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POLLUTION CONTROL
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UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR
FEDERAL WATER POLLUTION CONTROL ADMINISTRATION
GREAT LAKES REGION
MARCH 1967
-------
REPORT ON WATER POLLUTION
in the
LAKE HURON BASIN
IMMEDIATE POLLUTION CONTROL NEEDS
U.S. DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR
Federal Water Pollution Control Administration
Great Lakes Region
Detroit Program Office
Grosse lie, Michigan
March 1967
US. Environmental Protection Agency
230°Souih Dearborn Street
Chicago, Illinois 60604
-------
TABLE OF CONTENTS
I. Introduction 2
Purpose
Scope
Authority
II. Summary of Immediate Pollution Control Needs 3
Municipal Waste Treatment
Industrial Waste Treatment
Flow Regulation
Other Pollution Control Practices
Institutional Practices
Research
III. Immediate Control Needs 13
IV. Costs 15
V. Recent Progress in Pollution Control 20
VI. Background
A. Basin Characteristics 28
B. Present Water Quality 36
Water Uses 46
Institutional Organizations for Water
Pollution Control in Michigan 58
Bibliography 61
-------
LIST OF FIGURES
1. General Location - Lake Huron Basin 1
2. Location of Sampling Stations - Lake Huron 62
3. St. Marys River Sampling Ranges ' 63
4. Upper Peninsula Tributaries - Waste Sources 64
5. Cheboygan River Basin - Waste Sources & Sampling Stations 65
6. Thunder Bay River Basin - Waste Sources & Sampling Stations 66
7. Au Sable River Basin - Waste Sources & Sampling Stations 67
8. Saginaw Bay Tributaries - Waste Sources & Sampling Stations 68
9. Saginaw River - Waste Sources 69
10. Tittabawassee River Basin- Waste Sources 70
11. Shiawassee River Basin - Waste Sources 71
12. Flint River Basin - Waste Sources 72
13. Cass River Basin - Waste Sources 73
14. Michigan Tributaries of Lake Huron Basin 74
-------
I. Introduction
Purpose;
The purpose of this report is to define present water quality in
the Lake Huron Basin, list known sources of pollution, and outline
remedial measures that are of immediate importance.
Scope;
The water quality control needs and costs are taken from field
investigations by the Lake Huron Program Office of the Great Lakes-
Illinois River Basins Project, as well as from information obtained
by the Michigan Water Resources Commission, The Michigan Department
of Public Health, and other sources.
The "Guidelines for Establishing Water Quality Standards for
Interstate Waters" considers international waters as subject to
interstate standards. Lake Huron and the St. Marys River fall within
this definition. Those waste sources known to contribute to interstate
waters directly or through tributaries, thereto, are shown on Figures 4
through 13.
Canadian waste sources are not included in this report.
v
Authority;
The study of the Lake Huron Basin is a part of the Great Lakes-
Illinois River Basins Project, a comprehensive water pollution control
study authorized by the Federal Water Pollution Control Act of 1956 as
amended (33 USC 466 et seq) Sec. 3a and Sec. 5f.
-------
H. Summary of Immediate Pollution Control Needs
The following table is a summary of immediate pollution control needs.
The basis for the major needs are documented elsewhere in this report.
Other needs are based on the principal that septic tank systems in urban
areas constitute a health hazard. Collection systems with lagoons or
secondary treatment are then required to protect the health of the inhabi-
tants and the present recreational uses throughout the tributary systems
of the Huron Basin. The priority is that assigned by this office after
review of available information from various sources.
The priorities are as follows:
1. Area immediately affected is interstate waters.
2. Intrastate waters - major problem.
3. Intrastate waters - minor problem.
4. Intrastate waters - small community or industry.
The Michigan Water Resources Commission is the agency responsible for
implementing pollution control action in the State of Michigan (see page 59).
MUNICIPAL WASTE TREATMENT
(by basin)
Location County Needs Priority
UPPER LAKE HURON
Upper Peninsula
(Figure 4)
Sault Ste. Marie Chippewa Expand to secondary; 1
improve collection
St. Ignace Mackinac Expand to secondary 1
Mackinac Island Mackinac Secondary treatment 1
Brimley Chippewa Collection system; 1
lagoon
Detour Village Chippewa Collection system; 1
lagoon
Rudyard Chippewa Collection system; 2
lagoon
Trout Lake T. Chippewa Collection system; 2
lagoon
-------
MUNICIPAL WASTE TREATMENT (cont.)
Location
UPPER LAKE HURON
Cheboygan River
. (Figure 5)
Cheboygan
Indian River
Onaway
Vanderbilt
Wolverine
Thunder Bay River
(Figure 6)
Alpena
Hillman
Au Sable River
(Figure 7)
Gay lord
Grayling
Oscoda & Au Sable
Ro s common
Other Upper Lake
Huron Areas
(by basin)
County
Cheboygan
Cheboygan
Presque Isle
Otsego
Cheboygan
Alpena
Montmorency
Otsego
Crawford
losco
Ros common
Needs
Secondary & improve
collection system
Collection system &
lagoon
Collection system &
lagoon
Collection system &
lagoon
Collection system &
lagoon
Expand to secondary;
improve collection
Collection system &
lagoon
Expand secondary;
improve collection
Expand to secondary;
improve collection
Improve collection &
build lagoon
Expand to secondary
(Figures 5,6,7)
Mackinaw City (F.5) Emmet
Rogers City (F.6) Presque Isle
Harrisville (F.7) Alcona
Mikado (F.7) Alcona
Expand to secondary
Expand to secondary;
improve collection
Collection system &
lagoon
Collection system &
lagoon
Priority
1
4
3
4
4
1
4
2
2
1
2
1
1
1
3
-------
MUNICIPAL WASTE TREATMENT (cont.)
(by basin)
Location County
SAGINAW BAY
West Saginaw Bay
(Figure 8)
Au Gres Arenac
East Tawas losca
Linwood Bay
Omer Arenac
Rose City Ogemaw
Standish Arenac
Sterling Arenac
Tawas City losca
Turner Arenac
West Branch Ogemaw
Saginaw River
(Figure 9)
Bay City Bay
Buena Vista Saginaw
CarrolIton Saginaw
Essexville Bay
Saginaw Saginaw
Zilwaukee Saginaw
Bay City Metro Bay
Saginaw Metro Saginaw
Tittabawassee River
(Figure 10)
Alma Gratiot
Barryton Mecosta
Beaver ton. Gladwin
Clare Clare
Coleman Midland
Farwell Clare
Needs
Priority
Collection system &
lagoon
Expand to secondary;
improve collection
Lagoon
Collection system &
lagoon
Collection system &
lagoon
Improve collection system
Collection system &
lagoon
Expand secondary; improve
collection
Collection system &
lagoon
Expand to secondary
Connect to Bay City Metro
Connect to Saginaw Metro
Expand to secondary
Connect to Bay City Metro
Connect to Saginaw Metro
Expand to secondary
Interceptor & secondary
Interceptor & secondary
Expand to secondary
Collection system &
lagoon
Collection system &
lagoon
Expand to secondary;
improve collection
Collection system &
lagoon
Collection system &
lagoon
1
1
1
3
3
3
3
1
4
3
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
2
4
3
2
3
4
-------
MUNICIPAL WASTE TREATMENT (cont.)
(by basin)
Location
County
JU
(i
SAGINAW BAY
fittabawasaeeRiver
(Figure 10)
Gladwin
Harrison
Midland
Mt. Pleasant
Remus
Shepherd
St. Louis
Saginaw River
Shiawassee River
(Figure 11)
Argentine
Breckenridge
Byron
Caledonia T.
Chesaning
Corunna
Durand
Fenton
Hemlock
Henderson
Howe11
Ithaca
Linden
Merrill
Oakley
Owosso
St. Charles
Genesee Co.
Metro 3
Linden
Gladwin
Clare
Midland
Isabella
Mecosta
Isabella
Gratiot
Genesee
Gratiot
Genesee
Shiawassee
Saginaw
Shiawassee
Shiawassee
Genesee
Saginaw
Shiawassee
Livingston
Gratiot
Genesee
Saginaw
Saginaw
Shiawassee
Saginaw
Genesee
Needs
Priority
Expand to secondary;
improve collection
Collection system &
lagoon
Expand secondary & improve
collection
Expand to secondary &
improve collection
Collection system & lagoon
Improve collection system
Expand to secondary
Connect to Genesee Co.
Metro 3
Collection system & lagoon
Collection system & lagoon
Secondary & collection
system
Expand to secondary; improve
collection
Expand to secondary; improve
collection
Expand secondary; improve
collection
Connect to Genesee Co.
Metro 3
Collection system & lagoon
Collection system & lagoon
Improve collection system
Lagoon; improve collection
Connect to Genesee Co.
Metro 3
Collection system & lagoon
Collection system & lagoon
Expand to secondary; improve
collection
Collection system & lagoon
Secondary; collection;
interceptor
2
3
2
2
3
3
2
2
4
2
4
4
3
3
2
3
4
2
-------
MUNICIPAL WASTE TREATMENT (cont.)
Location
Sa^inaw River
Flint River
(Figure 12)
Birch Run
Clifford
Clio
Columbiaville
Davison
Flint
Flushing
Goodrich
Grand Blanc
Grand Blanc T.
Lennon
Montrose
Mt. Morris
New Lothrup
North Branch
Ortonville
Otisville
Swartz Creek
Gene see Co.
Metro 1
Flint
Metro 2
Montrose
Metro 4
Otisville
Metro 5
Goodrich
(by basin)
County
Saginaw
Lapeer
Gene see
Lapeer
Gene see
Gene see
Genesee
Gene see
Genesee
Genesee
Genesee
Genesee
Genesee
Shiawassee
Lapeer
Oakland
Genesee
Genesee
Genesee
Genesee
Genesee
Genesee
Needs
Collection system & lagoon
Collection system & lagoon
Connect to Genesee Co.
Metro 2
Collection system & lagoon
Connect to Genesee Co.
Metro 1
Connect to Genesee Co.
Metro 1
Connect to Genesee Co.
Metro 2
Connect to Genesee Co.
Metro 4
Connect to Genesee Co.
Metro I
Connect to Genesee Co.
Metro 1
Collection system & lagoon
Connect to Genesee Co.
Metro 2
Connect to Genesee Co.
Metro 2
Collection system & lagoon
Collection system & lagoon
Collection system & lagoon
Connect to Genesee Co.
Metro 4
Connect to Genesee Co.
Metro 1
Expand secondary; inter-
ceptor system
Secondary & improve
collection
Collection. & lagoon
Collection & lagoon
Pri(
3
4
2
3
2
2
2
2
2
2
2
2
2
3
3
3
2
2
2
2
2
2
Metro 6
Montrose-Flushing Genesee
7
Interceptor system
-------
MUNICIPAL WASTE TREATMENT (cont.)
(by basin)
Location
Saginaw River
Cass River
County
East Saginaw Bay
(Figure 8)
Akron Tuscola
Caseville Huron
Elkton Huron
Fairgrove Tuscola
Kinde Huron
Pigeon Huron
Port Austin Huron
Sebewaing Huron
Unionville Tuscola
Needs
Priority
(Figure 13)
Bridgeport
Kingston
Mayville
Millington
Ubly
Saginaw
Tuscola
Tuscola
Tuscola
Huron
Connect to
Collection
Collection
Collection
Collection
Connect to Saginaw Metro
Collection system & lagoon
Collection system & lagoon
Collection system & lagoon
Collection system & lagoon
Collection system & lagoon
Collection system & lagoon
Collection system & lagoon
Collection system & lagoon
Collection system & lagoon
Collection system & lagoon
Collection system & lagoon
Collection system & lagoon
Collection system & lagoon
2
2
4
3
3
4
1
2
4
4
3
1
1
4
LOWER LAKE HURON
(Figure 14)
Lexington
Sanilac
Improve collection system
-------
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-------
Flow Regulation
The Michigan Water Resources Commission should investigate the
practice of low flow augmentation in the Flint River and the Cass River
above Frankenmuth for quality control, and recommend to local basin
agencies procedures for implementation.
Other Pollution Control Practices
The Michigan Water Resources Commission should require local author-
ities to provide for onshore disposal of vessel wastes at lake ports and
marinas - and for the control of waste disposal from all classes of
vessels, including pleasure craft that operate in Michigan waters.
Institutional Practices
-- State of Michigan should adopt standards for both inter- and
intrastate streams as currently scheduled by the Water Resources Commission.
The Michigan Water Resources Commission, Federal Water Pollution
Control Administration, and local watershed agencies, should investigate
the waste collection and disposal on a broader basis, especially in the
Saginaw River Basin.
The Michigan Water Resources Commission should have a larger
staff in order to update stream survey reports and to survey those indus-
trial waste sources not presently classified as adequate.
The Michigan Department of Public Health should provide for more
testing of waste treatment plant effluents, especially for nutrient con-
centrations and nitrogeneous oxygen-demanding material.
11
-------
Research
The Federal Water Pollution Control Administration and educational
institutions should conduct research and pilot plant studies to determine
more effective means of reducing nutrients, especially phosphates, from
various sizes of treatment plants.
-- Research by educational groups, Federal Water Pollution Control
Administration, and other organizations is needed to determine more effec-
tive means of reducing all oxygen-demanding wastes, especially the nitrog-
enous stage.
The Federal Water Pollution Control Administration and educational
institutions should study the effect of nutrients on algal growth to assess
more completely the effect on a stream of a highly-treated organic waste.
-- Research should be conducted by industrial groups and others towards
the use of other than phosphate compounds as binders in synthetic detergents.
-- Research should be conducted by the Federal Water Pollution Control
Administration to develop advanced treatment methods which are needed in
areas where secondary effluent will overload a stream.
-------
III. Immediate Control Needs
In the Michigan area of the Lake Huron Basin there are 56 municipal
waste sources of which 8 have no treatment, 25 primary treatment, and 23
secondary treatment. These waste sources are from a population of 582,000
generating 727,000 PE before treatment, and 256,000 PE after treatment, or
a 65% removal. From an October 1965 survey, it was determined there were
at least 960 miles of combined sewers. The Saginaw Basin has 89% of the
population served in the Lake Huron Basin, with an overall PE removal of
67%. There is a large difference in degrees of removal, with the Flint
and Cass Rivers being all secondary and 92-94% PE removal, while the 22-mile
reach of the Saginaw River has all primary treatment and 34% PE removal.
The Tittabawassee and Shiawassee Rivers have half primary and half secondary
treatment, which give 54-56% PE removal. Along the 22-mile section of the
Saginaw River, there are 747 miles of combined sewers, or 78% of all the
combined sewers in the entire Lake Huron Basin.
There are 50 industrial waste discharges - 47 process wastes and 3
cooling water discharges, with some industries having combinations of both
cooling and process discharges. The 47 industrial process wastes discharge
193 MGD of the cooling waters, and Consumers Power on the Saginaw River
discharges 500 MGD. Of the entire Lake Huron Basin, the Saginaw Basin
receives 88% of the process waste discharges, 169.14 MGD, with 5 industries
over 10 MGD on the Saginaw and Tittabawassee Rivers contributing 151.9 MGD
or 90% of the Saginaw Basin waste discharges.
The following table summarizes the major waste sources in the basin:
13
-------
WASTE SOURCES
Municipal
Basin
Saginaw River
Saginaw R.
Tittabawassee R.
Shiawassee R.
Flint R,
Cass R.
Other Lake Huron
Total Lake Huron
None
0
1
1
2
jO
4
4
8
P*
5
5
4
0
_0
14
11
25
cx^V
0
3
3
7
_4
17
6
23
Total
5
9
8
9
_4
35
21
56
p***
5
5
5
9
_4
28
19
47
Industrial
c**-
1
0
0
0
J)
1
2
31
** Total
6
5
5
9
_4
29
21
50
Total
11
14
13
18
_8
64
42
106
Notes: *Primary
**Secondary
***Process
****Cooling
14
-------
IV. Costs
The following table of immediate needs costs for pollution control
are based on actual construction experience in the Michigan area. Cost
figures do not include industrial treatment needs, except when the indus-
trial wastes will be treated by a municipal plant. Secondary treatment
may be assumed for all sources, except those where a sewage lagoon is
adequate and more economically feasible. In addition to the cost for
treatment, the cost for sewers is also tabulated. In certain areas
adequate sewers exist; in other areas, all sewers are necessary; and in
some metropolitan areas, interceptors must be constructed to transport
wastes to a central plant from a number of presently inadequate plants.
Secondary treatment is the maximum amount of treatment provided for in
this tabulation, even if it is inadequate in terms of stream loadings.
The costs are listed both by subbasin and by priority of need as defined
previously.
Treatment costs will be financed by Federal, State, or local funds.
Sewer costs will be financed by local funds, except when certain
interceptors qualify for Federal funds.
15
-------
TABLE 1. POLLUTION CONTROL COSTS (thousands of dollars) by SUBBASINS
Basin
Upper Lake Huron
Upper Peninsula
Cheboygan River
Thunder Bay River
Au Sable River
Other
Total
Saginaw Bay
West
Saginaw River
Tittabawassee River
Shiawassee River
Flint
Cass
East
Saginaw River Totals
Saginaw Bay Totals
Lower Lake Huron
Total
Total Lake Huron
Treatment
679
288
831
1,120
199
3,117
800
13,620
2,389
1,711
16,902
225
546
34,847
36,193
_
-
39,310
POLLUTION CONTROL COSTS (thousands of dollars)
Priority
1
2
3
4
Treatment
16,388
20,677
1,590
655
Sewer
1,585
1,095
1,950
1,130
663
6,423
1,182
33,875
8,887
5,033
16,445
1,198
2,857
65,438
69,477
125
125
76,025
Total
2,264
1,383
2,781
2,250
862
9,540
1,982
47,495
11,276
6,744
33,347
1,423
3,403
100,285
105,670
125
125
115,335
by PRIORITY
Sewer
39,578V
26,174
6,602
3,671
Total
55,968
46,851
8,192
4,326
Total 39,310 76,025 115,335
16
-------
TABLE 1. POLLUTION CONTROL COSTS BY GOVERNMENTAL UNITS
(thousands of dollars)
Location Priority Treatment Sewer
TT*"""" / .
UPPER LAKE HURON
Upper Peninsula
Sault Ste. Marie 1 325 400
St. Ignace 1 83 -
Mackinac Island 1 94 188
Brimley 4 19 120
Detour Village 1 50 263
Rudyard 3 83 454
Trout Lake Twp. 4 25 160
Cheboygan River
Cheboygan 1 105 100
Indian River 4 38 200
Onaway 3 88 475
Vanderbilt 4 38 200
Wolverine 4 19 120
Total
725
83
282
139
313
537
185
205
238
563
238
139
Thunder Bay River
Alpena
Hillman
1
4
800
31
1,750
200
2,550
231
Au Sable River
Gaylord
Grayling
Oscoda & Au Sable
Roscommon
2
2
1
2
398
50
263
409
138
225
704
63
536
275
967
472
Other Upper Lake
Huron Areas
Harrisville
Mackinac City
Mikado
Rogers City
1
1
3
1
31
34
31
103
200
200
263
231
34
231
366
SAGINAW BAY
West Saginaw Bay
Au Gres
East Tawas
Linwood
Omer
Rose City
Standish
Sterling
Tawas City
Turner
West Branch
1
1
1
3
3
3
3
1
4
3
38
416
128
19
25
38
60
13
63
233
213
120
160
63
200
113
80
17
271
629
128
139
185
63
238
173
93
63
-------
TABLE 1. POLLUTION CONTROL COSTS (cont.)
(thousands of dollars)
Location Priority
Saginaw River
Bay City 1
Buena Vista 1
Carrollton 1
Essexville I
Saginaw I
Zilwaukee 1
Bay City Metro 1
Saginaw Metro 1
Tittabawassee River
Alma 2
Barryton 4
Beaverton 3
Clare 2
Coleraan 3
Farwell 4
Gladwin 2
Harrison 3
Midland 2
Mt. Pleasant 2
Remus 3
Shepherd 3
St. Louis 2
Shiawassee River
Argentine 2
Breckenridge 2
Byron 4
Chesaning 2
Corunna 2
Durand 2
Fenton 2
Hemlock 4
Henderson 4
Howe11 3
Ithaca 3
Linden 2
Merrill 3
Oakley 4
Owosso 2
St. Charles 2
Caledonia Twp. 2
Treatment
Total
60
60
4,750
8,750
88
38
80
80
38
50
19
200
62
31
500
125
400
18,250
15,625
60
60
23,000
24,375
166
38
125
106
72
50
69
100
875
625
77
--
86
--
200
325
263
405
274
138
475
5,000
1,313
431
63
--
166
238
450
369
477
324
207
575
5,875
1,938
508
63
86
425
- 233
163
188
213
263
120
138
138
352
200
1,100
450
1,050
513
271
243
268
251
313
139
138
338
414
231
1,600
575
1,450
18
-------
.TABLE 1. .POLLUTION CONTROL COSTS (cont.)
.(thousands of dollars)
Location Priority Treatment Sewer Total
.Flint River
Birch Run 3 63 325 388
Clifford 4 38 75 113
Clio 2
Columbiaville 3 63 75 138
Davison 2
Flint 2
Flushing 2
Goodrich 2
Grand Blanc 2
Grand Blanc Twp. 2
Lennon 2 19 120 139
Montrose 2
Mt. Morris 2
New Lothrup 3 38 200 238
North Branch 3 125 325 450
Ortonville 3 56 325 381
Otisville 2
Swartz Creek 2
Genesee Metro 2 16,500 15,000 31,500
Cass River
Bridgeport 2
Kingston 4 38 233 271
Mayville 3 63 325 388
Millington 3 68 315 383
Ubly 3 56 325 381
East Safiinaw Bay
Akron 4 38 233 271
Caseville 1 50 263 313
Elkton 2 63 325 388
Fairgrove 4 44 259 303
Kinde 4 38 238 276
Pigeon 3 75 388 463
Port Austin 1 63 325 388
Sebewaing 1 125 563 688
Unionville 4 50 263 313
LOWER LAKE HURON
Lexington 1 -- 125 125
19
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V. Recent Progress in Pollution Control
The Michigan. Water Resources Commission, pursuant to Sections 6 (A)
and 6 (3) of Act 245, P.A. 1929, as amended, called various governmental
units in the Lake Huron Basin to conferences on raw and inadequately
treated sewage discharges. These conferences were conducted July 28-29,
1966 at Saglnaw, Michigan, for the Saginaw Bay and Lower Lake Huron Basin
units, and December 15-16, 1966 at Traverse City, Michigan, for Lake Huron
tributaries in the northern lower peninsula and upper peninsula (northern
Lake Huron Basin). The coiu"erence.c: were preliminary in nature, not Hearings
in the legal sense, held first, to present the problems in water quality
known to the Commission and second, to hear from governmental units what
the units proposed to do about the problems.
At the Saginaw River Basin (Saginaw-Bay City Area) Conference, the
Commission staff presented a summary of the Commission report on the
Saginaw River. This report included the results of the 1965 surveys
conducted jointly by the Michigan Water Resources Commission and the
Federal Water Pollution Control Administration on the Saginaw River. The
governmental units of Essexville, Bay City, Zilwaukee, Buena Vista, Carroll-
ton, and Saginaw were heard as a single body, due to the complex inter-
relationships of the river. As the report had not previously been released,
only a few statements and questions were received. Bay City and Saginaw
presented statements in agreement with the need for improvement of the
water quality in the Saginaw River. The matter was referred to Commission
staff for continuing attention. This part of the conference was called,
not for the discharge of raw sewage, but for discharge of inadequately
treated sewage.
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_Count_y_
Saginaw
Saginaw
Shiawassee
Gratiot
Lapeer
Saginaw
Tuscola
Population
1960
840
3430
1130
678
1762
1160
Discharge to
Bad River (Shiawassee)
Silver Creek (Flint)
Shiawassee
Pine River (Tittabawassee)
and Beaver Creek (Shiawassee)
Holloway Reservoir (Flint)
Cass
Millington Creek (Cass)
Seven governmental units In the Saginaw River Basin tributaries were
called for the discharge of raw and semi-treated sewage to surface waters.
The following table lists pertinent data:
Unit
St. Charles
Birch Run
Caledonia
Breckenridge
Columbiaville
Frankenmuth
Millington,
The Commission reviewed on an individual basis reports by the staff
and previous actions by the commission. Statements were received from
representatives of the units and suggestions made toward the solution of
the problem. Progress reports by the units or further staff analysis and
recommendations for commission consideration were requested within a certain
time period.
Six governmental units in the Saginaw Bay-Lower Lake Huron Basin area
were called for discharge of raw, semi-treated or inadequately treated
sewage. In addition, two industries dischargeing within the limits of
these units were also called. The following table lists pertinent data:
21
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Unit
Unionville
Sebewaing**
Pigeon
Elkton**
Burtchville
Fort Gratiot
County
Tuscola
Population Discharge to
629
Huron
Huron
Huron
St. Clair
St. Clair
2030
1190
1010
1726*
5590*
Wiscoggin Creek (Saginaw
Bay)
Sebewaing River (Saginaw
Bay)
Pigeon River (Saginaw
Bay)
Pinnebog River (Saginaw
Bay)
Milwaukee Creek (Lake
Huron)
Lake Huron
* The major portions of the townships are in the Black River (St. Clair
River) drainage basin.
** These industries were called:
Unit Industry Product Waste
Elkton Active Industries
Sebewaing Michigan Producers
Dairy Co.
Metal Stamping
Milk Processing
Oils
Organic
The Commission reviewed staff reports on the problems presented by these
areas. Statements of current action and progress were made by the govern-
mental unit and industry officials. The necessity for plans to abate the
pollution was stressed and possible sources of technical and financial
assistance were mentioned by commission members. Progress reports by the
units or further staff analysis and recommendations were requested.
At the December Commission meeting 1966, six governmental units in
the Upper Lake Huron Basin area were called under provisions of the Act.
The following table lists pertinent data:
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Unit
Hillman
Mikado
Rose City
Oscoda
Au Sable
Au Gres
County
Montmorency
Alcona
Ogemaw
losco
losco
Arenac
Population
445
435
584
Discharge to
Thunder Bay River
Pine River (Au Sable)
Houghton Creek (Rifle River)
Au Sable & Lake Huron
Au Sable & Lake Huron
Au Gres & Lake Huron
With the exception of the township of Mikado, which was unable to send a.
representative to the meeting, progress reports for future meetings were
requested from the various units.
In addition to the above, representatives of the City of Grayling
(2015), Crawford County, and the Village of Roscommon (867), Roscommon
County, were present to hear and discuss the findings of the report on
water quality conditions in the Au Sable River. The conference concluded
that affected governmental units would review the report and have represen-
tatives attend the March 1967 Commission meeting.
In addition to actions taken pursuant to the amended provisions of
the Act, the Water Resources Commission continued legal processes started
under the previous Act and other Acts. As of December 31, 1966, the
following actions had been taken:
City of Clare
On July 28, 1966, representatives of the City of Clare appeared at
i
a conference to show cause why the city should not be held in default
of a stipulation requiring construction of a sewage treatment plant to
begin on June 1, 1966. This plant was required to abate unlawful pollution
of the Tobacco River (a tributary of the Tittabawassee-Saginaw River system).
23
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The delay in beginning construction and going in default of the stipula-
tion was due to increased construction cost estimates, requiring additional
funds. Although the city was technically in default, and a final order
of determination could have been issued, the Commission extended the date
of construction as requested by the city and approved by both the State
and the Federal agencies involved. The date of completion of the project
was extended to March 8, 1967.
Village of Breckenridge
A "Notice of Determination and Hearing" was adopted December 15, 1966,
to the Village of Breckenridge. This notice defined the specific violation
of discharging or permitting the discharge of raw sewage of human origin
from within the village without adequate treatment to the Pine River
(Tittabawassee) and Beaver Creek (Shiawassee). The Commission had under
consideration the adoption of a. "Final Order of Determination" with these
conditions:
1. Abatement of pollution by June 1, 1969, by construction of
necessary facilities.
a) Submit plans by August 1, 1967.
b) Commence construction by June 1, 1968.
c) Complete construction and begin operation by June 1, 1969.
\
2. Failure to meet any requirement would constitute a default of the
entire order.
A hearing was to be held January 19, 1967, to determine if agreement on
proposed action could be reached by stipulation, agreed settlement, consent
order or default, or if a final order of determination would be necessary.
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Township of Trout Lake
The following is a chronological report of the disposition of a minor
pollution problem in the Upper Peninsula. The problem involved the hookup
of septic tank lines to storm sewers.
April 29, 1965 - A letter of complaint (4/16/65) about the discharge
of raw sewage was received by the Michigan Conservation Department. Michi-
gan Water Resources Commission wrote to the Township supervisor. Commission
action deferred pending receipt of a reply.
May 27, 1965 - As suggested actions were not taken by Township Board,
Commission Staff was directed to request a report from the Township Board
within 60 days as to what action has been taken.
August 25-26, 1965 - Information was received that the Chippewa County
Health Department served notice on violators to terminate connections by
September 15, 1965, and that the Township Board passed a resolution to the
effect that it recognised the problem and intended to alleviate it.
September 30., 1966 - Conference called under provisions of the amended
Act. The problem was discussed. Township officials, in effect, requested
a Notice of Determination from the Commission to assist in removing the
v
few remaining violations. Commission Staff authorize to prepare a Notice
of Determination and Hearing against the Township for October 27-28, 1966.
October 27-28, 1966 - Notice of Determination and Hearing adopted
establishing hearing date December 15-16, 1966. The Notice cited the
Township for violation of the statute and contained a proposed timetable
for correction by either on site facilities by June 1, 1967, or construction.
of collection and treatment facilities on a schedule requiring completion
by October 1, 1968.
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December 15-16, 1.966 - Representatives of Township were present for
Statutory Hearing scheduled by Notice of Determination and Hearing adopted
at the October meeting. Staff members expressed gratification with progress
made. Commission directed that a Final Order of Determination be made for
consideration at the January 1%7 meeting,
In addition to matters called under Section 6 of the Act, the Commission
under Section 5, scheduled at its December 1966 meeting a number of confer-
ences throughout the State to establish water quality criteria. The
criteria so established wou;
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1. The flow behavior or range of stream flow variations;
2. The uses being made of the stream flow by riparian owners;
3. And the stream's waste assimilation capacity and its practical
ability for domestic use, fish and wildlife habitat, recreation,
municipal, and industrial water supply, navigation and water
storage capacity.
These reports were studied and statements taken regarding testimony and
objections of the interested public, An important statement was the fact
that waste assimilation is not a basic consideration in selecting optimum
flows. The Water Resources Cciarnission will not accept the construction of
a reservoir and releases of water as a substitute for modern up-to-date
waste control facilities. The Commission was to review the record and
make a decision to adopt a flow and what the flow should be.
Numerous orders were issued relating to specific users of water.
These include industrial and commercial establishments discharging waste
products of a domestic or industrial nature to both surface and ground
wastes of the State. Maximum flows and concentrations of substances were
stipulated where necessary.
The Commission Staff evaluated data and published a report on the
Saginaw River, Au Sable River, and conducted a study of the Shiawassee
River during 1966. The Water Quality Monitoring Program was continued,
as was the industrial waste surveys in the Lake Huron Basin.
The Michigan Department of Public Health began a requirement for
year-round disinfection of municipal waste treatment plant effluents
effective January 1967.
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VI. Background
A. Basin Characteristics
Lake Huron, the second largest lake in the Great Lakes, has a water
surface area of 23,000 square miles and drainage basin area of 73,600
square miles. It has a length of about 200 miles and a width of about
100 miles. The greatest recorded depth in the lake is 750 feet and the
average depth is 195 feet. The lake has a volume of 850 cubic miles.
The Lake Huron Basin has a Michigan drainage area of 25,300 square
miles and a shoreline of 769 miles. It includes the eastern half of
Michigan between the Straits of Mackinac - St. Marys River to the northern
metropolitan area of Detroit.
In 1960, approximately 1.2 million persons lived in the Lake Huron
Basin, and it is estimated there will be 2.5 million perosns by the year
2020. Value added by manufacture in 1958 was almost one billion dollars.
Bay, Genesee, Saginaw, and Midland counties, which are predominantly in
the Saginaw Basin, account for 75% of the Lake Huron Basin population, and
90% of the value added by manufacture.
The major tributaries to the lake are the St. Marys River (Lake
v
Superior), the Straits of Mackinac (Lake Michigan), and the Cheboygan,
Thunder Bay, Au Sable, Saginaw (all U.S.), and Saugeen (Canadian) rivers.
Saginaw Bay, North Channel, and Georgian Bay are extensions to the lake.
Extending from the western side of Lake Huron in a southwesterly
direction is Saginaw Bay, This shallow arm of the lake is 26 miles wide
at its entrance, and its minimum width is 13 miles between Sand Point and
Point Lookout. The Bav is 51 miles long from the mouth of the Saginaw River,
to a line joining Pointe Avix Barques and Au Sable Point, which are on
opposite sides of its entrance.
28
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Georgian Bay and North Channel are extensions of the lake on the
northeast and north sides (Canadian), respectively. They are nearly land-
locked, due to the presence of th^ Bruce (Saugeen) Peninsula, and Drummond,
Cockburn, Manitoulin, and Fltzwtn-fneeting waterway between Lake Superior and
Lake Huron. Channel width varies from 18,000 feet to 2,000 feet at the
falls and has channel depths of 25 to 55 feet. The drop through the falls
varies from 18 to 24 feet. Flow (which is regulated) averaged about
73,000 cfs. Man-made works have been constructed since 1797 as aids to
navigation and for power development. Below the falls, a series of inter-
connected lakes and bays forms the river passage to Lake Huron. Three
large islands split the flow. The river is first divided into two channels
below the Soo - Lake Nicolet (the west channel) and Lake George (the inter-
national waters and longer by ten miles to the junction at the end of Sugar
Island). Lake Nicolet is divided by Neebish Island into the west and
middle channels. St. Joseph Island divides the Lake George flow into the
middle and east channels. The raiddle channel (Munuscong) forms the inter-
29
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national waters to Lake Huron. Except for man-made improvements, these
channels are shallow compared to the upper river. The population and
industrial centers of the Sou constitute the only waste sources in an
otherwise relatively sparsely settled region.
Cheboygan River
The Cheboygan River Basin, with a drainage area of approximately
1550 square miles, lies in the uppermost part of the lower Peninsula. It
comprises parts of Emmett, Charlevoix, Cheboygan, Presque Isle, Otsego,
and Montinorency counties. The mjnr city in Cheboygan, a commercial fish-
ing port located in a year-round resort area.
The basin, an irregularly shaped circle, with a diameter of about
40 miles, has approximately 237a of its surface area in lakes and swamps.
Three of the lakes, Mullett Lake, Burt Lake, and Black Lake, are among the
largest inland lakes in the Sta.te. The area in the basin is drained primar-
ily by the tributary system. The major tributaries - Maple, Sturgeon, Black,
Rainy, and Pigeon rivers - all join the main stem through one of the large
inland lakes. The main stem of the river is made up of a short stretch of
approximately six miles between Mullett Lake and Lake Huron.
Thunder Bay River
The Thunder Bay Basin, with a drainage area of approximately 1120
square miles, lies in the northeastern part of the lower Peninsula com-
prising parts of Presque Isle, Montmorency, Otsego, Oscoda, Alcona, and
Alpena counties. The largest city in the basin, Alpena, is the biggest
Michigan port on Lake Huron. This city, located in a recreation area popu-
lar for fishing and for winter sports, is near one of the largest limestone
quarries in the world,
30
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The basin, Irregular in shapes measures approximately 40 miles long
and 34 miles wide, measuring ut the longest and widest points. The Thunder
Bay River flows mostly eiiiitei'Iy to its vruuth into Thunder Bay, an arm of
Lake Huron, Hie majoj tvibu ..< c o-rf North Branch, Upper South Branch,
and Lower South Branch dra^c the northt'-rn and southern areas of the
basin. Lakes and swamps riok^ >,>p ap^roximAtcly 25 percent of the drainage
area, giving this basin the higbetit pevconlagp of lakes and swamps of any
river in the Lower Peninsu1..>.
Au Sable River
The Au Sable Basin, with o .''-raiuage area of approximately 2035 square
miles, lies in the northeast.t-rn jvirt of the lower Peninsula. It comprises
parts of Otsego, Crawford, Roscommon, Ogenvaw, Oscoda, Montmorency, Alcona,
and losco counties. The HJAJOT «i'-'y, Grayling, is in one of the leading
recreational areas o£ t]ie Sr.afp of Michigan. With headwaters in south-
eastern Otsego County, the />u o.->.j.e River flows southerly, then easterly,
and finally southeasterly to its mouth into Lake Huron.
The basin, irregular in shape, is approximately 80 miles long and
approximately 40 miles wide, measuring at the longest and widest parts.
The major tributaries include the North Branch, the Middle Branch, and
the South Branch, and the Pine B.iver.
Saginaw River
The Saginaw River, in the center of the lower Peninsula, is the
largest river basin in Michigan, It comprises a drainage area of approxi-
mately 6200 square miles, and includes all or parts of 21 counties. The
major population center-: i\ the- b sin ore Flint, Saginaw, Midland, and Bay
City. Manufacturing arid agriculture are the main industries of the area.
31
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The Saginaw River Basin is characterized, hydrologically, by low
relief, low elevation above lake level, and poor natural drainage. The
river itself is only about 22 wiles long and is formed by the junction
of its 4 major tributaries: the Flint, Cass, Shiawassee, and Tittabawassee
rivers. The Saginaw River flovf In a northerly direction and empties into
Saginaw Bay at Bay City. Its width varies between 350 and 1700 feet and
averages about 500 feet. There is a shipping channel dredged in the river
that extends from Saginaw Bay to the City of Saginaw. It has a minimum
depth of 20 feet up to the Sutth Street bridge in Saginaw, and 16 feet
thereafter, and a width of 200 feet. Generally, it is narrow at its
upstream end and widens as it mover, downstream.
The slope of the Saginaw Riv<_'t is very flat averaging a 2-foot drop
in 22 miles. This causes the depth, velocity, and discharge of the river
to be greatly affected by the hc'giiL of the water in Saginaw Bay. A
sustained southwest wind wiii (.*.-,^e tho level of Saginaw Bay to be lowered.
This, in turn, will result in the decreasing of the depth of the river,
and also increasing its velocity and discharge. A sustained northeast
wind causes the opposite result. The bay rises, the river rises, and the
v
velocity and discharge of the river are lowered. At times, the flow of
the river reverses.
The junction of the 4 tributaries to the Saginaw occurs in an area
known as the Shiawassee Flats. It is a swampy, level region, with poor
drainage and much vegetation, Water motion is very slow and not at all
conducive to measurement. At the present time, much of the area is set
32
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aside as a wild fowl sanctuary, with water levels maintained at appropriate
levels by means of man-risde dikes. This area also acts as a flow regulator,
in the sense that it greatly reduces flow peaks as they pass through, and
also adds water from bank storage in times of low flow. In these respects,
it greatly modifies the expected hydrograph of the Saginaw River.
Tittabawassee River
The Tittabawassee River Barin, with a drainage area of approximately
2515 square miles, lies in about the middle of the Lower Peninsula and west
of Saginaw Bay. It comprises par's i>f Ogcmnw, Gladwin, Roscommon, Clare,
Mecosta, Isabella, Midland, Bay, Saginaw, Gratiot, and Montcalm counties.
The Dow Chemical Company, one of the largest of its kind in the world,
is located in the City of Midland, and obtains most of its water supply
from the Tittabawassee River,
With headwaters in the southeastern part of Roscommon County and south-
western part of Ogeraaw Coun'y, -_iie Tittabawassee River flows southerly to
Midland and thence southeasterly to its junction with the Saginaw River
near Saginaw. The basin is irregular in shape, with a maximum width and
length of approximately 60 miles each, but narrowing to less than 5 miles
v
in width along the lower river. Major tributaries of the Tittabawassee
River include Tobacco, Salt, Chippewa, and Pine rivers.
Shiawassee River
The Shiawassee Basin, with a drainage area of approximately 1130 square
miles, lies west of the thumb area of the State and southeast of Saginaw Bay.
The basin comprises parts of Gratiot, Saginaw, Shiawassee, Genesee, Oakland,
33
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and Livingston counties. The largest city in this basin is Owosso. With
headwaters in Oakland County, the Shiawassee flows, generally, in a northerly
direction to its iswuLh ivu.t- the Sag maw River.
The baiiiu i.a appiroKisjitc- S;, 6;.> ..aiet, loujj and 30 miles wide at each end,
then narrows at t h-i mid- polls! to a width of about 5 miles. Major tributaries
include North Die Creek, Boj/.ue Cit-ek, and Bad River; the latter joining the
main river near its mouth.
Flint River
The Flint Rivet Bat,in, -.'iuh -, ^ruliuige area of approximately 1450 square
miles, lies in the sourL^eytern p. i i. of the thumb area of the Lower Peninsula.
It comprises parts of Sa^inaw, Slvavassee, Genesee, Oakland, Lapeer, Sanilac,
and Tuscola counties. The ro-ijcn city is Flint, now second only to Detroit
in the automobile industry. With widely branching headwaters covering most
of western Oakland County, tt-e Flint River flows generally southwesterly,
and then northwesterly to it;-; 7 -,<. h into the Saginaw River.
The basin is irregular in shape, with the greatest length approximately
55 miles, and the greatest width approximately 35 miles, narrowing to about
5 miles in width near the mouth. Major tributaries include the North Branch,
v
the South Branch along with Farmers Creek, Kearsley Creek, Thread Creek,
and Misteguay Creek.
Cass River
The Cass River Basin, with a drainage area of approximately 950 square
miles, lies in the thumb area of the Lower Peninsula. It comprises parts
of SagLnaw, Tuscola, Huron,, Sard Lac, Lapeer and Genesee counties. There
34
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are no major cities or towns in this basin. The Case River has three
branches; the north, south, and east branches, with headwaters in Huron,
Sanilac, and Lapeer counties. It flows, generally, in a westerly direction
to its mouth into the Segtnaw River,
The basin is irregularly shaped, varying in width from about 15 to 35
miles and measuring approximately 55 miles at its longest point. The South
Branch, originating in Lapeer and Sanilac counties, flows in a northerly
direction, converging with the East Branch in the northwest section of
Sanilac County. The East Branch meets the North Branch in Tuscola County,
and thus, the main stem of the river is formed. These three branches com-
prise the major tributaries of the Cass River.
The Au Gres (435 square miles), Rifle (370 square miles), and Kawkawlin
(150 square miles) rivers on the west, arid the Pigeon River (130 square miles)
on the east, are rivers of smaller basins draining into Saginaw Bay. In
additions there are numerous mitior rivers and creeks which drain directly
into Lake Huron and Saginaw Bay,
35
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B. Present; Water Quality
Two stations of the Water Pollution Surveillance System (formerly
the National Water Quality ft^twovtO are currently in operation on the
Lake Hurcr Basin, THe^f arc UT -r. Marys River at Sault Ste. Marie,
Michigan (since 11/9/59). av>-! iue St. Clair River at Port Huron, Michigan
(since 5/16/feO). IheFe samp 1 Lag stations are located at water intakes for
the two cities 3rd sampler-1 are collected on a bi-weekly basis and a
number of analyses made,
The International .loii.' Con^u' PS ion (TJC) has made both extensive
studies ("Iq5l I.TC Report) snd *8 of poll-it i^n .tcc'.'r ir. the vicinity of harbors and at the mouths of
the major tributaries,
36
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The following Table lists the average 1965 concentration for a
number of parameters of the waters entering and leaving Lake Huron.
WATER QUALITY AT ENTRANCE TO AND EXIT FROM LAKE HURON
Parameter St. Marys River St. Glair River
DO 12.4 11.9
7. Saturation 100.6 101.5
BOD - 2
COD 7
Chlorides 1.7 8
Alkalinity 41 77
Hardness w 104
Total. Dissolved Solids - 110
Coliform (median) 10 20
Collform (maximum) 3000 190
Coliform (minimum) 1 2~
Results in mg/1, except coliform - MFC/100ml.
Lake Huron
In the main body of the lake, the water is of excellent quality in
all areas. There appears to be no significant change in the water quality
as measured by most of the parameters reported. The DO'is uniformly high
throughout the lake with an average concentration of 11.5 mg/1. The
minimum value measured was 8.1 mg/1, with a maximum of 14.2 mg/1. The
BOD^ was also low, with an average of less than 1 mg/1. An apparent
increase of less than 1 mg/1 was noted in the range averages progressing
through the lake. The total solids concentration appeared relatively
uniform throughout the lake, averaging about 110 mg/1, with a slight
increase in transit. The chloride levels were low with a lake average of
37
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5 mg/1. The concentration was about 6 mg/1 at the Straits and about
2 rag/1 in i he St. Marys River above the Soo, Georgian Bay-North Channel
level;-; «{.*/-; J k iag/1. Thin love! increased to 6 mg/1 in southern Lake
Kuror., with vhe waters ui Lie St. Clair River in Port Huron having a yearly
average o? abouL c r, re.itococci results were likewise low,
as were the one-day 35°C focal plate count and the two-day 20°C total
plate uwunt.
The water quality of the various inshore, harbor, and tributary areas
of Lake Huron, which exhibited differences from the main body of the lake,
are presented in the following sections.
St^Jjarys River
The water entering from Lake Superior is of excellent quality at
Range SMU 5.6. A decrease in quality is noted at Range SMD 2.0, below ,
the cities of Sault St.e, Marie. This decrease in quality continues through
v
the eastern passage at Range SMD 8.5E and through the western passage
Range SMD 5.3W, although less pronounced. Recovery for certain parameters
is indicated after passage through Lakes Nicolet and George by the quality
at Ranges SMD 18.1W, 16.9M and 25.OE.
A. large increase in phenol concentration was observed between SMU 5.6
and SMD 2.0. Average values rose from 4 to 53 jag/1. This increase was
38
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also observed at SMD 8.5E and appeared to follow the eastern (Canadian)
shore downstream. At the lower ranges, the concentration was again low,
A significant increase in the coliform concentration was also observed.
Median increased from 10 - 30 MF/lOOml at SMU 5.6 to 70 - 7300 MF/lOOml at
SMD 2.0. A significant increase was noted between the 1965 and 1966 results,
especially at the near shore stations of SMD 2.0 and SMD 5.3W. The higher
1966 coliform concentration at SMD 8.5E were due to a temporary breakdown
in the chlorlnation equipment at the Ontario Water Resources Commission
sewage treatment plant. The maximum values for the period after chlorina-
tion more closely resembled the 1965 values.
No treatment needs or recommendations are included in this report for
pollution sources not in the United States.
Straits of Mackinac
The entering waters from Lake Michigan are of very good quality.
Average DO concentration exceeded 11.0 mg/1. The average BOD- was 1 mg/1,
with a maximum of 3 mg/1. Both total and fecal coliform densities were low,
with medians of less than 2 MFC/lOOml, and fecal coliform was 5 MFC/lOOml.
v
Cheboygan Harbor- South Channel
The DO concentration was high at all stations with an average of about
11 mg/1. The minimum value was 6.5 in the river, with an average of about
10 mg/1. BOD5 ranged from 1-3 mg/1 in the river, and 1-2 mg/1 at the
other stations. Chloride levels in South Channel (the waters from the
Straits) were at the same range as in the river with average concentration
slightly higher. Total solids and total hardness levels were 50% greater
39
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in the river than in the South Channel waters - solids 190 mg/1 vs 120 mg/1,
and hardness 160 mg/1 vs 110 mg/1. Suspended solids in the river and harbor
averaged 10 mg/1 compared with an average of 3 mg/1 in the South Channel.
The total and fecal coll form concentrations showed the effect of the river
on the harbor waters. Median and maximum total coliforms were 220 and 1400
in the river (Y500), 48 and 790 in the harbor (H525), and 8 and 27 in the
South Channel (H526). Fecal coliform values were respectively 30 and 460,
11 and 120, < 2 and 4, all results in MF/lOOml.
Rogers City - Calcite
The following information is based on the results of limited sampling.
The DO was high, with an average of 13-0 mg/1, with a less concentration of
12.1 mg/1 found in the immediate harbor area. Total solids averaged about
130 mg/1, with the higher values near shore. Chloride concentrations were
uniform at 5 mg/1, the average for the lake itself in this area. Suspended
solids and volatile suspended solids ranged from 0-7 mg/1 and 0-5 mg/1,
with the maximum values near shore. The single total coliform value at the
harbor was less than 2 MF/100ml.
_Thunder_Bav
v
The DO concentration ranged from an average of 9.8 mg/1 in. the Thunder
Bay River and inner harbor area to 11.1 mg/1 in the outer harbor. The low
values ranged from 7.8 mg/1 in the river to 9.3 mg/1 in the outer harbor.
BODjj concentration ranged from an average of 3 mg/1 in the river, to 1 mg/1
in the outer harbor. Total solids concentration ranged from an average of
240 mg/1 in the river, and 140 in the inner harbor, to 110 in the outer
harbor. Suspended solids concentration ranged from an average of 10 mg/1
in the river, to 3 mg/1 in the outer harbor. Chloride levels at all stations
40
-------
were low, averaging 5 mg/1 , the concentration of the main body of the lake.
Total hardness ranged from an average of 190 mg/1 in the river, to 94 mg/1
in the outer harbor.
Total coliform and fecal coliform density medians were 430 and 130
in the river, 130 and 9 in the inner harbor, and 1 and 1 in the outer
harbor. Maximum values were 2700 and 500, 3400 and 270, and 6 and 2,
respectively; all results in MF/lOOml.
Harrisville Harbor
The DO concentration averaged 11.0 mg/1 in the more remote stations,
with an average concentration of .5 to 7 mg/1 less at the stations in the
inner harbor. BOD 5 ranged from 1-2 mg/1, except in the inner harbor,
where the range was 1 - 6 mg/1, with averages of 2 and 3 mg/1. Total
solids averaged 120 mg/1 in the outer harbor, with averages of 130 and
170 in the inner harbor stations. Suspended solids averaged 5 mg/1 in
the outer harbor, with averages of 10 and 35 mg/1 near shore. Hardness
averaged 96 mg/1 in the outer harbor, and 101 and 105 mg/1 at the inner
harbor stations. Chlorides were at a uniform average of 5 mg/1 at all
stations.
Median total and fecal coliform densities were less than 2 and less
than 1 in the outer harbor, 140 and 11 near the mouth of the harbor, and
19 and 16 at the south end of the harbor. Maximum densities were 7 and
less than 2, 290, and 150, and 350 and 131, respectively, in MF/lOOml.
The station at the south end of the harbor appeared for most parameters
to be of the poorer quality of the two inner harbor stations.
41
-------
Oscoda-Au Sable
DO concentration was high in the outer harbor area averaging 10.9 mg/1.
The concentration at the mouth of the harbor and in the Au Sable River was
less, averaging 9.3 in the river, and 8.7 at the inner harbor. BOD5 con-
centration ranged from 1-2 mg/1 in the outer stations, with a slightly
higher concentration In the river. Total solids ranged from an average of
190 mg/1 in the river, and 180 in the inner harbor, averaging 140 mg/1.
Suspended solids averaged about 8 mg/1 in the river and inner harbor, and
about 5 in the outer harbor. Chloride levels were apparently higher than
found previously, with an average concentration of about 6 mg/1.
Total and fecal coliform median densities ranged from 4700 and 140 in
the river, 460 and 26 in the inner harbor, to about 18 and less than 2 in
the outer harbor. Maximum values were 45,000 and 7200, 3500 and 130, 290
and 3, respectively, lu M17/100ml. These values indicated recent bacterial
contamination of the river' and also the immediate harbor.
The high bacteria counts at the mouth of the Au Sable constitute a
hazard for total and partial body contact use. Excessive growth of vegeta-
tion tends to interfere with the trout fishing on the Au Sable. Expansion
and improvements in treatment and collection of wastes at Gaylord, Grayling,
Oscoda, Au Sable, and Roscommon, would materially reduce bacteriological and
vegetative interferences with recreational water use.
Saginaw Bay
The DO concentration of the main bay ranged from an average of 8.0 mg/1
near the mouth of the Saginaw River, to an average of 10.0 mg/1 in the outer
bay, BOD^ average concentration decreased from 4 mg/1 near the mouth of the
river to 2 mg/1 in the outer bay. Total solids average concentration decreased
42
-------
from 690 mg/1 to 150 mg/1. Suspended solids average concentration decreased
from 27 mg/1 to 4 mg/1. Chloride concentrations decreased from 169 mg/1 to
11 mg/1. In general, the higher concentration tended toward the eastern
shore of the bay. The values in Tawas Bay were generally lower than those
in the outer bay range.
Significantly different coliform densities were observed during the
chlorination period, from the pre- and post-chlorination period. These
densities before chlorination ranged from greater than 10,000 MF/lOOml
near the mouth of the Saginaw River, and 1500 MF/lOOml near Tawas City.
During the chlorination period, the median at the mouth of the river was
11 - 100 MF/lOOml, with all other areas showing medians of less than 1 or
1-10 MF/100ml.
The water quality of the 6 major tributaries to Saginaw Bay, excluding
the Saginaw River, showed considerable variation in some parameters, with
minor variation in others. Average dissolved oxygen concentration ranged
from 8.0 - 10.6 mg/1. A single stream, the Sebewaing showed the maximum
DO variation 2.6 - 16.6 mg/1, and also the maximum average concentration.
Average BOD5 concentration ranged from 2-5 mg/1. Average chloride con-
centration ranged from 2 - 142 mg/1. Total hardness averages ranged from
160 - 334 mg/1. Total and fecal coliform medians ranged from 370 - 15,000
MF/lOOml and 88 - 480 MF/100ml.
The water quality of the major tributary to the Bay, the Saginaw River,
was highly variable. Average DO was 7.1 mg/1, with a range of 3.0 to 13.0
mg/1. Average BOD^ was 5 mg/1. Average suspended solids was 34 mg/1, with
total solids of 890 mg/1. Average chloride concentration was 243 mg/1.
43
-------
Geometric mean coliform was 53,000 MF/lOOml for pre- and post- chlorination
period, and 5700 KF/lOOml during the chlorination period.
Tr-e year- round chlorination required by the Michigan Department of
Public Health &% of January 1967 is expected to decrease the bacteria levels
in the water and the threat to health and recreational use. Better water
quality ir, the Bay will be achieved by construction of additional collection
and treatment facilities throughout the drainage basin.
Harbor .Beach
The DO conceittration average exceeded 11.0 mg/1 at all stations. The
BOD5 concentration averaged about 2 mg/1 for the other harbor stations, and
about 2 mg/1 for the inner harbor stations. Total solids average concentra-
tion averaged 130 wg/1 at the outer harbor stations and 140 mg/1 in the
inner harbor. Suspended solids averaged 4 mg/1 in the outer harbor, and
7 mg/1 in the inner harbor. Chloride levels were 8 mg/1 in the outer har-
bor, and about 9 mg/1 in the inner harbor -- about 3-4 mg/1 higher than
the values found along the upper Lake Huron shoreline. Total hardness
averaged 99 mg/1 with some minor variation among the inner and outer harbor
stations,
Total and fecal coliform densities revealed significant differences
in the water quality of the inner and outer harbor. Median and maximum
total coliforms were less than 10 and 22 in the outer harbor, and 66 and
190 in the inner harbor. Median and maximum fecal coliforms were 1 and 2,
and 32 and 66, respectively, in MF/ 100ml.
DO concentration averaged 11.7 mg/1 in all parts of the harbor. BOD5
averaged 1 mg/1 in the outer area and 1 mg/1 within the breakwater. Total
solids averaged about 120 mg/1 in the outer area, and about 130 within the
44
-------
breakwater. Suspended solids averaged less than 4 mg/1 in the outer
harbor, and 13 mg/1 within the breakwater. Total hardness was uniform,
averaa/,n-. about 99 iag/1 throughout the harbor. Chlorides averaged 6 mg/1
in the oufor harbor, end 7 -.g/ \ ^'thin the breakwater, or about the average
concern rut ton of the lo/tin ~h>--e body in that area.
Total end fecwl t-ol ifori" densities were low, with the exception of
the station, within the breakwater. The median and maximum values in the
outer barber were 1 and 3 for letal colifora, with a maximum fecal value
or le,:{ 'han 2, Wi;.hin Us'-- hre:;Vwater, the correspond ing values were 66
and 15/« total and 10 n»d 18 fe-.s 1 coliform in MF/100ml.
JPort Huron
Average DO ccmcentrattnu in the southern end of Lake Huron averaged
11.0 mg/1. Average BODn; concentration ranged from 1-2 mg/1, with a
maximum value of 3 tttg/1, Tola.! solids averaged 110 mg/1, with values near
the shores 3 Kg/1 higher. Suspended solids averaged about 2 mg/1 in the
main body of the lake, and from 6-8 mg/1 near the shore. Chlorides were
uniform, averaging about 6 mg/1. Total hardness averaged 94 mg/1 at all
stations.
Total and fecal coliform densities were low throughout the range.
Median total and fecal coliform values were 1 and less than 1 MF/lOOml.
Maximum total coliforms of 11 and 16 MF/lOOml were found along the shores
with maxiiaums from 2-6 found in the offshore waters. Maximum fecal
coliform value found was 2 MF/lOOml.
45
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WATER USES
The principal water uses of the Michigan tributaries of Lake Huron
Basin include:,
Municipal Water_ Supply - Use of surface waters of the river, bay, or
lake, as a municipal, water source.
Total Body Contact - The complete immersion of the body in water as in
swimming.
Partial Body Contact - Partial immersion of the body as in water skiing,
wading, and stream fishing.
Fish and Aquatic Life - Habitat for fish and aquatic life and available
for fishing.
Wildlife - Available for animal and fowl wildlife use.
Livestock - Used for stock watering of dairy cows, pigs, horses, etc.
Irrigation - Used for watering of agricultural lands, golf courses,
parks, etc.
Industrial Water Supply - Use of surface waters for processing and
manufacturing.
Cooling Water - Industrial and municipal surface water use for cooling
of machinery.
Hydro-power - River waters used for the production of hydroelectric
power.
Waste Assimilation - Assimilation of municipal and industrial wastes
and wastewater.
v
Esthetics - The use of water for esthetic enjoyment. Camping, picnicking,
and sight-seeing, while not directly water oriented activities, are
considerably enhanced by the presence of a relatively clean water course.
Pleasure Boating - Includes canoes, small row boats, power boats, and
sailboats.
Comnercial Shipping - Use of lakes and streams by steamships and
commercial fishing boats.
46
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Table 2 is a description of the river, bay, and lake areas covered
by this report, and Figure 14 shows their locations in reference to the
basins by area. The reach boundaries were based on consideration of
changing water quality, observed and reported water uses (See Table 3),
and/or certain physical features of the area. These water uses were
developed through extraction of material from the Michigan Water Resources
Commission reports, Bureau of Recreation reports, Michigan Department of
Public Health reports, and the U.S. Public Health Service reports. How-
ever, full responsibility for designation of these uses is assumed by
this office.
The Lake Huron Basin waters are predominantly used for recreational
activities, such as swimming, boating, fishing, water skiing, canoeing,
camping, picnicking, hiking, and sight-seeing.
47
-------
Stream
St. Marys River
TABLE 2. REACH DESCRIPTIONS
St. Marys River Area
Description
Upper - White Fish Bay to Soo Locks
Lower - Soo Locks to Lake Huron
Waiska River
Charlotte River
Little Muniscong River
Big Muniscong River
Gogomain River
Cheboygan River
Indian River
Carp River
Ocqueoc River
Trout River
Swan River
Little Trout River
Grand Lake Outlet
Long Lake Creek
Devils River
Black River
Thunder Bay River
Thunder Bay
Au Sable
St. Marys River to head
St. Marys River to head
St. Marys River to head
St. Marys River to head
St. Marys River to head
Upper Lake Huron Area
Lake Huron to Mullet Lake 6.0 Mile
Between Burt and Mullett Lakes
Lake Huron to head
Lake Huron to head
Lake Huron to head
Lake Huron to head
Lake Huron to head
Lake Huron to Grand Lake
v
Lake Huron to head
Lake Huron to head
Lake Huron to head
Thunder Bay to Hillman (40.75 miles)
From north point to south point
Late Huron to Grayling (60 miles)
48
-------
Stream
New River
Willow River
Diamond Creek
Ocka Creek
Rock Falls Creek
Sucker Creek
Elm Creek
White River
Mill Creek
Elk Creek
Indian Creek
Big Creek
Cherry Creek
Br id gehamp ton
Mill Creek
Birch Creek
TABLE 2. REACH DESCRIPTIONS (cont.)
Lower Lake Huron Area
Description
Lake Huron to North of Bad Axe
Lake Huron to East of Bad Axe
Lake Huron to head
Lake Huron to head
Lake Huron to head
Lake Huron to head
Lake Huron to head
Lake Huron to head
Lake Huron to head
Lake Huron to head
Lake Huron to head
Lake Huron to head
Lake Huron to head
Lake Huron to head*
Lake Huron to West of Lexington
Lake Huron to South of Lexington
49
-------
TABLE 2. REACH DESCRIPTIONS (Cont.)
Saginaw Bay Area
Stream Description
Saginaw Bay Tawas Bay to Bird Creek
Saginaw River Saginaw Bay to Saginaw 21.14 M.P.
Quanicassee River Saginaw Bay to head
Sebewaing River Saginaw Bay to above Sebewaing
Pigeon River Saginaw Bay to South of Bad Axe
Pinnebog River Saginaw Bay to South of Bad Axe
Bird Creek Saginaw Bay to head
Kawkawlin River (NB) Saginaw Bay to head
Pinconning River Saginaw Bay to head
Pine River Saginaw Bay to head
Rifle River Saginaw Bay to head
Au Gres River Saginaw Bay to head
Tawas River Tawas Bay to Lake Tawas
Saginaw River Basin Tributaries Area
Tittabawassee River Lower - Saginaw River to Gladwin County
Upper - Gladwin County to Roscommon County
Chlppewa Tittabawassee River at Midland to Barryton
Pine Chippewa River to Alma
Salt River Mouth of Sanford Lake to North of Mt. Pleasant
Tobacco River Tittabawassee River to Farwell
Shiawassee River Saginaw River to Holly
Cass River Shiawassee River to Ubly
Flint River Shiawassee River to North Branch
50
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TABLE 4. KEY TO WATER USE CODE
1. Municipal Water Supply
2. Total Body Contact
3. Partial Body Contact
4. Fish and Aquatic Life
5. Wildlife
6. Livestock Watering
7. Irrigation
8, Industrial Water Supply
9. Cooling Water
10. Hydro-power
11. Waste Assimilation
12. Esthetics
13. Pleasure Boating
14. Commercial Shipping
57
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INSTITUTIONAL ORGANIZATIONS FOR WATER POLLUTION CONTROL IN MICHIGAN
The following is a list of Michigan Statutes and a brief explanation
of their relationship to water pollution control:
Act 350, P.O. 1865 - Conservation Department directed to protect
fish and fisheries.
Act 98, P.A. 1973 - Initiated the supervision of municipal water
and sewer facilities by the Michigan Health Department.
Act 17, P.A. 1921 - Conservation Department was granted broad
authority to "prevent and guard against pollution of lakes and streams
within the State."
Act 61, P.A. 1939 - Director of Conservation was named State
Supervisor of Wells (for oil and gas) and authorized "to prevent waste
or damage to oil and gas, the fresh, brine, and mineral waters or to
life and property."
Act 219, P.A. 1949 - Michigan Health Department's control "of plans,
construction, operation, and supervision of public water supplies,
sewerage and sewage treatment facilities was strengthened.
Act 40, P.A. 1956 - Defines unlawful use of county and intercounty
drains for carrying sewage and other wastes. County Drain Commissions
are responsible for actions under this law.
Act 306, P.A. 1927 - Authorize local health departments to adopt
and enforce regulations controlling installation and operation of private
sewage disposal systems.
Act 245, P.A. 1929
Act 117, P.A. 1949 )
Act 165, P.A. 1963 ) Amendments to Act 245, P.A.'1929
Act 405, P.A. 1965 )
The Michigan Water Resources Commission by authority of the foregoing
Acts, is composed of seven members: the Heads of Department of Health,
Conservation, Agriculture and Highways, as well as members representing
Industrial Management, Municipalities, and Organized Conservation Groups.
Act 20, P.A. 1964 - Water Resources Commission controls storage and
established optimum flows for all legitimate uses on a stream.
58
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The Act creating a Water Resources Commission, prohibited the
pollution of any waters of the State and the Great Lakes, designated
the commission as the State agency in matters concerning the water
resources of the State and provided penalties for the violation of the
Act, The Act as amended (1965) is composed of twelve major sections.
Sections 1 to 4 create the commission, authorize it to make rules and
regulations, to enforce provisions of the Act, and to inspect and
Investigate matters relating to water pollution. Section 5 details the
establishment of standards for waters and effluent discharges, and to
prevent any pollution. Section 6 (A) is a broad definition of injurious
pollution. Section 6 (B) defines "the discharge of any raw sewage of
human origin, directly or indirectly into any of the waters of the State
shall be considered prima facie evidence of the violation of Section 6 (A)."
In addition any governmental unit is held responsible for the acts of
"persons" within its boundaries. Section 6 (C) authorizes townships
to issue and sell the necessary bonds to construct treatment works.
Section 6 (D) defines any violation of Section 6 as a public nuisance
and provides for remedies in addition to those specified for water
pollution violations. Sections 7 through 12 provide for*the legal rights
of accused polluters and penalties for those found to be guilty and for
conducting hearings and issuing orders of determination, define certain
terms and fulfill the legal requirements of Michigan laws. Two important
subsections in this group are Sections 8 (B) requiring the filing of
proposed use statements with the commission, before using the waters of
the State sewage or waste disposal purposes, and Section 12 exempting
certain copper or iron mining operations from the provisions of the Act.
59
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Summary of duties;
The Michigan Water Resources Commission has primary responsibility
for c <;" >;,> 1.1 ing pollution in the waters of the State, setting of legal
watei <-, "?, j 5 ty ^tfndnrds. comprehensive water resource planning, and
estaM iF-hti\g priorities for construction grant programs.
The Michigan Department of Public Health controls construction and
operation o£ public sewage collection and treatment systems and public
wafer supply systems, as well as licensing of operators of water supply
and sewage treatment plants,
M&L&JL and Related Land Resources Planning in Michigan:
There are three Michigan Departments primarily responsible for the
flcHvirles relevant to comprehensive water and related resource planning.
Department of Commerce (Office of Economic Expansion, State Resource
Planning Division, and the Community Planning Division).
Department of Highways (Office of Planning).
Department of Conservation (Division of Recreation Resource Planning
and the Planning Section of the Water Resources Commission), the Michigan
Water Resources Commission has been designated by Governor Romney as the
v
State agency to develop a comprehensive water and related land resource
plan for Michigan.
An Inter-agency Committee was organized as directed by Governor
Romney to "coordinate joint State-Federal programs with local and regional
planning of Michigan's water and related land resources."
60
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BIBLIOGRAPHY
1. Report on Pollution of Lake Erie and its Tributaries Part 2, Ohio,
Indiana, and Michigan Sources, U.S. Dept. of Health, Education,
and Welfare, PHS, DWS&PC, July 1965. Chicago, 111.
2- rHatgT Or1entcd Outdogr Recreation Lake Erie Basin. U.S. Dept. of
the Interior, Bureau of Outdoor Recreation, Lake Central Region,
Ann Arbor, Mich. August 1966.
3. A Summary of Water and Related Land Resources in Michigan, Mich.
Dept. of Conservation, WRC, Lansing, Mich. 1966.
4. Report on Water Pollution Control in the Detroit Metropolitan Area
and Monroe Area of Michigan, MWRC and MDPH. June 1965.
5, The Huron River Watershed. A report of the Technical Advisory
Subcommittee, Huron River Watershed Intergovernmental Committee,
August 1963.
6. Huron River Superior Dam to Ford Dam, School of Public Health,
U. of Mich. May-June 1966.
7. Water Resource Conditions and Uses in the Huron River Basin, MWRC,
Lansing, Mich. 1957.
8. Water Resource Conditions and Uses in the River Raisin Basin, MWRC,
Lansing, Mich. 1965.
9. Report on the Water Resources of the Clinton River Basin, MWRC,
Lansing, Mich. 1953.
10. Water Pollution Control in the River Basins of the Southeastern
Michigan Region, MDPH & MWRC. March 1962.
11. Pollution of Waters of the United States in Lake St. Clair, The
Detroit River, and Western Lake Erie in the Detroit Area.
U.S. Dept. of Health, Education, and Welfare, PHS, Robert A. Taft
Sanitary Engineering Center, Cincinnati, Ohio. March 1962.
12. Pollution of the Detroit River, Michigan Waters of Lake Erie, and their
Tributaries, Findings, U.S. Dept. Health, Education, and Welfare, PHS,
DWS&PC, April 1965.
13. Industrial and Commercial Pollution Status. MWRC, April 1, 1966.
61
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U.S. Ef,virGn;r,ei.ta! Protection
Region V, Library
230 South Dearborn
Chicago, Illinois 6060.41
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