EDINGS
VOLUME 3
&
Conference
In the matter of Pollution of
the navigable waters of the
Detroit River and Lake Erie
and their Tributaries in the
State of Michigan
SECOND SESSION
JUNE 15-18, 1965
U. S. DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH, EDUCATION, AND WELFARE
-------
VOLUME 3
Conference
In the matter of Pollution of
the navigable waters of the
Detroit River and Lake Erie
and their Tributaries in the
State of Michigan
SECOND SESSION J U N E 15 -18, 1965
US. DEPARTMENT OF
HEALTH, EDUCATION, AND WELFARE
Public Health Service
-------
CONTENTS.
PAGE:
OPENING STATEMENT
By Mr. Stein 3
STATEMENT OF:
REPRESENTATIVE JOHN D. DINGELL 16
REPRESENTATIVE WILLIAM D. FORD 30
RICHARD D. VAUGHAN 44
GEORGE L. HARLOW 703
ERNEST PREMETZ 852
GOVERNOR GEORGE ROMNEY 858
GOVERNOR JAMES RHODES 871
REPRESENTATIVE WESTON E. VIVIAN 880
COLONEL EDWARD C. BRUCE 912
LIEUTENANT MAURICE S0 POWER 927
KENNETH MACKENTHUN 1013
GERALD EDDY 1015
RALPH PURDY 1028
1092
JOHN E. VOGT 1035
C. C. CRUMLEY 1062
AL BARBOUR 1075
MERLIN DAMON 1110
TODD A. GAYER 1112
JOHN CHASCSA 1118
GERALD REMUS 1231
-------
1-A
CONTENTS
STATEMENT OF;
GERARD H. COLEMAN
GEORGE E. HUBBELL
GEORGE J. HAZEY
GENE LITTLE
JAMES D. OGDEN
OLGA M. MADAR
FRED E. TUCKER
HAYSE H. BLACK
ROBERT c. MCLAUGHLIN
FRANK KALLIN
A. J. VON FRANK
ROBERT P. LOGAN
JACK T. GARRETT
WILLIAM R. DAY
J. W. TRACHT
C. D. BARRETT, SR., M.D,
STANLEY DIROFF
WILLIS H. HALL
CLOSING STATEMENT
Mr. Stein
PAGE:
1435
1440
1465
1478
1490
1493
1505-A
1564
1570
1582
1607
1622
1651
1655
1662
1716
1749
1771
1782
-------
608
Richard D. Vaughan
North (5 per cent occurrence)
Water movement in the Michigan waters of
Lake Erie is predominantly southerly to south-southwesterly
for a north wind. Thus, Detroit River water would be
transported south to Stony Point and across the Raisin
River Channel if this wind condition prevailed for a
sufficient length of time. Little data was obtained
in Brest Bay on north winds, but from what is available,
a generally southerly current pattern, paralleling the
shoreline, may be assumed. It does not appear likely
that Detroit River water moves west in the Bay as far
as the beaches, however. East of the Project study area,
movement is to the south in the vicinity of the Detroit
River Light, becoming southeasterly as distance from the
River mouth increases.
Northeast (9 per cent occurrence)
The predominant current direction for a north-
east wind is southwesterly. As was the case with a
north wind, Detroit River water could enter Brest Bay
if a strong northeasterly wind persisted for a day or two.
Field observations made during April and May of 1964
show that water movement near the beach at Sterling State
Park is variable but generally has a southerly component
-------
609
Richard D. Vaughan
for this wind condition. This variability is probably
due to unsteady water levels caused by seiche action or
wind set-up while field measurements were being performed,
East (7 per cent occurrence)
The current pattern for an east wind is some-
what more complicated than for the two wind conditions
just mentioned. Water movement in the West Outer and
East Outer Channels is southwesterly near the Detroit
River Light, becoming westerly near the ends of the
channels as wind becomes the dominant force over the
River current, which dissipates with distance from the
mouth.
In the area from P6int aux Peaux north to
Pointe Mouillee, the water mass appears to rotate in a
clockwise direction when east winds are strong. Thus
currents along the beach in this area are northerly for
this situation. This was substantiated by results ob-
tained by Dr. Ayers, of the University of Michigan, in a
current pattern study at the Enrico Fermi Atomic Reactor.
In Brest Bay, at Stony Point, and in the area
immediately to the east of the Bay, water movement is to
the west. Studies made by the Project at Sterling State
Park in 1964 show that currents along the beach are quite
variable for an east wind, and appear to depend on water
-------
610
Richard D. Vaughan
level fluctuations in the area at the time of observation.
For an east wind, water passing the beach at Sterling
State Park could be moving north from the Raisin River,
west from Brest Bay, or South from the Stony or Sandy
Creek areas.
In that part of the Detroit River debouchment
lying to the east of the Detroit River Light and the
channels, an east wind appears to cause a large-scale,
counter-clockwise rotation of surface waters.
Southeast (15 per cent occurrence)
Current patterns in the case of a southeast
wind are quite similar to patterns for an east wind,
except that the clockwise circulation pattern in the Swan
Creek area occurs more frequently as the wind intensity
required to cause rotation is lower when the wind has a
southerly component.
In Brest Bay and nearby areas, water movement
is predominantly northwest.
Along the beach at Sterling State Park currents
are most frequently northerly but may also be to the south.
This again is most likely due to localized differences
and changes in water level.
-------
611
Richard D. Vaughan
South (11 per cent occurrence)
Overall water movement in the northern part
of the study area is to the south and southeast under the
influence of a south wind. To the south, where the effect
of the Detroit River current is little felt, water movement
is north-northeast. Upon meeting, in the area south
cf the East Outer and West Outer Channels, the two water
masses appear to resolve into one, moving along an easterly
course.
Currents alongshore in the Swan Creek area
are northerly, creating an eddy In the area from shore to
the West Outer Channel.
In Brest Bay, and along the beaches in the bay,
water movement is to the north.
Southwest (24 per cent occurrence)
For a southwest wind, currents are predominant-
ly southeast in the northern sector and northeast In
Brest Bay and the area east of the Bay.
Water movement alongshore in the Swan Creek
a rea is northerly, turning to the southeast in the
vicinity of Pointe Mouillee.
Flow along the beach at Sterling State Park
-------
612
Richard D. Vaughan
is northerly for a southwest wind. Thus, water quality
on the beach will likely be influenced by the Raisin
River.
West (10 per cent occurrence)
Water movement is easterly for a west wind
of moderate to high intensity. At Sterling State Park,
currents alongshore are northeasterly most of the time
for this wind condition.
For a light west wind, waters in Brest Bay
were found, on one occasion, to be circulating in a
clockwise direction. At that time currents in the area
to the east of the Bay were southerly.
Northwest (13 per cent occurrence)
Current patterns are south to southwesterly
for a northwest wind. Currents alongshore in the Swan
Creek area are southerly. Thus, Detroit River water can
move south to Stony Point, and possibly into Brest Bay.
Summary of Findings
1. In open water sections of the Lake Erie
study area, away from the mouth of the Detroit River,
currents generally move with the prevailing wind.
-------
613
Richard D. Vaughan
2. At the mouth and in the debouchment, the
Detroit River current is most important in determining
patterns of water movement. The usual south-to-southeast-
to-east path traced by water moving from the River mouth
into the debouchment, and finally out into the Lake, is
modified somewhat by east, southeast, and south winds.
Under the influence of these winds, a counter-clockwise
circulation pattern is set up in the area east of the
East Outer Channel.
3. Along the beaches from Point aux Peaux north
past Swan Creek, two types of current patterns occur.
When winds are from the west, north, and east, which is
approximately 50 per cent of the time, water movement is
southerly, directly from the Detroit River. For all
southerly winds, flow alongshore is northerly. For a
southeast wind, and possibly for a south wind, also, the
northerly current movement along the beaches is part of a
clockwise circulation pattern extending from shore to
the West Outer Channel. Thus Detroit River water can
affect water quality along the beaches in the vicinity of
Swan Creek 75 to 85 per cent of the time.
4. At Sterling State Park, northerly water
movement may be expected to occur regularly for south-
through-west winds. Thus, at least 40 to ^5 per cent of
-------
614
Richard D. Vaughan
the time, Raisin River water can reach the beach areas
t o the north.
5. Direct water transport from the mouth of
the Detroit River into Brest Bay is possible but
probably occurs only rarely. Winds from the northeast
aid east, which occur approximately 20 per cent of the time,
could accomplish this if they blew steadily for two days
or more.
STERLING STATE PARK BEACH SURVEY
Sterling State Park is a large recreational
area located on Lake Erie just north of the mouth of
the Raisin River. Among its facilities is a large expanse
of bathing beach on Lake Erie. Approximately 1,200,000
people used the Park in 1959.
Following investigation and evaluation by
personnel of the Michigan Water Resources Commission arid
the Michigan Department of Health, and on their advice,
the Sterling State Park was posted as unsafe for swimming
by the Michigan Department of Conservation in August, 1961.
The State agencies, in a special report to the Michigan
Water Resources Commission, listed several possible
s ources of waste capable of degrading the sanitary water
quality of Sterling State Park, including (a) municipal
-------
615
Richard D. Vaughan
effluent from Detroit, Wyandotte, Trenton, and Monroe;
i
(b) overflow from combined sewers in the southeast Michigan
area; (c) wastes from shorefront homes; and (d) industrial
wastes from paper mills in the Monroe area.
The problem of water quality at the Sterling
State Park and the waste sources and conditions which
degrade this quality is complex and defies a simple solu-
tion. Average or geometric mean coliform values at this
beach during the Project's duration indicated satisfactory
water quality. However, grab samples collected after
certain conditions of wind and rainfall showed exception-
ally high coliform densities.
To explain these puzzling results a special
investigation of the Park was undertaken by Project
personnel with an engineering consultant called in for this
purpose.
Description of Area
Sterling State Park is located on Brest Bay
north of the Raisin River extending north to the mouth of
Sandy Creek. The Pa;rk has approximately 7,^00 feet of beach
shoreline on Lake Erie, and Inland waters directly adjacent
to Sterling State Park have an area of approximately
245 acres. The water in the inland ponds adjacent to
-------
616
Richard D. Vaughan
and within Sterling State Park is generally used for
boating, fishing, and water skiing. Water taken for
industries in the Monroe area passes through these ponds,
the sources being Sandy Creek and Lake Erie water.
Water level changes in Lake Erie affect
water movement into and out of the inland ponds, result-
Ing in appreciable flows during these p&riods of rapid
water level changes. It Is not uncommon for the water
level in Lake Erie to change 1 foot within a 6-hour
period, which would result in an average water movement
for this period of approximately 500 cfs. Since the water
consumption of the industries using this water is
approximately 200 cfs. the quality of water in the inland
areas is partly dependent on the quality of water drawn
in from the west end of Lake Erie.
Figure 19-VI shows the area covered by this
investigation and the sampling pbints referred to in this
report.
Table 26-VI describes the sampling points; and
Table 27-VI lists the results of the bacteriological
investigation of the Sterling State Park area, accompanied
bjr pertinent weather data and remarks.
(Figure 19-VI; Table 26-VI, and Table 27-VI follow.)
-------
PAGE NOT
AVAILABLE
DIGITALLY
-------
6'17-A
TABLE 26-VI. DESCRIPTION OF SAMPLING POINTS
STERLING STATE PARK SURVEY
T80 Raisin River at the mouth
T8l Raisin River 0.5 miles upstream from the raoutu
T82 Raisin River 1.13 miles upstream from the mouth
T70 Stony Creek at River Road
T71 Mouth of small boat harbor about 1,500 feet south of the
mouth of Stony Creek
T7U Mouth of Sandy Creek
T75 Sandy Creek at River Road
T76 Culvert pipe under the road crossing the lagoon west of
Sterling State Park's bathing beach
T77 Mouth of the stream on the extreme southern end of Sterling
State Park's bathing beach
B17 Detroit Beach north of Sandy Creek
B18 Sterling State Park (northern end)
B21 Sterling State Park (southern end)
B32 Midway between the Raisin River and Sterling State Park
B33 2,500 feet south of the Raisin River
PI Woodland Beach Pumping Station
P2 Grand Beach Pumping Station
P3 ) Detroit Beach twin pumping station
Pli )
P5 Detroit Beach Pimping Station along Sandy Creek
Wl Mason Run
W2 Monroe Sewage Treatment Plant outfall
W3 Consolidated Paper Company - south outfall
WU Consolidated Paper Company - north outfall
W5 Monroe Paper Products outfall
-------
TABLE 27-VI.
RESULTS OF BACTERIOLOGICAL INVESTIGATION OF STERLING STATE
PARK BATHING BEACHES APRIL - MAY, 196U
Date
U/6/6U
U/7/6U
U/8/6U
Sta.
T75
B17
T7U
B18
B21
T77
B32
T75
B17
T7U
B18
B21
T77
B32
T80
T8l
T82
B33
T75
B17
T7U
B18
B21
T77
B32
T80
T8l
T82
B33
Gen.
Wind
Dir.
Lt.
S
Lt to
mod.
W
Mod.
W
Current
Direction
off
Park
NNE
Remarks
and
Weather
Observations
Partly cloudy
with wind up
to 10 knots
Light rain
Cloudy with no
significant
rain
Cloudy with
light rain and
winds up to
20 knots
Flow is out-
ward at T7U
and T77
Total
Coliform
Density
Organisras/lOCtnl
35,000
1,600
U,000
1,700
2,100
1,000
1,100
1,200
800
300
2,500
8,UOO
6,600
2,UOO
51,000
58,000
71,000
2U,000
10,000
14,100
8,300
5,900
6,600
6,300
1,000
53,000
35,000
31,000
liO.OOO
Fecal Coliforms
Percent
5
12
10
10
10
20
25
U5
35
5
25
Uo
U5
25
30
15
10
25
35
50
8
50
20
U5
in
Per 100ml
1,750
190
170
210
110
2UO
620
3,800
2,300
120
12,500
23,000
32,000
6,000
3,000
615
830
i,5oo
2,300
3,150
80
26,500
7,000
111,000
1. nnn
Fecal
Strep
Org/lOOral
18 0
70
100
UO
Ratio
F. Col.
F. Strep
10:1
3:1
U:l
70 3:1
20
10
180
60
110
360
300
70
U60
630
550
U90
290
Uo
120
20
Uo
Uo
10
8UO
900
750
01. «
11:1
1:1
6:1
11:1
8:1
2:1
27:1
36:1
58:1
12:1
10:1
15:1
7:1
75:1
57:1
79:1
8:1
32:1
8:1
22:1
i- -i
C»
-------
TABLE 27-VI.
RESULTS OF BACTERIOLOGICAL INVESTIGATION OF STERLING STATE
PARK BATHING BEACHES APRIL - MAY, 196U (CONTINUED)
Date
V13M
U/lbM
U/15M
h/l6/6h
h/20/6k
Sta.
T75
B17
T7h
B18
B21
T77
B32
T80
T8l
T82
B21
B21
B21
B21
T75
B17
T7U
B18
B21
T77
T82
T8l
Gen.
Wind
Dir.
Strong
S
Strong
S
Mod
W
Mod
SSE
Mod
E
Current
Direction
off
Park
N
NE
to
SE
Remarks
and
Weather
Observations
Cloudy with
wind gusts up
to 30 knots.
No significant
rain for prev-
ious 3 days.
No sign rain
for last h
days
No rain
No rain
Cloudy with
light rain.
Currents on
north edge
of Park
tended to go
NE while on
the southern
edge they
Total
Coliform
Density
Organisms/lOOml
11,000
83,000
95,000
106,000
190,000
95,000
110,000
132,000
92,000
U5,ooo
380,000
88,000
220,000
I,0h0,000
33,000
10,000
65,000
52,000
16,000
Uo,ooo
66,000
Ii9,000
Fecal Coliforms
Percent
5
5
5
15
25
20
25
5
10
30
5
5
10
10
10
10
5
5
5
5
5
10
Per 100ml
550
U,i5o
U,750
16,000
U7,5oo
19,000
27,500
6,500
9,200
13,500
19,000
h.hOO
22,000
ioU,ooo
3,300
1,000
3,250
2,600
800
2,000
3,300
U,900
Fecal
Strep
Org/lOOml
50
2UO
170
290
310
210
370
160
780
81^0
250
100
10
270
3hO
70
100
liO
30
60
270
350
J s \J
Ratio
F. Col.
F. Strep.
11:1
17:1
28:1
55:1
153:1
90:1
75:1
12:1
16:1
76:1
UU:1
2200:1
385:1
9:1
lli:!
32:1
65:1
27:1
33:1
12:1
'
ON
-------
TABLE 27-VI.
RESULTS OF BACTERIOLOGICAL INVESTIGATION OF STERLING STATE
PARK BATHING BEACHES APRIL - MAY, 196U (CONTINUED)
Date
U/20/6U
(cont.)
U/21/6U
U/22/6U
Sta.
T82
B33
T75
B17
T7U
B18
B21
T77
T80
T81
T82
T75
B17
T7U
B18
B21
T77
B32
T80
T81
T82
B33
Gen.
Wind
Dir.
E
to
SE
Mod.
WSW
Current
Direction
off
Park
SE
to
NE
NE
Remarks
and
Weather
Observations
tended to go
SE. Winds
ranged up to
18 knots
Moderate rain
in morning.
Winds 5 to 10
knots shifting
from E to SE.
No significant
rain in prev-
ious two days.
Currents south-
erly except for
north edge of
park.
1$%. Sky
cover. Winds
blowing from
10 to 20 knots.
No rain. Flow
is outward at
T77 and T7h on
this date which
is unusual.
Total
Coliform
Density
Organisms/lOOml
Qh,000
71,000
2h,000
Hi, 000
7,000
18,000
11,000
12,000
180,000
122,000
160,000
10,800
7,300
18,000
22,000
32,000
83,000
16,000
88,000
120,000
117,000
2,000
Fecal Coliforms
5ercent
10
10
5
10
5
10
10
5
15
5
15
25
7
5
15
10
10
25
35
25
35
10
Per 100ml
Q,hOO
7,100
1,200
1,UOO
350
1,800
1,100
600
27,000
6,100
2U,000
2,U5o
500
900
3,300
3,200
8,300
U,ooo
31,000
30,000
la, ooo
200
Fecal
Strep
Org/lOOml
260
180
U80
50
ho
ho
20
10
6UO
9hO
1,180
200
60
UO
hO
ho
HiO
100
U80
500
1,260
ho
Ratio
F. Col.
F. Strep.
32:1
1*0:1
3:1
28:1
9:1
U5:l
55:1
60:1
U2:l
7:1
20:1
12:1
8:1
22:1
82:1
80:1
59:1
U0:l
65:1
60:1
33:1
5:1
o\
ro
o
-------
TABLE 27-VI.
RESULTS OF BACTERIOLOGICAL INVESTIGATION OF STERLING STATE
PARK BATHING BEACHES APRIL - MAY, 1961* (CONTINUED)
Date
U/23/6U
U/27/6U
U/28/6U
U/29/6U
U/30/6U
Sta.
T75
B17
T7U
B18
B21
T77
B32
T80
T81
T82
B33
B21
T80
B21
T75
B17
B18
B21
T80
T81
T82
B21
Gen.
Wind
Dir.
Lt.
SE
Lt.
ESE
Lt.
S
Lt.
S
Lt.
ENE
Current
Direction
off
Park
NNE
N
N
N
S
Remarks
and
Weather
Observations
25% Sky
cover. Winds
blowing at
5-10 knots.
No rain
Cloudy with
rain, wind
7-10 knots
Partly cloudy
Wind 2-1* knots
Cloudy with
Wind 8 knots
Rain; wind
6-8 knots
Total
Coliform
Density
Drganisms/lCOnl
3,800
1*,800
l*,8oo
7,800
5,100
3,100
5,5oo
1*2,000
58,000
58,000
1*9,000
5,000
62,000
39,000
21*, 000
li*,000
10,000
35,000
89,000
116,000
109,000
72,000
Fecal Coliforms
Percent
25
20
15
5
10
30
10
15
20
l*o
15
20
9
10
20
5
5
5
5
Per 100ml
950
960
720
390
510
930
550
6,1*00
10,600
23,000
7,1*00
1,000
5,600
3,900
2,000
l*,l*oo
5,800
5,Uoo
3,600
Org/lOOml
180
20
10
10
10
10
10
720
1*1*0
1,31*0
60
10
620
60
520
20
10
320
1,11*0
1,280
260
Ratio
F. Col.
F. Strep
5:1
1*8:1
72:1
39:1
51:1
93:1
55:1
9:1
2l*:l
17:1
123:1
100:1
9:1
65:1
100:1
ll*:l
5:1
1*:1
ll*:l
o\
ro
-------
TABUS 27-VI.
RESULTS OF BACTERIOLOGICAL INVESTIGATION OF STERLING STATE
PARK BATHING BEACHES APRIL - MAY, l$6h (CONTINUED)
Date
5A/6U
5/5/6U
5/6/6U
5/7/6U
Sta.
B21
T75 ;
B17
T7U
B18
B21
T77
B32
B21
T75
B17
T7U
B18
B21
T77
B32
T80
T8l
T82
B33
Gen.
Wind
Dir.
Lt.
SE
Lt.
SE
Mod
SSW
Current !
Direction
off
Park
SE
NE
N
Remarks
and
Weather
Observations
Mostly fair
with wind
5-10 m.p.h.
Flow at ex-
treme north
end of Park
was northerly
Mostly fair
with about
10 m.p.h.
winds
Fair skies
with no rain
for several
days
Total i
Coliform
Density
Organisms/lOCtnl
11,000
5,900
1,000
5,000
600
2,100
900
U,Uoo
1,300
3,800
31,000
7,100
26,000
31,000
39,000
5U,ooo
86,000
250,000
360,000
63,000
Fecal Coliforms
Percent
10
5
10
-
-
10
10
5 i
6
10
10
10
10
10
10
10
10
10
10
5
Per 100ml
1,100
290
100
-
-
210
90
220
80
380
3,100
710
2,600
3,100
3,900
5,UOO
8,600
25,000
36,000
3,100
. Fecal
Strep
Org/lOOml
100
80
10
20
10
10
10
10
100
160
10
10
10
10
10
10
70
300
3UO
ho
Ratio
F. Col.
F. Strep.
11:1
lul
10:1
21:1
9:1
22:1
0.8:1
2:1
310:1
71:1
260:1
310:1
390:1
3UO:1
122:1
83:1
106:1
77:1
-------
TABLE 27-VI.
RESULTS OF BACTERIOLOGICAL INVESTIGATION OF STERLING STATE
PARK BATHING BEACHES APRIL - MAY, 196U (CONTINUED)
Date
5/8/6U
Sta.
T75
B17
T7U
B18
B21
T77
B32
T80
T8l
T82
B33
Gen.
Wind
Dir.
Lt
to
mod
S
Current
Direction
off
Park
N
Remarks
and
Weather
Observations
Thunderstorm
passed through
the area about
six hours be-
fore sampling.
Winds during
sampling were
about 10-12
m.p.h.
Total
Coliform
Density
)rganisms/100m"
77,000
U7.000
8U,000
66,000
120,000
75,000
U5,ooo
320,000
Uoo,ooo
1*70,000
1,300
Fecal poliforms
Percent
5
5
5
5
5
5
5
5
5
5
10
Per 100ml
3,800
2,300
U,200
3,300
6,000
3,800
2,300
16,000
20,000
23,000
130
Fecal
Strep
Org/lOOml
5,500
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
Ratio
F. Col.
F. Strep.
0.7:1
23:1
U2:l
33:1
60:1
38:1
23:1
160:1
200:1
230:1
1:1
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624
Richard D. Vaughan
Present Water. Quality Conditions
The bacteriological quality of water is
expressed in terms of total coliform, fecal coliform, and
fecal streptococcus density; the standard frequently
accepted for swimming purposes, in terms of total con-
forms, is 1,000 per 100 ml of water. Conforms are
associated with the enteric tract of warmblooded animals
and are quite common in soil as a natural habitat. In
waters free from pollution except from natural surface
sources the density of fecal coliform will always be
considerably lower than the total coliform density,
usually about 5 per cent of the total. Consequently,
high ratios of fecal coliform to total coliform indicate
the presence of pollution from human wastes.
During April, May, and the first two weeks
in June of 1963, the water quality on the beaches adjacent
to Sterling State Park did not meet the standard for
swimming. In July and August, however, coliform results
were consistently low enough to permit safe swimming.
When sampling was resumed late in October, the water
quality was borderline, and during the latter part of
November the bacteriological counts were again very high.
The quality of the water was poor throughout
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625
Richard D. Vaughan
the survey conducted during April and the first week of
May, 1964. The highest coliform count was observed on
April 16, when the coliform density at its southern end
was 1,040,000 per 100 ml. Coliform counts in both the
Raisin River on the southern end of the Park and in Sandy
Creek at River Road on the northern end of the Park were,
with only one or two exceptions, always in the five- and
six-figure range.
Winds throughout the survey periods were
observed from all quadrants, and the currents off the
park traveled in both southerly and northerly directions.
Currents at the mouth of Sandy Creek were flowing upstream
and subsequently into the paper mills' intakes on all
but two occasions during the sampling periods. On these
two days, winds were moderate from the west, the Lake level
was falling, and current in the Raisin River was flowing
in and out about an equal number of times.
Overall values for the total coliforms at
Sterling State Park ranged from less than 20 to 1,040,000
per 100 ml. At times, the percentage of fecal conforms
in the total coliform count approached 90, indicating
the severity of the potential health hazard. Although
fecal coliforms were generally less than 20 per cent of
total coliforms, the fecal coliform counts were over 1,000
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626
Richard D. Vaughan
per 100 ml on the majority of occasions. In addition,
the ratio of fecal conforms to fecal streptococci at
the Park and Detroit Beach was usually high, over 1,000:
1 on one occasion. Recent research studies have shown
that when the ratio of fecal conforms to fecal strep-
tococci exceeds 2:1, the fecal bacteria have a human
origin. Thus it is apparent that despite the fact that
the majority of the conforms in the waters at Sterling
State Park were non-fecal during the 1964 survey, the
remaining fecal bacteria are from a human origin and in
high enough populations to cause a definite health hazard.
Fecal streptococcus counts during the 1964
survey were low, ranging from 10 per 100 ml to 840 per
100 ml. Counts in the Raisin River, although higher, were
still relatively low. The highest count in the River during
the survey was 1,3^0 per 100 ml. Fecal streptococcus
counts in Sandy Creek reached a high of 5,500 per 100
ml on May 8, when the Creek was carrying the runoff of
an early morning thunderstorm.
Although high bacteriological densities at
the Sterling State Park beaches are of chief concern and
were the cause of declaring the beach unsafe for swimming,
other water quality problems exist. One particularly
distressing condition during the summer months is the
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627
Richard D. Vaughan
washing up on shore of floating, decaying organic
material. This obnoxious material is the result of the
deposition of settleable solids near the mauth of the
Raisin River in waters devoid of dissolved oxygen because
of the discharge of large quantities of oxygen-demanding
wastes into this river. The settled material or sludge
decays and, under anaerobic conditions, raises to the
surface in a putrefied condition and floats out into
Lake Erie and onto the bathing beach.
Sources of Pollution
In the Brest Bay area there are a number of
sources of pollution which can affect water quality in
Sterling State Park.
North of Sterling State Park a number of
unsewered communities rely on septic tanks for waste
disposal, the liquid products of which may find their
way to drainage ditches and thereafter be discharged into
Lake Erie by gravity or by stormwater pumping station.
Although the flow volume from these communities is small,
because of the limited degree of treatment provided the
concentration of pollutants can be excessively high. In
some instances shorefront homes discharge septic tank
effluent directly into the Lake. Homes not on shorefront
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628
Richard D. Vaughan
property often discharge septic effluent to absorption
tiles. The effectiveness of this method of disposal is
limited by the absorptiveness of the soil and the ground -
water level. Some absorption tile fields are directly
connected to drainage ditches or storm sewers to be
discharged into Lake Erie. A stormwater collection
system carries the water to pumps from where it is
discharged intermittently to Lake Erie at stormwater
pumping stations.
Several storm pumps located in the Detroit
Beach area directly north of Sterling State Park were
sampled to determine the quality of water discharged.
Most of the pumps discharge only during rainy periods;
consequently, only a limited number of samples were
obtained. The results are tabulated in Table 28-VI
and show that the bacteriological quality of their discharge
was poor on most occasions. The pump located
on the southern edge of Detroit Beach (see Figure 19-VI)
operated in both wet and dry weather. Coliform results
ranged from 7^0,000 during a rain to 6,000 during dry
weather.
Other pumping stations showed coliform counts
ranging from 790,000 to 116,000. Fecal coliform for all
stations averaged below 15 per cent and fecal streptococci
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629
Richard D. Vaughan
ranged from a low of 210 to a high of 49,000.
Other sources of pollution are the wastes of
seven major industries and the domestic waste from the
City of Monroe, all of which discharge into the Raisin
River. The Raisin River discharges into Lake Erie
approximately 1 mile south of the Sterling State Park
area.
The City of Monroe provides primary treatment
and chlorinates the effluent from the middle of May to
t he middle of September. Surveys show that chlorination
can reduce the coliforms in the effluent to less than
10 per 100 ml. Without chlorination, effluent coliform
values were as high as 110,000,000 per 100 ml. Flow
through the plant usually ranges from 2 to 6 MGD. The
collection system is capable of carrying 16 MGD to the
sewage treatment plant, however, and during periods of
excessive rainfall large quantities of untreated waste
are discharged to the River. In terms of BOD loading,
the wastes discharged from the paper industries have a
population equivalent of approximately 225,000. Sampling
surveys were made to determine the bacteriological quality
of the influent and effluent waters from the following
paper mills:
Consolidated Paper Company - North Side
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630
Richard D. Vaughan
Division.
Consolidated Paper Company - South Side
Division.
Monroe Paper Products Company.
Union Bag-Camp Company - River Raisin
Division.
The results of these surveys are tabulated
separately in Table 29-VI.
(Tables 28-VI and 29-VI follow.)
-------
631
TABLE 28-VI. RESULTS OF BACTERIOLOGICAL INVESTIGATION
OF OVERFLOW FROM STORM PUMPING STATIONS
NEAR STERLING STATE PARK
Total Coliform Fecal Colifonn Fecal Strep
Date
196U
3/25
U/6
U/7
U/13
h/21
U/23
U/29
5/7
5/8
Sta.*
PI
P3
P5
P5
P5
P5
P5
P5
Pi
P2
P5
P3
P3
Organisms/1 00ml
780,000
160,000
7liO,000
107,000
5U,ooo
6,000
86,000
116,000
Uio,ooo
170,000
63,000
U90,000
Uoo,ooo
Organisms/lOOtnl
39,000
2U,000
37,000
5,300
5,Uoo
-
U,300
17,UOO
20,500
17,000
3,150
U9,000
Uo,ooo
Organisras/lOOml
18,000
29,000
U8,ooo
220
1,000
210
11,8UO
5,960
U8,000
Ul,200
9,UOO
1,730
1^,800
See Figure 19-VT
-------
TABLE 29-VI.
SUMMARY OF BACTERIOLOGICAL INVESTIGATION
OF INDUSTRIAL WASTE SOURCES. NEAR STERLING
STATE PARK. APRIL - MAY, 196U
632
Industry
Effluent
Consolidated Paper Co.
South Plant
North Plant
Monroe Paper Products
Mason Run
(Consolidated North
& Union Bag)
Weighted Mean Effluent
Samples '
Influent
Consolidated Paper Co.
Monroe Paper Products
Geometric Mean Densities
Estimated
Discharge
(MOD)
7.0
1.0
2.2
11.0
21.2 (total)
-
Total
Coliforms
Org/lOOml
219,000
215,000
3,370,000
98,000
Ii8U,000
1U,600
1,570
Fecal
Coliforms
Org/lOOml
17,600
1*2,300
730,000
18,000
92,800
1,800
100
Fecal Strep
Org/lOOml
630
5,520
5,630
i,oUo
1,570
56
80
-------
633
Richard D. Vaughan
HYDROLOQIC FACTORS INFLUENCING WATER QUALITY
a. Currents.
Current observations were made at three points
along Sterling State Park beach in April and May, 1964.
Dye was placed in the water at a depth of about 2 feet
and its direction and velocity of movement observed on
14 different days under a variety of wind conditions.
The direction of water movement is influenced
primarily by wind friction, but is modified in direction
and velocity at the inshore areas along the beach. Sterling
State Park has a typical sandy beach with constantly
changing bar patterns running in random fashion both
parallel and perpendicular to the shoreline. At each
end of the beach a pier extends into the lake about 200
feet, deflecting current movements somewhat. Seiche
action on Lake Erie is practically continuous, and when
the surface level is changing the water near the shore
shows considerable movement shoreward or lakeward.
Nevertheless, except in the case of easterly
winds, the general pattern of flow was evident from the
inshore stations studied. (Winds from easterly quadrants
cause onshore water movement, resulting in variable flow,
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634
Richard D. Vaughan
and no distinct patterns of northward or southward along-
shore currents.)
In order to expand the survey data to give
an indication of the per cent of time that various cur-
rents could be expected, a comparison was made with long-
term wind data. The nearest available station record is
from Grosse He, as shown in U. S. Weather Bureau
Technical Paper 35, "Climatology and Weather Services,
Great Lakes and St. Lawrence Seaway." The general trend
of current movements and related winds observed during
the survey in April and May 1964 was compared to the
winds recorded on a monthly and annual basis in the U.S.
Weather Bureau publication.
For the 10-month ice-free period (March
through December) the water could be expected to move
along the beach in a northerly direction about 45 per
oent of the time; in a southerly direction about 20 per
cent of the time; and be variable and unpredictable about
35 per cent of the time.
In June, July, and August, when beach use
is maximum, northerly currents can be expected about 40
per cent of the time; southerly currents about 15 per cent
of the time; and variable and unpredictable currents
about 45 per cent of the time, including about 15 per
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635
Richard D. Vaughan
cent of the time when calm conditions prevail.
Water movements, in a northerly direction create
a potential problem from Raisin River water, and in a
southerly direction a potential problem from storm pumps,
tributaries, and other sources to the north of the Park.
Variable movements involve hazards from either direction.
Whether or not the problem condition materializes depends
on other factors such as rainfall, runoff, and seiche
action which introduce the pollutant into the moving mass
of Lake water.
b. Rainfall has an effect on three potential sources of
pollution in the Sterling State Park area. These are:
(l) The stormwater pumps from the Detroit-
Woodland Beach areas;
(2) Sandy Creek;
(3) The Raj sin River.
These sources are discussed individually and jointly
and sampling results during periods of rainfall given.
Bacteriological results from random samples taken
at stormwater pumping stations during the 1964 survey show
that they are definitely potential sources of coliforms.
Coliform counts as high as 780,000 per 100 ml
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636
Richard D. Vaughan
were found at the Woodland Beach pumping station during
the storm of March 25 when 1.55 inches fell at the Toledo
Airport. With the possible exception of the stormwater
pumping station located on the southern edge of Detroit
Beach, pump sites were usually dormant except during
periods of rain.
Sandy Creek contains relatively high coliform
counts during periods of high runoff. The highest flow
recorded in the Creek during the survey was about 60 cfs
on April 29, after thundershowers had passed through the
area, compared to a monthly dry weather flow of
approximately 5 cfs. The coliform count in the Creek
on April 29 was 24,000 per 100 ml. Another period of
relatively high runoff occurred on May 8, when the flow
reached about 20 cfs and the coliform count was 77,000
•i
per 100 ml.
The Raisin River is grossly polluted at all
times, but its highest coliform counts occurred after the
rain of May 8, reaching 470,000 per 100 ml. The Raisin
River also receives a significant load of pollution
from stormwater overflows, discussed specifically in
the section on the Raisin River.
During the 1964 survey, the first rainfall
occurred on April 21. Samples were collected the day of
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637
Richard D. Vaughan
the rain as well as on the preceding and following days.
The coliform counts at Detroit Beach, most affected by
stormwater pumping, increased from a high count of 10,000
per 100 ml on the day before the rain to 14,000 per 100
ml on the day of the rain0
The next two days' counts showed a drop of
about 50 percent each day. The Sterling State Park
sampling station closest to Detroit Beach showed a
decrease in coliform count during the day of the rain
with a slight increase on the following day, and then a
further decrease on the next day. Currents at the mouth
of Sandy Creek were upstream, and because of this, the
potential effects on the Park of bacterial pollution from
the Detroit-Woodland Beach area were probably lessened,
some of the polluted Lake water being drawn into the creek.
Rain fell again on April 27, 28, 29, and 30.
On April 29 there were coliform counts of
1^,000 per 100 ml at Detroit Beach just north of the mouth
of Sandy Creek; and 10,000 per 100 ml at Sterling State
Park Just south of Sandy Creek.
The flow in Sandy Creek was 60 cfs on April 29.
The direction of flow at the mouth of the creek was not
determined at this time, but it was probably lakeward, with a
runoff so large. Currents off the Park were
-------
638
Richard D. Vaughan
northerly and would tend to move effluent from Sandy
Creek northward toward Detroit Beach.
A thunderstorm passed through the area early
on May 8. Samples taken on this day show high coliform
counts on all beach stations, decreasing in magnitude at
stations farther from the mouth of the Raisin River.
The coliform count at Detroit Beach on this date was
47,000 per 100 ml, only exceeded on one other occasion
during the survey. Since the Lake currents were northerly
and because the direction of flow from Sandy Creek was not
noted, it is impossible to know if the high count was due
to pollution from Sandy Creek or the Raisin River.
In general, Sandy Creek and the Detroit-
Woodland Beach pump houses are sources of pollution
following rain, while the Raisin River is a more constant
polluter of the beaches. If the Lake currents opposite
the beaches are northerly, as during the rains on April 29
and May 8, pollution from the first sources is probably
swept northward having little effect on the Park. In
this event, the Raisin River almost certainly contributes
waste to the Park waters. If the current is southerly
and Sandy Creek flows lakewards, the pollution from the
Detroit-Woodland Beach area and the Creek would be
sufficient to cause serious contamination of the waters
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639
Richard D. Vaughan
off Sterling State Park, even without the effect of the
Raisin River.
Summary of Findings
1. The water quality at the beaches in the
Brest Bay area is primarily affected by local sources of
pollution rather than by the Detroit River.
2. The Raisin River is the primary cause of
pollution at Sterling State Park beach.
3. Wind-driven water currents can be expected
to move along the Park beach in a northerly direction 45
percent of the time, in a southerly direction 20 percent
of the time, and variably and unpredictably about 35 percent
of the time. When water currents move along the beach in a
northerly direction the effect of the Raisin River is
predominant at the Park. When the currents move in a
southerly direction, overflow from stormwater pumping
stations, polluted tributaries, and shorefront houses north
of Sterling State Park have the predominant effect on water
quality at the beach.
4. The Raisin River is bacteriologically polluted
throughout the year, the primary sources of this contamination
being the four paper mills in Monroe and the Monroe
Sewage Treatment Plant. Industrial sources
-------
64©
Richard D. Vaughan
contribute most of the bacteria during summer months,
when the municipal effluent is chlorinated (June through
September), and the municipal plant is the leading contri-
butor during the remainder of the year.
5. Septic tank effluents enter Lake Erie
to a limited extent directly from waterfront houses north
of the Park, and to a much greater extent indirectly
from drainage ditches and stormwater collection systems.
Discharges occur primarily during periods of heavy rain-
fall and runoff.
6. Stormwater runoff itself often contains
high densities of coliform, and discharge of stormwater
to the Lake or its tributaries creates a health hazard
when currents carry this contaminated water to beach
areas.
7. Discharge from Sandy Creek threatens
water quality at the north end of the Park. Because of
the reverse flow in the Creek at its mouth due to water
withdrawal by several major industries, tine effect of
these discharges on the Park is felt only during periods of
high runoff or during rapid fall of the Lake water level.
8. Wafcte discharges from Stony Creek and
above, including a small nearby boat inlet, carry high
coliform densities, but the volume of flow is small.
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641
Richard D. Vaughan
Because of the prevailing currents, these sources probably
affect water quality on local beaches rather than at
Sterling State Park.
9. Water quality at the Lake sampling stations
opposite Brest Bay was generally satisfactory for swimming,
while beach water at Sterling State Park is erratlcalfcr
affected by coliform counts too high to permit safe
swimming.
MAPLE-MILLEVILLE BEACH SURVEYS
A special study was made September 3 - 5»
1963* to determine the influence of the Trenton Channel
upon water quality at the Maple and Milleville bathing
beaches, located near the mouth of the Detroit River and
designated as regular stations Bl and B2 (see Figures
2-1 and 3-1.
These are the findings:
1. Water adjacent to Maple and Milleville
beaches is unsafe for swimming, with coliform values
during the three-day survey ranging from 600 to 2,600
organisms per 100 ml and fecal coliform values ranging
from 20 to 800 organisms per 100 ml. The geometric
mean coliform density at these beaches during the Project
was 2,000 organisms per 100 ml.
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642
Richard D. Vaughan
2. Water quality adjacent to the two beaches
i s of much higher bacterial quality than water farther
offshore. The same phenomenon is demonstrated by compari-
son of Estral, Dewey, and Stony Point Beaches and adjacent
Lake Erie bacteriological results (geometric means for
the duration of the Project).
In this case the beach samples are approxi-
mately 25 per cent of the magnitude of the adjacent lake
stations. The beach and Lake stations are shown in
Figure 2-1 as numbers B3> B4, L3, L5, L6, and L7.
(In the Lake Erie bathing beaches from Stony Point south
to the Michigan-Ohio state line coliform densities
adjacent to the beaches were higher than at corresponding
Lake stations.)
3. The Detroit River is the main influence
on bacterial water quality at bathing beaches from the
mouth of the River to Stony Point. Below this point
direct pollution and other tributaries have the greater
influence on bacteriological water quality.
ROOTED AQUATIC VEGETATION STUDY
Rooted aquatic vegetation was abundant during
the summer of 1964 along the shoreline of Grosse lie in
the Detroit River and Lake Erie. Growths were prolific
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643
Richard D. Vaughan
this year primarily due to low water levels; the waters
near the shore are shallower, allowing greater light
penetration to stimulate growth. Warmer summer temperatures
and a ready supply of essential plant nutrients (soluble
phosphorus and inorganic nitrogen) from waste discharges
in the adjacent waters or bottom muds also contribute
t o this problem.
Two genera of rooted aquatic vegetation
were observed - Potamogeton and Vallisneria—
and intertwined among these rooted aquatics were
growths of the attached green algae, Cladophora and
Hydrodictyon. These growths are not only undesirable
from an aesthetic standpoint, but also interfere with
boating by fouling propellers. Later in the season the
vegetation dies and decomposes, accompanied by strong
odors.
The phenomenon was surveyed only in the last
months of Project operation and not incorporated into
the section on biology. Solutions to the problem include
abatement of pollution from sources containing signifi-
cant amounts of phosphorus and nitrogen compounds.
INTERFERENCES WITH WATER USES
Municipal Water Supply
Monroe is currently the only city taking
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644
Richard D. Vaughan
municipal water from the Michigan waters of Lake Erie.
Algal growths in Lake Erie have caused serious
taste and odor problems in the public water supply of
the City of Monroe, and in 1950 forced the Monroe water-
works to move its intake point in an attempt to obtain
purer drinking water. Algal blooms are now observable
at the new water intake, and portend a renewal of
taste and odor problems in the near future. Algal
growth is conditioned by the high levels of inorganic
nitrogen compounds and soluble phosphates discharged
to the Lake from the Detroit and Raisin Rivers.
High ammonia concentrations at the Monroe
water intake interfere with disinfection, and require
the addition of excessive amounts of chlorine so that
bacteria do not survive in drinking water.
Chloride concentrations at the Monroe water
intake have Increased from an average of 30 mg/1 to
40 mg/1 in the past four years. These chlorides
originate primarily in the calcium chloride and lime
wastes discharged from soda ash plants on the Detroit
River. These wastes have increased hardness in the Monroe
water supply by 25 per cent, necessitating Increased use
of detergents for household cleaning.
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645
Richard D. Vaughan
INDUSTRIAL WATER SUPPLY
Pollution of the Raisin River has become so
complete that its lower few miles are offensive to sight
and smell, and undesirable as a source of industrial
water supply. Rising chloride levels indicate potential
problems with corrosion of industrial equipment.
RECREATE N
Damages to recreational opportunities in
Lake Erie and its Michigan tributaries may be the worst
effects of pollution, inestimable in dollar figures. At
beaches near the mouth of the Detroit River, any kind of
water contact sports—even water skiing or boating—
is hazardous. The beaches at Sterling Sate Park, in
heavy demand by a metropolitan population of nearly four
million (projected to reach 5|- million by 1980) have
had to be closed due to bacteriological contamination.
The land area near the beaches is often offensive due to
the washing ashore arid depositing of sewage and industrial
debris, often in an advanced state of decomposition.
Even far away from shore spills of oil from boats,
floating slicks of pollution, and turbidity due to heavy
concentrations of microscopic life have destroyed the
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646
Richard D. Vaughan
beauty of the Lake.
FISH AND WILDLIFE PROPAGATION
Deposits of sewage and industrial sludge on the
bottom of Lake Erie and its tributaries in Michigan threaten
to destroy the food and habitat that make life possible for
any but tough, inedible species of fish. Large areas of the
bottom of Michigan Lake Erie are already inhabited only by
pollution tolerant organisms such as leeches and sludgeworms.
Acute fish kills have been caused by discharges of oil and
other toxic industrial wastes. In 1960 a heavy discharge of
untreated waste slaughtered 10,000-12,000 ducks, or 50 percent
of the wild fowl population of the area.
Heavy algal blooms and the spread of slime bacteria
over large areas of the Lake in Michigan represents still
another danger to aquatic life. These growths and the
nutrients which feed them consume large quantities of the
dissolved oxygen, without which fish can neither propagate
nor live. They also add to the turbidity of the water, de-
priving fish of needed light.
NAVIGATION
Sludge deposits at the mouth of the Raisin,
Detroit, and other rivers tributary to the Lake require
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647
Richard D. Vaughan
expensive annual dredging by the U. S. Amy Corps of
Engineers in order to preserve routine navigability.
EUTROPHICATION OP THE LAKE
The natural aging of a stagnant body of
water (such as Lake Erie), its gradual enrichment with
many varieties of plant and animal life and their
deposits, is being accelerated by the discharges of
nutrients and organic wastes into Lake Erie. If these
discharges are not halted turbidity ir the Lake may
increase until it becomes unusable for most purposes.
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648
Richard D. Vaughan
SECTION VII
BIBLIOGRAPHY
DETROIT RIVER-LAKE ERIE PROJECT
"A Report on the Water Supply for the Six-
County Metropolitan Area, Southeastern Michigan." 1957.
Six-County Study Commission.
"A Study of Organic Contaminants in Boundary
Waters using Carbon Filter Techniques, Lake Huron - Lake
Erie.1' Prepared for the International Joint Commission,
United States and Canada, 1953-1955.
"Algae and Metropolitan Wastes." Transactions
of Seminar, Robert A. Taft, Sanitary Engineering Center,
United States Department of Health, Education & Welfare,
Public Health Service, I960.
Allport, N. L, and Keyser, J. W., "Colorimetric
Analysis Volume I. Determination of Clinical and Bio-
chemical Significance." Chapman and Hall, Ltd., Publishers,
2nd Edition, 1957.
"An Evaluation of the Urban Renewal Program
in Detroit, Renewal Revenue." A demonstration grant study
by the Detroit City Planning Commission, cooperating with
the Housing & Home Finance Agency.
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649
Richard D. Vaughan
"An Industrial Waste Guide to the Meat Industry."
United States Department of Health, Education, & Welfare,
Public Health Service; 1954.
Annual Operating Report of the Department of
Water Supply, City of Detroit.
Annual Reports, City of Wyandotte Department
of Municipal Service.
Anon, ORSANCO'S 10th Annual Report. Membrane
Filger Adopted. Water & Sewage Works; 103:3:l40-l4l, Mar.
1959.
''Aquatic Biology in Water Pollution." Course
Manual, Water Supply and Pollution Control Training, Robert
A. Taft, Sanitary Engineering Center, U. S. Department of
Health, Education & Welfare, Public Health Service, 1957.
"Aquatic Life Water Quality Criteria."
1st Progress Report, Ohio River Valley Water Sanitary
Commission, Sewage and Industrial Wastes, March, 1955.
"Aquatic Life Water Quality Criteria, 2nd
Progress Report, Ohio River Valley Water Sanitation
Commission, Sewage and Industrial Wastes; May, 1956.
Aquatic Life Water Quality Criteria, 3rd
Progress Report, Ohio River Valley Water Sanitation
Commission, Journal Water Pollution Control Federation,
January, 1960.
-------
650
Richard D. Vaughan
Arden, Bruce W. "An Introduction to Digital
Computing." Addison -Wesley Publishing Company, Incorpor-
ated.
Babbitt, Harold E., and Baumann, E. Robert,
"Sewerage and Sewage Treatment." John Wiley and Sons,
Incorporated, New York, 8th Edition, 1952.
Baltz, David F. "Colorimetric Determination of
Non-Metals. " Interscience Publishers, Incorporated,
Baltz, David, "Colorimetric Determination of
Non -Metals." Interscience Publishers Incorporated,
New York, 1958.
Bartsch, Alfred P. and Ingram, William M.
"Stream Life and the Pollution Environment." Public
Works .
Benedict, I. J. "Membrane Filter Technique."
Water & Sewage Works, 108, Feb. 1961.
"Sergey's Manual of Determinative Bacteriology."
Williams and Wilkins, Publishers, 7th Edition, 1957.
Berjes, H. H. "Storm Water Overflows from
Combined Sewers." Journal Water Pollution Control
Federation, December, 1961.
"Bioassy and Pollution Ecology." Course Manual,
Water Supply and Pollution Control Training, Robert A.
-------
651
Richard D. Vaughan
Taft Sanitary Engineering Center, U. S. Department of
Health, Education & Welfare, Public Health Service, 1958.
Black and Veatch, "A Report on Waste Disposal
and Water Use in the Downstream Portions of the Huron
River." I960.
Boog, Allen, and Hamilton, Incorporated,
"Riverfront Study, phase I, Summary, Economic Survey, and
Master Plant of Port, Development, Port of Detroit."
May, 1963.
Breed, Charles B., and Hasmer, George L.,
"The Principles and Practice of Surveying, Volume II, Higher
Surveying." John Wiley and Sons, Incorporated, New York,
5th Edition, 19^0.
Brunsman, J, J. et al., "Improved Oil Separa-
tion in Gravity Separators,," Journal Water Pollution
Control Federation, 1962.
Buttiaux, R., Surveillance et Controle Des
Eaux D'Alimentation III. La Standardisation des Methodes
d'Analyse Bacteriologique de 1'Eau. Revue d'Hygiene et
de Medicine Sociale, Tome 6, No. 2, 170-192; 1958.
Camp, Thomas R., "Overflows of Sanitary Sewage
•
from Combined Sewerage Systems." Sewage and Industrial Wastes,
April, 1959.
Center of Population, Detroit Metropolitan
-------
652
Richard D. Vaughan
Area and City of Detroit 1930-1960." April, 1961,
Department of Sociology and Anthropology, Wayne State
University, Detroit Metropolitan Area Regional Planning
Commission.
Chanin, G., et al, "Use of Glass Fiver Filter
Medium in the Suspended Solids Determination." Sewage
and Industrial Wastes, August 1958.
"Chemical Analysis for Water Quality," Course
Manual, Water Supply and Pollution Control Training,
Robert A. Taft Sanitary Engineering Center, U. S.
Department of Health, Education, and Welfare, Public
Health Service, 1959.
Clarke, Norman A., et al, "Removal of Enteric
Viruses from Sewage by Activated Sludge Treatment."
American Journal of Public Health, August, 1961.
Clarke, Norman A. and Kabler, Paul W,, "Human
Enteric Viruses in Sewage." Health Laboratory Science,
1:44, January, 1964.
"Coliforra Standards for Recreational Waters."
Progress Report, Public Health Activities Committee,
Sanitary Engineering Division, American Society of
Civil Engineers, August, 1963, and Discussion by John
H. Ruskin, April, 1964.
-------
653
Richard D. Vaughan
"Comprehensive Strfcdy on Protection of Water
Resources of Lake Tahoe Basin through Controlled
Waste Disposal.1' June, 1963, Engineering-Science,
Inc.
Cornwell, George, et al. "Superparasit-
ism as a Suspected Factor in Winter Waterfowl Mortality
on the Lower Detroit River." Presented at the Mid-
west Pish and Wildlife Conference, December 5-7, 1960,
at Toronto, Ontario.
Daniels, Parrlngton, et al, "Experimental
Physical Chemistry." McGraw-Hill Book Company, Incor-
porated, New York, 3rd Edition, 1941.
Davis, Charles C., "Evidence for the
Eutrophication of Lake Erie from Phytoplankton Records."
Limnology and Oceanography, 9:275* July, 1964.
"Detroit River, Trenton Channel Michigan
Navigation Project." U. S. Army Engineers District,
Detroit, Corps of Engineers, Detroit, Michigan,
December, 1961.
Detroit's Water Development Program for the
Metropolitan Area, 1959.
"Digest of Water Pollution Control Legisla-
tion, Michigan." U. S. Department of Health, Education
& Welfare, Public Health Service, September, 1958.
-------
Richard D. Vaughan
Direct Testimony of Gordon M. Fair, Illinois
River-Lake Michigan Diversion Hearings, Chicago, Illinois,
1963.
Dobbs, R. A., and Williams, R. T., "Elimination
of Chloride Interference in the Chemical Oxygen Demand Test."
Analytical Chemistry, July, 1963.
"Drought Flows of Michigan Streams." Department
of Environmental Health School of Public Health, University
of Michigan, in Cooperation with Michigan Water Resources
Commission, 1960.
"Ecology of Water Pollution." Course Manual,
Water Supply and Pollution Control Training, Robert A. Taft
Sanitary Engineering Center, U. S. Department of Health,
Education and Welfare, Public Health Service, 1958.
"Economy of the Detroit Area." Detroit Metropolitan
Area Regional Planning Commission, January, I960.
Ernest, G E. "The Bacteriological Examination of
Water with the Membrane Filter Versus Standard Method."
J. Amer. Med. Tech., pp. 225-227, June, 1963.
"Exploration of Collateral Data Potentially
Applicable to Great Lakes Hydrography and Fisheries,
-------
655
Richard D. Vaughan
Phase II." Great Lakes Research Institute, University
of Michigan, 1959.
Pair, Gordon M., and Geyer, John C., "Water
Supply and Waste Water Disposal." John Wiley and Sons,
Incorporated, New York.
Frey, David G., "Limnology in North America."
University of Wisconsin Press, Madison, Wisconsin, 1963.
Geldreich, E. E., et al, "Type Distribution
of Coliform Bacteria in the Peces of Warm-blooded Animals."
Journal Water Pollution Control Federation, 3^:295* March,
1962.
Giles, R. N., et al, "Performance of a
Gravity-Type Oil-Water Separator on Petroleum Refinery
Wastes." Sewage and Industrial Wastes, March, 1951.
Glass, Andrew C. and Jenkins, Kenneth H.,
"Statistical Summary of 1962 Inventory Municipal Waste
Facilities," U. S. Department of Health, Education &
Welfare, Public Health Service.
"Great Lakes Pilot." U. S. Lake Survey,
Corps of Engineers, U. S. Army, 1963.
Gurnham, C. Fred, "Principles of Industrial
Waste Treatment." John Wiley and Sons, Incorporated,
New York, 1955.
-------
656
Richard D. Vaughan
Gustafson, H., and Behrman, A. S., "Determina-
tion of Total Dissolved Solids in Water by Electrical
Conductivity." Industrial Engineering Chemistry,
Analytical Ed. Vol. 11, 1939.
Hamilton, Leicester P., and Simpson, Stephen
G., "Calculations of Analytical Chemistry." McGraw-
Hill Book Company, Inc., New York, 5th Edition, 1954.
Hawk, P. B., et al, "Practical Physiological
Chemistry." Blakiston Company, Incorporated, Publishers,
13th Edition, 1954.
"Hazen, Richard, and Sawyer, A. ¥., "Report
to Board of County Road Commissioners, Wayne County,
Michigan, on Additional Water Supply for Wayne County."
1955.
Hazey, G. "An Operator's Viewpoint on
the Membrane Filter Technique." The Emer. City,
73:11:116-118, Nov., 1958.
Henderson, W. L. "Studies on the Use of
Membrane Filter Technique,for Use of Estimation of
Coliform Densities in Sea Water." Sewage & Ind.
Wastes, 31:1:78-91, Jan., 1959.
Heukeleklan, H., and Day, Robert V.,
"Disinfection of Sewage with Chlorine, III. Factors
affecting Coliforms Remaining and Correlation of Ortho-
-------
657
Richard D. Vaughan
Tolidine and Amperometric Chlorine Residuals." Sewage
and Industrial Wastes, February, 1951.
Heukelekian, H., and Faust, S. D.
"Compatibility of Wastewater Disinfection by Chlorina-
tion." Journal Water Pollution Control Federation,
33:932, September, 1961.
Hoffman, D. A., et al, "A Comparison of
Membrane Filter Counts and Most Brobable Numbers of
Collform in San Diego's Sewage and Receiving Waters."
Journal Water Pollution Control Federation, 36:109-117*
January, 1964.
Hohn, M. H., "Determining the Pattern of
Diatom Flora." Journal Water Pollution Control
Federation, January, 1961.
"Home Survey of Regional Recreation Activities,
Part III, Recreation in the Detroit Region." Detroit
Metropolitan Area Regional Planning Commission, January,
I960.
Hunt, George S., and Ewing, Howard E., "In-
dustrial Pollution and Michigan Waterfowl." Transac-
tions of the 18th North American Wildlife Conference,
March 9> 1953.
Hunt, George S.and Cowan, Archibald B.,
"Causes of Deaths of Waterfowl on the Lower Detroit
-------
658
Richard D. Vaughan
River, Winter, 1960." North American Wildlife Conference,
March 9, 1953.
Huron River Watershed Intergovernmental
Committee; annual report, 1960, 1961.
Hyman, Libbe, "The Invertebrates: Protozoa
through Ctenophora." McGraw-Hill Book Company,
New York, 1940.
Hynes, H. B. N., "Interpretation of Biolo-
gical Data with Reference to Water Quality." Symposium
on Environmental Measurements, Cincinnati, Ohio,
September, 1963.
Ingram, William M. and Towne, W. W., "Stream
Life Below Industrial Outfalls." Proceedings of the
14th Purdue Industrial Waste Conference, 1959.
Ingram, William M. , and Towne,W. W.,
"Effects of Industrial Wastes on Stream Life." Purdue
University Engineering Bulletin, Volume XLIV, Number 5,
September, I960.
Ingram, William M., and Bartsch, A. F*,
"Graphical Expression of Biological Data in Water
Pollution Reports." Journal Water Pollution Control
Federation, March, 1960.
"Inorganic Industrial Wastes Characteriza-
tion." Course Manual, Water Supply and Pollution Control
-------
659
Richard D. Vaughan
Training, Robert A. Taft Sanitary Engineering Center,
U. S. Department of Health, Education & Welfare, Public
Health Service, 1960.
International Joint Commission, Detroit
Field Unit, Six-Month Progress Reports.
Jeffers, Karl B., "Hydrographic Manual."
Publication Number 20-2, U. S. Department of Commerce,
Coast and Geodetic Survey, 1960.
Johnson C. Frank, "Equipment,Methods, and
Results from Washington, D. C. Combined Sewer Overflow
Studies." Journal Water Pollution Control Federation,
July, 1961.
Johnson, E. E., "Millipore Filter Procedures:
New, Approved Method of Water Analysis." Johnson
Drillers Journal; 35:1:1-3, Jan. - Feb., 1963.
Johnson, W. K., "Nutrient Removals by Con-
vertlonal Treatment Processes." Proceedings of the 13th
Purdue Industrial W^ste Conference, 43:151, September,
1959.
Johnson, Walter K., and Schroepfer, George J.,
"Nitrogen Removal by Nitrification and Denitrification."
Journal Water Pollution Control Federation, 36:1015,
August, 1959.
-------
660
Richard D. Vaughan
Kabler, Paul ¥., "Removal of Pathogenic
Microorganisms by Sewage Treatment Processes."
Sewage and Industrial Wastes, December, 1959.
Kelly, Sally, and Sanderson, Wallace W.,
"Density of Enteroviruses in Sewage." Journal Water
Pollution Control Federation, 32:1269, December, 1960.
Kelly, Sally, and Sanderson, Wallace W.,
"The Effect of Sewage Treatment on Viruses." Sewage
and Industrial Wastes, 31:683, June, 1959.
Kelly, Sally, et al, "Removal of Enteroviruses
from Sewage by Activated Sludge." Journal Water Pollu-
tion Control Federation, 33:1056, October, 1961.
King, Horace, W., "Handbook of Hydraulics,"
McGraw-Hill Book Company, Incorporated, New York,
4th Edition, 195^.
Kittrell, F. W., and Furfari, Santo A.,
"Observations of Coliform Bacteria in Streams."
Journal Water Pollution Control Federation, November,
1963.
Klein, Louis, "River Pollution I. Chemical
Analysis." Academic Press Incorporated, Publishers,
New York, 1957.
Klein, Louis, "River Pollution II. Causes and
Effects." Butterworth and Company, Limited, Publishers,
-------
66l
Richard D. Vaughan
London, 1962.
Kruse, J., and Mellon, M. G., "Colorimetric
Determination of Free Ammonia with a Pyridine-Pyrazolone
Reagent." Sewage and Industrial Wastes, September, 1952.
Lagler, Karl F., "Freshwater Fishery Biology."
William C. Brown Company, Publishers, 1961.
Laitinen, H. A., "Chemical Analysis."
McGraw-Hill Company, Inc., New York, 1960.
"Lake Erie Drainage Basin." A cooperative
State-Federal Report on Water Pollution, Federal Security
Agency, Public Health Service, 1951.
"Lake Erie Pollution Survey," State of Ohio,
Department of Natural Resources Division, April, 1953*
"Langlois, Thomas H. The Western End of Lake Erie
and its Ecology." J. W. Edwards Publisher, 1954.
Large, Norbert A. "Handbook of Chemistry."
Handbook Publishers, Incorporated, 19^6.
Laubusch, E. J. "MPN Coliform Index."
Water and Sewage Works, 105:8:33^ - 338, Aug., 1958.
Lewis, Harry F., "Laboratory Planning for
Chemistry and Chemical Engineering." Reinhold
Publishing Corporation, New York, 1962.
"Limnological Survey of Eastern and Central
Lake Erie, 1928-1929." Special Scientific Report
Fisheries No. 33^ U. S. Department of the Interior,
-------
662
Richard D. Vaughan
Pish and Wildlife Service, June, I960.
"Limnological Survey of Western Lake Erie,"
Special Scientific Report - Fisheries Number 139*
U. S. Department of Interior, Fish and Wildlife Service.
Lindgren, B. W., and McElrath, G. W.,
"Introduction to Probability and Statistics." Macmillan
Company.
"List of Lights and Other marine Aids."
Voume IV Great Lakes, United States and Canada, 1963.
Ludzack, F. J., and Ettinger, M. B.,
"Controlling Operation to Minimize Activated Sludge
Effluent Nitrogen." Journal Water Pollution Control
Federation, 3^:920, September, 1962.
Mackenthun, Kenneth M., "A Review of Algae,
Lake Weeds, and Nutrients." Journal Water Pollution
Control Federation, 3^:1133, November, 1962.
Mack, W. N. et al, "Isolation of Enteric
Viruses and Salmonellae from Sewage. 1. Comparison
of Coliform and Enterococci Incidence to the Isolation of
Viruses." Sewage and Industrial Wastes, 30:957, August,
1958.
McNabb, C. D., Presented at the Sixth Annual
Meeting of the Midwest Benthological Society, Madison,
Wisconsin, April 17, 1958.
-------
663
Pilchard D. Vaughan
"Manual on Disposal of Refinery Wastes."
Volume I, American Petroleum Institute, New York,
1959.
"Manual on Industrial Water and Industrial
Waste Water." Prepared by American Society of Testing
Materials Committee D-19 on Industrial Water, 2nd
Edition, 1959.
Marks, William D., "Michigan and the Great
Lakes." Michigan Water Resources Commission, 1961.
Marks, William D., "Summary Review of
Lake Erie Commercial Pish Catch Since Beginning of
Record." Michigan Water Resources Commission, August 29*
1962.
McCarthy, J. A. et al, "Measuring Conforms
in Water." Water & Sewage Works, 108:238, 1961.
McKee, J. E., McLaughlin, R. T., "Application
of Molecular Filter Techniques to the Bacterial Assay,
of Sewage. II. Experimental Results for Settled
Sewage." Sewage & Ind. Wastes, 30:2:129-137, Feb.,
1958.
"Michigan Algorithmic Decoder." A Manual,
University of Michigan, January, 1963.
Miller,James F., "Park Users Survey. A
Survey of Persons Using Eight Selected Regional Parks in
-------
664
Richard D. Vaughan
the Detroit Region." Detroit Metropolitan Area
Regional Planning Commission.
Miller, Herbert J\, and Whitlock. S. C.,
"Detroit River Waterfowl Mortality. Winter, 1948."
Game Division, Michigan Department of Conservation,
April, 1948.
Miltdn, R. F. and Waters, W. A., "Methods of
Quantitative Micro Analysis," Edward Arnold, Limited,
Publishers, London, 1955.
Moorehead, George J., "Overflows from Combined
Swewers in Washington, D. C." Journal Water Pollution
Control Federation, July, 1961.
Muenscher, Waiter C., "Aquatic Plants of the
United States." Comstock Publishing Company, 1944.
Mullmann, W. L. and F. R. Peabody, "Multiple
Tube Dilution and Membrane Filter Methods." Water &
Sewage Works, 108:384-389: 1961.
National Water Quality Network, Annual Com-
pilation of Data. United States Department of Health,
Education, and Welfare, Public Health Service.
Nemerow, Nelson L., "Theories and Practices
of Industrial Waste Treatment." Addison-Wesley Publishing
Company, Inc., 1963.
-------
665
Richard D. Vaughan
"1962 Residential Construction in the Detroit
Region." Detroit Metropolitan Area Regional Planning
Commission, January, 1963.
"1962 Shopping Centers in the Detroit Region."
Detroit Metropolitan Area Regional Planning Commission.
"1970 and 1980 Population Projections, Detroit
Region." Population and Housing Committee. Detroit
Metropolitan Area Regional Planning Commission, February,
1963.
"Off-Rail Industrial Lands Plan for the Detroit
Region." Detroit Metropolitan Area Regional Planning
Commission, October, 196l.
"Ohio River Pollution Control." Report of the
United States Public Health Service in two Parts,
August 27, 19^3.
"Organic Industrial Wastes Characterization."
Course Manual, Water Supply and Pollution Control Training.
Robert A. Taft Sanitary Engineering Center, U. S.
Department of Health, Education, and Welfare, Public Health
Service, 1960.
"Outdoor Recreation for America." A report to
the President and to the Congress by the Outdoor Recreation
Resources Review Commission.
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666
Richard D. Vaughan
Palmer, Clyde L. "The Pollutional Effects
of Storm Water Overllows from Combined Sewers."
Sewage and Industrial Wastes, February, 1950.
Palmer, Clyde L., "Feasibility of Combined Sewer
Systems." Journal Water Pollution Control Federation,
February, 1963.
Palmer, C. M., "Algae in Water Supplies."
Robert A. Taft Sanitary Engineering Center, United States
Department of Health, Education, and Welfare, Public
Health Service, 1959.
Pennak, Robert W., "Fresh-Water Invertebrates
to the United States." Ronald Press Company, 1953.
PetrilM, F. L. and G4 Agnese. "On the
Accuracy of the Methods Employed for Detecting £fae
Coliform Bacteria in Water and for Calculating the
Mlcrobial Density in General." Boll, 1st, Sieroterap.
Milan. 39 (1/2) 7^-86: 1960.
Phelps, Earle B., "Stream Sanitation." John
Wiley and Sons, Incorporated, New York.
"Plankton Identification and Control."
Course Manual, Water Supply and Pollution Control
Training Robert A. Taft Sanitary Engineering Center,
U. S. Department of Health, Education, and Welfare, Public
Health Service, 1958.
-------
667
Richard D. Vaughan
Prescott, G. W., "Algae of the Western
Great Lakes Area." William C. Brown Company, Publishers,
Revised Edition, 1962.
Prescott, Samuel C., et al, "Water Bacteriolo-
gy." John Wiley and Sons, Incorporated, 6th Edition, 1946.
"Proceedings of the Conference on Great
Lakes Research," Great Lakes Research Division, Institute
of Science and Technology, University of Michigan, Ann
Arbor.
Public Health Service Drinking Water Standards,
United States Department of Health, Education, ^Welfare,
Plablic Health Service, 1962.
"Recent Developments in Water Bacteriology."
Course Manual, Water Supply and Pollution Control Training,
Robert A. Taft Sanitary Engineering Center, U. S.
Department of Health, Education, & Welfare, Public
Health Service, 1959-
Reference Manual, International Business Mach-
ines 1401 Data Processing System, 1962.
Reid, George W., et al, "Phenolic Wastes
from Aircraft Maintenance." Journal Water Pollution
Control Federation, 32:383, April, 1960.
"Report of the International Jofflt Commis-
sion, United States and Canada on the Pollution of
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668
Richard D. Vaughan
Boundary Waters." Washington-Ottawa, 1951.
"Report, Surveys, and Investigations of
Agricultural Irrigation Potential in Huron River Basin."
Huron River Watershed Intergovernmental Committee and
United States Department of Agriculture, Soil Conserva-
tion Service, January, 1960.
Rider, B. P., and Mellon, M. G., "Colorimetric
Determination of Nitrites." Analytical Chemistry,
Volume 18, 19^6, page 96.
Riegel, Emil R., "Industrial Chemistry.;l
Reinhold Publishing Company, 4th Edition, 19^2.
Romer, Harold, and Klashman, Lester M.,
''How Combined Sewers Affect Water Pollution." Public
Works, March and April, 1963.
Rudolfs, Willem, "Industrial Wastes -
Their Disposal and Treatment." Library of Engineering
Classics, 1953.
"Safeguarding Boundary Water Quality." A
Cooperative Effort between United States and Canada
under International Treaty, 1961.
Sandell, E. B., "Colorimetric Methods of
«*•
Analysis." Interscience Publishers Incorporated, 1958.
Sawyer, C. N., "Chemistry for Sanitary
Engineers." McGraw-Hill Book Company, Inc., I960.
-------
669
Richard D. Vaughan
Sawyer, C. N., "Fertilization of Lakes by
Agricultural and Urban Drainage.'1 Journ. New England
Water Works Assn., vol. 6l, No. 2, pp. 109-127; 1947.
Sawyer, C. N., "Factors Involved in Disposal
of Sewage Effluents to Lakes." Sewage and Industrial
Wastes, vol. 26, No. 3, pp. 317-325; 1954.
Sawyer, C. N., J. B. Lackey and R. T.Lens,
"An Investigation of the Odor Nuisance Occurring in the
Madison Lakes, Particularly Monona, Waubesa, and
Kegonsa from July, 1942 - July, 1944." Report of
Governor's Committee, Madison, Winsconsin, 2 vols.;
1945.
Sawyer, Glair N., "Some New Aspects of
Phosphates in Relation to Lake Fertilization." Sewage
and Industrial Wastes, 24:768. June, 1952.
Sawyer, Clair N., "Causes, Effects, and
Control of Aquatic Growths." Journal Water Pollution
Control Federation, 34:279; March, 1962.
Selleck, Robert E. and Pearson, Erman A.,
"Tracer Studies and Pollutional Analyses of Estuaries."
Sanitary Engineering Research Laboratory College of
Engineering and School of Public Health, University of
California, Berkeley, July 29, I960.
Sewage Treatment Plant Monthly Reports,
-------
670
Richard D. Vaughan
Board of Water Commissioners, Department of Water
Supply, Detroit, Michigan.
Sheets, Waldron D., et al, "Microbiological
Studies on the Treatment of Petroleum Refinery Phenolic
Wastes." Sewage and Industrial Wastes, 26:862; July,
Slanetz, Lawrence W., and Bartley, Clara H.,
"Detection and Sanitary Significance of Pecal Strepto-
cocci in Water." American Journal of Public Health,
54:609; April, 1964.
"Smith's College Chemistry." Appleton
Century Book Company, 3rd Edition.
Smith, Gilbert M., "The Fresh Water Algae
of the United States." McGraw-Hill Book Company,
Inc., New York, 2nd Edition, 1950.
Snedecor, George, "Statistical Methods."
Iowa State University Press, Ames, Iowa, 5th Edition.
Southeastern Michigan Rain and Streamgage
Committee, Annual Report, 1961.
Specht, R. C., "Disposal of Wastes from the
Phosphate Industry." Journal Water Pollution Control
Federation, 32:964; September, I960.
Special Studies Dredging Operations Rouge
River-Detroit River United States Corps of Engineers
-------
671
Richard D. Vaughan
Hopper Dredge Savannah, United States Public Health Ser-
vice, Environmental Health Center, Cincinnati, Ohio.
"Special Surveys." Department of the Army
Technical Manual TM5-235, October, 1953.
"Standard Methods for the Examination of
Water and Wastewater." llth Edition, I960.
State of Michigan 1957 Report on Water Re-
source Conditions and Uses in the Huron River Basin,
Michigan Water Resources Commission.
Stevenson, Albert H., "Studies of Bathing
Water Quality and Health." American Journal of Public
Health, 43:529; May, 1953.
Stones, T., "Iron and Phosphate Changes
During Sewage Treatment." Sewage and Industrial Wastes,
31:981; August, 1959.
Streeter, H. W., Robertson, D. A., Jr.,
"Evaluation of Membrane Filter Technique for Appraising
Ohio River Water Quality." Jour. AWWA, 52:2:229-246;
February, I960.
"Surface Water Records of Michigan." United
States Geological Survey.
Supervisors Inter-County Committee. Fifth
Annual Meeting Report; June, 1962.
Taguchi, Katsuhisa, "Experimental Studies
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672
Richard D. Vaughan
on the Examination of Coliform Organisms in Water.
II. "Application of the Membrane Filter Method." Bulletin
of the Institute of Public Health (Japanese) 9, No. 4,
214-222; December, I960.
Tarzwell, Clarence M., "Development of Water
Quality Criteria for Aquatic Life." Journal Water Pollution
Control Federation, November, 1962.
"The Changing Pattern of Manufacturing Plants
and Employment 1950-1960 in the Detroit Region." Detroit
Metropolitan Area Regional Planning Commission.
"The Ports of Detroit and Ports on the Saginaw
River, Michigan." Port Series Number 45 Revised 1961,
Part 2, Corps of Engineers, United States Army.
"Transcript of Conference in the Matter of
Pollution of the Navigable Waters of the Detroit River and
Lake Erie and their Tributaries within the State of Michigan."
First Session, March 27-28; 1962; Detroit, Michigan.
United States Lakes Survey Charts Number 4l, 412,
415, 416, 400, 3, 37, 29, 364, 374, 376. Corps of Engineers,
United States Army.
Velz, Clarence J., and Gannon, John J.,
"Biological Extraction and Accumulation in Stream
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673
Richard D. Vaughan
Self-Purification." Journal Water Pollution Control
Federation, March, 1962.
Walton, Graham, Effectiveness of Water Treatment
Processes as Measured by Collform Reduction: Part I -
Water Treatment Plant Data; Part II - Special Cooperative
MF-MPN Study. U. S. Department of Health, Education,
& Welfare, R. A. Taft Sanitary Engineering Center,
Cincinnati, Ohio, Public Health Service; Pub. #898.
Ward, H. B., and Whipple, Q. C., "Fresh-
Water Biology." John Wiley and Sons, Incorporated,
2nd Edition, 1959.
"Waterborne Commerce of the United States,
196l; Part 3, Waterways and Harbors, Great Lakes."
Corps of Engineers, United States Army.
"Water Quality Criteria." State Water Pollu-
tion Control Board, Sacramento, California, Publica-
tion No. 3; 1957.
"Water Quality Studies." Course Manual, Water
Supply and Pollution Control Training, Robert A. Taft
Sanitary Engineering Center, United States Department of
Health, Education, and Welfare, Public Health Service,
1962.
"Water Service Priorities for the Detroit
Region." Detroit Metropolitan Area Regional Planning
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674
Richard D. Vaughan
Commission, January, I960.
Watts, H. L., "Colorimetric Determination of
Large Amounts of Iron." Analytical Chemistry,
February, 1964.
Weibel, S. R., et al, ''Urban Land Runoff as
a Factor in Stream Pollution." Robert A. Taft Sanitary
Engineering Center, October, 1962.
Welsh, Paul S. "Limnology." McGraw-
Hill Book Company, New York, 1952.
Welsh, Paul 3., "Limnological Methods."
McGraw-Hill Brook Company, Incorporated, New York, 1952.
"Western Great Lakes Drainage Basin."
A Cooperative State-Federal Report on Water Pollution,
Federal Security Agency, Public Health Service, 1951.
Wilcox, L. V, "Electrical Conductivity."
Journal American Water Works Association, Volume 42,
Page 775, 1950.
Wiley, John S., et al, "Enterovirus in
Sewage during a poliomyelitus Epidemic." Journal
Water Pollution Control Federation; 34:168, February,
1962.
Willard, H. H., et al, "Instrumental Methods
of Analysis." Van Nostrand Company, Incorporated,
New Jersey, 1958.
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675
Richard D. Vaughan
Willard, Hobart H., and Furman, N. Howell,
"Elementary Quantitative Analysis, Theory and Practice."
D. Van Nostrand Company, 3rd Edition, 19^0.
Williams, Louis G., "Plankton Population
Studies." Public Health Service Publication No. 663.
Wisler, C. 0., "Water Resources of the
Detroit Area, Michigan." Geological Survey Circular
No. 183; 1952.
Woodward, Sherman A., and Posey, Chesley J.,
"Hydraulics of Steady Plow In Open Channels."
John Wiley and Sons, Incorporated, New York, 1941.
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Richard D. Vaughan
MR. STEIN: All right.
MR. VAUGHAN: Continuing:
Interferences with Water Uses
Municipal Water Supply. Two municipal water
intakes in the Detroit River, the Southwest City of De-
troit intake and the Wyandotte intake, receive water
with bacterial counts that pose a health hazard especially
in the event that water treatment facilities should mal-
function. Furthermore, ammonia levels at the Wyandotte
intake are high enough to lessen the effectiveness of
normal disinfection procedures, and phenols cause taste
and odor problems.
Industrial Water Supply. The water supply
of several industries is interfered with by high chloride
concentrations in the Detroit River, but the Project
staff was unable to obtain statements to this effect from
the industries concerned.
Recreation. Pollution has necessitated that
all beach areas on the Detroit River below Belle Isle be
posted as unsafe for swimming and other water-contact
sports. Thus 26 out of the 31 miles of the Detroit River
have had their recreational usefulness greatly diminished.
At the same time, many people ignore the warnings of State
and local health authorities, and swim and water-ski in
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677
Richard D. Vaughan
the restricted area. For these people, pollution in the
River presents an immediate health hazard. Boaters and
owners of marinas along the lower River are constantly
harassed by oil slicks and sludge deposits, which deface
boats and boat equipment, fill in and foul docking fa-
cilities, and create an aesthetic nuisance.
Fish and Wildlife Propagation« Creel census
records indicate a change in the predominant types of
fish in the Detroit River from a variety of desirable
game fish to a predominance of carp and yellow perch.
The destruction of 10,000-12,000 wildfowl in 1960 has
been attributed to oil pollution.
Navigation. Sludge deposits at the junction
of the Rouge and Detroit Rivers and at the mouth of the
Detroit River require extensive annual dredging by the
U. S. Army Corps of Engineers to maintain routine naviga-
tion.
This completes the summary of findings on the
Detroit River. We will now proceed to the summary of find-
ings on Lake Erie.
This study was limited to the Michigan waters
of Lake Erie, which constitute approximately 1 percent of
the surface area of this international body of water.
Lake Erie is the shallowest of all the Great Lakes, and
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Richard D. Vaughan
the greatest recorded depth in its Michigan waters is
only 29 feet. Most of the water flowing into Lake Erie
is from the Detroit River.
Description of Water Quality
The Michigan waters of Lake Erie have two
major zones of pollution — one in the vicinity of the
mouth of the Detroit River, one near the mouth of the
Raisin River. These waters are polluted bacteriologic-
ally, chemically, physically, and biologically; they
contain excessive coliform densities, suspended solids,
nitrates, ammonia, organic nitrogen and phosphates, and
sludge deposits.
Bacterial Density. Sewage commonly contains
many pathogenic organisms that can cause gastrointestinal
diseases, eye, ear, nose and throat disorders, skin infec-
tions, and hepatitis when ingested. These organisms may
include both bacteria and viruses. They are usually
measured by counting the number of coliforms (and these
are bacteria particularly associated with human or animal
excreta).
The maximum density of coliform bacteria
recommended in this report - 1,000 organisms per 100 ml. •
is exceeded for 2 to 3 miles south of the mouth of the
Detroit River and for approximately 1 mile out from the
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679
Richard D. Vaughan
mouth of the Raisin River. Maximum coliform values showed
a similar pattern of dispersion, with individual values
exceeding 100,000 organisms per 100 ml. found near the
mouths of the Raisin and Detroit Rivers. Fecal coliform
densities ranged from 5 to 30 percent of the total, and
geometric mean fecal streptococci were less than 80 per
100 ml. at all locations.
All bathing beaches along the Michigan shore
of Lake Erie had geometric mean coliform densities of
less than 1,000 organisms per 100 ml., except Maple Beach,
located in the influence of the Detroit River. Geometric
mean coliform densities at Sterling State Park beaches
approached 1,000 organisms per 100 ml., but here relative-
ly low means mask exceptionally high individual values
which appeared under certain conditions of wind and
weather, some exceeding 100,000 organisms per 100 ml.
These maximums represent a hazard to health of water users.
Fecal coliform and fecal streptococcus densities along
the Lake Erie beaches were noticeably higher than in
adjacent Lake waters.
Bacteriological densities in Lake Erie from
the mouth of the Detroit River to a point 2 to 3 miles
to the south are such that the water cannot safely be
used for recreational purposes. Following heavy rainfall
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680
Richard D. Vaughan
in the Detroit area, the zone of polluted water extends
southward to Stony Point and outward from the Raisin
River.
Dissolved Oxygen. Most of the Michigan waters
of Lake Erie display high levels of dissolved oxygen.
Two areas of low values were found near the mouths of
the Detroit and Raisin River, with the more widespread
effect radiating southward from the mouth of the Detroit
River. In the immediate vicinity of the mouth of the
Raisin River, complete depletion of oxygen was found,
but within one-half mile into the Lake the levels re-
covered. Values as low as 4.8 mg/1 and 58% saturation
were found in the area south of the mouth of the Detroit
River. Here the area of depressed values extends south-
west 4-6 miles.
While present oxygen levels in the Lake do
not yet cause major interferences with water use, the
drop to 4.8 mg/1 represents a threat to water uses in the
Lake. Unless appropriate remedial action is taken now,
the situation will almost certainly worsen.
Chlorides. Average chloride concentrations
in the Michigan waters of Lake Erie ranged from 18 to 44
mg/1, with the higher values along shore and near the
mouth of the Detroit River. Chlorides can interfere with
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681
Richard D. Vaughan
domestic and industrial water use by causing objection-
able tastes in drinking water and corrosion in industrial
equipment* While present levels do not interfere with
water use, the year-by-year increase at the Monroe water
intake is noted as a warning of future problems.
Suspended and Settleable Solids. Suspended
solids concentrations near Lake Erie bathing beaches
ranged from 80 - 165 mg/1; Lake Erie itself had concen-
trations of 11 to 25 mg/1. Suspended solids in Lake
Erie were highest near the mouths of the Raisin and De-
troit Rivers, and have reached levels which interfere
with water uses by settling out on the Lake bottom.
These bottom deposits interfere with navigation, kill
fish eggs and fish-food organisms, destroy spawning beds,
and clog the gills and respiratory passages of fish.
CyanideSo Cyanides were found at the mouth
of the Raisin River and once at Sterling State Park nearby
in concentrations exceeding PHS drinking water standards
and recommended maximums for protection of fish. Their
presence in the water, even in minute quantities, poses
a threat to fish and wildlife.
Iron. Average iron concentrations exceeding
0.30 mg/1 were found near the mouth of the Detroit and
Raisin Rivers. Iron is toxic to certain species of fish
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682
Richard D. Vaughan
even in low concentrations; excessive quantities of iron
can also cause tastes in municipal water supplies and
stains in laundry, vegetables and plumbing fixtures.
Nitrogen. A pattern of high concentrations
of nitrogen compounds radiates outward from the Detroit
River. High levels of nitrates ranging from 0.35 to 0.50
mg/1 were found in Brest Bay, and ammonia concentrations
exceeding 0.30 mg/1 extended down into the Lake approxi-
mately 10 miles from the mouth of the Detroit River.
Inorganic nitrogen exceeds 0.30 mg/1 in over 85 percent
of the Michigan waters of Lake Erie.
Nitrogen in Lake Erie acts as a nutrient for
algae and undesirable slimes which, in turn, can result
in obnoxious odors; ammonia in particular interferes with
domestic water treatment.
Phosphates. Phosphates also nourish objection-
able algae and slimes, which add to general turbidity.
Areas of high total phosphate concentration (0.20 - 0.50
mg/1) extended from the Detroit River south to Stony Point.
Three areas of soluble phosphate exceed 0.10 mg/1 as phos-
phate or 0.03 as phosphorus. One extends 6-8 miles
south from the mouth of the Detroit River, one radiates
out 1-2 miles from the Raisin River, and the third ex-
tends upward 3-4 miles from the Ohio State Line.
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683
Richard D. Vaughan
Over 85 percent of the Michigan waters of
Lake Erie contain inorganic nitrogen and soluble phos-
phates in excessive concentrations. The result has been
undesirable algal blooms and serious interferences with
water use. The City of Monroe has Already been forced
to move its water supply intake in order to avoid objec-
tionable tastes and odors from algae.
Biology^ Massive colonies of the filamentous
slime bacteria Sphaerotilus. or "sewage fungus," and the
filamentous green alga Cladophora were found at most sta-
tions in Lake Erie and along the bathing beaches near
Holies Harbor and in Brest Bay. These slimes, indicative
of pollution, have fouled the nets of fishermen, inter-
fered with boating, and washed up on beaches decaying
and smelling.
Lake Erie also supports dense populations
of plant and animal plankters, sometimes as dense as
22,400/ml. These microscopic organisms, in large numbers,
can create nuisances: they clog filters in water plants,
produce unpleasant tastes and odors in drinking water,
and make the Lake water highly turbid.
Study of the bottom animal associations
revealed polluted areas adjacent to the Raisin River and
Sterling State Park, and at the mouth of the Detroit
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684
Richard D. Vaughan
River extending in Che shape of a fan out into the Lake.
Samples from the River below sources of pollution and
from the Lake did not contain a single burrowing mayfly.
The elimination of pollution-sensitive organisms such as
these rob fish of much food, and may threaten certain
species of fish with elimination.
Sources and Characteristics of Wastes
Over 95 percent of the waste constituents
discharged from Michigan sources to Lake Erie originates
from the Detroit River. The daily discharge from the
United States portion of the River into Lake Erie con-
tains the following loadings:
1. Over 10,000,000 pounds of chlorides.
2. Over 2,000 pounds of phenols.
3. Over 7,000,000 pounds of settleable
solids.
4. Over 250,000 pounds of iron.
5. Over 200,000 pounds of phosphates.
6. Over 130,000 pounds of ammonia.
7. Over 300,000 pounds of total nitrogen.
After the Detroit River, the major polluter
of Michigan Lake Erie is the Raisin River. The chief
municipal waste discharge to the Raisin is from Monroe.
The Monroe Sewage Treatment Plant provides primary
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685
Richard D. Vaughan
treatment and, during the simmer months, chlorination,
and its operation is excellent. Efficiency in removal
of suspended solids (62%) and BOD (597.) is high for a
primary treatment plant, and bacterial control during
chlorination is also good.
Although Monroe has separated its sewer sys-
tem, a portion of the sanitary sewers still receives run-
off from roofs. This results in hydraulic overloading at
the plant, with a subsequent drop in efficiency, especially
in maintenance of a chlorine residual in the effluent
which will adequately reduce colifona organisms.
During the summer most bacterial loadings
discharged to the Raisin River and subsequently to Lake
Erie from the Monroe plant are significantly less than
those from industrial sources. During non-chlorination
months, however, the municipal plant is a significant
source of coliform organisms to the Raisin River. Nitro-
gen and phosphorus compounds in the River originate in
almost equal proportions from industrial and municipal
sources.
Monroe industries discharge, daily, to the
Raisin River:
1. Wastes equivalent in oxygen consuming
capacity to raw sewage from a population of 225,000.
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686
Richard D. Vaughan
2. Over 23,000 pounds of suspended solids,
including 7,800 pounds of settieable solids.
3. Over 1,000 gallons of oil.
4. Over 1,000 pounds of cyanides.
5. Over 1,000 pounds of phosphates.
6. 16,000 pounds of chlorides.
7. Bacteria:
a. Total coliform as high as 3 million
per 100 ml.
b. Fecal coliforms as high as 100,000
per 100 ml.
c. Fecal streptococci as high as 51,000
per 100 ml.
The lower Raisin River is frequently complete-
ly devoid of dissolved oxygen, resulting in a continuous
state of putrefaction during the summer months. All uses
of the lower Raisin River except waste disposal and navi-
gation have been eliminated by pollution and deposits of
settleable solids. Navigation is also hampered, and ex-
tensive annual dredging at the mouth is required to remove
deposited wastes and keep the channels open for routine
ship movement. Bacterial counts in the lower River make
any recreational use of the water hazardous. The detri-
mental effect of the Raisin River upon the Lake is evident
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Richard D. Vaughan
in the enrichment of the waters of the western basin and
the high coliform levels at bathing beaches nearby (in-
cluding Sterling State Park),,
In addition to the Raisin River, several
other tributaries to Lake Erie contribute wastes: They
are the Huron River, Swan Creek, Stony Creek, Sandy
Creek, Plum Creek and LaPlaisance Creek, with the Huron
the most important. The Huron River carries significant
quantities of coliform organisms, nitrates, and phos-
phates. It discharges into a large marsh at Pointe
Mouillee with no clear pattern of dispersion into the
Lake. The marsh is subject to backwater from the polluted
waters of the Detroit River discharging into the Lake,
and the specific effect of the Huron on the Lake is
masked by this phenomenon. Long retention in the Pointe
Mouillee marsh further complicates an evaluation of the
Huron's share in polluting the Lake. After sources of
pollution in the Detroit River have been substantially
reduced, the actual waste contribution of the Huron River
may be determined.
Sandy Creek discharges into Lake Erie at the
northern edge of Sterling State Park, and is usually of
poor bacteriological quality. Much of the time its flow
is reversed, since the intake of the Ford Motor Co. plant
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688
Richard D. Vaughan
and several paper mills that use its water exceed its
normal flow. At periods of high runoff, however, its
flow is higher (up to 60 cfs), and on such occasions it
had an adverse effect on Lake Erie water.
Stony Creek and a small boat harbor near
its mouth also have high coliform densities, and in
times of heavy rain contributed wastes to the Lake.
Another important source of waste discharge
into Lake Erie is storm-caused overflow. All along Lake
Erie are shorefront pumping stations designed to receive
surface drainage and automatically discharge it, un-
treated, into the Lake during or following rainfall.
Discharge from improperly functioning septic tanks
reaches the pumping stations along with surface runoff.
A portion of Monroe's sanitary sewers still receives
roof runoff, and this burdens the sewage treatment plant
which must bypass directly to the River, without treat-
ment except chlorination, all wastes over 10 MGD. In
addition, a flood relief pumping station along the Raisin
River interceptor bypasses the plant when unusually heavy
rainfall or flood stage of the River inundates the sewer.
The effect of storm-caused overflow on the River is most
evident above known sources of pollution. In August 1963
a heavy rain caused the flood pumping station to operate
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Richard D. Vaughan
for one hour, and coliform densities jumped to 10 times
normal levels.
Unsewered shorefront houses also discharge
sewage directly, or from improperly functioning septic
tanks, to Lake Erie. Several tributaries, including
Plum creek and Sandy Creek, also receive such wastes.
Commercial and pleasure boats make heavy
use of the Michigan waters of Lake Erie, and all such
craft represent potential sources of pollution from oil
and human wastes. Several reports of oil spills in the
middle of the Lake waters under study indicate actual
pollution from these sources.
There is also a table that should be in-
cluded in the report, Table 12-VI.
(Table 12-VI is as follows.)
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TABLE 12-VI. SUMMARY OF A^JtRAGE DAILY LOADING OF INDUSTRIAL WASTES BY EACH
INDUSTRY TO RAISIN RIVER AT MONROE
BOD
Industry Ibs.
Consolidated Paper 17,
North Plant
Consolidated Paper 7,
South Plant
Ford Motor Company
Monroe Auto Equipment
Monroe Paper 1 ,
Products
Union Bag- Camp 1 1 ,
Paper Co.
Total Raisin 37,
River(l)
Z04
000
48
BOD
P. E.
101,
42,
000
000
287
Susp. Sett.
Sol. Sol. Chlorides Oil
Ibs. Ibs. Iba. gal.
7,
10,
823
600
8
780 0
5. 300 0
3 16,000
123
» 36
870
Phenols Cyanides
Ibs. Ibs.
11.
0.
3.
0
5
8
0
0
1,075
Chro- Phos-
Copper mium phates
Ibs. Ibs. Ibs.
0 0
00 9
700 136 1,046
NO WASTE CONSTITUENTS OF SIGNIFICANCE
900
770
900
H,
70,
225,
400
000
000
I,
3,
23,
47S
5 a
500
1,400 120
320 0
7, 800 16,000
4
92
1, 130
0.
5.
21.
6
9
8
0
0
1,075
30 0
00 0
703 136 1,060
(1) Rounded to three significant figures.
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Richard D. Vaughan
Special Studies
In connection with the overall study of Lake
Erie, several special studies were carried out on speci-
fic pollution problems not clearly defined by the routine
investigations. The special studies included: three
intensive surveys of the Raisin River, a pollution study
of the Maple-Milleville Beach area, collection and analy-
sis of bottom deposits in the Lake, hydrologic and current
studies, and an investigation of bacterial contamination
at Sterling State Park. (Results from the first three
studies have been reported in the main body of this sum-
mary.)
Hydrologic Studies. The hydrologic studies
showed, in general, that wind is the primary factor in-
fluencing water movement in the Michigan waters of Lake
Erie except in the Detroit River debouchment where flow
from the Detroit River is the predominant factor. Spe-
cific findings of special interest include the following:
1. The combination of wind patterns and
Detroit River flow is such that polluted Detroit River
water can affect water quality at beaches as far south
as Swan Creek 75 to 85% of the time.
2. Predominant winds are southerly, pro-
ducing northerly currents 40 to 45% of the time. Northerly
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692
Richard D. Vaughan
currents in turn bring polluted Raisin River water up to
Sterling State Park beaches, accounting in part for the
erratically high bacterial counts observed there.
3. Winds from the northeast and east, which
occur approximately 20% of the time, could bring polluted
Detroit River water into Brest Bay if they blew steadily
for two days or more.
Sterling State Park. Study of bacterial
contamination at Sterling State Park beach revealed sev-
eral sources of the pollution. The Raisin River, as
mentioned above, is probably the chief contributor of
high coliform counts, since northerly currents are pre-
dominant. When southerly currents prevail, waste dis-
charges from tributaries to the north of the Park, and
from malfunctioning septic tanks affect the beach water.
Control of these sources of pollution should restore
water quality at the Park to levels safe for swimming.
Interferences with Water Uses
Municipal Water Supply. Algal growths in
Lake Erie have in the past caused serious taste and odor
problems in the public water supply of Monroe, and threat-
en to do so again. Ammonia concentrations at the Monroe
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693
Richard D. Vaughan
water intake tend to lessen the effectiveness of chlorina-
tion.
Industrial Water Supply. Increasing chloride
levels are a warning of future difficulties, for chlorides
can cause corrosion in industrial equipment. The Raisin
River is so grossly polluted in its lower reaches that it
is offensive to sight and smell, and undesirable as a
source of industrial water supply*
Recreation. Restriction of recreational
opportunities in Lake Erie and its Michigan tributaries
may be the worst damage from pollution, inestimable in
dollar figures. At beaches near the mouth of the Detroit
River, any kind of water contact sports -- even water
skiing or boating — is hazardous. The beaches at
Sterling State Park, in heavy demand by a metropolitan
population of nearly four million (projected to reach
5% million by 1980), have had to be posted as unsafe
for swimming. The beaches themselves are often offensive
due to the washing ashore of rotting plant life and de-
composing matter of sewage and industrial origin.
Fish and Wildlife Propagation. Sludge de-
posits on the bottom of Lake Erie threaten to destroy
the food and habitat tlutmake life possible for game
fish. Large areas of Michigan Lake Erie's bottom are
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Richard D. Vaughan
inhabitated only by pollution-tolerant organisms such as
leeches and sludgeworms. Fish kills have been caused by
discharges of oil and in 1960 a heavy discharge of un-
treated waste killed 10,000 to 12,000 ducks near the
mouth of the Detroit River. Heavy algae blooms and dense
populations of plankton add to the turbidity of the Lake
water.
Navigation. Sludge deposits at the mouth
of the Raisin and Detroit Rivers require expensive annual
dredging to preserve routine navigability.
Eutrophication of Lake Erie. The natural
aging of the Michigan section of Lake Erie is being
accelerated by the discharges of nutrients and organic
wastes. The deleterious effects of nitrate and soluble
phosphate loadings are observable in the abnormally high
pulses of plankton, the widespread blooms of taste and
odor producing algae, and the nuisance growths of fila-
mentous sewage fungus and blanket weed. Another symptom
of advancing eutrophication is low summer oxygen levels.
Disappearance of the once-abundant mayfly larvae and the*
smothering of spawning beds with settleable solids may
be a contributing factor to the recent decline of Lake
Erie walleye and whitefish. Unless the discharge of
nutrients and organic wastes is not halted, eutrophication
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695
Richard D. Vaughan
of the Lake may rapidly increase until it becomes unsuit-
able for most purposes*
This concludes the discussion of findings on
Lake Erie. I would now like to read the conclusions of
the report.
CONCLUSIONS
Every day more than 1.6 billion gallons of
waste water flow into the Detroit River — 1»1 billion
gallons from industry and 540 million gallons from
municipal sewage. Huge quantities of waste products
contained in this discharge change the Detroit River
from a basically clean body of water at its head to a
polluted one in its lower reaches. These waters are
polluted bacteriologically, chemically, physically,
and biologically, and contain excessive coliform
densities as well as excessive quantities of phenols,
iron, oil, ammonia, suspended solids, settleable solids,
chlorides, nitrogen compounds, and phosphates. Pollu-
tion of the Detroit River will become progressively
worse unless effective action is taken immediately.
The City of Detroit's main sewage treatment
plant, serving more than 90 percent of the people in the
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696
Richard D. Vaughan
Project area, contributes 95 percent of the municipal
waste to the Detroit River and is also the major source
of suspended solids, phenols, oil, inorganic nitrogen,
phosphates, and biochemical oxygen demand in the river.
Overflow from combined sewers in Detroit and its suburbs,
carrying both stormwater and raw sewage, contributes
greatly to the degradation of the river.
In the upper Detroit River, the Great Lakes
Steel Co. and the Allied Chemical Corp. are the major
sources of industrial wastes. The Ford Motor Co. istthe
principal contributor of inorganic wastes to the Rouge
River, and the Scott Paper Co. is the principal contri-
butor of organic wastes. Downriver industries contribut-
ing significant quantities of wastes are the Great Lakes
Steel Corp., the McLouth Steel Corporation, Pennsalt
Chemical Corporation, and Wyandotte Chemical Corporation.
On the Raisin River the leading polluters are the two
Consolidated Paper Company mill»> Monroe Paper Products
Company, and the Union Bag-Camp Paper Company.
Other significant sources of pollution in
the study area are overflows from combined sewers, muni-
cipal and industrial waste spills, and wastes from shore-
front homes.
Pollution of the Detroit River causes inter-
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697
Richard D. Vaughan
ference with municipal water supply, recreation, fish and
wildlife propagation, and navigation. Two municipal water
intakes, particularly that of Wyandotte, are endangered
by the high bacterial counts of the river, and the rising
chloride levels indicate potential future problems for
industrial water usage* In addition, high concentrations
of phenols and ammonia at the Wyandotte water intake have
interfered with municipal water treatment by causing taste
and odor problems and reducing the effectiveness of
chlorination. Excessive quantities of chlorine are needed
to reduce bacteria to a safe level.
All forms of water contact sports in the
lower-Detroit River are hazardous. Declining levels of
dissolved oxygen in the lower Detroit River as it enters
Lake Erie are approaching the danger point, indicating
trouble in the future unless appropriate remedial action
is taken. Together with bottom sludge deposits, oils,
and toxic materials, they threaten fish, migratory birds,
and other wildlife. In order to maintain navigation,
extensive annual dredging is required at the junction
of the Detroit and Rouge Rivers and at the mouths of
the Detroit and Raisin Rivers to remove deposits of sus-
pended solids in large part originating in municipal and
industrial waste discharges.
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698
Richard D. Vaughan
About 6 million pounds of waste products
are discharged every day from U. S. industries and muni-
cipalities to the Detroit River. 20 million pounds of
measured waste constituents are discharged every day
from U. S. waters of the Detroit River to Michigan waters
of Lake Erie. The Raisin River, grossly polluted at its
mouth, also pollutes the Michigan waters of Lake Erie.
The Michigan waters of Lake Erie have two
major zones of pollution — one in the vicinity of the
mouth of the Detroit River, and one near the mouth of
the Raisin River.
Bacteriological densities in the Lake from
the mouth of the Detroit River to a point 2 or 3 miles
south make the water unfit for recreational use; follow-
ing heavy rainfall in the Detroit area, this zone is
extended southward to Stony Point. The periodic contami-
nation of Sterling State Park beaches, which are posted
as unsafe for swimming, is caused by wastes from the
Raisin River and septic tank discharge.
Concentrations of chlorides, metabtoxic
to fish life in minute concentrations, and suspended
solids in the Lake portend future problems in various
water uses. Composition of bottom organisms in the
Detroit River changes from a pollution-sensitive popula-
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699
Richard D. Vaughan
tion typically found in clean waters to a predominantly
pollution-tolerant population in the lower River.
Pollution-stimulated algae growths have
forced Monroe to move its water intake point to avoid
unpleasant tastes and odors in the water, and algae
blooms near the new intake again threaten to degrade
Monroe's drinking water. Discharges of nutrients and
organic wastes into the Michigan part of Lake Erie have
speeded the enrichment of that portion of the Lake.
Water at Sterling State Park is erratically
polluted, and this area occasionally had coliform counts
exceeding 100,000 organisms per 100 ml. A standard
frequently accepted as safe for recreation is 1,000 per
100 ml, and the recommendations in this report are based
on that standard. The Raisin River was discovered to
be the primary cause of this pollution; when Lake cur-
rents are northerly (40 to 457. of the time), polluted
Raisin River water is carried directly to the beaches.
When currents are southerly, polluted drainage from
septic tanks reaches the Park. To improve water quality
at Sterling State Park, these sources of pollution must
be controlled.
Adverse effects of stormwater overflow on
water quality were seen in the waters studied by the
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700
Richard D. Vaughan
Project. During and after heavy rainfall, sewage plants
must bypass untreated wastes directly to the rivers, and
this can occur on 33 to 45 days a year. The overflows
averaged 8.2 hours and have lasted as long as 24 hours,
and the detrimental effects from a single storm have
lasted as long as 5 days. Bacteria in storm overflows
often approached the densities found in raw sewage, with
counts as high as 100 million per 100 ml. Storm-caused
overflows alone are responsible for the discharge of 5
billion gallons of raw sewage to the Detroit River yearly.
While there is some evidence that water
quality is improving, because of increased water uses
damages are increasing, and unless remedial action is
taken immediately the usefulness of the water resources
of the Detroit area may be destroyed completely by pol-
lution.
Thank you.
MR. STEIN: Just one moment, Mr, Vaughan.
MR. VAUGHAN: I'm sorry.
MR. STEIN: Do you have any films to show
now?
MR. VAUGHAN: I think there are some slides
right now.
MR. POSTON: Will you put on some of the
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701
Richard D. Vaughan
slides to show some of the conditions along the river at
this time?
MR. VAUGHAN: Yes.
MR. POSTON: Mr. Vaughan will narrate these,
and Mr. Harlow will point them out.
MR. VAUGHAN: Mr. Harlow is going to narrate
the slides.
MR. POSTON: I think, Mr. Chairman, that some
of the consultants, and perhaps Mr. Oeming, could see a
little better if they were out front.
MR. STEIN: I would suggest that what we will
do, and I hope Mr. Vaughan is still within earshot, is,
after the slides are presented we will recess for lunch.
How long will the slides take?
MR. POSTON: Ten minutes.
MR. STEIN: I want to again emphasize that
this afternoon we may have Governors Romney, Rhodes and
Rockefeller coming here to make statements. If they do,
it is going to cause a rather tight schedule. We will
interrupt the Government presentations and ask the
Governors to make their statements at that time.
Mr. Vaughan, I want to commend you on making
a very detailed report indicating precisely what you
found and the reasoning behind your conclusions.
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702
Richard D. Vaughan
I would suggest that if there are any people
who would differ with that or who have questions wait
until we have completed the entire report.
The issue is pretty firmly joined, and I
think we are in a position to clarify the situation.
That is one of the best reports that I have
encountered in all the years that we have been doing
this.
Would you proceed, Mr. Harl&w?
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703
George L. Harlow
STATEMENT OF GEORGE L. HARLOW,
SANITARY ENGINEER AND DIRECTOR,
DETROIT RIVER - LAKE ERIE PROJECT,
U. S. DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH, EDUCA-
TION, AND WELFARE, PUBLIC HEALTH
SERVICE
MR. HARLOW: Mr. Chairman, Conferees, Mem-
bers of the Michigan Water Resources Commission, Ladies
and Gentlemen:
For the record, I am George Harlow, Senior
Sanitary Engineer of the U0 S. Public Health Service,
and present Director of the Detroit River - Lake Erie
Project.
I shall be showing some slides that the
Project took during the three years that we studied the
area here. I don't think these need to be made a part
of the record, nor the comments that I make on each
one. Just the fact that the slides are being shown
I think is all that is necessary.
What do you think about that?
MR. STEIN: I think we had better have as
part of the record at least your comments.
-------
704
George L. Harlow
MR. HARLOW: All right.
MR. STEIN: I won't agree to print the slides
in the record in color, because of the expense, but I
think we will take your comments. The slides will be
made an exhibit and be available in Washington, Chicago,
and Detroit, as long as we maintain an office here.
MR. HARLOW: These slides are pictures that
we took of water uses, waste discharges, and pollution
conditions.
May we have the houselights out, please?
The first slide (indicating) shows a picture
of Maple Beach, one of the beaches that is along the
western shoreline of Lake Erie.
The next slide (indicating) shows fishing,
a recreational spost in the area, in the lower Detroit
River.
This slide (indicating) is a picture taken
from the air of Sterling State Park Beach on western
Lake Erie. Here we can see the sign posted at Sterling
State Park saying "Unfit for Swimming/1 and the sun-
bathers on the beach. That (indicating) looks like a
pile of debris, but is actually a sunbather.
This (indicating) is another picture taken
of Sterling State Park, and you can see the general
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705
George L. Harlow
condition of the beach.
Again we have a picture taken at Sterling State
Park (indicating). We have some bathers definitely bathing
in the water, and this dead fish beside them.
Here (Indicating) we have some bathers at Dewey
Beach, another one of the beaches along the western Lake
Erie shoreline.
This (indicating) is the discharge and accompanying
Discoloration of the Detroit River from the outfall of the
Detroit Sewage Treatment Plant.
This is the Detroit River here (indicating). This
tributary coming in here (indicating) is the Rouge River,
and this land mass is Zug Island.
This (indicating) is another picture showing the
Detroit Sewage Treatment Plant outfall from a different
section, as the wastes boil up from the bottom of the Detroit
River and proceed downstream.
This is the Rouge River coming in from this
direction (indicating), and Zug Island here.
This (indicating) is our Project boat right there
discharging dye used as tracers into the effluent of the
Detroit Sewage Treatment Plant in order to trace it downstream,
These (indicating) are two clarifiers, two
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706
George L. Barlow
waste treatment devices used by the Ford Motor Company
Rouge plant. The discharge from these two clarifiers
is at this point here (indicating), and you are able to
see the change in the color of the river, with this
demarcation line (indicating) caused by the material
discharged from these two clarifiers of the Ford Motor
Company, The direction of the flow of the Rouge River
is this way (indicating).
This (indicating) is another waste treat-
ment device of the Ford Motor Company, an oil separation
device that they have installed on the Ford plant. The
Rouge River is out in this direction (indicating). You
can see the oil that has been accumulated and trapped
inside the waste treatment device of the Ford Motor
Company Rouge plant.
This (indicating) is the discharge and
accompanying discoloration of the Rouge River from the
Scott Paper Company, This is the Zug Island cut, and
the direction of flow is in this direction (indicating).
This (indicating) is an outfall discharging
material from the Great Lakes Steel Corporation on Zug
Island. This is a Blast Furnace Division, and you can
see the discoloration of the river from this outfall.
This (indicating) is another outfall from
-------
70?
George L. Harlow
the Great Lakes Steel Corporation on Zug Island, and you
can see how it discolors the river.
This (indicating) is one of those same two
outfalls taken from the air showing the discharge, and
how it discolors the Detroit River. The direction of
flow, of course, is in this direction (indicating).
This (indicating) is the outfall of the Great
Lakes Steel Corporation 80-Inch Hot Strip ML11. There
are actually two outfalls there discharging approximately
80 million gallons a day.
This outfall on this side (indicating) con-
tains primarily cooling water, and this outfall on this
side (indicating) contains the process waste material,
and you can see how it discolors the river. You can see
the size of these out falls by looking at these railroad
cars (indicating).
This (indicating) is one of the outfalls
from the oil separating devices, another treatment device
used by the Great Lakes Steel Corporation at Ecorse.
The oil rises to the surface in these flexion devices
and is trapped, and is taken away to prevent pollution
entering the Detroit River from oil wastes.
This (indicating) is the outfall from the
Wyandotte Chemical Corporation North Plant.
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708
George L. Harlow
This (Indicating) is an outfall and accom-
panying discoloration of the Detroit River from the
McLouth Steel Corporation. This device here (indicating)
is one of their treatment devices, as well as are these
two circular devices here (indicating). You can see how
the pollution collected along the shore had a heavier
concentration.
This (indicating) is the Gibraltar area
in the lower Detroit River taken from the air. This
tributary coming in here is the Frankenford Drain. The
discoloration or the red color of the Frankenford Drain
as it enters the Gibraltar area is attributable to dis-
charge from the Gibraltar plant of the McLouth Steel
Corporation. The Detroit River is in this direction
(indicating).
This (indicating) is the waste outfall
from the Union Bag-Camp Paper Company in the Raisin
River, and the North Plant of the Consolidated Paper
Company. The waste material is entering the Raising
River, and at the time this picture was taken, the
wastes were going upstream.
This (indicating) is the turning basin on
the Raisin River, and the wastes are going upstream
and meeting this black waste coming downstream.
-------
709
George L. Harlow
Here (Indicating) is that black waste I men-
tioned in the slide before entering the Raisin River from
the Consolidated Paper Company South Plant. The Raisin
River to Lake Erie is in this direction (indicating).
This (indicating) is a picture taken in
1962 of a malfunctioning stormwater overflow outlet.
This outlet discharged raw sewage during dry weather
because a regulator malfunctioned. This discoloration
of the dark blue or purplish color (indicating) is raw
sewage entering the Detroit River.
This picture (indicating) was taken just
recently, and shows the outfall from Connors Creek, the
system that carries the combined storm and sanitary
sewage of the City of Detroit in this area of the city,
and during a storm it is discharged into the Detroit
River. This is the Detroit River out here (indicating).
The direction of flow is this way (indicating), and you
can see the discoloration of the wastes entering the
river from Connors Creek.
This (indicating) is another picture taken
at the same time. This is Connors Creek and the com-
bined sewage entering the river.
This slip here (indicating) is where the
intake of the Connors Creek Detroit Edison Power Plant
-------
710
George L. Harlow
is located. They take their water in this area.
This (indicating) is another picture showing
Connors Creek here, taken at the same time. This is where
Detroit Edison takes their water in, and this is where
they discharge it, and you can see how the discharge from
the Detroit Edison plant is pushing the waste material
out farther into the river.
Proceeding downstream at the same time, we
can see, at the Lee and Jefferson stormwater overflow
outlet, that during this same storm, this outfall was
discharging a considerable amount of waste material,
and you see how it discolors the river. These are two
large boats parked there (indicating).
This (indicating) is another picture of the
same thing, showing it at a different angle.
This (indicating) is a picture taken recently
from the air of the Rouge River. The direction of flow
is in this direction (indicating). This red colored waste
is caused by the discharge from the Ford Motor Company
Rouge plant.
This (indicating) is the Zug Island cut
entering the Rouge River, and you can see the difference
in the color between the Zug Island cut, which, in reaches
of it, had relatively clean water to the polluted-
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711
George L. Harlow
appearing condition of the Rouge River. The Detroit
River is out in this direction (indicating). This is
Zug Island (indicating).
This (indicating) is a picture taken on the
same day of the Rouge River as it enters the Detroit
River. Again you see the orange or red colored type
material. This black line (indicating) and these other
black lines are oil slicks.
This (indicating) is Zug Island, and the
direction of flow of the Detroit River is in this di-
rection (indicating).
This (indicating) is a picture — you can't
see it too well — of the Detroit Edison plant at the
mouth of the Rouge River.
I think this picture shows it better (indi-
cating), and this is where the Detroit Edison plant
takes their water in, and you can see that, as it ap-
pears, they did not have good quality water on this day.
Downstream a short ways, just off of the
Town of Rouge, we can see the wastes from the Rouge River
as it discolors the Detroit River. The direction of flow
is in this direction (indicating).
This (indicating) is a park called Ba1linger
Park where a boat marina is. This happens to be the
-------
712
George L. Harlow
shadow of the helicopter (indicating).
This (indicating) is the way the outlet of
the Detroit Edison Rouge plant comes out*
This (indicating) is a picture of the Corps
of Engineers Dredge Haynes as it proceeds to the Grassy
Island Dumping Ground to dispose of the dredge material
that it has just removed from the Rouge River. You can
see, as he chugs downstream, he was losing some of the
material that he had picked up in the Rouge River.
This (indicating) is a picture of the Raisin
River coming out in this direction, taken from the air,
as it enters Lake Erie, and you can see the effects of
the wastes from the Raisin River as it entered Lake Erie.
Sterling State Park is up in this direction
(indicating). Bolle Harbor would be down in this direc-
tion (indicating).
This (indicating) is a picture of MeLough
Steel Corporation on a day when they had a waste spill.
This is their clarifier (indicating), and apparently it
was malfunctioning that day, discharging this heavy black
material containing iron, suspended solids, and oil,
and how it affected the downstream part of the Trenton
Channel.
This (indicating) is the Trenton Choinel,
-------
713
George L. Harlow
and this is Grosse lie (indicating).
Again, as this slate material proceeded down-
stream, this is the Riverview Osteopathic Hospital located
in Trenton (indicating).
Those are all the slides. Thank you.
MR. STEIN: Thank you very much.
We will stand recessed until a quarter to
two.
(Luncheon recess taken at 12:15 p.m.)
-------
George L. Harlow
AFTERNOON SESSION
1:45 P.M.
MR. STEIN: May we reconvene?
Mr. Poston.
MR. POSTON: Mr. Harlow will continue with
the presentation and the study. Mr. Harlow is in charge
of our activities at our Project.
MR. HARLOW: I shall now be presenting these
recommendations of the Detroit River - Lake Erie Project
of the Public Health Service.
Recommendations for abating water pollution
interfering with water use in the Detroit River, the
Michigan waters of Lake Erie, and their tributaries will
be made in two groups: general recommendations, cover-
ing the broad objectives of pollution abatement in the
Project area, followed by specific recommendations for
the solution of particular problems. All recommendations
concerning municipal and industrial wastes refer only
to Michigan facilities whose discharges reach the De-
troit River or Lake Erie either directly or through a
tributary.
The specific recommendations are offered
-------
715
George L. Harlot*
in addition to, and not in place of, the general recom-
mendations.
The recommendations which limit the effluent
concentration of a particular waste constituent are made
with the goal of reduction of overall loadings from a
facility. If changes in concentration are brought about
by increased dilution, combination of outfalls, or other
methods without reducing waste loading, a corresponding
decrease in recommended waste concentrations will be re-
quired.
While artificial fertilization of the Michi-
gan waters of Lake Erie is a severe problem, no recommenda-
tions are made at this time concerning the installation
of specialized treatment facilities designed to reduce
phosphorus and nitrogen compounds in the effluent of
municipal waste treatment works. Proper operation of
secondary treatment facilities of the activated sludge
type will result in significantly greater removal of
these constituents than that produced by primary treat-
ment alone.
GENERAL RECOMMENDATIONS
The following are the general recommendations
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716
George L. Earlow
of the Detroit River - Lake Erie Project staff.
It is recommended that:
1. All municipalities provide a minimum of
secondary treatment plus adequate disinfection of the
effluent.
2. Sewerage systems with collection sewers
terminating in adequate treatment facilities be provided
in those areas along the Mib&igan shore of Lake Erie and
the Detroit River where sewers do not row exist and homes
discharge either raw wastes or septic tank effluent to
the watercourse.
3. All industries in the area discharging
waste material to the public waters maintain an inventory
of all waste treatment equipment and supplies on the
plant premises so that a minimum delay in effective waste
treatment will result when replacement or repair is
necessary.
4. A program be developed to reduce the
likelihood of accidental spills of waste material to
the river. In-plant surveys with the purpose of an-
ticipating possible accidents are recommended.
5. All new sewerage facilities be designed
to prevent the necessity of bypassing untreated wastes
during maintenance and renovation operations.
-------
717
George L. Harlow
6. Municipal waste treatment plants regularly
analyze all waste constituents contributing to pollution
found in significant quantities in their wastes, as speci-
fied by the Michigan Water Resources Commission,
7. Industries discharging wastes to the
public streams furnish operating records to the Michigan
Water Resources Commission containing information on waste
discharges and concentrations as specified by the Commis-
sion.
8. Regular monitoring of the Detroit River,
Lake Erie, and their tributaries be conducted cooperatively
by the Michigan Water Resources Commission and the Public
Health Service. Such monitoring should include regular
sampling of waste effluents and overflows from combined
sewers. Use of aerial techniques for reconnaissance and
pollution surveillance as practiced by the Michigan Water
Resources Commission is encouraged and expansion of this
activity recommended. Monitoring should include sur-
veillance of oil discharge from vessels.
9. A PHS Water Pollution Control Surveil-
lance Station (formerly National Water Quality Network
Station) be established in the lower section of the De-
troit River. This would be in addition to the network
station now in operation at the head of the Detroit
-------
718
George L. Harlow
River. Two stations would illustrate the waste burden put
into the Detroit River and the change in its condition as
it flows toward the Lake as well as indicate changes in
water quality after improvements have been made.
10. The U. S. Department of Health, Educa-
tion, and Welfare, through the auspices of the International
Joint Commission, bring to the attention of Canadian
water pollution control authorities the significant waste
contributions from Canadian sources on the Upper St. Clair
River adversely affecting water quality in the United
States section of the Detroit River. They should be
encouraged to bring about more effective pollution abate-
ment to protect downstream water use.
The following are the specific recommendations
for Municipal Waste Treatment on the Detroit River:
Detroit (Belle Isle Sewage Treatment Plant)
This plant discharges an effluent of low
waste concentrations, and treatment efficiency is within
accepted limits for this type of facility. Total coli-
form and fecal streptococcus densities in the effluent
were high (7,890,000 and 297*000) but should be expected
in this type of plant without chlorination.
The City of Detroit plans to abandon this
plant and pump sewage from Belle Isle across to the
-------
719
George L0 Harlow
mainland and into the Detroit system. Such a plan is
recommended as the most practical under the circumstances.
Until this plan can be carried out, it is recommended
that full-time chlorination of the plant effluent be
instituted, capable of producing an effluent with monthly
geometric mean coliform densities not exceeding 5,000/100
ml. This recommendation is made to prevent interference
with municipal water supplies and recreational use of
water.
Detroit (Main Treatment Plant)
Sewage influent at the Detroit plant is of
average strength from the standpoint of BOD and suspended
solids concentrations but contains high levels of waste
constituents normally not associated with municipal
wastes, including oil and grease, phenols, copper, iron,
chromium, nickel, zinc, and lead*
Average phenol and oil concentrations in
the effluent exceed 20 micrograms per liter and 15 mg/1
respectively. Ammonia-nitrogen concentrations and load-
ings in the effluent are excessive, as is the phosphate
effluent concentration (36 mg/1 and 145,000 Ibs/day).
Efficiency in removal of settleable solids (52%),
-------
720
George L, Barlow
suspended solids (39%), and BOD (17%) is poor, indicating
an overloaded and in some respects inadequate primary fa-
cility (e.g., the holding time in the settling basins is
less than one hour).
Bacteria removal during the survey was ex-
cellent and density in the effluent very low. This
presumably was accomplished by raising the level of
chlorination; and while averages during the survey do
not correspond with mean monthly averages during the
study period, they show that effective bacterial control
can be accomplished.
MR. STEIN: Excuse me. You will notice there
is a change.
MR. HARLOW: That is right. In the fourth
paragraph down, it should be 20 mlcrograms, and then it
should also be 15 micrograms per liter, respectively.
MR. STEIN: Yes, I noticed that.
MR. HARLOW: Waste loadings from the main
plant of the City of Detroit are not only responsible
for a large part of the degradation of the waters of
the lower Detroit River but also constitute a major
source of nitrogen compounds and the major source of
phosphates going into and contributing to the fertiliza-
tion of Lake Erie. The major contribution of waste
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721
George L. Karlow
constituents from municipal sources being discharged into
the Detroit River and subsequently into Lake Erie originates
from this plant.
It is recommended that:
1. A minimum of secondary treatment facili-
ties be provided capable of producing an effluent not to
exceed:
a. Suspended solids concentration of
35 mg/1
b. Settleable solids concentration of
5 mg/1
c. Ammonia concentration of 2 mg/1
d. Phenol concentration of 20 micrograms
per liter
e. Oil concentration of 15 mg/1
f. Biochemical oxygen demand of 20 mg/1
2. Bacterial reduction facilities be operated
at levels capable of providing an effluent with a monthly
geometric mean coliform density of less than 5,000 organ-
isms per 100 ml*
3. A technical committee appointed by the
conferees will evaluate actual phosphate removal of the
secondary treatment plant after it is in operation. On
the basis of this evaluation, if further facilities for
-------
722
George L. Harlow
the removal of phosphates are necessary, the conferees
will consider making such a recommendation. A similar
program will be put into effect concerning the removal of
nitrogen compounds.
Wayne County Sewage Treatment Plant (Wyandotte)
The plant was greatly overloaded when the
Project began, and it was necessary to bypass untreated
wastes for a portion of most days to the Detroit River.
Enlargement of primary facilities was designed to alleviate
this condition. The surveys performed at this plant by the
Project staff were made on the original facilities, and do
not reflect the recent enlargement.
Two surveys at this plant revealed an influent
sewage of average strength in terms of BOD and suspended
solids, but with other waste constituents at levels
normally not associated with domestic sewage (phenols,
oil and grease, iron, chromium, copper, cadmium, nickel,
zinc, and lead).
Average concentrations of suspended solids
and settleable solids and discharges to the River were
high during the two surveys. Average BOD in the effluent
during the first survey was 120 mg/1, with a population
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723
George L. Harlow
equivalent of 132,000 discharged. Levels of nitrogen com-
pounds were significant, and phosphate concentrations were
at 40 mg/1 (unusually high) with a loading of 7,200 pounds
per day.
Bacteriological control was excellent during
the first survey when chlorination of the effluent was
practiced. Geometric mean densities for total coliforms,
fecal coliforms, and fecal streptococci during the first
survey were less than 100 organisms per 100 ml. Study
of plant operation records reveals that these results were
not typical, but it is encouraging to note once again
that results in this magnitude can be obtained. During
the second survey effluent chlorination was not practiced,
and geometric means for total coliforms, fecal coliforms,
and fecal streptococci exceeded one million organisms
per 100 ml.
Discharges of suspended solids, nitrogen
compounds, phosphates, and organic matter from the Wyan-
dotte plant contribute significantly to the degradation
of the Detroit River and the fertilization of Lake Erie.
It is recommended that:
10 A minimum of secondary treatment facili-
ties be provided capable of producing an effluent contain-
ing not more than:
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724
George L. Harlow
a. Suspended solids concentration of
35 mg/1
b. Settleable solids concentration of
5 mg/1
c. Oil concentration of 15 mg/1
d. Biochemical oxygen demand of 20 mg/1
2. Bacterial reduction facilities be operated
at levels capable of providing an effluent with a monthly
geometric mean coliform density of less than 5,000 organ-
isms per 100 ml during the months of April through Novem-
ber,
3. A technical committee appointed by the
conferees will evaluate actual phosphate removal of the
secondary treatment plant after it is in operation. On
the basis of this evaluation, if further facilities for
the removal of phosphates are necessary, the conferees
will consider making such a recommendation. A similar
program will be put into effect concerning removal of
nitrogen compounds.
The above recommendations are made to protect
recreational use of water, navigation, and fish and wild-
life propagation.
Wayne County Sewage Treatment Plant (Trenton)
It is recommended that:
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725
George L. Harlot*
1. A minimum of secondary treatment facili-
ties be provided capable of producing an effluent not to
exceed:
a. Suspended solids concentration of
35 mg/1
b, Settleable solids concentration of
5 mg/1
2. Bacterial reduction facilities be operated
at levels capable of producing an effluent with a monthly
geometric mean coliform density of less than 5,000 organ-
isms per 100 ml during the months of April through Novem-
ber.
The above recommendations are made to prevent
interference with recreational use of water and fish and
wildlife propagation.
Wayne County Sewage Treatment Plant (Gross He)
It is recommended that:
1. A minimum of secondary treatment facili-
ties be provided capable of producing an effluent not to
exceed:
a. Suspended solids concentration of
35 mg/1
b. Settleable solids concentration of
5 mg/1
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726
George L, Harlow
2. Bacterial reduction facilities be operated
at levels capable of producing an effluent with a monthly
geometric mean colifor* density of less than 5,000 organ-
isms per 100 ml during the months of April through Novem-
ber.
The above recommendations are made to prevent
interference with recreational use of water and fish and
wildlife propagation*
I will now be giving the recommendations for
Industrial Waste Treatment.
Pollution control is considered satisfactory
at this time for the following industries and no specific
recommendations for improvement are made. These industries
are:
Parke-Davis Company
United States Rubber Company
American Agricultural Chemical Company
Chrysler Corporation, Amplex Division
Chrysler Corporation, CycleweId Division
Enrico Fermi Atomic Reactor
Monroe Auto Equipment Company
Waste discharges from the following industries
were not found to interfere with existing water uses in
the Detroit River or Michigan Lake Erie. These industries
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727
George L. Barlow
are:
Koppers Company
Anaconda-American Brass Company
Allied Chemical Corporation
General and Plastics Division, and for
Semet-Solvay Division with the exception
of oil wastes as reported by the Michigan
Water Resources Commission
Chrysler Corporation - Engine Division
Dana Corporation
Propylene Oxide Plant of tfyandotte Chemical
Corporation
the recommendations for industrial waste
treatment, as well as the municipal waste just given, are
made to prevent interference with navigation, fish and
wildlife propagation, recreational use of water, and to
protect municipal and industrial water supply.
Recommendations are made for those industrial
discharging excessive suspended and settleable solids that
facilities be provided capable of producing an effluent
not to exceed:
a. A suspended solids concentration of
35 mg/1; and
b. A settleable solids concentration
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728
George L. Harlot?
of 5 mg/1.
These industries are:
Allied Chemical Corporation (Solvay Process
Division)
Great Lakes Steel Corporation
Blast Furnace Division
80" Hot Strip Mill
Ecorse Plant
Revere Copper and Brass, Inc.
American Cement Corporation (Peerless Division)
Ford Motor Company Rouge Plant
Scott Paper Company
McLouth Steel Corporation Trenton and Gibral-
tar Plants
Mobil Oil Company
Pennsalt Chemical Corporation - East and West
Plants
North and South Plants of Wyandotte Chemical
Corporation,
Paper Plants of Consolidated, Union Bag-Camp
and Monroe Paper Products on the Raisin
River.
The following specific recommendations for
each industrial waste source are given now, in addition
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729
George L. Harlow
to those already presented.
In regard to the Allied Chemical Corporation
(Solvay Process Division) outfall that discharges from
Zug Island directly to the Detroit River, wastes from
this plant have high concentrations of suspended and
settleable solids, phenols, and chlorides. Chloride load-
ings from this source represent approximately 20 percent
of the entire industrial loading to the Detroit River.
Suspended and settleable solids loadings and effluent
concentrations indicate a lack of waste control.
It is recommended that:
1. Facilities be provided capable of produc-
ing an effluent not to exceed:
a. Suspended solids concentration of
35 mg/1
b. Settleable solids concentration of
5 mg/1
2. The industry begin investigation of
satisfactory methods of disposing of chlorides and alter-
nate methods of disposal of concentrated brines, such as
subsurface disposal.
The above recommendations are made to prevent
interference with navigation and fish and wildlife propa-
gation and to protect municipal and industrial water supply,
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730
George L. Harlow
In regard to Great Lakes Steel Corporation -
Blast Furnace Divisions, waste treatment facilities pro-
vided for the removal of phenols and suspended solids
are ineffective* Nearly 100 percent of the suspended
solids in the plant effluent were found to be readily
settleable.
It is recommended that:
1. Facilities be provided capable of pro-
ducing an effluent not to exceed:
a. Phenol concentration of 20 micro-
grams per liter
b. Ammonia concentration of 2 mg/1
In regard to the Revere Copper and Brass,
Inc., the concentrations of oil and settleable soJLids in
the effluent from this installation are excessive. All
of the suspended solids released by this industry are
readily settleable.
It is recommended that:
Facilities be provided capable of pro-
ducing an effluent containing not more than:
An oil concentration of 5 mg/1
In regard to the Allied Chemical Corporation
(Solvay Process Plant) that discharges its waste to the
Zug Island cut of the Rouge River, wastes from this plant
-------
731
George L. Harlew-
have excessively high concentrations of phenols and
chlorides. Chloride loadings represent approximately
10 percent of the entire industrial load to the Detroit
River. Suspended solids loadings averaged 10,000 pounds
per day.
It is recommended that:
The industry should begin investigations
of satisfactory methods of disposing of chlorides and
alternate methods of disposal of -concentrated brine, such
as subsurface disposal.
In regard to Darling and Company, survey re-
ports indicate inadequate facilities for control of BOD
and coliform organisms. This plant discharges to the
Rouge, and subsequently to the Detroit River, wastes
equivalent in oxygen-consuming capacity to the untreated
wastes of over 40,000 persons.
It is recommended that:
Facilities be provided capable of producing
an effluent not to exceed:
a. Monthly geometric mean coliform
density of 5,000/100 ml
b. Biochemical oxygen demand of 20 mg/1
In regard to the Ford Motor Company Rouge
Plant, wastes from this plant represent, in volume,
-------
732
George L. Harlow
approximately 83 percent of the industrial wastes being
discharged into the Rouge and subsequently into the De-
troit River. Phenolic wastes exceed the limit of 600
pounds per day set by the Michigan Water Resources Com-
mission. Concentrations of iron, phenols, and oil exceed
17 mg/1, 20 micrograms per liter, and 15 mg/1, respective-
ly. Suspended and especially settleable solids are ex-
cessive at times, while excellent control was achieved on
other occasions. Acid discharged in the form of spent
pickling liquor is excessive and imparts an unnatural color
to the Rouge and Detroit Rivers.
Phenols, iron, and oil and grease from this
industry constitute over 90 percent of the loading from
industrial sources to the Rouge River. Improvement must
be accomplished at this source if significant reduction
in waste loadings to the Rouge River and subsequently to
the Detroit River is to be effected.
It is recommended that:
1. Facilities be provided or existing facili-
ties operated to produce an effluent not to exceed:
a. Phenol concentration of 20 micro-
grams per liter
b. Ammonia concentration of 2 mg/1
c0 Iron concentration of 17 mg/1
-------
733
George L. Harlow
2. Oil removal facilities be operated to
limit the oil concentration in the effluent to 15 mg/1.
In addition, the industry should investigate methods of
further reduction in oil discharged in the plant efflu-
ent by in-plant control.
In regard to the Scott Paper Company, the
effluent contains excessive quantities of suspended
solids. Over 31,000 pounds of suspended solids per day
are discharged to the Rouge and subsequently to the De-
troit River. This industry discharges to the receiving
stream wastes equivalent in oxygen-consuming capacity
to the untreated sewage from a population of over 800,000
persons.
It is recommended that facilities be provided
capable of producing an effluent not to exceed:
Biochemical oxygen demand of 85 mg/1
In regard to the E. I. du Pont de Nemours
and Company, this company was found not to be in compliance
with the restriction on pH set for it by the Michigan Water
Resources Commission.
In regard to the Firestone Tire and Rubber
Company, excessive concentrations of iron were found in
the plant effluent. Over 5,000 pounds per day of this
substance were discharged to the Detroit River.
-------
George L. Harlow
It is recommended that iron concentration
in the effluent be reduced to levels not exceeding 17
mg/1.
In regard to the Fuel Oil Corporation, ex-
cessive concentrations of oil were found in the effluent
from this installation when ships were being washed. At
these times the concentrations are over 300 mg/1.
No specific recommendations for improvement
are made, since the Michigan Water Resources Commission
has reported that this industry has recently suspended
ship-washing operations. It is recommended not to permit
resumption of such operations until controls are insti-
tuted to limit oil in the effluent to 15 mg/1.
In regard to the Great Lakes Steel Corpora-
tion 80" Hot Strip Mill, the Michigan Water Resources
Commission reports excessive oil discharges, and controls
should be instituted to limit effluent to conform with
the Commission's order.
In regard to the Great Lakes Steel Corpora-
tion Plant at Ecorse, excessive concentrations and sig-
nificant quantities of oil, iron, suspended solids,
settleable solids, and acid are discharged. Over 50 per-
cent of the iron and acid loadings to the Detroit River
originate here. Effluents containing acid wastes are
-------
735
George L. Harlow
far below pH 5.5, and these wastes are mainly responsible
for lowering the Detroit River below pH 4.0 in the vi-
cinity of the plant.
It is recommended that:
1. Acid wastes be controlled so that dis-
charges fall within the range pH 5.5-10.6.
2. Facilities be provided or existing
facilities operated to produce an effluent not to exceed:
a. Oil concentration of 15 mg/1; and
b. Iron concentration of 17 mg/1.
In regard to the McLough Steel Corporation
at Gibraltar, control of oil, iron, and suspended solids
discharges at this plant is marginal, with improvement
noted during the last months of study.
It is recommended that:
All waste treatment practices be reviewed
and steps taken to improve the effluent to conform con-
sistently to the Order of Determination issued by the
Michigan Water Resources Commission.
In regard to the McLouth Steel Corporation
Plant at Trenton, the waste treatment facilities of this
installation have been very erratically operated from
the standpoint of control of suspended solids, settleable
solids, iron, phenols, oil, and pH. At times excellent
-------
736
George L. Harlow
treatment was achieved; at other times complete lack of
treatment effectiveness was observed, with concentrations
of solids, oil, phenols, and iron exceeding the Order of
Determination of the Michigan Water Resources Commission.
Since it has been demonstrated that this
industry can achieve effective pollution control by opera-
tion of its existing facilities, it is recommended that
steps be taken to assure an effluent not to exceed:
a. An iron concentration of 17 mg/1; and
b. An oil contration of 15 mg/1
In regard to the Mobil Oil Company, during
the survey the concentration of oil in the plant effluent
was excessive, and additional grab samples before and
after the survey indicated erratic operation. Effective
operation of the industry's oil separation facilities
should also improve suspended solids removal.
It is recommended that:
Existing facilities be operated effectively
or additional facilities provided to assure an oil con-
centration in the effluent not to exceed 15 mg/1 at all
times.
In regard to the Monsanto Chemical Corpora-
tion, waste treatment at this installation is satisfactory
with the exception of phosphate concentrations and loadings
-------
737
George L. Harlow
in the plant effluent. Over 10,000 pounds per day of
phosphates are discharged into the Detroit River.
It is recommended that treatment be provided
to reduce concentrations and loadings of phosphates by
approximately 807*.
In regard to the Pennsalt Chemical Corpora-
tion East Plant, the concentrations of chlorides, suspended
solids, and settleable solids in the plant effluent were
excessive. Approximately 1/2 million pounds of chlorides
per day were discharged to the Detroit River, representing
about 20 percent of the total chloride discharge to the
River.
It is recommended that:
The industry begin investigation of satis-
factory methods for disposing of chlorides and alternate
methods of disposal of concentrated brines, such as sub-
surface disposal.
In regard to the Pennsalt Chemical Corpora-
tion West Plant, wastes from this plant had excessive
concentrations of phenols, suspended solids, and settle-
able solids. Phenol concentrations were found over 1,000
micrograms per liter but no interference with existing
water uses in the Detroit River or Michigan Lake Erie
was apparent at this time.
-------
738
George L. Harlow
It is recommended that:
The entire waste disposal program of this
plant be carefully investigated by company personnel,
since discharge of phenols, oxidizing agents, and settle-
able solids is far in excess of that expected by company
officials.
In regard to the Shawinigan Resins Corpora-
tion and the Monsanto Chemical Corporation (Saflex Divi-
sion) , the wastes from these two plants are discharged to
the Detroit River from a common lagoon. During the survey
the only waste constituents considered excessive were BOD
and suspended solids (originating primarily from Shawini-
gan Resins). The planned installation of a new lagoon
after the survey should reduce these levels considerably;
therefore no recommendations for improvement are made at
this time.
In regard to the Wyandotte Chemicals Corpora-
tion - North Plant, concentrations of chlorides, suspended
solids, and settleable solids in the plant effluent were
excessive. The contribution of chlorides in the amount
of 1,300,000 pounds per day represents almost half the
entire industrial loading to the Detroit River. The sus-
pended and settleable solids loadings from this industry
represent 35 percent of the total loadings to the Detroit
-------
739
George L. Harlow
River from industrial sources.
The composition of the suspended solids
(most of which are readily settleable) is mainly calcium
carbonate. This chemical is only slightly soluble in
water and will readily settle out in clarifiers. Sludge
from this operation when discharged to the River will
settle on the River and Lake bottom and interfere with
aquatic life.
It is recommended that:
The industry continue investigation of
satisfactory methods of disposing of chlorides, and
alternate methods of disposal of concentrated brines,
such as subsurface disposal.
In regard to the Wyandotte Chemicals Corpora-
tion - South Plant, heavily concentrated wastes are pumped
from this plant to the waste beds of Fighting Island. The
remainder of the plant effluent is discharged to the De-
troit River and contains excessive concentrations of
chlorides and suspended solids.
It is recommended that:
The industry continue investigation of satis-
factory methods of disposing of chlorides and alternate
methods of disposal of concentrated brines, such as sub-
surface disposal.
-------
740
George L. Earlow
I will now be discussing the recommendations
for industries and municipalities in the Raisin River area.
The maintenance of adequate levels of dis-
solved oxygen in the lower Raisin River is the mutual
responsibility of all discharging oxygen-demanding wastes
into the River. Each recommendation made in this regard
is to be understood as part of this mutual responsibility,
and no industry or municipality is singly responsible for
achieving the recommended DO level.
Municipal Waste Treatment
In regard to the Monroe Sewage Treatment
Plant, two surveys revealed an influent fairly typical
of a weak domestic waste. Exceptions to this general
observation include high concentrations of soluble and
total phosphates and certain toxic metals, including
copper, zinc, and lead. These constituents were present
in approximately the same concentrations in the plant
effluent.
Plant efficiency, as measured by percent
removal of suspended solids and BOD, was very good for
a primary sewage treatment plant. Bacterial control
was effective during the first survey when the effluent
was chlorinated but poor during the second survey when
-------
741
George L. Harlow
it was not. Study of operating records revealed that
similar degrees of plant efficiency were maintained on
a long-term basis. The operation of this plant is con-
sidered outstanding for an installation of this type,
and the operating personnel are commended.
It is recommended that:
1. Treatment be provided capable of assuring
a minimum dissolved oxygen concentration in
the Raisin River below this source of 3 mg/1.
Any plan for achieving this goal should in-
clude secondary treatment as a minimum.
2. Bacterial reduction facilities be operated
at levels capable of providing an effluent with
a monthly geometric mean coliform density of
less than 5,000 organisms per 100 ml. during
the months of April through November.
3. The current plan of separating roof run-
off from sanitary wastes to prevent overloading
plant facilities be accelerated.
MR. STEIN: Mr. Harlow, before you go on, I
wonder if you could clarify this.
In the Monroe Sewage Treatment Plant, you say
the "removal of suspended solids and BOD was very good for
a primary sewage treatment plant."
Then you say "Bacterial control was effective
-------
742
George L. Harlow
during the first survey when the effluent was chlorinated
but poor during the second survey when it was not."
The next sentence is: "Study of operating
records revealed that similar degrees of plant efficiency
were maintained on a long-term basis."
Do you mean to say that the bacterial control
was good or bad on a long-term basis?
MR. HARLOW: The degrees of plant efficiency
ware maintained on a long-term basis is on the basis of
suspended solids and BOD.
MR. STEIN: Nothing to do with bacteria?
MR. HARLOW: Nothing to do with bacteria.
The reason that the bacteria control, of course, was poor
during some months of the year is because it is not
chlorinated, as are none of the municipal effluents, ex-
cept for the City of Detroit.
MR. STEIN: I understand you now. I got
fooled by the preceding antecedent.
All right.
MR. HARLOW: In regard to the Consolidated
Paper Company - North Plant, significant quantities of
suspended solids, settleable solids, and BOD are dis-
charged into the Raisin River and subsequently into Lake
Erie. The wastes from this industry are equivalent in
-------
743
George L. Harlow
oxygen-consuming capacity Co the untreated wastes from
a population of over 100,000 persons, or approximately
45 percent of the total load to the Raisin River. Den-
sities of coliform and fecal streptococcus organisms
were also excessive.
In regard to the Consolidated Paper Company -
South Plant, significant quantities and high concentrations
of suspended solids, settleable solids, and BOD are dis-
charged into the Raisin River and subsequently into Lake
Erie. The wastes from this industry are equivalent in
oxygeawconsuming capacity to the untreated wastes of over
40,000 persons. Densities of coliform and fecal strep-
tococcus organisms are unusually excessive, averaging
over 1,000,000 total coliform organisms per 100 ml during
the special survey.
In regard to the Monroe Paper Products Com-
pany, significant quantities and high concentrations of
suspended solids, settleable solids, and BOD are discharged
from this source into the Raisin River and subsequently
into Lake Erie. The major portion of the suspended solids
is readily settleable. Densities of coliform organisms
were found to be excessive during the first survey at
32,400 organisms per 100 ml; however, during a separate
Public Health Service survey several months later, the
-------
744
George L. Harlow
average coliform concentration exceeded 2,000,000 organ-
isms per 100 ml.
In regard to the Union Bag-Camp Pap«r Company,
River Raisin Division, significant quantities and high
concentrations of suspended solids, settleable solids,
and BOD are discharged from this installation to the Raisin
River and subsequently into Lake Erie. The wastes from
this industry are equivalent in oxygen-consuming capacity
to the untreated wastes of 70,000 persons. A large part
of the suspended solids was readily settleable.
In regard to these four paper plants just
mentioned, it is recommended that:
1. Treatment be provided capable of assur-
ing a minimum dissolved oxygen concentration
in the Raisin River below this source of 3
mg/1. Any plan for achieving this goal should
include secondary treatment as a minimum.
2. Bacterial reduction facilities be pro-
vided and operated at levels capable of
producing an effluent with a monthly geometric
mean coliform density of less than 5,000
organisms per 100 ml during the months of
April through November.
In regard to the Ford Motor Company Plant on
-------
George L. Harlow
the Raisin River, the discharge from this plant represents
80 percent of the total waste volume from industrial
sources discharged to the Raisin River and subsequently
into Lake Erie. Cyanide concentrations and loadings in
the plant effluent are excessive. The effluent from the
company-owned sewage treatment plant is not chlorinated.
The quantity of oil released to the Raisin River through
a dilution canal outlet is excessive even though the
concentration remains below 15 mg/1.
It is recommended that:
1. Bacterial reduction facilities be pro-
vided and operated at levels capable of
producing an effluent with a monthly geometric
mean coliform density of less than 5,000
organisms per 100 ml during the months of
April through November.
2. Treatment facilities be operated to
limit the cyanide concentration in the plant
effluent to 0.025 mg/1.
In regard to the problem of overflows from
combined sewers, although the severe effect of overflows
from combined sewers upon water quality in the Detroit
River and limited areas of Michigan Lake Erie was demon-
strated, a specific method of approach to the solution of
-------
746
George L. Harlow
this problem is not now evident.
It is recommended to the Michigan Water Re-
sources Commission that it require a detailed engineering
study be made to determine costs and select an effective
method of control. It is also recommended that a report
of these investigations, containing the method to be used
to solve this problem and a time schedule for accomplish-
ment, be submitted within two years to the Secretary of
Health, Education, and Welfare.
It is further recommended that agencies
responsible for the current operation of combined sewer
systems in the Detroit area immediately take steps to
lessen the pollutional effects of malfunctioning over-
flow regulators by finding and correcting the cause of
failure of these diversion devices and checking the
operation of all overflows every day to determine if
unnecessary overflows are occurring.
In regard to Federal Installations at the
U. S. Naval Air Station, Grosse He, Michigan, it is
recommended that:
1. A separator capable of producing an
effluent containing less than 15 mg/1 oil
be installed on the line receiving aircraft
washing wastes.
-------
747
George L. Harlow
2. Operation of existing sewage treatment
facilities be improved by performing such
procedures as breaking up scum in gas vents,
reversal of flow at periodic intervals, more
frequent withdrawal of sludge, and daily
scraping of the sides of the sedimentation
chamber.
3. Better operation records be maintained.
4. Continuous and effective chlorination
of plant effluent be practiced to assure that
the geometric mean coliform density does not
exceed 2,400 organisms per 100 ml.
5. The outmoded septic tank installation at
the boat dock be replaced with an aerobic
digestion treatment unit providing primary
and secondary treatment followed by chlorina-
tion of the effluent.
6. If the U. S. Naval Air Station does not
close on or before September 1, 1967, as
scheduled, one of two alternatives be fol-
lowed:
a. Connection to the municipal sewage
collection and treatment system proposed
for construction at Grosse lie; or
-------
748
George L. Earlow
b. Enlargement of the present naval facilities
to include secondary treatment as proposed in
the original plans.
At this writing the Navy has agreed to all of the
foregoing recommendations and has already taken steps to
accomplish all but the last recommendation.
In regard to the U. S. Coast Guard Station at
Detroit River Light, it is recommended that a macerator-
chlorination type treatment unit similar to those placed
aboard motor launches be installed to the sanitary waste
line now discharging raw sewage into Lake Erie.
In regard to the U. S. Corps of Engineers Dredging
Operations, it is recommended that:
1. The hopper dredges discontinue disposing of
the ships trash and garbage at the Raisin River dumping
grounds.
2. Suitable treatment units be installed aboard
ship to adequately dispose of all sanitary wastes including
trash, garbage, and human excreta.
3. Closer control be exercised to minimize the
loss of dredge material from the hoppers while proceeding
to the dumping grounds.
4. A vigorous attempt be made by the Corps of
Engineers to reduce the amount of dredging with action
-------
George L. Harlow
leading to reduction of discharge of settleable material
by increasing the charges to polluters for removing the
material commensurate with the damages to water uses
incurred. (It is believed that it was not the intent
of Congress that such dredging operations should provide
a method of disposal of solid material deposited by indi-
viduals or corporations in navigable streams.) It is
desirable not only that dredged channels be maintained
but that every means possible be taken to keep the cost
of such maintenance to a minimum.
The District Engineer has agreed to take
steps to see that the recommendations are put into ef-
fect. He reiterated that the Corps of Engineers does
charge the polluters for removing the material commen-
surate with the damages to water uses incurred and that
the Corps of Engineers does not have any statutory au-
thority to prevent the original discharge of the material
to the navigable waterway. He also stressed the respon-
sibility of the Corps of Engineers in enforcing Federal
legislation relative to discharge of waste materials
from vessels into navigable waters.
To emphasize what is necessary to abate
water pollution at Sterling State Park, the recommenda-
tions already given for waste sources of the Consolidated
-------
750
George L. Harlow
Paper Company, the Monroe Paper Products Company, the Union
Bag-Camp Paper Company, the Ford Motor Company, and the
Monroe Sewage Treatment Plant on the Raisin River must be
adhered to, but in addition, in the area north of Sterling
State Park between Sandy Creek and Stony Creek, it is
recommended that measures be taken to eliminate direct
and indirect discharge of sanitary sewage to Lake Erie.
It is also recommended that discharge of sanitary wastes
to the storm pumping stations be eliminated.
Septic tanks tend to function poorly due to
the nature of the soil and the high water table. It is
recommended that shorefront communities having septic
tanks and direct discharge installations be sewered and
the wastes transported to a sewage treatment plant pro-
viding adequate treatment and chlorination.
Finally, it is recommended that the practice
of allowing discharge of raw and septic tank effluent
from the suburban area outside Monroe to surface drains
be discontinued. This material is discharged into the
Raisin River during heavy rainfall. It is further recom-
mended that the area be sewered with sanitary wastes
transported to a sewage treatment plant providing ade-
quate treatment and chlorination.
This completes the presentation of the
-------
751
George L. Harlow
Detroit River - Lake Erie Project of the Public Health
Service.
MR. POSTON: On Page 3, would you care to
elaborate on that?
MR. STEIN: When the report was given, pos-
sibly the greatest degree of controversy, in view of the
repercussions, at least in my view, occurred in the next
to the last paragraph on Page 3.
Do you want to read that?
MR. HARLOW: I will read this.
MR. STEIN: I would suggest that you read it,
so that we know what the issue is.
MR. HARLOW: I will be reading on Page 3.
MR. STEIN: This is part of the general con-
clusions dealing with the whole area; is that correct?
MR. HARLOW: Yes.
MR. STEIN: All right, go ahead.
MR. HARLOW: The general conclusions did
contain recommendations, and I will read it.
All municipal sewage treatment plants in the
area currently practice primary treatment followed by
chlorination. In order to protect water uses, municipal
treatment facilities are to be provided capable of pro-
ducing an effluent not to exceed:
-------
752
George L. Harlow
1. Suspended solids concentration of 35 mg/1
2. Settleable solids concentration of 5 mg/1
3. Ammonia concentration of 2 mg/1
4. Phenol concentration of 20 micrograms per
liter.
5. Oil concentration of 15 mg/1
6. Biochemical oxygen demand of 20 mg/1
7. Bacterial densities, monthly geometric
mean, of 5000/100 ml. It is recommended that
all municipalities provide a minimum of second*
ary treatment plus adequate chlorination to
maintain these standards.
Recommendations for abating pollution inter-
fering with water use — I don't need to repeat that state-
ment. It was said before.
MR. STEIN: As I understand it, you have
made specific recommendations as to the municipalities and
for each industry?
MR. HARLOW: Yes.
MR. STEIN: What you have just read relates
to all municipalities?
MR. HARLOW: That's right.
MR. STEIN: What do you mean when you say
"Plus adequate chlorination"? Do you mean chlorination
-------
753
George L. Harlow
all year round by that, or not?
MR. HARLOW: For the Detroit Sewage Treatment
Plant, I am recommending chlorination all year round.
For the other municipal waste treatment plants,
the recommendation is for disinfection of the effluent,
and I include the months of April through November.
MR. STEIN: As far as I am concerned, this
clarifies what you said.
Do you have any questions, or do you want to
hold them for a while?
MR. OEMING: Mr. Chairman, I have a series of
questions that I would like to ask either Mr. Vaughan or
Mr. Harlow to clarify many points in the report that are
not clear to me, and for the guidance of the State here
in the future.
I would ask that we be permitted to defer
these questions until perhaps the morning session.
I have, however, one comment to make here.
I noticed, in following the verbal presentations by Mr.
Vaughan and Mr. Harlow, that there have been some depart-
ures from the text of the report. Some of them are minor.
Some of them are apparently additions to the report that
they wished to include.
I would ask you to rule as to whether the
-------
George L. Harlow
written report controls, or, putting it another way, if
there are changes in this report, that they be made clear
as t© where those changes are?
MR. STEIN: I think the verbal presentation
controls. We take the man's last report and what he
thinks is relevant, and accept it.
I have no objection to including in the re-
cord those paragraphs that they have omitted where there
is no change, but where they have made a change, I think
the verbal presentation should control.
As part of the development of the data in
the case, the Conferees should point these out and go
over them very, very carefully, so that there would be
no ambiguity on any points as to what these may mean.
MR. OEMING: One more point. Where there
are additions made to the report, does this also apply
that the additions will be made?
MR. STEIN: Yes. The additions do control
as far as their report is concerned. Anything that they
have added controls.
For myself, and this is why I raised the ques-
tions that I did, I think I understood what they said.
However, I do think that if there is any ambiguity in
anyone's mind among the Conferees of what Mr. Vaughan and
-------
755
George L. Harlow
Mr. Harlow said, these points should be clarified with
questions.
MR. OEMING: As to the clarifying questions,
Mr. Chairman, do I understand that this meets with your
approval, that we take those up the first thing in the
morning?
MR0 STEIN: I will be delighted to do that.
(The Report on Pollution of the Detroit
River, Michigan Waters of Lake Erie, and their Tribu-
taries, Summary, Conclusions, and Recommendations, as
originally submitted, is as follows.)
-------
756
George L. Harlow
Report on Pollution of the Detroit
River, Michigan Waters of Lake Erie,
and their Tributaries
SUMMARY, CONCLUSIONS, AND RECOMMENDATIONS
CONCLUSIONS
Every day more than 1.6 billion gallons
of waste water flow into the Detroit River — 1.1
billion gallons from industry and 540 million gallons
from municipal sewage. Hugh quantities of waste products
contained in this discharge change the Detroit River
from a basically clean body of water at its head to
a polluted one in its lower reaches. These waters are
polluted bacteriologically, chemically, physically,
and biologically, and contain excessive coliform densi-
ties as well as excessive quantities of phenols, iron,
oil, ammonia, suspended solids, settleable solids,
chlorides, nitrogen compounds, and phosphates. Pollu-
tion of the Detroit River will become progressively
worse unless effective action is taken immediately.
The City of Detroit's main sewage treatment
-------
757
George L. Harlow
plant, serving more than 90 percent of the people in the
Project area, contributes 95 percent of the municipal
waste to the Detroit River and is also the major source
of suspended solids, phenols, oil, inorganic nitrogen,
phosphates, and biochemical oxygen demand in the river.
Overflow from combined sewers in Detroit and its suburbs,
carrying both stormwater and raw sewage, contributes
greatly to the degradation of the river.
In the upper Detroit River, the Great Lakes
Steel Co. and the Allied Chemical Corp. are the major
sources of industrial wastes. The Ford Motor Co. is the
principal contributor of inorganic wastes to the Rouge
River, and the Scott Paper Co. is the principal contri-
butor of organic wastes. Downriver industries contribut-
ing significant quantities of wastes are the Great Lakes
Steel Corp., the McLouth Steel Corporation, Pennsalt
Chemical Corporation, and Wyandotte Chemical Corporation.
On the Raisin River the leading polluters are the two
Consolidated Paper Company mills, Monroe Paper Products
Company, and the Union Bag-Camp Paper Company.
Other significant sources of pollution in
the study area are overflows from combined sewers, muni-
cipal and industrial waste spills, and wastes from shore-
front homes.
-------
758
George L. Harlow
Pollution of the Detroit River causes inter-
ference with municipal water supply, recreation, fish and
wildlife propagation, and navigation. Two municipal water
intakes, particularly that of Wyandotte, are endangered
by the high bacterial counts of the river, and the rising
chloride levels indicate potential future problems for
industrial water usage. In addition, high concentrations
of phenols and ammonia at the Wyandotte water intake have
interfered with municipal water treatment by causing taste
and odor problems and reducing the effectiveness of
chlorination. Excessive quantities of chlorine are needed
to reduce bacteria to a safe level.
All forms of water contact sports in the lower
Detroit River are hazardous. Declining levels of dissolved
oxygen in the lower Detroit River as it enters Lake Erie
are approaching the danger point, indicating trouble in
the future unless appropriate remedial action is taken.
Together with bottom sludge deposits, oils, and toxic
materials, they threaten fish, migratory birds, and other
wildlife. In order to maintain navigation, extensive
annual dredging is required at the Junction of the Detroit
and Rouge Rivers and at the mouths of the Detroit and Raisin
Rivers to remove deposits of suspended solids in large part
originating in municipal and industrial waste discharges.
-------
759
George L. Harlow
About 6 million pounds of waste products are
discharged every day from U.S. industries and municipalities
to the Detroit River. 20 million pounds of measured waste
constituents are discharged every day from U.S. water of
the Detroit River to Michigan waters of Lake Erie. The
Raisin River, grossly polluted at its mouth, also pollutes
the Michigan waters of Lake Erie.
The Michigan waters of Lake Erie have two major
zones of pollution -- one in the vicinity of the mouth of
the Detroit River, and one near the mouth of the Raisin
River.
Bacteriological densities in the Lake from the
mouth of the Detroit River to a point 2 or 3 miles south
make the water unfit for recreational use; following heavy
rainfall in the Detroit area, this zone is extended south-
ward to Stony Point. The periodic contamination of Sterling
State Park beaches, which are posted as unsafe for swimming,
is caused by wastes from the Raisin River and septic tank
discharge.
Concentrations of chlorides, metals toxic to
fish life in minute concentrations, and suspended solids in
the lake portend future problems in various water uses.
Composition of bottom organisms in the Detroit River changes
from a pollution-sensitive population typically found in
clean waters to a predominantly pollution-tolarant popula-
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George L. Harlow
tion in the lower River.
Pollution-stimulated algal growths have
forced Monroe to move its water intake point to avoid
unpleasant tastes and odors in the water, and algal
blooms near the new intake again threaten to degrade
Monroe's drinking water. Discharges of nutrients and
organic wastes into the Michigan part of Lake Erie have
speeded the enrichment of that portion of the Lake.
Water at Sterling State Park is erratically
polluted, and this area occasionally had coliform counts
exceeding 100,000 organisms per 100 ml, and the recommen-
dations in this report are based on that standard. The
Raisin River was discovered to be the primary cause of
this pollution; when Lake currents are northerly (40 to
45% of the time), polluted Raisin River water is carried
directly to the beaches. When currents are southerly,
polluted drainage from septic tanks reaches the Park. To
improve water quality at Sterling State Park, these sources
of pollution must be controlled.
Adverse effects of stormwater overflow on
water quality were seen in all the waters studied by the
Project. During and after heavy rainfall, sewage plants
must bypass untreated wastes directly to the rivers, and
this can occur on 33 to 45 days a year. The overflows
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George L. Harlow
averaged 8.2 hours and have lasted as long as 24 hours,
and the detrimental effects from a single storm have
lasted as long as 5 days. Bacteria in storm overflows
ofen approached the densities found in raw sewage, with
counts as high as high as 100 million per 100 ml. Ptorm-
caused overlows alone are responsible for the discharge
of 5 billion gallons of raw sewage to the Detroit River
yearly.
While there is some evidence that water
quality is improving, because of increased water uses
damages are increasing, and unless remedial action is
taken immediately the usefulness of the water resources
of the Detroit area may be destroyed completely by pol-
lution.
All municipal sewage treatment plants in the
area currently practice primary treatment followed by
chlorination. In order to protect water uses, municipal
treatment facilities are to be provided capable of pro-
ducing an effluent not to exceed:
1. Suspended solids concentration of 35 mg/1
2. Settleable solids concentration of 5 mg/1
3. Ammonia concentration of 2 mg/1
4. Phenol concentration of 20 micrograms per liter
5. Oil concentration of 15 mg/1
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George L. Barlow
6. Biochemical oxygen demand of 20 mg/1
7. Bacterial densities, monthly geometric mean, of
5000/100 ml. It is recommended that all municipalities
provide a minimum of secondary treatment plus adequate
chlorination to maintain the'se standards.
Recommendations for abating pollution inter-
fering with water use in the Detroit River and Michigan
Lake Erie are made in two categories: general recommenda-
tions relating to the Project area, and specific improve-
ments required at each waste source contributing to the
polluted condition of the waters. In addition to these
recommendations designed to abate existing pollution, the
report points out many areas where additional improvement
in water quality will aid in the prevention of future
problems.
INTRODUCTION
A water pollution investigation of the Detroit
River and the Michigan waters of Lake Erie has been made
by the personnel of the Detroit River-Lake Erie Project
of the Public Health Service, U.S. Department of Health,
Education, and Welfare, under the authority of Section 8
of the Federal Water Pollution Control Act as amended
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George L. Harlow
(33 U.S.C. 466 et seq) and at the request of the con-
ferees of the Federal-State conference on water pollu-
tion held in Detroit, Michigan, on March 27 and 28, 1962.
The investigation was conducted to fill the
gaps in existing technical information on water quality,
sources and quantities of wastes, and the extent of pol-
lution in the United States waters of the Detroit River
and the Michigan waters of Lake Erie. The investigation
was conducted in cooperation with the State regulatory
agencies. The valuable assistance and special participa-
tion of personnel of the Michigan Department of Health is
recognized. Assistance was also rendered by the Corps of
Engineers, U.S. Geological Survey, and the International
Joint Commission.
Intensive surveys were made of 6 municipal
and 42 industrial waste sources to ascertain their indi-
vidual contributions to the waste loadings in the waters
under study. These surveys were Joint efforts of the
Project and the appropriate State regulatory agency. In
the area of industrial waste surveys, Michigan Water
Resources Commission personnel collected the samples and,
after analysis by the Project, the Commission evaluated
the findings and made recommendations where appropriate. In
some cases the Project personnel made additional recommenda-
tions.
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764
George L. Harlow
A cooperative study was undertaken with the
Michigan Department of Health and the Michigan Water
Resources Commission to determine and compare the character-
istics of overflows from combined sewers with those from
separate storm sewers.
Generally, laboratory procedures were per-
formed in accordance with "Standard Methods for the
Examination of Water and Wastewater, Eleventh Edition."
Any deviations were based on proven research described in
the literature.
The main body of this report contains a
narrative description of all major activities of the
Project, accompanied by appropriate maps, graphs, and
tables. All tables and figures are contained in the seven
sections which constitute the main body of the report.
SUMMARY OF FINDINGS - DETROIT RIVER
Water Uses
The Detroit River is actually a strait con-
necting the waters of Lake St. Glair to those of Lake
Erie. Its average discharge, based on United States Lake
Survey records through April 1964, is 182,000 cubic feet
per second. During the study period the discharge averaged
170,000 cubic feet per second.
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765
George L. Harlow
The water uses of the Detroit River are as
follows:
1. Shipping and navigation. Tonnage shipped
through the Detroit during the recent eight-month season
exceeded the entire combined tonnage shipped through the
Suez and Panama Canals during an entire year. To maintain
navigation, dredging operations are carried on in the
Detroit River and Lake Erie by the U.S. Corps of Engineers.
2. Major staging area for migrations of
waterfowl. Estimated winter populations since 1950 ranged
from a minimum of 5,000 in 1961-1962 to 100,000 in 1963-64.
3. Recreation. There are at least 18
recreational areas and 63 marine facilities in the study
area.
4. Water supply. Heavy use is made of the
Detroit River for municipal and industrial water supply.
The major municipal user is the City of Detroit, serving
the water supply needs of over three million people both
in Detroit and adjacent communities. Three municipal
water supply intakes serving the Detroit area are located
in the U.S. section of the Detroit River.
5. Sport Fishing. The fish of the Detroit
River and adjacent waters of Michigan Lake Erie are a
valuable natural resource providing recreation for many
anglers in the metropolitan area. Sales of bait, tackle,
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George L. Harlow
and fishing gear as well as sales and rentals of boats and
motors to sportsmen constitute a business activity of
considerable economic importance to the area.
Description of Water Quality and Interference
with Water Uses
Several prior investigations concerning water
quality in the Detroit River have been made by government
agencies and private consulting engineering firms during
the last 50 years. Reports of these investigations show
the progressive deterioration of the Detroit River water
quality from headwaters to mouth due to municipal and
industrial waste discharges. Comparison of waste loadings
discharged to the Detroit River during the 1948 IJC
survey and the 1963 Public Health Service survey reveals
over 50 percent reduction in phenols, cyanide, oil, and
suspended solids from industrial sources during the 15-
year period.
The water quality of the Detroit River from
its head to its junction with the old channel of the
Rouge River (approximately 10 miles downstream) is satis-
factory during dry weather conditions. During overflows
from combined sewers, the only part of the Detroit River
free from pollution is the stretch above Conners
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76?
George L. Harlow
Creek and midstream down to the Rouge River.
From their points of discharge all types of
wastes had a tendency to hug the United States or Canadian
shores and then slowly extend outward into the main body
of the river. Thus the pollution is not as great in the
middle of the River.
Bacterial Density. High total coliform
densities, especially when accompanied by high fecal coli-
form densities, Indicate the presence of animal (including
human) wastes which may contain pathogenic organisms
capable of causing enteric diseases in humans. The pre-
sence of these organisms above acceptable levels is a
threat to the health and welfare of those who use this
water for domestic water supply and recreational purposes.
A widely used standard for swimming is 1,000 organisms
per 100 ml.
Bacterial densities differed greatly between
dry and wet weather conditions. During dry conditions
the geometric mean coliform density In the upper Detroit
River was under 500 organisms per 100 ml., with average
values at the headwaters under 100 organisms per 100 ml.
Below Zug Island and the Rouge River the geometric mean
coliform densities increased to values exceeding 5,000
organisms per 100 ml. During wet conditions no change
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George L. Harlow
was noted at the head of the Detroit River, but below
Conners Creek geometric means rose to approximately
7,000 per 100 ml. in the upper River and to over 80,000
in the lower Detroit River. During wet and dry weather
almost all of the lower Detroit River has geometric mean
values in excess of 2,400 organisms per 100 ml., and most
of the lower Detroit River exceeds 5,000 organisms per
100 ml. during wet conditions.
Fecal coliform ration to or percentage of
total coliforms provides additional information on water
quality. The range noted during the study was 30 to
90 percent of the total coliform densities, with higher
values observed in the lower Detroit River during wet
conditions. Fecal streptococci were generally less than
either total or fecal coliforms.
Geometric mean densities depict only average
conditions and tend to mask extremely high values. These
high values can indicate significant effects on many water
uses, especially those affecting human health and welfare.
Maximum values during the survey ranged from 4,900 organisms
per 100 ml. at the headwaters to 770,000 organisms per 100
ml. in the lower River.
At the head of the Detroit River average total
coliform densities were approximately the same during wet
and dry conditions throughout the range. At all locations
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George L. Harlow
from Just below Belle Isle to the mouth of the Detroit
River average coliform densities near the United States
shore during wet conditions were 5 to 10 times higher than
corresponding values during dry weather. Study of the
results of sampling in the Detroit River by personnel
of the City of Detroit during the past four years indi-
cates a pronounced downward trend (as evidenced by median
values) in coliform densities in American waters near the
»
shore, especially during the years 1962 and 1963.
Effluents from the main Detroit Sewage Treat-
ment Plant, Wyandotte Sewage Treatment Plant, and overflows
from combined sewers are significant sources of coliforms,
fecal coliforms, and fecal streptococci to the Detroit
River.
Four years of operating records of several
area water and sewage treatment plants were evaluated.
These records indicate a substantial reduction in monthly
geometric mean coliform densities during 1962 and 1963
compared with the preceding two years, especially in the
Detroit Sewage Treatment Plant effluent. A corresponding
reduction in coliform density at the Wyandotte Water
Treatment Plant was observed in these two years. Little
change was noted in suspended solids in sewage effluent
or influent in area plants during the period.
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770
George L. Harlow
Monthly geometric mean values in several
Detroit River sewage treatment plant effluents indicate
substantial reduction during the past few years. During
certain months with geometric mean values under 20,000
organisms per 100 ml., densities of daily samples varied
widely, with daily averages frequently over 100,000 per
100 ml. Such erratic control of coliform organisms is
not considered unusual when chlorinat;Lon is practiced
following primary sewage treatment.
Pollution from partially treated municipal
wastes and overflows from combined sewers endangers the
users of the domestic water supplies from the Wyandotte
intake and, at times, users of the domestic water supplies
from the Southwest intake of the City of Detroit in the
event of a breakdown in the water treatment facilities.
Pollution from these sources also interferes with recrea-
tional uses at all times in the lower Detroit River.
Pollution originating from the Detroit and Wyandotte
Sewage Treatment plants and combined sewers along the entire
shoreline of the River must be abated to improve water
quality and increase the uses of the Detroit River.
BOD and DO. Insufficient dissolved oxygen
in water can kill fish and other aquatic life or prevent
their propagation. Low levels of dissolved oxygen can
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771
George L. Harlow
cause objectionable odors and thus interfere with recrea-
tion and aesthetic enjoyment.
Dissolved oxygen in the upper River is stable
at 93 - 106 percent of saturation, but gradually diminishes
to an average saturation of 67 percent at the mouth in
that section of the River most affected by the Trenton
Channel. The minimum observed value during the survey was
5.1 mg/1 at the mouth.
The major sources of biochemical oxygen demand
(BOD) are the effluents of the main Detroit Sewage Treat-
ment Plant and the Scott Paper Company on the Rouge River.
While the present oxygen level in the lower
Detroit River does not cause major interference with water
uses, the drop from 100 percent saturation in the upper
River to 67 percent in the lower is a warning of dire
consequences in the future unless appropriate action is
taken and represents a threat to water uses in the Detroit
River and Michigan Lake Erie.
Suspended and Settleable Solids. Excessive
amounts of suspended solids in water can cause interference
with domestic and industrial water treatment processes,
harmful effects to fish and other aquatic life by clogging
the gills and respiratory passages ol aquatic fauna, tur-
bidity which interferes with light transmission, and can
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772
George L. Harlow
interfere with boating and aesthetic enjoyment of the
water. When a part of the suspended solids settles out
on stream and lake bottoms as sludge or bottom deposits,
damage to aquatic life can occur since these deposits
blanket the bottom, killing eggs and essential fishfood
organisms and destroying spawning beds. When the sus-
pended solids carry with them toxic material, aquatic
life can be killed when the toxic materials leech out
into the water above.
A substantial increase in suspended solids
occurred in the Detroit River from its head to mouth with
a range of 5 - 20 mg/1 in the upper and 14 -65 mg/1 in
the lower river. Setteable solids showed a similar increase
from a range of 5 - 10 mg/1 to 10 - 24 mg/1.
The largest contributor of suspended and
settleable solids is the Detroit Sewage Treatment Plant.
The Wyandotte Chemical Company is also a significant con-
tributor of suspended and settleable solids.
Sludge banks are present and are particularly
extensive near the mouth of the River as it empties into
Lake Erie. These deposits of sludge are primarily due to
suspended and settleable solids in municipal and industrial
wastes discharging into the Rouge and Detroit Rivers. The
bottom deposits caused by pollution create unfavorable
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George L. Harlow
environmental conditions for the propagation of game fish.
Sludge deposits along the shoreline and in marinas inter-
fere with recreational use and the aesthetic enjoyment of
water. Pollution in the form of these deposits interferes
with navigation, requiring annual dredging operation to
maintain channels, marinas, and harbor facilities.
Oil and Grease. Oil and grease were repeatedly
observed in the Detroit River.
The major sources of oil are the main Detroit
Sewage Treatment Plant effluent and several industrial
sources.
Although good oil pollution control has been
effected by the State regulatory agencies during wildfowl
over-wintering periods, the continued presence of excessive
quantities of this pollutant in waste effluent poses a
constant threat to fish and wildlife, as well as inter-
fering with recreational use of the water. Oil spills
were observed during the study period by the Project.
Phenols. High levels of phenols in waters
cause disagreeable taste and odors in drinking water,
tainting of flesh in game fish, and may even result in
fish kills when concentrations are excessive. Phenols
are present in Detroit raw water supplies in sufficient
concentration to cause disagreeable tastes and odors, and
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774
George L. Harlow
expensive water treatment procedures are required to
eliminate the problem. Average phenol concentrations
should not exceed 10 micrograms per liter in the lower
River, and 6-9 micrograms per liter at the mouth.
Average phenol concentrations at all ranges in the Detroit
River exceeded recommended levels during the survey.
Records of the International Joint Commission indicate
high concentrations in the St. Clair River below known
sources of phenolic wastes in Sarnia, Ontario, Canada.
The major sources of phenols are the main
Detroit Sewage Treatment Plant effluent, which treats the
wastes of numerous industries, and other industrial sources.
Excessive phenol concentrations in the waters
and bottom muds of the Detroit River pose a threat to
fish and other aquatic life and have interfered with
domestic water treatment at the Wyandotte plant.
Chlorides. Chloride concentrations above
certain levels can interfere with domestic and industrial
water supplies by causing objectionable tastes in drinking
water and corrosion in industrial processes.
Chlorides in the Detroit River increased from
uniform concentrations of 7 - 10 mg/1 at the head to
average values ranging from 9-69 mg/1 at the mouth. High
values were observed in the Trenton Channel and at the
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775
George L. Harlow
mouth near the United States shore.
The principal contributors of chlorides to
the Detroit River are the Allied Chemical Corporation,
Pennsalt Chemical Company, and the Wyandotte Chemical
Company.
Increases in chloride concentrations indicate
a change in the mineral content of the Detroit River from
head to mouth. Although these concentrations are not yet
significant enough to cause major interference with water
use, the doubling of chloride loadings in a 30-mile stretch
of the river is of concern. Future action may be neces-
sary to prevent an undesirable situation.
Iron. Excessive concentrations of iron in
water may cause interference with domestic and industrial
water supplies. Iron is toxic to certain species of fish
and other aquatic life in relatively low concentrations.
Iron concentrations should not exceed 0.3 mg/1 (ppm) in
the receiving stream to prevent interference with municipal
and industrial water supply and to protect fish and wildlife
Average iron concentrations in the Upper
Detroit River meet recommended levels, but downstream the
concentrations increase to average values of 0.52 mg/1.
The iron concentration at the mouth ranges from 0.47 - 0.63
mg/1.
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George L. Harlow
Although the Detroit Sewage Treatment Plant
is a significant contributor of iron to the Detroit River,
the largest sources of iron are the Great Lakes Steel
Company and the Ford Motor Company.
Iron concentrations in the waters and bottom
muds of the Detroit River pose threats to fish and other
aquatic life and represent a potential interference with
industrial water supply.
Nitrogen. Nitrogen compounds coupled with
phosphorus can act as essential nutrients causing the
growth of algae in bodies of water where other environmental
factors are satisfactory. In small quantities these algae
are desirable as a major source of food for fish. When
algal growth exceeds certain limits, nuisances result from
the blooms. They are unsightly, can result in obnoxious
odors, and some species can be toxic to fish. The level
of inorganic nitrogen compounds (nitrates, nitrites, and
ammonia) above which undesirable blooms can be expected
to occur is 0.30 mg/1.
Nitrogen compounds show a significant increase
from the head to the mouth of the River. Inorganic nitrogen
(nitrates, nitrites, and ammonia) increased from approxi-
mately 0.2 mg/1 at the head to over 0.4 mg/1 at the mouth
of the River. Ammonia increased dramatically below the
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George L. Harlow
Rouge River and Zug Island from a range of 0.08 - 0.14
mg/1 to 0.16 - 0.41 mg/1. High ammonia levels at the
Wyandotte water treatment plant, causing a variable
chlorine demand, have necessitated greated chlorine
dosages to assure a safe supply at all times. The presence
of this material not only results in additional expense
but also represents an interference with the effectiveness
of chlorine in disinfecting water supplies, and thus is a
potential hazard to the health and welfare of the users.
High ammonia levels can be expected to cause similar prob-
lems at the new southwest intake operated by the City of
Detroit.
The main source of nitrogen to the Detroit
River is the effluent of the main Detroit Sewage Treatment
Plant.
Essential nutrients for plant growth, including
inorganic nitrogen compounds and phosphates, increase sig-
nificantly from the headwaters to the mouth of the Detroit
River. Excessive concentrations of these constituents
cause interference with almost all legitimate water uses.
Phosphates. Soluble phosphates in relatively
small concentrations are readily available as an essential
plant nutrient. The insoluble portion of the total phos-
phate concentration can be converted to the soluble form
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778
George L. Harlow
and thus become available for such plant utilization.
Soluble phosphates present in greater concentrations than
0.015 mg/1, reported as phosphorus, in combination with
inorganic nitrogen compounds in excess of 0.30 mg/1 with
the highest value located near the United States shore
just downstream from the combined sewer outfall at Conners
Creek. These values increased to a range of 0.176 to
0.204 mg/1 at the mouth.
The main source of phosphates to the Detroit
River is the main Detroit Sewage Treatment Plant effluent.
Biology,. The waters of the Detroit River
from head to mouth were found to contain low numbers of
planktonic algae, with counts averaging 500 per ml. Low
densities of animal plankton were also found. Plankton
entering the river with water masses from Lake St. Clair
were carried as a "standing crop" downriver to Lake Erie
with little change in density or species composition either
vertically or horizontally across the river. The rate of
travel is too rapid for the domestic and industrial wastes
to appreciably alter the number of plankton.
The bacterial slim Sphaerotilus was found,
attached to bridge abutments, pilings, piers, buoys, etc.,
in abundant quantities in the Detroit River below the
Rouge River and Detroit Sewage Treatment Plant outfall.
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George L. Harlow
Composition of bottom organisms in the Detroit
River changed from a pollution-sensitive population
typically found in clean waters to a predominantly pol-
lution-tolerant population in the lower areas of the
River below Zug Island and the Rouge River. This change
was especially pronounced along the United States shore.
In the reach of the Detroit River from Zug Island to
the mouth, habitats suitable for the support of a variety
of bottom organisms have been destroyed by the deposition
of organic solids and oils, especially in areas nearest
the Michigan shore.
Clinging and burrowing mayfly nymphs, both
pollution-sensitive organisms associated with clean bottom
conditions, in themselves valuable as fish food, were
found in the upper ranges of the Detroit River but were
completely absent from the River below the Rouge River and
Detroit Sewage Treatment Plant and in the entire Michigan
waters of Lake Erie. Habitats in the lower Detroit River
formerly suitable for the support of this once-abundant
organism have been totally destroyed by pollution.
Sources and Characteristics of Wastes
A total municipal waste volume of 540 million
gallons is discharged daily into the Detroit River, con-
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George L. Harlow
tatning the following loadings of constituents:
1. Wastes equivalent in oxygen-consuming
capacity to raw sewage from a population of over 3,000,000.
2. Innumerable coliform bacteria.
3. Over 25,000 pounoc, of iron.
4. Over 600,000 pounds of suspended solids
and almost 300,000 pounds of settleable solids.
5. Over 16,000 gallons of oil.
6. Over 1,200 pounds of phenolic substances.
7. Over 34,000 pounds of ammonia.
8. Over 150,000 pounds of total phosphates,
including 70,000 pounds of soluble phosphates.
9. Over 500,000 pounds of chlorides.
A total industrial waste volume of 1.1 billion
gallons is discharged daily into the Detroit River, con-
taining the following loadings of constituents:
1. Wastes having an oxygen-consuming capacity
equal to raw sewage from a population of over 1,000,000.
2. Over 3,000 gallons of oil.
3. Over 800,000 pounds of suspended solids,
of which almost 700,000 are settleable.
4. Over 1,400 pounds of phenols.
5. Over 8,000 pounds of ammonia.
6. Over 80,000 pounds in iron.
7. Over 2 million pounds of chlorides.
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George L. Harlow
8. Over 200,000 pounds of acid.
Stormwater Overflow Studies
Studies were performed Jointly with the
Michigan Department of Health and the Michigan Water
Resources Commission to compare the characteristics of
discharges from the combined sewers serving the City of
Detroit (Conners Creek system) and the separate storm and
sanitary sewers serving Ann Arbor, Michigan.
The following is a summary of waste constitu-
ents found in the stormwater overflows from combined sewers :
1. Total coliform, fecal coliform, and fecal
streptococcus densities many times approached values found
in raw sewage. Coliform counts of over 100,000,000 organ-
isms per 100 ml were found during summer months. Lower
results were found in the winter.
2. Total coliform densities in the separate
stormwater system at Ann Arbor regularly exceeded 1,000,000
organisms per 100 ml. Average total coliform densities
from the Detroit combined system were approximately 10
times higher than those in the Ann Arbor separate system.
Fecal coliform densities were found to be approximately
30 times greater than similar values in the separate system,
while comparable fecal streptococcus levels were at least
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George L. Harlow
twice as high.
3. Phenol, BOD, phosphate, ammonia, and
organic nitrogen concentrations were two to five times
higher in the combined overflow than in the separate storm
discharge.
4. In the Detroit area, rainfall sufficient
to cause overflows from all combined sewers (0.3 inch) can
be expected to occur approximately 33 days each year.
Rainfall sufficient to cause overflows from certain parts
of the system (0.2 inch) can be expected to occur about 45
days each year.
5. Calendar years 1963 was the driest on
record for the City of Detroit according to rainfall records
of the U.S. Weather Bureau. Even during this year, the
Conners Creek pumping station was observed to overflow 12
times during a 6-month period in 1963. During the first
12 months of operation of the automatic sampler, the
Conners Creek installation overflowed and collected samples
23 separate times. Both figures exclude the period of raw
sewage bypass from this station by the City of Detroit.
6. The volume of overflow at the Detroit
installation during the survey varied from 40 million
gallons to 509 million gallons. The greatest volume was
observed during the overflow of longest duration. This
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George L. Harlow
volume, which originated from only 25 percent of the City
of Detroit, is approximately the same as the daily dis-
charge of partially treated sewage from all sewage treat-
ment plants into the Detroit River.
7. Volume figures indicate a discharge into
the Detroit River of 4% billion gallons from the combined
sewers serving the Conners system during the first year of
operation of the sampling station.
8. It is estimated that 2 percent of the total
raw sewage contributed to the Detroit area sewers reaches
the Detroit River each year. This is over 5 billion gallons
of raw sewage contributed to the Detroit River from this
source each year. This figure should be considered conser-
vative since the Conners system is designed for more storage
capacity than many other combined sewers in the Detroit and
downriver collection systems.
Total bacterial densities were found to increase
from the head waters to the mouth during a typical overflow.
The following is a summary of data on bacterial densities:
1. Coliform, fecal coliform, and fecal
streptococcus densities increased in the Detroit River,
following an overflow from combined sewers, 10 to 50
times over the values found during dry weather conditions.
2. Coliform densities in the Detroit River
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784
George L. Harlow
following an overflow often exceeded 300,000 organisms
per 100 ml and at times exceeded 700,000 organisms per
100 ml.
3. All high bacteriological values in the
Detroit River during or following an overflow were found
below Conners Creek. Bacteriological densities above this
point stayed fairly constant during wet and dry conditions.
Conners Creek represents the farthest upstream location on
the Detroit River of many combined sewer outfalls.
4. City of Detroit sampling records show
individual values exceeding 800,000 organisms per 100 ml
in the Detroit River on the day following significant
rainfall.
5. High bacteriological densities following
overflows were found at both the City of Wyandotte water
intake and the new intake of the City of Detroit near
Fighting Island. The Wyandotte values exceeded 100,000
organisms per 100 ml and the Fighting Island values 10,000
organisms per 100 ml.
6. Rainfall,overflow, and stream quality
records show that during a 9-month period in 1963 (March-
November) overflows from combined sewers affected water
quality in the Detroit River during part or all of 88 days.
This represents 32 per cent of the days in the 9-month
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George L. Harlow
period. This phenomenon occurred during the year of lowest
accumulated rainfall and implies an even greater effect on
Detroit River water quality during a year of normal rain-
fall.
During heavy rains causing overflow, visual
observations were made of the Detroit River by Project
field personnel, who noted condoms, debris, and garbage
as well as excrement floating down the River.
Special Studies
Several special studies were conducted by the
Project to provide additional information on complex prob-
lems. The following were investigated:
1. The effect of pollution originating from
unsewered homes or from inadequately functioning installa-
tions on Gross lie.
2. Growth and die-off of bacteria in the
Detroit River.
3. Bypass of 75 MGD of raw sewage for 10
consecutive days by the City of Detroit during November
1963.
4. Detroit's bypassing of treated effluent
through an alternate outfall to the Rouge River and its
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George L. Harlow
adverse effect on water quality in the lower Detroit River.
6. Distribution of flow in the Detroit River
by dye tracer studies.
7. Tributaries of the Detroit River thought
to be of significance in the contribution of industrial or
domestic wastes and subsequent deterioration of the main
river.
Detailed information on the results of these
studies can be found in Section V in the main body of the
report.
Interferences with Water Uses
Municipal ,Water Supply. Two municipal water
intakes in the Detroit River, the Southwest City of
Do^oit intake and the Wyandotte intake, receive water with
bacterial counts frequently high enough to pose a health
hazard in the event that water treatment facilities should
malfunction. Furthermore, ammonia levels at the Wyandotte
intake are high enough to lessen the effectiveness of normal
disinfection procedures, and phenols cause taste and odor
problems.
Industrial Water Supply. The water supply of
several industries is interfered with by high chloride con-
centrations in the Detroit River, but the Project
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787
George L. Harlow
staff was unable to obtain statements to this effect from
the industries concerned.
Recreation. Pollution has necessitated
that all beach areas on the Detroit River below Belle Isle
be posted as unsafe for swimming and other water-contact
sports. Thus 26 out of the 31 miles of the Detroit River
have had their recreational usefulness greatly diminished.
At the same time, many people ignore the warnings of State
and local health authorities, and swim and water-ski in the
restricted area. For these people, pollution in the River
presents an immediate health hazard. Boaters and owners
of marinas along the lower River are constantly harassed by
oil slicks and sludge deposits, which deface boats and
boat equipment, fill in and foul docking facilities, and
create an aesthetic nuisance.
Fish and Wildlife Propagation. Creel census
records indicate a change in the predominant types of fish
in the Detroit River from a variety of desirable game fish
to a predominance of carp and yellow perch. The destruc-
tion of 10.000-12,000 wildfowl four years ago has been
attributed to oil pollution.
Navigation. Sludge deposits at the Junction
of the Rouge and Detroit Rivers and at the mouth of the
Detroit River require extensive annual dredging by the
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788
George L. Harlow
U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to maintain routine navigation,
SUMMARY OF FINDINGS - LAKE ERIE
This study was limited to the Michigan waters
of Lake Erie, which constitute approximately 1 percent of
the surface area of this international body of water. Lake
Erie is the shallowest of all the Great Lakes, and the
greatest recorded depth in its Michigan waters is only 29
feet. Most of the water flowing into Lake Erie is from the
Detroit River.
Description of Water Quality
The Michigan waters of Lake Erie have two
major zones of pollution -- one in the vicinity of the
mouth of the Detroit River, one near the mouth of the
Raisin River. These waters are polluted bacteriologically,
chemically, physically, and biologically; they contain
excessive coliform densities, suspended solids, nitrates,
ammonia, organic nitrogen and phosphates, and sludge
deposits.
Bacteria 1 Densi_ty. Sewage commonly contains
many pathogenic organisms that can cause gastrointestinal
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789
George L. Harlow
diseases, eye, ear, nose and throact disorders, skin infec-
tions, and hepatitis when ingested. These organisms may
include both bacteria and viruses. They are usually
measured by counting the number of coliforms (bacteria
particularly associated with human or animal excreta).
The maximum density of coliform bacteria
recommended in this report - 1,000 organisms per 100 ml.
- is exceeded for 2 to 3 miles south of the mouth of the
Detroit Paver and for approximately 1 mile out from the
mouth of the Raisin River. Maximum coliform values showed
a similar pattern of dispersion, with individual values
exceeding 100,000 organisms per 100 ml. found near the
mouths of the Raisin and Detroit Rivers. Fecal coliform
densities ranged from 5 to 30 percent of the total, and
geometric mean fecal streptococci were less than 80 per
100 ml. at all locations.
Al~L bathing beaches along the Michigan shore
of Lake Erie had geometric mean coliform densities of less
than 1,000 organisms per 100 ml., except Maple Beach,
located in the influence of the Detroit River. Geometric
mean coliform densities at Sterling State Park beaches
approached 1,000 organisms per 100 ml., but here relatively
low means mask exceptionally high individual values which
appeared under certain conditions of wind and weather, sore
exceeding 100,000 organisms per 100 ml. These maximums
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George L. Harlow
represent a hazard to health of water users. Fecal coli-
form and fecal streptococcus densities along the Lake
Erie beaches were noticeably higher than in adjacent Lake
waters.
Bacteriological densities in Lake Erie from
the mouth of the Detroit River to a point 2 to 3 miles to
the south are such that the water cannot safely be used
for recreational purposes. Following heavy rainfall in
the Detroit area, the zone of polluted water extends south-
ward to Stony Point and outward from the Raisin River.
Dissolved Oxygen. Most of the Michigan waters
of Lake Erie display high levels of dissolved oxygen. Two
areas of low values were found near the mouths of the
Detroit and Raisin River, with the more widespread effect
radiating southward from the mouth of the Detroit River.
In the immediate vicinity of the mouth of the Raisin River,
complete depletion of oxygen was found, but within one-half
mile into the Lake the levels recovered. Values as low as
4.8 mg/1 and 58% saturation were found in the area south of
the mouth of the Detroit River. Here the area of depressed
values extends southwest 4 -6 miles.
While present oxygen levels in the Lake do
not yet cause major interferences with water use, the
drop to 4.8 mg/1 represents a threat to water uses in the
Lake. Unless appropriate remedial action is taken now, the
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George L. Harlow
situation will almost certainly worsen.
Phenols. Average phenol concentration ranged
from 1 to 16 micrograms per liter with 5 out of 23 Lake
stations exceeding 2 microgram per liter. Nine out of
17 beach stations had phenols averaging over 2 micrograms
per liter, but all were under 5 micrograms per liter, but
only 2 exceeded 4 micrograms per liter.
Phenols can cause disagreeable tastes and
odors in drinking water, taint the flesh of fish, and, in
high concentrations, kill fish and other aquatic life. There
is no evidence of damage to Lake Erie water use by phenols
at this time.
Chlorides. Average chloride concentrations
in the Michigan waters of Lake Erie ranged from 18 to 44
mg/1, with the higher values along shore and near the mouth
of the Detroit River. Chlorides can interfere with domes-
tic and industrial water use by causing objectionable tastes
and odors in drinking water and corrosion in industrial
equipment. While present levels do not interfere with water
use, the year-by-year increase at the Monroe water intake is
noted as a warning of future problems.
Suspended and Settleable Solids. Suspended
solids concentrations near Lake Erie bathing beaches ranged
from 30 - 165 mg/1; Lake Erie itself had concentrations of
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George L. Harlow
11 to 25 mg/1. Suspended solids in Lake Erie were highest
near the souths of the Raisin and Detroit Rivers, and
have reached levels which interfere with water uses by
settling out on the Lake bottom. These bottom deposits
interfere with navigation, kill fish eggs and fish-food
organisms, destroy spawning beds, and clog the gills and
respiratory passages of fish.
Cyanides. Cyanides were found at the mouth
of the Raisin River and once at Sterling State Park nearby
in concentrations exceeding PH3 drinking water standards
and recommended tnaximums for protection of fish. Their
presence in the water, even in minute quantities, poses a
threat to fish and wildlife.
Iron. Average iron concentrations exceeding
0.30 mg/1 were found near the mouth of the Detroit and
Raisin Rivers. Iron is toxic to certain species of fish
even in low concentrations; excessive quantities of iron
can also cause tastes in municipal water supplies and stains
in laundry, vegetables and plumbing fixtures.
Nitrogen. A pattern of high concentrations
of nitrogen compounds radiates outward from the Detroit
River. High levels of nitrates ranging from 0.35 to 0.50
mg/1 were found in Brest Bay, and ammonic concentrations
exceeding 0.30 mg/1 extended down into the Lake approxi-
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George L. Harlow
mately 10 miles from the mouth of the Detroit River.
Inorganic nitrogen exceeds 0.30 mg/1 in over 85 percent of
the Michigan waters of Lake Erie.
Nitrogen in Lake Erie acts as a nutrient for
algae and undesirable slimes which, in turn, can result
in obnoxious odors; ammonia in particular interferes with
domestic water treatment.
Phosphates. Phosphates also nourish objec-
tionable algae and slimes, which add to general turbidity.
Areas of high total phosphate concentration (0.20 - 0.50
mg/1) extended from the Detroit River south to Stony Point.
Three areas of soluble phosphate exceed 0.10 mg/1 as
phosphate or 0.03 as phosphorus. One extends 6-8 miles
south from the mouth of the Detroit River, one radiates
out 1-2 miles from the Raisin River, and the third extends
upward 3-4 miles from the Ohio State Line.
Over 85 percent of the Michigan waters of
Lake Erie contain inorganic nitrogen and soluble phosphates
in excessive concentrations. The result has been unde-
sirable algal blooms and serious interferences with water
use. The City of Monroe has already been forced to move its
water supply intake in order to avoid objectionable tastes
and odors from algae.
Biology. Massive colonies of the filamentous
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George fc. Harlow
slime bacteria Sphaerotilus, or "sewage fungus," and the
filamentous green alga Cladophora were found at most
stations in Lake Erie and along the bathing beaches near
Bolles Harbor and in Brest Bay. These slimes, indicative
of pollution, have fouled the nets of fishermen, inter-
fered with boating, and washed up on beaches decaying and
smelling.
Lake Erie also supports dense populations
of plant and animal plankters, sometimes as dense as
22,425/ml. These microscopic, free-floating animals, in
large numbers, can create nuisances: they clog filters
in water plants, produce unpleasant tastes and odors in
drinking water, and make the Lake water highly turbid.
Study of the bottom animal associations
revealed polluted areas adjacent to the Raisin River and
Sterling State Park, and at the mouth of the Detroit River
extending in the shape of a fan out into the Lake. Samples
from the River below sources of pollution and from the Lake
did not contain a single burrowing mayfly. This elimination
of pollution-sensitive organisms such as these rob fish of
much food, and may threaten certain species of fish with
extinction.
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795
George L. Harlow
Sources and Characteristics of Wastes
Over 95 percent of the waste constituents
discharged from Michigan sources to Lake Erie originates
from the Detroit River. The daily discharge from the
United States portion of the River into Lake Erie con-
tains the following loadings:
1. Over 10,000,000 pounds of chlorides,
2. Over 2,000 pounds of phenols.
3. Over 7,000,000 pounds of settleable solids.
4. Over 250,000 pounds of iron.
5. Over 200,000 pounds of phosphates.
6. Over 130,000 pounds of ammonia.
7. Over 300,000 pounds of total nitrogen.
After the Detroit River, the major polluter of
Michigan Lake Erie is the Raisin River. The chief munici-
pal waste discharge to the Raisin is from Monroe. The
Monroe Sewage Treatment Plant provides primary treatment
and, during the summer, chlorination, and its operation
is excellent. Efficiency in removal of suspended solids
(62%) and BOD (59%) is high for a primary treatment plant,
and bacterial control during chlorination is also good.
Although Monroe has separated its sewer system,
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796
George L. Harlow
a portion of the sanitary sewers still receives runoff
frorr roofs during and after rainfall. This results in
hydraulic overloading at the plant, with a subsequent drop
in efficiency, especially in maintenance of a chlorine
residual in the effluent which will adequately reduce
coliform organisms.
During the summer most bacterial loadings
discharged to the Raisin River and subsequently to Lake
Erie from the Monroe plant are significantly less than
those from industrial soures. During non-chlorination
months, however, the municipal plant is a significant source
of coliform organisms to the Raisin River. Nitrogen and
phosphorus compounds in the River originate in almost
equal proportions from industrial and municipal sources.
Monroe industries discharge, daily, to the
Raisin River:
1. Wastes equivalent in oxygen consuming
capacity to raw sewage from a population of 225,000.
2. Over 23,000 pounds of suspended solids,
including 7,800 pounds of settleable solids.
3. Over 1,000 gallons of oil.
4. Over 1,000 pounds of cyanides.
5. Over 1,000 pounds of phosphates.
6. 16,000 pounds of chlorides.
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George Harlow
7, Coliform bacteria with maximum densities
more than 3 million per 100 ml.
8. Fecal coliforms with maximum densities
more than 100,000 per ml.
9. Fecal streptococci with maximum densities
more than 51,000 per 100 ml.
The lower Raisin River is frequently com-
pletely devoid of dissolved oxygen, resulting in a con-
tinuous state of putrefaction during the summer months.
All uses of the lower Raisin River except waste disposal
and navigation have been eliminated by pollution and
deposits of settleable solids. Navigation is also hampered,
and extensive annual dredging at the mouth is required to
remove deposited wastes and keep the channels open for
routine ship movement. Bacterial counts in the lower
River make any recreational use of the water hazardous.
The detrimental effect of the Raisin River upon the Lake
is evident in the enrichment of the waters of the western
basin and the high coliform levels at bathing beaches
nearby (including Sterling State Park).
In addition to the Raisin River, several other
tributaries to Lake Erie contribute wastes: They are
the Huron River, Swan Creek, Stony Creek, Sandy Creek,
Plum Creek and LaPlaisance Creek, with the Huron the most
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George Harlow
important. The Huron River carries significant quantities
of coliform organisms, nitrates, and phosphates. It dis-
charges into a large marsh at Pointe Mouillee with no
clear pattern of dispersion into the Lake. The marsh is sub-
ject to backwater from the polluted waters of the Detroit
River discharging into the Lake, and the specific effect
of the Huron on tie Lake is masked by this phenomenon.
Long retention in the Point Mouillee marsh further compli-
cates an evaluation of the Huron's share in polluting the
Lake. After sources of pollution in the Detroit River
have been substantially reduced, the actual waste contribu-
tion of the Huron River may be determined.
Sandy Creek discharges into Lake Erie at the
northern edge of Sterling State Park, and is usually of
poor bacteriological quality. Much of the time its flow
is reversed, since the intake of the Ford Motor Co. plant
and several paper mills that use its water exceed its
normal flow. At periods of high runoff, however, its flow
is higher (up to 60cfs), and on such occasions it had an
adverse effect on Lake Erie water.
Stony Creek and a small boat harbor near its
mouth also have high coliform densities, and in times of
heavy rain contributed wastes to the Lake.
Another important source of waste discharge
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799
George Harlow
into Lake Erie is storm-caused overflow. All along Lake
Erie are shorefront pumping stations designed to receive
surface drainage and automatically discharge it, untreated,
into the Lake during or following rainfall. Discharge
from improperly functioning septic tanks reaches the pumping
stations along with surface storm runoff. A portion of
Monroe's sanitary sewers still receives roof runoff, and
this burdens the sewage treatment plant which must bypass
directly to the River, without treatment except chlorina-
tion, all wastes over 10 MGD. In addition, a flood relief
pumping station along the Raisin River interceptor bypasses
the plant when unusually heavy rainfall or flood stage of
the River inundates the sewer. The effect of storm-caused
overflow on the River is most evident above known sources
of pollution. In August 1963 a heavy rain caused the
flood pumping station to operate for one hour, and coliform
densities Jumped to 10 times normal levels.
Unsewered shorefront houses also discharge
sewage directly, or from improperly functioning septic
tanks, to Lake Erie. Several tributaries, including Plum
Creek and Sandy Creek, also receive such wastes.
Commercial and pleasure boats make heavy use
of the Michigan waters of (Lake Erie, and all such craft
represent potential sources of pollution from oil and
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800
George Harlow
human wastes. Several reports of oil spills in the
middle of the Lake waters under study indicate actual
pollution from these sources.
Special Studies
In connection with the overall study of Lake
Erie, several special studies were carried out on speci-
fic pollution problems not clearly defined by the routine
investigations. The special studies included: Three
intensive surveys of the Raisin River, a pollution study
of the Maple-Milleville Beach area, collection and analysis
of bottom deposits in the Lake, hydrologic and current
studies, and an investigation of bacterial contamination at
Sterling State Park. (Results from the first three studies
have been reported in the main body of this summary.)
Hydrologic Studies. The hydrologic studies
showed, in general, that wind is the primary factor
influencing water movement in the Michigan waters of Lake
Erie except in the Detroit River debouchment where flow from
the Detroit River is the predominant factor. Specific
findings of special interest include the following:
1. The combination of wind patterns and
Detroit River flow is such that polluted Detroit River
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George Harlow
water can affect water quality at beaches as far south
as Swan Creek 75 to 35% of the time.
2. Predominant winds are southerly, producing
northerly currents 40 to 45% of the time. Northerly cur-
rents in turn bring polluted Raisin River water up to
Sterling State Park beaches, accounting in part for the
erratically high bacterial counts observed there.
3. Winds from the northeast and east, which
occur approximately 20% of the time, could bring polluted
Detroit River water into Brest Bay if they blew steadily two
days or more.
Sterling State Park. Study of bacterial
contamination at Sterling State Park beach revealed
several sources of the pollution. The Raisin River, as
mentioned above, is probably the chief contributor of high
coliform counts, since northerly currents are predominant.
When southerly currents prevail, waste discharges from
tributaries to the north of the Park, and from malfunction-
ing septic tanks affect the beach water. Control of these
sources of pollution should restore water quality at the
Park to levels safe for swimming.
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George L. Harlow
Interferences with Water Uses
Municipal Water Supply. Algal growths
in Lake Erie have in the past caused serious taste and
odor problems in the public water supply of Monroe,
and threaten to do so again. Ammonia concentrations at
the Monroe water intake tend to lessen the effectiveness
of chlorination.
Industrial Water Supply. Increasing chloride
levels are a warning of future difficulties, for chlorides
can cause corrosion in industrial equipment. The Raisin
River is so grossly polluted in its lower reaches that
it is offensive to sight and smell, and undesirable as a
source of industrial water supply.
Recreation. Restriction of recreational
opportunities in Lake Erie and its Michigan tributaries may
be the worst damage from pollution, inestimable in dollar
figures. At beaches near the mouth of the Detroit River,
any kind of water contact sports—even water skiing or
boating--is hazardous. The beaches at Sterling State Park,
in heavy demand by a metropolitan population of nearly
four million (projected to reach 5% million by 1980), have
had to be posted as unsafe for swimming. The beaches them-
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George Harlow
selves are often offensive due to the washing ashore of
rotting plant life and decomposing matter of sewage and
industrial origin.
Fish and Wildlife Propagation. Sludge deposits
on the bottom of Lake Erie threaten to destroy the food and
habitat that make life possible for game fish. Large areas
of Michigan Lake Erie's bottom are inhabited only by
pollution-tolerant organisms such as leeches and sludge-
worms. Fish kills have been caused by discharges of oil
and in 1960 a heavy discharge of untreated waste killed
10,000 to 12,000 ducks near the mouth of the Detroit River.
Heavy algae blooms and dense populations of plankton add
to the turbidity of the Lake water.
Navigation. Sludge deposits at the mouth
of the Raisin and Detroit Rivers require expensive annual
dredging to preserve routine navigability.
Eutrophication of the Lake. The natural
aging of the Michigan waters of Lake Erie is being accel-
erated by the discharges of nutrients and organic wastes.
If these discharges are not halted, fertilization in the
Lake may increase until it becomes unusable for most
purposes.
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804
George Harlow
I. INTRODUCTION
Recommendations for abating water pollu-
tion interfering with water use in the Detroit River,
the Michigan waters of Lake Erie, and their tributaries
will be made in two groups: general recommendations,
covering the broad objectives of pollution abatement in
the Project area, followed by specific recommendations for
the solution of particular problems. All recommendations
concerning municipal and industrial wastes refer only to
Michigan facilities whose discharges reach the Detroit
River or Lake Erie either directly or through a tributary.
The specific recommendations are offered in
addition to, and not in place of, the general recommenda-
tions.
The recommendations which limit the effluent
concentration of a particular waste constituent are made
with the goal of reduction of overall loadings from a
facility. If changes in concentration are brought about
by increased dilution, combination of outfalls, or other
methods without reducing waste loading, a corresponding
decrease in recommended waste concentrations will be
required.
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805
George Harlow
While artificial fertilization of the
Michigan waters of Lake Erie is a severe problem, no
recommendations are made at this time concerning the
installation of specialized treatment facilities designed
to reduce phosphorus and nitrogen compounds in the effluent
of municipal waste treatment works. Proper operation of
secondary treatment facilities of the activated sludge
type will result in significantly greater removal of these
constituents than that produced by primary treatment alone.
II. GENERAL RECOMMENDATIONS
The following are the general recommendations
of the Detroit River-Lake Erie Project staff.
It is recommended that:
1. All municipalities provide a minimum of
s econdary treatment plus adequate disinfection of the
effluent.
2. Sewerage systems with collection sewers
terminating in adequate treatment facilities be provided
in those areas along the Michigan shore of Lake Erie and
the Detroit river where sewers do not now exist and homes
discharge either raw wastes or septic tank effluent to
t he wa te rc our se.
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George Harlow
3. All industries in the area discharging
waste material to the public waters maintain an inventory
of all waste treatment equipment and supplies on the plant
premises so that a minimum delay in effective waste treat-
ment will result when replacement or repair is necessary.
4. A program be developed to reduce the
likelihood of accidental spills of waste material to the
river. In-plant surveys with the purpose of anticipating
possible accidents are recommended.
5. All new sewerage facilities be designed
to prevent the necessity of bypassing untreated wastes
during maintenance and renovation operations.
6. Municipal waste treatment plants regu-
larly analyze all waste constituents contributing to
pollution found in significant quantities in their wastes,
as specified by the Michigan Water Resources Commission.
7. Industries discharging wastes to the public
streams furnish operating records to the Michigan Water
Resources Commission containing information on waste dis-
charges and concentrations as specified by the Commission.
8. Regular monitoring of the Detroit River,
Lake Erie, and their tributaries be conducted cooperatively
by the Michigan Water Resources Commission and the Public
Health Service. Such monitoring should include regular
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80?
George Harlow
sampling of waste effluents and overflows from combined
sewers. Use of aerial techniques for reconnaissance
and pollution surveillance as practiced by the Michigan
Water Resources Commission is encouraged and expansion of
this activity recommended. Monitoring should include
surveillance of oil discharge from vessels.
9. A PHS Water Pollution Control Surveillance
Station (formerly National Water Quality Network Station)
be established in the lower section of the Detroit River.
This would be in addition to the network station now in
operation at the head of the Detroit River. Two stations
would illustrate the waste burden put into the Detroit
River and the change in its condition as it flows toward
the Lake as well as indicate changes in water quality
after improvements have been made.
10. The U.S. Department of Health, Education,
and Welfare, through the auspices of the International
Joint Commission, bring to the attention of Canadian water
pollution control authorities the significant waste con-
tributions from Canadian sources on the Upper St. Clair
River adversely affecting water quality in the United
States section of the Detroit River. They should be
encouraged to bring about more effective pollution abate-
ment to protect downstream water use.
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George li. Harlow
III. SPECIFIC RECOMMENDATIONS
A. Detroit River
1. Municipal Waste Treatment
Detroit (Belle Isle Sewage Treatment Plant)
This plant discharges an effluent of low waste
concentrations, and treatment efficiency is within accepted
limits for this type of facility. Total coliform and
fecal streptococcus densities in the effluent were high
(7,890,000 and 297,000) but should be expected in this type
of plant without chlorination.
The City of Detroit plans to abandon this
plant and pump sewage from Belle Isle across to the main-
land and into the Detroit system. Such a plan is recom-
mended as the most practical under the circumstances.
Until this plan can be carried out, it is recommended that
full-time chlorination of the plant effluent be instituted,
capable of producing an effluent with monthly geometric
mean coliform densities not exceeding 5,000/lOOml. This
recommendation is made to prevent interference with
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809
George li. Harlow
municipal water supplies and recreational use of water.
Detroit (Main Treatment Plant)
Sewage influent at the Detroit plant is of
average strength from the standpoint of BOD and suspended
solids concentrations but contains high levels of waste
constituents normally not associated with municipal wastes,
including oil and grease, phenols, copper, iron, chromium,
nickel, zinc, and lead.
Average phenol and oil concentrations in the
effluent exceed 20 mg/1 and 15 mg/1 respectively. Ammonia-
nitrogen concentrations and loadings in the effluent are
excessive, as is the phosphate effluent concentration
(36 mg/1 and 145,000 Ibs/day). Efficiency in removal of
settleable solids (52%), suspended solids (39%), and BOD
(17%) is poor, indicating an overloaded and in some
respects inadequate primary facility (e.g., the holding
time in the settling basins is less than one hour).
Bacteria removal during the survey was
excellent and density in the effluent very low. This pre-
sumably was accomplished by raising the level of chlorina-
tionj and while averages during the survey do not corres-
pond with mean monthly averages during the study period,
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810
George L. Harlow
they show that effective bacterial control can be accom-
plished.
Waste loadings from the main plant of the
City of Detroit are not only responsible for a large part
of the degredation of the waters of the lower Detroit
River but also constitute a major source of nitrogen
compounds and the major source of phosphates going into
and contributing to the fertilization of Lake Erie. The
major contribution of waste constituents from municipal
sources being discharged into the Detroit River and sub-
sequently into Lake Erie originates from this plant.
It is recommended that:
1. A minimum of secondary treatment facilities be
provided capable of producing an effluent not to exceed:
' a. Suspended solids concentration of 35 mg/1
b. Settleable solids concentration of 5 mg/1
c. Ammonia concentration of 2 mg/1
d. Phenol concentration of 20 micrograms
per liter
e. Oil concentration of 15 mg/1
f. Biochemical oxygen demand of 20 mg/1
2. Bacterial reduction facilities be operated at
levels capable of providing an effluent with a monthly
geometric mean coliform density of less than 5,000
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George L. Harlow
organisms per 100 ml.
3. A technical committee appointed by the conferees
will evaluate actual phosphate removal of the secondary
treatment plant after it is in operation. On the basis
of this evaluation, if further facilities for the removal
of phosphates are necessary, the conferees will consider
making such a recommendation. A similar program will be
put into effect concerning removal of nitrogen compounds.
The above recommendations have been made to
prevent interference with domestic water supplies,
recreational use of water, navigation, and fish and wildlife
propagation.
Wayne County Sewage Treatment Plant (Wyandotte)
The plant was greatly overloaded when the
Project began, and it was necessary to bypass untreated
wastes for a portion of most days to the Detroit River.
Enlargement of primary facilities was designed to alleviate
this condition. The surveys performed at this plant by
the Project staff were made on the original facilities,
and do not reflect the recent enlargement program.
Two surveys at this plant revealed an influent
sewage of average strength in terms of BOD and suspended
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812
George L. Harlow
solids, but with other waste constituents at levels
normally not associated with domestic sewage (phenols,
oil and grease, iron, chromium, cooper, cadmium, nickel,
zinc and lead).
Average concentrations of suspended solids and
settleable solids and discharges to the River were high
during the two surveys. Average BOD in the effluent during
the first survey was 120 rog/1, with a population equivalent
of 132,000 discharges. Levels of nitrogen compounds were
significant, and phosphate concentrations were at 40 mg/1
(unusually high) with a loading of 7,200 pounds per day.
Bacteriological control was excellent during
the first survey when chlorination of the effluent was
practiced. Geometric mean densities for total colifortns,
fecal coliforms, and fecal streptococci during the first
survey were less than 100 organisms per 100 ml. Study of
plant operation records reveals that these results were
not typical, but it is encouraging to note once again that
results in this magnitude can be obtained. During the
second survey effluent chlorination was not practiced,
and geometric means for total coliforms, fecal coliforms,
and fecal streptococci exceeded one million per 100 ml.
Discharges of suspended solids, nitrogen
compounds, phosphates, and organic matter from the Wyandotte
plant contribute significantly to the degradation of
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George L. Harlow
the Detroit River and the fertilization of Lake Erie.
It is recommended that:
1. A minimum of secondary treatment facilities be
provided capable of producing an effluent containing not
more than:
a. Suspended solids concentration of 35 mg/1
b. Settleable solids concentration of 5 mg/1
c. Oil concentration of 15 mg/1
d. Biochemical oxygen demand of 20 mg/1
2. Bacterial reduction facilities be operated at
levels capable of providing an effluent with a monthly
geometric mean coliform density of less than 5,000 organisms
per 100 ml during the months of April through November.
3. A technical committee appointed by the conferees
will evaluate actual phosphate removal of the secondary
treatment plant after it is in operation. On the basis of
this evaluation, if further facilities for the removal of
phosphates are necessary, the conferees will consider making
such a recommendation. A similar program will be put into
effect concerning removal of nitrogen compounds.
The above recommendations are made to protect
recreational use of water, navigation, and fish and wild-
life propagation.
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8l4
George L. Harlow
Wayne County Sewage Treatment Plant (Trenton)
It is recommended that:
1. A minimum of secondary treatment facilities be
provided capable of producing an effluent not to exceed:
a. Suspended solids concentration of 35 mg/1
b. Settleable solids concentration of 5 mg/1
2. Bacterial reduction facilities be operated at
levels capable of producing an effluent with a monthly
geometric mean coliform density of less than 5,000 organ-
isms per 100 ml during the months of April through November.
The above recommendations are made to prevent
interference with recreational use of water and fish and
wildlife propagation.
Wayne County Sewage Treatment Plant (Grosse lie)
It is recommended that:
1. A minimum of secondary treatment facilities be
provided capable of producing an effluent not to exceed :
a. Suspended solids concentration of 35 mg/1
b. Settleable solids concentration of 5 ng/1
2. Bacterial reduction facilities be operated at
-------
815
George L. Harlow
levels capable of producing an effluent with a monthly
geometric mean collform density of less than 5,000
organisms per 100 ml during the months of April through
November.
The above recommendations are made to prevent
interference with recreational use of water and fish and
wildlife propagation.
2. Industrial Waste Treatment
Upper Detroit River
Allied Chemical Corporation (Solvay Process)
Wastes from this plant have high concentrations
of suspended and settleable solids, phenols, and chlorides.
Chloride loadings from this source represent approximately
20 percent of the entire industrial loading to the Detroit
River. Suspended and settleable solids loadings and effluent
concentrations indicate a lack of waste control.
It is recommended that:
1. Facilities be provided capable of producing an
effluent not to exceed:
a. Suspended solids concentration of 35 mg/1
-------
816
George L. Harlow
b. Settleable solids concentration of 5 mg/1
2. The industry begin investigation of satisfactory
methods of disposing of chlorides and alternate methods
of disposal of concentrated brines, such as subsurface
disposal.
The above recommendations are made to prevent
interference with navigation and fish and wildlife propa-
gation and to protect municipal and industrial water supply.
Anaconda-American Brass Company
Wastes discharged from this source were not
found to interfere with existing water uses in the Detroit
River or Lake Erie.
Great Lakes Steel Corporation - Blast Furnace Divisions
Waste treatment facilities provided for the
removal of phenols and suspended solids are ineffective.
Nearly 100 percent of the suspended solids in the plant
effluent were found to be readily settleable.
It is recommended that:
1. Facilities be provided capable of producing an
effluent not to exceed:
-------
817
George L. Harlow
a. Suspended solids concentration of 35 mg/1
b. Settleable solids concentration of 5 mg/1
c. Phenol concentration of 20 micrograms per
liter.
d. Ammonia concentration of 2 mg/1
The above recommendation is made to prevent
interference with municipal water supplies, navigation,
and fish and wildlife propagation.
Parke-Davis Company
Waste treatment at this installation is con-
sidered satisfactory at this time, and no specific recom-
mendations for improvement are made.
Revere Copper and Brass, Inc.
The concentrations of oil and settleable
solids in the effluent from this installation are excessive,
All of the suspended solids released by this industry are
readily settleable.
It is recommended that:
Facilities be provided capable of producing
an effluent containing not more than:
-------
8l8
George L. Harlow
a. Suspended solids concentration of 35 mg/1
b. Settleable solids concentration of 5 mg/1
c. Oil concentration of 15 rag/1
This recommendation is made to prevent inter-
ference with navigation and fish and wildlife propatation.
United States Rubber Company
Waste treatment at this installation is con-
sidered satisfactory at this time, and no specific recom-
mendations are made.
Rouge River Industries
Allied Chemical Corporation (General Division)
Wastes discharged from this source were not
found to interfere with existing water uses in the Detroit
River or Michigan Lake Erie.
Allied Chemical Corporation (Plastics Division)
Wastes discharged from this source were not
found to interfere with existing water uses in the Detroit
River or Michigan Lake Erie.
-------
819
George L. Hatlow
Allied Chemical Corporation (Semet-Solvay)
Wastes discharged from this source, with the
exception of oil discharges as reported by the Michigan
Water Resources Commission, were not found to interfere
with existing water uses in the Detroit River or Michigan
Lake Erie.
Allied Chemical Corporation (Solvay Process)
Wastes from this plant have excessively high
concentrations of phenols and chlorides. Chloride load-
ings represent approximately 10 per cent of the entire
industrial load to the Detroit River. Suspended solids
loadings averaged 10,000 pounds per day.
It is recommended that:
1. Facilities be provided capable of producing an
effluent not to exceed:
a. Suspended solids concentration of 35 mg/1
b. Settleable solids concentration of 5 mg/1
2. The industry should begin investigations of satis-
factory methods of disposing of chlorides and alternate
methods of disposal of concentrated brine, such as subsur-
-------
820
George L. Harlow
face disposal.
The above recommendations are made to prevent
Interference with navigation and fish and wildlife propa-
gation and to protect municipal and industrial water supply.
American Agricultural Chemical Company
Waste treatment at this installation is con-
sidered satisfactory at this time, and no specific recom-
mendations are made.
American Cement Corporation (Peerless Division)
Suspended solids, almost all of which are
readily settleable, are present in excessive concentrations
in the plant effluent. It is recommended that the effluent
concentrations of suspended solids and settleable solids
be limited to 35 mg/1 and 5 mg/1, respectively.
The foregoing recommendation is made to prevent
interference with navigation and fish and wildlife propa-
gation.
-------
821
George L. Harlow
Darling and Company
Survey reports indicate inadequate facilities
for control of BOD and coliform. organisms. This plant dis-
charges to the Rouge, and subsequently to the Detroit
River, wastes equivalent in oxygen-consuming capacity to
the untreated wastes of over 40,000 persons.
It is recommended that:
Facilities be provided capable of producing an
effluent not to exceed:
a. Monthly geometric mean coliform density
of 5,000/100 ml
b. Biochemical oxygen demand of 20 mg/1
The above recommendations are made to protect
municipal water supply and prevent interference with fish
and wildlife propagation.
Ford Motor Company
Wastes from this plant represent^ in volume,
approximately S3 percent of the industrial wastes being
discharged into the Rouge and subsequently into the
Detroit River. Phenolic wastes exceed the limit of 600
pounds per day set by the Michigan Water Resources
-------
822
George L. Harlow
Commission. Concentrations of iron, phenols, and oil
exceed 17 mg/1, 20 micrograms per liter, and 15 mg/1,
respectively. Suspended and especially settleable solids
are excessive at times, while excellent control was achieved
on other occasions. Acid discharged in the form of spent
pickling liquor is excessive and imparts an unnatural
color to the Rouge and Detroit Rivers.
Phenols, iron, and oil and grease from this
industry constitute over 90 percent of the loading from
Industrial sources to the Rouge River. Improvement must
be accomplished at this source if significant reduction
in waste loadings to the Rouge River and subsequently to
the Detroit River is to be effected.
It is recommended that:
1. Facilities be provided or existing facilities
operated to produce an effluent not to exceed:
a. Suspended solids concentration of 35 mg/1
b. Settleable solids concentration of 5 mg/1
c. Phenol concentration of 20 micrograms per
liter.
d. Ammonia concentration of 2 mg/1
e. Iron concentration of 17 mg/1
2. Oil removal facilities be operated to limit the
oil concentration in the effluent to 15 mg/1. In addition,
-------
823
George L. Harlow
the industry should investigate methods of further reduc-
tion in oil discharged in the plant effluent by in-plant
control.
The above recommendations are made to prevent
interference with municipal water supplies, recreational
use of water, navigation, and fish and wildlife propagation.
Scott Paper Company
The effluent contains excessive quantities of
suspended solids. Over 31,000 pounds of suspended solids
per day are discharged to the Rouge and subsequently to
the Detroit River. This industry discharges to the
receiving stream wastes equivalent in oxygen-consuming
capacity to the untreated sewage from a population of over
800,000 persons.
It is recommended that facilities be provided
capable of producing an effluent not to exceed:
a. Suspended solids concentration of 35 mg/1
b. Settleable solids concentration of 5 mg/1
c. Biochemical oxygen demand of 85 mg/1
This recommendation is made to prevent inter-
ference with navigation and fish and wildlife propagation.
-------
824
George L. Harlow
Chrysler Corporation (Amplex Division)
Pollution control is considered satisfactory
at this time, and no specific recommendations for Improve-
ment are made.
Chrysler Corporation (Cycleweld Division)
Pollution control is considered satisfactory
at this time, and no specific recommendations for improvement
are made.
Chrysler Corporation (Engine Division)
Wastes discharged from this source were not
found to interfere with existing water uses in the Detroit
River or Michigan Lake Erie.
Dana Corporation
Wastes discharged from this source were not
found to interfere with existing water uses in the Detroit
River or Michigan Lake Erie.
-------
825
George L. Harlow
E. I. du Pont de Nemours and Company
(Industrial and Biochemical Division)
This company was found not to be in compliance
with the restriction on pH set for it by the Michigan Water
Resources Commission.
Firestone Tire and Rubber Company
Excessive concentrations of iron were found
in the plant effluent. Over 5,000 pounds per day of this
substance were discharged to the Detroit River.
It is recommended that iron concentration
in the effluent be reduced to levels not exceeding 17
mg/1.
The above recommendation is made to prevent
interference with fish and wildlife propagation.
Fuel Oil Corporation
Excessive concentrations of oil were found
in the effluent from this installation when ships were
being washed. At these times the concentrations are over
-------
826
George L. Harlow
300 mg/1.
No specific recommendations for improvement
are made, since the Michigan Water Resources Commission
has reported that this industry has recently suspended
ship-washing operations. It is recommended not to permit
resumption of such operations until controls are instituted
to limit oil in the effluent to 15 mg/1.
Great Lakes Steel Corporation - Strip Mill
Excessive quantities of suspended solids and
settleable solids are discharged to the Detroit River.
Since the major portion of these suspended solids is
readily settleable, it is recommended that the concen-
tration of settleable solids be limited to 5 mg/1 and the
concentration of suspended solids to 35 mg/1. The Michigan
Water Resources Commission reports excessive oil discharges,
and controls should be instituted to limit effluent to
conform with the Commission's order.
This recommendation is made to prevent inter-
ference with navigation and fish and wildlife propagation.
-------
827
George L. Harlow
Great Lakes Steel Corporation - Ecorse
Excessive concentrations and significant
quantities of oil, iron, suspended solids, settleable
solids, and acid are discharged. Over 50 percent of the
iron and acid loadings to the Detroit River originate here.
Effluents containing acid wastes are far below pH 5.5,
and these wastes are mainly responsible for lowering the
Detroit River below pH 4.0 in the vicinity of the plant.
It is recommended that:
1. Acid wastes be controlled so that dis-
charges fall within the range pH 5.5-10.6.
2. Facilities be provided or existing facili-
ties operated to produce an effluent not to exceed:
a. Oil concentration of 15 mg/1
b. Suspended solids concentration of 35 mg/1
c. Settleable solids concentration of 5 mg/1
d. Iron concentration of 17 mg/1
The foregoing recommendations are made to
prevent interference with municipal water supplies,
recreational use of waters, navigation, and fish and wild-
life propagation.
-------
828
George L. Harlem
Hoppers Company
Waste discharges from this source vere not
found to interfere with existing water uses in the Detroit
River or Michigan Lake Erie.
McLouth Steel Corporation - Gibraltar
Control of iron, oil, and suspended solids
discharges at this plant is marginal, with improvement
noted during the last months of study.
It is recommended that:
All waste treatment practices be reviewed and
steps taken to improve the effluent to conform consistently
to the Order of Determination issued by the Michigan Water
Resources Commission.
McLouth Steel Corporation - Trenton
The waste treatment facilities of this instal-
lation have been very erratically operated from the stand-
point of control of suspended solids, settleable solids,
iron, phenols, oil, and pH. At times excellent treatment
-------
829
George L. Harlow
was achieved; at other times complete lack of treatment
effectiveness was observed, with concentrations of solids,
oil, phenols, and iron exceeding the Order of Determination
of the Michigan Water Resources Commission.
Since it has been demonstrated that this
industry can achieve effective pollution control by opera-
tion of its existing facilities, it is recommended that
steps be taken to assure an effluent not to exceed:
a. Iron concentration of 17 mg/1
b. Suspended solids concentration of 35 mg/1
c. Settleable solids concentration of 5 mg/1
d. Oil concentration of 15 mg/1
Mobil Oil Company
During the survey the concentration of oil
in the plant effluent was excessive, and additional grab
samples before and after the survey indicated erratic
operation. Effective operation of the industry's oil sepa-
ration facilities should also improve suspended solids
removal.
It is recommended that:
1. Existing facilities be operated effectively
or additional facilities provided to assure an oil concen-
-------
830
George L. Harlow
t rat ion in the effluent not to exceed 15 tng/1 at all
times.
2. Suspended solids and settleable solids in
the effluent be maintained below 35 tng/1 and 5 mg/1.
The above recommendations are made to prevent
interference with fish and wildlife propagation.
Monsanto Chemical Corporation
Waste treatment at this installation is satis-
factory with the exception of phosphate concentrations and
loadings in the plant effluent. Over 10,000 pounds per day
of phosphates are discharged into the Detroit River.
It is recommended that treatment be provided
to reduce concentrations and loadings of phosphates by
approximately 8070.
The above recommendation is made to prevent
interference with fish and wildlife propagation, recrea-
tion, and municipal water supply.
Pennsalt Chemical Corporation - West Plant
Wastes from this plant had excessive concen-
trations of phenols, suspended solids, and settleable
-------
831
George L. Barlow
solids. Phenol concentrations were found over 1,000
micrograms per liter but no interference with existing
water uses in the Detroit River or Michigan Lake Erie
was apparent at this time.
It is recommended that:
1. The entire waste disposal program of this plant
be carefully investigated by company personnel, since
discharge of phenols, oxidizing agents, and settleable
solids is far in excess of that expected by company offi-
cials.
2. Facilities be provided or existing facilities
operated to produce an effluent not exceeding:
a. Suspended solids concentration of 35 tng/1
b. Settleable solids concentration of 5 mg/1
The above recommendations are made to prevent
interference with navigation and fish and wildlife propa-
gation.
Shawinigan Resins Corporation and
Monsanto Chemical Corporation (Saflex Division)
The wastes from these two plants are discharged
to the Detroit River from a common lagoon. During the
survey the only waste constituents considered excessive
-------
832
George L. Harlow
were BOD and suspended solids (originating primarily
from Shawinigan Resins). The planned installation of a
new lagoon after the survey should reduce these levels
considerably; therefore no recommendations for improvement
are made at this time.
Wyandotte Chemicals Corporation - North Plant
Concentrations of chlorides, suspended solids,
and settleable solids in the plant effluent were excessive.
The contribution of chlorides in the amount of 1,300,000
pounds per day represents almost half the entire industrial
loading to the Detroit River. The suspended and settleable
solids loadings from this industry represent 35 percent
of the total loadings to the Detroit River from industrial
sources.
The composition of the suspended solids (most
Of which are readily settleable) is mainly calcium car-
bonate. This chemical is only slightly soluble in water
and will readily settle out in clarifiers. Sludge from
this operation when discharged to the River will settle
on the River and Lake Bottom and interfere with aquatic
life.
It is recommended that:
-------
833
George L. Barlow
1. Facilities be provided capable of producing an
effluent not to exceed:
a. Suspended solids concentration of 35 mg/1
b. Settleable solids concentration of 5 mg/1
2. The industry continue investigation of satis-
factory methods of disposing of chlorides, and alternate
methods of disposal of concentrated brines, such as sub-
surface disposal.
These recommendations are made to prevent
interference with navigation and fish and wildlife propa-
gation and to protect municipal and industrial water supply.
Wyandotte Chemicals Corporation - South Plant
Heavily concentrated wastes are pumped from
this plant to the waste beds of Fighting Island. The
remainder of the plant effluent is discharged to the Detroit
River and contains excessive concentrations of chlorides and
suspended solids.
It is recommended that:
1. Facilities be provided capable of producing an
effluent not to exceed:
a. Suspended solids concentration of 35 mg/1
b. Settleable solids concentration of 5 mg/1
-------
834
George L. Harlow
2. The Industry continue investigation of satisfactory
methods of disposing of chlorides and alternate methods
of disposal of concentrated brines, such as subsurface dis-
posal.
These recommendations are made to prevent
interference with navigation and fish and wildlife propa-
gation and to protect municipal and industrial water supply.
Wyandotte Chemical Corporation - South Plant (Propylene Oxide)
Wastes discharged from this source were not
found to interfere with existing water uses in the Detroit
River or Michigan Lake Erie.
The maintenance of adequate levels of dissolved
oxygen in the lower Raisin River is the mutual responsibility
of all discharging oxygen-demanding wastes into the River.
Each recommendation made in this regard is to be understood
as part of this mutual responsibility, and no industry or
i
municipality is singly responsible for achieving the recom-
mended DO level.
-------
835
George L. Harlow
1. Municipal Waste Treatment
Monroe Sewage Treatment Plant
Two surveys revealed an influent fairly
typical of a weak domestic waste. Exceptions to this
general observation include high concentrations of soluble
and total phosphates and certain toxic metals, including
copper, zinc, and lead. These constituents were present
in approximately the same concentrations in the plant
effluent.
Plant efficiency, as measured by percent
removal of suspended solids and BOD, was very good for a
primary sewage treatment plant. Bacterial control was
effective during the first survey when the effluent was
chlorinated but poor during the second survey when it was
not. Study of operating records revealed that similar
degrees of plant efficiency were maintained on a long-
term basis. The operation of this plant is considered
outstanding for an installation of this type, and the
operating personnel are commended.
It is recommended that:
1. Treatment be provided capable of assuring
-------
836
George L. Harlow
a minimum dissolved oxygen concentration in the Raisin
River below this source of 3 mg/1. Any plan for achieving
this goal should include secondary treatment as a minimum.
2. Bacterial reduction facilities be operated
at levels capable of providing an effluent with a monthly
geometric mean coliform density of less than 5,000 organisms
per 100 ml. during the months of April through November.
3. The current plan of separating roof runoff
from sanitary wastes to prevent overloading plant facilities
be accelerated.
The above recommendations are made to prevent
interference with recreational use of water and fish and
wildlife propagation.
2. Industrial Waste Treatment
Enrico Fermi Atomic Reactor
Waste treatment was found to be satisfactory,
and no specific recommendations are made at this time.
Consolidated Paper Company - North Plant
Significant quantities of suspended solids,
settleable solids, and BOD are discharged into the Raisin
-------
837
George L. Harlow
River and subsequently into Lake Erie. The wastes from
this industry are equivalent in oxygen-consuming capacity
to the untreated wastes from a population of over 100,000
persons, or approximately 45 percent of the total load
to the Raisin River. Densities of coliform and fecal
streptococcus organisms were also excessive.
It is recommended that:
1. Treatment be provided capable of assuring a mini-
mum dissolved oxygen concentration in the Raisin River below
this source of 3 mg/1. Any plan for achieving this goal
should include secondary treatment as a minimum.
2. Bacterial reduction facilities be provided and
operated at levels capable of producing an effluent with
a monthly geometric mean coliform density of less than
5,000 organisms per 100 ml during the months of April
through November.
3. Facilities be provided capable of producing an
effluent not to exceed:
a. Suspended solids concentration of 35 mg/1
b. Settleable solids concentration of 5 mg/1
The above recommendations are made to prevent
interference with recreational use of water, navigation,
and fish and wildlife propagation.
-------
838
George L. Harlow
Consolidated Paper Company - South Plant
Significant quantities and high concentrations
of suspended solids, settleable solids, and BOD are dis-
charged into the Raisin River and subsequently into Lake
Erie. The wastes from this industry are equivalent in
oxygen-consuming capacity to the untreated wastes from a
population of over 100,000 persons, or approximately 45
percent of the total load to the Raisin River. Densities
of coliform and fecal streptococcus organisms were also
excessive.
It is recommended that:
1. Treatment be provided capable of assuring a mini-
mum dissolved oxygen concentration in the Raisin River
below this source of 3 mg/1. Any plan for achieving
this goal should include secondary treatment as a minimum.
2. Bacterial reduction facilities be provided and
operated at levels capable of producing an effluent with
a monthly geometric mean coliform density of less than
5,000 organisms per 100 ml during the months of April
through November.
3. Facilities be provided capable of producing an
effluent not to exceed:
-------
839
George L. Harlow
a. Suspended solids concentration of 35 tng/1
b. Settleable solids concentration of 5 mg/1
The above recommendations are made to prevent
interference with recreational use of water, navigation,
and fish and wildlife propagation.
Consolidated Paper Company - South Plant
Significant quantities and high concentrations
of suspended solids, settleable solids, and BOD are dis-
charged into the Raisin River and subsequently into Lake
Erie. The wastes from this industry are equivalent in
oxygen-consuming capacity to the untreated wastes of over
40,000 persons. Densities of coliform and fecal strepto-
coccus organisms are unusually excessive, averaging over
1,000,000 total coliform organisms per 100 ml during the
special survey.
It is recommended that:
1. Treatment be provided capable of assuring a minimum
dissolved oxygen concentration in the Raisin River below
this source of 3 mg/1. Any plan for achieving this goal
should include secondary treatment as a minimum.
2. Bacterial reduction facilities be provided and
operated at levels capable of producing an effluent with
-------
840
George L. Harlow
a monthly geometric mean coltform density of less than
5,000 organisms per 100 ml during the months of April
through November.
3. Facilities be provided capable of producing an
effluent not to exceed:
a. Suspended solids concentration of 35 mg/1
b. Settleable solids concentration of 5 mg/1
The above recommendations are made to prevent
interference with recreational use of water, navigation,
and fish and wildlife propagation.
Ford Motor Company
The discharge from this plant represents 80
percent of the total waste volume from industrial sources
discharged to the Raisin River and subsequently into Lake
Erie. Cyanide concentrations and loadings in the plant
effluent are excessive. The effluent from the company-owned
sewage treatment plant is not chlorinated. The quantity
of oil released to the Raisin River through a dilution canal
outlet is excessive even though the concentration remains
below 15 mg/1.
It is recommended that:
1. Bacterial reduction facilities be provided
-------
841
George L. Harlow
and operated at levels capable of producing an effluent
with 'a monthly geometric mean coliform density of less
than 5*000 organisms per 100 ml during the months of
April through November.
2. Treatment facilities be operated to limit
the cyanide concentration in the plant effluent to 0.025 mg/1.
3. Oil removal facilities be provided to limit
the concentrations of oil reaching the dilution canal from
in-plant sources to 15 mg/1.
The foregoing recommendations are made to
prevent interference with recreational use of water and
fish and wildlife propagation.
Monroe Auto Equipment Company
Waste treatment at this installation is con-
sidered satisfactory at this time, and no specific recom-
mendations for improvement are made.
Monroe Paper Products Company
Significant quantities and high concentrations
of suspended solids, settleable solids, and BOD are dis-
-------
842
George L. Harlow
charged from this source into the Raisin River and
subsequently into Lake Erie. The major portion of the
suspended solids is readily settleable. Densities of
coliform organisms were found to be excessive during the
first survey at 32,400 organisms per 100 ml; however,
during a separate Public Health Service survey several
months later, the average coliform concentration exceeded
2,000,000 organisms per 100 ml.
It is recommended that:
1. Treatment be provided capable of assuring
a minimum dissolved oxygen concentration in the Raisin
River below this source of 3 mg/1. Any plan for achieving
this goal should include secondary treatment as a minimum.
2. Bacterial reduction facilities be provided
and operated at levels capable of producing an effluent
with a monthly geometric mean coliform density of less thab
5,000 organisms per 100 ml during the months of April
through November.
3. Facilities be provided capable of producing
an effluent not to exceed:
a. Suspended solids concentration of 35 mg/1
b. Settleable solids concentration of 5 mg/1
The above recommendations are made to prevent
interference with recreational use of water, navigation,
-------
843
George L. Harlow
and fish and wildlife propagation.
Union Bag-Camp Paper Company
River Raisin Division
Signigicant quantities and high concentrations
of suspended solids, settleable solids, and BOD are dis-
charged from this installation to the Raisin River and
subsequently into Lake Erie. The wastes from this industry
are equivalent in oxygen-consuming capacity to the untreated
wastes of 70,000 persons. A large part of the suspended
solids was readily settleable.
It is recommended that:
1. Treatment be provided capable of assuring a minimum
dissolved oxygen concentration in the Raisin River below
this source of 3 mg/1. Any plan for achieving this goal
should include secondary treatment as a minimum.
2. Bacterial reduction facilities be provided and
operated at levels capable of producing an effluent with a
monthly geometric mean coliform density of less than 5,000
organisms per 100 ml during the month of April through
November.
3. Facilities be provided capable of producing an
effluent not exceeding:
-------
George L. Harlow
a. Suspended solids concentration of 35 mg/1
b. Settleable solids concentration of 5 mg/1
The above recommendations are made to prevent
interference with recreational use of water, navigation,
r
and fish and wildlife propagation.
C. Special Problems
I. Overflows and Combined Sewers
Although the severe effect of overflows from
combined sewers upon water quality in the Detroit River
and limited areas of Michigan Lake Erie was demonstrated,
a specific method of approach to the solution of this
problem is not now evident.
It is recommended to the Michigan Water
Resources Commission that it require a detailed engineering
study be made to determine costs and select an effective
method of control. It is also recommended that a report
of these investigations, containing the method to be used
to solve this problem and a time schedule for accomplishment,
be submitted within two years to the Secretary of Health,
Education, and Welfare.
It is further recommended that agencies
-------
845
George L. Harlow
responsible for the current operation of combined sewer
systems in the Detroit area immediately take steps to
lessen the pollutional effects of malfunctioning overflow
regulators by finding and correcting the cause of failure
of these diversion devices and checking the operation of all
overflows every day to determine if unnecessary overflows
are occurring.
2. Federal Installations
U.S. Naval Air Station, Grosse lie, Michigan
It is recommended that:
1. A separator capable of producing an
effluent containing less than 15 mg/1 oil be installed on the
line receiving aircraft washing wastes.
2. Operation of existing sewage treatment
facilities be improved by performing such procedures as
breaking up scum in gas vents, reversal of flow at periodic
intervals, more frequent withdrawal of sludge, and daily
scraping of the sides of the sedimentation chamber.
3. Better operation records be maintained.
4. Continuous and effective chlorination
of plant effluent be practiced to assure that the geometric
mean coliform density does not exceed 2,400 organisms per
-------
846
George L. Harlow
100 ml.
5. The outmoded septic tank installation
at the boat dock be replaced with an aerobic digestion
treatment unit providing primary and secondary treatment
followed by chlorination of the effluent.
6. If the U. S. Naval Air Station does not
close on or before September 1, 196?> as scheduled, one
of two alternatives be followed:
a. Connection to the municipal sewage collection
and treatment system proposed for construction at Grosse
He.
b. Enlargement of the present naval facilities
to include secondary treatment as proposed in the original
plans.
At this writing the Navy has agreed to all
of the foregoing recommendations and has already taken
steps to accomplish all but the last recommendation.
U. S. Corps of Engineers Dredging Operations
It is recommended that:
1. The hopper dredges discontinue disposing
of the ship's trash and garbage at the Raisin River dumping
grounds.
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847
George L. Harlow
2. Suitable treatment units be installed
aboard ship to adequately dispose of all sanitary wastes
including trash, garbage, and human excreta.
3. Closer control be exercised to minimize
the loss of dredge material from the hoppers while pro-
ceeding to the dumping grounds.
4. A vigorous attempt be made by the Corps
of Engineers to reduce the amount of dredging with action
leading to reduction of discharge of settleable material
by increasing the charges to polluters for removing the
material commensurate with the damages to water uses
incurred. (It is believed that it was not the intent of
Congress that such dredging operations should provide a
method of disposal of solid material deposited by indi-
viduals or corporations in navigable streams.) It is
desirable not only that dredged channels be maintained but
that every means possible be taken to keep the cost of
such maintenance to a minimum.
The District Engineer has agreed to take
steps to see that the recommendations are put into effect.
He reiterated that the Corps of Engineers does charge the
polluters for removing the material commensurate with the
damages to water uses incurred and that the Corps of
Engineers does not have any statutory authority to prevent
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848
George L. Harlow
the original discharge of the material to the navigable
waterway. He also stressed the responsibility of the
Corps of Engineers in enforcing Federal legislation rela-
tive to discharge of waste materials from vessels into
navigable waters.
3. Sterling State Park
These recommendations repeat those already
given for specific areas; they are listed here to emphasize
what is necessary to abate water pollution at Sterling
State Park.
A. The Consolidated Paper Company, Union Bag-Camp
Paper Company, and t^fonroe Paper Products Company. It is
recommended that:
1. Treatment be provided, capable of assuring
a minimum dissolved oxygen concentration in the Raisin
River below this source of 3 mg/1. Any plan for achieving
this goal should include secondary treatment as a minimum.
2. Bacterial reduction facilities be provided
and operated at levels capable of producing an effluent
with a monthly geometric mean coliform density of less than
5000 organisms per 100 ml during the months of April
through November.
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849
George L. Harlow
3. Facilities be provided capable of pro-
ducing an effluent not to exceed:
a. Suspended solids concentration of 35 mg/1
b. Settleable solids concentration of 5 mg/1
B. The Ford Motor Company. It is recommended that:
1. Bacterial reduction facilities be provided
and operated at the levels capable of producing an effluent
with a monthly geometric mean coliform density of less than
5000 organisms per 100 ml during the months of April
through November.
2. Treatment facilities be operated to limit
the cyanide concentration in the plant effluent to 0.025 mg/1.
3. The current plan of separating roof
runoff from sanitary wastes to prevent overloading plant
facilities be accelerated.
C. The City of Monroe. It is recommended that:
1. Treatment be provided capable of assuring
a minimum dissolved oxygen concentration in the Raisin
River below this source of 3 mg/1. Any plan for achieving
this goal should include secondary treatment as a minimum.
2. Bacterial reduction facilities be operated
at levels capable of providing an effluent with a monthly
geometric mean coliform density of less than 5000 organisms
-------
850
George L. Harlow
per 100 ml during the months of April through November.
3. The current plan of separating roof runoff
from sanitary wastes to prevent overloading plant facilities
be accelerated.
D. In the area north of Sterling State Park between
Sandy Creek and Stony Creek, it is recommended that measures
be taken to eliminate direct and indirect discharge of
sanitary sewage to Lake Erie. It is also recommended that
discharge of sanitary wastes to the storm pumping stations
be eliminated.
E. Septic tanks tend to function poorly due to the
nature of the soil and the high water table. It is recom-
mended that shorefront communities having septic tanks and
direct discharge installations be sewered and the wastes
transported to a sewage treatment plant providing adequate
treatment and chlorination.
F. It is recommended that the practice of allowing
discharge of raw and septic tank effluent from the suburban
area outside Monroe to surface drains be discontinued. This
material is discharged into the Raisin River during heavy
rainfall. It is further recommended that the area be sewered
with sanitary wastes transported to a sewage treatment
plant providing adequate treatment and chlorination.
The foregoing recommendations are listed in the
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850-A
George L. Earlow
order of greatest importance to improving water quality
at the Sterling State Park.
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851
George L. Harlow
MR. STEIN: Thank you very much, Mr. Harlow,
for an excellent report. I am very happy to have had you
up here. This is really very, very fine.
MR. HARLOW: Thank you, Mr. Chairman.
MR. STEIN: You know, Mr. Harlow1s father
used to be the Chief Finance Officer in the Public Health
Service when I was about Mr. Harlow1s age and working
there. Now I guess I'm getting to be the older man.
These things change.
Thank you very much.
Mr. Poston?
MR. POSTON: This concludes the Public Health
Service presentation, but in line with procedures at other
conferences, we request other Federal agencies to make
statements if they wish.
At this time, Mr. Premetz of the Bureau of
Commercial Fisheries, Fish and Wildlife Service, has a
statement. I have copies of this here, which he has
kindly made available.
Mr. Premetz.
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852
Ernest Premetz
STATEMENT OF ERNEST PREMETZ,
BUREAU OF COMMERCIAL FISHERIES,
U. S. DEPARTMENT OF. THE INTERIOR,
5 RESEARCH DRIVE, ANN ARBOR, MICHIGAN
MR. PREMETZ: Mr. Chairman, Conferees and
Ladies and Gentlemen:
The safeguarding and perpetuation of the
fishery resources of the Great Lakes is a major responsi-
bility of the U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service and its
two Bureaus. Any practice or series of events which
threatens fisheries directly or militates against the
well-being of natural stocks even in the most subtle
manner is of primary and overriding concern to us. We
have repeatedly pointed out during the past 10 years that
changes were occurring in the environment: changes that
seriously threatened the resource. Our warnings in the
early years were largely unheeded. In fact, many of our
people were labeled alarmists. Our statement presented
at the first conference March 27, 1962, clearly pointed
out that the status of the Detroit River and western
Lake Erie as a useful freshwater resource had become
uncertain and that immediate and stringent effective
-------
853
Ernest Fremetz
control of pollution offered our only avenue of escape.
We wish to reiterate that stand at this time.
Frequently, water quality may become so de-
graded and competing water uses so detrimental that
fishes and those who use them are in trouble long be-
fore the more obvious issues of human safety and welfare
are threatened. Before the "public is aroused" valuable
fisheries and the waters that produce them are lost or
so deteriorated that great effort and expense are necessary
for rehabilitation. We urge, therefore, a broad concept
of pollution; a definition not necessarily restricted to
bacterial counts, excesses of dissolved solids, gross de-
ficiencies in dissolved oxygen or easily detectable changes
in bottom fauna composition. We urge the establishment
of water quality standards that have prevention of pollu-
tion as a goal; not a set of limits that will define the
degree of deterioration to be tolerated before action is
taken to avert a national disgrace.
We propose the establishment of acceptable
and adjustable limits on quantities of phosphorous, nitro-
gen and other basic nutrients or trace elements that
trigger cycles of biological productivity frequently as
damaging to natural waters as the original sources of
so-called pollution. Of course, this proposal calls for
-------
Ernest Premetz
research and development in chemical engineering and the
techniques of treatment, a challenge any nation like
ours should accept enthusiastically. Given such facility,
we envision the deliberate environmental adjustments in
the aquatic realm that have made agriculture in this
country the envy of the world. We must and can learn
to manipulate our "outfalls," effluents or whatever we
may call them to serve our ever-increasing population.
We must abandon the concept of "waste discharge" in favor
of the positive approach of "by-product use" to improve
our capabilities in aquatic as well as terrestrial manage-
ment.
Our scientists have reviewed the statement
prepared by the Public Health Service relative to pollu-
tion of the Detroit River, Michigan waters of Lake Erie,
and their tributaries. The Fish and Wildlife Service
strongly supports the recommendations therein.
We have been pleased to actively support the
Public Health Service in this action. Our scientists have
made a major contribution to the report before you, both
directly and indirectly. We were fortunate in having a
large backlog of scientific information obtained over a
long period of years. This information, plus that still
being obtained, has been and will be made available to
-------
855
Ernest Premetz
the Public Health Service. We pledge to continue to
apply the full measure of our scientific competence to
this problem and to cooperate with all agencies to "save
our lakes." A Great Society cannot tolerate the continu-
ation of a situation that is fast becoming a national
disgrace.
As directed and authorized by Congress, the
Fish and Wildlife Service will continue its examination
of lake and stream environments for water quality and
ecological appraisal within the Great Lakes Basin.
Experience has taught us that, frequently,
troubles within one portion of this vast drainage have
their origins in other, often remote, portions. We must
become aware and remain cognizant of the occurrences in
the Great Lakes that may threaten any portion of fish
and wildlife. We must also strive to develop means of
restoring fishes that already have become victims of
situations created by the carelessness, greed and short-
sighted planning of parts of our society.
We intend to oppose vigorously any actions
that might aggravate an already deplorable situation in
the Lake Erie drainage. There is no place for us but
in the forefront of any and all efforts to restore clean
water conditions in this important and very productive
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856
Ernest Premetz
Lake. Our studies of changes in bottom fauna, exhaustion
of oxygen content over much of the central basin, and
serious reduction in fishes of great value are conclusive
in support of this policy.
Unless the practices which have induced
these deplorable conditions are stopped and the trends
toward further deterioration are reversed, Lake Erie will
become worthless as a fish producer and a scab on the
landscape of the America we are trying to beautify
-------
857
Ernest D. Premetz
MR. STEIN: Thank you, Mr. Premetz, for a
very helpful statement.
As always, the Department of the Interior
has been a real ally in the field of water pollution
control, and I suspect we will continue to work with you
through the years.
Thank you very much.
MR. PREMETZ: We certainly are happy to
cooperate.
Time does not permit me to go into a descrip-
tion of some of the research that is going on at the
moment, but I think we will come up with some very worth-
while answers that can be applied to this problem.
MR. STEIN: Thank you.
At this point, we would like to call on Mr.
Oeming of Michigan.
MR. OEMING:
MR. OEMING: Mr. Chairman, fellow Conferees,
Members of the Commission, Ladies and Gentlemen:
I take great pleasure at this time in intro-
ducing to you Governor George Romney of the State of
Michigan.
Governor Romney.
(Rising applause.)
-------
858
Governor George Romney
STATEMENT OF HONORABLE GEORGE
ROMNEY, GOVERNOR OP THE STATE
OP MICHIGAN
GOVERNOR ROMNEY: Thank you very much.
We are very fortunate to have with us here
today Governor James Rhodes of Ohio. He has taken a
great interest in this problem of water pollution. He
called a meeting down in Cleveland about six or seven weeks
ago that several of us attended, and took a good look at
the situation in Lake Erie.
He is a tough competitor for us right now,
because he is after our business up here. And when I
say "a tough competitor," I have a favorite definition
of a competitor.
They say a competitor is a fellow who goes
in the revolving door behind you and comes out ahead of
you.
(Laughter. )
Well, I have determined that he is not going
to get ahead of us in that revolving door, but we are glad
to have him here on a matter of great and mutual interest,
namely, the water situation in the Great Lakes, and you
-------
859
Governor George Romney
are going to hear from him when I get through.
I have a talk here that I need to make be-
cause it has been given out to the press.
(Laughter and applause.)
Chairman Stein, Mr. Poston, Loring Oeming,
and members of our Water Resources Commission, Chairman
George Mclntyre, John Vogt, George Liddle, Ralph MacMullan,
Lynn Baldwin and Al Balden:
This is a timely meeting, and one that I am
very hopeful will accomplish its purpose.
Today has been filled with a number of dif-
ferent things for me. I started out this morning by
going out to Willow Run to meet the astronauts, and 1
heard about the space walk and the lack of pressure up
in space0
I have just come from a national convention
on crime, and I have come here to a conference on water
pollution in the Art Gallery. I don't know why it is
here, but I hope the location will help to purify the
water.
(Laughter.)
I think it is safe to say that there is no
other single element, not even air, which evokes such an
intense response from our people as does water, and what
-------
860
Governor George Romney
is done and not done to it. Whether it is fluoridation
or swimming or just plain lawn sprinkling bans, we seem
to get more wrought up about what happens to water than
almost anything else.
Of course, there is a reason for this, be-
cause water is fundamental to industry, to agriculture,
to recreation, and to life itself. Water, good water,
is a possession to be richly cherished.
As a matter of fact, we don't really appre-
ciate, in this modern age in America, how blessed we are
with water. I can remember attending a hearing of the
National Recovery Administration, at which hearing Mr.
A. V. Davis, who helped establish the Aluminum Company
of America and helped produce the first pound of aluminum
in this country, was testifying, and they were question-
ing him about the bauxite mines down in Arkansas.
He was asked, "What did the company ever do
for the people down there besides give some of them em«-
ployment?"
And he said, "We brought them water."
Those people at that hearing didn't realize
how important that was, because the people down in that
area used to walk 10 and 15 miles to get water, or travel
as far to get water, until they brought water to them.
-------
861
Governor George Romney
Water is something that we are greatly
blessed with, and here in Michigan we are extremely for-
tunate to have four of the Great Lakes lapped against
our shores, and to have more than 11,000 inland lakes,
and 36,000 miles of streams, so we have plenty of water
and we have a primary State interest and responsibility
for what happens to this water.
For this reason, the danger of pollution of
water is of utmost importance, to Michigan, because a good
deal of our future is related to how we handle our water.
Let there be no mistake. The pollution of
our water is a big problem and a growing problem. As a
matter of fact, I am of the opinion that we are treating
our water as carelessly as we did our forests earlier,
and that we must intensify our efforts. But at the same
time, I am aware that we are doing a good deal at the
present time. We are not doing as much as we should, but
we are working at it.
I think we also need to recognize that we
can't expect our water to be as pure as it was before we
began to utilize it for municipal purposes, industrial
purposes, agricultural, and recreational purposes.
Certainly we cannot tolerate the befouling
of our streams and lakes with raw sewage, agricultural
-------
862
Governor George Romney
chemicals, and poisonous industrial wastes, and I can say
with some first-hand knowledge that Michigan is known
throughout the United States as a State with a progressive
and substantial pollution control program.
Of course, we are hopeful that this confer-
ence will help us to do a better job, and, for that reason,
let's take a look at some of the goals of this meeting.
There are three, as I understand it.
First, to consider the Public Health Service
report on the Michigan waters of the Detroit River and
Lake Erie;
Second, to evaluate the present status of
our State and local pollution control activities, and
ascertain the nature of delays, if any, that are en-
countered in abating pollution; and
Third, to agree upon additional measures that
may be necessary to attain and keep the level of quality
in our water which we should reasonably expect.
Under the leadership of our State Water Re-
sources Commission, Health Department, and Conservation
Department, and with the active cooperation of industries
and municipalities, Michigan has already progressed more
than is acknowledged in controlling water pollution.
Our programs were started many years ago,
-------
863
Governor George Romney
and they have been carried on with patience and care.
They have involved the expenditure of many millions of
dollars by both private industry and by Local and State
Government.
In Michigan, sewage treatment under State
supervision is almost universal in those communities that
have sewage systems. The few exceptions involve waste
disposal of doubtful significance, or involve communities
which have already embarked upon plant construction pro-
jects.
Industry is the subject of unremitting State
attention and is generally in compliance with the several
hundred orders which have been issued to its waste dis-
posing plants. These orders have been largely preventive
as against the actual pollution situations calling for
additional corrective orders.
Aggressive pollution control programs, pur-
sued diligently in Michigan for many years, have had
general acceptance and support by our citizens. Our
legislature has been responsive to the needs by providing
the statutory authority that meets the changing habits,
customs and desires of our people.
But in spite of hundreds of millions of
dollars spent for waste collection and treatment, as is
-------
864
Governor George Romney
well known to you, many problems not only in water use
but also in water management are emerging and growing
much more complex and difficult.
To protect the State's primary interest and
responsibility, it is urgent that we define and thoroughly
understand these problems, that we evaluate their effects
on civic public needs, and that we develop a coherent up-
to-date realistic water policy for the sound management
and use of our water resources, because they are there to
be used, not just looked at.
One of the several steps we are trying to
take to meet this challenge is the development of a com-
plete water policy for the State, encompassing all areas
of water resources, management, use, and rights.
We have never taken a look at the total
problem in this State. We have dealt with it piecemeal,
and consequently, a little over a year ago, I appointed
a Commission on Water Rights Use and Pollution to devote
the ir efforts to accomplish a 7-point program involving
a complete and total look at water rights, use and pollu-
tion in the State of Michigan.
I am not going to read in detail the seven
points, but they are comprehensive in their character,
because insofar as our inland lakes and waters are concerned,
-------
865
Governor George Romney
clearly we must be responsible for them.
As far as the Great Lakes are concerned,
obviously they have interstate and international aspects
that involve the Federal Government and Canadian Govern-
ment, and other states, as well as Michigan.
In looking ahead to the findings and recom-
mendations of this commission or task force that I have
appointed, we can gain confidence in the past and the
underlying attitudes of our industries and communities.
The Michigan statute equates pollution con-
trol with injury prevention requirements, as must any
conceivable statute that is founded upon the common law
and the Constitutional due process requirements. A per-
son may not be required to refrain from carrying out an
activity which does not unreasonably injure another.
Nevertheless, without asking for proof of
injury, the Detroit River industries years ago voluntarily
terminated their one time general practice of discharging
raw human sewage in the river. The files of the Water
Resources Commission record that this item alone cost one
of the companies involved some three million dollars.
Many of the industrial waste improvements
date from an industrywide conference that was held 19
years ago this spring, at which time the Water Resources
-------
866
Governor George Romney
Commission proposed objectives which it believed Detroit
River industries should achieve.
Since then, the record shows that the fol-
lowing reductions have been made in waste going into the
Detroit River:
Oil is down 80 percent;
Phenol is down 78 percent;
Cyanide is down 71 percent;
Ammonia is down 47 percent; and
Suspended solids are down 63 percent.
So there has been some progress in cutting
down the solids and other products that are going into
the river, and these are just examples of the progress,
much of it voluntary and cooperative, which underlies
our confidence that the response to any new objectives
which may be established will be equally gratifying.
I am reliably informed that further major
projects are ready to be taken off the drawing boards
waiting only upon making sure that they meet such definite
new objectives.
I believe, based on what I have seen in this
report and what I know about it, that one of the things
we must be sure of is that if we do certain things, we
can reasonably expect to achieve certain results. And
-------
867
Governor George Romney
I assume that is one of the major purposes of this Confer-
ence, not only to evaluate the pollution that is going
into the river, but also to evaluate various means of
dealing with that pollution and determining whether or
not they will be effective.
This contingency ties in with another aspect
of Federal determination to be based upon the subject here
being reported, the determination as to the nature of de-
lays, if any, being encountered in abating the pollution,,
While certain projects have been able to move
forward without interruption by the study, it has obviously
been necessary for waste disposers to defer major expendi-
tures for new waste control measures pending clarification
of just what might be expected of them. Hopefully, if we
can establish clear-cut facts with respect to injury, and
facts with respect to how we can overcome that injury, we
can see some early progress.
The State is prepared to assume its primary
obligation in this matter before us today in seeking, by
all possible means, to achieve and preserve a water qual-
ity that is consistent with the many needs that are in-
volved. However, it is perfectly apparent from the facts
in the report that this is essentially a local community
problem and private industrial problem insofar as the
-------
868
Governor George Romney
Detroit River is concerned, and I assume that in the
course of this conference, the extent to which it has
interstate implications and, therefore, Federal involve-
ment and responsibility, will be considered and developed
as well.
Any future goals must certainly be framed
in the realities of what can be supported by law, and
must be fair and equitable to all concerned.
Quite probably, two categories of goals will
be settled upon -- the musts -- those that must be met
in order to prevent or abate injuries as defined by law;
and the desirables -- those that should be continually
worked toward to produce additional improvements in qual-
ity beyond that required by law.
Both categories will, 1 am sure, have the
full attention of our State pollution control agencies.
It is obvious, but still tremendously impor-
tant, that we should also approach the job ahead prepared
to deal not just with chemicals and construction projects,
but with the attitudes and beliefs of people who are con-
cerned about their water. We have to think of those who
are coming along after us, and their need to have these
water resources, so we have to be prudent and, most of
all, those of us who share the public trust are committed
-------
869
Governor George Romney
to see to it that this resource is treated with care, so
that this State will continue to be a water wonderland.
And so I am hopeful that this conference
will be a useful conference in determining specific things
that need to be established in order to make further prog-
ress, the precise character of pollution, the magnitude
of it and seriousness of it in terms of injury, the spe-
cific steps that can be taken, and how much assurance
there is that those steps will produce a given result,
and then areas of responsibility involving private groups
and governmental groups.
Personally, I wish I could sit in the full
five day conference, but that doesn't seem to be a possi-
bility under the present legislative circumstances in this
State, and, of course, that is something completely beyond
my control, but I wish those of you who are able to par-
ticipate fully complete success in arriving at answers to
some of these points.
Thank you very much.
(Applause.)
Now I am very happy to have an opportunity
to introduce again a great Governor from a great State.
This man is a man who has had extensive public experience,
and he is a man that gets results. He is very practical,
-------
870
Governor George Romney
along with idealistic and realistic, and he has a great
record of accomplishment.
We are very fortunate to have with us here
this afternoon Governor James Rhodes of Ohio.
Governor Rhodes.
(Rising Applause0)
-------
871
Governor James Rhodes
STATEMENT OF HONORABLE JAMES
RHODES, GOVERNOR OF THE STATE
OF OHIO
GOVERNOR RHODES: No one need stand up. No
one from Ohio is going to stand up.
(Laughter.
I know that George and I sometimes agree
that we are most important, being Governors of great
States such as Michigan and the great State of Ohio.
Recently, I assisted a lady across the street in the
City of Columbus, and while helping her across the
street, battling a traffic light, I placed her on the
curb some ten minutes later.
I knew by the questions she asked me that
she must have been 91 or 92 years of age. She looked
at me and she said, "Young man, may 1 do anything for
you?"
I said, "Yes. One of these days you may
be able to vote for me."
She looked me straight in the eye, and she
said, "What are you running for?"
T oa-t A "T I™
i said, i m running for Governor."
-------
872
Governor James Rhodes
She said, "I'll be glad to do anything to
throw those bums out of the State House."
(Laughter.)
I know that I stand here as an Ohio State
man, sometimes in a state of mixed emotions, because we
are supposed to be the football capital in certain years,
and the football fever in Columbus, Ohio and the surround'
ing territory is contagious. The only cure for it is a
good defeat.
I want to say that we have recuperated on
many occasions, but I can reminisce, as a young man on
the campus on the night before the Michigan game, even
going to Ann Arbor or in the City of Columbus, of the
great relationship between these two great universities,
with the air filled with chants and songs to work up
to a fever-pitch the enthusiasm of all the fans of Ohio
in that great Buckeye battle cry, and the one that they
always finished with, George, was the one they always
sang, students and adults.
"We don't give a damn for the whole State
of Michigan. We're from Ohio."
I stand here with mixed emotions. I enjoy
that as an Ohio State man, but Michigan happens to be
the largest employer and the largest taxpayer, with
-------
873
Governor James Rhodes
the base industry In the State of Michigan, so I do care
about the State of Michigan.
You have a great Governor. I have been
associated with George since his inception here as your
chief executive. Not only does he believe in everything
that is good, in something that builds and constructs a
community, but he is also very progressive.
I have taken under consideration the pollu-
tion problem of the Great Lakes, and I have attempted to
look at it from the overall picture.
In the area of the Great Lakes, we pay 47
percent of all the taxes in these United States of
America. We represent 41 percent of the people.
Lake Erie and the surrounding lakes here in
this area constitute only part of the problem of the
Great Lakes. I said this on May 10th in the City of
Cleveland, when George very graciously and kindly at-
tended that meeting, that this is a problem that is too
large for one State, and we do need assistance.
If we are to preserve and protect more or
less the manufacturing breadbasket of America and this
nation, we need the assistance, the aid, and the help
of the Federal Government.
I am not talking about it on the police
-------
874
Governor James Rhodes
actions, I am not talking about it just being law enforce-
ment, but I am talking about an overall program to sal-
vage and to save the Great Lakes.
1 am particularly concerned about Lake Erie,
and I know, out of this symposium and this meeting — and
I might say in passing, with no reflection, that we have
had more meetings, more forums, more symposiums, more
conferences on the Great Lakes on pollution, and on Lake
Erie, than anything that I know of except the Bible, and
I think the time now is for action* We should do every-
thing that we possibly can do as State officials and also
as local officials to cooperate and to welcome the in-
creased effort of the State and local agencies and
industries for accelerated pollution abatement efforts
now being taken in all States in the Great Lakes area.
I would like to repeat what has been said
many times. We are past the talking stage and the study
stage. We have arrived at the point where we have to
consult the consultants, who are consulting the con-
sulting engineers.
Ladies and gentlemen, there is much at stake
in an anti-pollution program, and the stake happens to
be industry. In industry there happen to be jobs, and
without jobs, we all know what unemployment happens to
-------
875
Governor James Rhodes
be. The only answer to unemployment happens to be em-
ployment. I know that in the gross national product in
this great State you want to be above the national
average. I know deep down George Roraney is concerned
for more jobs here in the State of Michigan and the
expansion of industry.
What we are talking about is to have and
to hold what we do have, so that we can work basically
in the industrial expansion of the great States in the
Great Lakes area.
We must recognize that pollution of Lake
Erie is interstate, intrastate and international, and
therefore it should be evident that our Federal Govern-
ment has a primary responsibility.
Our national resources require stewardship
obtainable only through funds and jurisdiction beyond
the boundaries of each of the States of the Great Lakes
district.
I know that there will be more meetings.
We welcome you in the Great Lakes, the Federal Govern-
ment, the Department of Health, Education, and Welfare,
and we welcome you with open arms and with a complete
atmosphere and environment of a comprehensive coopera-
tive program.
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876
Governor James Rhodes
We can only bring about results If reasonable
people sit around the table with reasonable ideas and
respect for other people's thinking concerning this prob-
lem. This is the only way the problem can be solved.
This is no time where one State has to shout over the
back fence at another State.
The problem of the Great Lakes and the State
of Michigan happens to be the problem of the Grea"t Lakes
and the State of Ohio. I want to assure you that I have
come to George Romney on many occasions, and we stand
together, and I think that we can speak for the rest of
the Governors, that all we are attempting to do is to
clean up the Great Lakes and protect what we have.
The future of the growth and the space for
the economic expansion of the Great Lakes area depends
upon how diligently and how sincerely we go about our job
of cleaning up the Great Lakes area, and this can only
be accomplished -- and I repeat -- by the complete and
comprehensive cooperation of all concerned.
I want to thank you for asking me up here,
George. Again, I want to repeat, you were very kind
to come to the City of Cleveland on May the 10th. I
want to assure you of our complete cooperation.
I know there is going to be no controversy
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877
Governor James Rhodes
between the States. All we have is a common goal, and
that is to clean up Lake Erie, especially from our side.
I notice you have your own problems, but the time has
passed when it becomes a partisan point of view. This
is no time for petty partisanship.
It is the duty and responsibility and obliga-
tion of Democrats and Republicans alike to clean up the
Great Lakes area,
I want to say that cleaning up pollution
and providing the future for these great States, and
especially the great industrial complex that they possess,
is more important than the combined effort of all leaders
of both parties.
I want to pledge to you and to everyone
here today, the Federal Government people and the local
officials, that you will have our utmost cooperation in
your effort to do one of the most noble jobs in these
United States of America*
Thank you.
(Applause.)
MR. STEIN: Thank you very much, Governors.
I want to assure you that we, in the Federal
Government, share your views.
I don't think that there is any problem that
-------
Governor James Rhodes
we see from the Federal level in the field of water
pollution control that will receive higher priority and
a higher commitment of funds and personnel until we have
the problem of the Great Lakes licked.
As I pointed out here, the Great Lakes are
the greatest single source of fresh water in this conti-
nent and perhaps the world. If the Great Lakes go as
many other fresh water lakes have gone, it will be a
devastating blow to this region, and an equally severe
blow to the nation as a whole.
The eternal mystery that we have had in
this continent is that the Great Lakes have remained
fresh, and we intend to keep them so.
Thank you very much for coming.
We will stand recessed for 15 minutes.
(Whereupon, a short recess was taken.)
MR. STEIN: Hay we reconvene?
At this time, it is indeed a pleasure to
have another Congressman with us, in addition to Congress
man Dingell who was here this morning.
We have a new Congressman who, in his own
right, is a distinguished scientist, and that is very
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879
rare in the Congress — perhaps very rare anywhere — and
a man who has evidenced a good deal of interest in water
pollution control since he has come to the Congress, and
before. He has a tremendous grasp of the subject and,
because of his unique background and qualifications,
brings new insight and new ideas to the subject*
At this time, I would like to present Congress'
man Vivian of Michigan.
Congressman Vivian.
(Applause.)
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880
Representative W. E. Vivian
STATEMENT OF UNITED STATES
REPRESENTATIVE WESTON E.
VIVIAN, 2d DISTRICT, STATE
OF MICHIGAN
CONGRESSMAN VIVIAN: Thank you very
raucho
I am very pleased to be here this after-
noon. Like Governor Romney, I just had the pleasure
of being host to two astronauts and their wives, and
I must say they are very fine, excellent people.
I am from the 2nd District of Michigan.
To those of you who know the Congressional Districts,
that is, in part, the Monroe area.
You have heard John Dingell and Bill
Ford already. You can characterize John's district
and my own as downriver, and anyone in the pollution
business knows what "downriver" means. It doesn't
just mean where the boats go down.
Our people in that district do have se-
vere problems with pollution, and I think the findings
of the Detroit River - Lake Erie Project clearly
indicate — beyond any doubt — that the Detroit River
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881
Representative W. E. Vivian
and Michigan waters of Lake Erie are grossly polluted.
The project found that the waters contain excessive
coliform densities, excessive quantities of phenols,
excessive quantities of iron, oil, ammonia, of sus-
pended solids, settleable solids, of chlorides, nitro-
gen compounds, and phosphates.
Day after day, for example, huge amounts
of suspended and settleable solids were found to be
discharged by municipalities and industries into the
Detroit River. Each day, over 7,000,000 pounds of
these settleable solids flow into Lake Erie from the
United States portion of the River. In fact, over 95
percent of the waste constituents discharged from
Michigan sources into Lake Erie originate from the
Detroit River.
Extensive and troublesome sludge banks
have formed near the mouth of the River and out into
the Lake. These deposits of sludge, due to suspended
and settleable solids, are composed of organic or other
material having an oily appearance and odor of sewage
and containing large amounts of waste-associated ma-
terials such as phenols, nitrogen, phosphates and
iron, with high percentages of volatile materials.
Second - oil and grease.
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882
Representative W. E. Vivian
Oil and grease have significantly degraded
water quality in the conference area. At least 20,000
gallons of oil per day are discharged from municipal
and industrial sources in the area.
Third - coliform densities.
In the Detroit River below the Rouge
River and below the outfall from the Detroit Sewage
Treatment Plant, the coliform densities are consistent-
ly greater than 1,000 coliform organisms per 100 ml. of
water, the widely used standard for water suitable for
swimming.
These excessive coliform densities, these
excessive amounts of oil and grease, of suspended and
settleable solids and sludge deposits are but a few of
the indicators of the severe pollution of the Detroit
River and Michigan waters of Lake Erie.
That was argued. I don't think it can
be argued any more.
2» IMPACT. OF POLLUTION ON AREA COMMUNITIES
The pollution of these waters affects
both the health and welfare of people of this area.
Bacterial pollution, as indicated by coli-
form densities, from partially treated municipal wastes
and from overflows from combined sewers, interferes
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883
Representative W. E. Vivian
with domestic water supplies, presenting a health hazard
in some areas if the water treatment facilities should
break down. Bacterial pollution also interferes with
recreational uses. All the beach areas on the Detroit
River below Belle Isle have been posted as unsafe for
swimming and other water contact recreation. Water
contact sports, such as water skiiing or boating in
these areas, are hazardous. High bacteriological den-
sities at the beaches of Sterling State Park further
down the Lake also have caused this recreational area
to be posted as unsafe for swimming.
Oil and grease are not only unsightly,
but deface boats, boating equipment, and docking fa-
cilities.
The destruction in 1960 of from 10,000
to 12,000 ducks near the mouth of the Detroit River
has been attributed to oil pollution.
The sludge deposits in the River create
unfavorable environmental conditions for the propaga-
tion of game fish. Sludge deposits along the shore-
line and in the marinas interfere with recreational
use and aesthetic enjoyment of the water. These de-
posits also interfere with navigation, requiring annual
dredging operations to maintain channels, marinas, and
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884
Representative W. E. Vivian
harbor facilities.
Now some people tend to believe that
since remedial measures to abate pollution are very
expensive, we shall have to allow the pollution to
continue unabated. This is a false notion. Pollution
of the Detroit River and Lake Erie not only endangers
health, and deprives people of certain water uses,
but it is costing the taxpayers a lot of money as
well.
I noticed earlier that Governor Rhodes
mentioned the problem of jobs. That is only one of
many facets.
The recreational usefulness of most of
the Detroit River and of some beaches on Lake Erie
has been greatly diminished, as you well know. This
restriction of recreational opportunities in this
area, in my opinion, may be the worst, most expensive,
damage from pollution, inestimable in dollar figures.
It is clear that the pollution of the
Detroit River and Lake Erie endangers the health and
welfare of our people, people of my own district,
minimizes the potentially great recreational useful-
ness of the area, and degrades our capacity for
industrial growth and development.
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885
Representative W. E. Vivian
3. NEED FOR ACTION NOW
But more locally, in my own district the
extent of pollution of the Raisin River is sufficient
that it now is undesirable as a source of industrial
water supply. Even though none of the industries
in the conference area have gone out of business because
of the deteriorated quality of the water, nevertheless,
if water quality deteriorates much further, it is likely
that some industries will be forced to change their
source of water supply from river water to the more
expensive city water. And that is a rather serious
result from a situation which should have never gotten
that bad.
The pollution of these waters also increases
the cost of water for domestic uses. At detroit, an
expensive treatment process is required to produce
palatable drinking water, particularly for removal of
the phenols.
The taxpayer pays sizeable costs for
maintenance dredging to remove sludges, caused by
inadequate treatment of waste by municipalities and
industries. For example, maintenance dredging opera-
tions in the Rouge River by the Army Corps of Engineers
cost $206,288 and $258,524 in 1963. To help defray
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886
Representative W. E. Vivian
the cost of this dredging, various Industries were
charged an amount commensurate with the cost of removing
that portion of the bottom deposits resulting from
their waste discharges. That is a complicated sentence,
and the result Is almost as complicated.
But, because it is difficult to identify
the sources of all material deposited on the bottom of
the river, few Industries are charged for dredging
cost—and these few pay only a small portion of the
actual costs. Only four industries discharging to
the Rouge River participated in payments of the dredging
costs in 1962. Out of the total cost of $206,288 in
1962, the payments of the four industries amounted to
$26,857. In 1963, these industries on the Rouge River
paid $52,250 of the total cost now risen to $258,524.
For the Raisin River, the costs of
maintenance dredging by the Corps of Engineers were
$58,774 In 1962, and $128,536 in 1963. Only one industry
is charged to help defray the cost of dredging in the
Raisin River. Its fixed annual fee is $5,000, out of
a yearly cost of $128,000.
The taxpayer—that Is you—pays the difference
between actual cost of the dredging operations and the?
amount paid by industry.
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887
Representative W. E. Vivian
Although this present pollution of the
Detroit River and Lake Erie presents a serious problem
today, we can expect the situation to become even worse
in the future, if the pollution continues unabated.
Between I960 and 1980 it is expected that
the population of the four-county project area will
increase 40 per cent, from 3.9 million to 5.5 million.
•Hiis growth should greatly increase the demand for
municipal water.
In these same years, naturally the predicted
rate of industrial growth and expected demand for in-
dustrial water is greater than the predicted rate of
population Increase. Consequently, industrial waste
discharges will probably Increase more rapidly than
municipal sewage discharges will Increase.
The conclusion to be derived from these
data and these predictions is very simple.
Unless effective pollution control is achieved,
the Increased burden of waste discharges in the Detroit
River and Lake Erie will degrade the water still further—
intolerably further. At the same time the increased
demand for clean water for all uses will accelerate
the economic costs of pollution.
It should be apparent to all that we must
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888
Representative W. E. Vivian
take action to abate the pollution, and now. I am
glad to hear that Governor Rhodes has made that easy.
But why did the situation get so bad?
4. WHY DID THE SITUATION GET SO BAD?
As the Detroit area grew from a frontier
city toward its present status as an industrial
metropolis, few of the local units of government pro-
vided adequate collection and treatment. The wastes
from each small community did not at first create a
pollution problem. My wife, for example, lives
north of Detroit in the Flint area, and only very
recently was that area required to put in pollution
control; but fortunately it now has.
But, eventually, the wastes from the many
growing communities did create a recognized—then a
severe —problem.
Early in this century a study of the pollution
of the Detroit River ma undertaken to determine the
causes of high incidences of typhoid fever and other
gastroenteric diseases that occurred here year after
year. At that time, there was no sewage treatment at
all for municipal wastes. Industrial wastes then were
of very little consequence.
By the mid 1940s, many years ago, the City
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Representative W. E. Vivian 889
of Detroit and some of the other municipalities in
the Detroit area had begun to provide extensive sewage
treatment. However, by this time, the population of
the area had tripled compared to its population at the
beginning of the century, and the sewage treatment had
not kept pace with the wastes from the expanding
population. Also, in this short period of time, the
area had become highly Industrialized and the wastes
from the factories further complicated the area's
pollution problems.
By now, all the municipalities in the Detroit
area provide some sewage treatment. But we still have
not progressed far enough. Improved treatment, adequate
disinfection, and an effective means of dealing with the
overflows from the combined sewers are now necessary to
reduce the bacterial contamination of the River.
Now, I have mentioned Detroit's history,
because in Monroe County it is somewhat more subtle
and perhaps more insidious and troublesome.
As we have seen, the pollution of the Detroit
River and Lake Erie did not happen overnight. But in
Monroe County, which is the part of my District
Involved in this conference, the pollution problem
appeared with deceptive slowness. The City of Monroe
-------
Representative W. E. Vivian 890
began as an area for trading with the rural country-
side, independent of the larger cities nearby, Detroit,
Toledo, and so on.
Later, the Monroe beaches developed into
a recreational area for the people of Detroit and
Toledo. Summer cottages were built on or near the
water. Each community in that summer beach area
made little, if any, provision for sewage treatment.
At first, these cottages were occupied only for short
periods of each summer. It is as if an area were
suddently built,without resizing, with a more constant
population. No obvious signs of sewage disposal
problems or pollution problems were evident. However,
during the past two decades, people gradually have
begun to occupy these homes the year around.
With a more constant population, schools
and other public facilities were needed and built.
Heavy industry moved into the area. Expansion was rapid.
Bit sewage treatment still was keyed to the summer
cottage era. Each home had treatment facilities of some
sort, but there was no standard for communities to hold
to. The immediate concern of each community was to dispose
of its own wastes. Little thought was given to the
total effect of the wastes from all the small communities
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Repreaentatlve W. E. Vivian 891
and the new industries in the area on the receiving
streams and downstream users. So that you see the
pollution problem has jumped into being there rather
than grown through several conferences in Detroit.
Communities in this area have been devoting
their limited financial resources principally to
desperately needed schools. You cannot complain when
you discover there are tax and loan bases. Their
borrowing bases are almost all used up because of
schools.
Hit the pollution problem, which had been
developing insidiously over a period of years, is now
no longer deferable. It poses a serious threat to the
area. It has become a major issue.
Today, the City of Monroe provides primary
treatment for its wastes, and chlorinates the effluent
during the summer months. The "Report on Pollution
of the Detroit River, Michigan Waters of Lake Erie,
and their Tributaries," which you are all familiar with
now, has described the operation of the Monroe Sewage
Treatment Plant as "efficient" and "outstanding" for
a primary sewage treatment plant (p. 50). But, as the
Report Indicates, this is no longer adequate:
Secondary treatment has become a necessity for the
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Representative W. E. Vivian 892
area. Even the city must move ahead, as well as the
beach areas.
The growing townships in the Monroe area
provide virtually no treatment. As with the communities
In the rest of the conference area, the City of Monroe
and its neighbors must now provide more extensive col-
lection lines and a higher level of treatment—Just to
maintain minimum water standards, ignoring the problems
of expansion.
5. WHAT STEPS WE MUST TAKE.
Some of these are obvious. Most of the major
pollution problems of the Detroit River and Lake Erie
area are not technically difficult to solve. It is
apparent that the pollution of the waters of the River
and the Lake is caused by waste discharges from identi-
fiable municipal and Industrial sources. Sanitary engin-
eers today have the technical knowledge to treat most of
the troublesome waste constituents discharged; and as
years go by we learn how to deal with them more effectively
and less expensively. Certainly, the answer to the major
pollution problems in this area is a higher level of
waste treatment by municipalities and industries; and
as a person representing the area to the south I can only
say that we must improve ours. Yes, we must ask and
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Representative W. E. Vivian 893
demand that the area to the north of us, the Detroit area,
does the same.
Further, provision must be made for the
future needs of the area: Plans must be made to expand
the capacity of the present plants to handle future
growth.
The solution for providing adequate industrial
waste treatment is similar: Better treatment must be
provided now, and provision made for future growth.
I personally have been considering the ap-
propriateness of legislation at the Federal level which
would reward industry for proper waste treatment, per-
haps in the form of accelerated or partial tax write-
offs for capital expenditures for waste treatment
facilities. Attention will be given to this in the
future.
Once an effective remedial program begins
to bring the principal municipal and Industrial sources
of pollution under better control, we can and must then
devote our energies to the more complex problems, and
there certainly are some. For example, overflows from
combined sewers must be brought under control. And
effective and practical means must be found to remove
certain waste constituents, such as chlorides from the
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Representative W. E. Vivian 894
water. This may take some time, and considerable
expense, but I believe both the time and the money will
be very well spent; and some day we shall have to tackle
the question of whether or not runoffs from the
agricultural land now heavily fertilized is a factor or
not. At the present moment we cannot recognize that
because we are so deep under the other constituents.
The only ingredient for success presently
missing is money. The necessary construction, improvement,
and expansion of treatment facilities and collection
lines will cost a lot of money. The estimates run from
hundreds of millions to billions; and I do not know the
exact answer. But the expense of adequate sewage
treatment is more than balanced by the benefits, both
social and economic, to be derived from clean water.
The present polluted condition of the water
causes heavy social and economic loss to the community.
It has been estimated that the improvement of sewage
treatment facilities for the City of Detroit will cost
approximately $100,000,000; and that probably is low.
By comparison, the improvement of the treatment
facilities at Monroe, a much smaller task, is estimated
to cost less than $1,000,000; perhaps $500,000.
But the intprovewmt of this will be considerable, not only
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895
Representative W. E. Vivian
for the City of Monroe, but for the residents of
the beach areas further downriver, which you are all aware
of, and on which I will be sending the information to
my constituents so that they may be more aware of it.
6. ROLE OP THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT IN ASSISTANCE
AND ENFORCEMENT
While the residents of the four-county project
area certainly will be obligated to pay a sizeable
fraction of the cost of improved treatment facilities,
there will, fortunately, be available appreciable
Federal assistance. Some Federal funds are available
through the Construction Grants Program. As you may be
aware, proposed Federal legislation, which has recently
passed in the House of Representatives, should double
the size of grants and increase the amount of funds
available for distribution. This legislation is Intended
to—and should—stimulate communities to cooperate with
each other in the creation of Joint waste treatment
facilities, which is the only practical course for many
of the smaller townships.
The people of Michigan pay the third highest
amount of Federal taxes in the country. Of the total
of $112.3 billion Federal tax dollars collected, the
State of Michigan pays $9.4 billion, a little over 8
By comparison, our population is but 4.5 of
per cent.
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896
Representative W. E. Vivian
the total national population. In other words, on a
proportionate basis we might have paid approximately
5 billion and we pay 9 billion. It seems to me that
extra 4^ billion is not too unreasonable to expect
some of it to come back to us for paying for the cost
of water pollution improvement.
Thus, more than a fair measure of the
available Federal assistance has been paid by Michigan's
tax dollars. Even those of you who do not like tax dollars,
in the Federal Government, I suggest you re-think the
question.
I would encourage our local governments
to take full advantage of the Federal funds available
to them for the improvement of waste treatment facilities.
Now, I hope that this Federal-State
Conference has made apparent to all the scope, the seri-
ousness, and the urgency of this area's pollution
problems. This conference is a necessary and important
step. It is a legal step and a required step. And,
at the conclusion of the conference, just as before, each
municipality and industry in the area will retain, for
a good period of time, its opportunity to solve its
pollution problems itself. It cannot complain about
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Representative W. E. Vivian 897
Federal or State enforcement for quite some period of
time. It can only be ashamed of its own inaction.
I am confident that if all concerned spend
the time, effort, and money required to improve this
area's waters, now certainly befouled by pollution,
much of their former usefulness and beauty can be
restored—and their economic value increased manyfold.
I would urge that each municipality and
industry voluntarily start work on improvement as
quickly as possible. I intend to search out the proper
means of rewarding industry for initiating necessary
and proper waste treatment procedures. Each municipality
should certainly immediately seek appropriate State and
Federal assistance.
We Congressmen down in Washington are down
there for the purpose of being bothered on this type
of mission. That is what we are there for. I personally
intend to do whatever I can to help obtain Federal funds
for pollution control measures in this area—and to help
get the Job done.
But keep in mind that, particularly now that
the government of Ohio has started a legal chain for
the interstate control of water pollution, the Federal
officials can no longer sit back and wait. They have an
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Representative W, E. Vivian 898
obligation to act in a prescribed and legally determined
manner. All of those of you who start acting by your
own initiative now will be able to do the Job well the
way you think it should be done. If you wait, people
at this table will have no alternative but to put on
some pressure, and I shall have no alternative than to
help them, so I suggest that you take the opportunity
which exists and do your best.
I thank you very much.
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899
Representative W. Vivian
MR. STEIN: Thank you, Congressman.
Are there any comments or questions?
(There was no response.)
MR. STEIN: Other than the Governors, I
think you are the first one to get applause, Congressman.
CONGRESSMAN VIVIAN: Thank you.
MR. STEIN: And I think that this demonstrates
that the Congressman is what is known in the trade to us
in Washington as a working Congressman0 This you can see.
He has thoroughly digested the report, and
analyzed it, and in a busy Congressman's day, this is
quite something.
I do believe that Congressman Vivian has made
a substantial contribution to the thinking of the Con-
ferees, and I am sure through the years he will make a
substantial contribution to the Federal, State, and local
water pollution control program through his position in
the Congress.
He has, as you can see, one of the best
grasps of the pollution problem. It is descriptive of
what has happened in Detroit, and what happens in a
situation where the community of Monroe found itself
transformed from a resort community into a community where
people live all year round and found itself without the
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900
Representative W. Vivian
necessary facilities, which only too well reflects the
problem we find in communities throughout the country
in the problem of water pollution control. 1 don't think
1 have ever heard it stated better than it was by Con-
gressman Vivian.
We now have two letters which have come in.
One is dated June llth, and is addressed to me here. It
says:
"Dear Mr. Stein:
"The Gibraltar Waterways Association of
Gibraltar, Michigan is, and has been, gravely concerned
with the problem of pollution in the lower Detroit River
and Lake Erie. We disagree completely and emphatically
with the public statements made by Mr. Gerald Remus,
General Manager of the City Water Commission of Detroit,
in which he has attempted to refute findings of the
Public Health Service in connection with the gross neg-
ligence of the City of Detroit, other municipalities
along the lower Detroit River and various industries
located in the area. We are convinced Mr. Remus is
completely ignorant of the fact of water pollution
caused directly or indirectly by the City of Detroit or
he is deliberately minimizing the hazards caused to the
citizens of the lower Detroit River region and to the
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901
Murray Stein
fish and wildlife of the area. We of the Gibraltar
Waterways Association are in complete accord with the
findings of the Federal Health Study in connection with
this problem of pollution and we request this letter be
placed in your record for the General Session which
will review conclusions of the three year Federal study.
"I, Charles Dodge, Mr. R. B. Busby, and
others of the Executive Committee as well as Mr. John
Chascsa, Chairman of the Lake Erie Clean-Up Committee,
and Mr. Edward Mill.man, Chairman of the Rivers and Har-
bors Committee of the Pte. Moulee Boosters Club have
obtained many samples of the polluted waters in the
lower Detroit and Lake Erie area and have ample proof
of the grave pollution in these waters. Many of these
samples have been given our Gibraltar Municipal Officials
for submission to the proper water resources commission
with no apparent results of acknowledgements thereto.
Thousands of ducks and fish have been killed by the
pollution in the Detroit River caused by the untreated
or partially treated sewage of the City of Detroit and
other municipalities as well as industrial wastes along
the Detroit River and Lake Erie that have contributed
to this pollution.
"During the week of December 24, 1960, and
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902
Murray Stein
10 days between November 10 and 30 of 1963* the City of
Detroit dumped millions of gallons of untreated sewage
in the Detroit River, relying on the' protection of a
36-year-old state law, but directly caused by the failure
of the City of Detroit to furnish auxiliary equipment for
the treatment of sewage.
"In connection with these acts of negligence
on the part of the City of Detroit, the Mayor of the
City of Riverview, Mr. James Jones, stated, 'This is
Just,a license for pollution. I sympathize with Detroit's
problem, but industry is forced to find other methods for
repairs. Detroit should be made to do this also.1
"Some little time ago an expert long distance
swimmer in attempting to swim from Belle Isle was forced
to leave the waters because of extreme pollution en-
countered. Not many years ago the canals and bays of
the City of Gibraltar and the lower Detroit River were
desirable swimming and fishing locations. This is no
longer the case and even boats operating .., these waters
must have their hulls cleaned frequently of the accumulated
filth and pollution.
"We believe a strong Federal law penalizing
offenders who contribute to the pollution of the Detroit
River, either directly or indirectly, will help in making
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903
Murray Stein
these waters, and the lands that adjoin them, fit places
for human recreation, human habitation, and wildlife
refuges, and will help to preserve the attractiveness of
this Water Wonderland.
"Much of the damage that has been done will
take years, following the clean-up of these waters, to
be repaired and possibly these waters will never again
regain a complete state of desirability."
Signed "Sincerely yours, Gibraltar Waterways
Association Executive Committee, by Charles Dodge, Presi-
dent."
We have another letter here from the Gibral-
tar Democratic Club, dated June 1, 1965, and it reads:
"Dear Mr. Stein:
"The Gibraltar Democratic Club of Gibraltar,
Michigan and located at the lower end of the Detroit
River wishes to take issue with the statements made by
Mr. Gerald Remus, General Hnager of the City Water
Commission of Detroit. We also request this letter be
accepted as part of the record of this Second Session
which will review conclusions of the three year Federal
Study.
"Mr. John Chascaa of the Lake Erie Cleanup
Committee; Mr. Charles Dodge of the Gibraltar Waterways
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904
Murray Stein
Association and Mr. Edward Miliman of the Pointe Moulee
Boosters Club have ample proof with multiple samples in
jars and also visual aids (slides) to disprove even the
mildest criticism by Mr. Remus.
"In April of 1960, the Michigan Waters Com-
mission pointed fingers of guilt directly at the City of
Detroit and McLouth Steel Corporation for oil and sludge
pollution in the lower Detroit River (the Gibraltar area)
that caused the deaths of an estimated 10,000 ducks dur-
ing a three week period.
"Several days duringthe week of December 24,
1960 tragedy seemed imminent for wintering wild ducks on
the Detroit River when a 1,000 horsepower no tor broke
down at the Connor Sanitary Pumping Station, necessitat-
ing diversion of 425 gallons of UNRESTRICTED sewage into
the River each second. THE CITY OF DETROIT DID NOT HAVE
AUXILLIARY (STAND-BY) EQUIPMENT.
"For 10 days, between November 10 and 30,
1963 the City of Detroit dumped millions of gallons of
UNTREATED sewage into the Detroit River. The City of
Detroit obtained this legal permission to do so with
the protection of a 36 year old State law. Two sluice
gates at the City of Detroit's Fairview Pumping Station
were in need of repair so the City of Detroit wrangled
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permission to by-pass sewage treatment facilities for
approximately 10 days* Again the City of Detroit was
derelict in not having auxiliary equipment.
"At that time the Mayor of Riverview, James
Jones, stated 'This is just a license for pollution. 1
sympathize with Detroit's problem, but Industry is forced
to find other methods for repairs. Detroit should be
made to do this also.'
"Judd Arnett, writing in the Detroit Free
Press Sunday, May 16, 1965 had these observations.
'Take a color picture of the River below Detroit. Then
talk with people living down-river in the Gibraltar area.
Middle-aged people remember swimming and fishing in many
canals and channels there (Gibraltar). But, when I was
there a year ago, 1 wondered if it was safe to keep a
boat in the area. THE ONLY GOOD THING IS THAT THE WATER
IS SO POISONOUS THAT WEEDS WON'T GROW IN IT.'
"What Mr. Arnett is really summing up is
what our 16th District Democratic Congressman John D.
Dingell has stated quite emphatically, that:
Pollution exists and is a serious threat
to all,
the offenders are known,
25% of Lake Erie is dead due to growth of
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algae,
years of cheap solutions are now an expensive
proposition,
to safeguard our natural resources - long
deliberately neglected or advantages taken
of - positive action must now be taken,
the Federal released report, after 2 1/2
years of extensive investigation, exposes
all offenders whereas a private report has
the tendency of smoothing over the worst
offenders and 'snow* the public.
"In conclusion, we feel a strong Federal Bill
would aid tremendously in requiring Cities and Industries
to improve their waste facilities0 A suggested penalty
of $10,000 fine plus $10,000 per day until that particular
offense has been corrected by either City or Industry.
"Members of your staff are invited to take a
boat ride in the Gibraltar area. We would welcome the
opportunity to show you, first hand, why Mr. Remus would
not take up Senator John McCaulley from Wyandotte on his
challenge to drink, swim or participate in any way with
the waters of the Detroit River below the City of Detroit."
Signed, "George Darga, President."
Now, I might say members of our staff have
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been taking both boat trips and sampling in the Detroit
area and in the Gibraltar area for the past couple of
years. We did have a boat trip yesterday, accompanied
by several people here, and the press.
I do have a handwritten letter here from
the Cleveland Chamber of Commerce. It says:
"Dear Mr. Stein:
"I have attended this conference as a
representative of the Cleveland Chamber of Commerce.
"Any efforts of our community to minimize
its contribution to Lake Erie pollution would be of no
avail unless progress is also made in the Detroit River,
and other Michigan Rivers flowing into the Lake.
"We feel this conference is setting the
proper course and trust that its costly aspects can be
imposed with a tolerant consideration of the competitive
nature of industrial enterprise.
"It occurs to us that an outcome of the con-
ference should point to closer cooperation with the
Canadian Government in an effort to reduce waste dis-
charges on the opposite shore."
This is signed, "Sincerely yours, Albert G.
Moore."
I am happy to have read that letter. I have
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to say that this is the first commendation we have ever
gotten in an enforcement action from a chamber of com-
merce, even though it may only go halfway. We welcome
it indeed. Maybe this is a turning point in the history
of enforcement of pollution in the country. I hope so.
I have another letter from the City of
Gibraltar, dated June 14, 1965, and it reads:
"Dear Sir:
"Attached herewith a copy of a resolution
adopted by the City Council of the City of Gibraltar at
its meeting of June 14, 1965 in reference to pollution
of the navigable waters of the Detroit River and Lake
Erie."
Attached is the following:
"WHEREAS The City of Gibraltar has received
an official communication from the State of Michigan
Water Resources Commission to the effect that the Secre-
tary of Health, Education, and Welfare, Anthony B. Cele-
brezze, has issued a call for a conference on the pollu-
tion of the navigable waters of the Detroit River and
Lake Erie starting Tuesday, June 15, 1965; and
"WHEREAS The City of Gibraltar is desirous
of submitting a written statement relative to the afore-
said pollution,
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"BE IT RESOLVED That the City of Gibraltar
officially notify Anthony B. Celebrezze, the Secretary
of Health, Education, and Welfare, that the City of
Gibraltar respectfully requests the following, to wit:
"I. That the United States Congress enact
legislation with definitive standards and the imposition
of substantial penalties, with the provision of assess-
ment of additional penalties for continuing violations*
"2. That the United States Congress appro-
priate Federal aid to all Municipalities adjacent to the
Detroit River and Lake Erie for the correction of defec-
tive sewage systems.
"3* That the United States Congress appro-
priate sufficient funds for the policing and enforcing
of pollution legislation.
"4. That legislation be enacted sufficiently
inclusive to govern the acts of all Municipalities,
Industry and Commerce with a moratorium not to exceed
a period of one (1) year from the effective date of said
legislation, with the further provision that failure to
comply within the moratorium period shall constitute an
injunctive and restraining relief to the Government."
This contains the seal of the City of Gibral-
tar, and it reflects "Council Proceedings: 6-14-65."
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Are there any further communications?
(There was no response.)
MR. STEIN: If not, we are going to anticipate
what we have tomorrow for the people here. I expect that
first off, we will have the clarifying questions from
Michigan. That is when I suspect things will begin to
get interesting. We will have the Federal experts here
to answer these questions and see how much of an agreement
we can come to.
Then the State of Michigan will present its
report, and, after that, the State of Michigan will call
on its invitees.
We are moving ahead in this conference right
on schedule. I am very gratified by the progress we have
made in the presentations.
We will recess now until 9:30 tomorrow morn-
ing, at the same place.
(Whereupon, at 4:45 p.m., an adjournment was
taken until Wednesday, June 16, 1965 at 9:30 a.m.)
U.S. GOVERNMENT PRINTING OFFICE : 1965 O - 792-121 (Vol. 3)
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