5k
61
5 -Day
BOO
15
2k
Susp. Susp.Vol,
Solids Solids
12
k7
No information
2.3k
2.03
3.72
9.8
11. if
0.97
0.37
2.2^
0.39
23.7
56 .
57
60
-
-
-
57
57
61
57
3k
36
33
11
12
16
39
19
20
31
36
38
52
16
29
32
25
2k
22
kS
No Information
No information
9
27
available
2k
36
36
10
16
25
21
18
15
37
avai lable
aval lable
pH
l.k
7.k
7.3
l.k
7.1
-
-
7.8
7.5
7.6
7.1
7.3
(l) Clarkston - septic tank plus sand filtration.
30
-------
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POPULATION AND WASTE LOAD PROJECTIONS
Demographic studies were conducted by the Great Lakes-Illinois River
Basins Project, Chicago, for the southeastern Michigan portion of the Lake
Erie drainage basin, which includes the Clinton River Basin. Population
trends, on a national, regional, and county basis, were analyzed, and popu-
lation projections were developed for the Clinton River Basin. These studies
plus the projected populations in the National Sanitation report, "Sewerage
and Drainage Problems, Six-County Metropolitan Area, Southeastern Michigan,"
were used to project populations for the year 1990 and 2020.
The populations of communities in the Clinton River Basin served by
the City of Detroit sewage treatment plant were not used in the computation
of projected populations for the years 1990 and 2020. In projecting these
populations, the possibility that some of the communities may, in the future,
transport their wastes out of the Clinton River Basin was not taken into
account.
The 1960 population within the Clinton River drainage basin was
approximately 705,000 people. Approximately 300,000 of these people transport
their municipal wastes to the City of Detroit for treatment. The 1965 popu-
lation served by municipal sewage treatment plants discharging to watercourses
in the Clinton River Basin was approximately 320,000.
The Projected populations for the years 1990 and 2020 are 1,100,000
j-Lid 1,630,000, respectively. It was assumed that 1990 and 2020 populations
will be municipal, and all sewered. The basin is located almost entirely
within the two counties of Macomb and Oakland. The population projections
for the Macomb and Oakland County portions of the basin are listed below.
35
-------
I960 1990 2020
Macomb County 203,000 690,000 1,000,000
Oakland County 198,000 410,000 627,000
Municipal and industrial data used to estimate the 1965 waste flow
and BODcloadings to the Clinton River were obtained from inventories of the
Michigan Water Resources Commission, Michigan Department of Public Health,
and the U.S. Public Health Service.
Waste flow projections for the Clinton River are given for the Macomb
County and Oakland County portion of the basin in Table 7. The total waste
discharge to the Clinton River in 1965 was determined to be approximately 60
MGD. The total waste discharge for the years 1990 and 2020 has been projected
to be about 170 and 255 MGD, respectively.
Untreated BODc projections for the Clinton River Basin have been
determined for total municipal and industrial loadings from Macomb and Oak-
land Counties, and are listed in Table 8. The total untreated BOD^in the
Qf>i -jf">t->f-\ -i ">'* ('"'"" *
Clinton River Basin for 1965 was approximately 66,500 pounds/day. The 1990
projection of 219,000 pounds/day, and the 2020 projection of 355,000 pounds/day
are 3 and 5 times as great, respectively, as the 1965 untreated BODg .
The total BODc discharge to the Clinton River from municipal and
industrial sources was determined to be approximately 11,200 pounds/day
in 1965. Using present removals, the BOD,, loading for the year 1990 was
projected to be 35,500 pounds/day, and for the year 2020 to be 57,200
pounds/day. Table 9 lists the projections for the BOD,-loading to the Clinton
River utilizing higher degrees of treatment by municipal and industrial
sources.
-------
TABLE 7. CLINTON RIVER BASIN
WASTE FLOW PROJECTIONS (MGO)
1965 1990 2020
Macomb County
Municipal
Residential 25 17.8 111.0
Industrial 10 16.5 2^.0
Industrial (Direct to River) 2.6 fr.3 6.2
Subtotal 37.6 97.6 1M.2
Oakland County
Municipal
Residential 13.2 58.5 89.5
Industrial 9.0 1*t.9 21.6
Industrial (Direct to River) 1.0 1.6 2.k
Subtotal 23.2 75.0 113.5
Total to Clinton River 60.8 172.6 25**.7
37
-------
TABLE 8. CLINTON RIVER BASIN
UNTREATED BOD5PROJECTIONS (#/d)
1965 1990 2020
Macomb County
Municipal
Residential 38,250 12*t,200 200,000
Industrial 6,385 10,535 15,32**
Industrial (Direct to River) 35 5§ 8J+
Subtotal H,670 13^,793 215,^08
Oakland County
Hunici pal
Residential 15,725 73,800 125,^00
Industrial 5,965 9,8M) 1^,120
Industrial (Direct to River) 108 177 257
Subtotal 21,798 83,817 139,777
Total Untreated BOD5 66,*t68 218,610 355,185
38
-------
TABLE 9. CLINTON RIVER BASIN
BOD5 PROJECTIONS (#/day)
1965 1990 2020
Macomb County
Total BOD5 before
treatment 44,670 134,793 215,408
801)5 Discharged
with present 80% removal 8,934 26,959 43,082
with 90% removal 4,468 13,480 21,540
with 95% removal 2,234 6,740 10,770
with 99% removal 447 1,348 2,154
Oakland County
Total BOD5before
treatment 21,798 83,817 139,777
BOD Discharged
with present 90% removal 2,244 8,488 14,152
with 90% removal 2,180 8,381 13,978
with 95% removal 1,090 4,190 6,989
with 99% removal 218 838 1,398
Total BODsto River
with present 84% removal 11,178 35,447 57,234
with 90% removal 6,648 21,861 35,518
with 95% removal 3,324 10,930 17,759
with 99% removal 665 2,186 3,552
39
-------
FIGURE 7
POPULATION a MUNICIPAL WASTE FLOW PROJECTIONS
FOR PORTIONS OF M A C 0 M B & OAKLAND COUNTIES
IN THE CLINTON RIVER BASIN
IO,OOO,OOO
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-------
WATER QUALITY
In the discussion of the water quality of the Clinton River, the river
was divided into four distinct sections to show the changes in water
quality from Pontiac to Lake St. Glair.
1) Section C008-C010 is located between the Haddock
Street bridge in Pontiac and a point above the Pontiac
sewage treatment plant #1.
2) Section C020-C060 is located between the Auburn
Street bridge below the Pontiac sewage treatment plant
#2 and Rochester, Michigan.
3) Section C070-C110 is located from a point below the
Rochester sewage treatment plant to a point above the
confluence of Red Run and the Clinton River.
4) Section C120-C180 is located from a point below the
confluence of Red Run and the Clinton River to the
mouth of the Clinton River.
The Detroit Program Office conducted water quality surveys of the
i
Clinton River during August 1964 and July-August 1966. Of the many water
quality parameters tested during these surveys, those discussed in this
report are dissolved oxygen, 5-day biochemical oxygen demand, ammonia,
nitrates, total phosphates, total solids, suspended solids, chlorides, and
total coliforms.
Water quality data for each of the four sections are tabulated in
Table 10 for the 1966 summer survey, and Table 11 for the 1964 sunnier survey.
Water quality data for the Clinton River tributaries are tabulated in Table 12.
Surveys of the Clinton River in the summer of 1964 and 1966 found two
sections of the Clinton River which had severe oxygen deficiencies. A
definite oxygen sag existed downstream from the City of Pontiac, a result
of the organic and nitrogenous loading from the two sewage treatment plants
serving Pontiac. The dissolved oxygen concentration in the Clinton River
41
-------
recovered upstream of the Rochester sewage treatment plant. Below the
Rochester sewage treatment plant the dissolved oxygen concentration began
a steady decline which extended to the mouth of the river during the summer
surveys of 1964 and 1966. The dissolved oxygen concentration in the lower
Clinton River averaged 2.7 milligrams per liter (mg/1) with a range of 0.6
to 6.1 mg/1 for the 1966 survey. During the 1964 survey, the dissolved
oxygen in the same section (C120-C160) averaged 4.0 mg/1 with a range
of 1.6 to 6.1 mg/1.
Dissolved oxygen concentrations in Paint Creek and Stony Creek,
tributaries of the Clinton River, were approximately 9.0 mg/1. Red Run,
another tributary, had an average concentration of 10.2 mg/1 during the 1966
survey, well above the 4.3 mg/1 average for the 1964 survey. This is
probably due to photosynthetic action by algae causing supersaturation of
Red Run. The North Branch had an average concentration of 5.0 mg/1 during
the 1966 survey, much lower than the 9.5 mg/1 average during the 1964
summer survey. There is no explanation for the decline.
Figure 8 illustrates the dissolved oxygen profiles for the Clinton
River during the five surveys conducted over the past 20 years.
The 5-day biochemical oxygen demand (BOD;) in the Clinton River in the
stretch above the Pontiac sewage treatment plants had an average of 4 mg/1.
This increased steadily to an average 9 mg/1 at the lower section of the
Clinton River during the 1966 survey. The BOD- results were similar for
the 1964 survey. The tributaries of Paint Creek, Stony Creek, and North
Branch had low average BOD^ of 2 mg/1, 3 mg/1, and 4 mg/1, respectively, as
shown in Table 12. Red Run had a high average BODc of 14 mg/1 during
the 1966 summer survey.
42
-------
Chlorides were high in the Clinton River during the summer survey.
The section above the Pontiac sewage treatment plants had an average concen-
tration of 68 mg/1. The section below the Pontiac sewage treatment plants
had an average concentration of 112 mg/1. The Clinton River, from Rochester
to the mouth at Lake St. Clair, had an average chloride concentration of
approximately 85 mg/1. The chloride concentration in Paint Creek and
Stony Creek averaged 26 and 30 mg/1, respectively. Red Run averaged 72 mg/1,
and North Branch averaged 56 mg/1.
Ammonia, as nitrogen in the reach below the two Pontiac sewage treatment
plants, averaged 6.32 mg/1, with a range of 1.60 to 10.24 mg/1 during the 1966
summer survey. This section had an average ammonia concentration 25 times
greater than the section above the Pontiac sewage treatment plants. The
river from the confluence of Red Run to Lake St. Clair had an average
concentration of 4.58 mg/1 of ammonia.
Nitrate, as nitrogen during the 1966 summer survey, averaged 0.4 mg/1
above the Pontiac sewage treatment plants, 1.4 mg/1 below the sewage treatment
plants, 5.2 mg/1 from Rochester to a point above the confluence of Red Run,
and 2.6 mg/1 in the lower Clinton River. Nitrate-nitrogen concentrations
in all of the tributaries had average concentrations less than 0.8 mg/1, as
shown in Table 12.
Total phosphate, as PO^, above Pontiac's sewage treatment plant outfalls
averaged 0.9 mg/1 during the 1966 summer survey. Below the Pontiac outfalls,
the average concentration increased to 7.0 mg/1. The section below Rochester
had an average of 4.6 mg/1, and the section below the confluence of Red Run
had an average total phosphate concentration of 9.2 mg/1. The total soluble
phosphate averaged about 82 percent of the total phosphate in the Clinton
43
-------
River. The total phosphate concentrations in the tributaries averaged
less than 0.6 mg/1, with the exception of Red Run. Red Run had an average
concentration of 18.9 mg/1 during the 1966 survey, or twice that of the
average concentration in the lower Clinton River.
Total solids in the Clinton River during the 1966 survey increased
from an average of 389 mg/1 above the two Pontiac sewage treatment plant
outfalls to an average of 530 mg/1 in the reach below them. Total solids
concentrations remained fairly constant in the downstream sections of the
Clinton River. The total solids concentration for the tributaries, Paint
Creek and Stony Creek, averaged 345 mg/1 and 350 mg/1, respectively. Red
Run and North Branch had average total solids concentrations similar to
the lower Clinton River with 560 and 530 mg/1, respectively.
Total coliform densities in the Clinton River above the Pontiac sewage
treatment plants at Stations C-006 and C-010 were 690,000 and 39,000
organisms per 100 ml, respectively, during a survey conducted on July 14, 1966.
Directly below the Pontiac sewage treatment plant outfall #2, the total
coliform density decreased to 100 organisms per 100 ml (org/100 ml).
Total coliform densities varied from 1,600 to 21,800 org/100 ml in
the stretch of the river from Station C-030 to C-090 during the same survey.
Surveys in the lower Clinton River conducted on June 30 and July 7, 1966
varied in total coliform densities as shown in Figure 12. The July 7 survey
had total coliform densities which ranged from 1,100 to 4,400 org/100 ml.
T"fe coliform density in the June 30 survey ranged from 5,200 to 450,000
org/100 ml.
Figure 12 shows the results of three bacteriological surveys conducted
on the Clinton River during the summer of 1966.
44
-------
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TABLE 11. CLINTON RIVER WATER QUALITY
196*1 Summer Survey (mg/1)
River Section
C010
Min.
Avg.
Max.
C020-C060
Min.
Avg.
Max.
C070-C110
Min.
Avg.
Max.
C120-C160
Min.
Avg.
Max.
Temp. °C
16
19
23
16
19
23
15
18
20
17
19
22
00
*».9
7.1
9.5 '
1.0
b.b
9.0
3.7
6.1*
9.1
1.6
*f.O
6.1
BOD5
5
6
8
3
5
10
3
5
8
2
7
18
N03
0.3
O.k
Q.k
1.6
1.9
2.k
1.1
1.5
2.0
0.9
1.3
1.6
Susp.
Solids
19
22
30
3
13
35
22
k8
89
7
23
39
46
-------
TABLE 12. CLINTON RIVER TRIBUTARY WATER QUALITY
Summer Surveys (Avg. mg/1)
Tributary
Paint Creek
196*t
1966
Stony Creek
196*f
1966
Red Run
19^7*
1964
1966
North Branch
Clinton River
196if
1966
Temp.
°C
17
18
19
21
23
20
2k
20
25
00
11.6
8.8
10.9
9.0
3.2
if. 3
10.2
9.5
5.0
BOD5
2
2
k
3
11
11
M*
2
k
C1
_
26
-
30
31
.
72
-
56
N03-N
0.6
0,8
0.1
0.5
-
0.2
0.3
1.8
0.2
Total
_
O.k
-
0.2
-
.
18.9
-
0.6
*Internationa1 Joint Commission
47
-------
TABLE 13. CLINTON RIVER WATER QUALITY
19^7 Summer Survey* (mg/1)
Station Temp. °C DO BOD^ U
C110
Min. 19 6.8 ].k 13
Avg. 2k l.k 3.5 19
Max. 26 7.9 10.2 38
mo
Min. 19 0.9 1.0 1*f
Avg. 2^ 5.0 2.1 18
Max. 27 7.1 3.5 30
C180
Min. 20 2.if 2.8 23
Avg. 25 5.1 5.2 118
Max. 28 8.0 \k.l 210
International Joint Commission
48
-------
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-------
DISSOLVED OXYGEN PROJECTIONS
The water quality data described in previous sections of this report
were submitted to analyses in a mathematical model depicting oxygen
balance in streams. This particular model is a modification of the classical
Streeter-Phelps formulation for oxygen balance in a stream. This equation
includes an additional non-conservative oxygen damand (Kjeldahl nitrogen),
which acts in a similar fashion to the BOD factor in the original formu-
lation.
Long-term oxygen demand and nitrogen balance determinations were made
on stream and waste source samples to determine a laboratory K-rate in
order to calculate the ultimate carbonaceous oxygen demand. The ultimate
carbonaceous oxygen demand stream profile was constructed, and the stream
BOD decay rate determined. A similar profile of the Kjeldahl nitrogen
yielded the nitrogenous demand decay rate. These profiles were checked
by a wastes loadings profile. All rates were converted from the stream
temperature to twenty degrees centigrade.
The parameters, as determined from the 1964 survey, were used for
projection runs. The resultant DO, BOD, and NIT profiles are shown plotted
on Figures 16 through 21. Figures 19, 20, and 21 are the match run profiles
superimposed on the summer 1964 survey data. Figures 16, 17, and 18 are
the match run profiles (1964 data) superimposed on the summer 1966 survey
data.
These values were then projected for three flows and three temperatures.
The DO profiles for these runs are shown as Figures 22a through 22c. The
loadings are based on the 1964 reported flows and concentrations for the
various sewage treatment plants. A run was made at the match flow
conditions (a flow equal to 30 cfs past the Auburn Heights USGS gage in 1964)
57
-------
using the reported 1965 monthly average flow for the basin sewage treatment
plants and the summer 1966 survey concentrations for sewage treatment plant
BOD and Kjeldahl nitrogen. This resulted in anaerobic conditions below
the Pontiac sewage treatment plants, although the river did recover somewhat.
No further attempt was made to run a more critical condition.
Figures 23a, 23b, and 23c are projections based on a modified flow
increase for certain sewage treatment plants. These plants are all located
in Macomb County. The flows are based on projected individual plant flows
to 1980, rather than a more arbitrary increase on an area-wide basis.
Except for these plants, the parameters were the same as used for the
projection runs for Figure 22a at a temperature of 20°C. A BOD ultimate
value of 9.2 mg/1 was assumed for all the Macomb plants. A Kjeldahl
nitrogen concentration of 15 mg/1 was also assumed for the run shown on
Figure 23a. Anaerobic conditions will exist. Figure 23b is the run with
the nitrogen concentration reduced to 10 mg/1. Anaerobic conditions will also
occur, although much further downstream. Figure 23c is based on an assumed
nitrogen concentration of 5 mg/1. The low DO, except for the reach below
Mt. Clemens, is about 2 mg/1. However, at a higher temperature the DO level
would be lower, as may be seen from Figure 22a.
Figure 24a shows the profile which may be expected to occur in the
absence of the loadings from the Sterling Township, Clinton Township, and
Mt. Clemens plants. The impact of Red Run is emphasized in the absence of
other waste sources.
Runs were also made assuming a removal of 96 percent of the 5-day BOD
from the Macomb sewage treatment plants instead of the 95 percent removal assumed
in the Figure 23a to 23c plots. The effect of this additional removal
58
-------
(resulting in a BOD load of one-half the 92 percent removal load) is
insignificant due to the impact of the oxygen-demanding nitrogen concen-
tration.
Figures 24b and 24c show the effect of the 1980 Macomb sewage treatment
plant flows under the 7/10 and 1/10 low flow conditions. Anaerobic
conditions also exist in the reaches below Red Run.
59
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FIGURE 22
COMPUTED DISSOLVED OXYGEN PROFILES
CLINTON RIVER
EFFECT OF FLOW AND TEMPERATURE
(a) 1964 SUMMER SURVEY FLOW 1964 LOADINGS
10
*»» 6
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RIVER MILES
IB
10
(b) 7 DAY ONCE IN 10 YEAR FLOW-1964 LOADINGS
9 20
MILES
(c) I DAY ONCE IN 10 YEAR FLOW-1964 LOADINGS
4-0
30
30 23 20
RIVER MILES
10
10
-------
10
FIGURE 23
COMPUTED DISSOLVED OXYGEN PROFILES
CLINTON RIVER
EFFECT OF WASTE TREATMENT PLANT LOADINGS
(o) 1980 MACOMB COUNTY STP LOADS WITH 15 ma/I NITROGEN
60"
45 40
35
30 25 2O
RIVER MILES
10
(b) I960 MACOMB COUNTY STP LOADS WITH I0mg/l NITROGEN
48
40 39
30 25 20
RIVER MILES
15
10
(c) I960 MACOMB COUNTY STP LOADS WITH 5 mg /I NITROGEN
* 20°C
< SURVEY
O I I I I I I I I 1 I 1 I 1 I I I I I I 1 I I I 1 I I I I I I III. 111.1 1
30 25 tO
RIVER MILES
-------
FIGURE 24
COMPUTED DISSOLVED OXYGEN PROFILES
CLINTON RIVER
EFFECT OF WASTE TREATMENT PLANTS AND FLOW
(a) REMOVAL OF STERLING TWP.. CLINTON TWR (16.2) AND MT. CLEMENS STPs
BO
49 40
30
90 28 20
RIVER MILES
19
10
(b) 1980 MACOMB COUNTY STP LOADS WITH IS mg/l NITROGEN
a>
E
I
O 4
i^k.i i
BO
49
40 ' 39
30 29 20
RIVER MILES
IB
10
(c) I960 MACOMB COUNTY STP LOADS WITH I5mg/l NITROGEN
49 40
30 28 20
RIVER MILES
18
10
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SUMMARY AND
WATER QUALITY PROBLEMS
The Clinton River empties into the western end of Lake St. Clair east
of the City of Mt. Clemens. In addition to Lake St. Clair, the basin is
bounded by sever separate drainage basins. These are: Anchor Bay to the
east; Belle River to the north; Flint and Shiawassee Rivers to the north-
west and west; Huron and Rouge Rivers to the southwest; and the Detroit
River to the southeast.
The basin is approximately 32 miles long and 36 miles wide, measured
at the longest and widest parts. Total drainage area in the basin is
approximately 760 square miles, and is located principally in Macomb and
Oakland Counties. The major population centers are Warren, Pontiac, and
Mt. Clemens.
The Clinton River rises in north central Oakland County, flows in a
southerly direction through a series of lakes and ponds, then easterly to
the City of Pontiac. The remaining natural channel of stream at this \
point was altered by the construction of an underground conduit through the
Pontiac business district. Upon surfacing, the stream flows northeasterly
to Rochester, then southeasterly to its confluence with Red Run. The flow
thereafter is generally easterly through the City of Mt. Clemens, and the
natural outlet to Lake St. Clair. An alternate channel has been provided
"?r flood control, which diverts the high flows at Mt. Clemens more directly
to the lake. The Clinton River has five major tributaries; the largest -
North Branch - having a drainage area of over 200 square miles. Other
tributaries are the Middle Branch, Red Run, Stony Creek, and Paint Creek.
69
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The distance from headwaters to the mouth is approximately 65 miles.
The basin is marked by a sharp change in the topographical features
between the eastern and western subbasins. The transition runs in a
northeast-southwesterly direction, passing near the cities of Birmingham
in the south, Rochester in the middle, and Romeo in the north. The land
in the westerly portion of the basin is characterized by rough, hilly
moraines with numerous small lakes. The soil consists of intermixed sand,
gravel, and clay, interspersed with glacially-transported boulders. The
easterly portion of the basin is located in prehistoric lake bottoms. The
land is much flatter, and the soils consist of sand and gravel deposits, as
well as clay. Lakes are generally non-existent in the eastern portion of
the basin!
The 1960 population within the Clinton River Drainage Basin was
approximately 705,000. Municipal wastes of 300,000 people in the basin are
presently treated by Detroit Water Services. The 1965 population served
by municipal sewage treatment plants discharging to watercourses in the
Clinton River Basin was approximately 320,000. This 57 million gallons per
day waste flow is treated by twelve secondary sewage treatment plants.
Three of the twelve plants - Warren and the two Pontiac plants - discharge 80
percent of the total sewage flow in the basin.
The effluent flow from the City of Pontiac presently amounts to about
75 percent of the total streamflow past the plants during summer drought
flows. A similar condition exists in Red Run where during dry weather
periods the flow from the warren sewage treatment plant amounts to about
the total flow in Red Run at its confluence with the Clinton River. In
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addition, there are many areas serviced by individual treatment systems.
Eight industries discharge a total 3.5 million gallons per day of
industrial waste to the Clinton River and its tributaries. These industries
are engaged in general manufacturing, machinery operations, production of
paper, and painting of steel parts. Wastes include toxic metals, soluble
oil, BOD, solids, and heat from cooling water.
Located near the mouth of the Clinton River is Selfridge Air Force
Base with tenant Army activities. The Base sewage treatment plant provides
secondary treatment for about 775,000 gallons per day. The NIKE sites and
missile maintenance area are served by combination septic tank and sand
filters.
Extensive use is made of the surface waters of the Clinton River Basin.
The smaller lakes in the upper reaches of the basin are used for bankside
picnicking, fishing, and concentrated residential developments. Parks of
many governmental agencies exist along the streams and larger lakes'or
impoundments in the basin. These include Bald Mountain and Rochester-Utica
State Recreation Areas, and Marshbank and Stony Creek Metropolitan Parks of
the Huron-Clinton Metropolitan Authority (HCMA). Metropolitan Beach of the
same agency is directly affected by the Clinton River. In addition, many
of the communities have municipal parks or parkways located along the Clinton
River and tributaries. Paint Creek and Stony Creek are stocked with trout
by the State Conservation Department. Boat launching ramps are provided at
tbe 600-acre Stony Creek Lake, an impoundment on Stony Creek which forms
the basis for the HCMA park. Swimming is another activity at this park.
Nature trails and wildlife refuges are also recreational aspects of the
lands bordering the surface waters of the basin.
71
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Clinton River is one of the major sources of pollution to Lake St.
Glair. In 1964 and 1966, this river was sampled by the Federal Water
Pollution Control Administration. The downstream reach of the river,
extending approximately 17 miles from Red Run to the mouth of the Clinton
River reflects the quality of the water entering the lake. The results of
the 1966 survey on this section of the Clinton River are shown in the
following table.
Clinton River (Red Run to mouth)
1966 Summer Survey (mg/1)
Average
Maximum
Minimum
Temp.
°C.
24
26
22
DO
2.7
6.1
0.6
BOD5
9
14
3
Cl
81
103
67
NH3-N
4.58
6.00
3.20
N03-N
2.6
4.9
1.3
Total
P04
9.2
14.4
6.7
Total
Solids
544
670
500
Susp.
Solids
35
169
5
The data show the following averages: dissolved oxygen - 2.7 mg/1;
BOD - 9 mg/1; nutrient concentration - 7.18 mg/1 of inorganic nitrogen
and 9.2 mg/1 of total phosphates; and total solids concentration - 544 mg/1.
The long-term average flow at Mt. Clemens is 468 cfs. In the water
year 1964, the minimum daily flow was 83 cfs. The total waste effluent dis-
charged into the river is estimated at more than 71 cfs.
Surveys of the Clinton River in the summer of 1964 and 1966 found two
sections of the Clinton River which had severe oxygen deficiencies. A
infinite oxygen sag existed downstream from the City of Pontiac, a result"
of the organic carbonaceous and nitrogenous loading from the two sewage
treatment plants (MP 46) serving Pontiac. The dissolved oxygen concentration
in the Clinton River recovered to near-saturation level in the vicinity
72
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of the Rochester sewage treatment plant (MP 33.6). Below Red Run (MP 17.3)
the dissolved oxygen concentration in the lower Clinton River averaged 2.7
mg/1 with a range of 0.6 to 6.1 mg/1 for the 1966 survey. During the 1964
survey, the dissolved oxygen in the reach of the river between Red Run and
Clinton Township sewage treatment plant No. 1 (MP 7.8) averaged 4.0 mg/1,
with a range of 1.6 to 6.1 mg/1.
Dissolved oxygen concentrations in Paint and Stony Creeks, tributaries
of the Clinton River, were approximately 9.0 mg/1. Red Run, another tribu-
tary which at low flow is essentially effluent from the Warren sewage
treatment plant, had an average DO concentration of 10.2 mg/1 during the
1966 survey, well above the 4.3 mg/1 average for the 1964 survey. These
high DO levels are due to photosynthetic action by algae causing supersatur-
ation of Red Run. The North Branch of the Clinton River had an average
concentration of 5.0 mg/1 during the 1966 survey, much lower than the 9.5
mg/1 average during the 1964 summer survey.
The 5-day biochemical oxygen demand (BODc) in the Clinton River in the /
reach above the Pontiac sewage treatment plant averaged 4 mg/1. This !
increased steadily to an average 9 mg/1 at the lower section of the Clinton
River during the 1966 survey. The 8005 results were,similar for the 1964
survey. The tributaries of Paint Creek, Stony Creek, and North Branch had
low average BOD^ of 2 mg/1, 3 mg/1, and 4 mg/1, respectively. Red Run had
a high average BOD^ of 14 mg/1 during the summer survey.
Chlorides were high in the Clinton River during the summer survey. The \
reach above the Pontiac sewage treatment plants had an average concentration
of 68 mg/1. The reach below the Pontiac sewage treatment plants had an
average concentration of 112 mg/1. The Clinton River from Rochester to
73
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the mouth at Lake St. Glair had an average chloride concentration of
approximately 85 mg/1. The chloride concentration in Paint Creek and
Stony Creek averaged 26 and 30 mg/1, respectively. Red Run averaged 72
mg/1 and North Branch averaged 56 mg/1.
Ammonia, as nitrogen, in the reach below the two Pontiac sewage treat-
ment plants, averaged 6.32 mg/1, with a range of 1.60 to 10.24 mg/1 during
the 1966 summer survey. This reach had an average ammonia concentration 25
times greater than the section above Pontiac. The river from the confluence
of Red Run to Lake St. Clair had an average concentration of 4.58 mg/1 of
ammonia.
-)
Nitrate, as nitrogen, during the summer survey averaged 0.4 mg/1 above /
Pontiac, 1.4 mg/1 below Pontiac, 5.2 mg/1 from Rochester to a point above
the confluence of Red Run, and 2.6 mg/1 in the lower Clinton River. Nitrate-
nitrogen concentrations in all of the tributaries had average concentrations
less than 0.8 mg/1.
Total phosphate, as phosphate, above the Pontiac sewage treatment N.
plant outfalls, averaged 0.9 mg/1 during the 1966 summer survey. Below the ]
Pontiac outfalls, the average concentration increased to 7.0 mg/1. j The
reach below Rochester had an average of 4.6 mg/1, and the reach below the
confluence of Red Run had an average total phosphate concentration of 9.2
mg/1. The total soluble phosphate averaged about 82 percent of the total
phosphate in the Clinton River, The total phosphate concentrations in the
tributaries averaged less than 0.6 mg/1, with the exception of Red Run,
which had an average concentration of 18.9 mg/1 during the 1966 survey, or
twice that of the average concentration in the lower Clinton River.
Total solids in the Clinton River during the 1966 survey increased
74
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from an average of 389 mg/1 above the tvo Pontiac sewage treatment plant
outfalls to an average of 530 mg/1 in the reach below them.A Total solids
concentrations remained fairly constant in the downstream reaches of the
Clinton River. The total solids concentration for the tributaries, Paint
and Stony Creeks, averaged 345 and 350 mg/1, respectively. Red Run and
North Branch had average total solids concentrations similar to the lower
Clinton River with 560 and 530 mg/1, respectively.
Total coliform densities in the Clinton River above Pontiac sewage \
!
treatment plant No. 1 at two stations were 690,000 and 39,000 organisms/100 [
ml, respectively, during a survey conducted on July 14, 1966. Immediately
downstream from the Pontiac sewage treatment plant No. 2 outfall, total
coliform densities were indicated to be 100 organisms/100 ml, apparently due
to the persistence of residual chlorine in the streamf low._^__ . -J
Total coliform densities varied from 1,600 to 22,000 organisms/100 ml
in the reach of the river below Pontiac sewage treatment plant No. 2 to
Rochester during the same survey.
During the survey of July 7, 1966 in the lower Clinton River (below
Red Run to the mouth of the Clinton River), total coliform densities ranged
from 1,100 to 4,400 organisms/100 ml. The coliform density in the June 30,
1966 survey ranged from 5,200 to 450,000 organisms/100 ml.
The heavy pollutional load of the Clinton River has created serious
problems with water use. All municipal waste treatment plants on the Clinton
*a»,*-^**>"f
River have secondary treatment. Industrial plants are treating wastes, but
not all eight industries are rated adequate by the Michigan Water Resources
Commission. In addition, there are numerpus sources of individual discharge
from septic tank systems,which create problems of a local nature on the
75
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minor tributaries. To abate pollution in the Clinton River, plans are "j
I
being implemented in Macomb County that will connect up all waste discharges |
i
to an interceptor system that transports waste out of the basin for treat- j
ment and discharge at Detroit.
The impact on stream water quality of even efficient secondary
treatment plants is apparent from the data. The effect of the Warren sewage
treatment plant on Red Run is obvious in the high concentrations of phosphate,
ammonia, BOD, and DO (supersaturated). Even though the primary organic
oxygen demand from the sewage treatment plant effluent had been satisfied,
the nutrienc constituents permitted a regrowth of algae with subsequent
production of organic material which affected an oxygen demand in the
growth-death cycle. The effluent from the Pontiac plants increased the
nutrient concentrations in the Clinton River - a stream consisting mainly
of sewage treatment plant effluent flow during the summer months. The
chlorinated effluent is noted in the apparent disinfection of the coliform
organisms at the sampling station below the second sewage treatment plant.
The surface waters of the Clinton River, for the most part, are not
used for municipal or industrial water supply due in part to the deteriorated
water quality, and also the low dependable flow of the river. Detroit Water
Services supplies the majority of the users in the basin. Additional
cmrces are the Mt. Clemens intake in Lake St. Clair, and municipal well
systems in the Pontiac area. Almost all water for industrial use in the
basin is supplied by municipalities.
The main stem of the Clinton River above Mt. Clemens has a limited
number of water-using recreational facilities. The main reason for this
76
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lack of facilities is the fact that most of the stream is too small for
boat traffic, and poor water quality eliminates swimming and fishing.
The reach between Mt. Clemens and the mouth has been dredged for small
boat navigation, and has a heavy concentration of boat launching ramps and
docking berths. The 1965 boat registrations in the Clinton River Basin
totalled approximately 30,000. The basin boat density, of approximately 40
boats per square mile, is about five times the average State-wide density.
This is very evident by the numerous facilities in the lower basin. There
are 13 marinas in this area, which have a total of 6 launching ramps and
over 1,500 berths. Most of these marinas have facilities for lifting boats
out of the water for winter storage.
Water related recreation in the basin is concentrated mainly on small
lakes and numerous parks on tributaries to the Clinton River. The numerous
parks and recreational areas include State areas, parks operated by the
Huron-Clinton Metropolitan Authority (HCMA) and municipal parks. The
majority of these are upstream from Pontiac or on the tributaries, although
the Rochester-Utica State Recreation Area and a riverside park of HCMA are
along the main stem. Metropolitan Park, an important beach, sailing, and
fishing area, is located near the mouth of the Clinton River. Trout are
stocked in Paint and Stony Creeks.
A critical factor at the present is the dissolved oxygen concentration
of the main stem and major tributaries. Critical DO depletions occur in
three major areas: the Clinton below Pontiac; Tiled Run; and in the Clinton
from Red Run to the mouth. Oxidation of the remaining carbonaceous and
nitrogenous demand from the Pontiac effluent is the cause of the depletion
below Pontiac. The DO depression in Red Run is the result both of
77
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satisfaction of organic demand from the Warren sewage treatment plant, and
of organic material synthesized from the high nutrient concentration in
Red Run. In the Clinton River below Red Run, the problem is twofold - the
organic loadings at the Mt. Clemens, Sterling Township, and Clinton
Township sewage treatment plants, and the secondary effect created by the
nutrient rich waters from Pontiac and algae-laden waters from Red Run,
The improvement of the Clinton River Channel below Mt. Clemens for flood
control and navigation purposes has increased the cross sectional area of
the river, thereby decreasing the forward velocity of the stream. The low
stream velocity causes deposition of suspended solids to form bottom sludge,
and reduces reaeration of the water mass resulting in lower DO.
A problem of some magnitude is that of the enclosed conduit which
carries the Clinton River beneath the City of Pontiac. The absence of
sunlight prevents the photosynthetic production of oxygen, but the algal
respiration continues reducing the DO content of the water. Oxygen must
be replenished, therefore, when the stream again emerges. Another critical
/
factor is that of the nutrients. At present, nutrient concentration, I
especially of nitrates and phosphates.,-1 is far in excess of the requirements 1
for formation of nuisance algal blooms. These come from two main sources
at present - the Pontiac plants^ and the Warren plant via Red Run. The
excess of these nutrients may be readily utilized by algae in less enriched
waters of Lake St. Clair.
Maximum daily temperatures in the Clinton River near Drayton Plains,
upstream of Pontiac, averaged 73°F (22.8PC) during June, July, and August 1965.
Minimum daily temperatures averaged 66°F (19°C). The maximum daily temper-
ature was 80°F, with a minimum daily temperature of 57°F. The maximum daily
78
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-------
variation was 15°F during this period. Increased temperature causes an
increase in the rate of biological conversion of organic material. This
effect is more pronounced on the nitrogenous wastes. The only major sources
of heat to the river system are the sewage treatment plants and excess
solar radiation caused by destruction of shade tree cover along the banks.
Direct addition of organic material from effluents is presently
critical in a number of areas, especiallyrbelow Pontiacv The resuspension
of settled material, which accumulated as a sludge, creates high oxygen
demands during periods of high stream velocity which occur frequently but
of short duration during summer rain storms. The dieoff of organisms,
especially algae, imposes a demand when the necessary elements of sunlight
and nutrients are no longer sufficient.
Another source of organic material to the system is overland runoff
from both urban and rural areas. This source is an intermittent one,
occurring during periods of rainfall. The effect is generally not apparent
during the high flow period, but occurs when the flow again returns to
normal and the material settles to form sludge, which covers the bottom
and uses oxygen from the .water.
Suspended materials of an inorganic nature also affect the water
quality but in secondary effects. The silt and sand, when settled, destroy
the bottom habitat. This change in the environment destroys the plants and
animals which are not tolerant of a silted bottom. The food chain of the
higher fishes is thus broken, and the valuable fishes no longer are present,
even though the water is otherwise of acceptable quality. Mud and silt
also destroy spawning beds necessary for maintenance of a fish population.
Suspended materials, especially mud and silt, also destroy the esthetic
79
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values of the waters. The presence of these materials must be limited
to amounts which could be expected to occur with natural basin cover,
especially in the stream section suitable for the maintenance of an active
game fishery.
The effluent flow of those industries in the basin with toxic metals
as a waste product is limited. A more significant source of toxicants
is the use of various pesticides for individual, agricultural, and other
uses. The use of these products is not considered to be a direct source
of toxicity to man, as the waters in the basin are not used as a source of
domestic supply. The direct toxicity to fish would be unlikely except
for accidental spills, which might occur during preparation of water
soluble agents using the surface waters as a source of solvent. The prime
effect would be on the lower aquatic life such as aquatic insects and
Crustacea which are part of the food chain. The concentration of these
agents to toxic levels by plankton would constitute a direct source of
toxicity to the larger aquatic life.
80
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